What better way to start 2022 than with a few winners? The New Year kicks off with plenty of competitive contests across Great Britain and Ireland, with Musselburgh earning a race spot on ITV’s terrestrial coverage.
Watch all the action from Musselburgh (12.30-3.25pm) via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, along with every race from the UK and Ireland.
Racing Post tipster Tom Collins previews Saturday’s action at Musselburgh for MansionBet.
12.30 Musselburgh – Betway First Foot Juvenile Hurdle
Although hurdling debutantes Invidualiste and Meritorious aren’t opposed readily for top connections, previous experience is often crucial in juvenile hurdles and siding with course-and-distance winner COLLINGHAM looks the smart play. Donald McCain, who boasts a 21 per cent strike-rate (21-99) with his hurdlers at the track in the last five years, has found a good spot for his French import.
Selection: Collingham @ 7/4
1.05 Musselburgh – Betway Novices’ Handicap Chase
Paul Nicholls doesn’t send too many horses on the long trip to Musselburgh, but when he does he is often rewarded (16-38, 42 per cent strike-rate, in the last five years). CARRY ON THE MAGIC may not have the most appealing form figures beside his name, but it’s interesting that connections have persisted with this eight-year-old maiden who should be well suited by the drop in trip after failing to stay 3m last time.
Selection: Carry On The Magic @ 15/8
1.40 Musselburgh – Betway Hair Of The Dog Handicap Hurdle
Few horses had a more prolific novice hurdling campaign than STONER’S CHOICE, who recorded four wins and two runner-up finishes from seven starts last season. The Fergal O’Brien-trained gelding doesn’t possess the best jumping technique, but that doesn’t always matter when the engine is there. After failing to trouble the judge in both starts this term, connections have decided to drop him in class and trip, which could be the catalyst to further success.
Selection: Stoner’s Choice @ 4/1
2.10 Musselburgh – Betway Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle
Backing horses that failed to finish on their most recent outing is fraught with danger, but, in the case of FIRST IMPRESSION, I’m happy to excuse his early exit at this track 26 days ago. Sent off 5-4 favourite against an unexposed and improving rival, First Impression was travelling powerfully in the early stages behind a steady early gallop and was perhaps unsighted at the third hurdle, where he unshipped Tom O’Brien. His previous Wetherby success was impressive and a return to that form would make him hard to beat.
Selection: First Impression @ 5/1
2.50 Musselburgh – Betway “Auld Reekie” Handicap Chase
It’s nigh-on impossible to have a strong opinion in this handicap chase given all five runners are entering the twilight stages of their respective careers and come with their fair share of faults. Class regularly prevails in these types of races and AMOUR DE NUIT, who finished third in the Silver Trophy earlier this season, has that in spades. The ten-year-old clearly retains most of his ability and is back down to a workable mark of 135.
Selection: Amour De Nuit @ 15/8
3.25 Musselburgh – Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap Hurdle
Form figures suggest that COOLBANE BOY has regressed after making a promising start to his hurdling career in Ireland last year – but form figures don’t always tell the story. The Sandy Thomson-trained runner was campaigned over an inadequate trip for much of his time with former connections and shaped extremely well on his first start for his new yard in October. He travelled like the best horse for much of the way before a shuddering error three-out, which cost him all chance. A clear round should see him make amends.
Selection: Coolbane Boy @ 9/4
*All odds correct at time of writing.