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13:00 Musselburgh As a general rule of thumb this is the time of year where flat recruits can be trusted upon to be fit and ready to go and a few winners from the level have gone in over obstacles recently, including one for Richard Fahey yesterday. Most of these fall into that such category and Vilman is likely to be strongly fancied here, having won twice in that sphere. Also the highest rated of these on the flat, he was bought for 95,000 guineas so its likely he’ll be a tough sort to crack. Sir Chauvelin is another who ran to a decent level on the flat, going by RPR he has 7lbs to find with the favourite but this isn’t the flat and Jim Goldie’s challenger is interesting given he was a strong stayer on the level. With the first time hood applied today it will be interesting to see how he goes and although its speculative there is every chance he will run into a place and as such, that is the advice. The Compeller may have needed his last run and is another to consider and this sharper track may suit his style despite the racing post saying otherwise and though Big McIntosh must give weight all round, he has the best form and is the one to beat in theory. Sir Chauvlin (E/W if 9/2+)
13:50 Hexham Presenting Junior is a much better chaser than hurdler and hasn’t won over hurdles in seven attempts, the balance of his form quite clearly makes him the one to beat however and a big run is surely on the cards. His odds are likely to be short enough today and there is a strong suspicion this is being used as a prep, he is still respected very highly but the percentage call is to take him on in this sphere. Ryedale Racer only had two bumper starts and both were contested here. Too green on the 1st of them starts he fairly bolted up in the latter and though his aptitude for this discipline has to be proved, he does look an exciting sort and is handed the vote to lower the favourites colours. The Conn is another open to any amount of progress this year and another one to consider in this sphere, I suspect he may be one for the future however so a watching brief maybe the best way forward today. It Is I may want quicker ground and hasn’t the visor on, he still wants respecting but rain would be a major negative. Of the rest Captain Redbeard makes some appeal but his defeats in bumpers probably hint at a lack of pace and his victories in points suggest he will probably do better over fences. Ryedale Racer (WIN)
14:50 Hexham Course regular Samson Collonges rarely wins nowadays but he often runs with credit and his liking for this course is a major positive despite the likelihood of him improving for the run. A distant yet decent 4th here in April reads well in the context of this and he is probably a least reliable to put forward for a place at decent odds. Dundee Blue is 0/7 yet arrives here on the back of a sound effort when 2nd at Sedgefield in May, he is likely to go off a strong favourite. However a combination of a 6lbs higher mark, a step up in trip and a need for the headgear to work a second time probably equate to being enough to take him on and as such he is, despite being feared. Willie Hall is another to consider despite his chase form looking a little suspect, he warmed up with a good effort over hurdles the last day and has won here in the past. Samson Collonges (E/W if 9/2+)