The John Smith’s Scottish Stewards’ Cup (7.40) at Hamilton on Friday, is always well contested, as might be expected of a sprint handicap worth in excess of £20,000 to the winner. Sixteen runners are set to face the starter, but we’ve had our eye on one that we think should go very close at a decent price.
Poyle Vinnie officially improved
18lb on turf last season – plus a further 12lb on Tapeta and
Fibresand during the winter – and has run creditably on both starts
since returning to action at Newmarket last month. His latest fifth
of sixteen, beaten just 1 length, in a 0-95 contest over 5 furlongs
at York last week suggested his turn wasn’t far away and he may be
capable of winning in 0-105 company for the first time.
The Piccolo gelding has yet to win on
going softer than good but, while the going at Hamilton is currently
good to soft, dry, bright weather is forecast for Strathclyde for
Wednesday and Thursday, so he may well have his favoured conditions.
In fact, notwithstanding a poor run on heavy going on his seasonal
reappearance at Beverley last season, there’s no evidence that some
cut in the ground would, necessarily, harm his chance in any case.
All three of his career wins on turf, including one over 6 furlongs,
have come on testing tracks, so he should appreciate the severe hill
to the finish at Hamilton.
Selection: Hamilton 7.40 Poyle
Vinnie to win