2:30 Musselburgh Tips

Annoyingly, this scored with a fair amount in hand after I put up my NAP. Hopefully he isn't turned out quickly under a 7 lb penalty as he would have an obvious chance, although he's not certain to stay an extra half mile in distance.

Speiriuil is five pounds higher for only winning by a head at Kelso, but she is capable of going close again in a competitive handicap.

Placed 2nd in the last two runs at both Kelso and, more recently, here. Goes off on a similar mark here with a similar chance.

Summergrounds has been very consistent in his last three races, filling the runner-up spot in each of those races. He was a course-and-distance winner in March of last year. His last two wins came on good-to-soft ground, which is the current forecast for this race. Summergrounds has the same ten-pound claiming jockey on board as he did in his last race. He deserves a change of luck, and if things go his way, he can hopefully go one better today.

Yard has been in excellent form recently and is interesting here on debut after moving from De Bromhead. Conditions are fine, and Hughes' booking takes the eye. Can go close.

The Hatchet returns after an 81-day break. He did well in his first two hurdles at the end of last year, winning his first at Perth and following it up with a third place at Ayr, both over two miles. He is now making his handicap debut, is being upped in trip, and could do well.

This horse has won his last 2 races in impressive fashion. Seemed to win with plenty in hand last time and looks sure to run a big race.

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This Irish-trained nine-year-old is lightly raced given his age, and I think he's nicely treated raiding these shores. His fifth of 24 at Cork has worked out well, and he was badly hampered by a faller when in contention over an inadequate 2m1f at Down Royal last time out. A 7 lb higher mark in these calmer waters could prove to be lenient, especially as Carl Millar can actually claim a full 5 lb.

Young Merlin has mainly been running on the flat since joining this yard and had a couple of runs at this track on the level. Second both times over 2 miles on good and soft ground, putting in fair efforts and appearing as if further would suit. The penultimate start was the only run over hurdles so far for this stable, when 3rd over 2m3f on soft ground in a competitive event for the grade. That was under today's rider, who was claiming 3 lb. He gets the full 5 lb claim today. With track, trip, and ground in his favour, the 10-year-old with a change of headgear could bounce back to form, and that would be enough for a place at least. The latest start looked like a sharpener for this, a race won by the trainer last year.

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