Hamilton 6.55
By UK Flat / AW (Northern)
NORTHERN - Hamilton 6.55 Class 2 - 1 mile 4 furlongs - Good to Soft - like Soft or softer - 14 run
In the likely conditions I am happy to swerve Paddy The Squire (trip concerns) , Beraz (going concerns) and Chillingham (track may not suit) at the top of the market.
Struth is a typically hard Johnston 3 year old who is a good horse but I just feel that this is a race that suits a more battle hardened and experienced type, especially if it gets very attritional. Jim Goldie has a few in here and Faylaq may be primed but wouldn't be my best pick from the Yard. Two Brothers will appreciated the rain and one I cogitated over for a long time but is I feel just a little too high in the handicap and Matchless at a big price may outrun those Odds and that's more likely the soft it gets and at anything over 40/1 early may be worth £1 e/w
I just fancy SIR CHAUVELIN who was runner up in this race last year off a mark of 90 and who runs off a mark of 84 with a good 5lb Claimer up over the stables other runner Geremia, coditions will suit both and Geremia is the more consistent but I can see the old boy SIR CHAUVELIN coming with a rattle up the hill. DARK JEDI was 5th last year and hampered and soft or heavy plays to its optimum strength off a mark of 90. The one they all have to beat here though I think is POSTILEO a Course winner at 1 mile 5 and a half furlongs, a winner of a 14 furlong race too, assured stamina, no qualms about Soft ground and still well handicapped.
Tips (1) Postileo / (2) Dark Jedi / (3s) Sir Chauvelin.