Racecards
14:45 Musselburgh
McEwan's 70/- European Breeders Fund 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) (Class D)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f
- Going: Firm, Good to Firm in places
Arijaz
37- Form 6/4-00P
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer Mrs L Normile
- Jockey M Bradburne
held up in touch, headway to lead after 4 out, ridden out
- Form 00
- Age 5
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey G Lee
led, ridden and headed after 4 out, weakened after 2 out
- Form 040
- Age 5
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer M D Hammond
- Jockey B P Harding
held up towards rear, headway 8th, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out
- Form 00-0P0F
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer J Billinge
- Jockey A Ross
chased leaders, weakened halfway
- Form 000
- Age 6
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer Mrs L Normile
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up in rear, headway 4 out, effort 3 out, blundered 2 out, one pace
- Form P0-PP
- Age 6
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer P Spottiswood
- Jockey K Johnson
weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 0/25-P0P
- Age 7
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer J Charlton
- Jockey R McGrath
held up in mid-division, headway halfway, went 2nd approaching 3 out, soon ridden, no impression from next
In depth
Verdict
Only One Matty looks to hold solid claims here and is given a confident vote over Classical Ben and Waltzing Along. The last mentioned has shown promise in two starts in bumpers so far and has to be respected on his hurdling debut. Catterick bumper winner Classical Ben ran with promise on his first start over hurdles on a return visit to the track behind Meggies Gamble earlier this month but preference is for Only One Matty. The seven-year-old has shown a consistent level of form in handicaps of late and sets a decent standard. Noel Chance's Red Ruffles appeals most of the remainder, who look a moderate bunch, but the vote goes to Only One Matty.