Musselburgh – Monday 3rd January

It was a continued decent start to the new year as there was a winner and a place from the three selections yesterday, yielding another handy return. Flame Bearer, who placed for us, is a horse to definitely keep on side next time out as he could well have won if it was not for interference. However, there are the things that we have to keep in mind and we move on to the midweek action and start the week at Musselburgh – where there is an intriguing six race card.

There will just be the two selections today as the card is not littered with betting opportunities, and the first one of those two comes in the 1.30 race – which is a maiden hurdle over 2m4f. Despite just five going to the post, this looks a good little race and there doesn’t seem to be much separating all three at the top of the market. Salvino was a good runner-up at Ayr last time out to a useful rival, however that rival has let the form down since so it’s hard to quantify the form. Garde Des Champs was also a good second last time out over this course and distance to Thunder Rock, however the proximity to that rival was probably flattered and he will have to improve again in this race.

That leaves us with Drumbear, who makes the trop over from Ireland for John McConnell and Simon Torrens is doing the steering. This horse would be one of the more exciting recruits for this yard, with his bumper form working out well from last year and he makes his hurdling debut today with a reputation to keep. He won a Downpatrick bumper first time out for this yard back in March, which would be rare enough for this outfit, before betting that performance with a huge run in third with a penalty in April at their Grand National meeting. He was only just headed late home that day, and the two horses in front of him are fine prospects. This step up in trip should suit over hurdles and if fit enough to do himself full justice, he should take some beating. At a general price of 11/4, he should be backed. 

The second selection of the day comes from the exact same source and it comes in the concluding bumper on the card, which goes to post at 3.30. Bumpers are often tricky races to dissect as there are a lot of unknowns, but I think this race looks like it will come down to the two Irish raiders in Holmes St Georges and Champagnesocialist. My preference would be for the latter, who makes his debut for John McConnell after showing some very useful bumper form for Tom Taaffe. Despite not being seen for well over a year, his seconds behind Chemical Energy and Grangee have lasted the test of time well, and he should be able to run well in this sort of contest provided he is fresh and ready to go. John McConnell only brings the two horses to Musselburgh today, and I am hopeful it will be a winning trip. At a price of 9/4 across the board, he also should be backed.