Hamilton Park in Royal Ascot week

HAMILTON – Wednesday June 19^th

Going – Good to Firm

Just for once we are having a very pleasant summer north of the border and the ground came up on the fast side for this fixture.

House move out of the way and boxes mostly unpacked I’m now able to put my mind back to the local horse racing circuit.  Racing books and my rapidly increasing racecard collection remain boxed up, substantial shelving requiring installation!

2.20 6f 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

CENTRE HAAFHD got on top in the final furlong having raced prominently. This was a step up on Beverley form and the result here suggested experience counted with the prinicipals having had a run.

STONEY QUINE showed plenty of pace and was going best two furlongs out. She kept on but was held in the final furlong and, over this stiff track, a drop back to five might be to her advantage.

BROWNSVILLE was best of the newcomers, keeping on for fourth and might be expected to progress with the experience.

2.55 6f Handicap (Class 5)

SUNRAIDER burst between two in the closing stages to take this 7 runner event contested by exposed animals.  The three-year-old FINDOG might conceivably have more to come and could be viewed as unlucky having been denied a run on a more than one occasion. However, the problem came because he didn’t have the speed to put himself in the right place when it counted.

3.30 1m 3yo Handicap (Class 6)

This was a very messy low class race, with plenty of bumping and barging going on from two furlongs out until inside the final furlong. ROCKET RONNIE did well having suffering in the shoving match and finished well to snatch the contest on the line. It remains to be seen if he’s better than this class, but there is a hint of better to come.

ISLE OF BEAUTY avoided the worst of the trouble and may be a trifle flattered by a close second place. That said, she’s lightly raced and at least showed a decent attitude.

MULTILICIOUS kept on for third without looking a likely winner in the final furlong. A fair race on huis fourth outing but no more.

4.10 1m Handicap (Class 4)

Carlisle claimer winner SPRINGHEEL JAKE showed plenty of determination to take this five-runner race. The stiff track seems to suit him. Leading early, he was headed three out but picked up again once he hit the final hill. His attitude looks sound and he’s going the right way. I wonder if his trainer might consider a go in the Carlisle Bell next week as he’s qualified off his current rating.

Three-year-old PARTY ROYAL took over inside three out but was outpointed in the closing stages. He was clear of stable mate Declamation and the form should prove sound.

4.45 1m 1f Maiden (Class 6)

WALL OF SOUND stayed on well to win the race at 1-4 favourite. She had every right to win this on previous form but did nothing wrong despite hanging a little as if the track wasn’t entirely suiting her.

ARGAKI kept on for second but was held. He may find a weak maiden though handicaps are likely to be his area.

PRIMARY ROUTE was a shade disappointing and well held in the final furlong.

I had word that AMISFIELD LAD would be tried on the flat after he disappointed over hurdles at Kelso. He was very green in the stalls and lost a few lengths, then outpaced from three out. He won a bumper and has some ability so may be competitive in handicaps in time.

5.20 1m 1f Handicap (Class 5)

TECTONIC just held off fast finishing ROYAL STRAIGHT with three others in close attention. The runner-up returned to form on his favoured fast ground while the winner was rewarded for consistency, but these are an exposed bunch and what you see is what you get.

Mark Johnston’s three-year-old WELLINGROVE set the pace and kept on once headed. He looks on his mark at the moment.

5.55 1m 4f Apprentice Handicap (Class 6)

SCHMOOZE came from off the pace to hold EL BRAVO, the pair clear of the remainder. Linda Perratt’s stable has started to hit form after a struggle through April and May and the winner may be able to repeat.

GOODLUKIN LUCY needs things to fall for her and couldn’t respond sufficiently when taken on. She’s probably better when bowling along in front at Musselburgh.

I’ll be at Ayr on Saturday for the Land O’ Burns Stakes meeting. Meeting report to follow and, phone technology permitting, I’m hoping to put up some paddock picks on Twitter.