Verdict

JOE JO STAR is given the tentative nod to land this handicap hurdle, while European Dream and Fortunate Isle can both go well. The selection has a course win to his name, the only one he has managed in nine hurdling starts to date. He acts best on decent ground and with a drying forecast at Musselburgh things may turn out right for him, but if it stays good to soft he still handles it. He was four lengths adrift of European Dream here last week but now meets that opponent on 7lb better terms and has every chance of reversing the placings. Fortunate Isle, a stablemate of the selection, won a novices' contest at Newcastle in December but was swamped in a handicap last time and from just a 2lb lower mark here it is hard to enthuse about him as much today. Along The Nile is 4lbs higher than when winning in similar conditions some 14 months ago and is now 4lbs better off with European Dream on their running here last time, and on that basis he has to have a major chance. Motive has become a little disappointing and we'll chance Joe Jo Star from an in-form yard.

Formwatch

European Dream (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, chased leaders approaching last, driven to lead flat, kept on, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd beating Along The Nile (10-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.

Marcel (FR) 50-1 (11-4) Always behind, lost touch 4 out, 12th of 14, well behind European Dream (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd.

Los Nadis (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakening when pulled up 3 out in race won by European Dream (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd, 14 ran.

Quick Will (FR) 8-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, driven and no impression from next, 9th of 17, 21l behind Greenbelt (10-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Jan.

Along The Nile 8-1 (10-3) Towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, chased leaders next, staying on when hit last, driven and rallied flat, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind European Dream (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd.

Motive (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Held up, behind from 7th, 12th of 17, 37l behind Greenbelt (10-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Jan.

Joe Jo Star 6-1 (10-0) Towards rear, smooth headway approaching 3 out, every chance next, driven and weakened flat, 5th of 14, 4l behind European Dream (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd.

Fortunate Isle (USA) 9-1 (10-12) Tracked leader until approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 12, 20l behind Red Admiral (11-8) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.

Toshi (USA) 9-1 (10-12) Raced keenly in touch, chasing winner when brought down at the last in race won by Akarem (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov '07, 16 ran.