UK Horse Racing Tips: Musselburgh

Lord has to be respected following his Listed success at Aintree last time, but a 5lb penalty for that win could leave him vulnerable. With that in mind, preference is for SECRET FORCE. The Irish raider struggled in a Grade 2 last time but that was a strong contest and his previous Punchestown victory suggests that he could play a leading role at this level. Falls Of Acharn and Scarlet Moon are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Secret Force 2nd Lord 3rd Falls Of Acharn

WELSH CHARGER won this contest 12 months ago from a 1lb lower mark and was a respectable fifth in the Scottish Champion Hurdle on his next outing. The eight-year-old's fourth in the Greatwood in November is also decent form and he can bounce back from an underwhelming effort at Ascot last time. Afadil chased that rival home last year and won the 2024 renewal, so he has to be noted. Others to consider are Williethebuilder and Kateira.
Prediction : 1st Welsh Charger 2nd Afadil 3rd Williethebuilder

INSURRECTION displayed plenty of promise when filling third place over C&D on his seasonal return at the beginning of the month. With the benefit of that run under his belt, the nine-year-old could be hard to beat on this occasion, especially having won at this meeting 12 months ago. JPR One has been running well in defeat of late but a 3lb rise for his latest second does not help his chances. Tommy's Oscar edges out Traprain Law and Teddy Blue to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Insurrection 2nd JPR One 3rd Tommys Oscar

ABSOLUTELY DOYEN will attract obvious support given his connections and progressive profile. He has to concede weight all round here but has won his last four starts and might not be done improving yet. Getting 8lb from the selection, Sleedagh must come into calculations and a solid chance can also be given to Lewisham Grove, who won well at Newcastle.
Prediction : 1st Absolutely Doyen 2nd Sleedagh 3rd Lewisham Grove

PLATIN MOON gave the impression he has a lot more offer over hurdles when scoring at Ayr earlier in the month. He'll go on the ground if the rain continues to fall and another bold showing looks assured. Of the others, Gemini Man has been knocking on the door here and would be no surprise winner, while Paddys Policy is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Platin Moon 2nd Gemini Man 3rd Paddys Policy

REXEM appreciated going back over fences when a running-on second over 2m4f here on New Year's Day and the Irish raider is well worth another chance going up in trip. Sammy Smart will make it tough for the selection judged on recent form at Thurles and Punchestown, which includes a narrow win at the latter venue. Kelce should also be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Rexem 2nd Sammy Smart 3rd Kelce