14:55 Musselburgh

Sunday 5 February 2023

All13:2213:5514:2514:5515:2515:5516:25

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 5m 47.76s

The Bosses Oscar^p,t¹⁸⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Corey McGivern⁽⁷⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 142

40/1

Smart hurdler/chaser who landed a Limerick conditions race over the smaller obstacles in July. Can't have been right when last of 4 at Cork the following month and given a break since. One of 2 runners from top Irish stable.

Form: PP-4214

Bardenstown Lad^p³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Ben Harvey⁽⁵⁾| T: J C McConnell| OR: 141| CD

9/1

Useful hurdler last season, winning 4 times prior to an excellent third in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Below that level over fences this term but may fare better now returning to smaller obstacles.

Form: 13F-533

Wakool^p³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: C O'Farrell| T: N W Alexander| OR: 140| CD

9/1

Has made really good strides since stepped up to 3m, winning 5 times, including on Ayr reappearance. Another good effort at Ayr when second on latest start. Runner-up in this last year and likely to make his presence felt again.

Form: 123-172

Shearer^p,t⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Adrian Heskin| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 137| BF| D

12/1

Successful 3 times over hurdles, including novices at Worcester and Cheltenham on his return to action in October. Well behind the reopposing Abuffalosoldier in a handicap at Newbury the following month but capable of bouncing back for a yard which has won this race twice since 2017.

Form: 15-11U8

Coltor^p¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: K Brogan| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 135

40/1

Pretty useful on the Flat and over hurdles for Dermot Weld in Ireland. Made a solid start for his new stable when third on AW Flat at Kempton 11 days ago. Feasibly handicapped back hurdling but his stamina isn't assured (pulled up on previous attempt at 3m).

Form: 415/P01-

Jaycean³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| OR: 134

16/1

Hurdle debut winner just over a year ago. Useful effort from a stiff-looking opening handicap mark when seventh of 15 at Punchestown (3m) in November, but well beaten when falling 4 out at Leopardstown over Christmas. Still early days but others arrive with more pressing claims.

Form: 1P-47F

Gaelik Coast^t³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 132| C| D

28/1

Useful winning chaser and in good form back hurdling this season, winning at Worcester in June and back to his best when runner-up at Doncaster (19.5f, good) in December. Looked beaten when falling 2 out here (2½m ) on New Year's Day, though. Up in trip.

Form: 19382F

Hurricane Harvey^t³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Hogan⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130| D

14/1

Has looked work on occasions but very much in the mood when winning staying handicap hurdles at Uttoxeter and Ludlow on his last 2 outings. Suspicion a further 4 lb rise may find him out in this deeper race, though.

Form: 6-7P811

Abuffalosoldier³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 127| D

3/1

Showed improved form to resume winning ways on just his second handicap start in 14-runner event at Newbury (3m, good to soft) in November. Creditable third of 10 at Cheltenham since. Likely to give another good account.

Form: 110-313

Coolbane Boy⁶²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: A M Thomson| OR: 126| CD

10/1

Bounced back to form when edging out a next-time-out winner over C&D in December. Likely still on a workable mark after a 4 lb rise but he does need to prove he can string good efforts together.

Form: 1P2-841

Salvino^t⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Bruce Lynn⁽³⁾| T: A M Thomson| OR: 121

10/1

Winning pointer who got off the mark over hurdles in novice at Kelso (23f) in November. Two solid runner-up efforts in handicaps since and should give another good account.

Form: 24-2122

Aurora Thunder³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: P W Wadge⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 118| C

50/1

In good form in the first half of 2022 but her last 2 efforts have been disappointing. Steps back up in trip now.

Form: 23F-2P7

Brandy Mcqueen³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Edward Austin⁽⁵⁾| T: H Graham & G Rutherford| OR: 114| CD

5/2

Twice successful at up to 3¼m last spring and this likeable type resumed winning ways over C&D on New Year's Day. Had a bit in hand on that occasion but he is effectively 8 lb higher here (2 lb out of handicap).

Form: 142221

Forecasts

Brandy Mcqueen (5/2), Abuffalosoldier (3/1), Wakool (9/1), Bardenstown Lad (9/1), Salvino (10/1), Coolbane Boy (10/1), Shearer (12/1), Hurricane Harvey (14/1), Jaycean (16/1), Gaelik Coast (28/1), Coltor (40/1), The Bosses Oscar (40/1), Aurora Thunder (50/1)

ABUFFALOSOLDIER has made a fine start to his handicap career and his lightly-raced profile provides the hope for better still so he's the suggestion. Wakool really has thrived since stepped up to 3m and can fill the runner-up spot in this contest for the second year in succession. Salvino and Shearer complete the shortlist.