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It may only be six races at Hamilton Park on Tuesday, but racing fans can enjoy the Class 2 action in the Aspire Cleaning Company Almada Mile Handicap.
Eilean Dubh seems to be the horse to beat in the 1m½f Class 2 Aspire Cleaning Company Almada Mile Handicap (For The Watson Memorial Cup) (3:17) based on the current market. A course and distance winner last season for trainer Karl Burke, the five-year-old has enjoyed mixed fortunes this year, struggling to make his presence felt in the top-class handicaps such as the Lincoln. Although he produced a better performance when sixth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup, he was still well-beaten by the winner and seemed to prefer a return to less-competitive opposition when third at Sandown last time. The tongue-tie is applied for the first time in hope of further improvement.
Similar comments apply to Roger Varian's Fantastic Fox, who has cheek-pieces on for the first time. He was a winner over course and distance back in 2021 and returned to this trip when fifth in the Racehorse Lotto Handicap at Epsom Downs at the start of June. He hasn't won since his three-year-old campaign, but three solid recent efforts suggest he would be very competitive if the headgear ekes out any further progression.
Midnight Lir has an opportunity to shed his maiden tag on the fourth time of asking in the 6f Class 5 racingtv.com EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes (2:15). The gelding relished a step up to six furlongs at Thirsk on his third career start, attempting to make all before having to concede to the short-priced favourite in the closing stages. He faces an easier task and should be allowed to dictate terms from the front.
Last-start winner Hale End can continue his fine form in the 1m½f Class 5 Book Our On-Site Hotel Ferniegair Handicap (2:47). The application of cheek-pieces seemed to spark further improvement from the gelding when drawing clear to win by an easy four lengths over course and distance. He has only had two starts at a mile, which seems to suit, and is potentially still well-handicapped on his current mark.
Beraz is having his second start for Julie Camacho in the 1m4f Class4 Aspire At Hamilton-Park Handicap (3:47) after being bought out of the Dan Skelton yard. A former maiden winner in France for previous connections, the five-year-old seemed to enjoy his return to the Flat when second at the track over 1m3f. He's placed on his sole start over this distance before and is having his second run after wind surgery.
Course and distance winner Iris Dancer will be aiming to boost trainer Tristan Davidson's impressive strike rate in the 6f Class 4 Cleanstay At Hampton By Hilton Handicap (4:17). With four wins in the last fourteen days, Davidson is operating at a 44% strike rate and Iris Dancer looked impressive when scoring by three lengths in these conditions two weeks ago. The mare looked to find seven furlongs too far when a well-beaten fourth at Carlisle subsequently and does her best work at this distance.
William Pyle's seven pound claim will be a big help to Aconcagua Mountain in the 5f Class 6 Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap (4:52). He was a two-time winner at Wolverhampton over the winter but did not start the season in the same level of form. His fourth at Musselburgh last start was a better performance and the weight relief could be key.
RACE 1 – MIDNIGHT LIR
RACE 2 – HALE END
RACE 3 – FANTASTIC FOX
RACE 4 – BERAZ
RACE 5 – IRIS DANCER
RACE 6 – ACONCAGUA MOUNTAIN
