Leicester, Hamilton and Cartmel

This afternoon´s flat racing in the U.K. comes from Leicester, Hamilton and Cartmel (N.H.). Some large fields, but only 4 seem likely to line up in Leicester´s class 3 conditions race for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET, the best race of the day on ratings. Henry Cecil´s German-owned Ancient Lights (Ted Durcan) made a pleasing debut when winning at Newmarket in May and may be able to cope with this step up in class, but in theory he is held by John Gosden´s Pampas Cat (Jimmy Fortune), beaten less than 5 lengths in a listed race at Royal Ascot last time. Andrew Balding has his string in excellent form and 9yo Irony (David Probert) may be good enough to defeat 14 opponents in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.15, where last-time-out winners Manchurian (Mark Walace/ Jamie Sperncer) and Eastern Empire (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby)seem the obvious dangers. At Hamilton, the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.35 looks the best betting race on the card and there is little to choose between top-weight Westport (Kevin Ryan/ Colin Gillies), Grazeon Gold Blend (John Quinn/ Robert Winston) and last-time-out winners Steel City Boy (cult trainer-jockey Ann Stokell) and Optical Illusion (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton). At Cartmel there could be another Irish benefit, with trainers Gordon Elliott and James Lambe each possibly landing a double. Elliott´s best chances are Bauhaus at 15.30 and Lydon House at 16.05, while Lambe can score with Commanche Topgun at 17.15 and Yachvili at 18.20; all four will be partnered by Tony McCoy.