Musselburgh, Sunday 7th, John Smith's Cheltenham Trials Day

[diamond1924]

2007 Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliot sends over an extremely interesting team to Musselburgh on Sunday as he builds up towards the National Hunt season's thrilling spring climax. Co. Meath handler Elliot, who trained Silver Birch to that National success, sends over his big hope for this year's national, Backstage, for his first preperation race in the opening 2m4f novice hurdle race (1.30pm). Backstage has won chase races over 3m at both Perth and Ffos Las last summer showing great staying qualities, but, on his reappearance he will go for the shorter trip over hurdles to protect his chase rating, thus ensuring he doesn't blow his National chances by shouldering any extra weight. Nicky Henderson's CANDY CREEK should have a bit too much pace over this distance on Sunday, but watch out for Backstage's well being in his seasonal debut. Backstage is currently around 25/1 with most firms for the National and described by his trainer as having "a live each way chance" for the Aintree showpiece. Later in the card (2.30pm) Elliot sends out his big Cheltenham hope CARLITO BRIGANTE. On Boxing Day, Carlito absolutely thrashed the highly regarded Alaivan at Leopardstown by 11 lengths but realistically it could have been double that had he not been eased down near home. Currently around 12/1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham with most firms, Scottish punters can have a first hand glimpse at a live e/w chance for the festival. Baccalaureate could provide him with a bit of a challenge. Elliot also saddles up Wikaala in the other main race (3.30), but he could face some stiff competition from Eradicate, owned by Chelsea director Alan Spence, trained by top handler Nicky Henderson and ridden by top jockey Barry Geraghty. This is Eradicate's first run for nearly ten months and much will depend on his fitness first time out. Also worth noting is shrewd Glasgow trainer Jim Goldie's ex. Flat horse, GRANDAD BILL, who'll be hoping to win it for Scotland. A winner over 2m on his previous appearance at Newcastle, ignore Grandad Bill's e/w chances at your peril! Elsewhere on the cards, Lambourne handler Nicky Henderson has sent up a strong team just as he did in the corresponding fixture last season. Lord Ragnar (2.00pm), THE PALOMOCHE (3.00pm) and OWEN GLENDOWER (4.30pm) should all have favourite's chances, and watch out too for Howard Johnston's STRIKING ARTICLE (4.00) in the penultimate race, he should have plenty in hand in the claimer based on official ratings.

[bowles10]

Re: Musselburgh, Sunday 7th, John Smith's Cheltenham Trials Day Should be a good meeting Diamond. I like Elliot as a trainer especially when teamed up with mcCoy. I havent looked at the card yet so not sure if McCoy is up or an irish jockey good write up mate :ok