January 31 / 13.43 Musselburgh

13.43

Good To Soft

bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 1m 7f 124y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 4-3U21 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
From out of the handicap he's 10lb higher than when winning over C&D (good to soft) on New Year's Day; however, this lightly raced 5yo is open to further improvement and is not discounted; also effective on soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Star Of Guiting

10st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in the winter and has had excuses since, making late headway after a slow start when eighth of 21 at Aintree four weeks ago; probably in much better heart than recent form-figures suggest, and he's an interesting each-way proposition.

25/1

9th

19

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Star Of Guiting

11st 0lb

J: William Maggs

T: Ewan Whillans

Two 1m7f Musselburgh wins this winter; bounced back from a poor run in the Imperial Cup when fifth of 14 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago but that effort suggests the handicapper is winning the argument for now.

28/1

5th

1

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

Star Of Guiting

12st 0lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Ewan Whillans

Pulled up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) only 13 days ago but he went there on a hat-trick following two wins here (1m7f, good to soft) in January; this unexposed 5yo could bounce back and play a leading role now back here and returned to better ground.

4/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 0P-734 CD BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Encouraging third at Sandown (2m, soft) last month and a mistake at the final flight was costly when fourth over C&D (good to soft) on New Year's Day; won this in 2024 (good to soft) and runner-up last year (good to soft), and he could play another leading role.
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

9/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: /112-6 CD BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on his two AW starts this winter, and sixth of nine over hurdles here (2m4f, good to soft) in between; however, there's room for improvement with his jumping and he could benefit from the drop back in trip; remains plenty of mileage in his mark judged on Flat ability.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Looked better than ever when third in the Morebattle Hurdle here in February and posted a good third on the Flat at Musselburgh last month; must enter calculations in refitted cheekpieces.

3/1

3rd

1

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Wise Eagle

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Adam Nicol

Won this prize in 2023 and had a fruitful Flat/hurdles campaign last winter before his close fourth in this; while he did not make an impact in either of his Flat runs this winter, latest hurdles form was his best in that sphere; 8lb lower than the 2025 renewal and a case can certainly be made.

13/2

3rd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Runner-up here (2m, soft) last February and back on song when third at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's lightly raced over hurdles and is on an attractive mark judged on his very useful Flat form, but he needs to raise his game if he's to take this.

12/1

Form: 363211 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Williethebuilder

12st 0lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

Won two in a row at Kempton (2m, good) in the winter before another good run when fourth at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft), where he would have been a bit closer but for late interference; soft ground may not have been ideal in the County Hurdle three weeks ago; might not be far away.

7/1

18th

13

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Williethebuilder

10st 10lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

A rare one in that he's improved since leaving Dan Skelton, winning a pair of 2m handicaps on good ground at Kempton this winter; creditable fourth of ten in the Scottish County at Musselburgh six weeks ago but it underlines that he needs to find a bit more from this career-high mark.

25/1

4th

2

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Williethebuilder

11st 7lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christian Williams

7yo who has been with a new stable since October and has shown career-best form to win at Kempton (2m, good) on his last two starts; has shown promise on soft/good to soft; clearly thriving and could take latest 6lb rise in his stride if today's slower conditions aren't an issue.

100/30

Form: 131110 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row (1m7f/2m, good-soft) prior to heavy defeat at Windsor a fortnight ago; however, the ground was soft, heavy in places last time which may have been too demanding, and he's not written off today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Saligo Bay

10st 7lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won three in a row (1m7f/2m, good-soft) prior to heavy defeat at Windsor a fortnight ago; however, the ground was soft, heavy in places last time which may have been too demanding, and he's not written off today.

16/1

11th

12

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Saligo Bay

10st 11lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Sam England

Won on the Flat in September and also successful on four of his five hurdle starts since, including on soft ground and in good style at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft) last time; he's 7lb higher than last time and in a hotter race today, but he's clearly thriving and could go well once more.

11/1

10

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Wetherby

Saligo Bay

10st 6lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Beaten favourite when third to Max Of Stars over C&D 17 days ago but still ran creditably and that followed Flat and hurdles wins in September; tough, reliable and unlikely to be far away.

11/4

Form: 351216 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
2lb out of the handicap today and didn't find much once in the clear over C&D (good to soft) last time when sixth to Star Of Guiting; however, he was messed around in the straight and prior to that he beat Star Of Guiting in good style over C&D (good to soft) in November on handicap debut; unraced on soft ground; remains of interest in view of that penultimate effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

City Of Diamonds

11st 4lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Doubled tally with ready win off today's mark at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in November but ended last season with some disappointing efforts (albeit in competitive races) and has more to prove than some.

16/1

13th

5

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 87y

Class 2

15:22 Musselburgh

City Of Diamonds

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Beat Star Of Guiting to win over C&D (good to soft) on handicap debut in November but form has gone the wrong way on his three runs since.

14/1

14th

15

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

City Of Diamonds

10st 7lb

J: William Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won in good style on handicap debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in November but merely sixth there on next two starts (1m7f, good to soft) and the first-time tongue-tie needs to prompt a bigger performance.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: P8-105 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground maiden hurdle winner who impressed in 4yo handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) in October on reappearance; however, down the field on both outings since and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Gibbs Island

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Easy winner at Chepstow (2m, good) last October and he took a big step back in right direction when seventh of 23 in the County at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft); missed the Scottish Champion Hurdle last month due to heavy ground; still only five and he's 1lb lower than in the County; major player.

9/2

7th

17

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Gibbs Island

10st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Soft-ground maiden hurdle winner last season; impressed in 4yo handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) on reappearance in October but has failed to shine in his three outings since; has a hood fitted for a second time.

40/1

Form: 52-143 D BF

Last run: 49 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
There's a suspicion she's on a tough mark and that a longer trip is preferable; however, she won at Aintree's Grand National meeting in 2024 on the last occasion she tackled a handicap (2m4f, soft) and she's won two Listed races since; this classy mare is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Kateira

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

First two runs (November) were her best from this season and she didn't shine back in handicaps on last two outings; however, her 2m4f win in a big-field handicap at 2024 Aintree festival should not be forgotten and she also ran well in Graded/Listed contests for most of last term; needs a close look, particularly given Dan Skelton's fine record in handicap hurdles at this meeting.

7/1

9th

1

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Dan Skelton

Useful mare (dual Listed scorer) but last two efforts, latest back at handicap level, suggest she's unlikely to defy top weight in this warm field.

25/1

8th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

There's a suspicion she's on a tough mark and that a longer trip is preferable; however, she won at Aintree's Grand National meeting in 2024 on the last occasion she tackled a handicap (2m4f, soft) and she's won two Listed races since; this classy mare is not ruled out.

12/1

Form: 70-F33 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Two French hurdle wins in 2024; this 5yo arrives in reasonably good heart having finished third on his last two starts (2m, good to soft/soft) but he's now 0-9 in Britain and 2lb out of the handicap today; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

15th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

18:20 Aintree

Static

10st 13lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Won at about 2m3f at Haydock (good to soft) and Bangor (good) and the combination of a deep race and the drop back to 2m found him out at Aintree; better expected here off what should still be a realistic mark.

10/1

11th

9

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 103y

Class 2

17:15 Aintree

Static

11st 4lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

On a hat-trick after 2m3f wins at Haydock (good to soft) and Bangor (good) under Charlie Maggs last month but the fact he failed to win at around 2m on his first ten starts in Britain hardly boosts confidence in him for this drop back in trip.

18/1

1st

5

21st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 123y

Class 2

15:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Static

10st 11lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

It was a Class 4 he won at Haydock (good to soft; raced prominently) but that was his first time over this far since arriving from France and he's a willing partner; Charlie Maggs rides again off a 5lb higher mark.

3/1

Form: 15-046 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
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.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £43.10
Straight Forecast £41.11
Tricast £209.52
Trifecta £263.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Afadil

POSTDATA:

Williethebuilder

D Express:

Star Of Guiting

SPOTLIGHT:

City Of Diamonds

Daily Mail:

Welsh Charger

The Star:

Star Of Guiting

THE NORTH:

City Of Diamonds

The Guardian:

Williethebuilder

Daily Mirror:

Williethebuilder

TOPSPEED:

Afadil

The Times:

Afadil

Telegraph:

Afadil

Daily Record:

Afadil

The Sun:

Welsh Charger