4.30 Hamilton: Class 4 Handicap, 6f

Off 2lb lower than his last winning mark, Inexes, who also won this very same race two years on the bounce, has a good chance to complete the hat-trick.

However, I feel he had things very much going for himself the last two years and with Start Time there is really strong opponent to beat, which may prove too much this time.

Start Time used to be a Group 3 placed individual in Godolphin colours years ago, but ever since then things haven’t gone well for him. It took him a while to fire for his new yard after missing more than a whole year and it took him a while to get going last season.

He ended 2017 with two promising efforts. A fine third in a Notthingham Handicap over the minimum trip, followed up by a 3 lengths beaten eight at Newcastle’s All-Weather that was better than the bare form suggests.

On seasonal return in April, Start Time ran out a strong third in a 6f Thirsk Handicap. The handicapper has left him alone for this strong effort and off the same mark, 4lb lower than when third at Nottingham last November, he looks ready for a massive run today.

The drying ground shouldn’t be an issue, however, a perfect draw in six should ensure a perfect spot on the stand side rail tracking the pace.

Selection:
10pts win – Start Time @ 3/1 VC