Horse racing: What’s Up seeks form at Hamilton

Published on 28/06/2012 00:00

WHAT’S UP bids to bounce back to form in the EBF J C Stewart Fillies’ Handicap as the Saints & Sinners charity meeting returns to Hamilton Park this evening.

Kevin Ryan’s three-year-old takes a drop in class after only beating two home in last week’s Listed Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot

The Hambleton trainer said: “She’s being downgraded as she’s been running in the best company and we’re trying cheekpieces on as well. Hopefully a race of this nature will be within her compass as it will do her confidence the world of good to get her head in front.”

Ryan’s evening begins with Red Paladin in the Taggarts Motor Group Maiden Auction Stakes. He said: “He was very green on his debut but I was very happy with the run. It’s hard to say to say how much improvement he’ll find but most of ours come on for the run and he’s a nice type.”

Ryan also saddles Supreme Luxury in the Irn Bru Open Maiden Stakes and he added: “Her last two runs were very good and she was a little unlucky last time. I’m not saying she would have won without the trouble in running but she would probably have been second. She’s a nice big filly and she should improve.”

Meanwhile, stayer Blue Bajan is set to tackle the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday.

A winner in Group Two company last year, when he claimed the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, the David O’Meara-trained ten-year-old’s most recent start was when he finished down the field in this year’s renewal of the Henry II.

O’Meara said: “The intention is go for the Plate. I would prefer better ground, but he’ll probably run anyway.

“He seems fine and this will be his first time back in a handicap since the Chester Cup last year.”

Blue Bajan is a general 25-1 chance for the “Pitmen’s Derby”.