It isn't the etiquette in higher class hcps normally hatters, ie when one is clearly shorter.

And SDS on the wrong one ?

Doesn't look right for today

But it does tick a lot of the normal boxes

If it were faster ground at Hammy would definitely play Highly Sprung, may still do so.

Terrible effort last time after shaping well in most races (plenty over short of optimum).

Very well handicapped again no doubt of that.

Gl Platini hope he can use that 2 box

I wasn't convinced about this track

He was quick away last time so as long as he does the same should have a fighting chance.

did he get mugged late on ?  (didn't see it but notice it traded 1/3 in-running)

*of not if

5.5 in the place market now

I'm off out this evening so it's over to you tonight at Hammy Joe please...

6:05 Hamilton Villa Tora (£20), current odds 5.2 has won over CD making all, Everything possible went wrong last time again back here when jinked awkwardly from stalls then bumped and set alight in behind runners, not surprisingly didn't get home. Was well fancied there to maintain the course record and should be a different proposition with a better start this evening.

7:05 Hamilton Highly sprung, current odds 9.0 been talked about a lot on here, has either just lost the plot now after some decent runs over non optimum conditions coming down the ratings or is ready to strike and the Bath effort was just a blip. It's a shame the ground isn't faster this evening as that has proved ideal, this is also one that would prefer a decent pace to the race as has been best when coming through late. Have a horrible feeling this one gets smashed up when it's ready but have been lured in again tonight just in case.

8:35 Hamilton Pennington, current odds 23.0 (£6) is a stats horse with generally unexposed 3yo's that haven't won a race but have dropped markedly in ratings in the lower grade hcps.Some mdn form suggests an egg and spoon race could be in range though exiled from the Sheikh certainly not the greatest endorsement, nowhere to go and all excuses used up if not running better tonight.

Looked like someone had been feeding the bear hofmeister
Your corner will turn again soon Stride

*sort of pointed

Fools gold the first

that lured a few in today

Not surprised to see The Blues Master already dug into a bit over night.

When winning mdn over 1m4f on the aw looked outpaced during the race before finishing strongly, a race it has to be said that hasn't worked out well.Chinned at track on seasonal return over shorter then didn't cut too much ice in better company before plugging on one pace at Haydock and Chelmsford over 1m6f back in today's class.The last run back in trip at Newcastle can be overlooked imo, after a slow start was ridden to the front and then faded from 2f out.

Today we have a few things that catch the attention. Firstly going into the 3yo+ division for the first time getting the allowance at this time of the year.A small sample but the record is 9-13 for 3yo's stepping up to 2 miles for the first time in this group (4.57 expected). Beverley (4-7, 1.97 expected all in July/August) and we know that 3yo's at this track going up to new trips are very dangerous in general too.

Some of the opposition has back class but in these 3yo+hcps an MJ 3yo unexposed at the distance often makes use of the terms. The sample sizes posted are small but are indicative of an MO that is undeniable and that has seen plenty of success repeated over the years.

I don't like getting on well backed ones at the bottom end and this is an sp thread but It's really not surprising some seem to have latched onto this one already and you wouldn't expect too big a price at the track for one like this either.

I thought Valley Of Rocks looked a very likely sort to follow up, did well to get up at Leicester and ran like he will definitely get further now, has had a few problems over racing and I thought Egan did really well for this Leicester success. Ridden early to try and get prominent but others wanted it too and the door was shut so shuffled him back and despite taking a bit of a pull for a while eventually got settled but looked to have plenty to do. The leaders did go a good pace in this though and Egan's mount responded showing a lot of willing to get up for what I though looked a very cosy win in the end.

I was quite surprised to see only 1-10 at the track for 3yo's following up in hcps in 3yo+ races at the track, the surprise being how few have attempted. In fact only 21 3yo hcp winners in either age classification have been sent here (5 winners, 5 expected), this is not where the value has been.

Another surprise that only 6 class risers have been sent here (3yo's in 3yo+hcps) since BFSP, none have managed to win as yet but you can't read much into it part from it's not something unlike many things that is repeated every year at the track.

The 2 grade hike sees average ratings of runners go from 56 at Leicester to 75 here, weighing everything up at the price I'm going to pass today but this is a horse that should definitely win more races and get more distance in time.

Singing the Blues today
Price been cut as you say
Getting lumps of weight over dist
Decent Bev form stats

I know you want to keep things simple, but without setting a limit & just backing to BSP striding, you're really making it difficult for yourself to turn a profit I would of thought unless you manage to nail one or two big priced selections. Nothing for me today on the Johnston front, in fact I've only backed one horse and might back 2 more if I can get a price, which is an unusually quiet day for me. Good luck all.

Can understand your views Stride
Bit shorter than usual for me
But... it fits what i am looking for
Difference
Use up a point of last cple weeks profit on it
& hope it drifts

3 pts !
Do you think i'm mad ?

3:45 Beverley The Blues Master 4.8 (£30)

interesting when on easier ground?