Speed Ratings - by Lawrence Taylor

SET IN STONE IS WELL TICKED UP AT HAMILTON

LTO Speed: Indomeneo 74 The Last Emperor 66 Ride The Monkey 60

REST OF THE SPEED SIX ...

Hamilton 2-30 Handicap (Class 6) 5f

LTO Speed: Realtin Fantasy 75 Super Florence 67 Star Cracker 57

REALTIN FANTASY hinted at better things to come when finishing just out of the money over this trip at Down Royal three weeks ago, a performance that also saw her register a list-topping speed rating of 75. Lightly raced this season and fully effective on yielding terrain, it will come as no surprise if the filly gets off the mark at the tenth time of asking today, while her pencilled in odds of 7-1 look bigger than they should be.

Hamilton 5-30 Handicap (Class 5) 12f

LTO Speed: Funny Man 72 Art Of Diplomacy 56 Pour Sioux 52

FUNNY MAN has been a model of consistency this season, winning three of his eight races, and going close on his last two starts at York and Redcar. Indeed, his third placed effort at York earned the gelding a career-best speed rating of 72, which proves that he is still on an upward curve. Back down a notch in class today and with underfoot conditions to suit, this pencilled in 11-4 shot could easily get back to winning ways.

Plumpton 2-15 Novices Hurdle (Class 4) 18f

LTO Speed: Gateway To Europe 95 Archimento 74 Not Going Out 49

GATEWAY TO EUROPE got off the mark over hurdles at Fontwell last month, while at the same time managing to generate a list-dominant speed rating of 95. Effective on good ground and faster, and taking on same class rivals this afternoon, this consistent gelding must have every chance of going in again.

Plumpton 3-45 Conditions Hurdle (Class 4) 16f

LTO Speed: Local Affair 89 Highway To Success 63 Limelighter 42

LOCAL AFFAIR should soon be winning over hurdles, that's if she can build on her fast-time second to Zeb Spirit at Fontwell a fortnight ago. The form of the race looks solid too, with the third horse home having run almost as fast at Worcester on his previous outing. Further encouragement can be drawn from the fact that none of the selection's seven rivals have a menacing profile.

Plumpton 4-15 Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 25f

LTO Speed: Percy Street 109 Glanvilles Guest 88 Young Wolf 88

PERCY STREET (nb) has been pencilled in as the 5-1 outsider for this four-runner handicap hurdle, which can be considered generous given his superior speed ratings of 109, 105 and 103. Granted, the selection is up a notch in class today, having only been placed at Class 4 level last time out, but I'm sure speed followers will be only too willing to look past this minor detail ! It will be interesting to see how he trades in the live market.

REST OF THE RACECARDS ...

Hamilton
 

Hamilton 2-00 Handicap (Class 5) 6f