13:50 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 1m Hcap

1. Lion Of War: Impressed on his first two runs and finished third on his handicap debut at Doncaster (7f, heavy). Returning to 1m should suit him, and his yard has an excellent record in this race. Trainer also saddles Finn’s Charm.
2. Dumfries: Showed improvement on his last start, winning a Southwell maiden (1m, AW) last month. He has potential off his handicap debut mark and is one to consider, with his opening mark looking potentially lenient.
3. Gincident: Has improved on the AW, with three wins (1m/8.6f) from his last four starts. Faces a tougher assignment back on turf but is progressive, and his trainer has won two of the last five runnings. He has the benefit of race fitness on his side.

Other notable contenders include:

• Captain Winters: Has a strong pedigree and performed well last season before a below-par run in October. First-time cheekpieces could help, and he’s from a top family.
• Finn’s Charm: A course maiden winner and performed well at Royal Ascot, but needs to return to that form to be a contender. His yard has won three of the last four runnings.
• Manitou: Won at Chepstow and Bro Park but underperformed at Chantilly. Could bounce back on his handicap debut with his trainer in fine form.
• Pol Roger: Won novices at Haydock and Thirsk, and showed promise at Ayr. Needs to improve after a disappointing run at York, but has potential.

Based on the assessment, Lion Of War, Dumfries, and Gincident are the top three contenders in this race, with Captain Winters, Finn’s Charm, Manitou, and Pol Roger being other horses to watch. Chillhi, Metahorse, and Finn’s Charm have a good deal to prove and are less likely to win.

14:25 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 7f Hcap

1. Abduction: Won twice at Ayr last year and had an unlucky second to Autumn Festival over this C&D. If in top form on this reappearance outing, he can play a leading role.
2. Autumn Festival: A seven-time winner last year, including a five-timer when winning over C&D last October. A major player if fully tuned up for this comeback run.
3. The Gatekeeper: A lightly raced 4yo who won a handicap at Newcastle last month and had a good fifth-place finish in the Spring Mile at Doncaster last Saturday. He could have more to offer now back down in trip and is one to consider.

Other horses with chances:

• Gweedore: Won this race last year and was a close third behind two of the mentioned horses over C&D last October. With Billy Loughnane removing a valuable 5lb, he has a chance to be competitive.
• Northern Express: Has run well first time up in each of his three campaigns, showed improved form subsequently, and could be respected in this race.
• Fools Rush In: Likes Chester and has run well on both visits here. With a fresh start for a new yard, he could be thereabouts on his stable debut.

Unlikely to win:

• Dirtyoldtown: Inconsistent and tailed off in first-time blinkers on his comeback. Needs to show significant improvement.
• Gioia Cieca: Struggled in his five subsequent runs last year and needs to be an entirely different proposition following gelding/wind operations; unproven on slow ground.
• Jilly Cooper: Now just 1lb higher than her Wolverhampton win, but this company may prove too hot if she doesn’t transfer her AW form back to turf.

15:00 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 5f Hcap

1. Came From The Dark: This horse had a very close third place in this race two years ago and even added a Group 3 win later. Despite not being at the same level in the last season, Came From The Dark still showed some spark and has dropped down the weights. With Oisin Murphy as the jockey, this horse is capable of having a significant impact.
2. Catch Cunningham: With an up-and-down last season, Catch Cunningham still managed to get close on his reappearance at Thirsk and won a big-field handicap at York. The trainer excels with sprinters, and this 4-year-old has room for further progress this season. Catch Cunningham is definitely one to watch as he returns to action.
3. Makanah: Makanah has a strong track record at this course, winning over C&D three times. He was last seen winning a C&D conditions race in October. There’s a good chance Makanah will be in the mix on his return to the track.

Other contenders that could be in with a chance include:

• Silky Wilkie: A progressive AW campaign and three turf wins last year (including on good to soft) make Silky Wilkie a possible threat. With the rail draw, he could go well.
• Vintage Clarets: Some strong runs last autumn after a gelding operation and a handy draw make Vintage Clarets one to consider.

Horses with lower chances of winning:

• Burning Cash: A drop in the mark is a positive, but the horse did not shine in subsequent races, and a return to form is needed on reappearance.
• Count D’orsay: With a long losing streak and something to prove on return, this horse seems to have a lower chance of winning.
• Last Crusader: Given the poor form in recent races and being unproven on slow ground, Last Crusader has much to prove.

15:35 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 1m6f Hcap

1. Wise Eagle (IRE) – Wise Eagle has a solid first-time-out record and was on a major roll when last seen. With four wins from his last four races in 2022 and proven effectiveness at 1m6f and 2m2f, he is definitely one to watch in this race.
2. Spirit Mixer – With three consecutive wins last May, followed by a close finish in the Northumberland Plate and a good sixth place in a competitive Newmarket handicap, Spirit Mixer returns on a fair mark and could be a strong contender in this race.
3. Emiyn (FR) – Emiyn had a good record at Chester, including a win in September and a strong third-place finish in the November Handicap at Doncaster. He could have claims if ready to roll on return.

Possible Outsiders:

1. Themaxwecan (IRE) – Themaxwecan won this race in 2021 and prefers a sound surface. If the ground conditions suit him, he could be a player in this race.
2. Pleasant Man – He was useful on the Flat for Roger Charlton in 2021 and proved consistent over hurdles this winter for Paul Nicholls. He is fairly treated back on the level and may warrant respect.
3. Good Show – With only three races under his belt and one win, Good Show may be capable of better now sent handicapping. However, he lacks experience for a warm handicap such as this, which may count against him.

Unlikely to Win:

1. Dark Jedi (IRE) – Dark Jedi has some work to do off his current mark and needs to prove himself first time out. It seems unlikely that he will win this race.
2. Nicholas T – With heavy defeats at big odds on both starts this year, it’s hard to have great confidence in this 11yo taking advantage of his fall in the weights.
3. Metier – Metier seemingly needs the mud to have any chance of staging the revival that he requires, and he’s done little in his three runs this winter. It is unlikely that he will win this race.

16:10 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 5f Nov Stks

1. Balon D’Or – Bred to be precocious, this horse has a strong pedigree and comes from a talented family. It would not be surprising to see a big run from Balon D’Or on debut.
2. Blue Prince – Representing a top northern trainer with a healthy 20% strike rate with 2-year-olds at this course, this horse is one to consider. The market can guide expectations, so watch out for any positive signals.
3. Yorkshire Terrier – Hailing from another top northern stable, Yorkshire Terrier has a promising pedigree and a half-brother who won on their 2-year-old debut. This horse is a likely player.

Other contenders worth keeping an eye on include:

• Sergeant Wilko: With potential in his pedigree and a trainer known for getting horses ready first time out, this horse could be a possible player.
• Treasure Storm: This well-bred filly could play a leading role against males on debut. The trainer had recent success in a similar race, which bodes well for her chances.

Horses less likely to win, but worth keeping an eye on, include:

• Moonstone Boy: Check the betting, as this horse may improve for this first run, but he is likely to need more experience.
• Pumpkin Pie: A market check is advised, but this horse may need his debut outing to gain experience.
• Soul Singer: Trainer’s 2-year-olds typically need their first runs, so Soul Singer may improve with experience.
• Farah M and Moyola: These horses may be better suited for races further down the line or may be best watched in this race, respectively.

16:45 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 5f Hcap

1. Ey Up It’s Maggie: Recently justified strong market support at Doncaster and seems to be in good form. Drying ground might not be ideal, but she remains a strong contender under a penalty. With the assistance of up-and-coming apprentice Billy Loughnane, another bold show could be expected.
2. Le Beau Garcon: Although he failed to win last year, he showed promise and shaped better than the result on a couple of occasions. He should be winning races off this mark and is more interesting than many. He had a respectable second on reappearance last season here off a 1lb higher mark, and could potentially secure a place if he’s ready to roll.
3. Vadamiah: She won three of her five handicap starts last year, including on her reappearance, and starts this season off a career-high mark with the prospect of further progress. She is drawn against the stands’ rail and seems versatile ground-wise. However, the stall 17 position may be a concern.

Other horses with potential:

• Leodis Dream: Won in September, rated in the 100s at his peak, and has two wins on good to soft ground. Drying ground wouldn’t hurt, but he might be vulnerable after a 6-month break.
• Havagomecca: Progressive in 2021, winning three times, and had a C&D success in October. She could still be well treated, but may find a few too good on this occasion.
• Lady Lade: Ended 2022 in good form, had a near-miss at Ayr and over C&D, and has come on for her reappearance in both seasons of racing. She could be an each-way chance.
• Primo’s Comet: Six-time C&D winner, capable of a bold show off the current mark, and had a respectable fifth-place finish at Newcastle recently.

Unlikely contenders:

• Bay Breeze: Last of 9 in a handicap at Doncaster and back down in trip after a break. Others are preferred.
• Monsieur Kodi: Ended 2022 with three lesser efforts and has slipped back down the weights. Not short of speed, but the fast 5f might not present a sufficient stamina test.
• Rock Melody: Drew a blank last season and sold for 12,000gns in November. Something to prove after a break, and one of five runners for Jim Goldie.
• Black Friday: Dropped in the weights but has not won in twelve runs since 2021. Minor place money is probably the best his connections can hope for.
• Ballyare: Hopes pinned on the addition of blinkers sparking a return to form after a fallow winter.
• Bert Kibbler: Has form on turf, but evidence suggests he’s more of a force on the AW.
• Jordan Electrics: Needs to bounce back in a major way after a below-form performance at Newcastle.
• James Watt: Finished ninth of 11 in a handicap at Newcastle and looks set for another struggle.
• Global Humor: Unreliable sort, significantly back down in trip after a poor performance at this course. Others are preferred.

17:20 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 1m Hcap

1. Judgment Call: This horse has shown good form, finishing second in his last outing at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) in October. He has the potential to perform well if fully prepared for this reappearance. The distance of 1 mile may have been a challenge previously, but he could still be a strong contender.
2. Tommy G: A three-time course winner, Tommy G has shown great form last autumn. Although he has not performed well on recent reappearance runs, the booking of a top 5lb claimer is encouraging. If he can reproduce his best form, he could be a major player in this race.
3. Star of St James: Consistently performing well in turf handicaps in the second half of last year on various ground conditions, Star of St James holds strong claims if he can recapture that form on this reappearance after 140 days off.

Others with potential:

• Copper Mountain: With a recent respectable performance at Wolverhampton (8.6f, AW) and a win on slow ground, Copper Mountain could be a contender but is not as strong as the top three.
• Flylikeaneagle: A course winner with a workable mark, Flylikeaneagle has had multiple flat wins but has lost form over hurdles this winter, leaving some doubt about his current condition.
• Showmedemoney: A course winner who recently underperformed at Southwell, Showmedemoney could be in the mix if he manages to bounce back in this race.

Unlikely to win:

• Diamond Haze: Although he has a win at Thirsk (1m, good) last May, Diamond Haze reportedly bled in his last outing at Southwell, making him a less persuasive option.
• Ahamoment: Despite being lightly raced and less exposed, Ahamoment is trained by a yard whose runners often need a run after an absence, which may hamper his chances.
• Our Dickie: Although having a respectable third-place finish recently, Our Dickie must improve to be a contender in this race, and is still low mileage for his yard.
• Tafsir: Out of handicap and with a recent poor performance at Newcastle, Tafsir has plenty to prove and is unlikely to win.

17:50 MusselburghSat 8 Apr 1m Hcap

1. Bashful: With a strong performance 15 days ago at Newcastle (1m), Bashful is a major player in this race. The visor is back on, and although he is 3lb higher, he is more appealing than many of the other contenders.
2. Don’t Look Back: Coming off a recent win at Doncaster (1m2f, heavy) just 7 days ago, Don’t Look Back is a serious contender. Although the race will place less emphasis on stamina and he carries an 8lb higher weight, his recent form cannot be ignored.
3. St Andrew’s Castle: With a win at Newcastle (7.1f) in March and a good performance in a recent handicap, St Andrew’s Castle has handicapping scope. However, he is yet to prove himself on slow turf, which is a concern.

Others with potential:

• Beltane: Had a decent performance at Southwell (7.1f) in December, and could be considered off a career-low mark. He might be dangerous if he can bring the same form back to turf.
• Shine On Brendan: A course winner who had a successful season last year, Shine On Brendan could be involved if he is ready to go after a 6-month break.
• Bulls Aye: A course winner who showed promise at Wolverhampton (7.2f) 9 days ago, Bulls Aye could build on his latest effort and has an outside chance.

Unlikely to win:

• Glasses Up: A course winner, but with 19 runs since his last win in 2021 and an inadequate test expected in this race, Glasses Up is not a strong contender.
• Going Underground: Despite a win at Newcastle (1m) in October, Going Underground has been inconsistent and needs everything to fall into place as he returns to a shorter trip.
• Braes Of Doune: A modest seven-race maiden that will require a career-best effort on his return from a six-month break and is out of the weights, making him an unlikely winner.