4.00pm Musselburgh Tips & Betting Preview 01/03/2017

A field of ten go to post for the fifth race of the day at Musselburgh on Wednesday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Coming in on the five-timer, VIOLONISTE was entitled to need his return to action last time out at Navan and has conditions perfect for another big run for trainer Ronan McNally. A rapid improver in the summer when rattling off four wins on the bounce, on his latest win he had lots left in hand and was even eased down towards the finish after a hands and heels ride. he still looks well handicapped on that run and is likely to provide connections with another brilliant victory at the expense of Silver Streak, who also had lots in hand when winning on stable debut but has been given a 20lb hike in the ratings.

1 VIOLONISTE – In great form back in the summer with four straight victories, with the latest of those coming at Uttoxeter in July (2m 3f, Good), winning comfortably. He returned this season when well beaten at Navan (2m, Soft) in January which he was entitled to need and he now has conditions perfect for another big run for connections. He was eased down for his latest success after a hands ride from the rider and he gave the impression he had plenty left in the tank, so a mark of 118 looks unlikely to be able to stop him now with race fitness under his belt and Barry Foley claiming 7lb.

2 SPICULAS – Showed promise back in 2014 for Keith Reveley, winning well at Sedgefield (2m, Soft) on his final run for that yard. He returned from a two year lay off in December with the Malcolm Jefferson yard when finishing a good second at Sedgefield in December, unlucky to be gunned down towards the finish (2m, Good to Soft). Raised 4lb, he was well beaten over the same C&D in January behind a run away winner and he still remains with potential even at the age of eight. He remaisn on the same mark which does demand more from him today but conditions are to suit and another bold bid is expected under Brian Hughes. Has to be respected.

3 ENDLESS CREDIT – Seven year old who has never been a consistent performer and although he was a good second at Wetherby on Boxing Day when going down by a length (2m, Good to Soft), he was well beaten on his latest start at Sedgefield off a 2lb higher mark (2m, Good to Soft). Dropped two pounds which is a help and the good ground conditions will suit, so he is not without a chance today for Micky Hammond. Finian O’Toole takes off 5lb and he is well handicapped on the best of his form, so cannot be discounted today.

4 JONNY DELTA – Ten year old who is thoroughly exposed compared to his rivals but has been running well of late, finishing a good third at Musselburgh (1m 7f, Good) off today’s mark, half a length behind Superior Command. Seems unlikely to reverse the placings with that rival who has much more potential, but he is entitled to run well again with conditions to suit and Sam Coltherd claiming 5lb. Place opportunities if continuing in form but he remains vulnerable for win purposes.

5 SUPERIOR COMMAND – Lightly raced eight year old who has performed well the last twice for Lucinda Russell, winning comfortably at Musselburgh in January (1m 7f, Good) and a 6lb rise wasn’t enough to stop him from finishing second over the same C&D a month later. Obviously arrives in good heart and he still has scope for progress, with conditions and the trip to suit. Will be suited by a strong pace as a hold up horse and if getting the splits, he has to be respected as place claims at least.

6 SILVER STREAK – Four year old for Evan Williams who has been a steady improver over hurdles, gaining a well deserved first win over timber on handicap debut at Taunton in December (2m, Good). He won easily that day and the handicapper took note of that, giving him a 20lb hike in the weights which makes things much, much more difficult. He does however remain with scope for any amount of progress with only four runs under his belt. Conditions are to suit and another bold bid is expected, so he has to be respected as such.

7 G’DAY AUSSIE – In brilliant form this season with form figures of 2311, the latest of those wins coming at Fakenham in December (2m, Good to Soft), romping home by eleven lengths. As a resulted the handicapped has slapped him with a 12lb rise which makes things much more difficult but he had seemingly plenty in hand on that latest run and he remains with potential after only six hurdling runs. Brian Hughes retains the ride and with conditions to suit, he cannot be underestimated today.

8 MR KITE – Has shown some promise over timber and turned in his best effort so far when third at Perth in September (2m, Good), not beaten far in conditions similar to today’s. Returns after a 176 day absence in a competitive looking race and he may have a tough time of it today, especially as he wasn’t showing much progression over obstacles when last seen in the summer. James Corbett takes off a useful 7lb but others make far more appeal today.

9 ALYASAN – Consistent six year old who has been tough to win with since taking victory at Stratford on his fourth hurdling start in July (2m 2f, Good), unable to gain another victory in ten starts since. That isn’t to say he hasn’t gone close, placing on three occasions since but his last two efforts have been less than impressive, well beaten when last seen at Catterick on New Year’s Day (1m 7f, Good to Soft). Now back onto his last winning mark which gives him a chance but others are in much better form and he may just be vulnerable again. Possible place claims if returning to form but he makes little appeal for win purposes today.

10 GREXIT – Lightly raced six year old who is solidly out of form at present, last seen pulling up at Newcastle in January (2m, Soft), his third in a string of very poor efforts this season. Almost impossible to make a case for him on that basis as his rivals are better form and he would likely prefer further in terms of the trip judging by his previous form. Blair Campbell claims 7lb but he makes little appeal and is best left alone today.