HOOF IT was not among the huge 202 entries for Saturday’s William Hill Ayr Gold Cup as connections decided not to ask him to carry top weight of 10st5lb.

The Mick Easterby-trained gelding, who is owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his manager Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, won the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood when carrying 10st. But he has since made the step up to Group One company in the Nunthorpe Stakes and Haydock’s Betfred Sprint Cup, where he finished a close third to Dream Ahead.

The four-year-old was one of 34 horses withdrawn from the William Hill Gold Cup at yesterday’s five-day declaration stage. Other who will not line up are 2009 winner Jimmy Styles, Doncaster Rover, Six Of Hearts, Tiddliwinks, Dafeef and New Planet.

Of the 202 horses left – of which only a maximum 27 can run – Pepper Lane is vying for favouritism and is a best-priced 12-1 with William Hilla and Boylesports.

David O’Meara’s filly landed the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon last time.

“Pepper Lane is fine and the plan is to run,” said O’Meara.

She was ridden by Danny Tudhope at Ripon last month while Silvestre de Sousa has also won on the four-year-old, but no decision has yet been made as to who will be on board this weekend. O’Meara added: “I don’t know who rides her yet. I’ll have to speak with the owners. It will either be Danny Tudhope or Silvestre de Sousa obviously.”

Ed Dunlop’s Kanaf is towards the head of the market, but his trainer said: “He’s been left in the Ayr Gold Cup but that’s only a possible rather than a definite.”

TODAY’S NAP: Red Fama (2.30pm Haydock).