April 19 / 17.17 Musselburgh

17.17

Good

Virgin Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £11567.14
  • 0m 5f 1y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Virgin Bet Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 818-53 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Notoriously tricky to win with but there's no doubting his ability and he won the big sprint on this card back in 2022; close third over C&D on Sunday having found plenty of trouble; shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(15)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Three-time C&D winner, including twice off higher marks in the month of April; unlucky third, having found daylight too late, in this race 12 months ago; soft ground was against him here last weekend; likely player if the cards drop right.

10/1

9th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Zarzyni

9st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Below best on latest course start in October but has a strong C&D record otherwise, three wins include this race (good to soft) last year; now 2lb lower and primed for a good run if he avoids trouble in running.

9/2

7th

10

(4)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Zarzyni

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should but he did score twice in 2025, the latter win over C&D; 3lb higher in a better race this time and he'll need to be somewhere near last year's best to take this after four months off.

14/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 11394- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Three 5f wins last year, one on Tapeta and the other two on testing ground at Hamilton; could prove vulnerable on a sounder surface back from six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(1)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Thirsk

Moonstone Boy

9st 12lb

J: Luke Catton

T: Jennie Candlish

Four wins over 5f for Iain Jardine, but unplaced in three starts on the AW since returning for this yard in January; 8lb below last winning mark, but drying ground and return to 6f pose questions; cheekpieces return.

12/1

7th

2

(12)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Moonstone Boy

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jennie Candlish

A fair 5f scorer for Iain Jardine; shaped encouragingly for his new yard when fourth at Southwell (5f) in January but raced too freely over 6f when seventh at Wolverhampton since; can bounce back here.

16/1

7th

5

(8)

16th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Moonstone Boy

9st 5lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Jennie Candlish

Campaigned mostly over 5f; posted a resurgent effort at Southwell on stable/seasonal debut; successful twice off current mark, so holds possibilities provided he's as effective back at 6f.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 210-79 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won five times last year, including C&D, and although she has been unplaced in both runs this time around she was unable to show what she could do here on Sunday having run into several dead ends; capable if the gaps appear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Eternal Sunshine

8st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Completed a hat-trick last August/September and she's capable of going close off her current mark if at her best; she's 3-3 here and perhaps the return to Thirsk will trigger a revival, but it very much needs to as she's not shone on her three outings this season.

20/1

13th

14

(3)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Eternal Sunshine

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Trainer won this last year with subsequent Group 1 winner American Affair; progressive last season and she's 1lb lower than when a close third of 18 over C&D (good) last October; however, well beaten on both starts this season (irregular heartbeat last time) and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

13th

12

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Eternal Sunshine

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won last year's Portland during a great spell of form that has come to an end with duck eggs in last two appearances; perhaps best watched until she shows clear signs of a revival.

25/1

Form: -64377 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who won twice on turf last September; in and out on AW this winter but he's slipped down the weights and the return of cheekpieces can help back on turf; should go well in a race in which the majority like to come from off the pace.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(8)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Ripon

Our Absent Friends

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Seven wins, the latest at Newcastle in December off a 6lb lower mark; good second off 1lb lower back at Newcastle in March but well held back on turf at Doncaster later that month; freshened up since.

10/1

17th

14

(4)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:50 Doncaster

Our Absent Friends

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Seven wins, the latest at Newcastle in December off a 6lb lower mark; good second off 1lb lower back at Newcastle 24 days ago; should give his running but others may prove better treated.

12/1

2nd

10

(8)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Our Absent Friends

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Gained a third C&D success in December and largely in good nick since, fourth of nine over C&D two weeks ago; ought to be in the shake-up.

10/1

Form: 337-82 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Picked off late by Only Spoofing over C&D on Sunday; 4lb better off for a short head today but he's not so well drawn this time; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Knicks

8st 12lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Over two years since the second of his two wins; lurks on a dangerous mark though and his two runs this year have seen him finish within 3l of the winner; has his first run at Pontefract but he is effective around a left-hand turn; can't rule out from a handy draw.

6/1

7th

8

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:15 Musselburgh

Knicks

8st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

It's a long time since he won but he was a close third over C&D (good to soft) last September and was an encouraging sixth of 18 on reappearance at Thirsk (6f, good); refitted with cheekpieces (which are combined with his tongue-tie) for the first time since a win at Nottingham in autumn 2023; non-runner here on Sunday with a vet's certificate.

10/1

14/1

Form: 292864 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Another in the field who needs things to fall just right but he made a pleasing return to turf over C&D on Sunday, meeting a bit of traffic when initially launching his challenge and also caught towards the middle of the track; capable off this mark if the gaps appear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:21 Hamilton

Water Of Leith

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Wolverhampton (6f, Class 5; 6-4 favourite) in March but below that level in three subsequent starts, 2l fifth of eight at Musselburgh (5f; 15-2) latest; vulnerable on those performances.

7/1

6/1

Form: 63147- CD

Last run: 189 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
C&D win on his 2yo debut; ended losing run when scrambling home at Chester last August (blinkered first time); has the rail draw and can go well fresh, so not discounted with Oisin Murphy a positive booking.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Both handicap wins on turf at Chester (5f and 6f); no great shakes on this track for new yard since November but he's dropped 9lb in that time and there was the glimmer of a revival here last time when back from a break; not ruled out.

12/1

6th

1

(4)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

16:55 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 9lb

J: James Glennon

T: Simon Dow

Three turf wins at 5f and 6f, the latest off this mark in September; big prices and well held in four sprints here for new yard and, although this is a drop in grade, he may be best left until back on grass.

14/1

7th

7

(2)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 5

13:43 Lingfield (AW)

Balon DOr

9st 4lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Three turf wins but 0-9 on AW and he's been well held here (5f/6f) in all three runs for current yard; continues to drop down the weights but this is competitive and others are more convincing; reapplied cheekpieces replace blinkers.

25/1

16/1

Form: 4200-8 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Veteran who hasn't won as often as he should for one of his undoubted ability; on a reduced mark now and last Sunday's run, his first for 173 days, should have freshened him up; others look stronger for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(1)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:13 Catterick

Arecibo

9st 9lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in four runs this season; return to 6f in his favour but don't need much encouragement to look elsewhere.

14/1

2nd

4

(1)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

17:13 Catterick

Arecibo

9st 9lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in four runs this season; return to 6f in his favour but don't need much encouragement to look elsewhere.

14/1

6th

11

(1)

17th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Thirsk

Arecibo

8st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Veteran who was a smart sprinter in his prime but last win was four years ago and he's finished down the field in three runs this season; dropped another 3lb but he has lots to prove on this first run at 7f; visor removed.

25/1

Form: 50-931 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 1lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Well into the veteran stage but he retains lots of enthusiasm and he enhanced his fine C&D record when beating six of today's rivals to win last Sunday; picked up impressively once seeing daylight and can confirm his superiority despite the revised weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(10)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:42 Cork

Only Spoofing

9st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Hardy veteran has won fourteen races on turf, all on good and good to firm ground, but handles an ease; is 15lb lower than when winning at Musselburgh last year and didn't run badly at Bellewstown (5f, soft) on latest; could go well.

10/1

6th

5

(13)

11th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 5f 3y

17:55 Bellewstown

Only Spoofing

9st 9lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Likeable veteran won for the fourteenth time at Musselburgh (5f, good) last April and is 13lb lower now; showed some spark when a 2l fourth at Dundalk on penultimate and was third over this C&D (soft) off 5lb higher in October; can't discount.

14/1

8th

7

(5)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

16:37 Dundalk (AW)

Only Spoofing

8st 13lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Attractive handicap mark, but veteran's 14 wins have come on turf; 0-11 on AW but his 2l fourth over 6f here last time is a reason for hope, as is the drop back to 5f now.

6/1

Form: 1414-8 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
C&D win off 3lb lower last summer; shaped as though the run was needed when last of eight here 17 days ago; better than that and could leave it well behind; stable also runs Zarzyni.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(11)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:23 Ripon

Profitable Edge

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

C&D winner who ran her best race of the year so far when fourth of eight back here (good) three weeks ago; another 3lb drop since then puts her 7lb below her last winning mark; respected.

8/1

4th

1

(3)

4th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:10 Ripon

Profitable Edge

9st 10lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: David & Nicola Barron

Effective on fast and soft ground; well handicapped on her two 5f wins last summer but she's been out of sorts in four runs this season; has won here in the past but she needs to turn things around back at this track.

10/1

2

(3)

4th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:00 Doncaster

Profitable Edge

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Won twice last summer and is 1lb lower than for the latest, but she is yet to get going in three starts this season (underwent wind surgery before latest outing); needs a resurgence.

14/1

11th
12 (1)
Classy Al

33/1

Form: 9705-0 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on Sunday's seasonal return and, as on that occasion, she's not fared well with the draw; stable has stronger claims elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(6)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 4

16:05 Hamilton

Classy Al

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Does plenty wrong during his races but it hasn't stopped him from winning seven times, two of them over C&D; running himself back into form this year but others appeal more.

12/1

4th

3

(7)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Ayr

Classy Al

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

No stranger to the Ayr winners' enclosure, winning five at this track (5f-7f), including this race two years ago; has struggled for form in two 5f spins at Musselburgh this year, which makes him hard to fancy; on the plus side, the handicapper is beginning to give him a chance.

10/1

14th

16

(8)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Classy Al

8st 13lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Posted a duck egg over C&D last weekend on reappearance, taking Musselburgh record to 0-8; has done all his winning at Ayr and Hamilton; not the percentage call.

33/1

12th
11 (2)
Zaphea

20/1

Form: 98501- CD

Last run: 164 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won four 5f handicaps last year, two of them over C&D; 2lb rise for her last-gasp win here in November pushes her into a higher grade; not ideally drawn and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(5)

13th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:30 Musselburgh

Zaphea

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Got involved too soon in the strongly run C&D race won by Ski Angel last time; inconsistent this term but is attractively treated (last two wins off 16lb higher).

10/1

6th

4

(5)

1st Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:13 Musselburgh

Zaphea

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Effective on fast ground but all five wins have been on good or slower including three over C&D; 0-10 this season but he travelled well for a long way when third off this reduced mark at Hamilton ten days ago; usually races prominently and he could make another bold bid back at this track.

3/1

3rd

7

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

14:43 Hamilton

Zaphea

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Productive 2024 campaign featured two wins over C&D; far from solid on 2025 form and is perhaps best watched unless the market speaks positively.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.70
Straight Forecast £46.97
Tricast £471.36
Trifecta £940.40

Selections

Telegraph:

Knicks

POSTDATA:

Only Spoofing

RP RATINGS:

Zarzyni

The Star:

Eternal Sunshine

The Times:

Balon d'Or

The Guardian:

Moonstone Boy

SPOTLIGHT:

Our Absent Friends

TOPSPEED:

Arecibo

Daily Mirror:

Knicks

Daily Record:

Knicks

Daily Mail:

Zarzyni

D Express:

Only Spoofing

The Sun:

Only Spoofing