Menzies hopes Kingthistle will be crowned at Hamilton

Rebecca Menzies is hoping for a big run from Kingthistle in the feature race at Hamilton.

The County Durham raider faces eight rivals in the £12,000 Lockton Companies Cadzow Castle Handicap over an extended 1m 3f.

Still a maiden after 15 goes on turf, the Graham Lee-ridden four-year-old has won three times on the all-weather and his trainer said: “We think he is quite a nice horse and he did nothing wrong when a close second at Beverley last time.

“Hopefully the track will suit him and, if the ground continues to dry out, that will help as well. He was progressive on the all weather and it would nice to think he could transmit that form to grass.”

Among those up against Kingthistle are Keith Dalgleish pair Archie’s Advice and Falcon’s Fire and both have winning form at the Lanarkshire track.

The field also includes two more Scottish runners, Iain Jardine’s Spes Nostra and Konig Dax, trained by Alistair Whillans.

There are some interesting newcomers in the opening BB Foodservice Novices Auction Stakes including Double Refection from the Karl Burke yard. The filly carries the same colours as Group One-winning stable star Quiet Reflection, who is also a daughter of Showcasing and was successful on her debut at Hamilton Park in 2015.

Spatial can deliver at Chelmsford for Sir Michael Stoute by winning the totetrifecta At totesport.com Fillies’ Handicap on her seasonal bow at the all-weather venue.

The three-year-old is taking quite a dip in company having last been seen when running a Group One test, but this onemile event is an opportunity for a nice confidence boost.

Spatial looked very useful indeed when chasing home subsequent Group One winner Wuheida at Newmarket in August and her victory over Unforgetable Filly next time out reads well with the runner-up having placed in Group company and third Sobetsu on course for the French Oaks.

She was certainly not unconsidered for the Fillies’ Mile on her final start of 2016, being sent off a 6-1 shot but proving no match for Rhododendron after trying to make all, finishing a distance sixth. At one point last term, it looked as though Spatial might develop into a Classic contender and while this is a low-key return, it would not a be a surprise if she makes her mark at a higher level later in the season.