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18:25 Hamilton
This is likely to be competitive despite the modest look and the ground could well set it up for an upset. Pearl Earing has been most disappointing since joining this yard and her last of five effort last time takes some forgiving, despite it being on unsuitable ground. Connections have placed the cheek-pieces on her today however and as she showed some pretty decent form on soft ground in Ireland, she could prove to be a totally different proposition on ground she likes. Guishan ran better than her finishing position suggests the last day and her trainer is firing in the winners, if last season is anything to go on she will likely find her feet before long and is well worth monitoring in the market. Jamesbo’s Girl and Pull The Plug are capable of winning despite being exposed and Blue Sonic is chasing a hat-trick but a chance will be taken on Pearl Earing showing more now she’s got her ground.
Pearl Earing (E/W)
19:20 Newcastle
The selection in this may be one of the older horses in the race but now residing off a mark of 63 is nine pounds lower than its last winning handicap level.
Ted’s Brother has course and distance form and finished second in the race last year. Despite it’s most recent form not looking too good a sixth placed finish last time out wasn’t as bad as it looks. Experienced jockey Robert Winston is booked for the ride which will be a boost and trainer Edwin Tuer has his yard hitting good form with five of its last six runners finishing in the top three.
Away from the selection top weight and current favourite has to get a mention, with course and distance winning form and from a yard that are grabbing winners at the moment it has to have a chance but top weight in a race like this and at a price that doesn’t give each-way value doesn’t make the five year old an all that attractive betting prospect.
The two I fear the most are lightly raced four year old Ahoy There who, after its last winning effort, has only been given a three pound rise which may look generous and the ultra consistent course and distance winner I’m Dapper Too.
Ted’s Brother (E/W)
19:30 Hamilton
Gworn will be looking to make it three wins from his last three runs and has a most pleasing attitude, a lot will depend on whether he gets the trip today however and despite being an obvious challenger whom merits plenty of respect, there is enough to take him on. Polarisation arrives here having won at York last week, that looked a pretty hard race but he is another with solid chances despite the trip looking questionable. Oskar Denarius is another in great heart and is another chasing a hat-trick, impressive at Windsor last time it would be folly to write him off here but the 10lbs penalty for that win looks harsh and this is much tougher. Dark Ruler is an outsider who needs seriously watching in the market, disappointing for the most part he likes it around here and could be a springer in the market. Esteaming is lumbered with top weight and usually runs his race, connections will be keen to find a race for him before the year is out, conditions will be no problem either so despite the obvious worries, he is handed the vote.
Esteaming (E/W)