Henley proves he has the pure pace to outstrip rivals in Hamilton handicap

Henley scotched to victory at Hamilton Park last night as Tracy Waggott’s in-form sprinter gained his third win of the season.

After bagging the Hamilton Audi 2nd Anniversary Celebration Handicap, County Durham-based Waggott said: “I had winners here a lot of years ago when I first started training but this is our first for ages.

“He’s got so much speed and Ben Curtis gave him a great ride. I’m not sure where we will go next but he have have a little break and then a step up in class.”

Rod and Pat Millman teamed up to land the opening Marian Gardiner Celebrations Amateur Riders’ Handicap on Concur.

It was the first course runnerforthedevon-basedfather and son combination and the winning rider said: “It took a total of eight hours to get here and stopped overnight at Haydock Park.

“This horse won at Redcar last time and you just have to where there is a suitable opportunity.”

Veteran trainer Wilf Storey struck in the Watch Racing UK In HD Handicap when locallyowned Highway Robber made all for Nathan Evans.

Storey, based near the Waggott stable, said: “He decided himself to make the running and he looked very genuine. One day he should stay two miles.”

Meanwhile, Capton is an interesting contender as he drops back to a mile in the Comax Handicap at Newbury.

The four-year-old has seen only limited action for Henry Candy so far, with three outings at the backend of last year after making a belated start to his racecourse career.

He showed promise in those runs though, finishing second to an odds-on shot on his debut over 10 furlongs, before also placing over a mile and a half on his final start that October.

Dropped to a mile and a quarter on his return this season, Capton was beaten just a short head at Windsor in April after trying to make virtually all the running before being shaded out on the line. Given he is related to some reasonable seven-furlong horses, it makes sense for Candy to look at a shorter trip for his charge and as front-running tactics appeared to suit last time, he can make a similarly prominent role pay dividends.

Nurse Nightingale is another from a fine family and she can gain that all-important first win in the fillies’ handicap at Nottingham.

Unsuccessful in three maiden outings, she kicks off her handicap career on a mark of 72 and that appears to be a thoroughly workable perch.