UK Horse Racing Tips: Hamilton

MAKYON displayed good promise on his racecourse bow to finish second at York last month and Mark Johnston's colt can step forward from that effort with champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle. Troubador improved for the extra furlong when scoring at Redcar on his second outing and warrants respect despite giving weight to all his rivals, while newcomers Glory Maker and Teenar complete the shortlist with the pair bred to be speedy.
Prediction : 1st Makyon 2nd Troubador 3rd Glory Maker

I COULD DO BETTER confirmed his debut success at Redcar, over subsequent Listed-winner King Of Comedy, wasn't a fluke when maintaining his unbeaten record at Carlisle 17 days ago. The son of Canford Cliffs has to give weight to all of his rivals but, on what he has achieved so far, appears more than capable of doing so. Last Empire is open to progression from her Haydock debut last October, while Alexander James and Mina Velour can fight out the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st I Could Do Better 2nd Last Empire 3rd Alexander James

BATTLE OF ISSUS didn't show much on his handicap debut at Yarmouth last month when only beating a handful of rivals home. However, the booking of Silvestre De Sousa suggests he could leave that performance well behind on this occasion as he steps up in distance. Auxiliary was a consistent performer last season and is still on a fair mark to go close, while any market support for the Irish raider Give Battle should be noted as he makes his first outing since September 2017.
Prediction : 1st Battle of Issus 2nd Auxiliary 3rd Give Battle

Group 1 winner SANDS OF MALI makes his first UK start of 2019 and with soft ground in his favour, Richard Fahey's Panis colt will take plenty of beating if in the same form as when thriving at Ascot in the autumn. Ease in the ground also brings Donjuan Triumphant into the equation and the six-year-old was third behind the selection in the British Champions Sprint, while Brando (fourth) is a course and distance winner who is a proven Group-level performer.
Prediction : 1st Sands Of Mali 2nd Donjuan Triumphant 3rd Brando

OCALA opened her account with a comfortable triumph at Chepstow last month and that could open the floodgates for Andrew Balding's likeable four-year-old, who looks to follow up here off a 6lb higher mark. Strong Steps rattled the crossbar off this rating at Ayr last time and could enjoy the extra furlong encountered here, while Sputnik Planum will have appreciated his Chester reappearance and boasts some useful form on soft ground.
Prediction : 1st Ocala 2nd Strong Steps 3rd Sputnik Planum

AVENUE OF STARS hinted his turn was fast approaching when second over track and trip eight days ago and is expected to show up well, from a high draw, with Silvestre De Sousa booked. Irish raider Zig Zag Zyggy has been raised 3lb for striking over C&D last month but with the runner-up, Tommy G, winning at Ayr subsequently, it would come as no surprise to see him follow suit. Kenny The Captain, third behind the selection last time, completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Avenue Of Stars 2nd Zig Zag Zyggy 3rd Kenny The Captain

Everkyllachy (first) accounted for Boundsy (second) over this course and distance last week and might just prove good enough to confirm that form with Richard Fahey's charge, while Van Gerwen has dropped to a tempting mark and should appreciate the services of Silvestre De Sousa on board. Tim Easterby has had a few winners up north in recent days, and perhaps MUSIC SOCIETY can land the spoils. This is just his fourth start for this handler (and first ever over the trip), and this looks a suitable opening.
Prediction : 1st Music Society 2nd Van Gerwen 3rd Everkyllachy