Hi all,
Musselburgh’s Easter Saturday Queen’s Cup card is a highlight of Saturday’s racing. The feature race, the £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup (3:35), attracts a strong field of stayers, while the £50,000 Scottish Sprint Cup (3:00) showcases some useful sprint handicappers. With increased prize money and a vibrant crowd, it promises a thrilling day of racing.
ITV Racing are covering for race from Musselburgh this afternoon.
Here’s my thoughts on three of the Musselburgh races.
Musselburgh Easter Saturday Preview
2:25 – Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Silver Arrow Handicap (Class 3) – 7f
Alzahir has returned from wind surgery with back-to-back wins at Doncaster and Thirsk. A 7lb rise makes life tougher, but his current form suggests he's a strong contender to land the hat-trick.
Gweedore, a five-time course winner, was a C&D second on Sunday and must be respected in the first time cheekpieces.
3:00 – Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 5f
Jer Batt, a course and distance winner, did well last season winning at Haydock and finishing a narrow second at Doncaster on his final start. He performs well fresh and looks primed for another strong run.
Mon Na Slieve returned to winning form with a comfortable course and distance victory 17 days ago. Up 5lb and a notch in class but shouldn’t be far away.
3:35 – Virgin Bet Queen's Cup (Heritage Handicap) – 1m 6f
A maximum field of 14 lines up for the day's feature race. On Thursday I previewed the race and identified three interesting trends. Those trends have produced four qualifiers for this year’s Queen’s Cup.
Wild Waves improved to finish a 7-length sixth in the St Leger and was a solid fourth in the Melrose Handicap at York. Now gelded and representing a yard in top form, he could be ready to shine.
Aimeric possesses class but carries top weight, which could make him vulnerable to better-treated rivals. If his stamina holds, he's not without a chance. Though.
Wise Eagle, won this race in 2023, has impressive Musselburgh form figures of 121111. He can't be discounted at this track.
Chillingham hasn't won since his seasonal return in 2023 but has strong form in valuable handicaps since. Dropping down the weights, he’s a strong contender.
Align The Stars and La Pulga, both from Charlie Johnston's yard, are noteworthy. Align The Stars was a good third in a listed race at Nottingham on seasonal reappearance, while La Pulga, drawn in stall 1, likes to lead and has each-way claims.
That's my Musselburgh Easter Saturday Preview done. I’ll be back on Monday to look at the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John