Musselburgh Placepot: Wednesday February 12

Radio Nowhere jumped boldly at Newcastle and could have more to offer in this sphere so we will bank on him...

Musselburgh is the only course that can provide national hunt action on Wednesday and that is where we head for our Placepot attempt...

13:40- A tricky low-grade affair kicks things off and the first horse that we will side with is Tears From Heaven as he shaped with some promise here last month, proving that he still retains his ability. He seems to go well at this venue (won a three-mile handicap chase in 2012) and another bold bid looks likely. Fozy Moss has improved on his poor hurdles form since switched over fences and bounced back from some lesser efforts to score at Carlisle last week. Provided he has recovered from those exertions, he is likely to go well.

14:10- Fennell Bay was a useful Flat handicapper for Mark Johnston and he seems to have taken well to hurdling based on his easy success at Fakenham. He remains open to considerable progress in this sphere and is banker material.

14:40- Radio Nowhere finished fourth in a strong handicap hurdle at Doncaster and confirmed that he was back to form with a good second on his chasing debut at Newcastle. He jumped boldly on that occasion and could have more to offer in this sphere so we will bank on him in order to keep the lines down.

15:15- Willie Hall has found a bit of form of late, winning with more in hand than the bare margin would imply at Sedgefield last time, and he is the first horse worth turning to. He travelled extremely well at Sedgefield before idling markedly late on and seemed to have a bit up his sleeve. It is also worth including Some Lad as he was in good form when last seen in the spring and has gone well fresh in the past. 

15:50- Forced Family Fun made a successful handicap debut in a competitive-looking race at Doncaster last month, travelling well and showing a good turn of foot to quicken clear of the pack with another rival. He is likely to progress further and it is difficult to see him finishing out of the frame.

16:25- Golan Way is an interesting recruit to the Hunter Chase ranks and could take his rivals apart here, but, while he was generally tough and reliable under Rules, it is worth noting that he has refused to race before. With Golan Way likely to take up much of the pool, we will take him on with Habbie Simpson and Beggar's Velvet. Habbie Simpson was a useful hurdler as a novice and clearly retains some ability based on his win in this sphere at Wetherby last year, while Beggar's Velvet was fairly useful over fences and can make an impact in this type of race.

Selections:
13:40- 3, 5
14:10- 1
14:40- 6
15:15- 13, 14
15:50- 9 
16:25- 2, 3
= 8 lines 

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The 80/20 Bet: Sunday, Musselburgh, 14:30

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Donald McCain: The verdict on my Musselburgh runners

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Paul Nicholls: The views on my three Musselburgh runners today

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Musselburgh Placepot: Sunday February 2

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Donald McCain: Overturn the star attraction at Musselburgh

"This looks the ideal race for him (Overturn) to complete his Cheltenham preparations in – given the weather we’ve had, the chance to run him on decent ground is a real bonus and fingers crossed he’ll maintain his unbeaten record over fences...."

Donald has a busy afternoon at Musselburgh with Overturn having his last run before heading for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Musselburgh

13.00 2m Novice Chase - Overturn

This looks the ideal race for him to complete his Cheltenham preparations in - given the weather we've had, the chance to run him on decent ground is a real bonus and fingers crossed he'll maintain his unbeaten record over fences. Tetlami is a useful performer but he wasn't in our league over hurdles and this does look a perfect opportunity for us.

13.30 3m Novice Hurdle - Witness In Court

This looks a warm race but he's rated 132 and he either steps up in class or runs in a competitive handicap. I think he might well improve for this longer trip and although he needs to, he's in grand form at home. As I say, this does have some good novices in it but we go there with a chance and it should give us a much better idea as to where we stand with him going forwards.

14.00 2m4f Novice Chase - Desert Cry

To me, he's been shaping as though he might get a bit further now and although it's a good race, he must have a solid chance. He won his last two in good style and although this is a step up in class, he was capable of smart form over hurdles on his day. We've probably got Tap Night to beat but there wouldn't have been a lot between them over hurdles and if he does find the longer trip suiting, he's got to go close.

15.00 2m Handicap Chase - Swift Arrow

He seems to have taken well to this track and has been running well all winter. He's gone up in the weights and realistically I would think he would find a couple too strong but it's a decent prize for a horse like him to be going for and the conditions won't be a problem.

16.00 2m4f Hunter Chase - Cloudy Lane

The trip is probably just on the sharp side for him round here but we need to get a run into him and this probably isn't a particularly strong race. He showed he wasn't a back number at Aintree last season and although he's 13 now, he still retains plenty of enthusiasm and ability.

16.30 2m4f Handicap Hurdle - Smadynium

I am not sure how well handicapped he is but he's going the right way and I would think that the longer trip would be in his favour. He won well on his only previous visit here and conditions should suit. He's open to more improvement than some of these and although 126 isn't a gift of an opening mark, the trip might prove the key to him.

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Paul Nicholls: My Sunday runners at Musselburgh

Paul Nicholls on Sametegal:

"He won an admittedly modest race really impressively at Wetherby in November."

Paul Nicholls talks exclusively to Betfair about his intended runners at Musselburgh on Sunday afternoon...

13:30 Musselburgh - Aerial

154-rated chaser who was proving difficult to place, so we took advantage of the fact that he is a novice over hurdles and ran him in a Grade 2 over 3m at Cheltenham last time. And he certainly wasn't disgraced when finishing a 6 length second to Coneygree. Today's better ground shouldn't be a problem - in fact, his best chase performances for me probably came on good ground - so he must have a fair shout.

14:30 Musselburgh - Sametegal

Won an admittedly modest race really impressively at Wetherby in November. And Ruby was of the opinion there wasn't much between him and Far West. So we went to Doncaster for a better race expecting a good run, and he certainly ran well to finish a length second to Kashmir Peak, to whom we were giving 3lb. But in hindsight we perhaps could have made more use of him there. So perhaps he will be ridden differently today. But, either way, the bare form of his Doncaster run gives him decent claims - we have a 3lb pull with the winner, for starters - and I would be hopeful there would be improvement to come.

16:00 Musselburgh - Gwanako

The plan is to run him at Sandown on Saturday, but this is a safety net in case that meeting is off. 

16:30 Musselburgh - Salubrious

I think a combination of the trip and heavy ground counted against him last time, but hopefully 2m4f on better ground can see him to better effect here. He clearly bumped into one when second to At Fishers Cross at Newbury previously - though admittedly those behind him haven't advertised the form - and I think a mark of 133 is fair enough. Harry's 3lb claim in these conditional races is very handy, too.

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Musselburgh Placepot: Sunday April 8

Daily Placepots / Dominic Finn / 08 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Mick Channon: Trainer of Perfect Words.

"A repetition of Perfect Words’ performances in the Brocklesbury, then at Folkestone four days ago, will be enough for him to make the first two..."

The day's sole Flat meeting at Musselburgh is more competitive than either of the National Hunt cards and strikes as the best venue for a placepot...

13.50 - A repetition of Perfect Words' performances in the Brocklesbury, then at Folkestone four days ago, will be enough for him to make the first two in the two-year-old seller, so banking on him looks the way to go.

2.20 - The second race isn't anywhere near so clear cut with the favourite Arganil hard to trust and plenty of others making their reappearance. One of those that tends to go well fresh is Boundaries, who dropped to a handy mark towards the end of 2011 and is worth chancing to overcome stall 1. The well drawn Ingleby Star is likely to benefit from the return to turf after a couple of below-par efforts on polytrack, so is also worth having on side.

2.50 - Rothesay Chancer thrived at Musselburgh in the early part of last year and, with the pick of the draw, is worth having on side to make the three in the second sprint on the card. Crimea had a quiet 2011, only appearing three times, but he returns on a handy mark and the Dandy Nicholls stable has made a good start to the season, so he's also worth having on side.

15.20 - Horses that leave Aidan O'Brien and move to a lesser yard rarely improve so the percentage call is to oppose the ungenuine President Lincoln in the maiden with Hawks Reef and Three Darlings, who have just three runs between them and look open to improvement.

15.50 - Shubaat is certainly a very interesting runner in the penultimate leg, but a horse that made just one appearance last year and now returns from another lengthy absence isn't the right type for a placepot so he's opposed with Jeu de Vivre and Meetings Man, who are both very consistent and have a combined record of 1222 at Musselburgh.

16.20 - No need to look beyond the head of the betting in the final leg, Maid of Meft was impressive at Wolverhampton on her first outing for a new stable earlier in the week and Ministerofinterior is thrown in from 53 based on the form he's been showing over hurdles recently.

Selections:

13:50 - 1
14:20 - 5, 6
14:50 - 1, 7
15:20 - 5, 9
15:50 - 9, 10
16:25 - 1, 6
= 32 lines

Timeform's Joe Szekeres offers his Placepot permutation at Kempton on Easter Saturday and he is hoping to land the prize with just 16 lines......

An unsuccessful placepot at Wolverhampton last night has made Timeform's Matt Gardner all the more determined to land the prize at Folkestone this afternoon......

Wolverhampton's evening meeting is in the placepot line of fire on Wednesday for Timeform's Matt Gardner......

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Musselburgh

Going Report / Editor / 08 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse: Musselburgh
First Race Time: 13:50
Going: Good to Soft
Other Information: Dry last 24 hours. Today will be cloudy with bright spells, 10ºC.

Racecourse: Towcester First Race Time: 14:10 Going: Good Other Information: 1mm of rain overnight...

Racecourse: Plumpton First Race Time: 14:30 Going: Good, Good to Firm in places (watered) Other Information: 0.5mm of rain overnight...

Racecourse: Kempton Park First Race Time: 13:35 Going: Standard...

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Nick Shiambouros' Patented 80/20 Bet: Musselburgh, 15:20

80/20 / Nick Shiambouros / 08 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Today's selection sounds like he was born to lead - can he show the field who's no.1 in the 15:20 at Musselburgh?

Today's 80/20 is President Lincoln in the 15:20 at Musselburgh.

This beautifully-bred individual finished a close second to Zabarajad at Gowran Park last July. He looked like winning a furlong from home but was collared close home by the game winner. I think he sets a decent standard in this event and should go close at a fair price. At present he is trading at [4.7] on the exchange.

Tactfully does it for Nick today......

We're at Folkestone today folks but who is Nick backing for 80/20 glory?...

Nick explains why he believes today's 80/20 is set for a big run......

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Nick Shiambouros' Patented 80/20 Bet: Musselburgh, 13:40

80/20 / Nick Shiambouros / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Today's selection is running at Musselburgh but who is it?

Today's 80/20 is Regal Park in the 13.40 at Musselburgh.

This gelding finished seventh to Ile De Re at Huntingdon last month. He met a great deal of interference at the fourth flight of hurdles which cost him valuable ground. I believe this former flat performer has ability though and is well worth another chance. At present he is trading at [4.3] on the exchange.

Nick explains why he's back a Star turn at Southwell on Wednesday afternoon......

Handling the underfoot conditions today may be the key but can Nick's selection find it?...

We're at Wolverhampton today but whose chances is Nick howling about?...

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Weekend Review: Grand Annual pointers at Musselburgh

Latest News / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh staged National Hunt action on Saturday.

"de Boitron is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season..."

Timeform look back at a weekend featuring National Hunt racing from Musselburgh on Saturday, as well as mixed action on the all-weather, and some notable international results...

The Donald McCain-trained Tara Royal landed the spoils in the Scottish Champion Chase, beating Woody Waller and de Boitron into second and third respectively. Tara Royal found everything clicking into place for him, matching his highest ever Timeform chase rating of 136 after jumping and travelling with enthusiasm (jumping had previously looked an issue) throughout.

The race is likely to prove one of the best two-mile handicaps run in the north this season, potentially providing a very good guide to the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival next month. The winner was authoritative in his victory but it is the third, de Boitron, who really appeals for the aforementioned race.

The eight-year-old is indicative of his yard in that he tends to come good in the spring, and he is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season. Ferdy Murphy's record in Cheltenham handicaps is an excellent one, and Saturday's race may well have provided the perfect springboard to the Festival.

Stormy Weather was given a masterful ride to win the Scottish County Hurdle, gently coaxed into contention by Denis O'Regan before gradually getting the upper hand after the final flight. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding has shown signs of temperament in the past, but he may well be a handicapper to stick with now that he has recorded two successes on the bounce.

Bold Sir Brian's 22-length novice chase victory was undeniably impressive, almost certainly improving to some degree, but the race is difficult to assess accurately with the departure of Chester Lad at the twelfth fence. However, the winner overcame being hampered by that rival, looking a smart chaser in the making, and one that would be more than worth a second look if lining up in the Jewson, for which he is currently available to back at [42.0].

Moving on to Lingfield's polytrack, where Haadeeth and Nubar Boy took a division of the Sprint Series qualifier each. The former had the run of the race on his first start for David Evans and his overall record is far from convincing, but Nubar Boy looked better than ever, helped by the strong pace, and is likely to continue to give a good account.

Taajub, having caught the eye on numerous occasions in the past couple of months, confirmed previous impressions to beat Sulis Minerva by half a length in the five-furlong handicap. He will remain well treated having been runner-up in both the Gimcrack and Cornwallis as a juvenile, but seemingly needs everything to drop right in order to give his best.

At Caulfield, Australia, outstanding mare Black Caviar extended her unbeaten run to 18 in the CF Orr Stakes, where she stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time. She is likely to be seen again in the near future, possibly as soon as next weekend, before potentially heading to the Dubai Carnival and then on to a tilt at Royal Ascot.

Southwell staged a "Jumpers' Bumpers" card on Sunday, where Abergavenny showed himself to be in good heart back from a short break when recording an eight-length victory. He is likely to be of interest in high-end handicaps in the future (he could yet run in Friday's rescheduled Betfair Hurdle), and may be worth a step up in trip when returned to timber.

There was fascinating racing in Ireland over the weekend, from Naas on Saturday and Leopardstown on Sunday, with the likes of Last Instalment, Quel Esprit and Bog Warrior all in winning form.

Voler La Vedette is to head for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham without another racecourse appearance....

French-bred Quel Esprit gave Willie Mullins his eighth Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup success when making all under Ruby Walsh in the Leopardstown showpiece on Sunday....

Colm Murphy faces a race against time to get Quito De La Roque ready for Cheltenham after the Grade 1 winner scoped badly last week....

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Weekend Review: Grand Annual pointers at Musselburgh

Latest News / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh staged National Hunt action on Saturday.

"de Boitron is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season..."

Timeform look back at a weekend featuring National Hunt racing from Musselburgh on Saturday, as well as mixed action on the all-weather, and some notable international results...

The Donald McCain-trained Tara Royal landed the spoils in the Scottish Champion Chase, beating Woody Waller and de Boitron into second and third respectively. Tara Royal found everything clicking into place for him, matching his highest ever Timeform chase rating of 136 after jumping and travelling with enthusiasm (jumping had previously looked an issue) throughout.

The race is likely to prove one of the best two-mile handicaps run in the north this season, potentially providing a very good guide to the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival next month. The winner was authoritative in his victory but it is the third, de Boitron, who really appeals for the aforementioned race.

The eight-year-old is indicative of his yard in that he tends to come good in the spring, and he is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season. Ferdy Murphy's record in Cheltenham handicaps is an excellent one, and Saturday's race may well have provided the perfect springboard to the Festival.

Stormy Weather was given a masterful ride to win the Scottish County Hurdle, gently coaxed into contention by Denis O'Regan before gradually getting the upper hand after the final flight. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding has shown signs of temperament in the past, but he may well be a handicapper to stick with now that he has recorded two successes on the bounce.

Bold Sir Brian's 22-length novice chase victory was undeniably impressive, almost certainly improving to some degree, but the race is difficult to assess accurately with the departure of Chester Lad at the twelfth fence. However, the winner overcame being hampered by that rival, looking a smart chaser in the making, and one that would be more than worth a second look if lining up in the Jewson, for which he is currently available to back at [42.0].

Moving on to Lingfield's polytrack, where Haadeeth and Nubar Boy took a division of the Sprint Series qualifier each. The former had the run of the race on his first start for David Evans and his overall record is far from convincing, but Nubar Boy looked better than ever, helped by the strong pace, and is likely to continue to give a good account.

Taajub, having caught the eye on numerous occasions in the past couple of months, confirmed previous impressions to beat Sulis Minerva by half a length in the five-furlong handicap. He will remain well treated having been runner-up in both the Gimcrack and Cornwallis as a juvenile, but seemingly needs everything to drop right in order to give his best.

At Caulfield, Australia, outstanding mare Black Caviar extended her unbeaten run to 18 in the CF Orr Stakes, where she stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time. She is likely to be seen again in the near future, possibly as soon as next weekend, before potentially heading to the Dubai Carnival and then on to a tilt at Royal Ascot.

Southwell staged a "Jumpers' Bumpers" card on Sunday, where Abergavenny showed himself to be in good heart back from a short break when recording an eight-length victory. He is likely to be of interest in high-end handicaps in the future (he could yet run in Friday's rescheduled Betfair Hurdle), and may be worth a step up in trip when returned to timber.

There was fascinating racing in Ireland over the weekend, from Naas on Saturday and Leopardstown on Sunday, with the likes of Last Instalment, Quel Esprit and Bog Warrior all in winning form.

Voler La Vedette is to head for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham without another racecourse appearance....

French-bred Quel Esprit gave Willie Mullins his eighth Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup success when making all under Ruby Walsh in the Leopardstown showpiece on Sunday....

Colm Murphy faces a race against time to get Quito De La Roque ready for Cheltenham after the Grade 1 winner scoped badly last week....

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Musselburgh

Daily Racing Info / Editor / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse Musselburgh
First Race Time 2.15pm
Going Good, Good to Firm in places on the round course
Other Information Dry overnight. Dry and bright today, becoming breezy later in the afternoon.

All the latest price movements on Betfair's racing markets....

All the early price fluctuations from Betfair's racing markets...

All the early market movers from Betfair's racing markets....

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Musselburgh Placepot: Sunday September 25

Daily Placepots / Timeform / 25 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh racecourse.

"Tracy Waggot’s stable has just hit top form and there’s a reasonable chance Nufoudh could get loose on the front end"

Musselburgh is the target for Sunday's placepot.

14:15 - There are more in-form sorts in the opener than the majority of claimers, but Ajdaad and Stags Leap stand out on form, so it's difficult to see both of them being out of the three.

14:45 - The second race is trappy too, but it's hard to see both Idler and Shevington being out of the two. The former showed much improved form returning from a break at Yarmouth last time and is entitled to build on that again, while Shevington was simply pitched in too high on the back of an encouraging debut and can get back on track returned to calmer waters.

15:20 - Cara's Request is really well handicapped and the return to a sharp, turning track might be just what he needs to spark a revival, so I think he's worth chancing for an in-form yard, while the consistent Kingswinford provides a slightly more solid option.

15:55 - Tracy Waggot's stable has just hit top form and there's a reasonable chance Nufoudh could get loose on the front end, so I think he's well worth having on side in the second of the seven-furlong handicaps along with Boy The Bell, who shaped as if still in top form at Beverley last time.

16:30 - The penultimate leg looks very competitive on paper, but both Metropolitan Miss and Deity fall into a similar bracket in that they're dropping down in class of handicap. The latter definitely has the most potential in the race after just three runs, so I expect at least one of that pair to make the first three.

17: 00 - Richard Fahey has already had an excellent weekend and there's a chance the final leg (a five-furlong nursery) will be set up ideally for Valley of Hope's hold up style. With that in mind, she goes in along with Doyouknowhoiam, who shaped particularly well at Thirsk a couple of starts ago and could be helped by the first-time cheekpieces.

Selections: 64 lines

14:15 - 5, 8
14:45 - 1, 3
15:20 - 1, 4
15:55 - 6, 8
16:30 - 1, 2
17:00 - 3, 7

The Cambridgeshire makes for one of the toughest placepots of the year, but this afternoon's supporting races give us the chance to save some lines......

Timeform's Joe Szekeres attempts to land a share of the record-breaking £2.5m+ Jackpot at Newmarket this afternoon and reckons you don't need to spend a fortune......

Phil Thompson is back and has a crack at the Newmarket Placepot this afternoon......

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Musselburgh

Going Report / Editor / 03 September 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse Musselburgh
First Race Time 2.35pm
Going Round course - good
Straight course - good to soft, good in places
Other Information 2mm of rain overnight. Possibility of light showers this morning with a dry afternoon forecast and temperatures up to 21 degrees.

Racecourse Haydock Park First Race Time 2.00pm Going Good to firm, good in places Other Information Dry overnight. Chance of a shower later....

Racecourse Kempton Park First Race Time 2.15pm Going Standard Other Information...

Racecourse Stratford-on-Avon First Race Time 2.20pm Going Good to firm, good in places Other Information Dry overnight. Fine day forecast. Selective watering taking place this morning (8mm being applied to home straight). 30mm of irrigation applied to track last week....

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Musselburgh

Going Report / Editor / 23 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Racecourse: Musselburgh
First Race Time: 13:55
Going: Good
Other Information: Showery rain forecast for today, 12-13ºC

Racecourse: Sandown Park First Race Time: 13:30 Going: Good, Good to Firm in places Other Information: Dry overnight...

Racecourse: Newton Abbot First Race Time: 14:00 Going: Good, Good to Firm in places Other Information: Dry overnight and a warm day forecast. Going stick 8.0....

Racecourse: Carlisle First Race Time: 14:10 Going: Good to Firm, Good down the hill Other Information: Dry overnight...

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Musselburgh Placepot: Saturday April 23

Daily Placepots / Andrew Mealor / 23 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Today's placepot comes from Musselburgh

"Mark Johnston is triple handed [in the 15:40], and Nave looks the pick of his entries after a promising return at Beverley."

Timeform's Andrew Mealor heads up to Musselburgh for today's placepot attempt...

13:55 - It's hard to make a strong case for many in this 3-y-o handicap. Dr Red Eye will likely be popular making his handicap debut but Southwell form often doesn't translate elsewhere and it's worth banking that Johnny Hancocks will make the two. He came right back to his best when second at Kempton earlier in the month and is perfectly drawn in stall 1 (front runner).

14:30 - Richard Hannon's Mr Majeika is interesting among the newcomers, but Alejandro ran to a level good enough to win most maidens in the North when second at Ripon first time up, beating the other two with experience in this in the process, and he also rates as banker material.

15:05 - Glen's Diamond looks to have been let off lightly with only a 7 lb rise for winning what has proved a very strong nursery at Newmarket last August, and the only thing stopping him being another banker is the fact he wasn't seen out again after that. A few of the others look open to improvement, but from a handicapping point of view Kalleidoscope is very interesting having beaten a couple of rivals now rated in the 90s when scoring at Beverley last summer.

15:40 - Decent prize money has attracted a useful field for this handicap but given the time of year the runners are likely to be at different stages of readiness. Mark Johnston is triple handed, and Nave looks the pick of his entries after a promising return at Beverley, shaping as if ready for the step up to this trip. He's first on the list, soon followed by his stable-companion Becausewecan, who slid down the weights during a winless 2010 and has a good record fresh. Ubi Ace and Deauville Post arrive on the back of wins but are both doubtful stayers over this far, so our third selection is Beat The Rush, who was progressive for much of last year and will be suited by the step up in trip.

16:10 - This is not usually the sort of race to have a banker in, but it's hard to see Hamish McGonagall not making the first two. He's very consistent for starters, has a good record at the track, is favoured by race conditions (unpenalised for his three handicap wins last season), and has showed his well-being already this year with a non-staying third over 6f at Thirsk.

16:45 - A handicap that lacks depth to finish off. Oddsmaker is a standing dish around here, and although well held at Catterick on his return, he was 7 lb out of the weights that day and should find this task much more suitable, the booking of Paul Hanagan catching the eye, too. Petella made the frame at this course on both her first two starts last year and can repeat the dose starting back for a new yard, who have already saddled a couple of winners on the level this year.

Selections
13:55 - 1
14:30 - 1
15:05 - 1, 5
15:40 - 4, 5, 11
16:10 - 5
16:45 - 1, 2

= 12 lines

Tomorrow is Good Friday, which means no racing, so no doubt several esteemed members of Timeform's editorial team will be at a complete loss with what to do with themselves. Having some disposable income may spark their imaginations somewhat, so let's try and knock it out of the park with small stakes at Ludlow today....

Epsom is the venue for today's crack at the placepot......

It should be an excellent atmosphere at Pontefract this afternoon, but the card also provides an ideal placepot target....

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Timeform Daily: Scottish Triumph Hurdle, Musselburgh 14:30

Race of the Day / Timeform / 06 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Scottish Triumph Hurdle takes place at Musselburgh on Sunday

"Titan de Sarti won both starts on Flat in French Provinces and weight of support for current yard suggests he's well regarded for all he's still to get off the mark over hurdles."

There's a good quality card at Leopardstown in Ireland, but Musselburgh also features a couple of really interesting contests, including the Scottish Triumph Hurdle...

Danceintothelight quickly gained compensation for unfortunate fall on hurdles bow when landing the spoils at Hexham. Much better form when following up at Catterick and respected for all this is tougher again.

Meetings Man was successful first 2 starts in juvenile hurdles despite making mistakes, and since finished runner-up twice. Needs to step up again if he is to overcome his penalties here.

Jolly Roger showed fairly useful form when landing 1¼m Redcar seller in October, and benefited from initial experience over hurdles when successful at Huntingdon. Not a bad run at Kempton since but this no easier.

Music of the Moor was a fairly useful Flat performer who made successful switch to hurdles in heavy-ground event at Sandown last month. Saddle slipped at Newcastle on Wednesday and remains open to progress.

The Starboard Bow was a fairly useful stayer on Flat for Sylvester Kirk, successful in August. Strong in the betting and made all on hurdling debut over C&D in November. Latest sixth rather highlighted limitations, though.

Vosges finished runner-up a few times in juvenile hurdles before digging deep to land C&D event last month. Faces an altogether stiffer task in this company.

Eltheeb won 1¼m Goodwood handicap for John Dunlop in 2010. Jumped soundly on first outing over hurdles when third at Doncaster 3 weeks ago (not knocked about once held) and open to improvement.

Titan de Sarti won both starts on Flat in French Provinces and weight of support for current yard suggests he's well regarded for all he's still to get off the mark over hurdles. Sets a good standard in this.

Ananda Kanda won Haydock maiden at 2 yrs but has struggled in handicaps. Not seen since May and could have been found an easier opening for hurdling debut.

Truly Magic was a modest performer on Flat up to 1m for Harry Dunlop. Bought for just $700 in the autumn and very easy to swerve now going hurdling.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Titan de Sarti
2. Eltheeb
3. Danceintothelight

Timeform's View: Titan de Sarti has been expensive to follow in Britain but he clearly has plenty of ability and can justify the long trip north. Eltheeb ran a promising race on his hurdling debut and can do better, while Danceintothelight has place prospects at least.

There's a good quality card at Leopardstown in Ireland, but Musselburgh also features a couple of really interesting contests, including the Scottish Triumph Hurdle......

Timeform run the rule over the next week's racing, which starts with an all-star card at Leopardstown on Sunday and ends with another at Newbury on Saturday......

The Irish Hennessy meeting at Leopardstown is the last stepping stone before the Cheltenham Festival for many leading ante-post fancies from across the Irish Sea and the four Grade 1 events on the card all promise to be high-class renewals....

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