Richard Birch's play of the day at Huntingdon

Hamartia
4.25 Huntingdon

Best bet at Huntingdon is Hamartia, who tackles the 2m7½f mares’ handicap chase (4.25) after a career-best second at Ffos Las. Time may tell that Hamartia faced mission impossible in trying to concede 15lb under 12st to lightly raced improver Shiroccosmagicbaby at Ffos Las.

The Neil Mulholland-trained mare was beaten only four and a quarter lengths after looking likely to be trounced when the winner cruised to the front three out. The third, Jessie Lightfoot, has since franked the form with a comfortable win at Southwell off an unchanged mark.

Hamartia’s previous fourth-placed finish at Fakenham also reads well. The winner, Ballylinch, has since gone down by just a length at Hexham to Dr Shirocco, who ran a fine race in defeat on a return visit last Tuesday. Elleon, the Fakenham second, has since won at Haydock and Hexham.

Hamartia meets Moon Eagle on 4lb better terms than when they finished third and fourth behind Game On For Glory at Ludlow in February, and Mulholland attempts to add more focus to his mare’s game by equipping her with cheekpieces for the first time. She holds outstanding claims in a weak race.