Hi all,
More cracking racing on ITV on Sunday with four races live from Leopardstown and Musselburgh.
Musselburgh’s highlight is the bet365 Edinburgh National (2:25), with 14 declared, including the last two winners of the race.
I have previewed seven of the eight races from the Dublin Racing Festival and three from Musselburgh for Victor Value subscribers.
Here’s my look at three of Musselburgh races.
Musselburgh
Source: Racing Post
2:25 – bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m 7½f
King Turgeon completed a hat-trick when winning at Cheltenham (3m2f) and ran well for third at Wincanton last time. A major player if he stays this marathon trip.
Anglers Crag proved his stamina when winning last season’s Eider Chase. Below form in two runs this season but showed promise when fifth over 2m5f at Market Rasen last time.
Cadell won at Wetherby in November and possibly didn’t handle soft ground at Sandown. Stamina should suit, and his yard won this race last year.
Inis Oirr, last year’s winner, has struggled this season. First-time blinkers replace the visor he wore when winning 12 months ago.
Evies Vladimir, an Irish challenger, never got involved in the Welsh National. Had been making headway when falling four out at Fairyhouse before that. Yard among the winners.
Surrey Quest ran a blinder when second in the Scottish Grand National. Unseated at Newbury when still going well last time. Trainer had a 33/1 here on Saturday.
Bodhisattva bounced back to form on better ground when a rallying second at Doncaster (3m) 35 days ago. He proved his stamina for 3m 4f when third in the Ulster National at Downpatrick in April. The drying ground suits, and he could be on a handy mark for this step up to 4m.
Magna Sam's last win came in this race in 2023 from a 6lb higher mark. He’s been mostly below par since but showed more when third at Doncaster last time (behind Bodhisattva). Cheekpieces go on for the first time, and the 11-year-old is well-treated if they have the desired effect.
3:00 – Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (Class 2) – 3m
Hamsiyann was well-backed when winning at Cheltenham (2m5f). A progressive hurdler with proven stamina on the flat and should stay 3m here. Needs a win to secure a spot in the final at Cheltenham.
Samui stays well on the flat and delivered a career-best over hurdles when winning at Thurles (1m7½f). Stamina for 3m is a question, but he’ll appreciate good ground.
Top Man Tom has improved for the step up to 3m and the return of the visor, winning twice over C&D. Up 11lb in a stronger race but going the right way on a hat-trick bid.
3:35 – bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m
Salamanca Bay has been disappointing since joining Dan Skelton but remains on a workable mark if he can bounce back.
Duhallow Tommy won three times over fences last season and placed on both starts this term. Consistent and likely to be in the mix again.
Thistle Ask was off for 20 months but showed plenty of ability when second at Ayr in October. Should be competitive again despite another break.
Hold Onto The Line is a four-time Musselburgh winner and was second over C&D last time. Below his last winning mark and could go well if the pace is strong.
I’ll be back on Monday with the start of my look back at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John