UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

Thunderstorm Katie, a C&D winner before successfully coping with a 4lb higher mark at Newcastle last week, appeals in her bid to complete a hat-trick. A 5lb penalty could be manageable in her current form, although significant ease in the ground would restrict the enthusiasm. With that in mind, SKI ANGEL, a three-time track-and-trip winner, could be the way to go if the forecast rain arrives. Our Absent Friends and Sir Benedict can also figure from handy draws.
Prediction : 1st Ski Angel 2nd Thunderstorm Katie 3rd Sir Benedict

EAGLE BAY was only two lengths behind a now 79-rated opponent at Catterick. That was a highly encouraging introduction given his obvious inexperience and, as a half-brother to a multiple winner over this trip, he shades preference based on potential. Positive Thoughts built on her first run at Ayr when filling the runner-up berth at Southwell and could have another big say. Clocker and Henriette Ronner also have scope for progression.
Prediction : 1st Eagle Bay 2nd Positive Thoughts 3rd Clocker

Although Dwindling Funds has won six times since late-July, he was held off this mark at Doncaster last time and DOUBLE TIME edges preference. The Tim Vaughan-trained gelding struck from a 9lb higher rating during the summer of 2024 and still looks well treated, despite a 5lb rise for a cosy victory at Kempton last month. Bint Al Karama tends to go well here and also warrants consideration.
Prediction : 1st Double Time 2nd Dwindling Funds 3rd Bint Al Karama

A switch to more aggressive tactics paid dividends for VELVET WHISPER when making most of the running to score at Nottingham. Ed Bethell's filly had enough in hand to suggest that a 4lb higher mark is surmountable and a double may be in store. Tee Aitch Aye arrives on the back of a never-nearer third over 1m2f at Ayr and looks worth another go over an extended 1m4f. The four-year-old is feared most, ahead of Irish raider Sayidah New Bay.
Prediction : 1st Velvet Whisper 2nd Tee Aitch Aye 3rd Sayidah New Bay

OUTRUN THE STORM took a step back in the right direction when making the frame at Redcar and if he can improve just a little more, he might be up to taking top honours. Jkr Cobbler has finished third a couple of times since scoring at Ayr, when he had John L Sullivan back in sixth. The latter won this 12 months ago and is 3lb lower now. Monhammer has been performing well and will surely get his head back in front sooner rather than later.
Prediction : 1st Outrun The Storm 2nd Jkr Cobbler 3rd Monhammer

Mudamer won twice at Catterick in October, appreciating the drop to 7f, but the fact he is now a total of 11lb higher leaves him vulnerable. Having landed the second division of the handicap won by the former last time, U SURE DO has the potential to back that effort up after rising just 4lb. Monsieur Kodi has been knocking on the door recently and completes the shortlist along with Glenfinnan.
Prediction : 1st U Sure Do 2nd Mudamer 3rd Monsieur Kodi

AIGHEAR has bounced back to form recently, with the seven-year-old beaten just half a length when bidding for a third victory in succession at Newbury. Amie Waugh rode the mare to triumph both times at Ayr earlier in the autumn and this appears to be a fine opportunity for her to get back to winning ways. Spooky Wooky chased her home in September and has since placed over C&D, which earns him respect. Quercus Robur and Young Merlin head the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Aighear 2nd Spooky Wooky 3rd Quercus Robur