Go North Finals: Musselburgh Preview

Hi all,

It was great to be out in the garden yesterday on a glorious spring day. The sunshine and warmth won’t last, so it was good to make the most of it while it’s here

The three-day Ladbrokes-sponsored ‘Go North’ Finals kick off at Musselburgh today. This series, spread across Musselburgh, Kelso, and Carlisle, aims to highlight the best of Northern jumps racing. With decent prize money on offer, it should provide some good action over the next few days.

The perils of ante post betting were in evidence again yesterday when Heltenham wasn’t declared for Saturday’s Bet Victor Home Of The Saturday Superboost Handicap Chase (2:40) at Newbury. Both Robbie Wilders (Ante Postman) and Paul Kealy (Weekender) had put up Heltenham who was seeking to win the race for the third successive year earlier in the week. I was interested in him too but once the Kealy/Wilders followers steamed in the price was gone and I was happy to leave him alone. It proved a sensible move as Dan Skelton has taken him out of the race.

Friday Racing:

Musselburgh hosts four ‘Go North’ Finals on Friday. Three of the four handicaps are named after top Northern National Hunt horses, adding a touch of history to the day.

Here’s a quick dive into the races which are all Class 2 handicap hurdles.

The Grey Bomber (3.20) – 2m 1½f

Belfrina, trained by David Pipe, won a Listed mares’ hurdle at Doncaster 55 days ago. She returns from wind surgery and remains open to further improvement. She’s the most likely winner but looks short enough at 7/2—I’d want 9/2 or 5/1 to consider her.

Lady Buttons (3.50) – 2m 4f

Rockola Vogue shaped like a well-handicapped horse when second at Wetherby 23 days ago. A 5lb rise isn’t excessive, but her jumping needs to improve. The yard won this race last year.

Lady Babs, now 11, is in the form of her life. A 7lb penalty for her Carlisle win 12 days ago and a step up in class make this tougher, but she has each-way claims if all eight mares line-up.

All The Glory, a C&D winner, steps back up in trip after a solid third in stronger company over shorter here last time. The drop in class could be key.

Brindisi Breeze (4.25) – 3m

Arguably the trickiest of today's four Go North Finals.

Top Man Tom improved for better ground when winning two C&D handicaps before finishing fifth in stronger company here last time. This is more his level, but he may prefer softer conditions.

Be The Difference looked in need of further when runner-up over 2m 3½f at Catterick 24 days ago. A return to a sound surface should suit, and he could sneak into the places.

Sea Pigeon (5.00) – 2m 1½f

Cuban Cigar, a C&D winner, is 3lb below his last winning mark but hasn’t won since November 23. Out of form since finishing second at Perth in September, but he likes Musselburgh and is handicapped to be dangerous if bouncing back.

Heart Above, another course winner, ran well when third here over 1m 7½f last time. This slightly longer trip should suit, and his yard has won two of the four previous runnings.

Haarar made it 3-10 over hurdles with a gutsy Catterick win last month. A 4lb rise looks fair, and he shouldn’t be far away in his follow-up bid.

Selection: Cuban Cigar

Outside of Musselburgh, Newbury and Ffos Las also host some decent races on Friday. I have just one pick at Musselburgh but several fancies at the other two tracks. If you want my Friday’s selections and for the rest of the month which includes Aintree’s Grand National Festival you can get them here.

In tommorow's column I'll be looking at the best of Saturday's ITV racing.

Good luck with your Go North Finals bets!

John