Hamilton - Friday May 16

Going – Good To Firm

6.20 5f 2yo Maiden

This could just be a significant two-year-old race since it was run in a faster time than the competitive closing sprint handicap.
SPIN CYCLE clearly learned from having an outing, and went clear impressively in the final furlong. PENINSULAR WAR ran creditably in second and will surely win a maiden.
METROLAND wasn’t so green as on her previous outing here. This one might be interesting when the nurseries come round.
GASSAL was outpaced down the hill, but stayed on well for third and is worth noting over six furlongs.

6.50 6f 3yo Handicap

Another race run under the standard.

LEADING EDGE led until close to the line, and is likely to gain compensation.
OPUS MAXIMUS came late and the form is probably significant given that this looked competitive. He may well stand a step up in class.
GREAT CHARM and LEGENDARY GUEST lost no credit close up behind.
These four had the race between them and it wouldn't be a surprise if they all go on to win.

7.25 1m 3f Listed 3yo Stakes

CAPTAIN WEBB led and then went clear in the final two furlongs, seeing off the challenge of LOVE GALORE.
MEERISS faded having gone well early, and didn’t look quite up to the class. Handicaps will be a better target.

8.00 1m 1f Maiden

This may not have been a great maiden, but STOCK MARKET surged clear and should go on from here around 9 to 10 furlongs. SOCIETY VENUE ran respectably and seems a good measure in second.
A significant performance on debut from HUNTING COUNTRY. Left flat-footed at the start, this one stayed on for fourth suggesting a maiden is well within his compass.

8.35 1m 4f Listed Handicap

A very close five runner event which turned into a sprint in the straight.
TURBO LINN probably wasn’t suited by how the race was run, and did well to finish a close second to ERADICATE. ACROPOLIS, NIGHT CRESCENDO and GULL WING were all close enough to suggest they will competitive in decent handicaps this season.

9.05 5f 0-75 Handicap

ROTHESAY DANCER, brought with customary late run by Kelly Harrison, just failed here. Should continue to be competitive at this level.
STEELCUT held on well from all-comers and lacks nothing in determination.
RACCOON ran a cracker on his own on the far side. He had to do it on his own from halfway, and he probably ran better than his finishing place suggests. His win record is 8/50 which is respectable for a handicapper, and I'd watch for him when more favourably drawn. It's significant that he's now well below his last winning mark, since it's clear his ability still remains.