UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

FULL METAL JACKET adds a fair amount of interest to the contest with Emmet Mullins sending him over from Ireland to make his hurdling debut. A full-brother to the useful Embassy Gardens, a repeat of his third at Punchestown last April would likely prove good enough for him to get off the mark. Speed Davis filled the runner-up spot on his first attempt over timber at Catterick and is respected along with Reforme, who shaped well when fourth at Ayr last month.
Prediction : 1st Full Metal Jacket 2nd Speed Davis 3rd Reforme

SUNDAY SOLDIER continued her progression when making it four wins on the bounce at Doncaster last month. The daughter of Shantou, who has gone up 36lb since the first of those victories here in December, may not have reached her ceiling yet, especially with the potential to improve for stepping up in trip. Autumn Return won a series qualifier over C&D in November and commands plenty of respect, while others to consider include Spit Spot, Ip Up and Spot On Soph.
Prediction : 1st Sunday Soldier 2nd Autumn Return 3rd Spit Spot

Teorie (10th), Latin Verse and Balboa (both pulled up) are all likely to find this an easier assignment than they encountered in the Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival. Of the aforementioned trio, the latter appeals most based on his third here in the Scottish Triumph. However, they may be vulnerable to an improving type and GOLDEN MAVERICK fits that mould. A winner on his latest start at Haydock, the manner of that easy victory suggested he would have more to offer with his attentions now switched to handicap company. La Quarite benefited from a first-time hood when runner-up here in February and he looks capable of taking another step forward.
Prediction : 1st Golden Maverick 2nd Balboa 3rd La Quarite

Once again, Curley Finger displayed a willing attitude when completing a hat-trick at Doncaster last month. The seven-year-old's desire to win isn't taken lightly, but a further 5lb rise may be enough to prevent him from following up and slight preference is for February C&D runner-up JEM IN EM. Lucinda Russell's gelding was denied by just a neck that day and he may be able to capitalise racing off the same mark. Champ Royal and Rumble B both arrive in fine fettle and they also warrant respect.
Prediction : 1st Jem In Em 2nd Curley Finger 3rd Champ Royal

SCOTS POET looked better than ever when scoring with something up his sleeve at this venue on New Year's Day. The gelded son of Yeats looks capable of defying a 6lb rise in the ratings and he edges the vote over fellow last-time-out winner Coup De Coeur. The six-year-old was quite taking on his Sedgefield romp and he should remain competitive off a 7lb higher mark, while Beaumesnil likely has more to offer in retained blinkers.
Prediction : 1st Scots Poet 2nd Coup De Coeur 3rd Beaumesnil

This Is Bob finished a well-beaten third in this grade over 2m at Hereford but he sports first-time cheekpieces now and takes a step back up in trip, which could eke out some improvement. However, preference is for point-to-point winner ISHOLO DU VIVIEN, who has hit the frame on each of his three hurdle starts and stepping up in distance on his handicap bow should suit. Donald McCain's six-year-old could defy his opening mark of 95 under Brian Hughes, while Misscarlett can fight it out for the minor honours on her return to this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Isholo Du Vivien 2nd This Is Bob 3rd Misscarlett

REFLECTION OF YOU changed hands for a whopping 140,000 pounds in November after scoring on her only point-to-point start in good style the previous month. Lucinda Russell's five-year-old is related to plenty of winners and could make a big impression on her debut under Rules. Sagonige got up by a neck at Sedgefield on Boxing Day when making her racecourse bow and she should make a bold bid under a 7lb penalty. Any market support for Beau Della would also be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Reflection Of You 2nd Sagonige 3rd Beau Della