Hamish Again

The Speed Ratings and the handicaps dipped below form, Wednesday. The combined top three rated speed ratings and handicaps provided just 65% winners compared to Monday's 78% strike rate and Tuesday's 81% strike rate. But among Wednesday's figures were three excellent Speed Rating winners: Clear top rated Barwell Bridge won at 12/1 while two clear 2nd top rated winners were The Ginger Man won 33/1 and Tavalu won 16/1.

The top two rated winners from each service provided just below 50% winners. And the top three strike rate was 47% (speed ratings) and 62% (handicap ratings).

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There were eight (4) and (5) UK graded races, with seven being successful, Wednesday. One was won by the clear top rated horse; six were won by the by the 2nd top rated - three of them joint; and one race was unsuccessful.

Yesterday's each way punt, Barwell Bridge showed all the qualities he had shown before and battled on late to get up close home to win at 12/1. He was all out at the end but his courage should bring him more success during this season.

Photographic got into a battle as well, but the effort told in the closing stages and she just hung on to share second on the line. She is not done with yet as the experience will not be lost on her. I have to say, though, that I think all the first three home look very good horses and should continue to do well all season long.

Thursday at York looks just as tricky as Wednesday.

I'll be watching to see if Native Ruler (2-40 Dante Stakes) has made any significant improvement since breaking his maiden. And he has got to have significantly improved to live with this field. I trust Henry Cecil's judgement and if he gets within three or four lengths of the winner (probably Crowded House) then I would not lose faith in his Derby chances. I will be looking for an each way price tomorrow, just in case.

In the opening sprint (1-40) there is the proverbial gnats jewel between Hamish McGonagall an Cheveton on all known form. But the seasonal debut of Hamish (2 lengths behind Cheveton) was packed full of promise and I take him to win at York in May for a second successive year. He looked good when beating Lesson In Humilty at this meeting last year and I can't help feeling that he's been aimed specifically at this race and as such I think this is the time to get on him. He has the form and the speed figures to run a very big race.

Have a good Thursday.