Good Morning Alex claimed a shock Hamilton handicap result at 22/1 on Sunday in the Big Drew Hunter Memorial Handicap Stakes, according to the official result at the Scottish track. The four-year-old, ridden by Connor Beasley for trainers David and Nicola Barron, finished ahead of much-shorter-priced runners in heavy ground over 1m½f.
The winning margin was just 0.05 lengths from Rajapour at 28/1, with the 3/1 joint-favourite Maximising third and 0.5 lengths further back. Few expected a Hamilton handicap result at those odds, given the market had favoured horses rated significantly higher. Barron’s runner, officially 70-rated, produced a speed rating of 81 in conditions always likely to suit a willing stayer.
Good Morning Alex Delivers 22/1 Shock For Barron
Rajapour, trained by David O’Meara and rated 84, seemed formidable on the ratings but could not get past Beasley’s mount close home. Maximising, from Kevin Philippart de Foy’s yard, was also expected to press hard as one of the two 3/1 joint-favourites but weakened in the heavy ground. Lucky Camino at 16/1 rounded out the minor placings, beaten 0.75 lengths in fourth.
Our morning preview examined the prospects for Celtic Storm in the restricted maiden, though the Big Drew Hunter produced the afternoon’s headline. The Hamilton handicap result was a reminder that staying power and heavy-ground form count for more than official ratings in the worst conditions. Beasley and the Barrons have built a strong partnership on testing ground.
