UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

WILTSHIRE LAD was one of the last winners to be trained by Sir Michael Stoute when he landed a nursery at Southwell in October. That was an encouraging performance from the son of Wootton Bassett, who appeals strongly returning off 5lb higher with his new yard in excellent form. The runner-up from that Southwell race also filled the same position behind Invited when he scored at Kempton last month. George Boughey's gelding is highly respected back on turf off 6lb higher. Zowal and Hot Dancer complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Wiltshire Lad 2nd Invited 3rd Zowal

GWEEDORE bounced back to form when second over C&D last weekend and the veteran merits plenty of respect off the same mark here. That said, Alzahir arrives on the back of two victories in recent weeks and could give the selection plenty to think about. Rockymountainway is another with strong form claims and edges out Benacre to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Gweedore 2nd Alzahir 3rd Rockymountainway

There isn't much to choose between AMERICAN AFFAIR and Jer Batt on bare form and while the latter surely looks capable of paying his way at this level, the former has a better record when fresh and narrowly shades the vote. A winner over C&D on his seasonal debut 12 months ago, Jim Goldie's five-year-old did nothing but progress in 2024 and resumes with the potential to be a stable star in similar handicaps for his highly capable yard. Cover Up, Jm Jungle and Tatterstall are also notable options.
Prediction : 1st Jer Batt 2nd American Affair 3rd Cover Up

Danny Tudhope has been aboard the last two winners of this contest, including Wise Eagle, who he gets back aboard today. Adam Nicol's charge merits the utmost respect despite being 5lb higher this time around, but the vote goes to ALIGN THE STARS. A progressive handicapper last season before coming up short in a couple of Group contests, he returned with a creditable third in the Further Flight at Nottingham recently and is sure to mount another stern challenge with that outing under his belt. Wild Waves was by no means discredited in the St Leger when last seen and he looks a real player back in a handicap, especially with his yard in flying form.
Prediction : 1st Align The Stars 2nd Wise Eagle 3rd Wild Waves

Cases can be made for all of these so only a tentative vote can go to AMALFINA. Outpaced over the mile at Doncaster on her debut in October, the daughter of Nathaniel will relish a step up in trip and she appeals as the type to progress over middle distances this term. Canavan might be a longer term prospect, but he showed clear promise last season and is another likely to benefit from a considerable rise in distance, while Ivatt appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Amalfina 2nd Canavan 3rd Ivatt

EPIDAVROS put in a promising display when fifth on her seasonal debut at Southwell a couple of weeks ago and, with the benefit of that outing, Katie Scott's filly could be hard to stop here. Reach struggled on her final couple of starts last year but should not be underestimated on her return to action, while similar comments apply to Alessia Fernanda.
Prediction : 1st Epidavros 2nd Reach 3rd Alessia Fernanda

ZARZYNI was arguably an unlucky loser when a close third over C&D last Sunday as he met with plenty of trouble in running. With a clear passage here, the veteran could provide his supporters with some valuable compensation. However, Knicks also did not get the clearest of runs when narrowly ahead in second that day and is another to consider. Only Spoofing took the spoils on that occasion but a 4lb penalty could leave him vulnerable.
Prediction : 1st Zarzyni 2nd Knicks 3rd Only Spoofing