16:20 Musselburgh

Sunday 6 February 2022

All13:0013:3214:0514:4015:1515:5016:20

bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 4m 59.66s

Diamond State³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: P W Wadge⁽¹⁰⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 116| BF| CD

4/1

Has improved to win a pair of course handicaps this season, the latter over this trip. Excellent second to Zafar here last time, and now 1 lb better off with that rival.

Form: 324-112

Zafar^p³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Abbie McCain⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 114| CD

11/2

Fine start for new yard this summer, winning maiden/novice events around this trip. Back to winning ways over C&D last time and it should be close again between him and Diamond State.

Form: 132331

I'm To Blame²⁴⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: B S Hughes| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 112| C| D

15/2

Out of sorts since 2019/20 well held over hurdles at Cartmel wen last seen 8 months ago, so easy to look elsewhere.

Form: F354-56

First Angel^p1,t1¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: L Morgan| OR: 108

4/1

Fair hurdler who found less than seemed likely having travelled well at Leicester 12 days ago, so this longer trip isn't sure to suit. Tongue strap/cheekpieces fitted.

Form: 263234

Pammi^p⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Tom Midgley⁽⁵⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 108| CD

12/1

C&D winner who hasn't been at the top of his game of late but is becoming well treated and had an excuse here a couple of months ago. Not completely discounted.

Form: 346485

Celtic Flames^p³⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 108| CD

12/1

Veteran who returned with a respectable effort over C&D last month and as slipped below his last winning mark, so can't be completely dismissed.

Form: 511-075

Jaboticaba⁵⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Adrian Heskin| T: A King| OR: 107

22/1

Fairly useful chaser who has been struggling for form this year, including over hurdles the last twice. Returns from 2-month break with a bit to prove.

Form: P34-P60

Three Castles^p²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Sean Quinlan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 98| CD

7/1

Four-time winner on the Flat and finally off the mark over C&D in December. Respectable showing at Sedgefield since, so likely to give another good account.

Form: 6-50912

Go Bob Go⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: C O'Farrell| T: R M Smith| OR: 95

5/1

Fair maiden on Flat who has only achieved a modest level in this sphere but has proved consistent since switched to handicaps, third over C&D last time. Others look better treated.

Form: 6-66253

Forecasts

Diamond State (4/1), First Angel (4/1), Go Bob Go (5/1), Zafar (11/2), Three Castles (7/1), I'm To Blame (15/2), Celtic Flames (12/1), Pammi (12/1), Jaboticaba (22/1)

DIAMOND STATE and Zafar fought out the finish over C&D last time and they may well fill the first two positions once more, albeit perhaps with the former marginally getting the upper hand with a 1-lb swing at the weights (Zafar also without Theo Gillard this time). Three Castles also warrants consideration.