Alan Thomson's Tips: Ger eyes Hamilton double

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TOP Irish trainer Ger Lyons has targeted two modest events at Hamilton and has prospects of a double with LADY NATHANIEL (4.0) and VISCOUNT WILSON (5.0).

The former contests the fillies’ mile and although only tenth at Dundalk she wasn’t beaten far under a big burden. Lady Nathaniel may be good enough to defy joint top weight against some exposed sorts, with the betting market an obvious guide.

Viscount Wilson has been found a weak handicap and although joint top weight, this Class 6 contest isn’t strong.

He made his handicap debut against 15 rivals on heavy ground at Gowran Park earlier this month and after a slow break stayed on into the middle of the pack. Viscount Wilson had shown a glimpse of ability in a Dundalk maiden (fifth) last October.

Troop was beaten half a length by If We Can Can at Redcar but is a whopping 13lb better off under 7lb apprentice Andrew Breslin. Who knows if that form amounts to much.

Amity Island’s first try on turf wasn’t a bad one at Thirsk, running on into third behind in-form Odds On Oli. Plansina twice beat Odds On Oli over the winter at Newcastle but she doesn’t seem so good on the grass.

CORTON LAD (3.30) has underfoot conditions in his favour and may enjoy an uncontested lead in the 1m 3f handicap.

He finished one place behind Theglasgowwarrior in the Braveheart Handicap but has a small weight pull. Last year Corton Lad also ran fifth in the Braveheart off a mark of 91 and the handicapper has given Keith Dalgleish’s gelding a chance racing off 79. He looks the wrong price at a general 12-1.

Iain Jardine’s Jabbaar is in great heart and carries a 6lb penalty for his stylish Chester success last Saturday. He will take some beating on that form but this fast ground isn’t really what he wants.

Trading Punches ran a fine second to easy Godolphin winner Extra Mile at Newcastle and has a definite chance if staying this longer trip.

There are some dodgy characters going to post for the 1m 1f handicap and FALCON’S FIRE (4.30) wouldn’t be one for the mortgage.

However, he ran in this race last year off 74 and has plummeted to a mark of 53. Falcon’s Fire runs some of his better races at Hamilton and he is preferred to stablemates New Abbey Angel and Quiet Moment.

Jardine’s Colour Contrast has hit the crossbar lately at Musselburgh and Ayr and this is another golden opportunity. Like many in the line-up, however, he has developed the knack of losing to a fine art.