A Grand Evening Under the Scottish Sky
What a treat Hamilton Park served up on Saturday evening! The going was riding perfect - good with patches of good to soft - and the quality on show had this old scribe reaching for his notebook more than once. When you get a card mixing proper class acts with promising types stepping up in grade, you know you're in for a proper evening's sport.
The feature novice chase drew the eye from the off, but Christ almighty, there were gems scattered throughout this Hamilton Park racecard like diamonds in the rough. From selling hurdles to marathon chases, there was something for every punter with half a brain cell and a keen eye for a horse on the upgrade.
Sonigino Shows His Class in the Feature
The Max and Naomi Are Getting Married Novices' Limited Handicap Steeplechase was the jewel in the crown, and fair play to Freddie Gingell for a masterclass aboard Sonigino. This lad's been crying out for a proper test over fences, and at 132 rating, he showed exactly why the handicapper's been keeping a close eye on him.
The way he travelled through the race had me purring like a cat with cream. Rubber Ball tried to make a race of it - Jack Quinlan gave him every chance - but when Sonigino quickened after the second last, it was game over. That's a horse who's going places, mark my words. The way he handled the step up in trip suggests we might see him over further yet.
Crackerjacque ran his heart out for third under Sam Twiston-Davies, and there's no shame in that. He's another to keep on the right side of when the handicapper gives him a chance.
One for the Notebook
Keep a close eye on Kingston Narcissus who was pulled up but showed enough early on to suggest Charlie Maggs has him heading in the right direction. Sometimes a horse needs to feel the pace of this level before he can compete at it - classic case of a runner needing the experience more than the result.
Maiden Hurdle Throws Up Future Stars
The Bobby Roberts Memorial Maiden Hurdle was where the eagle-eyed punter could spot tomorrow's winners. Passing Diamond looked the part under Sam Twiston-Davies - that 106 rating tells you he's been knocking on the door in better company, and stepping back into maiden company was shrewd placement.
But the horse that caught my attention was Cloud Free with Lorcan Murtagh doing the steering. Unrated going into this, but the way he stayed on suggested there's improvement to come when he steps up in trip. That's a combination to follow when they pop up next.
Lipstick Traces ran a cracker for Callum Bewley too - at 92 rating in a maiden, he was giving weight and experience away, but still ran with plenty of credit. Another for the tracker when he gets back into handicap company.
Marathon Men Battle It Out
The drainrat.co.uk Handicap Steeplechase over three miles and change was a proper test of stamina, and by God did they need every ounce of it. Ribeye looked the business for Callum Bewley - this horse has been crying out for a true staying test, and the way he galloped to the line suggested we've found his optimum trip.
Poetry Man and Princesse Milania both ran with credit, but it was the staying power of Ribeye that impressed most. At 100 rating, he's still got room for manoeuvre with the handicapper if he can string a few runs together.
Kicksaftersix was another who caught the eye - Ryan Mania knows this horse inside out, and the way he was staying on at the death suggests there's another big run in him when the ground gets softer.
Handicap Hurdle Heroes and Villains
The competitive handicap hurdle saw Lawrenny show his class under Sean Quinlan. At 124 rating, he was giving lumps of weight away but still had enough in the tank to see off the challengers. That's proper class, that is.
Filibustering ran a blinder for Ryan Mania - this horse has been threatening a big run for weeks, and when he gets his ground and trip combination right, he'll be winning races. The way he stuck to his task here suggests confidence is building.
Perseus Way was another who ran above his rating - Harry Reed gave him a peach of a ride, and at 109, there's definitely more to come from this lad when he gets his preferred conditions.
Looking Ahead: Where Do We Go From Here?
The beauty of an evening like this is spotting the horses who'll be winning races through the summer and into next season. Sonigino looks ready for a crack at some of the better novice chases - wouldn't be surprised to see him aimed at something like a graduation chase next time out.
Cloud Free and Passing Diamond from the maiden hurdle both look types who'll be competitive in handicap company once they get their marks sorted. Keep them on the right side when they reappear.
The marathon chasers like Ribeye and Kicksaftersix will be ones to follow when the ground turns softer later in the year - both looked like they'd relish a bit of cut in the ground.
All in all, a grand evening's sport that reminded us why we love this game. When you get proper competitive racing mixed with horses showing improvement, you can't ask for much more. Roll on the next card - there's money to be made if you know where to look!
