Hi all,
What should have been the final day of the Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) now becomes the first, with Saturday’s card switched to Monday. Provided Leopardstown passes Sunday morning’s inspection which it should ITV Racing will show five races live from the DRF, alongside six from Musselburgh.
Inside today’s main piece, I focus on the best of the action at the Scottish track, where the bet365 Edinburgh National takes centre stage.
Musselburgh
The times at Musselburgh on Saturday suggested the ground was riding much quicker than official going description.
I haven’t looked at the four-runner Scottish Supreme Novices' Hurdle (12:55). It should go the way of long odds-on favourite Mossy Fen Road.
1:25 – Novice Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m4f
Dedicated Hero is a Grade 2-winning novice hurdler. He returned to form when second on chase debut at Ayr last time. More improvement looks likely. The 7yo remains well treated and rates a strong player on handicap chase debut.
1:55 – Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m
Aeros Luck ran to form at Kelso and should go close if the rain stays away. He hasn’t been long with Sandy Thomson. His best Irish form came on a sound surface. If the ground stays quick, he has a big chance.
2:30 – Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) – 2m4f
Speiriuil posted a career-best RPR when winning at Kelso. A 5lb rise may not stop her and she could be capable of better.
Magna Victor made it 2 from 2 at Musselburgh when winning here yesterday. The track suits him perfectly. He’s in flying form and commands respect under a penalty if turned out again.
3:05 – bet365 Edinburgh National (Class 2) – 3m7½f
Rock My Way flopped in the Welsh National but had bolted up in the Berkshire National before that. A sound surface suits. Expect a much better run. Yard won here on Saturday with JPR One.
Magna Sam bids for a third win in the race. He’s only 4lb higher than last year. Recent wind surgery could spark a revival. The yard had a winner here yesterday.
Forged Well broke his duck over fences here last time. He’s going the right way over fences. If he stays this trip, he’s a major player.
Transmission hasn’t kicked on after a strong start to his chasing career last season. This trip should suit. First-time visor applied. He’s risky but likely in the mix.
3:40 – Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle Qualifier (Class 2) – 3m
Double Powerful shaped well returned to hurdles when runner-up in the Lanzarote. He was set too much to do. The return to three miles suits.
Sonigino caught the eye at Sandown last time. That was only his second run after a long absence. He looks well treated on old form if he stays 3m.
Lihyan keeps running well without winning. Up another 3lb after a close-up second at Cheltenham, but he’s a course winner. Conditions suit. His trainer won this in 2024.
Highland Fashion has improved since stepping up to around 3m. This is tougher, but he’s progressive and could run well of a light weight if the rain arrives.
Instead of reviewing the weekend’s action, tomorrow’s column will preview the best of the Dublin Racing Festival.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John