UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

TRIPOLI FLYER finished runner-up in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree's Grand National meeting and got off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles at Market Rasen in a bloodless manner. The six-year-old is unlikely to have any issue with stepping up in grade before potentially tackling bigger options in the spring. Cloonainra has to be the main threat based on her second in the Rossington Main at Haydock just over a fortnight ago, although useful Flat performer Evaluation can't be written off having clearly not run his race at Newcastle in November.
Prediction : 1st Tripoli Flyer 2nd Cloonainra 3rd Evaluation

Asta La Pasta has to be respected following placed efforts at Newbury and Kempton but the seven-year-old continues to creep up the handicap, rising 4lb for those defeats, and it wouldn't be a surprise if INSURRECTION stepped forward. A promising first effort over fences at Chepstow has been followed by a pair of excusable displays, including last time at Doncaster when the yard was going through a relatively quiet spell. Alien Storm and Choose A Copper are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Insurrection 2nd Asta La Pasta 3rd Alien Storm

Scottish National runner-up SURREY QUEST caught the eye massively on his return at Cheltenham before unseating at Newbury when attempting back-to-back Mandarin victories. The eight-year-old has a Grand National entry and a strong showing here would increase his chance of getting a run if connections are thinking of heading in that direction. Last year's runaway winner Inis Oirr sports first-time blinkers and effectively races off the same mark as 12 months ago, when factoring in Alan Doyle's 5lb allowance. His stable companion Cadell and top-weight King Turgeon warrant consideration too.
Prediction : 1st Surrey Quest 2nd Inis Oirr 3rd Cadell

HAMSIYANN appeared to have plenty in hand when winning over 2m5f at Cheltenham in November and that was a clear career best over hurdles. A 10lb rise for that success is a slight concern, but it would be no surprise to see the five-year-old defy it here. Pyffo hit the crossbar at Doncaster last time and could go well once again, while Doyen Quest edges out Samui and Anna Bunina to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Hamsiyann 2nd Pyffo 3rd Doyen Quest

CHAPEL GREEN was a ready winner over C&D two starts ago and was only narrowly denied off a 6lb higher mark at Ayr last time. The eight-year-old tops the shortlist on the back of those performances, despite a further 2lb rise. Duhallow Tommy could prove to be the main threat following a couple of encouraging efforts in defeat, although Hold Onto The Line and Grain D'oudairies should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Chapel Green 2nd Duhallow Tommy 3rd Hold Onto The Line

Thunder N Lightnin wasn't disgraced when finishing third in a novice hurdle at Kempton in November and an opening mark of 102 looks workable. Harry Derham's gelding isn't taken lightly up in trip, but recent Market Rasen winner BELVEDERE BLAST shades the vote. The seven-year-old arrives here off just 4lb higher in the ratings and a brace could be on the cards. Hostile Hotelier and You Some Girl are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Belvedere Blast 2nd Thunder N Lightnin 3rd Hostile Hotelier

A first-time hood and 74-day break worked the oracle for THE GRAY GHOST when denying a Dan Skelton hotpot to open his account over hurdles at Newcastle. Although a rating of 117 on his handicap bow may require further improvement, the top-weight looks capable of better. The biggest threat may emerge in the shape of Circuit Breaker, who shouldn't be underestimated dropping in distance. The in-form Albatala can also have a say if seeing out the rise in trip.
Prediction : 1st The Gray Ghost 2nd Circuit Breaker 3rd Albatala