February 01 / 14.17 Musselburgh

14.17

Good To Soft

bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £15609
  • 1m 7f 124y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

Form: 569116 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Underwhelming at Ascot (1m7f, good) two weeks ago even allowing for that being a mares' Grade 2, and her best form has come over further; however, before last time she travelled well for stylish wins under Benjamin Macey in two mares' handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft; including here) and it's possible she'll be effective at this trip; not ruled out back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 1

17:05 Market Rasen

All The Glory

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Has rather mixed record over fences this season but belied 40-1 odds when close third in valuable Windsor handicap (2m4f, soft) won by Bluey in January and last month's Cheltenham Festival defeat is easily excused; on good mark if on her mettle.

9/1

7th

5

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

All The Glory

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Five-time hurdle winner who has shown some promise over fences this season but she was only fourth of six in a Listed mares' chase at Huntingdon last month and has bundles to find in today's company.

100/1

4th

2

5th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 1

14:00 Huntingdon

All The Glory

11st 2lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Five wins over hurdles; 0-4 since switched to fences but ran well off a handy mark in Windsor handicap (2m4f, soft) most recently; however, at the weights she has about a stone to find with the pick on ratings in this field.

10/1

Form: 7-213P D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 129

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at Southwell on New Year's Day on soft ground that he should have handled; however, he was in good form previously, winning at Huntingdon (2m, good) before a solid third at Doncaster (2m, good to soft), and it will be no surprise if he bounces back with a good run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

23rd Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:38 Worcester

Norman Fletcher

11st 10lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Ran okay in the new visor last time at Cartmel but ran better the time before in a Class 4 at Newton Abbot and he's now back in that grade; Sam Twiston-Davies takes over from a claimer.

9/1

5th

7

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

15:10 Cartmel

Norman Fletcher

11st 2lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Appreciated drop to 0-110 grade when second under Amber Jackson-Fennell at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good; wore cheekpieces) last month but is not as good as he was and needs change of headgear to give him a boost here.

10/1

2nd

1

23rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

17:35 Newton Abbot

Norman Fletcher

12st 1lb

J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Useful in his prime but was largely disappointing last season, and suffered 46l defeat at Warwick (2m5f, good) on latest outing five weeks ago; drops in grade again and may benefit from the drop back in trip but needs to turn a corner.

8/1

Form: 38-155 C BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
He won a soft-ground bumper here on his debut in January and, following the second of his hurdle wins, he was respectable fifth of 15 in the Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham (2m, good) in November; not seen to best effect at Aintree most recently but he's a player on his earlier form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(2)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Florida Dreams

9st 3lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Won a Grade 2 bumper in 2023 and he's a useful hurdler; some respectable efforts switched to the Flat this year (1m3f/1m1f) and he could take a sizeable step forward now up in trip on his Flat handicap debut; certainly has potential off his opening mark in view of his hurdling ability.

6/1

5th

1

(4)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in 2023; useful hurdler subsequently; he's run okay recently over about 1m3f on his first two Flat starts but will be of greater interest when tackling further in handicaps.

7/1

3rd

1

(5)

10th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Florida Dreams

10st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Sandy Thomson

Grade 2 bumper winner in April 2023, who also won twice over hurdles (2m) for Nicky Richards; 22-1, lacked the pace to challenge when fifth of nine on Flat debut at Haydock (11.5f, soft; Yafreh about 1l ahead in fourth) three weeks ago; likely to be seen in a better light once handicapping.

8/1

Form: 119-17 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Made it 5-9 over hurdles when making all at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in November on reappearance; won over 2m4f here (soft) last February on sole course visit; not written off but he was soundly beaten at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last time and has to leave that run well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

18th Apr 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Ayr

Welsh Charger

10st 6lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Beaten only 2l when fifth in this last year and runs off just 1lb higher today (from 8lb out of the handicap); however, he hasn't been at his best this season and would be a surprise winner.

33/1

6th

3

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 3

15:25 Taunton

Welsh Charger

11st 3lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Yet to run here but has a good record on other sharp, right-handed tracks, including a win in the quite valuable Scottish County at Musselburgh last February; looked to have been primed for another bold bid in this year's renewal of that race (7-2 favourite) only to unseat at the start 12 days ago; has won on soft but yet to encounter heavy.

5/1

4

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Welsh Charger

10st 10lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Alastair Ralph

Didn't run badly at Cheltenham/Ascot on his two starts towards the end of last year, with mistakes not helping last time; 2-2 here (soft/good to soft) and has to be of interest now back at Musselburgh off a mark just 1lb higher than when winning this last year.

9/2

Form: 112-32 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row last April (2m, soft) and reverted to hurdles with good third of 15 at Cheltenham (2m, good) in November; another very solid run when second at Southwell (2m, soft) on New Year's Day and there's every chance he'll be bang there; cheekpieces return (worn at Cheltenham).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

12th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 2

15:17 Chepstow

Balhambar

10st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Did well for new stable in 2024, winning twice, and runner-up in valuable Southwell handicap (2m, good) on New Year's Day; reverts to hurdling after a pipe-opener on the Flat last month; probably needs to squeeze out even more improvement to land this prize.

12/1

7th

6

(5)

11th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:18 Epsom

Balhambar

11st 1lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Progressive since joining this yard and switched to hurdles, mainly under Paul O'Brien, while his sole Flat run for Harry Derham was a respectable third of 11 at Newbury (1m4f, heavy) last October; market may help on this first start since March but stable's horses don't tend to lack for fitness; should go well.

9/2

2nd

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Balhambar

12st 0lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

led, not fluent 3rd, headed just before last, weakened run-in

4/1

Form: P-6112 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in October on second handicap start and easily followed up at Wetherby (2m, good); 4l second at Kelso (2m, soft) most recently but that was still a very creditable run behind a winner who excels at the Borders venue; retains potential and firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

25th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

17:11 Cartmel

Old Gregorian

11st 5lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Finished alone in a match race on chase debut in October; not beaten far when last of four at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in February but ran poorly over that C&D last month and needs a boost from the new cheekpieces.

8/1

6th

1

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 5f 133y

Class 4

15:00 Kelso

Old Gregorian

12st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Dual course winner over hurdles; finished alone in a match race on seasonal/chase debut in October then wasn't beaten far when last of four over C&D (good to soft) in February; eased in grade today and could still have potential over fences.

5/1

Form: -08456 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
He hasn't been at his best on his four starts since October and was tailed off on his latest start at Southwell on New Year's Day; however, he's dropped to a mark 4lb lower than when winning this last year (good to soft) on his last course visit, and he's always run well here; he's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 1y

Class 2

17:13 Fakenham

Afadil

11st 7lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Paul Nicholls

Without a win since February 2024 but gave good account when sixth (promoted to fifth) at last month's Aintree festival; 2lb lower here and well worth another crack at 2m4f; considered.

14/1

6th

22

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Afadil

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

18 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; below par over 2m5f at Ascot only 12 days ago but his peak form has come at around 2m (third in this in 2024).

22/1

7th

5

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 146y

Class 3

17:25 Ascot

Afadil

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

17 races and over two years since his last win, albeit still frequently competitive; big majority of his career has been at about 2m (he last went over further in October 2024) and he's never been this far.

9/2

Form: -14134 C

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
11yo who was disappointing at Haydock last time but has otherwise thrived since this visor went on last March, winning three times (2m/2m1f, soft-good; including here); fair third at Kelso (2m, soft) two starts ago and he's no forlorn hope each-way at forecast big odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

7th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:20 Hexham

Mack The Man

11st 3lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Regressive and inconsistent veteran; seemingly perked up by change of headgear when close second in refitted visor at Perth (2m, good) last month and remains on a very good mark but it's not easy to predict whether he'll be in the right mood again here.

8/1

4

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Mack The Man

11st 4lb

J: Mr Kit Alexander

T: N W Alexander

Exposed; goes well on testing ground but latest win (off 10lb higher) was on good ground at Ayr in November (2m) when returning from a break; beaten 20l when eighth over C&D last month (good to soft; blinkers replaced regular visor); visor back on today; well handicapped, but a bit to prove.

33/1

Form: 444113 D BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Useful on the Flat and, having got off the mark over hurdles at the fourth attempt (2m, good to soft), he easily followed up under James Robottom on his handicap debut at Catterick (1m7f, soft) on New Year's Day; busy spell may have caught up with him when below par five days later; up in grade today but retains potential and could go well in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

24th Jul 2026

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:25 Uttoxeter

Maghlaak

11st 11lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for current yard over fences at Southwell (2m4f) in November but only eighth back hurdling in 2m7f handicap here 17 days ago; visor and tongue-tie are retried now.

50/1

8th

8

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

15:00 Uttoxeter

Maghlaak

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase last November but pulled up in his final chase and has finished last in two subsequent Flat starts; capable hurdler but hardly returns to this discipline at the top of his game.

25/1

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

Form: 3/1-22 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
He's reverted to hurdles the last twice and run well in second each time (soft/good to soft), over C&D on the first occasion; takes a steep rise in grade today but this consistent C&D winner has an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Freddy Robinson

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Brian Ellison

Dug in to score on his last spin over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft; from 3lb lower) in December; runner-up three times in succession on the Flat at Beverley recently, beaten 2l there (1m4f; 13-8 favourite) just ten days ago.

11/4

2nd

2

(1)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

16:50 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Sole win on the Flat came here over 1m2f in June 2024 and he's finished runner-up over this C&D on his last two outings; no reason why he can't go well again.

2/1

2nd

3

(3)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

16:50 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

9st 8lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Course winner who comes here on the back of a good second over C&D 11 days ago; can go well again eased 1lb.

11/4

Form: 084386 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
He's 10lb lower than for his win at Taunton last February but has struggled to get competitive on his six runs since July; revival required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:58 Kelso

Rewired

11st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Has come good off his much reduced mark and a 4lb rise for Hereford last time is more than fair (2m, good); one of his career-best runs was on soft so rain won't bother him.

11/8

3rd

2

25th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:58 Kelso

Rewired

11st 0lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Has come good off his much reduced mark and a 4lb rise for Hereford last time is more than fair (2m, good); one of his career-best runs was on soft so rain won't bother him.

11/8

Form: 223242

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Not the force old on the Flat (useful in his prime) and 0-7 over hurdles, but consistent in this code and was a clear second of six to a highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(5)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:45 Newcastle (AW)

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 9lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Without a win on the Flat since 2021 and he came in only ninth of 12 in 1m2f Ayr handicap 23 days ago; others appeal more.

9/1

9th

7

(5)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 8lb

J: Cara Tuke

T: Iain Jardine

Largely consistent hurdler who returned to the Flat with respectable fourth (just behind Penelope's Sister) over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; 1lb lower today and might be better suited by the slightly slower ground; each-way claims at least.

6/1

4th

4

(10)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Ayr

Ravenscraig Castle

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Overall record of 3-54 but he's been placed over hurdles in his last two runs and is well handicapped on his best Flat form in 2025; hard to rule out back in this sphere and he has won at this track.

12/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Afadil

POSTDATA:

Balhambar

Telegraph:

Old Gregorian

Daily Mirror:

Maghlaak

D Express:

Welsh Charger

The Guardian:

Freddy Robinson

The Sun:

Old Gregorian

RP RATINGS:

Afadil

TOPSPEED:

Afadil

The Times:

Afadil

Daily Mail:

Afadil

LAMBOURN:

Balhambar

The Star:

Balhambar

Daily Record:

Balhambar