Musselburgh Weds 17th Feb

[bowles10]

Decided to look at the card tomorrow with more attention as the game was called off after driving most of the way there :$ 2.20 Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f Class 3 First Stream 3 runs under rules so far, winning 2 including a class 3 event here last time. Trainer Howard Johnson has gone off the boil recently and all 8 runners at this track were beaten last week. The injury to stable jockey O'regan hasnt helped either. Goes up 6lb for latest win. The 72 days absence is a bit of a concern also as well as the top weight. Luna Landing Has won here off 105 rating, now has to race off 118 despite not having done anything else. Had a mediocre flat season and last race over hurdles in September when well beaten at Bangor. Moves Goodenough Better on the flat than the jumps but was thrown in the deep end at the festival in the County finishing a reasonable 26L 14th of 27 behind American Trilogy. Was rated 128 at that stage and off 116 so a drop in the ratings will help. The horse doesnt look a stayer and i cant see this improving to win after a 99 day absence. Grandad Bill Ran a lot of times on the flat and this will be its 3 rd race in less than a month so the horse needs to be kept up to its work. Goldie does well here and the horse ran a creditable 4th in the recent Scottish County hurdle. Richard McGrath seems to have a good rapport with the horse. Off 8lb higher mark than recent Ayr win. Quick Will James Ewart does well here and the horse has a chance off this weight. 2nd last time out over C&D last week. The trainer seems to have his string ticking along and Harry Haynes gets his fair share of the rides for the stable. Border Tale Likes fast ground and no doubt the horse is consistent but getting on a bit now at 10yo. Been off the track for 87 days and most of its wins have come off the back of recent performance normally before the turn of the year. Rest of the field to come........

[bowles10]

Re: Musselburgh Weds 17th Feb 2.30 race Continued .... Casual Affair Off 109 appears to hold a fair chance and has been placed here twice plus a placing on the flat here also. Have no doubts about the trip as very consistent. Seems to prefer faster ground and off same terms with Quick Will as in previous race with only 2.75L between them. The trainer has been on the cold list for a while and best watched until she hits a bit of form. Sumak Trained by Ferdy Murphy who has a 20% SR in the last 14 days from 20 runners, & 50% place SR. Not sure about the trip and perhaps the 109 rating is a bit high for this one. Sendali Won last time out for the 1st time over jumps at Catterick off 103. Is off 109 but Jockey gets a 3lb claim so only 3lb higher for that victory which came over 19f on soft ground Bale o Shea Like any irish raider, the market must be checked beforehand. Any money for this one will be interesting. Has already ran at the track back in Jan finishing a distant 5th of 12. Personally feel it would need it softer to win. Has only ran well when a senior jockey has ridden. Simple Jim Trainer seems to be in good form with wins on both flat & jumps recently, this one won at Southwell off 99 and now 6lb higher not sure the horse can reproduce that effort again. All wins have come in a lower grade Just Maddie well beaten on most starts and doesnt appeal in this higher grade. Patriot Bets form on a faster surface than this. Well beaten last time out, could surprise and will be a big price. The normal jockey rides who doesnt instill any more confidence to select the horse despite being off a low weight. Selections to follow......