14:30 Hamilton

Thursday 31 May 2018

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00

Macroberts LLP Handicap

Off time: 14:33 | Winning time: 58.24s

(6)

Jacob's Pillow^p³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: D Tudhope| T: Rebecca Bastiman| OR: 77| C| D

10/1

Twice a winner at this track in the past (6f), and is versatile in terms of underfoot conditions. Beat Tommy G by a neck over this trip at Musselburgh in late March (5f heavy) and is just 2lb higher here.

Form: 25-6130

(7)

Jabbarockie¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Rachel Richardson⁽³⁾| T: E J Alston| OR: 75| D

13/8

Has continued his progression from late last season kicking off the current campaign with a couple of solid efforts, beating Harome by 1L at Nottingham latest (5f good to firm). Every chance of following up off a 4lb higher mark.

Form: 1613-21

(3)

African Friend³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Barry McHugh| T: Mrs Marjorie Fife| OR: 75| D

14/1

Bought for 14,000 gns in November 2017 and shaped as if needing the race on stable debut at Doncaster in April (5f soft). Now 2lb lower and promises to be competitive judged upon his earlier form for Henry Candy.

Form: 13920-9

(4)

Sfumato^p1¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Jamie Gormley⁽⁵⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 73

5/1

Won just once in 12 starts in a 6f Lingfield maiden (good to firm) for previous trainer Roger Charlton. Doesn't appear to be progressing for his current trainer hence the application of cheek-pieces but his mark is easing as a result.

Form: 3269-95

(2)

Lexington Place¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: J P Sullivan| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 69| CD

6/1

Not the force of old, but has C&D winning form amongst his 11 career victories, so is perfectly entitled to run his race from this kind of mark. Beaten just under 2L (dwelt) when fourth to Jabbarockie latest.

Form: 89-4074

(1)

Dapper Man^b¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: T Hamilton| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 63| D

6/1

Led on the post when winning over this trip at Ripon recently (good to firm), and escapes a penalty for that success. Effectively 5lb ahead of the handicapper so should be considered.

Form: 251441

(5)

Highly Focussed¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: J Fanning| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 61

6/1

Both of his previous victories have come on the AW (6f), but there's no denying he's an improved horse since returning to action in February. No match for decisive 3L winner Only Spoofing over C&D a fortnight ago.

Form: 6-14142

Forecasts

Jabbarockie (13/8), Sfumato (5/1), Dapper Man (6/1), Lexington Place (6/1), Highly Focussed (6/1), Jacob's Pillow (10/1), African Friend (14/1)

Both JABBAROCKIE and Highly Focussed appear to be progressive individuals, with the selection displaying a likeable attitude when winning well at Nottingham recently. He races from a 4lb higher mark today, but this isn't a barrier to further success with his veteran trainer a dab hand with improving sprinters. African Friend is another to consider on just his second start for Marjorie Fife, but ideally we could've done with another runner for each-way betting purposes.