UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

Captain Winters was last seen finishing a disappointing fifth in Listed company at Pontefract in October and should not be ruled out down in grade. However, DUMFRIES made a pleasing return from a short break when scoring over this trip at Southwell last month, and the fact he was only denied by a neck at Brighton on his latest turf run has to make him of interest. Manitou completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Dumfries 2nd Captain Winters 3rd Manitou

Even though Gweedore is now rated 7lb higher than when winning this last year, he can confirm form with the reopposing Northern Express. AUTUMN FESTIVAL arrives on a six-timer, though, and gets the vote. He beat Abduction (second) on his latest run here and, though Jim Goldie's charge is respected now 2lb better off at the weights, the gut feeling is that the selection will improve again this year. Bling On The Music is another worthy of a market check.
Prediction : 1st Autumn Festival 2nd Gweedore 3rd Northern Express

Even though Vintage Clarets disappointed over this trip at Doncaster on his latest outing in October, that was arguably the result of a long season and he can bounce back returning from a break. He is still rated 7lb above his last winning mark, though, so SILKY WILKIE is marginally preferred. A drop in trip following a tiring finish at Wolverhampton over 6f last time out looks set to suit the gelded son of Mehmas. Catch Cunningham is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Silky Wilkie 2nd Vintage Clarets 3rd Catch Cunningham

A progressive stayer throughout last season, SPIRIT MIXER looks to have been found a decent opportunity on his return to action with conditions in his favour. His runner-up effort in last year's Northumberland Plate appeals as the strongest form on offer and he is preferred to course specialist Wise Eagle, and November Handicap winner Metier, who may need a bit more cut in the ground. The unexposed Good Show is of interest on his handicap debut, while Emiyn and Onesmoothoperator cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Spirit Mixer 2nd Good Show 3rd Wise Eagle

A chance is taken on SERGEANT WILKO, who is by a sire known for breeding sharp sprint types and his stable are no strangers to having first-time-out winners either. A costly purchase at the sales, Treasure Storm is likely to be forward on debut for the powerful Amo Racing team, while Balon D'or makes appeal on pedigree being by Kodiac out of a Requinto mare. Blue Prince can also have a say in proceedings, being one of the first progeny of multiple Group 1 winner Blue Point.
Prediction : 1st Sergeant Wilko 2nd Treasure Storm 3rd Blue Prince

The value may lie with LADY LADE, who was unlucky when narrowly denied by the reopposing Havagomecca (first) over C&D in October last year. The booking of Kevin Stott catches the eye and, off a light weight, she may have too much for recent Doncaster winner Ey Up It's Maggie, and Leodis Dream, who finished last season with a convincing success at Ripon. Black Friday and Le Beau Garcon are capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Lady Lade 2nd Ey Up Its Maggie 3rd Leodis Dream

Fitness has to be taken on trust with many of these and it may be worth chancing COPPER MOUNTAIN. The four-year-old ran one of her better races last time out when finishing fourth at Wolverhampton and she returns to the turf off a 1lb lower mark than her win at Wetherby in April last year. Judgment Call and Tommy G are feared most if returning at their best.
Prediction : 1st Copper Mountain 2nd Judgment Call 3rd Tommy G

Don't Look Back romped home by six lengths in testing conditions over 1m2f at Doncaster last week, but Lucinda Russell's inmate isn't sure to excel now faced with this sharper test off 8lb higher in the handicap. With that in mind, BASHFUL, who was just denied over this distance at Newcastle recently, makes most appeal. Beltane returns to the turf off a declining mark and he may have been freshened up by a break.
Prediction : 1st Bashful 2nd Beltane 3rd Dont Look Back