16:15 Musselburgh

Sunday 1 February 2026

All12:5513:2513:5514:3015:0515:4016:15

Bet Boost At bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 6m 1.88s

Whiskey On Ice⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 108

18/1

Showed fair form in 4 maiden hurdles for Shark Hanlon in Ireland last summer. Not at same level starting out for new yard/after 5 months off when fifth of 8 in a Hexham maiden (20.1f) in December but that ought to have blown the cobwebs away and switch to handicaps rates a plus.

Form: S534-35

Benefit Ben^b⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Joshua Thompson⁽⁵⁾| T: A Nicol| OR: 104| BF| CD

4/1

Dual winner over hurdles who produced a career best in refitted blinkers when opening his chase account over C&D in December. Not in same form when fifth back here (20.3f) later that month but he's certainly no forlorn hope returned to timber/back up in trip.

Form: 27-1515

Take Chance^p⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: B S Hughes| T: J C McConnell| OR: 104

9/2

Irish raider who has found some progress in handicaps of late, fourth in a big field affair at Down Royal prior to finishing a good staying on third at Punchestown (3m) in December. Respected with cheekpieces again the headgear of choice and booking of Brian Hughes catches the eye.

Form: 86PP43

Dearkeithandkaty⁸³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 101| BF

10/3

Placed on only start in bumpers and has shown improved form sent handicapping over hurdles last 2 starts, narrowly denied by an unexposed type when runner-up at Carlisle (19.3f, soft) on latest outing in November. Can make his presence felt.

Form: 343-942

Lizzie Luna⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Craig Nichol| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 99| BF| C

11/4

Sole success in a mares' maiden here last February and back to that sort of form when creditable second of 13 in a C&D handicap 6 weeks ago, battling well and just failing. Another meriting consideration with a repeat.

Form: PP-0532

Evenwood Sonofagun^t,p³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 99| CD

25/1

Landed a quick-fire double at Cartmel last May but hit and miss since, latest when held in Class 4 handicap at Catterick (19.3f, good, 40/1) 35 days ago. Worth checking if the betting hints at a resurgence back up in trip from further reduced mark.

Form: 063F70

Dunnet Head^t,p¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Gregor Walkingshaw⁽¹⁰⁾| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 97

20/1

Bumper/hurdles winner for Iain Jardine earlier in his career but he's gone with no encouragement in hurdle/2chase starts upon joining present stable this winter. Switch back to smaller obstacles needs to have positive effect from sliding mark.

Form: 930-9PP

Reflection Of You^p⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Conner McCann⁽⁷⁾| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 90| CD

6/1

Point/course bumper winner whose form proved up and down in 4 runs over fences but bounced back to form returned to this sphere when all out to hold re-opposing Lizzie Luna by a nose in a C&D contest 6 weeks ago. Handicapper reacted with a 4 lb rise but possibilities again.

Form: 5-353P1

Forecasts

Lizzie Luna (11/4), Dearkeithandkaty (10/3), Benefit Ben (4/1), Take Chance (9/2), Reflection Of You (6/1), Whiskey On Ice (18/1), Dunnet Head (20/1), Evenwood Sonofagun (25/1)

DEARKEITHANDKATY found only a similarly unexposed improver too strong on just his second start in handicaps at Carlisle in November and, with further progress distinctly possible now his stamina is tested further, he looks to hold sound claims. Irish raider Take Chance is an obvious danger with Brian Hughes an eye-catching booking. Lizzie Luna is another on the shortlist.