8.45 Hamilton: Class 6 Handicap, 6f

So Grateful drops further in grade and has been given a proper chance by the handicapper, which allows him to race in class 6, after he started his season three runs back at Doncaster in a hot class 4 Handicap.

That was an eye catching performance as he was up with a hot pace and looked like to be possibly winning with a furlong to go, before getting tired badly in the closing stages.

He was far from disgraced chasing the pace in a strong race at Carlisle subsequently, although when last seen at Catterick he couldn’t confirm the promise of those earlier runs.

Now at Hamilton over 6f, the stiff finish will stretch his stamina. But this isn’t a strong race, he was a strong second off 4lb higher over this course and distance last year.

So Grateful achieved two 61+ speed ratings last year as well, and the Doncaster run last month especially suggested he’s able to run to a similar level.

The fast ground should help to get home, so should the 7lb claim of Lewis Chalkley. Obviously with only one turf win to his name, he’s overall an infrequent winner and not one to trust too much. But off a 61 mark, in this race, he looks good value.

10pts win – So Grateful @ 11/2