21:00 Hamilton

Friday 19 May 2023

All17:4018:1518:5019:2519:5520:2621:00

Robert Gilliland 10th Anniversary Memorial Celebrations Handicap

Off time: 21:01 | Winning time: 1m 44.47s

(9)

Havana Party^p¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Ryan Sexton⁽³⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 61| CD

15/2

C&D winner. Yet to fire so far this season, though, fourth of 5 in handicap (13/2) at this C&D (good) 12 days ago. On a dangerous mark but revival needed.

Form: 20-7764

(2)

St Andrew's Castle^p⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 56

9/2

Latest win at Newcastle in March. However, failed to repeat his previous placed effort when sixth of 7 in handicap at Musselburgh (7.2f, good, 9/1) 4 days ago. Needs to quickly get back on track.

Form: 812736

(7)

Dark Company¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Archie Young⁽⁷⁾| T: C Johnston| OR: 55| D

22/1

Went backwards from his previous run when fifth of 6 in handicap at Ayr (1m, good to firm, 5/1) 15 days ago, hanging left/carrying head awkwardly. Others more persuasive.

Form: 934-645

(8)

Retirement Beckons¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: J P Sullivan| T: Miss L A Perratt| OR: 55| CD

28/1

Four-time C&D winner. Probably needed the run after 6 months off when last of 5 in handicap (33/1) at this C&D (good) 12 days ago. This run should reveal more.

Form: 42035-5

(5)

Chinese Spirit⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: Miss L A Perratt| OR: 53| CD

10/1

C&D winner. Stepped up on reappearance run when 2¼ lengths fifth of 10 to Perfect Soldier in handicap at Musselburgh (9f, good, 28/1) 4 days ago, never nearer. Shortlisted.

Form: 6845-55

(1)

How Bizarre⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: L Bailey| OR: 53| D

4/1

Ended long losing run at Musselburgh (1m) earlier this month. Backed up that effort when fourth of 8 in handicap (4/1) at the same course (9f, good) 4 days ago, though looked awkward. Going through a good spell at present.

Form: 423414

(4)

Jaminoz¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Cam Hardie| T: J S Goldie| OR: 52

33/1

After 7 months off, shaped as if needing the run when sixth of 8 in handicap at this course (6f, good, 25/1) 12 days ago. Could fare better back up in trip.

Form: 89210-6

(6)

Willing To Please¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 8-12| J: P J McDonald| T: P A Kirby| OR: 49| BF| D

5/1

Ran well when third of 12 in handicap (7/2) at Pontefract (1m, good to soft) 16 days ago, making effort earlier than ideal. Major player having dropped another 1 lb in the weights.

Form: 7-39053

(3)

Perfect Soldier^p⁴^{(ex 4)}

Age: 9| Weight: 8-12| J: Laura Coughlan⁽⁵⁾| T: W Storey| OR: 45| D

11/1

Best effort of the year when winning 10-runner handicap (8/1) at Musselburgh (9f, good) 4 days ago by 1½ lengths from Our Dickie, having run of race. Penalty makes things tougher this time around.

Form: 040771

(10)

Our Dickie^p,t⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: A Mullen| T: I Jardine| OR: 46| BF

7/2

Ran one of better races for current yard when 1½ lengths second of 10 to Perfect Soldier in handicap at Musselburgh (9f, good, 10/3) 4 days ago. Can make his presence felt.

Form: 693562

Forecasts

Our Dickie (7/2), How Bizarre (4/1), St Andrew's Castle (9/2), Willing To Please (5/1), Havana Party (15/2), Chinese Spirit (10/1), Perfect Soldier (11/1), Dark Company (22/1), Retirement Beckons (28/1), Jaminoz (33/1)

WILLING TO PLEASE has been heading back in the right direction on her last 2 starts, running well when third at Pontefract earlier this month, so she could be ready to take advantage of her reduced mark this time around. Our Dickie is also down to a career-low mark and is feared most, ahead of Chinese Spirit.