Today's Horse Racing Tips: Meraas to star at Hamilton on Friday

Yesterday’s selection was backed into favouritism but lost out in a close finish. Prince Of Bel Lir was suited by the step up to seven furlongs but the line came just too soon as he stayed on well down the outside. 

There is one bet for tonight’s racing at Hamilton.

Hamilton Tip

19:30 – 6f Heineken UK Scottish Stewards’ Cup Handicap (Class 2)

If the claim of jockey Andrew Breslin is factored in, then top weight MERAAS (NAP – 1 point win bet at 11/2) is effectively 3lbs better off than when he won this race last year. That came by a comfortable 1.75-lengths after he travelled beautifully through the race. 

Although a high draw is probably preferred over this trip, he will break from the same stall as last year (1) and should have no problem taking up his usual prominent position. He went on to be beaten by less than three-lengths in the 27-runner Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood before ending last season with two lesser efforts when dropped down in trip. 

He was gelded and underwent wind surgery over the winter before returning in a three-runner conditions race at Haydock earlier this month. After leading for much of the race, he weakened close home as though he was in need of the run. That should have set him up nicely for this and he looks set for a decent season. 

Stablemate Desert Safari could pose the biggest threat ahead of the consistent Mr Wagyu.