chased leading pair, ridden 2f out, stayed on, not pace to challenge
held up, headway over 1f out, soon chased winner, ridden and unable to quicken, lost 2nd near finish
slowly into stride, in rear, headway and switched left over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd near finish, not reached winner
made all, ridden 2f out, ran on gamely
pressed winner, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leading pair until over 2f out
soon outpaced, never a factor
TANGERINE TREES is taken to successfully defend his unbeaten record at the track; Tadalavil and Leonid Glow can chase him home. Our pick was readily brushed aside last time but is only 3lbs higher than when winning at Redcar and his record on stiff tracks is exceptional, with a 3-3 record here and coupled with a Pontefact success. That Paul Hanagan rides for the first time is of no concern so although he'll need a career best to win it seems foolish to desert him here at his favourite venue. Tadalavil is a big threat to our selection having gone down fighting here last time. That followed a course and distance win so there are no concerns with conditions and he should be very competitive off this mark of 69. Leonid Glow represents a yard in form and completes our shortlist. All three of the mare's wins have come over today's trip and on similar ground, whilst she's looked a shade unfortunate when short of room on both her last two starts in better races than this one. The stiff finish here will help Indian Skipper but he's likely to fall short whilst still racing off a 5lbs higher mark than for his only turf success, whilst the tongue-tied Protector seems at his best when racing on ground with cut. Similar comments apply to Grissom so those looking for an each-way play could turn to course and distance winner Bid For Gold who may be poised to return to something approaching his best following a more encouraging run last time, but we'll return to Tangerine Trees in the hope he can make it four from four here at Hamilton.
Protector (SAF) 25-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, lost place over 2f out, 9th of 15, 6l behind Tabaret (8-11) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Leonid Glow 6-1 (8-1) Raced center, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 5l behind Damika (9-1) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Indian Skipper (IRE) 6-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, swiched left and ridden inside final furlong, kept on, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Summer Dancer (9-3) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Tangerine Trees 7-1 (9-2) Raced centre, with leaders, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 18, 8l behind Tubby Isaacs (8-9) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Tadalavil 16-1 (9-6) Led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind King Of Eden (8-13) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Sendreni (FR) 66-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, last of 10, 12l behind King Of Eden (8-13) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Botham (USA) 20-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, no impression, 7th of 10, 4l behind King Of Eden (8-13) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Grissom (IRE) 18-1 (8-10) Mid-division, weakened 2f out, soon eased, last of 11, 17l behind Five Star Junior (9-7) at Ayr 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Bid For Gold 4-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, ridden and bumped entering final furlong, no extra, 6th of 9, 5l behind Elijah Pepper (9-7) at Pontefract 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
