Musselburgh Races & Results Tomform Saturday 1st February 2025
There were 44 Races on Saturday 1st February 2025 across 6 meetings. There was 8 races at Wetherby, 7 races at Sandown, 6 races at Musselburgh, 7 races at Leopardstown, 8 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Wolverhampton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Saturday 1st February 2025
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(10) St Pancras 25/1, Fairly useful handicapper on Flat (stays 1¾m), successful twice in 2024. Gelded and given a breathing operation and ran to just a modest level on hurdling debut at Ascot a fortnight ago, perhaps needing the run more than he looked. Potential there to improve. Comfortably held in the Ascot race won by exciting Lulamba but may do better.
2
9
2nd (9) (11/1 -38%) Solar Drive
11
11/1(-38%)
(9) Solar Drive 11/1, Fair Flat winner who looks a straightforward sort in this sphere, scoring at Ballinrobe in September before a good second at Punchestown in October. Given a break and wouldn't completely dismiss. Steadily progressive form on Flat and over hurdles; good second at Punchestown last time.
3
4
3rd (4) (9/1 +55%) Johnny Ringo
9
9/1(+55%)
(4) Johnny Ringo 9/1, Fairly useful on Flat (stays 1¼m) and has made a positive start over hurdles in C&D events, successful on New Year's Day. Will need a lot more to follow up in this grade. Upped in class but is an unexposed C&D winner who could go well.
4
1
4th (1) (7/4 +30%) Maitre En Science
1.75
7/4(+30%)
(1) Maitre En Science 7/4, Progressive and useful juvenile over 17f in France, winning 2 of his last 3 starts, with the form of his latest success at Clairefontaine in September having worked out particularly well. Sets a good standard on those showings and might have even more to come for new yard. Triumph Hurdle entry. Posted form figures of 211 in France; good chance on ratings; respected on British debut.
5th
8
5th (8) (200/1 -150%) Platin Moon
200
200/1(-150%)
(8) Platin Moon 200/1, Seemed to show fair form when third in a newcomers race at Clairefontaine on his only Flat start but was too free on his first outing for this yard (€32,000) after 5 months off when behind Johnny Ringo here on New Year's Day. Hood goes on. Hard to fancy. May benefit from first-time hood but has plenty to find on form.
6th
7
6th (7) (11/1 -175%) Nardaran
11
11/1(-175%)
(7) Nardaran 11/1, Bought for €135,000 after showing fair form when third in 1½m newcomers race on his only start for Francis-Henri Graffard and he ran to a similar standard on his hurdling debut for this yard at Kempton over Christmas, looking like he'd come on for it. Cheekpieces go on and will improve. Ran as if needing the outing/experience at Kempton; yard has good record in this race.
2
2
|B| (2) (3/1 +40%) Static
3
3/1(+40%)
(2) Static 3/1, Dual winner over hurdles in France and solid start in Britain, albeit held by East India Dock in Cheltenham Grade 2 and another very impressive winner in the Chepstow Finale the last twice. Suspect he'll need to pull out a bit more to take this. Form includes a creditable effort behind leading Triumph contender East India Dock.
5
5
|F| (5) (7/2 +56%) Luker's Tipple
3.5
7/2(+56%)
(5) Luker's Tipple 7/2, Fair maiden on the Flat who has made an encouraging debut in this sphere, runner-up at Punchestown and Cork. Fair chance he has more to offer. Irish runner; clear second in both attempts over hurdles; seems a winner waiting to happen.
6
6
|F| (6) (25/1 -79%) Moutarde
25
25/1(-79%)
(6) Moutarde 25/1, Fair Flat winner in Ireland for Gavin Cromwell and has started well over hurdles, scoring at Kempton and Taunton. Stiff task behind some promising ones at Ascot a fortnight ago though and this isn't much easier. Dual winner in this sphere but his limitations have been exposed.
3
3
|RR| (3) (9/1 +36%) Hosaamm
9
9/1(+36%)
(3) Hosaamm 9/1, Useful performer on Flat (stays 1½m) for Owen Burrows. New connections acquired him for 78,000 gns and built on hurdling debut when scoring cosily at Wetherby. Could improve again and a Triumph Hurdle entry well worth considering. Won narrowly at Wetherby last time; this is harder but he may improve further.
13:42 Musselburgh Conditions Hurdle (Class 1) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
A tentative vote goes to Irish raider LUKER'S TIPPLE, who has been runner-up on both starts in this sphere, including to a talented Willie Mullins inmate who is contesting a Grade 1 at Leopardstown this weekend. The four-year-old can get off the mark at the main expense of French recruit Maitre En Science, who was two from three over hurdles for previous connections. A decent fourth on debut for the Paul Nicholls team at Kempton, Nardaran is another to note.
MAITRE EN SCIENCE very much stands out on Timeform ratings on his efforts in France, the form of his latest success at Clairefontaine in September having worked out particularly well, and he can book his ticket to Cheltenham with victory on his first start for Harry Derham. Hosaamm is the only other runner with an entry in the Triumph Hurdle and is feared with improvement likely. Nardaran, for a yard that has dominated this race, is another key player.
The two suggestions against the field are the interesting Irish runners LUKER'S TIPPLE and Solar Drive.
(4) Welsh Charger 12/1, Took his form up a notch last season, winning twice (including here) and further progress after 8 months off when successful at Wetherby (19.7f) in November. Didn't see his race out when seventh of 11 in handicap at Newbury (20.5f) 5 weeks ago and he's back down in trip now. Made it 5-9 over hurdles when winning at Wetherby but soundly beaten at Newbury since.
2
7
2nd (7) (11/4 +31%) Afadil
2.75
11/4(+31%)
(7) Afadil 11/4, Successful from 4 lb higher mark in this race 12 months ago and acquitted himself with plenty of credit at Spring Festivals thereafter. Has yet to scale same heights in handful of starts this term, but excuses at Southwell last time and better showing anticipated. Below best this term but now 4lb lower than when winning this last year; on the shortlist.
3
1
3rd (1) (25/1 -108%) All The Glory
25
25/1(-108%)
(1) All The Glory 25/1, Made most of drop in grade when successful over 19.8f here in November and had no trouble defying an 8 lb higher mark at Southwell (20.4f, heavy) next time. Below best when sixth of 7 in Ascot Grade 2 latest and whilst this is clearly easier, the trip may well be on the sharp side. Underwhelming in mares' Grade 2 at Ascot last time but two stylish h'cap wins previously.
4
9
4th (9) (16/1 -88%) Maghlaak
16
16/1(-88%)
(9) Maghlaak 16/1, Fairly useful Flat performer who supplemented his Wetherby novice win with a ready handicap debut victory at Catterick under this rider on New Year's Day. Testing ground/quick turnaround possibly against him when below that level at Ayr next time and he could yet get back on the up. Cheekpieces on. Busy spell may have caught up with him last time; bolted up on handicap debut previously.
5th
12
5th (12) (16/1 -60%) Ravenscraig Castle
16
16/1(-60%)
(12) Ravenscraig Castle 16/1, Fairly useful stayer on Flat but hasn't won since his 3-y-o days. Does come here in good order, first start following wind surgery/equipped with blinkers when second of 6 in a C&D handicap 31 days ago. Each-way claims up in class. Second of six to highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.
6th
6
6th (6) (6/1 +25%) Old Gregorian
6
6/1(+25%)
(6) Old Gregorian 6/1, Back on track refitted with a tongue strap this autumn, supplementing his Kelso victory in clear-cut fashion at Wetherby (2m) in November. Solid second back at first-named venue a month later and no reason why he won't give another good account. Denied hat-trick at Kelso but was very creditable second there behind a course specialist.
7th
3
7th (3) (7/2 +13%) Florida Dreams
3.5
7/2(+13%)
(3) Florida Dreams 7/2, Grade 2 bumper winner who doubled his hurdles tally on return at Hexham (16.2f) in October. Posted a solid fifth in Greatwood Hurdle next time before filling same spot upped to 20f at Aintree on Boxing Day. Possibilities back down in trip. Fifth of 15 in the competitive Greatwood; he's better than he showed at Aintree last time.
8th
10
8th (10) (15/2 +58%) Freddy Robinson
7.5
15/2(+58%)
(10) Freddy Robinson 15/2, Had a productive time of it on the Flat last year and continued the good work in this sphere, runner-up over C&D before filling same spot at Sedgefield (16.8f) 6 days ago. This is definitely a tougher assignment, but his rider takes off a handy 5 lb. Runner-up the last twice and this consistent C&D winner has an each-way shout.
9th
2
9th (2) (9/1 +10%) Norman Fletcher
9
9/1(+10%)
(2) Norman Fletcher 9/1, Resumed winning ways at Huntingdon in November before a good third at Doncaster (16.6f) a month later. Easy to excuse his Southwell run on New Year's Day on account of his track position and he appeals as a likely candidate to bounce back. Pulled up at Southwell last time but in good form previously and could bounce back.
10th
5
10th (5) (4/1 +53%) Balhambar
4
4/1(+53%)
(5) Balhambar 4/1, Much improved sent handicapping in this sphere, winning at Ludlow/Bangor in the spring. Looked better than ever upon returning to action, excellent third at Cheltenham prior to finding only one too good at Southwell (15.8f) 31 days ago. High on shortlist in refitted cheekpieces. Two wins last April and fine form in defeat the last twice; can be bang there.
11th
11
11th (11) (18/1 +45%) Rewired
18
18/1(+45%)
(11) Rewired 18/1, Won 2m handicaps at Doncaster and Taunton last winter but has yet to fire for current yard, never involved when sixth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Haydock (15.6f, soft, 66/1) 14 days ago. Mark has eased further at least. He's 10lb lower than for his win at Taunton last February but hard to fancy on recent form.
12th
8
12th (8) (33/1 +0%) Mack The Man
33
33/1(+0%)
(8) Mack The Man 33/1, Veteran course winner who responded well to fitting of a visor, gaining a third win of 2024 at Ayr in November. Found his run of good form coming to a halt when fourth of 5 in handicap at Haydock (15.6f) 33 days ago though, and others appeal more on balance. 11yo; disappointing last time but excellent 2024 otherwise; no forlorn hope each-way.
14:17 Musselburgh Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
FLORIDA DREAMS disappointed when upped in trip at Aintree last time out, but he is better judged on his penultimate fifth in the Greatwood. Winner of a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, the seven-year-old could still be well treated off a mark of 126 and he gets the vote ahead of last year's winner Afadil, who arrives off 4lb lower on this occasion. Maghlaak's winning run came to an end at Ayr last month but he must enter calculations, along with the consistent Balhambar.
Successful in this race from a 4 lb higher mark 12 months ago, AFADIL has yet to fully fire this term, yet had excuses on account of his track position at Southwell 31 days ago, so in an open-looking affair he's narrowly selected to bounce back. Balhambar is proving most consistent and is a danger in refitted cheekpieces. Florida Dreams and Maghlaak are others to consider.
The return to Musselburgh could prompt a revival from AFADIL and he can exploit a mark 4lb lower than when winning this last year.
(10) The Kalooki Kid 2/1, Dual hurdles winner last season, including a novice event at this course, and confirmed promise of his reappearance/chase debut second at Ayr when readily going one better in a 19f Doncaster handicap in December. 7 lb rise fair enough and he should have more to offer in this sphere. Ready win at Doncaster on second chase start and he could take a 7lb rise in his stride.
2
7
2nd (7) (13/2 +0%) Saint Segal
6.5
13/2(+0%)
(7) Saint Segal 13/2, Improved to win 6-runner handicap chase at Newbury (19.8f) 24 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Relished the switch to front-running tactics that day and while more will be needed up 8 lb in this tougher race, he has to enter calculations. Won by 11l at Newbury in December and remains on a competitive mark despite 8lb rise.
3
8
3rd (8) (14/1 +0%) Traprain Law
14
14/1(+0%)
(8) Traprain Law 14/1, Progressed into a useful chaser last term, winning twice and runner-up in a good-quality handicap at the Ayr Scottish Grand National meeting. Promising start to this season when third to Marble Sands at Carlisle but has failed to build on that in 2 subsequent appearances. Two wins last winter but on heavy over shorter; not at the very top of his game this term.
4
4
4th (4) (14/1 -27%) Corrigeen Rock
14
14/1(-27%)
(4) Corrigeen Rock 14/1, Looked better than ever when winning this race off 3 lb higher 12 months ago but he has a bit to prove following a couple of very low-key efforts since returning to action in November. Well below best on both runs this season but won this last year and is not written off.
5th
3
5th (3) (10/3 +44%) Marble Sands
3.333333
10/3(+44%)
(3) Marble Sands 10/3, Useful hurdler who scored twice over fences last term and made a winning return in 4-runner listed race at Carlisle in November. Has followed that with solid placed efforts in valuable handicaps at Newcastle and Cheltenham, and he is likely to make his presence felt once again. Ran well when 9l second at Cheltenham last time and he's 1-1 here; one to consider.
6th
9
6th (9) (7/1 +56%) Sir Psycho
7
7/1(+56%)
(9) Sir Psycho 7/1, Made a successful reappearance at Ascot last season and runner-up 3 times since, including on his latest start at Ffos Las (2m) 3 weeks ago. Moving back up in trip won't be an issue but yard saddles a more appealing candidate in Fidelio Vallis. Creditable 2nd over 2m at Ffos Las three weeks ago and this longer trip should be a plus.
7th
6
7th (6) (12/1 +25%) Fidelio Vallis
12
12/1(+25%)
(6) Fidelio Vallis 12/1, Resumed winning ways when outpointing Corrigeen Rock in C&D handicap last January. Little impact both subsequent starts under an inexperienced amateur but it would be no surprise to see him bounce back in first-time cheekpieces now returned to this course and reunited with Alice Stevens Has struggled elsewhere on both runs this term but has a strong record here; interesting.
8th
2
8th (2) (20/1 +9%) The Big Chap
20
20/1(+9%)
(2) The Big Chap 20/1, Successful at Limerick and Gowran during the autumn and ran a fine race to be third in a 19-runner listed handicap at Navan in December. However, he checked out rather tamely on his latest start and others look better treated. Good third at Navan and had an excuse at Limerick; this Irish raider has a chance.
9th
1
9th (1) (18/1 -80%) Minella Drama
18
18/1(-80%)
(1) Minella Drama 18/1, Smart performer who was given a well-judged ride when taking the Old Roan at Aintree in October. Ran poorly in the Peterborough Chase since, adding to what is starting to look like a patchy record, but he was a C&D winner on sole previous start here and he's certainly capable of a bold show. Made all in Old Roan H'cap on reappearance then had very tough Grade 2 task; he's 1-1 here.
10th
5
10th (5) (20/1 -25%) Arizona Cardinal
20
20/1(-25%)
(5) Arizona Cardinal 20/1, Completed the hat-trick when landing the 24-runner Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree last spring. Some way below that level of form in 2 starts so far this season, though, and it's easy enough to look elsewhere on this occasion. Won the Topham last April; of interest on that form but he needs to get back on track.
12
12
|PU| (12) (28/1 -56%) Kansas City Star
28
28/1(-56%)
(12) Kansas City Star 28/1, Cheekpieces back on when returning to form with a win in 7-runner handicap chase at Doncaster (19f) in November. However, he followed that with a poor effort at Ascot a fortnight ago and Fidelio Vallis is presumably the stable No 1. Made it 3-7 over fences at Doncaster in November but pulled up at Ascot since.
11
11
|PU| (11) (50/1 -25%) Lieutenant Command
50
50/1(-25%)
(11) Lieutenant Command 50/1, Bumper/hurdles and dual chase winner for Noel Meade in Ireland. Offered little starting out for this yard following a lengthy absence in November and while he stepped up on that when second at Carlisle next time, it remains to be see if he will be in the same form here. 125-1 runner-up at Carlisle on second start back from long absence; not ruled out each-way.
14:50 Musselburgh Handicap Chase (Class 2) 20f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
THE KALOOKI KID improved from first to second start over fences when an easy winner at Doncaster in December, and a 7lb rise for that success may not be enough to prevent him from going in again. Placed in valuable handicaps the last twice at Cheltenham and Newcastle, C&D winner Marble Sands must be a key player, along with the veteran Minella Drama, who has strong claims on his success in the Old Roan at Aintree.
MARBLE SANDS was no match for Springwell Bay in a valuable Cheltenham handicap on New Year's Day but there was no disgrace in that and the 9-y-o, who was successful over C&D on his sole previous visit here 12 months ago, is taken to make it 2-2 at this course. There should be better to come from The Kalooki Kid and he is a much-respected main danger, while Fidelio Vallis, who looks the pick of the Harry Derham-trained trio, and Saint Segal are others to consider.
Rising force THE KALOOKI KID (nap) won in good style at Doncaster in December on his second chase start and can defy a 7lb rise.
(2) Intense Approach 5/4, Dual bumper winner who was good enough to overcome ongoing jumping issues when landing maiden/novice events late summer. Fine second in Persian War at Chepstow before resuming winning ways up in trip at Cheltenham (3m). Has had a nice break since and seems sure to go well. Back to winning ways at Cheltenham in October; solid claims if at best after 98-day break.
2
6
2nd (6) (5/1 +17%) Gale Mahler
5
5/1(+17%)
(6) Gale Mahler 5/1, Likeable mare who made it 6 wins on the spin in listed hurdle at Galway (2m) in July. Below par on her last three runs though, seeming not to stay the longer trip when tailed off in listed race at Doncaster last time. Usual cheekpieces back on but something to prove at present. Made it 4-4 over hurdles with Galway Listed win last July but tailed off in December.
3
1
3rd (1) (6/1 +8%) Bold Light
6
6/1(+8%)
(1) Bold Light 6/1, 8-y-o showed much improved form when running out an emphatic winner of 6-runner handicap hurdle at this course (19.8f, soft, 7/2) on New Year's Day, forging clear. Further step up in trip likely to suit and can't be taken lightly. 7l wins on two of his last three starts and he's an interesting contender now up in trip.
4
5
4th (5) (5/2 +0%) Smokeringinthedark
2.5
5/2(+0%)
(5) Smokeringinthedark 5/2, Runner-up in his only outing in Irish points and showed a good attitude in going one better 4-runner maiden hurdle at this course (19.8f, good to soft) on NH debut 54 days ago. The runner-up has franked that form since and he's open to improvement stepping up in trip. Won maiden hurdle here in December and this useful prospect could have lots more to offer.
5th
3
5th (3) (11/1 +21%) Pigeon House
11
11/1(+21%)
(3) Pigeon House 11/1, Won twice over hurdles (at up to 18.2f) when trained by Jessie Harrington. Has finished runner-up all three outings for current yard and it's possibly he'll find at least one too good again upped markedly in trip. Runner-up on all three starts for this yard; needs bigger run today; stamina to prove.
15:22 Musselburgh Maiden Hurdle (Class 2) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 2 race.
Second, albeit well held, in the Persian War at Chepstow, INTENSE APPROACH appeared to relish a step up to 3m at Cheltenham latest, where he recorded a commanding success. John McConnell's charge has more on his plate under a penalty but, with scope for further improvement, it would come as no surprise were he up to the task. Gale Mahler's progress has stalled of late but she ought to hold every chance on these terms, while Smokeringinthedark is another to consider.
INTENSE APPROCH made his first start at around this trip a winning one at Cheltenham in October and, having had a nice break since, he makes plenty of appeal in his follow-up bid. Smokeringinthedark knuckled down well to hold off a subsequent winner on his Rules debut here in December and is open to plenty of improvement stepping up in trip, while Joecooker is another who promises to be suited by the extra distance and can continue on an upward curve.
Having beaten a pretty useful yardstick to win a maiden hurdle here last time, SMOKERINGINTHEDARK can make it 2-2 under rules.
15:22 Musselburgh Maiden Hurdle (Class 2) 24f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(6) One More Stroke 9/4, Winner of 2 of his 3 races over hurdles in 2023/24 and encouragement on first 2 starts over fences this season, runner-up in novices' handicap at this course (20.3f, good to soft) in December. Below-par effort last time, but he's not ruled out back here. This new trip under rules is an interesting move judged on his penultimate start.
2
2
2nd (2) (13/8 +0%) Boomslang
1.625
13/8(+0%)
(2) Boomslang 13/8, Maiden hurdle winner in June who has quickly reached a higher level over fences, making it 3 wins from 4 starts in chases when landing handicap at this course (20.3f, soft) on New Year's Day. Leading contender with better still to come back up in trip. 3-4 chasing; raised another 7lb but he should have another good chance in this small field.
3
1
3rd (1) (11/1 -175%) No Time To Wait
11
11/1(-175%)
(1) No Time To Wait 11/1, Bumper/hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott and stepped up on yard/chase debut effort when fourth of 6 in maiden at Down Royal (19.9f, good to soft) in November, though didn't convince with his jumping (fell both starts in points). Tongue strap added for handicap debut. Lots to prove but makes handicap debut and trainer continues to make his mark in Britain.
4
3
4th (3) (20/1 -82%) Hubrisko
20
20/1(-82%)
(3) Hubrisko 20/1, Useful chaser at best for Willie Mullins, making all in a Killarney maiden (23f, soft) in August 2023. However, after a 15-month absence he hasn't offered much in 2 starts for current yard this season (over hurdles on first occasion). Ex-Willie Mullins; reappeared this winter with two heavy defeats, but now back up in trip.
5th
4
5th (4) (6/1 +0%) Breakdance Kid
6
6/1(+0%)
(4) Breakdance Kid 6/1, Ran away with a Hexham handicap (24.2f) in June and back to winning ways when forging clear for success at Kelso (21.6f) in November. Seemed stretched by longer trip at Newcastle (29.9f, good) last time, so he could fare better back down in distance. 3m6f seemed to find him out two months ago; should be a major contender back down in trip.
5
5
|PU| (5) (11/2 +66%) Captain Quint
5.5
11/2(+66%)
(5) Captain Quint 11/2, Cheekpieces on when regaining the winning thread at this C&D a year ago when trained by Rose Dobbin. Below that level since, not helped by a mistake 2 out when fifth of 9 at Wetherby (24.2f, good) last time, but he's now back below his last winning mark. C&D win last February off 1lb higher; latest run (November) a step back in right direction.
15:57 Musselburgh Handicap Chase (Class 3) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
BOOMSLANG has improved considerably since switching to fences, winning three of his four starts. Having cruised to victory over the extended 2m4f here last month, a subsequent 7lb rise might not be enough to halt further progress and Rebecca Menzies' charge receives a confident vote. Captain Quint finished second in the corresponding event 12 months ago. Although not at his best recently, a big run would come as no surprise and Breakdance Kid appeals too.
BOOMSLANG progressed again over fences when scoring at this course to begin the year, value for extra having been in command from 3 out, so he is taken to add to his tally with the potential of more still to offer. Breakdance Kid has also shown improved form this season and could be the main danger back down in trip, with One More Stroke also considered.
It looks best to stick with BOOMSLANG who has taken so well to chasing and was firmly in charge on his last two starts.
(15) Bashful 10/3, Winner of back-to-back C&D handicaps (including this race last year) Generally struggled since but signs of life when fourth on the Flat earlier this month. Had another wind operation since and very interesting returning to this venue only 1 lb higher than his last winning mark. Below best on last few hurdle runs but won this last year; has had wind op; not discounted.
2
8
2nd (8) (10/1 +55%) No No Fizz
10
10/1(+55%)
(8) No No Fizz 10/1, Back to back wins at the end of last year, including over C&D but progress for new trainer came to a screeching halt when well-beaten at Doncaster on latest start. Short break will have done her no harm but this looks to be the best race she's contested. Made it two in a row with December C&D win; flopped since but not written off.
3
11
3rd (11) (40/1 -122%) Fostered Phil
40
40/1(-122%)
(11) Fostered Phil 40/1, Returned from a long absence to reach the frame in a trio of handicap hurdles in 2022/23. Continued in good heart when runner-up at Perth on chase debut in May 2023 but not seen since although he has good record fresh, this looks a tough comeback assignment following wind surgery at 11 years of age. Returns from long absence but he's run well on the back of one before; on a handy mark.
4
6
4th (6) (9/1 -38%) Book Of Tales
9
9/1(-38%)
(6) Book Of Tales 9/1, Flat winner who made a successful start over hurdles at Fontwell in August 2023, before finishing well-held on the Flat in September 2023. Shaped with plenty of encouragement on return to this sphere when second at Doncaster at the end of last year (travelled well) and entitled to build on that. Runner-up at Doncaster in December when back from long absence and could build on that.
5th
2
5th (2) (11/2 +31%) Mr Mackay
5.5
11/2(+31%)
(2) Mr Mackay 11/2, Fairly useful winning hurdler who failed to build on promising start over fences, jumped poorly in first-time cheekpieces when second at Southwell in October. Headgear off and back over hurdles today and market may hint at what's expected returning from a 101-day absence. Second over fences last time despite not jumping well; could be a contender back hurdling.
6th
5
6th (5) (11/1 -214%) Koukeo
11
11/1(-214%)
(5) Koukeo 11/1, Runner-up in a bumper and he made a promising start in this sphere, twice finishing second, latest behind an easy winner when at Uttoxeter (15.8f, soft) 53 days ago. Should have more to offer now handicapping. Handicap debut; runner-up on both hurdle starts and is in good hands to progress.
7th
12
7th (12) (25/1 -233%) Muzaffar
25
25/1(-233%)
(12) Muzaffar 25/1, Useful on Flat for Richard Fahey and made an encouraging start over hurdles at Newcastle in December 2023, Ran to a similar level returning from a year off when third in a novice hurdle at Market Rasen and he could be open to improvement now tackling handicaps in first-time headgear. Two-time Flat winner; has shown some promise over hurdles; in with a chance on h'cap debut.
8th
3
8th (3) (11/1 +21%) Cuban Cigar
11
11/1(+21%)
(3) Cuban Cigar 11/1, C&D winner and finished third on this card last year (behind Afadil in the Scottish County Hurdle). Race wasn't run to suit when fourth of 6 over C&D latest but should be up to full fitness now and big run could be in the offing now that the handicapper has given him a chance. A return to form is needed but this two-time course winner is below his last winning mark.
9th
7
9th (7) (6/1 +70%) Moonshine Man
6
6/1(+70%)
(7) Moonshine Man 6/1, Showed a fair level of ability when runner-up in 2m Southwell maiden on only his second hurdle start and ran to a similar level when fifth in a novice hurdle at Kempton (16f) on Boxing Day. Needs to step up on what's he shown so far if he's to be involved here. Promise in maiden hurdles the last twice and has potential off his opening mark.
10
10
|F| (10) (14/1 +44%) Sergeant
14
14/1(+44%)
(10) Sergeant 14/1, Unreliable type but capable on his day as shown when he resumed winning ways in no uncertain terms at Newton Abbot (16.7f) in August. More miss than hit subsequently and although he wasn't disgraced when third in a 9-runner Wincanton handicap hurdle 58 days ago, more is needed here. Back to form when third at Wincanton; the winner aside, that form is working out well.
10th
9
10th (9) (7/2 +65%) Scots Poet
3.5
7/2(+65%)
(9) Scots Poet 7/2, Won this race in 2023 and is now 4 lb below his last winning mark. Not at his best in recent starts (third of 6 over C&D latest) but needs a stronger gallop to be seen to best effect and he may get that here. Interesting. Below best this winter but this two-time C&D winner is on a dangerous mark.
11th
13
11th (13) (16/1 -60%) Rightfolksplease
16
16/1(-60%)
(13) Rightfolksplease 16/1, Failed to complete on 3 of his last 5 chase starts. Has something to find back over hurdles today, although he was well-backed when last scoring in this sphere, so one to keep an eye on in the betting. Won at Downpatrick last June; has travelled from Ireland and could have a part to play.
12th
1
12th (1) (11/1 +45%) Camarrate
11
11/1(+45%)
(1) Camarrate 11/1, Landed a double over hurdles at Fakenham and Sedgefield (16.8f) at the back end of last season. Shaped as if better for the run when third on handicap bow at Aintree on comeback but underperformed when fifth of 7 in at Doncaster in November. Has had wind op. Fair third on handicap debut in November but well beaten since and has to bounce back.
13th
4
13th (4) (25/1 +24%) Rory The Cat
25
25/1(+24%)
(4) Rory The Cat 25/1, Dual winner of juvenile hurdles here last winter and added to his tally on the Flat returned to this venue in August. However, ran below form back in this sphere at Wetherby and improvement needed on the back of that effort. Soundly beaten at Wetherby last time but likes it here and is not written off.
14
14
|PU| (14) (50/1 +0%) Diamond Egg
50
50/1(+0%)
(14) Diamond Egg 50/1, Well beaten on first run for yard after leaving Chris Gordon, too keen and likely lacking for fitness. Hard to recommend on the back of that effort but today should reveal more. Maiden hurdle winner in April 2023 but tailed off six week ago after long absence.
16:27 Musselburgh Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
An opening mark of 107 could prove to be lenient for Koukeo given what he's produced so far over hurdles, but a chance is taken on RORY THE CAT. Lucinda Russell's gelding goes well at this track and is now on a tempting mark, especially with Conner McCann taking off a handy 7lb. Book Of Tales hit the woodwork at Doncaster in December and is an obvious candidate off 3lb higher, and it would be unwise to dismiss last year's winner Bashful.
In an open-looking contest, a handful of course specialists are taken to come to the fore. Twice sucessful over C&D, SCOTS POET travelled well when third here on New Years Day and he can build on that effort with a stronger pace to aim at today. Fellow two-time course winner Cuban Cigar ran well in a better race on this card 12 months ago and he's been given a chance by the handicapper, while last year's winner Bashful is well-treated if back on song. Of the rest, Muzaffar could be the improver.
Handicap newcomer MOONSHINE MAN has shown promise in maiden hurdles the last twice and could be better than his opening mark.
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
About U.K Horse Racing
Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.
There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.
The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.
In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.
Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.
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