April 30 / 17.15 Musselburgh

17.15

Good

Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle Distance Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 1m 4f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
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Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle Distance Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.30
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 723-40

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Down the field at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) three weeks ago but prior to that he ran well on his reappearance at Newcastle (1m4f, AW); well treated on last year's best turf form and yard's horses can swiftly bounce back to form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

26th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Fairmac

10st 13lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Six-time Flat winner at up to 1m4f; underwent breathing operation before going hurdling for current yard and has now had another, having underperformed in handicap on this course in September; new headgear combination today.

16/1

8th

2

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

18:05 Kelso

Fairmac

11st 11lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Won five Flat races at up to 1m4f for the Johnstons (latest win for Anthony Charlton was on snow); had wind surgery before running two creditable races over hurdles this summer, last time finishing third in a maiden at Perth (2m, good; pulled quite hard); interesting on handicap debut.

4/1

3rd

4

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:55 Perth

Fairmac

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Multiple Flat winner at up to 12.5f (stays 1m6f; RPR 90); not without support when 15-2 on his hurdling debut at Cartmel (2m1f, soft; first-time tongue-tie) last month, when unable to get in a serious blow; no surprise if he shows improvement.

6/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 54960-

Last run: 254 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Below par on final three runs last summer and a longer trip may be preferable, but he's dropped down the weights and has a good record when fresh; could bounce back with a bold show.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

16:10 Carlisle

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Tailed off over hurdles last time but ran well in that code in March; he's on a handy mark on last year's best Flat form; not ruled out.

14/1

9th

12

17th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

11st 2lb

J: William Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

Sole success in 17 runs over hurdles came at Perth last summer (2m, good); he's consistent but not progressive and was a well-held fifth in this last year off the very same mark.

20/1

4th

9

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Ravenscraig Castle

11st 1lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Iain Jardine

Sole win over hurdles, from 16 attempts, came at Perth (2m, good) last July; ran okay over C&D in January on his last two hurdle starts (good to soft) and is not ruled out each-way.

16/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 7-141

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Bumper runner-up (good to soft) who won 1m AW novice in January and scored on handicap debut at Southwell (1m6f, AW) last month; now 2-4 on the Flat and could be just the type to continue to improve; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:55 Huntingdon

Notimeforanother

11st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Two-time Flat winner who won on his handicap hurdle debut at Doncaster (2m, good) in January, beating a big field with something to spare; also effective on good to soft; unexposed in this code and this 5yo may well take a 7lb rise in his stride.

3/1

4

1st Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:55 Huntingdon

Notimeforanother

11st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Two-time Flat winner who won on his handicap hurdle debut at Doncaster (2m, good) in January, beating a big field with something to spare; also effective on good to soft; unexposed in this code and this 5yo may well take a 7lb rise in his stride.

3/1

1st

1

28th Jan 2024

Good

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:35 Doncaster

Notimeforanother

12st 0lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Ran encouragingly at Sedgefield (second hurdles attempt) on Boxing Day and may well build on that effort; has a handy opening mark judged on Flat form; interesting.

7/1

33/1

Form: 4597-7 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Form went the wrong way towards the end of last season and there was no revival on his reappearance three weeks ago, but that performance wasn't a bad one here over an inadequate 1m and he's well handicapped on form as recent as last summer; not a forlorn hope now back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

16:51 Hamilton

Glasses Up

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: R Mike Smith

11yo who was a close third over 1m1f at Ayr two starts ago and is versatile trip-wise; however, Ayr brings out the best in him and he was well beaten at Musselburgh last time; 0-4 here, with last visit coming last June.

25/1

5th

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Glasses Up

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won at this track but who is better known for his exploits at Ayr; solid third at that track 16 days ago (1m1f, good to firm); shouldn't be far away if backing it up.

4/1

3rd

7

(3)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 6

15:30 Ayr

Glasses Up

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: R Mike Smith

Veteran who has won 11 times here, including three last year (1m2f/1m5f); on a good mark and should come on for his run at Musselburgh last week; contender.

13/2

Form: 4268-2

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
On a long losing run but, having had wind surgery, she returned from a break with a good second at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) this month; some good efforts on turf last year and this trip may be within range; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

22nd Aug 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Worcester

Angels Landing

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ian Williams

Consistent form in defeat on Flat this April-June (1-18 overall in that sphere); 0-11 over hurdles, well treated on some of her placed form in the 2021-22 campaign but below form on latest four attempts, including on latest outing; steps up from 2m with stamina in major doubt.

12/1

4th

3

30th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

16:55 Uttoxeter

Angels Landing

11st 8lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Consistent on the Flat since spring; 0-10 over hurdles and was below par last winter; well treated on some of her placed form in the 2021-22 campaign, however.

13/2

5th

7

(6)

30th Jun 2023

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

20:00 Chester

Angels Landing

9st 2lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Ian Williams

Yet to win on turf but has been placed over this trip at Nottingham and Wetherby (both good to firm) this month; suspicion she'll be vulnerable to some of the 3yos in this line-up, though.

16/1

12/1

Form: 61336- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Her useful dam improved with age and this mare did likewise last season, with three wins (1m2f-1m4f); further improvement can't be ruled out but it's needed if she's to defy her current mark; first run since last November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(8)

17th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

16:52 Southwell (AW)

Real Terms

9st 13lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

On workable mark if judged on pick of form from first half of last year but returned from break with disappointing run in the autumn and has been absent for another 285 days since.

14/1

8th

6

(6)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 3

14:00 Redcar

Real Terms

9st 1lb

J: Sam James

T: Grant Tuer

Has won on good to soft; losing turf run goes back more than a year but she ran up to her recent best when second of 14 at Hamilton (1m3f, good) in June; needs to be on song to win off this mark back from break.

10/1

13/2

Form: 24132- CD

Last run: 227 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Improved form when decisive winner over C&D (good) last August and she showed it was no one-off when in the first three the next twice; this is just her second run here and she could play a leading role if fully tuned up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

(6)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Arrange

8st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Last won in August 2024; placed in three of eight starts last term and it was a hot race in which she was well beaten at York (40-1) on 2026 return; 15lb below peak mark but others seem to be banging on the door more loudly.

40/1

11th

14

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Arrange

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Twice runner-up over 2m from five visits here, plus fourth of 20 in this race in 2024; ran creditably over 1m4f on 2025 return and is 11lb lower for this reappearance, but others seem to be banging on the door more loudly.

20/1

3rd

3

(5)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Arrange

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

First and second in two visits here (1m6f, soft/good to soft); patchy form so far this year and ideally would prefer further, but she has dropped 5lb lower than when last successful; respected.

5/1

Form: 64319-

Last run: 205 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Joined Jim Goldie last summer and improved for each of her first four runs for this yard, winning at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) in September; she was in a hot handicap when mid-division at York (1m6f, good to soft) when last seen and she's not written off now back down in grade on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(1)

21st Aug 2023

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:25 Catterick

A La Francaise

11st 0lb

J: Mr Jack Nicholls

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) last September and she returned to form with a very close third at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) ten days ago; she's one to consider under the promising Jack Nicholls.

7/2

3rd

6

(1)

11th Aug 2023

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

14:20 Musselburgh

A La Francaise

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Off the mark at Hamilton (1m3f, good to soft) last September, and she's been operating near that level in her last three starts; these improved terms offer a chance to take revenge over Simple Star (Hamilton) and Gibside (York), and she has a good record under the returning Paul Mulrennan.

6/1

5th

11

(5)

14th Jul 2023

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:30 York

A La Francaise

9st 3lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Jim Goldie

held up in rear, steady headway on near side of group from over 2f out, outpaced and edged left over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

6/1

Form: 034-03

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who won twice last summer (1m6f/2m, good to firm) and returned to form with a solid third of 14 at Bath (11.6f, soft) three weeks ago; however, he may prefer a longer trip than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 6

16:22 Nottingham

Alpine Stroll

11st 13lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Lemos De Souza

Dual Nottingham winner; acts on soft, unraced on heavy; shot back to some form when storming home in an amateur riders' race at Bath (11.5f, good to soft) last month; well below form next time (1m6f, which he stays) but Henry Callan galvanised him to a 1m4f win at Newbury (soft) on Saturday; sole attempt at 1m2f was in 2021 but he had to hold on at Newbury after going clear and his appearance over this trip with 4lb penalty no longer looks ridiculous.

2/1

1st

1

(3)

29th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 6

16:22 Nottingham

Alpine Stroll

11st 13lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Lemos De Souza

Dual Nottingham winner; acts on soft, unraced on heavy; shot back to some form when storming home in an amateur riders' race at Bath (11.5f, good to soft) last month; well below form next time (1m6f, which he stays) but Henry Callan galvanised him to a 1m4f win at Newbury (soft) on Saturday; sole attempt at 1m2f was in 2021 but he had to hold on at Newbury after going clear and his appearance over this trip with 4lb penalty no longer looks ridiculous.

2/1

12

(7)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:50 Newbury

Alpine Stroll

10st 11lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: Lemos De Souza

Acts on soft, unraced on heavy; shot back to some form when storming home in an amateur riders' race at Bath (11.5f, good to soft) last month; well below form off this 7lb higher mark at Haydock (1m6f, which he stays) 13 days later, however.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 09762- C

Last run: 225 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
0-9 last year and inconsistent but he was a short-head second of 15 at Ayr (1m5f, good) last September when last seen; this course winner can be bang there again if reappearing in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(4)

19th May 2023

Good

1m 4f 15y

Class 3

19:55 Hamilton

Heights Of Abraham

8st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Keith Dalgleish

Signed off his 4yo campaign with a close call at Ayr (1m5f, good) last September; on same mark here but he's been laboured in both runs this season and latest was at this track (1m5f, good to soft) on Sunday; bit to prove back up in grade and his last win was two years ago.

20/1

8th

4

(2)

14th May 2023

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Heights Of Abraham

9st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Keith Dalgleish

midfield

10/1

10th

3

(5)

30th Apr 2023

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Heights Of Abraham

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Keith Dalgleish

0-9 last year and inconsistent but he was a short-head second of 15 at Ayr (1m5f, good) last September when last seen; this course winner can be bang there again if reappearing in similar form.

10/1

10/1

Form: 02154- D

Last run: 227 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten on hurdle/stable debut last December last time out but he's had wind surgery since and he's on a competitive mark judged on last season's best 1m4f form for Ian Williams; tongue-tie goes on; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 110y

Class 4

15:05 Lingfield

Dark Mystery

11st 6lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: B F Brookhouse

Has had a couple of close calls at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) this winter but he's now 1-26 on the Flat and his only hurdle run was at Kempton (well-held sixth) in December 2022; probably best watched back in this sphere.

25/1

4th

3

(6)

30th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

14:12 Southwell (AW)

Dark Mystery

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: B F Brookhouse

Only 1-26 but he's consistent and gone down narrowly over 1m6f at Wolverhampton the last twice; effective here and at this trip; chance.

100/30

4th

3

(6)

30th Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

14:12 Southwell (AW)

Dark Mystery

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: B F Brookhouse

Only 1-26 but he's consistent and gone down narrowly over 1m6f at Wolverhampton the last twice; effective here and at this trip; chance.

100/30

13/2

Form: 9842-2

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Patchy form over hurdles this year but he was fourth of seven in a Grade 2 4yo hurdle at Cheltenham in January, and he's on a competitive mark on his best Irish Flat form; respectable run when 10l second of six in a 1m4f AW novice three weeks ago and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(7)

30th Apr 2023

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Active Duty

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Ben Pauling

Patchy form over hurdles this year but he was fourth of seven in a Grade 2 4yo hurdle at Cheltenham in January, and he's on a competitive mark on his best Irish Flat form; respectable run when 10l second of six in a 1m4f AW novice three weeks ago and he's not ruled out.

13/2

2nd

2

(4)

10th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

14:18 Wolverhampton (AW)

Active Duty

9st 4lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Ben Pauling

Runner-up twice from six starts on turf in Ireland last year and has run some creditable races over hurdles for this yard, albeit beaten out of sight in the Triumph Hurdle last time; likely to find a few of these more progressive on AW debut.

8/1

13th

1

17th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Active Duty

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Ben Pauling

Fairly useful maiden on his day on Flat, best form 1m4f on soft; had gelding and wind operations afterwards; third at Ludlow on hurdles/stable debut and much better form when 12l fourth of seven in Grade 2 here (2m1f, soft) next time; however, lots to find on that form, whereas he was a flop when favourite at Market Rasen on latest outing.

100/1

10/1

Form: 65247- D

Last run: 150 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Looked one to follow last May/June when winning his first two 3yo starts; didn't progress subsequently but he might now kick on having been gelded since his last run last December.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

9th Jun 2025

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

18:20 Pontefract

Knightswood

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Ran as if something was amiss last time; in good form otherwise this term and looks capable of being involved; however, he's still seeking a first handicap success away from Ripon.

9/2

4

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:38 Newmarket

Knightswood

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Loves Ripon where he won again last month by a narrow margin; badly in under a penalty when a close third over 1m6f here 12 days ago and he's 2lb lower for this; can be relied upon to give his running and be seriously involved.

2/1

4

(3)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

16:38 Newmarket

Knightswood

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Charlie Johnston

Loves Ripon where he won again last month by a narrow margin; badly in under a penalty when a close third over 1m6f here 12 days ago and he's 2lb lower for this; can be relied upon to give his running and be seriously involved.

2/1

16/1

Form: 0-2130

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the fifth attempt in Southwell novice (1m3f, AW) in February; beaten in AW handicaps the next twice but remains lightly raced and the first-time cheekpieces are a possible positive; showed promise in 2021 on sole turf start (soft ground); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

16:31 Doncaster

Muzaffar

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two Flat wins at 1m3f/1m6f in 2023; missed most of 2024 and has needed two recent runs; open to improvement in his second handicap with Brian Hughes replacing a 10lb claimer; cheekpieces added latest, now discarded.

9/1

7th

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Muzaffar

11st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two-time Flat winner who has been an encouraging third on his two hurdle starts a year apart, the latest at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) in December; open to improvement in this code and is in with a chance on handicap hurdle debut; cheekpieces return (no positive impact on the Flat).

7/1

7th

12

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Muzaffar

11st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two-time Flat winner who has been an encouraging third on his two hurdle starts a year apart, the latest at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) in December; open to improvement in this code and is in with a chance on handicap hurdle debut; cheekpieces return (no positive impact on the Flat).

7/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £160.90
Straight Forecast £130.78
Tricast £983.96
Trifecta £1380.90

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Dark Mystery

SPOTLIGHT:

Knightswood

TOPSPEED:

Fairmac

Telegraph:

Notimeforanother

Daily Record:

Arrange

The Times:

A La Francaise

The Sun:

Angels Landing

Daily Mirror:

Heights Of Abraham

RP Ratings:

Knightswood

D Express:

Dark Mystery

The Star:

Dark Mystery

POSTDATA:

Fairmac