UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

DRUMBEAR bolted up on his chase debut over an extended 2m1f at Limerick last December and, despite having to shoulder joint top-weight for this contest, he could prove tough to beat if anywhere near his recent form. A 10lb raised mark for his latest success over this C&D does not rule the four-timer seeking Notlongtillmay out of the equation and he is feared most, while Halo Des Obeaux is another to consider for powerful connections.
Prediction : 1st Drumbear 2nd Notlongtillmay 3rd Halo Des Obeaux

Slipway steps up in trip following a comfortable success over an extended 3m3f and must command respect in a deeper contest, but FLOWER OF SCOTLAND caught the eye when bolting up over an extended 4m at Kelso last December and could be worth taking a chance on off an 8lb raised mark. Last year's winner Captain Cattistock warrants a market check now eased in grade from his latest run, along with the Paul Nicholls-trained Truckers Lodge.
Prediction : 1st Flower Of Scotland 2nd Slipway 3rd Captain Cattistock

A fairly open contest in which marginal preference is for OUTLAW PETER. He makes a switch back to novice company following a disappointing run at Kempton over 2m5f last month but, given he secured a 19-length victory over an extended 2m5f at Exeter last November, he should not be taken lightly despite having to shoulder an 8lb winner's penalty. Glen Cannel arrives on a hat-trick bid and is feared most, while Hemlock is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Outlaw Peter 2nd Glen Cannel 3rd Hemlock

NAYATI won with a bit in hand over C&D on New Year's Day despite wandering around on the run-in and he doesn't look overburdened off just 3lb higher. Fellow last-time-out winner Lebowski could prove the chief threat after jumping well to win his first handicap at Wetherby in December and he's still lightly raced in this sphere. Grivetana has to put her latest disappointment at Newbury behind her, but the mare can't be ruled out if back on song.
Prediction : 1st Nayati 2nd Lebowski 3rd Grivetana

Simple Star rates as intriguing rival, on both this stable and handicap hurdle debut, after two solid runner-up efforts at Perth in the summer when last tried over obstacles. Preference, however, is for CUBAN CIGAR, who returns to class 4 company after finishing a respectful fourth in a class 2 contest over C&D on New Year's Day and he looks more than capable of picking up a race of this nature. Rewired wasn't disgraced when last seen placing second behind a subsequent winner at Kelso and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Cuban Cigar 2nd Simple Star 3rd Rewired

MR MULDOON capitalised on a tumbling mark when staying on well to win over hurdles at Chepstow last month and he holds leading claims reverting to chasing, despite an 8lb rise in the ratings. Didero Vallis arrives in form after finishing third at Ludlow and he could prove the chief threat in a contest where solid form looks thin on the ground. Cyclop is now 3lb lower than his last success in this sphere and is another to note at this level.
Prediction : 1st Mr Muldoon 2nd Didero Vallis 3rd Cyclop