Croftamie set for winning handicap debut at Hamilton

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:01 03.07.2012

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Mark Johnston's Croftamie has hinted that she is capable of much better and is selected to land Hamilton's Steps and Peter Andre Live This Saturday Handicap.

The 3-y-o is from a highly successful family and there has been plenty of promise in her three maidens to date. She was off 4 months before finishing sixth of twelve at Lingfield last time out and seems certain to improve now pitched into a handicap stepped up to this trip. A positive move in the market would further encourage confidence from a potentially lenient opening mark under the in-form Joe Fanning.

Main danger for the £6,000 prize money may come from Tom Tate's Never Perfect. He confirmed debut promise when gamely winning a heavy-ground 1m maiden at Ayr last October, but has not been seen to best effect in both efforts this year with the yard largely quiet. A few recent winners though suggest the tide has turned and he will certainly be at home in the forecast testing conditions this afternoon.

Joshua the First improved markedly to score on his seasonal bow in a Musselburgh handicap in April and was a creditable third in a similar event next time. However, he was well below form on his latest start and showed several times in a frustrating juvenile campaign that his attitude is not always as it should be.

Topweight Alsahil is a tough frontrunner who, fit from a decent spell hurdling, finished third at Thirsk in April. He has disappointed on both outings since but shouldn't be discounted here dropped down in trip, with the possibility of securing an easy lead and grabbing the rail to race against unpressed.

Damascus Symphony enjoyed a prolific season in 2011 winning at this venue twice and at Newcastle. He has failed to fire this term and needs a drop back down in the weights to revive his fortunes, while Tenhoo is another who is paying the price for a winning spree and has offered very little encouragement lately (including when tailed off at Chester three days ago).

In summary, an interesting handicap with the lightly raced Croftamie a speculative selection. She looked a staying type when showing ability in some above average maidens and has been given a real chance by the assesor on her debut in this sphere. At around 5-2 this morning she seems reasonable value against some much more exposed rivals.

Stephen's Tuesday Nap Scottish Vespers 3.45 Brighton

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