Trainer Jon Akehurst is hoping for a bunch of defectors from the Ladbroke (Ayr) Gold Cup to allow his well-treated charge Marsad to take part in the £100,000 handicap.
One of Akehurst`s prayers has already been answered as recent rain has made conditions ideal for the soft ground loving gelding.
The wet weather in the west of Scotland has also pleased trainer Rae Guest, who confirmed his entry Roseum a definite runner on Saturday.
Six horses need to drop out of the race for Marsad to line-up in Scotland`s most prestigious Flat race, which has a safety limit of 29.
Marsad, a 14-1 chance with the sponsors, is set to carry 8st in the race, the same weight as his lesser-fancied stablemate Passion For Life.
The pair will tackle the consolation race, the Silver Cup, should they be eliminated from the main event.
But the chance of Marsad making it to the big race look favourable with Compton Banker a big doubt and Ho Leng set to be re-routed to Newbury.
'We`ve had the Ayr Gold Cup in mind for Marsad all season and it would be extremely disappointing now if he didn`t make it,' said Akehurst. 'With all the rain they`ve had up there the ground has certainly come right for him.
'We`ve desperately been trying to get him qualified for the big race. We wouldn`t have had a problem if Marsad had won at Goodwood recently, he ran well but was just beaten by Surprised.
'He had a long time off before the Goodwood race because of a lung infection but was obviously fresh and well there.'
Marsad, who will be ridden by Paul Doe if he tackles the Gold Cup, has run again since Goodwood but a combination of a high draw and fast ground wrecked his chances in a contest at Kempton.
The fuel crisis will not prevent Marsad and Passion For Life making the long trek from their stables.
'We`ve got plenty of diesel in the tank, so there`s no problem about the horses getting there. Whether I`ll be there myself to see them run is a another matter,' said Akehurst.
The lightly-raced Roseum, winner of three of her six races, will be making the journey from her Newmarket base.
'Travelling won`t be a problem as we`ve got our own supply of diesel,' said Guest.
'This race has been the target for her all along. We`ve been waiting for the autumn campaign because she really needs soft ground.
'She did really well to finish sixth in a Listed race at Newmarket on fast ground on her comeback.
'She has a fair handicap mark and I`m delighted that Michael Roberts will be able to ride her again.
Ho Leng is set to miss the race at his home track in favour of a trip to Newbury for the Dubai Duty Free Cup.
The probablity of soft ground has prompted his trainer Linda Perratt to opt for an 800-mile round trip to Berkshire in favour of an 800-yard jaunt from her stables to the track at Ayr.
Instead Perratt is likely to be represented solely by Shatin Venture in the big sprint.
Shatin Venture is guaranteed a place in the field after picking up a 7lb penalty for a victory at Haydock at the beginning of the month.
'He`s in good shape and will certainly appreciate the soft ground,' said Perratt.
Robert Winston, successful aboard Shatin Venture at Haydock, is unavailable and Perratt is searching for another jockey.'
Riding plans confirmed today were Fergus Sweeney on Danielle`s Lad and Dean McKeown aboard Always Alight.
Ladbroke (Ayr) Gold Cup betting:
Ladbrokes bet: 7-1 Pepperdine, Tayseer, 10-1 Compton Banker, 14-1 Marsad, 16-1 Always Alight, Delegate, Guinea Hunter, Roseum, Rudik, Duke Of Modena (from 33-1), 18-1 Night Flight, 20-1 bar.
William Hill bet: 7-1 Pepperdine, Tayseer, 10-1 Compton Banker (from 9-1), 12-1 Marsad (from 16-1), 14-1 Night Flight, 16-1 Always Alight, Delegate, Guinea Hunter, 20-1 bar.
