Star Cast travelled nicely into the race but was outstayed by the winner, who was comfortably on top at the line. The other broke well, travelled well into the straight, but found little and quickly went backwards to finish in midpack.
Never Just A Dream 12/1 (0.5pt EW, 4pl) – Hamilton 8.00
At the age of six, Never Just A Dream isn't going to find the heights that he was once at as a younger horse, but he can definitely do damage in a Class 4 race.
Terry Kent had a strong season last year, and he's not doing too badly in 2026 either. In the last fortnight, he has had two winners from five runners, which is a great return for such a small yard. He has only had Never Just A Dream for two runs, but I saw enough from him on his stable debut to believe he can win races this year.
They tried something different at Newmarket last time out, but it didn't work out. He rarely runs over five furlongs, and his best form is over a furlong further, so I think you've got to believe that wasn't a true showing. However, the money was strong for him that day. I think that he was as big as 50/1, but the money kept coming for him, and he went off at 14/1. Obviously, the money was squandered, but the fact that Terry is coming up to Hamilton makes plenty of appeal.
From what I can see, this is the yard's first-ever runner at Scotland. When something like this happens, I think it speaks volumes that a big performance is on the way. We know he is well handicapped on old form, and if he can improve a little from his stable debut, he's going to be in the picture at Hamilton.
Talismans Time 7/2 (1pt) – Carlisle 4.45
The favourite is priced up the way he is because he's trained by a very good trainer and is still an unexposed three-year-old. In my opinion, you can't be backing him at that price.
Shipshape has been in great form this year, and he is on an untouched handicap mark from last time out, where he finished second. Based on that, you've got to give him a chance, and he's arguably the one to beat due to his consistency. I wanted to give a chance to Talismans Time, who I believe has been racing in tougher races.
Edward Bethell's horse is carrying a heavy weight, but gets 5lb taken off by Cian Horgan. I don't think the weight will be the deciding factor if he isn't to win this, as he has been running against better horses at York, and I deem this is a step down in quality.
GambleAware