VIOLET TO TROUNCE HAMILTON RIVALS
OISIN MURPHY is determined to retain his flat jockeys’ title and he can add another victory to his haul aboard URBAN VIOLET (2.20, nap) in the feature fillies’ handicap at Hamilton Park today.
Both of her career victories have come on a soft surface so her recent runs off marks in the mid 80s on good ground have seen her tapped for toe when those races have moved into over-drive.
Back down to a handicap mark of
82 and with plenty of rain forecast, she may be able to see off the lightly raced Alpha Cru and land the best bet of the day.
Set to return to the scene of his latest credible second 18 days ago, DOCTOR PARNASSUS
(4.50) looks ready to lose his maiden tag at the ninth time of asking in the finale.
Thought good enough to run in the class two Melrose Stakes at York, albeit a 66-1 shot, the David O’Meara-trained gelding was just outpaced at the distance here last time out but finished well clear of the third home.
A handicap mark of 74 looks highly realistic and I am sure connections will be massively disappointed if their charge cannot beat this small field.
Veteran mare ECONOMIC CRISIS (3.50) will have her conditions in the 5f sprint.
A winner or placed second on fully 13 occasions at the Glasgow track, she has once again been given a cracking chance by the handicapper off a handicap mark of 59. The 12-year-old showed the fire still burns brightly when a fine third at Musselburgh last month and a similar performance here should see her record an 18th career success at the main expense of Mews House and Angel Eyes. There is some cracking prize money on offer over the sticks at Plumpton and the £16,000-added handicap hurdle may go to recent Ludlow runner-up GLORY AND FORTUNE (2.40).
A mistake at the second last probably cost him victory that day, but a clear round here off just a one pound higher mark should be good enough the take care of the likes of Leroy Leroy and course and distance winner Zuba. DOGON (3.10) can take advantage of the 3lbs he is set to receive from Romanor.
While the best value bet on the card could come in the novices’ handicap chase in VALENTINE’S TURF (4.40, nb).