SUNDAY WEEKENDER

13:00 Musselburgh We start todays trio of races where we stay for all three contests, in Scotland at Musselburgh. Starting with the opener on the card where I plump with one of the market principles and Brian Ellison trained Always Resolute. The five year old was very unfortunate not to make it two from two when falling two from home when miles clear of any other rival. Trainer Brian Ellison has hit some form and clearly has his yard in good order. If the unfortunate disappointment of its last run can be put behind it then I hope it can return to winning ways. The biggest danger looks set to be Nicky Henderson’s Brain Power who has to be respected hailing from such a top stable but looking through its form and although it has won two of its three previous outings I feel it may need to step up on its previous success and although I’m sure the horse has the ability to do so at a favourites price I prefer to go with the Ellison runner. A small mention has to go to Harry Skelton’s newcomer Azzuri who may go well at a big price. Always Resolute (WIN)

15:00 Musselburgh Aristo Du Plessis won brilliantly last time out when seen winning over course and distance. Despite the hike in weights you can’t write this horse off and if truth be told it’s the most likely winner and a current best price of around 4/1 may turn out to be quite generous. This being said however a horse with a bigger price catches my eye. Hawk High is a former Cheltenham Festival winner who ran a respectable race when finishing third when last running here at Musselburgh. The six year old is very consistent and has run well first time out previously, a very generous 14/1 price is too good to ignore and looks a great each-way selection. Hawk High (E/W)

16:30 Musselburgh We end todays picks with the last race on the card where a very open looking, twelve runner contest looks relatively tricky to decipher. The race looks set to be between both of Nicky Henderson’s runners and the horse Pau Nicholl’s saddles. Both of Henderson’s runners are owned by JP McManus as both Call The Cops and Cup Final line up. Call The Cops has achieved more than its stable mate but it’s very interesting to note that Barry Geraghty opts for a horse that hasn’t run since December 2014 and the fact it returns after such a long lay off in a race of this standard also speaks volumes. This is why I’m opting for Cup Final to take home victory. The aforementioned Nicholls runner Warrior’s Tale could go close if returning to its best form and has an each-way chance as does top weight Tagliatelle who on its day could make the frame. Cup Final (WIN)