Musselburgh runners today

Musselburgh stage their last meeting of the NH season today, and warm-ish weather, light winds and good ground will greet all visitors.
We have 3 horses entered, and The Jockey also has a ride in the last for Brother Ali, so it'll feel like a Bank Holiday for him!

Each of the horses has a chance, with Paper Roses and Baby Ticker the two who we think will appreciate the sound surface.

Paper Roses is upped in trip for the first time, and tackles 2m 3f in the novices' hurdle. She ran well on heavy ground at Kelso last time and Ewart's Lycidas (another who will be suited by the going) re-opposes having finished 2nd in that Kelso race (Paper Roses was third). Not much to choose between the two at the weights and as always the Crawford Bros'. Important Moment is dangerous on the pick of his Irish form. Rose runs the progressive Slanelough who looks as though he might just need another run or two for experience, but is another one who will be in the mix.

Paper Roses

Baby Ticker runs in the main event of the day, the 2m novices' handicap hurdle, and we'd hope for another competitive run from the progressive mare. It's a tight race and it's hard to discount any of the runners from consideration. Top weight Idder has some eye catching flat form to back up promising hurdling runs, while Donald McCain's Craig Star could stroll this if reproducing his Irish form (on good ground!).

Baby Ticker (Garry) on the right

Lastly for Dodlands, Bollin Julie runs in the 4.55, another handicap hurdle. She can be a bit quirky so the 11 runner field will help The Jockey give her some cover. Her best form is on soft ground, and it's another competitive event. Maurice Barnes' Oishin may benefit from the step up in trip, whist Lucy Alexander is back from injury and takes the mount on Ewart's relatively unexposed The Wise One. Nicky's Parc des Princes is thrown in on his best form and could win this easily, but it's a very interesting race and fingers crossed for our mare.

Bollin Julie

Best of luck to all connections and enjoy the day!

Shady not able to make Cheltenham last week

It was very unfortunate, but the day before he was due to set off for the Cheltenham Festival (Pertemps Final), Shades of Midnight developed some filling in his off hind leg, and we had no option but to abandon plans and give the gelding a few days off.

He's back on the gallops now, and whilst a big disappointment to all concerned, but the gelding is entered in the Class 2 staying handicap hurdle at Kelso on Saturday, where the soft going will suit.