Racecards
15:30 Musselburgh
John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (Class D )
- 14 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Form 1P3-3FF
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 120
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey G Lee
always prominent, ridden after 3 out, not fluent last, soon led, kept on
- Form 14066P
- Age 9
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 117
- Trainer P D Niven
- Jockey Jim Crowley
always behind
- Form 0-02500
- Age 8
- Weight 11-3
- Official Rating 111
held up mid-division, headway 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out
- Form 00-1120
- Age 6
- Weight 11-2
- Official Rating 110
- Trainer J M Jefferson
- Jockey F King
held up, weakened from 4 out
- Form 504124
- Age 9
- Weight 11-0
- Official Rating 108
- Trainer Mrs S C Bradburne
- Jockey O Nelmes
towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, headway approaching next, not fluent last, kept on
- Form 164515
- Age 8
- Weight 11-0
- Official Rating 108
- Trainer D Thompson
- Jockey K Mercer
in touch, ridden 3 out, stayed on from next
- Form 05562U
- Age 8
- Weight 11-0
- Official Rating 108
- Trainer Miss K Key
- Jockey D McGann
chased leaders, weakened approaching 4 out
- Form 64211
- Age 4
- Weight 10-9
- Official Rating 113
- Trainer D E Cantillon
- Jockey S Durack
chased leaders, weakened 3 out, hit next
- Form 26-P243
- Age 7
- Weight 10-6
- Official Rating 100
- Trainer C F Swan
- Jockey P Buchanan
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened next
- Form 22-3200
- Age 5
- Weight 10-6
- Official Rating 100
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey A Dobbin
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
- Form 024501
- Age 6
- Weight 10-1
- Official Rating 95
towards rear, headway after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace from 2 out
- Form 3P4403
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Official Rating 91
- Trainer Mrs Dianne Sayer
- Jockey B P Harding
led, soon clear, ridden after 3 out, headed after last, kept on
- Form 44P56-P
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Official Rating 91
- Trainer Jedd O'Keeffe
- Jockey D C Costello
always towards rear
In depth
Verdict
Goblin, He's My Man and Transit are the three to concentrate on in this handicap hurdle and the vote is given to Goblin. The selection is chasing a hat-trick after winning on both of his last two starts over this course and distance. He is progressive and as he seemed to win with something in hand last time when beating A Bit Of Fun, he looks the logical choice here. He's My Man rates the main danger as he was a beaten favourite in Ireland last time. He travelled well for a long way in that race before fading, so the drop in trip is sure to play to his strengths and he is certainly one to consider. Transit was disappointing over the bigger obstacles last time but he would certainly have claims on the pick of his form over hurdles. However he is a quirky sort and much depends on whether he is on a going day. Bodfari Signet ran well in a slightly better race than this last time so he can be added to the shortlist. But we will stick with the in-form Goblin as our idea of the winner.