5:45 Hamilton Tips

Zapphire will have cheekpieces on for the first time and had a career-best when winning a 6-runner handicap at Carlisle 27 days ago (1m). A 4lb rise here may not be enough to stop her. Big chance.

Epidavros has not won this year yet but has been close when placed a couple of times, including the latest run here when third. I would expect more now back with the fillies off a 72.

Lightly raced 4yo filly, 1 win from 5. She went very close on her handicap debut last Oct - decent form, similar mark for this handicap. She was not disgraced in a good Listed contest on her next start. She probably needed her return run during April, which was her AW debut. She’s had a nice seven week break to get her act together and she’s on a handy looking mark if getting back to her best.

This is an interesting fillies handicap, and the form of the top weight looks strong after the filly she beat at Carlisle last time won very nicely at Chester on Friday. That winner isn't the only winner to have come out of the Carlisle race. If that was good form, I think we can look with interest at Zapphire's previous race at Ascot, which in my mind was the best performance of her career. Roarin' Success was quite close up behind Zapphire that day and is five pounds better off with her here. Given that was only Roarin' Success's second start of the season, she is entitled to step up on that. She looks a little overpriced compared to the favourite and warrants a little interest.

Surprised made a very pleasing return to action at Catterick last month, only beaten 1.25L having been sent off 5/4 favourite. She looks likely to come on for that run. She has only had the three runs and won a fillies' novice stakes last September at Beverley over 7 furlongs while still showing signs of inexperience. A daughter of Ulysses, she looks likely to benefit from the step up in distance today on handicap debut.

Jim Goldie has trained plenty of winners at this course in the past, and Penelope's Sister, who won by 3.5 lengths last time out at Ayr, should put in a bold bid here in this company.

Hackney Diamonds has not been going too well since moving to the Ian Williams stable. The filly reportedly never travelled when placing last at Chepstow eight days ago. Her odds of 7/1 (joint third favourite) suggested that better was expected. Hackney Diamonds has dropped to below her last winning mark (achieved on good to soft going). Warren Fentiman takes over in the saddle. This go-to apprentice booking could be significant, and it is hoped Hackney Diamonds can get back on track.