OLD Firm legends Paul Elliott and Arthur Numan made the draw for Saturday's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup on Thursday.

After the opening day's racing was abandoned owing to water on the track, former Celt Elliott and ex-Rangers favourite Numan gave their tips for the big race and reflected on games against Ayr United.

Numan, who played in the 2001-2 League Cup final  against the Honest Men at Hampden, said: "I have gone for Ice Age. Because the racing was cancelled I went for a name that was similar to rain. It was disappointing the meeting was called off. I remember playing Ayr away in my last season in 2003 and we won. It was then I discovered there was a Racecourse here and I came along."

Elliott is going for Johnny Barnes, namesake of his friend and former Celtic manager, along with Shanghai Glory, as he is going to China and Shanghai in a few weeks."

He remembers playing Ayr United in a pre-season friendly at Somerset Park and a cup tie at Celtic Park, with the Hoops winning both.

Also he has great memories of Ayrshire in general.

"I remember before the big games staying at Seamill Hydro with team-mates including Paul McStay," he added.

Meanwhile Richard Fahey will saddle eight runners in Saturday's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, headed by top-weight Kimberella.

He opted for mainly low numbers, with Eastern Impact in stall seven, Withernsea in 12, Mr Lupton in 13 and Kimberella in 14. Last year's runner-up Growl fared less well in 21, with Toscanini in 22 and Stamp Hill, the mount of Paul Hanagan, in 24

Tim Easterby's Golden Apollo was first out of the hat and the trainer picked stall six. His other runner Orion's Bow will break from stall one.

Easterby said: "I went low, I was on the track this morning and took an opinion that was where I wanted to go.

Shanghai Glory is in stall two for Charlie Hills, with Stake Acclaim in stall five for Dean Ivory.

Ice Age, a winner on Irish Champions Weekend for Eve Johnson Houghton, is in the middle in 11, with Johnny Barnes in 16 for John Gosden.

Donjuan Triumphant will leave stall 20 for Andrew Balding, while Mick Easterby's Perfect Pasture came last out of the hat and is in stall 19.