April 13 / 17.15 Musselburgh

17.15

Good

Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 1m 4f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
ITV4
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Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

Form: 7369-1

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Maiden in Ireland; edged ahead close home at Southwell (1m3f, AW) last month on debut for new connections; could well build on that win and show further progress in Britain; again ridden by Hector Crouch, who has a very good strike-rate for James Owen; sole runner on the card for this trainer, who is 2-2 with Musselburgh runners; strongly respected up just 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

3rd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:10 Newmarket

Sportingsilvermine

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Mostly in fine form this summer but his standards have slipped in his last two races (1m4f/1m2f) and, thoroughly exposed ahead of his 42nd career start, others are more intriguing.

13/2

11th

9

(7)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:48 Doncaster

Sportingsilvermine

9st 0lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Third in this race last year; mostly in fine form this summer, which demands plenty of respect even though the very best of that form came in two performances on good to firm at 1m4f.

12/1

6th

8

(8)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

16:10 York

Sportingsilvermine

9st 4lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Placed twice on soft last year; beat only one home in a top 1m2f handicap here in July but in career-best form over 1m4f (good to firm) either side of that when winning at Newmarket and second in Shergar Cup race at Ascot; needs some respect.

10/1

Form: -83112 BF

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Hurdles winner who has done the majority of his Flat racing on AW; ran well at Wolverhampton most recently, nearly completing a hat-trick; bit to prove back on turf but can't be dismissed in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(10)

29th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

16:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Sam England

Losing run up to 16, but has dropped a long way in the weights and his latest clear third of seven at Newcastle (1m2f, Tapeta) after four months off was more encouraging; 3-7 over C&D and one to be interested in.

6/1

3rd

1

(1)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:45 Newcastle (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 9lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Sam England

Three-time winner (including over C&D) last spring; failed to beat a rival on his last three outings and has lots to prove after a layoff.

8/1

Form: 33114-

Last run: 202 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Record of 3-8 switched to handicaps last term; ran creditably behind Tafsir in a Scottish event on final start when bidding for a hat-trick; looks the type who could improve further this year; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

19th Sep 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

15:26 Navan

Papagei

11st 8lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Respectable hurdles form since joining this yard; no impression switched back to the Flat in a 2m handicap at Galway in July; others preferred.

16/1

10th

17

(10)

29th Jul 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

20:20 Galway

Papagei

9st 7lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Thomas Gibney

Twice a winner in Britain for James Ferguson at 1m4f; kept to hurdling so far by current trainer, just okay form; first try at this extended trip, okay mark.

14/1

16/1

Form: 0038-0 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Gained last success over hurdles and has become inconsistent on the Flat; close second in this contest last year but isn't certain to repeat that effort; registered both C&D wins (in 2023) in lower grades.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 216y

Class 6

17:08 Musselburgh

Simple Star

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Gary Rutherford

Has plenty of Musselburgh form, including three wins, but looks far from solid on his efforts for new yard and sometimes blows the start; returns to Class 6 for first time since 2023.

12/1

5th

7

(6)

12th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

18:50 Musselburgh

Simple Star

8st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Gary Rutherford

Three course wins, the latest last August, and he's well treated on that form (even from out of the weights today); however, this season's form has been mixed and others have more pressing claims.

33/1

10th

4

(11)

24th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 5

15:15 Musselburgh

Simple Star

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Gary Rutherford

Three wins over 1m4f here, the latest off 4lb higher last August (good) when with Dianne Sayer; tailed off over 1m5f here last time (slowly away); takes a significant drop in trip; cheekpieces tried.

33/1

25/1

Form: 4448-3 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Veteran who scored at Musselburgh in 2021 but has done the rest of his winning at Ayr; finished third in small-field Class 5 here on seasonal debut; stiffer task from 4lb out of weights in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(8)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who led close home over 1m5f here (good to firm) last month, his 13th success; also suited by this shorter trip, but was effectively 3lb below that last winning mark when only fourth over C&D a week later and his new mark has taken effect; younger rivals look better treated.

12/1

4th

6

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who was recording his 12th win at the track when leading close home over 1m5f last week; able to race off a 3lb lower mark today and he has to be of interest from a handicapping perspective.

5/1

1st

6

(3)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:05 Ayr

Glasses Up

8st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: R Mike Smith

Long in the tooth now and needs to better his recent efforts but was close third off 4lb higher at Hamilton (1m1f, good to firm) in May and is probably better suited by today's trip; can't rule out.

10/1

14/1

Form: 643

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 6yo who is one of four runners for Jim Goldie; runner-up over hurdles in Ireland; has a jumps pedigree but his AW efforts for new yard have not been devoid of promise; may progress now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(9)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Cascade Hall

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who was a clear runner-up behind a rejuvenated winner at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a fortnight ago before a remarkable 21l win at Chester (2m, good to soft) last Friday; that latest race was an apprentice handicap so he escapes a penalty today; this course winner could be tough to beat.

6/4

1st

5

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 5

17:03 Chester

Cascade Hall

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who won at Ayr (1m7f, good to firm) in May and at Musselburgh (2m, good) the following month; down the field at the latter track last month but bounced back to form with a good second of eight at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a week ago, pulling clear of the rest with the winner who was since won again; may not have his own way in front but has to be respected; due to be 2lb higher.

3/1

2nd

7

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Cascade Hall

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

Registered two unchallenged wins from the front (around 2m, good to firm/good) on his first and third starts of the year; can probably be forgiven his latest effort over 2m2f ten days ago and he remains feasibly treated; considered.

8/1

14/1

Form: 138684

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner at 1m-1m2f on AW, most recently in January (inconsistent since); has the ability to get involved but brings negatives, as he's 0-12 on turf and has stamina to prove over this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

18:08 Cartmel

Etretat

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Andrew Hamilton

Left Charlie Johnston for 1,000gns; 150-1 on hurdle debut at Perth and performed accordingly.

50/1

1

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Etretat

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Andrew Hamilton

Fairly useful four-time AW Flat winner for Charlie Johnston but 0-17 on turf for that yard; ran poorly at Lingfield (AW) 16 days ago and changed hands for 1,000gns since; best watched on hurdles debut.

33/1

10th

5

(2)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

19:20 Lingfield (AW)

Etretat

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

Four AW wins, including C&D, and returns from a six-month break on a manageable mark; more good runs than bad at this track and he's not discounted.

9/1

12/1

Form: /1467- D BF

Last run: 197 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who is making seasonal debut; regressed in handicaps last year after winning a maiden on reappearance but this may be the time to catch him; had wind surgery over the winter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(6)

13th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 5

15:22 Musselburgh

Tokyo Bay

10st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Philip Kirby

1m4f scorer for previous yard; faded late over 1m6f last time for new stable but was returning from a break; check the market signals with that outing under his belt.

10/1

6th

4

(11)

26th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Haydock

Tokyo Bay

9st 6lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Philip Kirby

1m4f heavy-ground maiden winner last spring; hasn't progressed in handicaps and cheekpieces (discarded) failed to reignite the spark at Hamilton in June, after which he left Karl Burke; market support would aid his cause on this stable debut.

14/1

7th

4

(2)

5th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

15:12 Hamilton

Tokyo Bay

9st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

1m4f heavy ground maiden winner last spring; hasn't progressed in handicaps and, although cheekpieces are added, he'll have to raise his game if he's to bag a first handicap.

10/1

9/1

Form: 15352- CD

Last run: 158 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly in lower grades; absent since finishing second over C&D five months ago; behind two of these rivals in Class 4 the time before; back on career-high mark and not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(2)

21st Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 5

14:47 Hamilton

Spanish Hustle

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Six of his eight wins have been here, and well suited by soft ground, so has plenty going for him; neck second to Perseus Way over 1m5f here last time (soft) and is now a pound better off; interesting.

7/1

2nd

4

(11)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

17:50 Hamilton

Spanish Hustle

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Six-time course winner who is lurking on a lowly mark; 2026 campaign yet to gather any momentum but Paul Mulrennan back on board and better could be forthcoming.

16/1

5th

4

(2)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:15 Catterick

Spanish Hustle

10st 10lb

J: Miss Kayleigh Williams

T: Jim Goldie

9lb lower than for his Hamilton win last summer; struggling for form so far this season, however, and others bring more pressing claims.

16/1

Form: 1157-4 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Couple of Class 6 wins at Beverley last May for previous yard; record of 0-6 (Flat/hurdles) for new stable, only fourth of five in Class 5 here most recently; difficult assignment upped further in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle

Spartan Warrior

11st 7lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Won twice on the Flat (1m2f-1m4f) for Ollie Sangster and once over hurdles (2m2f, Kelso) for Rebecca Menzies; beaten 22l and 76l in two starts for new trainer; easing mark isn't enough to recommend.

50/1

10th

11

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Carlisle

Spartan Warrior

10st 4lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Maurice Barnes

Won at Kelso last May (2m2f, good) when with Rebecca Menzies; well beaten on stable debut last time and perhaps best watched for now.

50/1

5

30th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:07 Sedgefield

Spartan Warrior

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Rebecca Menzies

1-8 over hurdles, the win gained off 1lb lower mark at Kelso (2m2f, good) in May; disappointed on both recent Flat starts, though, and arrives here with a point to prove.

8/1

Form: 5215-7 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Returns to a more suitable trip with 1m2f reappearance under his belt; however, he has done most of his winning in lower grades and can be opposed off current mark in this competitive Class 4 event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(3)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 5

17:30 Haydock

The Dancing Poet

11st 2lb

J: Mr Matt Brown

T: Brian Ellison

The last three of his ten wins were last May-September (two over 1m4f then one at 1m6f) and he's 6-18 at Catterick, unraced here since two placed efforts in 2020; well beaten at three other tracks this term but he's now back to his last winning mark.

14/1

9th

2

(3)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 175y

Class 5

17:30 Haydock

The Dancing Poet

11st 2lb

J: Mr Matt Brown

T: Brian Ellison

The last three of his ten wins were last May-September (two over 1m4f then one at 1m6f) and he's 6-18 at Catterick, unraced here since two placed efforts in 2020; well beaten at three other tracks this term but he's now back to his last winning mark.

14/1

9/2

Form: 11321-

Last run: 238 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Absent since prevailing narrowly at Pontefract eight months ago when becoming the first horse to land the £100,000 bonus for winning three Sky Bet Sunday Series races (gained those wins over 1m3f, 1m6f and 2m1f); not crying out for this big drop back in distance but otherwise has strong claims, being a progressive sort who is 3-6 since handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(5)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 3

18:15 Pontefract

Letsbefrank

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Ridden this season by Lauren Young; won at Musselburgh (1m4f) and Hamilton (1m3f) on first two starts, with a good third at Thirsk (1m4f) next time, all on good ground; shaped as if still in form in a steadily run race on latest outing; this good season (better than 2025) has been over much shorter but he did win this race on good to firm in 2024; not dismissed.

7/2

6th

10

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Letsbefrank

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good) before good third at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last time; he'll be fine at this longer trip, and also if slow ground prevails; could be bang there.

8/1

OUR TIP
13th
3 (9)
Tafsir

9/1

Form: 51517- CD

Last run: 190 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Record of 8-29 on turf, all wins in Scotland, including five last season; has form figures of 1121 in last four attempts at Musselburgh; possibilities, even though she remains on career-high mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Tafsir

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

First visit here; excels at Hamilton, where she was short-headed last month (1m4f, soft), and she was always behind at Ayr on Thursday on a very rare crack at 1m2f (heavy); attempts at this trip have also been scarce but there have been hints that it's a distance at which she could have untapped potential.

16/1

2

(7)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Ayr

Tafsir

10st 2lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Course winner who was beaten by a short head at Hamilton (1m4f, soft) last time; she excels at Hamilton and has never won over a trip this short, but her surplus stamina may be no bad thing given the testing conditions.

11/2

2nd

2

(1)

22nd Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 4

15:33 Hamilton

Tafsir

9st 12lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Lost a lot of ground at the start at Ayr last Thursday so there's a risk attached on the back of that; however, in the circumstances she did well to finish third of six (beaten just over 9l) and three of her last four wins have come here (on various ground) including this race last year; capable.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £35.56
Tricast £103.38

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Sportingsilvermine

The Sun:

Cascade Hall

TOPSPEED:

Spartan Warrior

Telegraph:

Papagei

The Times:

Letsbefrank

Daily Mirror:

Tokyo Bay

RP RATINGS:

Simple Star

POSTDATA:

Sportingsilvermine

D Express:

Sportingsilvermine

The Star:

Sportingsilvermine

Daily Record:

Sportingsilvermine