Tartan Bearer looks set for final Derby tune-up at Hamilton

Published on Monday 12 May 2008 23:07

HAMILTON racegoers could be in for a real treat on Friday evening when leading Derby hope Tartan Bearer is in line to complete his Epsom preparations with an appearance in the Glasgow Stakes.

Sir Michael Stoute’s colt, a full brother to 2,000 Guineas and Royal Ascot winner Golan, has also been pencilled in for Thursday’s Dante at York, but latest jockey bookings suggest he and stable pilot Ryan Moore will be heading to Lanarkshire rather than the Knavesmire. Tartan Bearer’s stable companion Tam Lin lifted Hamilton’s Listed event two years ago and given his name, perhaps the Stoute yard think an outing north of the border is the ideal preparation for their latest Blue Riband contender whose owners, and breeders, Ballymacoll Stud were also responsible for 2004 Derby winner North Light.

Before all that kicks-off, there’s the small matter of a Uefa Cup final to consider and those who are unwilling to forego the delights of Perth tomorrow evening but are equally loathe to miss out on Rangers’ bid to win the trophy can stand easy. Events from Manchester will be shown live on the big screen in the centre of the track as well as on numerous televisions around the course so the best of both sporting worlds will be on offer.

Just in case Musselburgh feel left out of this Scottish racing round-up, the East Lothian venue needn’t fret. For the second year running, the track’s Ladies Day is heading for a sell-out and those who haven’t booked their tickets by 5pm this evening are in for a letdown.

“We’ve added an extra 1000 to the gate but it still is not enough to satisfy demand and only 300 tickets remain. We can only advise that if people have not secured a ticket by cut-off time tonight, they will not be able to attend Ladies Day,” said the course’s commercial manager Claire Sheppard. Back in God’s own country, even if Tartan Bearer opts out of a trip north, Hamilton’s Friday night card should still boast a real superstar in Alan Swinbank’s Turbo Linn.

The Scottish- owned mare is likely to embark on a sight-seeing tour this term as she bids to follow up on last season success when winning eight races on the bounce.

“Turbo Linn is going for the Braveheart Stakes and it’s just the weight difference we’ve got to worry about,” admitted Swinbank. “She’ll have 9st 4lb but I think she’s capable of carrying it although some of the bottom weights could be getting 16lb off her, which is a fair amount.”

For those who think I should be locked up for the calibre of recent naps, the choice of The Jailer as today’s best bet will surely strike a chord. The five-year-old is no world beater hence why he’s appearing in a seller at Brighton but his form on similar tracks, plus the 7lbs claim of his apprentice jockey, suggests he should be good enough to get both of us out of the clink.