Hamish has Will to win
WILLIAM HAGGAS can make it a family celebration by landing the Sky Bet Ebor with Hamish for his father Brian at York this afternoon.
Just for good measure, Haggas’ father also bred the gelding – so clearly no pressure for the Newmarket trainer who grew up in nearby Skipton.
HAMISH (3.35, nb, ITV) indicated that he is a worthy candidate for the competitive handicap after winning the Melrose Handicap at York two years ago.
Since that victory, he has only run twice but his trainer believes he will not lack for match practice despite an absence of 428 days from the track.
Haggas also saddles Ilaraab, Pablo Escobarr and Roberto Escobarr. They are all worthy players but stable jockey Tom Marquand favours Hamish.
Tribal Craft represents the eachway value at 14-1 to make the frame.
She ran a blinder at Goodwood last month when runner-up to Wonderful Tonight.
After some solid performances in defeat,
EL DRAMA (1.50, nap, ITV) can be rewarded in the opener. He was far from disgraced when second to the talented Baaeed at Goodwood last month.
The handicapper has given VALLEY FORGE (2.25, ITV) a cracking chance in the Melrose Handicap. He runs off the same mark that he carried when beating Nadein, a winner since, at Ffos Las last month.
The going will be ideal for SPACE BLUES (3.00, treble, ITV), unlike when he was stuck in the mud at Goodwood last month.
Another plus in the five-year-old’s favour is he also has winning form over today’s course and distance.
Frankie Dettori’s decision to skip York for Sandown can be rewarded when he partners the Queen’s smart colt REACH FOR THE MOON (2.05, ITV).
The juvenile will be sent off at cramped odds but cannot be opposed. Dettori has strong claims of making it a double with Indigo Girl but SAFFRON BEACH (2.40, ITV) has the better credentials.