UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

Given that Turbo Command is arguably better on the all-weather and Laertes didn't seem to be exactly crying out for a step up in trip when he was brushed aside by a runaway winner over 6f at Chelmsford nine days ago, this might be best left to MERRICOURT, who has dropped to a mark 4lb lower than his last win. He has gone well over C&D before and could be hard to peg back if set alight by the first-time blinkers. Monaadhil rates as the chief threat.
Prediction : 1st Merricourt 2nd Monaadhil 3rd Turbo Command

MANIGORDO (third) had to carry a penalty when he encountered Billyb (second) at Thirsk last August and, having proven his well-being with a near miss at Ayr 11 days ago, the Tim Easterby-trained gelding is fancied to turn the form around on 4lb better terms. Abduction also comes into the reckoning based on his previous C&D form with the selection, and he too needs to be taken seriously. Liamarty Dreams completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Manigordo 2nd Billyb 3rd Abduction

GRAY'S INN impressed with the manner in which she responded to urgings from James Sullivan in the saddle when she ran on for an eye-catching second on her debut at Ripon 22 days ago. Given the form was boosted by the winner going in again at Redcar on Monday, there are solid reasons to expect a lot more from this daughter of Inns Of Court. Sankari also appears to have a bright future and is noted along with Ponga and Pumpkin Pie.
Prediction : 1st Grays Inn 2nd Sankari 3rd Ponga

This can go the way of HEREDIA, who was a somewhat unlucky loser when staying on from off the pace at Newmarket behind a subsequent Group 2 winner last time out. The Sandringham winner should relish going back up in trip and she gets the vote ahead of White Moonlight, who had been running well in Meydan before an uninspiring run on her return to British soil in the Chartwell. Irish raider Basil Martini is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Heredia 2nd White Moonlight 3rd Basil Martini

OLD SMOKE ran well for a long way in the London Gold Cup before fading somewhat late on, and the slight drop in trip could prove ideal on this occasion as he looks to bounce back. On the other hand, going up in distance could be just what is needed for Dancing In Paris after a strong second at Sandown last week. Stablemates Gareeb and Lion Of War are players based on the pick of their form, while Redcar scorer Milteye is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Old Smoke 2nd Dancing In Paris 3rd Gareeb

End Zone recorded his fifth career success at Hamilton earlier in the week when scoring by just under a length, and he now has to carry 5lb extra, which might not be enough to prevent him from having a big say once more. However, he does make a quick turnaround and that could open it up for RORY to pounce. The son of Orientor was just touched off last time at Ayr over 7f and he can go one place better. Without Delay is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Rory 2nd End Zone 3rd Without Delay

LAAKHOF went in by a head last time at Catterick when sporting a first-time tongue-tie and he was raised 4lb for that success, which could prove to be lenient given two subsequent winners have come out of that race. The son of Profitable can take this and move up in the handicap ranks. The main threat might be Canaria Prince, who continues to prove competitive off his current mark, while Stay Smart is also worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Laakhof 2nd Canaria Prince 3rd Stay Smart