Review of the racing at Ayr: Maleficient Queen wins Listed prize for Keith Dalgleish

News of the pick of the action from Ayr where Keith Dalgleish landed one of the most notable prizes of his training career

Keith Dalgleish landed one of the most notable prizes of his career as Maleficent Queen stamped her class on the inaugural running of the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Tennent's Rothesay Stakes at Ayr.

The four-year-old has now won five out of six in her fledgling career and could be the horse to propel Dalgleish into the big time.

Sent off the 3-1 favourite, Phillip Makin could not believe how well he was travelling approaching the final quarter of a mile, with just More Mischief to worry about.

The only question was whether Maleficent Queen would quicken up, but she did so in style, running out a two-and-three-quarter-length winner from the gallant More Mischief, who did at least pick up black type for connections.

Southern raiders Chain Of Daisies, Brandybend and Persona Grata were extremely disappointing

There are now plenty of options for the winner, who deserves to be raised in class.

"She's just progressed with every run. We gave her plenty of time to get over each one and she keeps finding," said Dalgleish.

"I thought she was up to this level, she was worthy, but when the rain came I was delighted, everything came right. She travelled smoothly and pricked her ears in front.

"We'll see how she comes out of it and I'll have a chat with the owner, we'll look for a Group race over this trip."

Irish trainer Adrian Keatley registered a treble at the track last month and repeated the feat.

And just like last time Kieren Fallon teamed up with him for a double as the two horses who won on that card struck again.

Nice Vintage (3-1 favourite) repeated her performance of three weeks ago in the CCE Enterprises Handicap and Anonymous Lady (3-1 joint-favourite) also won again in the Jacks On Fire Handicap.

Up in grade, Nice Vintage was racing from the bottom of the weights but she can expect a hefty rise after such a dominant display.

Fallon moved upsides the leaders three furlongs out and his mount shot clear, soon putting the race to bed, beating Grand Canyon by an eased-down three and a half lengths.

The winner holds an entry at Cork on Friday and, anticipating a hefty rise in the weights, Keatley is considering sending her out quickly.

"I'm definitely tempted to run her at Cork," he said. "The trouble is we need the race to divide as she's on the ballot list.

"If she eats up well and is OK in the morning then she could go as they are getting the rain and she definitely likes a bit of dig

"She's a little tiger, she's only as big as a stool."

Three weeks ago Robbie Dolan won on Nice Vintage and this time he rode Keatley's Millefiori (4-1) to victory in the Franklin & Sons Apprentice Handicap.

Joe Doyle had gone 34 winless rides at the track but finally broke his duck with a double.

The 33-1 success of Lady Cordie was harder to predict than that of Al Khan (11-4 joint-favourite), though.

Jim Goldie's Lady Cordie had shown little in 10 previous outings but got the verdict by a nose over Insolenceofoffice in the second division of the Britvic Soft Drinks Handicap.

Kevin Ryan's Al Khan always looked in complete control in the Ciroc Handicap, going one better than at Thirsk on Saturday.

"They are my first two winners here and I'm glad as it's a lovely course, one of the best," said Doyle on Racing UK.

"I didn't think Lady Cordie had got there but she had her nose down where it mattered.

"Jim promised me she'd win a race. She's quirky, but game as anything.

"I joined Kevin Ryan at Christmas and that (Al Khan) is my first winner for him so I'm glad to get that off my back.

"They certainly don't come any easier than that, he travelled strongly throughout.

"I've got 15 left before I lose my claim so it could get tough towards the end of the season."