Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at this evening's Go North Series Finals at Musselburgh.
Rain Dampens Racing Prospects: Weather Woes Continue
It's disheartening to see the impact of the wet weather on racing fixtures, with Warwick and Wetherby's Friday card both falling victim to the conditions. The uncertainty continues with Kelso's Premier Racing fixture subject to a Friday morning inspection for Saturday's races, and Uttoxeter's Saturday fixture also under inspection on Friday afternoon. The persistent rain is evident in the current going description for Bath on Sunday, described as heavy with soft patches.
In previous years, we've experienced damp springs, but following an exceptionally wet winter, the current conditions have become particularly disheartening. During such times, it's crucial to find ways to uplift spirits and maintain positivity, despite the gloomy weather. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, or simply looking forward to brighter days ahead, finding moments of joy amidst the rain is essential. And, of course, keeping hopeful for a change in weather patterns that will bring some much-needed sunshine and dryness, especially for the flat horses awaiting better conditions.
Fortunately, we have Kempton's all-weather card to provide some excitement this Saturday, otherwise, it would indeed be a dull day for racing enthusiasts. Let's keep our fingers crossed for improved weather conditions to ensure the smooth running of the rest of this month’s fixtures.
Friday’s Preview
It is the start of the three-day Go North Series Finals Weekend. Musselburgh stages the first day with four races worth £15,609 to the winner. The Go North Series Final's, weather permitting, move to Kelso on Saturday and then onto Carlisle on Sunday.
This evening’s card has good prize money on offer and thus has attracted good sized fields.
Musselburgh
The ground at Musselburgh is currently soft. Despite losing Saturday's flat meeting to waterlogging, there's hope for the jumps course as it drains directly onto the sandy golf course area. Barring heavy rainfall on Thursday night, racing should go ahead as planned.
5:05 – Go North Lady Buttons Mares' Hurdle Series Final (A Handicap Hurdle) (Class 2) – 2m 4f
Sunday Soldier got an 8lb rise for winning at Doncaster last month. No problem with the testing ground for the dual course winner but her stamina for 2m 4f is unproven.
Lone Star, a dual C&D winner, put in her best performance of the winter when an 8-length 4th of 12 over C&D 61-days ago. She’s likely been aimed at the race but would probably prefer less testing ground.
Spit Spot was a 10-length runner-up to Sunday Soldier last time and gets a 10lb pull with the winner here. With Patrick Wadge takes off a handy 3lb and she should be capable of big run.
Autumn Return is a consistent mare who won over C&D in November and returns from a 72-day layoff. She could be vulnerable to better treated rivals but is 2 wins from 5 runs, 4 placed on soft ground and 2 from 2 in April.
5:40 – Go North Grey Bomber Juvenile Hurdle Series Final (A Handicap Hurdle) (Class 2) – 2m 1 ½ f
Golden Maverick got off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles when winning at Haydock (soft) 16 days ago. Looks on a workable mark on handicap debut and should go well.
Teorie and Latin Verse were outclassed in the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. The first named had won a novice hurdle at Southwell prior to the festival and looks capable of winning races now back in a lesser race. Latin Verse ran out at easy winner on handicap hurdle debut at Ludlow prior to pulling up in the Boodles. He’s suited to soft ground and looks to have a solid chance.
6:10 – Go North Brindisi Breeze Hurdle Series Final (A Handicap Hurdle) (Class 2) – 3m
Jem In Em looks a thorough stayer who seemingly took to the first time blinkers when a neck 2nd of 8 over C&D last time. Goes well on soft ground and is just 2lb higher than last time. Provided he gets a good stamina test should be thereabouts.
Curley Finger, 2 from 3 over C&D, maintained her improvement when completing a hat trick at Doncaster last month. Up 5lb and is tough to pass if allowed to dictate out in front. His progress may not have ended, and he remains a strong contender.
Champ Royal completed a handicap hurdle hat trick at Carlisle last time. That wasn’t the strongest of races though and he’s got a 6lb rise to contend with. If he can progress further, he’s a contender in an open race.
6:40 – Go North Sea Pigeon Hurdle Series Final (A Handicap Hurdle) (Class 2) – 2m 1 ½ f
Another open looking contest with plenty of the 13 runners having claims.
Coup De Coeur goes well on testing ground and gained a second win at Sedgefield last time. Remains well treated after his latest success if handling today’s different track.
Final Edgar won a maiden hurdle at Sedgefield in January and has finished runner-up on his last two starts in handicap company. The latest of them just 6 days ago. No issues with testing ground and won’t be far away if not inconvenienced by a quick return to action.
Scots Poet, a dual course winner, hasn’t been since winning here (1m 7 ½ f) on New Year’s Day but goes well fresh and today’s slightly longer trip is fine. He’ll be ok on soft ground but heavy would be a worry.
Beaumesnil got off the mark at the 7th attempt over hurdles when winning at Wetherby (2m 4f) 36 days ago. Even off a 7lb higher mark and a drop back in distance is more than capable of getting competitive.
Hartur D'Oudairies seemed to lose his way when with Dan Skelton. However, he shaped with more promise on second start for Brian Ellison when 5th of 9 at Newcastle. Might prefer better ground but is on a winnable mark on the best of his form. Gavin Sheehan booked so that gives him claims.
Friday Selection:
Musselburgh
5:40 – Latin Verse (min 5/1).
Good luck with your Friday bets.
Cheers
John