15:35 Musselburgh
Monday 21 November 2022
All12:5013:2513:5714:3015:0515:35
Saltire.Scot Handicap Hurdle
- 3YO plus  |  Class 5  |  2m 7f 180y  |  Good to Soft ( Soft in places)  |  13 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:35Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 6m 9.80s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Fair winning hurdler/chaser (including over C&D) who has proved to be a disappointment on 2 of his 3 starts since returning from a lengthy absence this term. Refitting of blinkers needs to have positive effect now.
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Maiden who ran well when runner-up over 3m at Perth on final start in 2020/21. Not in same form at Kelso late on last year but he returns with his yard in good nick and he's certainly no forlorn hope on return to action.
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Both hurdle wins gained over 2½m at Sedgefield. Below par at Kelso (22.7f) back in May and fared no better on the back of a breathing operation when pulled up at Bangor (23f) last month. Still, he may well be sharper now and he's on a career-low mark.
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Took advantage of much-reduced mark (in first-time visor) when landing extended 21f handicap at Hereford 13 days ago, edging ahead after the last and driven out. Claims provided the headgear has desired effect again.
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Overall hurdles record is uninspiring, but she did knock on the door on occasions last season and probably best not judged too harshly on her latest run at Carlisle (20f) having raced towards inside throughout. Certainly no forlorn hope.
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Down the field in 3 maiden hurdles in Ireland and he failed to build on remote promise of his yard debut effort at Perth in July (following a wind op) when well beaten on handicap debut at Ayr (19.5f) 4 weeks ago. Needs to leave that in his wake.
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Runner-up for 3 consecutive starts over fences in 2021/22 but found his good run coming to halt earlier this year, midfield in 13-runner Perth handicap chase in May. Absent since.
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Ran up to best over longest trip he's faced when runner-up at Kelso (25.7f) in May. Shaped as if he'd come forward for last month's return to action at Carlisle but he's not one to be placing maximum faith in to build on that.
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Reached the frame a few times in the spring and bettered a lacklustre return at Ayr in October when fourth at Hexham (23.3f) earlier this month. Not discounted for each-way purposes.
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Maiden who was well backed but ultimately failed to build on promise of her Hexham run in April, when well held fourth in 7-runner Kelso handicap (25.7f) a month later. Eased further 2 lb ahead of return.
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Confirmed he retains ability on the back of a 19-month absence when third at Ayr in October but fact he remains a maiden is off-putting.
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Creditable efforts in a pair of Kelso handicaps since returning from a break but not at quite the same level when fourth in 15-runner Ayr handicap (19.5f) 4 weeks ago. Needs to step up on that if she's to open her account here.
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Maiden who ran much better than previously in handicaps when third on return at Ayr (3m) 4 weeks ago, headway home turn and left behind after 2 out. Her task is to build on that now.
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Forecasts
My Strong Man (4/1), That's Your Lottie (5/1), Kiss My Face (7/1), Arnica (15/2), Faithfulflyer (8/1), Bonny Houxty (9/1), Lastofthecosmics (12/1), Rubytwo (12/1), Paddy The Panda (12/1), Chanceanotherfive (16/1), Joanna I'm Fine (16/1), The Blame Game (16/1), Ex S'elance (33/1)
A tricky finale and with that in mind it may pay to take a chance on the returning ARNICA. Representing a yard in good nick, he appeals as being on a workable mark on the pick of his form and it would come as no surprise to see him go well. Kiss My Face reacted well to the fitting of a visor when successful at Hereford recently and a repeat gives him sound claims again, The Blame Game and Rubytwo complete the shortlist.
- Arnica15/2
- Kiss My Face7/1
- The Blame Game16/1
Prize Money
1st: £2,877.002nd: £1,325.003rd: £662.004th: £350.005th: £350.006th: £350.00
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