UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

A tentative vote goes to Irish raider LUKER'S TIPPLE, who has been runner-up on both starts in this sphere, including to a talented Willie Mullins inmate who is contesting a Grade 1 at Leopardstown this weekend. The four-year-old can get off the mark at the main expense of French recruit Maitre En Science, who was two from three over hurdles for previous connections. A decent fourth on debut for the Paul Nicholls team at Kempton, Nardaran is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Lukers Tipple 2nd Maitre En Science 3rd Nardaran

FLORIDA DREAMS disappointed when upped in trip at Aintree last time out, but he is better judged on his penultimate fifth in the Greatwood. Winner of a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree, the seven-year-old could still be well treated off a mark of 126 and he gets the vote ahead of last year's winner Afadil, who arrives off 4lb lower on this occasion. Maghlaak's winning run came to an end at Ayr last month but he must enter calculations, along with the consistent Balhambar.
Prediction : 1st Florida Dreams 2nd Afadil 3rd Balhambar

THE KALOOKI KID improved from first to second start over fences when an easy winner at Doncaster in December, and a 7lb rise for that success may not be enough to prevent him from going in again. Placed in valuable handicaps the last twice at Cheltenham and Newcastle, C&D winner Marble Sands must be a key player, along with the veteran Minella Drama, who has strong claims on his success in the Old Roan at Aintree.
Prediction : 1st The Kalooki Kid 2nd Marble Sands 3rd Minella Drama

Second, albeit well held, in the Persian War at Chepstow, INTENSE APPROACH appeared to relish a step up to 3m at Cheltenham latest, where he recorded a commanding success. John McConnell's charge has more on his plate under a penalty but, with scope for further improvement, it would come as no surprise were he up to the task. Gale Mahler's progress has stalled of late but she ought to hold every chance on these terms, while Smokeringinthedark is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Intense Approach 2nd Gale Mahler 3rd Smokeringinthedark

BOOMSLANG has improved considerably since switching to fences, winning three of his four starts. Having cruised to victory over the extended 2m4f here last month, a subsequent 7lb rise might not be enough to halt further progress and Rebecca Menzies' charge receives a confident vote. Captain Quint finished second in the corresponding event 12 months ago. Although not at his best recently, a big run would come as no surprise and Breakdance Kid appeals too.
Prediction : 1st Boomslang 2nd Captain Quint 3rd Breakdance Kid

An opening mark of 107 could prove to be lenient for Koukeo given what he's produced so far over hurdles, but a chance is taken on RORY THE CAT. Lucinda Russell's gelding goes well at this track and is now on a tempting mark, especially with Conner McCann taking off a handy 7lb. Book Of Tales hit the woodwork at Doncaster in December and is an obvious candidate off 3lb higher, and it would be unwise to dismiss last year's winner Bashful.
Prediction : 1st Rory The Cat 2nd Koukeo 3rd Book Of Tales