15:20 Musselburgh

Friday 9 August 2024

All14:2014:5015:2015:5016:2016:50

Champagne Pommery Cuvee Louise Handicap

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 3m 9.18s

(3)

Purple Gown^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Ben Robinson| T: A Nicol| OR: 65

7/2

Well prepared to make a winning return from a short break at Hamilton in June. 12/1, fourth of 7 in handicap at Hamilton (11.1f, good to firm) 22 days ago. Up in trip and she isn't an easy ride.

Form: 525-144

(7)

Rory The Cat^b,t³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 56| C

3/1

Wasn't seen to best effect when sixth of 12 in handicap at Catterick (15.9f, good to soft, 11/2) 30 days ago, slowly away. Eased 2 lb and he should be a factor at this level.

Form: 523-366

(2)

Cuban Cigar^b,t⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 8-8| J: Joanna Mason| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 50| C

10/3

Fifteen runs since last win in 2021. Fifth of 6 in handicap at this course (13f, good to firm, 9/2) 7 days ago. Last 2 hurdles wins at this venue but he seemingly needs everything to drop right on the level.

Form: 56/7-435

(1)

Epona Pas²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-6| J: Amie Waugh⁽⁵⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 48

11/2

14/1, sixth of 9 in handicap at Hamilton (11.1f, good) 27 days ago though would have finished closer with a clear run at things. Looks worth another go at this trip so he has to be taken very seriously.

Form: 8-93046

(4)

Crystal Guard^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 8-5| J: Tom Kiely-Marshall⁽⁷⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 47

3/1

Latest win at Ayr in June. Fourth of 7 in handicap (9/2) at Hamilton (13.1f, good to firm) 21 days ago, unable to land a telling blow.

Form: 031324

(5)

Bellslea^b1¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-4| J: A Elliott| T: R M Smith| OR: 45

50/1

100/1, last of 8 in minor event at this course (12.5f, good to firm) 17 days ago. Blinkered for first time.

Form: 665/008

Non-Runners

(6)

Sugarpiehoneybunch³⁰

Weight: 8-4| Age: 6

T: S G West J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Rory The Cat (3/1), Crystal Guard (3/1), Cuban Cigar (10/3), Purple Gown (7/2), Epona Pas (11/2), Sugarpiehoneybunch (12/1), Bellslea (50/1)

EPONA PAS is a long-standing maiden but he caught the eye at Hamilton last time and looks well worth another go at this sort of trip. With that in mind, he's marginally preferred in favour of Rory The Cat and Crystal Guard.