STAR DREAMS SCOTLAND DOUBLE
The current going is good to firm.
And in a clutch of Group and Listed races, it’s the Lockinge Stakes at 3.40pm over the straight mile which definitely warrants most attention.
It’s a race where the winner is too often easy to find in the market.
Short priced favourites account for seven of the last 10 winners.
In an open race at the five day declaration stage, ADDEYBB ( 11/ 2) and RHODODENDRON ( 9/ 2) are at the head of the market.
Trained by Dean Ivory for renowned gambler Tony Bloom, LIBRISA BREEZE ( 16/ 1) is not without his chances.
He was a Group 1 winner at Ascot last year on soft ground and the six- year- old does seem to be better with some cut in the ground.
Looks a nice each way prospect nonetheless to be picking them up late.
If we forgive Andre Fabre’s LE BRIVIDO ( 5/ 1) an abysmal run last time out at Newmarket then the manner of his fine second to BRAMETOT in a Group 1 at Deauville this time last year is amongst the best form in this race.
His Ascot victory last June was certainly proof that the forecast good to firm ground poses no threat.
LE BRIVIDO will almost certainly be up on the pace and he may just prove too difficult to peg back.
Closer to home and we have some great racing at Hamilton this Friday evening to enjoy.
It serves as an opportunity for racing fans to see not just the whites of the eyes of bookmakers they are looking to fleece but those of the beautiful thoroughbreds, the equine athletes, who make the sport so much more than just a numbers game.
The pre- parade ring is the place to catch a glance of them.
Set back from the paddock, without saddle cloth or tack to mar your view, it is here you will see if your fancy has missed a bit of work, or is on its toes, toned, muscled and fit to go.
No horse can win a race in the paddock but it is easier to spot one who is likely to leave their race there.
First up at 5.55pm is the Novice Stakes – a five furlong dash in which six of the last 10 favourites have gone in.
In that time stall five has proved bountiful for punters with four bold winners breaking from there.
I love Hamilton, but it has not always been kind to me by way of results.
Forgive me for saying I hope the favourite gets sunk this time!
The top race on the card goes to the stayers. The 1m 4 furlong trip of the Braveheart Handicap at 7.30pm has drawn entries from Newmarket yards such as that of Saeed Bin Suroor and Roger Varian.
Not only will their horses have to outstay the field, the trainers will have to outwit the likes of Jim Goldie, Keith Dalgleish and Mark Johnston.
It is not quite a battle between North and South but it may feel that way should Jim Goldie’s THEGLASGOWWARRIOR land the pot of £ 25k.
The Uplawmoor- based yard have saddled three winners of this in the last decade.
SIR CHAUVELIN had improved by a stone when he doubled up to run out a fine winner in last year’s renewal.
After a gutsy win at Musselburgh last time out and racing off bottom weight, THEGLASGOWWARRIOR ( guide price 12/ 1) will have his supporters.
I will be one of them.
Just touched off in the race last year, KENSINGTON STAR ( guide price 6/ 1) has a decent record at the track and races off an official mark of 82 - his last winning mark.