Hamilton preview: Prince Gagarin the Glasgow Stakes choice

Prince Gagarin has posted two excellent efforts this season, and looks the one to beat in the Listed 1m 2f Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton this evening (20.15) now eased in grade.

The Ed Dunlop trained colt had a progressive profile as a juvenile last season when winning two of his five starts.

After shaping with bags of promise when a one length third to the very useful Nafaqa on his debut at Newbury, Prince Gagarin opened his account in good style at Newmarket.

Prince Gagarin went on to round off the campaign with a most impressive display in a 1m Listed contest at Pontefract, coming from off the pace to draw clear and readily beat Teofilio’s Princess by 2 1/4 lengths.

This son of Dubawi then ran very well on seasonal reappearance when third in the Dee Stakes at Chester, before posting a career-best effort last time out when a 1 3/4 length third to Curvy in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh.

The winner is a rapidly improving and top class filly who has since gone on to land the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, so the form looks very strong in the context of this lower grade contest.

Prince Gagarin will also appreciate the cut in the ground, and any further rainfall will only further enhance his chances.

In the Scottish Stewards’ Cup (19.40), Fast Shot looks decent each-way value having fallen to a dangerous mark.

The Tim Easterby trained gelding landed back-to-back handicaps last spring, with the last of those successes coming at Ripon off a rating of 93.

Fast Shot went on to finish a cracking fifth of 27 to Louis The Pious in the Ayr Gold Cup off 96, and also ran very well on his seasonal reappearance at Newcastle when third off 94.

The eight-year-old has failed to trouble the judge in four subsequent outings, but is now able to race off just 88.

That is 5lb lower than when last successful, and that gives Fast Shot major each-way claims at the weights on the pick of his form.

Connections are also now fitting Fast Shot with the cheekpieces for the first time and, if they have the desired effect, the son of Fasileyev looks capable of running a huge race on ground which is ideal.

Selections:
18.05: Ellaal
18.40: War Queen
19.10: Chookie’s Lass
19.40: Fast Shot (NB)
20.15: Prince Gagarin (NAP)
20.45: Henpecked
21.15: Diddy Eric