ALMODOVAR can take star billing on day one of the Western Meeting at Ayr in the William Hill Doonside Cup Stakes.

David Lanigan's charge has been tried in exalted company since winning a Kempton handicap in fine style back in May and, despite a rapid rise up the ladder, he has not been disgraced.

He turned in a cracking effort on his Group-race bow at Royal Ascot in June, finishing a three-and-a-half-length third to Dartmouth in the Hardwicke when the 12-furlong trip against that kind of company appeared to just be at the very edge of his stamina limitations.

Second home was subsequent King George winner Highland Reel and Dartmouth himself was third at Ascot, so the form has a pleasing look to it and it was understandable that Lanigan opted to have a pop at Group One level in his own right last time out.

Trying 10 furlongs for the Juddmonte International at York, Almodovar was held up in the early stages and, given the pace at which the race was run, it was little surprise to see that he struggled to get anywhere near the shake-up at the end.

Beaten 11 lengths in seventh, Almodovar is probably capable of better than that if the race were run a little more in his favour, but a repeat would undoubtedly make him the stand-out contender in this Listed heat.

Almodovar is 4lb clear of the rest on the official ratings and while the conditions of the race put him at a disadvantage with the likes of an improver such as Abdon, Lanigan's runner is only lightly raced himself and should have plenty still to come. George Baker rides today's nap selection.

TADAANY is another who should appreciate the likely easy ground in the Hillhouse Quarry Supporting The Ayrshire Hospice Handicap.

Second over a mile at Redcar, Tadaany was only beaten a neck despite having to race alone for much of the way.

If the competition had been in closer proximity, David O'Meara's runner might well have been compelled to find more and is worth another shout with Daniel Tudhope on board.

NOVINOPHOBIA, ridden by David Nolan, should have the drinks flowing following the first division of the Barclays Bank Supporting The Ayrshire Hospice Handicap.

Richard Fahey's charge – named after the fear of running out of wine – was a head winner on his latest start back in July and should be well refreshed for this challenge.

MYOPIC, piloted by Adam Kirby, is the one to focus on in the Greene King IPA Handicap at Yarmouth as she bids for a second win in three starts.

Handed a starting mark of 83, she hung across the track a bit when second at Goodwood and perhaps it was just a case of the undulations not being quite to her liking.

Yet Myopic remains a thoroughly capable type and can regain the winning thread for Luca Cumani.

KASSIA, trained by Mick Channon, should be followed in the EBF Breeders' Series Fillies' Handicap at Pontefract with Graham Lee at the helm.