Goldie eyes Hamilton prize

● Win could be stepping stone to York, says trainer

Jim Goldie is looking forward to seeing Nicholas T in action as he faces 12 rivals in the first running of the Almada Mile at Hamilton Park today.

The £30,000 handicap sees top weight and 2013 Ayr Gold Cup hero Highland Colori on a mark of 91 as Nicholas T bids for a hat-trick under Paul Mulrennan.

Goldie said: “He was a little bit unlucky on his only previous trip to Hamilton before he won those back-to-back races at Ayr. We’re hoping this might set him up for the John Smith’s Cup at York.”

Also in the line-up are Gulf Of Poets, the winner of all four races this term for Mick Easterby, Pat Shanahan’s course winner Ionization and Kevin Ryan-trained Weekend Offender, a close third at Nottingham before his yard’s enforced shutdown due to equine herpes.

Sulekha Varma, racing man- ager at the Lanarkshire track, said: “This new Almada Mile marks an important addition to our race programme. For some years, we have lacked a valuable race over this distance and the opportunity to stage this handicap came as part of the huge investment in prize money that the course has seen in 2017.”

Meanwhile, Kristin Stubbs was all smiles after Bronze Beau landed his sixth course and distance success at Hamilton Park last night.

The Malton trainer said: “He loves it here and is so speedy and honest. The hill and the dip just seem to suit him.”

Be Perfect was a stunning 40/1 winner of the Chatelherault Handicap for Ruth Carr and Jack Garritty. Mrs Carr had earlier initiated a 204/1 double when Hawick amateur Bruce Lynn landed the opener on Exotic Guest.