Varian can have last Laugh with progressive colt in Hamilton sprint

Royal Ascot Group 1 entry Sir Dancealot is a first course runner for Newmarket trainer David Elsworth at Hamilton today.

As well as facing five rivals in the £27,000 British Stallions Studs Clyde EBF Conditions Stakes over 6f, he has been pencilled in for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on 23 June.

On a BHA mark of 111, Sir Dancealot is the top-rated runner in the field and his handler said: “He has gone very close in two Group races this year when second at Newmarket and third at York and we always said we would operate him in the most opportunist direction.

“We spotted this opening and another similar race at Salisbury but this date and time suited better for his schedule.”

Elsworth, best known for his exploits with legendary chaser Desert Orchid, added: “He’s run well both times this year and the winner at York, Harry Angel, is a very good horse.

“He has a strong chance in a nice little race and then we can think about flirting with the big time at Ascot. The owners are flying up but unfortunately I can’t make it which is a shame as I can’t recall ever having a runner at the track before.”

Richard Fahey’s Kimberella drops back to 6f after blasting off too quickly in a 7f Listed event at Leicester last time.

Roger Varian landed last year’s Glasgow Stakes at the Lanarkshire venue with Defoe and he saddles Laugh A Minute in the same colours.

The colt holds an entry in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot after being among the smarter juvenile performers last season, chasing home the likes of Wells Farhh Go and Dream Today before landing a sizeable pot at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting.

His victory in that sales race saw his mark shoot up from 82 to 101, which forced Varian to raise his sights significantly on his return to action. While Laugh A Minute could finish only fourth in the Group Three Pavilion Stakes at Ascot last month, that was a decent effort as he raced a bit too keenly in the early stages and surely would have found the six-furlong trip a shade too sharp.

Laugh A Minute should now have the racing edge on him, though, and while he has a bit to find with Kimberella and Sir Dancealot, this Mayson colt looks one who can make swift progress through the ranks.