Botanical to Blossom at Hamilton

By Molly Hunter, PA

Roger Varian’s Botanical has won or placed on each of his four starts to date and he can keep up the good run in the Hampton By Hilton Hamilton Park Handicap.

A winner over an extended mile here back in July, he has since finished second at Kempton and third at Ascot with the latter outing providing his handicap debut.

He raced off a mark of 87 and perhaps would have enjoyed a stronger pace, but nevertheless his run augured well and he remains on that competitive rating.

Star Mind made a pleasing introduction when third at Carlisle and should kick on from that in the Molton Brown At Hamilton Park EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes.

The Advertise filly was beaten six lengths but was putting in all her best work at the end and looked a likely future winner.

Corinthia Knight can build on a consistent run to take Hamilton’s CAE Technology Services Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap for Archie Watson.

The gelding has not been far from the action on his last two starts, having only been beaten three-quarters of a length when recently seen at both Chepstow and Salisbury.

His mark has not risen from the latter effort and this contest could be a spot for him to gain his first success since August 2022.

Placeholder can make it two from two at Newcastle in the Join The Vickers.Bet Racing Club EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes.

The mile race she won did not appear to be anything special but she triumphed in fine style, despite her evident inexperience and is open to improvement.

Savvy Knight will appreciate a return to the all-weather in the Vickers.Bet Weekly Free Bet Club Handicap, also at Newcastle.

The four-year-old came home last of all in a York handicap last time out but is a solid performer on synthetic surfaces and has notable course and distance form having been beaten here by just a nose in July.

At Bath, Dream Pirate can land the first division of the Download The Vickers.Bet App Handicap.

The three-year-old was a winner last time over the same trip at Yarmouth and can succeed again under Marco Ghiani.

Iceo is an interesting contender for Paul Nicholls in the Abbot Aubrey Loze Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

He is one of a trio making their chasing debuts and is the highest-rated hurdler among them having won the Imperial Cup on his penultimate start over smaller obstacles.

The gelding won over French hurdles before joining Nicholls and with those having more in common with a steeplechase fence than with a traditional British hurdle, he may find the transition to jumping fences relatively straightforward.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

BATH: Race 1: 15.02 It’s How We Roll, Race 2: 15.32 Hot Fuss, Race 3: 16.02 Dream Pirate, Race 4: 16.32 Paco’s Pride, Race 5: 17.02 Crooked Crown, Race 6: 17.32 Sergeant Pep, Race 7: 18.05 Almaty Star, Race 8: 18.38 Mambo Beat.

NEWTON ABBOT: Race 1: 15.15 Iceo, Race 2: 15.45 Vorashann, Race 3: 16.15 Roger Pol, Race 4: 16.45 Jet Plane, Race 5: 17.15 Best Mate Dave, Race 6: 17.45 Just Loose Change, Race 7: 18.15 Ryder’s Rock.

HAMILTON: Race 1: 15.40 Corinthia Knight, Race 2: 16.10 Star Mind, Race 3: 16.40 Anjo Bonita, Race 4: 17.10 BOTANICAL (NAP), Race 5: 17.40 Dream Final, Race 6: 18.10 Emeralds Pride, Race 7: 18.40 Ask Peter.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 18.00 Verona Star, Race 2: 18.30 Prince Achille, Race 3: 19.00 Savvy Knight, Race 4: 19.30 Placeholder, Race 5: 20.00 Socialise, Race 6: 20.30 Indian Sounds, Race 7: 21.00 Karmology, Race 8: 21.30 Jewel Of Kabeir.

ALL TO COME: Star Mind and Botanical (Hamilton, Races 2 and 4).

For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab4racing.com