Pace & Draw Set-Up:
Musselburgh’s 7f start has a short run to the bend, so early track position is usually important. Low/middle draws can hold an advantage if able to get out and travel. Looking at the field:

• Supreme Clarets (7) showed speed on both starts, may go forward.
• Spirit Of The Wood (3) raced handier on debut and stayed well, could track.
• Suddenly I See (8) is an unknown, but Johnston often sends his forward.
• Born A Star (5) has been outpaced before, likely to be dropped in.

Expect an even to slightly strong pace, with the Johnston pair possibly ensuring it isn’t tactical.

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Strongest Contenders

Spirit Of The Wood (Jardine) – Proven

• Musselburgh C&D winner on debut (RPR 79).
• Travelled strongly, knuckled down well; looks straightforward.
• Trainer often targets this track, and being already proven at C&D is a big plus.
  Score: 8.5/10

Supreme Clarets (Fahey) – Progressive

• Improved markedly second time, beating Go Vince Go in a Ham 6f maiden.
• Pedigree suggests 7f will suit, shaped like more to come.
• Fahey often improves them run-to-run, and he has history with this race profile.
  Score: 8/10

Madame Koko (Quinn) – Promising

• Debut at Catterick (soft, 7f) was fair, ran on late for 5th (RPR 67).
• Pedigree points to 7f being fine, and Quinn runners often sharpen up a lot second time.
  Score: 6.5/10

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Main Dangers

Born A Star (Johnston)

• Better run at Brighton last time (3rd), shaping as though nurseries are the aim.
• Pedigree suggests stamina (dam 7f+ G3 winner), but looks a bit one-paced.
• Likely to be outpaced again here.
  Score: 5.5/10

Suddenly I See (Johnston)

• Well-bred colt (brother to Flaming Rib, RPR 115).
• Johnston’s debutants can be forward, and he has two in here.
• Market check vital—could be better than stablemate.
  Score: 6/10 (potential improver)

Yorkshire Queen (Tuer)

• Nicely bred filly, but Nick Bradley runners often need their first couple.
• No evidence yet, may be green.
  Score: 5/10

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Outsiders

Lanarra (R Mike Smith)

• Beaten long way in both Ayr maidens, including when tailed off over 6f.
• Pedigree doesn’t scream improvement over 7f.
  Score: 3.5/10

Secret Testimony (Declan Carroll)

• Green and outpaced at Catterick on debut (RPR 51).
• Yard’s juveniles rarely win on second start in Class 4.
  Score: 4/10

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Runner Scores

• Spirit Of The Wood – 8.5/10 (proven C&D, sets standard)
• Supreme Clarets – 8/10 (progressive, step up in trip helps)
• Madame Koko – 6.5/10 (promising debut, can improve)
• Suddenly I See – 6/10 (well-bred newcomer, market check needed)
• Born A Star – 5.5/10 (nursery type, lacks finish)
• Yorkshire Queen – 5/10 (untested, may need run)
• Secret Testimony – 4/10 (weak debut)
• Lanarra – 3.5/10 (shown little so far)

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Private Tissue (guide odds)

• Spirit Of The Wood 2/1
• Supreme Clarets 5/2
• Madame Koko 7/1
• Suddenly I See 8/1
• Born A Star 12/1
• Yorkshire Queen 14/1
• Secret Testimony 25/1
• Lanarra 33/1

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Summary

This restricted maiden looks between Spirit Of The Wood, already proven at Musselburgh over this C&D, and Supreme Clarets, who improved sharply last time and will relish 7f. Madame Koko is an each-way player with second-time-out improvement likely, while Johnston’s Suddenly I See is the dark horse on pedigree.

Smart Play

• Win bet: Spirit Of The Wood (solid C&D profile, professional on debut)
• Each-way saver: Madame Koko (staying on debut, improvement expected)