Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Musselburgh and Lingfield on Saturday. View selections below.
KATEIRA (1.43) can defy top weight in the bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle at Musselburgh.
Dan Skelton and Tristan Durrell have teamed up with great effect recently and Kateira re-appears in handicap company for the first time since striding out a clear-cut winner at Ascot in April 2024.
The grey mare has since performed with credit in tougher assignments, scoring twice at Graded level over longer trips.
The last time Skelton dropped Kateira to today’s minimum trip she hammered Golden Ace 28 lengths when making all at Wetherby in November.
Christian Williams has had Williethebuilder in sparkling form and his dual Kempton winner clearly goes well for conditional rider Toby McCain-Mitchell.
Welsh Charger edged out dual course and distance scorer Alfadil in this event last year and they renew rivalry.
Paul Nicholls rarely leaves Musselburgh empty-handed and INSURRECTION (2.20) looks one for the southern powerhouse in the 2m 4f bet365 Scottish Champion Chase.
His gelding romped home by 16 lengths over course and distance 12 months ago and although now racing off a 5lb higher mark, talented Freddie Keighley claims the full 7lb allowance.
Insurrection was beaten but not disgraced (third) behind Breizh River on a return visit to the East Lothian track 30 days ago, his first outing in eight months.
Fifth home The Kalooki Kid is better off at today’s weights and attempts to follow up last year’s clear-cut victory off a 7lb loftier perch.
Locally-owned Traprain Law, third in this event last year, was strong at the finish when scooping the Castleford Handicap at Wetherby in late December and can figure.
Joe Tizzard sends Jpr One on the long trip north and his consistent top weight has posted solid efforts in defeat behind Calico at Ascot and David’s Well at Cheltenham on his last two outings.
The Nicholls yard field probable favourite Absolutely Doyen in the bet365 Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle over three miles but a better value punt is recommended on Irish raider WALKS THE TALK (3.00).
John McConnell boasts a fine record here and Walks The Talk won at Roscommon and Kelso before finding Haydock’s sharp 2m 2f circuit against her last time. The stable took this event last year with Intense Approach.
Absolutely Doyen has reeled off four victories on the spin but may be vulnerable having been raised 9lb for his latest Wincanton triumph.
There’s an eight-race card on the Polytrack at Lingfield where MARSHMAN (2.50) bids for back-to-back success in the six-furlong Midnite Kachy Stakes.
Karl Burke’s sprinter holds re-opposing Diligent Harry on their form here 12 months ago and a bigger threat may emerge in the shape of Andrew Balding’s lightly-raced Cool Hoof Luke.
The winner of two of his four career starts, including the 2024 Gimcrack at York, the colt is out to continue Balding’s hot streak.
WAY TO DUBAI (4.30) has been most frustrating but is given one more chance in the one-mile BetMGM-sponsored handicap.
Mick Appleby drops the gelding into Class 6 company and a repeat of his close-up course and distance third in Class 4 grade on New Year’s Eve would make him hard to beat.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
