By Gordon Brown
DRAGON SYMBOL produced an impressive turn of foot to slam his rivals in the MansionBet Best Odds Guaranteed EBF Tangerine Trees Conditions Stakes at Hamilton Park’s opening meeting of the year on Sunday.
Ridden by Adam McNamara for Archie Watson, he extended his unbeaten record to four when putting long-time leader Significantly to the sword by three and a quarter lengths.
The winning jockey said: “It’s the first time I’ve ridden him on the track but the trainer is a genius and I’m really grateful to him for getting on such good horses. It’s his first time on turf and first time at five-furlongs and he gave me a great feel.
“He’s in the King’s Stand Stakes and Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and I’d say, given the way he travelled today, I’d say the extra furlong of the Commonwealth Cup will suit him better.”
The MansionBet Beaten By A Head Buttonhook Handicap saw a one-two for Mark Johnston as The Trader held off fast-finishing stable companion Hochfeld by a neck.
“I got a lovely split up the inner and that helped a lot,” said winning jockey Andrew Breslin. “I could sense our other horse coming home strong but crossing the line I knew we’d held on.”
Locally-based trainer Keith Dalgleish and Callum Rodriguez completed a short-priced double with Howzer Black and El Picador, who is co-owned by Hamilton Park chairman Sir Ian Good and his daughter Catriona.
For more information contact Gordon Brown on 07850 258063 for Scottish Racing.