September 13 / 18.22 Musselburgh

18.22

Good

Scots Association Musselburgh Gold Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 2m 2f 28y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
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Scots Association Musselburgh Gold Cup Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 428576

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ran respectably in higher grade at the York Ebor festival (2m) last time and remains favourably treated, having gained sole Flat handicap win off this mark; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last November; finished a long way behind Sea Of Kings at Doncaster on his return to the Flat four weeks ago; others appeal more.

12/1

6th

3

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Ended his time with Adrian Keatley below par last autumn but a winner over fences at Southwell for his new yard before being pulled up at Market Rasen in December; needs to bounce back after a layoff.

16/1

Form: 110-40

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Absent since heavy defeat in major 1m4f handicap at Haydock ten weeks ago; generally consistent otherwise and may rebound, provided he sees out this new trip; stays a testing 1m6f well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Minstrel Knight

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Ran creditably for minor honours in two (1m5f/2m2f) of his four starts in last year's Flat campaign and won novice hurdles in December and January when last seen; however, although he won on good ground two years ago, his record since has been dominated by achievements on softer.

10/1

1st

3

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 3

13:45 Doncaster

Minstrel Knight

11st 8lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Edward Bethell

Useful Flat performer who got off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt at Wetherby (2m, soft) four weeks ago; he's open to further improvement in this code and could have a big part to play under a penalty.

7/1

28

(33)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Minstrel Knight

8st 11lb

J: Andrew Slattery

T: Edward Bethell

English raider has won three of his 10 starts on turf; best recent form has come on testing ground; beaten 2.25 off this mark in a class 4 handicap at Musselburgh latest (2m2f, gd-sft); needs the heavens to open.

22/1

Form: 621311 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive for current yard and successful in last three turf attempts (1m4f-2m2f, good), beating Simple Star over C&D latest; may not have reached her ceiling yet; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(6)

13th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

18:22 Musselburgh

Paper Doll

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tristan Davidson

Steadily progressive for current yard and successful in last three turf attempts (1m4f-2m2f, good), beating Simple Star over C&D latest; may not have reached her ceiling yet; major player.

7/2

1st

3

(6)

27th Aug 2025

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

16:00 Musselburgh

Paper Doll

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Ex-Irish mare who's barely put a foot wrong this year for current yard; that includes wins at Pontefract (1m4f) and Carlisle (1m6f) on two of her last three outings, both on good (unraced on firmer); shaped as if she got 2m on Newcastle AW in between (6l third to Stand Strong) but the 1m6f win was clearly her best effort.

9/2

1st

6

(7)

12th Aug 2025

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 4

15:15 Carlisle

Paper Doll

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Ex-Irish mare who's barely put a foot wrong for her current yard; bumped into one at Ayr before a Pontefract win off 6lb lower and is shortlisted back on to turf, having found trouble on Tapeta latest.

7/2

Form: -04512 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Plentiful form at Musselburgh includes sound performances the last twice (good), winning over the extended 1m4f then second to Paper Doll over 2m2f; likely to remain competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

17:22 Kelso

Simple Star

11st 11lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Dianne Sayer

Not seen over hurdles since scoring at Perth (2m) last July but he comes here fit from the Flat and was also a good second on this card 12 months ago; considered.

5/1

6th

8

(7)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Simple Star

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Dianne Sayer

Plentiful form at Musselburgh with three C&D wins, including last August for his only Flat win last year (4lb higher today); never dangerous when 50-1 for reappearance here two weeks ago but showed promise from out the back and could be a lot more potent this time.

14/1

Form: 622471

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Opened his account in Goodwood contest last week when attempting 2m for the first time; may build on that success and show additional progress upped further in distance; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Goodwood

Novelista

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Warren Greatrex

Acts on good and heavy ground; won off 2lb lower over C&D for Charlie Johnston last autumn and he ran well over hurdles last month, on his second run for current yard; seems tactically versatile and he's in the mix off a workable mark back on the Flat.

9/2

2nd

7

1st Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Novelista

10st 11lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Useful on the Flat for Charlie Johnston, proving reliable and winning 2m handicap at Goodwood (heavy) last autumn (sold for 165,000gns soon after); 9-2, weakened to finish a well-held sixth of ten in Ascot juvenile (2m, soft) on hurdle debut in January; should be capable of a lot better in this sphere.

2/1

6th

8

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 157y

Class 3

12:25 Ascot

Novelista

11st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Warren Greatrex

Not far off useful on the Flat for Charlie Johnston, proving reliable and winning 2m handicap at Goodwood (heavy) last autumn; changed hands for 165,000gns in October; likely to be suited by longer distances in due course but he commands respect on his hurdling debut even so.

5/1

Form: 443599

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Five wins for previous yard; dropped away and failed to beat a rival last time on debut for new stable; perhaps best watched unless the market suggests a return to form is expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

21st May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 45y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Dreams Adozen

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Inconsistent for new yard in the second half of last year but posted wins at Musselburgh (2m2f, good to soft) and Nottingham (1m6f, heavy; when last seen); in the mix if at the top of her game on this reappearance.

2/1

2

(6)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Nottingham

Dreams Adozen

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Won at Musselburgh (2m2f, good to soft) last month on second stable start and didn't see out the stiff finish at Pontefract (2m2f, soft) last time; she's not discounted now back down in trip.

13/2

9

(9)

20th Sep 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Newmarket

Dreams Adozen

8st 6lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: James Owen

Ultra game from the front when winning last week's 2m2f Musselburgh Gold Cup (good to soft); effectively 4lb lower with Ashley Lewis taking off 7lb, but she had a very yard race and this rise in class may find her out.

14/1

Form: 407045

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Bagged a big bonus for winning three Sunday Series events in 2024; inconsistent this season and finished last in small field most recently; admittedly very well treated on best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Letsbefrank

9st 2lb

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); beat bang-in-form stablemate last time and a 5lb higher mark might not stop this course winner.

5/2

1st

4

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 4

18:45 Hamilton

Letsbefrank

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Three wins (C&D, 1m6f and 2m1f) in summer 2024 and, from a reduced mark, back on the scoresheet at Musselburgh (1m4f) three weeks ago when arriving very late on the scene at 20-1 under Lauren Young to deny Fast Fred; back up 4lb but could take another step back up the ladder.

7/2

1st

7

(7)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Letsbefrank

8st 7lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Three wins (1m3f, 1m6f and 2m1f) in summer 2024 and he's 7lb below his last winning mark; struggled to get competitive last year until his running-on fifth under Lauren Young in a blanket finish on final start (1m4f, soft); reappearance record isn't great and today's test may be a bit too sharp for him.

10/1

Form: /99941

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Regained the winning thread at Hamilton (good to soft) last week, needing every yard of the stiff 1m5f; bit to prove over 2m2f but the step back up in trip seems worth exploring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Perseus Way

9st 1lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Won over C&D (good to soft) last September and he's just 1lb higher today; won over hurdles at Hexham (2m4f, soft) last month on his second start for this yard and there's lots to like about his claims.

7/2

1st

12

9th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 28y

Class 3

17:42 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 6lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won a Hamilton handicap for Stuart Coltherd in September (1m5f, good to soft); subsequently changed yards and promising third over 2m here on stable debut after a break last week (good); should improve on that but yet to prove he is as effective at this trip.

8/1

3rd

7

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Perseus Way

10st 13lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Won twice over hurdles in 2022-23; has changed stables three times since and perhaps best watched after a break on debut for latest new trainer, although is well handicapped now.

12/1

Form: 671455 CD BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Triple course winner but may have to settle for a supporting role, having been beaten in races won by Paper Doll and Perseus Way the last twice and being 3lb out of weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(7)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Trojan Sun

8st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Often ridden by Lauren Young; 4-12 at Musselburgh, including three 1m6f/2m wins on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 2lb higher today; returned to form when third over 2m at Musselburgh three weeks ago but this C&D makes him look vulnerable.

14/1

3rd

7

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

9st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

4-11 at Musselburgh, including three 1m6f/2m wins on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 3lb higher today; soundly beaten at 40-1 here on reappearance three weeks ago and, judged on last season, it may take him another run before he refinds his form.

14/1

9th

13

(7)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Trojan Sun

8st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Musselburgh specialist (4-10 here) who had three wins at this track on good ground last May-October; also scored at Nottingham in October, a runaway win over 2m2f on heavy going which sees him 5lb higher today; needs to hit a new high and may need to front-run back at this trip.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £317.90
Straight Forecast £248.15
Tricast £4552.13
Trifecta £4503.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Novelista

RP RATINGS:

Maghlaak

Daily Mirror:

Paper Doll

Daily Mail:

Simple Star

The Times:

Novelista

D Express:

Novelista

The Sun:

Novelista

Daily Record:

Novelista

The Star:

Paper Doll

TOPSPEED:

Maghlaak

POSTDATA:

Maghlaak

Telegraph:

Maghlaak

The Guardian:

Maghlaak