Racecards
15:40 Musselburgh
Country Refreshments Intermediate Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Firm
- Surface: Turf
- Age 5
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer N G Richards
- Jockey B P Harding
prominent, effort over 3f out, every chance over 2f out, ridden and kept on one pace
- Form 00
- Age 5
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer C Grant
- Jockey D Elsworth
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
- Form 6
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Beaumont
- Jockey R Garritty
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
- Form 5
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer B Storey
- Jockey D C Costello
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss M E Rowland
- Jockey G Lee
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
- Form 7
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer K G Reveley
- Jockey R McGrath
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
- Form 8
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
held up, ridden and headway to lead over 1f out, kept on well
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer Mrs S C Bradburne
- Jockey M Bradburne
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on close home
In depth
Verdict
Those with racing experience do not look to be anything special with Celtic Saloon probably the best of them and it would come as no surprise if this went to one of the newcomers with the vote going to James Bay ahead of Floral Rhapsody. The last mentioned makes plenty of appeal on pedigree being an Alflora half-sister to a couple of winners but her stable has been rather quiet of late so she may be best watched. Sparky Rocket showed signs of ability on his debut over course and distance and he makes more appeal than Flemington House, who was 11 lengths behind Brian Storey's gelding last time. Watercress was well held on his debut and of more interest among those with experience is Keith Reveley's Celtic Saloon, although being by Celtic Swing he may want a softer surface. The ground should not be a problem for James Bay though and the son of Bob Back is taken to make a winning debut.
Formwatch
James Bay (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of bumper and hurdles winner Slave Gale.
Young Rocky (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) With leaders, weakening when not much room over 6f out, 11th of 13, well behind Unjust Law (11-8) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Flemington House 8-1 (10-6) Always towards rear, 6th of 10, 26l behind Winter Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (H) gf in Dec.
Floral Rhapsody Alflora filly, half-sister to winners in bumpers and over hurdles and fences.
Sparky Rocket 12-1 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden over 4f out, one pace, 5th of 10, 15l behind Winter Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (H) gf in Dec.
Watercress 8-1 (10-10) Held up, headway to challenge 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 17l behind Not For Diamonds (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn nhf (H) gd in Oct.
Celtic Saloon (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Held up, effort over 5f out, soon beaten, 7th of 12, 43l behind Alfie Flits (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 6f nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Insurgent (IRE) 28-1 (10-9) Held up, headway to join leaders over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened, 8th of 12, 44l behind Alfie Flits (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 6f nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Mister Jungle (FR) Saint Cyrien gelding, half-brother to French hurdles winner Purgeon.