Jim Goldie wants decent ground as Hawkeyethenoo bids to complete the Stewards' Cup/Ayr Gold Cup double after his win at Goodwood last month.
The Glasgow trainer felt the ground cost Hawkeyethenoo his chance 12 months ago when he could finish only 10th to Our Jonathan.
In his last race it was a tardy start that proved his downfall in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.
"He didn't get much of a run. He kind of fell coming out of the stalls and was never a player after that," Goldie told At The Races.
"The ground is going the other way now. He ran well in very soft ground in the July Cup and was fifth in the Group One and I think he's stronger this year.
"He didn't like it last year and hopefully it will be quicker than it was last year. I'd prefer good, good to soft, but it will be what it is.
"You need everything in your favour to win a race like that and the ground will be the key to whether we win it or not.
"It's been a very wet year and it would be nice to get some good ground but I doubt we are going to get it.
"Graham (Lee) gets on very with the horse and obviously the Stewards' Cup was the career high on the Flat for him and a career high for myself. He's a very talented horse."
Update:
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