16:20 Musselburgh

Wednesday 27 February 2019

All14:1014:4015:1515:4516:2016:5017:20

Introducing Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 3m 50.30s

Sword Of Fate⁷⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: Danny Cook| T: L Kerr| OR: 122| D

16/1

Three times a winner in small fields for Tom Lacey last year but last of nine on first start for new yard here last time, proving too keen. Handicap mark looks plenty high enough at present and others make a bit more appeal.

Form: 151149

Kelpies Myth^t³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: S Mulqueen⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 119| CD

7/2

Probably a bit out of his depth at Ascot on latest start but had looked mildly progressive before that and this drop back to 2m might be a good thing. Will need a decent pace but if getting that, will have his chance late on.

Form: P83249

Royal Reserve⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Blair Campbell⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 118| D

4/1

Useful middle distance horse on the Flat for MIchael Bell and made an immediate impact for this yard when successful over hurdles at Newcastle last time, winning with a bit in hand. Still looks on a very good mark and a big player again.

Form: 4444/1

Manamite⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 114| D

10/1

Won a maiden hurdle in heavy ground at Hexham two starts ago but handicapper not that impressed, and indeed was well beaten at Sedgefield latest. Drop back to the minimum trip will help but a bit to prove on this quicker ground.

Form: 2P-P814

The Character³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 110| CD

7/2

Not seen much in recent times, but did at least run a bit better on latest start at Haydock and might be on the way back. Is a C&D winner (back in 2016) and only 1lb higher here, so has chances if building on that latest outing.

Form: 1301/64

Kalaniti³⁷⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Quinlan| T: C Grant| OR: 108| CD

28/1

Had some placed form to his name when last seen out but that was well over a year ago and he's missing the cheekpieces that he seems to run better in. On that, it's not hard to look elsewhere for the winner today.

Form: 63/6248-

West Coast Lass^h⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Coltherd⁽⁵⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 106

18/1

Almost made it home over C&D three starts back, a run that would give her chances here, but has been below that form in two subsequent starts. Hopes pinned on a return to this track to spark a revival. Not out of it if it does.

Form: 624228

Wot A Shot⁵¹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-5| J: Craig Nichol| T: N G Richards| OR: 98| CD

5/1

Market knew a better effort was forthcoming here last time out and he duly won with a bit in hand, so 3lb rise is of no concern. Slightly tougher race but clearly in good heart and has to be taken seriously in quest to follow up.

Form: 53P651

Great Colaci¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Ross Chapman| T: G Boanas| OR: 98| BF| C

10/1

Consistent but finds actually getting his head in front hard, in good form on the Tapeta at Newcastle recently and the more the ground dries out the better, but not hard to think one or two of these will be too classy for him.

Form: F7-1922

Forecasts

Kelpies Myth (7/2), The Character (7/2), Royal Reserve (4/1), Wot A Shot (5/1), Manamite (10/1), Great Colaci (10/1), Sword Of Fate (16/1), West Coast Lass (18/1), Kalaniti (28/1)

ROYAL RESERVE won with plenty in hand at Newcastle, never stronger than at the finish, and although this tighter track may not play to his strengths he simply looks too well handicapped to ignore. He can go in again before the handicapper starts to catch up with him. Lucinda Russell's other runner, Kelpie's Myth, might be the danger, With Sword Of Fate likely to set a good pace, that will help Kelpies Myth settle and he can stay on for the runner-up spot. West Coast Lass may do better back at a track she likes, and Wot A Shot should play a part too.