This blog has been in deep freeze for a couple of years. However, now retired I'm on the racecourse more often than in the past, now a member at both Kelso and Musselburgh, so a good chance to pick up the meeting reports.
MUSSELBURGH - Saturday May 21st
Going - Good (Good To Firm in places)
A medium busy Saturday more Edinburgh Cup day with all the drinkers routed off to the marquees past the stands. Leaves the paddock and stands with decent elbow room.
To save rather repetitive race titles the meeting was sponsored by Edinburgh Gin. Other gins are available but the Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger is my wife's favourite.
Cafe 1816 at the Members' entrance is relatively quiet, food's decent and no higher than 'outside world' cafe prices.
1.53 5f Class 6 Handicap (3yo)
Not a strong event, but WAVERLEY STAR (best in the field on paddock inspection) had knocked on the door in similar company and got the best of a last furlong duel with 3 times raced BALLISTIC BERRY in a bobbing finish. Both showed a good attitude and should continue to pick up prize money at this level.
ERUPTION beat the winner here last time, but ran disappointingly at Thirsk last time. Back to nearer his best here but couldn't match the first two.
2.28 1m 4f 100yds Class 6 Handicap
I'd normally go down the track to the start for races over this distance, but with the alcohol flowing crowd were kept at arm's length and then some.
Paul Hanagan got the pace spot with MAHANAKHON POWER. Leading from the start he kicked on in the straight and had all bar one opponent beaten off by the furlnog pole. CLAN JOCK was persistent, but Mahanakhon Power found extra close home when challenged. This seems to be the winner's level and he gives his best, while Clan Jock remains a maiden but with Jim Goldie's stable in rattling form he should be placed to win a simialr race.
UCCELLO plodded on gamely for third without threatening the first two. He turf runs this year have been an improvement on previous efforts so he's not a total lost cause.
3.03 5f Class 2 2yo Conditions' Stakes
This often throws up a decent animal or two. First two look useful and pulled well clear of two previous winners in the final furlong.
REMARKABLE FORCE looks quite forward for a two-year-old. He showed good speed, asserted in the last 100 yards and as a dual winner will presumably be Ascot bound.
EDDIE'S BOY is smaller than the winner but has plenty of zip. He responded gamely when challenged but was held close home.
JUNGLE TIME couldn't match the first two and looks likely to find her level in nurseries in time.
3.38 1m 1f Class 4 Handicap
Arguably the mopst difficult race to crack. The leaders Hayadh, Mi Capricho and Alpha Cru went off a tad too quickly and folded in hte last two furlongs.
TOMMY G was held up, made headway two out to hit the fornt in the final furlong and just held a fast finishing second. I rpesume Jim Goldie will be eyeing a Sunday Series race here in a couple of weeks time, if he can get a run. The trainer does well to keep these old campaigners sweet.
VINDOBALA was left a few lengths at the start. Last around the top bend he made steady headway up the straight and was gaining at the line, down by just a head. The way this race was run suited him.
ALPINE SIERRA stayed on well offering improved form on third run since arriving from Dermot Weld's yard. Chances for this one if dropped in class.
TILSITT ran into trouble in behind the leaders and the principals had gone once he was in the clear.
4.13 1m 4f 100yds Class 3 3yo Handicap (Edinburgh Cup)
Perhaps a little below it's usual level as the top rated was rated only 85, but there were some progressive sorts here.
HILTS can with a strong late burst and probably had a little more in the tank. He won't go up far for this and a step up in trip again wouldn't seem a problem.
CHARLES ST raced prominently, flashing his tail in the closing stages but saw his race out out to the line.
BELKE OF ANNANDALE looked to have a tough task down the bottom of the weights but ran a cracker in third place, chasing up the first two if just held close home. She would be a shoo-in for a fillies' handicap, particularly if dropped in class, and shouldn't be long before winning.
Lightly raced favourite NATHANAEL GREENE raced in rear but was tapped for toe early in the straight. He ran into traffic problems trying to come through as he stayed on to the line. A stiffer track or longer trip will probably help.
4.48 7f Class 6 Handicap
The largest field of the meeting, but a weak contest. The favourite, double winner AQUAMAS, was niggled along early and never really looked likely getting involved in the latter stages.
CRAGSIDE hit the front two out, looking to have the race at his mercy, but wandered about in front and was mugged by a fast finisher. Two sound efforts in a row and should win a handicap at this level.
YAASER hadn't shown a huge amount previously, though his fifth of five at Ayr was his best effort sicne moving from France. Stable hit form and he stayed on to lead close home.
TACITUS stayed on for third, stepping up on previous efforts.
5.23 5f Class 6 Handicap
The finish was dominated by latecomers.
Koropick ducked right at the start inconveniencing both the second ISLE OF DREAMS and the third THE GLOAMING. The Gloaming is a small filly and seemed to get the worst of the scrap, but dug deep from a furlong out and probably would have won with a clearer passage. An outside draw might suit in future as it would give her more manouevring room.
LORD OF THE GLEN had a clearer passage and kept on late to lead on the line.
The first three all have decent pace for this level. ISLE OF DREAMS is the most lightly raced and may have a more to give.
