RACE PREVIEWS & TIPS (WEDNESDAY)

15:00 Musselburgh This handicap hurdle could go the way of Jennie Candlish’s Wake Your Dreams with plenty to like in his favour. He’s looked unsuited by the softer ground he’s encountered on his last two starts when tailed off but this return to good ground that saw him run a few encouraging races is a big tick. As is the fact that the cheekpieces have been re-applied, which were left off in those two disappointing efforts. The nine year old has slipped down to 112 and in May he went close off 115 when he should have won, and might have if Sean Quinlan hadn’t lost his whip. The nature of this track should suit and with Candlish having had three winners in from seven in the last 14 days he gets the vote. Pupitarian has gone up 5lb for his win over track and trip in January when running over this three mile trip for the first time. He remains unexposed over this distance, so Lucinda Russell’s inmate could remain on the right side of the handicapper to strike once again. Philip Kirby is a trainer going well at the moment and he saddles recent winner Improved here. He was dropped back into a novice handicap hurdle at Fakenham when winning comfortably with the cheekpieces on for the first time. If they work here then the 6lb rise may not stop him with the way he went about his business that day. He kept finding when under pressure and that wasn’t something he had shown too often before. Shantou Tiger is consistent but isn’t one I could fully trust, as he doesn’t find too much late in his races. Wake Your Dreams (E/W)

19:30 Newcastle Slingsby won over course and distance last time in a quick time and that form has already been boosted by the fifth, Among Angels, being a subsequent winner at Wolverhampton. Michael Easterby’s runners are in good form and this six year old is still in a 0-75 contest, so should give another good account. He was on the front end from the beginning last time and he managed to put good distance in between himself and his rivals, so should have more to offer having just gone up 3lb. Berlios went down by a head at Wolverhampton just nine-days ago when staying on down the outside. That was his first start on tapeta after three goes on polytrack since switching to David Barron, so we know he’ll handle this surface. Drawn next to Ballesteros should give him some pace to aim at, so this son of Excellent Aim should go close off this mark of 72. The each-way angle was with Art Obsession, who made an encouraging return to the track after a 99-day break. He was third over this track and trip taking his record here at Gosforth Park to two placed efforts from two. He raced lazily in the early stages before staying on well late, so if he’s sharper for that run he can go well once more. In three races in this class he has won once and placed twice plus the early pace of The Hooded Claw drawn next to him he could be in a position to strike late on. Art Obsession (E/W) – NAP