Book Your Christmas Party Hamilton Park Handicap Stakes

Annandale ran a cracker last time, finishing second six days ago, and has run over today's trip and going — he maps as a lively threat from stall five carrying 135 lb, though the quick turnaround is the one question connections must answer.

Sophiesticate arrives on the back of a win last time out and has experience of both today's trip and going, giving her solid claims here; the main risk is whether 134 lb proves too stiff a burden at this level.

Dubai Venture has been in fine form, finishing second last time out and second two starts back, with a win three starts back, and he handles today's trip and going; the concern is that 134 lb is a stiff burden to overcome.

Vampire Slayer has shown he can mix it at this level, finishing second two starts back and a second four starts back, and he has experience over today's trip and conditions; winless in his last five, and 166 days off the track, but a rating of 68 marks him as the one to beat here.

Hickton has managed just one win in his last six starts, finishing fifth last time out and no better than sixth in the two runs prior, so it is hard to make a case for him against stronger-rated rivals, though he has run over today's trip and going before and returns on a quick turnaround in reasonable nick.