Manager’s Thoughts – Lumenbourg at Hamilton

We head to Hamilton today with just the one runner as Lumenbourg takes his chance in the 4.45 Handicap under Ryan Sexton.

The decision has been made to drop him back to six furlongs, which we feel is the right move at this stage. He’s shown plenty of speed in his work and this trip should give him the chance to travel more comfortably through his race.

Last time out he didn’t quite get the ground he prefers, but with a bit of rain around today conditions should be much more in his favour. Importantly, he also steps down into Class 6 company – the same grade in which he recorded his last win – so we know he’s capable of being very competitive at this level.

It’s a competitive race and, as ever at Hamilton, positioning will be key. We don’t want him getting to the front too early, but if Ryan can deliver him late he should be finishing strongly. On paper, he’s got a genuine favourite’s chance, and while we’d be disappointed if he’s not in the first three, it certainly wouldn’t surprise us if he were to get his head in front again.