It's a mixed bag on Sunday, with Musselburgh flying the flag for UK jumping, and the Scottish track has once again come up trumps, cementing a reputation as possibly the finest small course in the country. One a gaff beloved only of marauding Newmarket trainers (jumps racing is a fairly new concept), it has grown in stature and intent over recent years, and today's card is a belter. If only other courses would grasp the nettle of Sunday racings with such gusto....
In saying that, the Musselburgh card is fiendishly difficult, with the temptation to side with Venetia Williams after her Super Saturday. Upepito is clearly better than he showed on debut for the yard at Market Rasen, and looks to hold strong claims in the two-mile handicap chase at 14:00. The support in the market that day suggested he was fit after a long lay-off, but it's as likely that his short price owed more to the fact that his shrewd trainer has entered him in both the Champion Chase and Ryanair at next month's festival. The way he shaped that day suggested that ring-rustiness played a large part, and the form was given a minor boost when Speedy Bruere was a creditable second at Sandown yesterday. Against exposed and poorly handicapped rivals today, the son of Khalkevi should prove a class apart.
At Punchestown, several catch the eye in the Pertemps Qualifier, and while the qualification rules allow the first eight home to gain a place in the final of the series, of more concern is the minimum rating required to make the cut. Last year's bottom weight at Cheltenham raced off an official mark of 135, and those who are lower in the pecking order can't afford to be too cute about qualifying.
My fancy is the Henry de Bromhead-trained Two Scoops, who is on the cusp of qualification on his current mark, but will need to either win or be placed to ensure he gets a run. He's ostensibly the yard's second string, but the reasons for Andrew Lynch riding new recruit Sadler's Risk may be more political, as his owner Roger Brookhouse is a man with deep pockets, and one to keep sweet as a result. Two Scoops is unexposed, and ran very well when sixth in the Galway Hurdle on his return, despite the two mile trip looking sharp enough for him. He's since been tried over fences, but returns to hurdles with the scope to better still, and his pedigree suggests that today's trip will prove within his compass. He's already shown a liking for the track when winning a listed hurdle as a novice, and looks much too big in the betting this morning.
At Kempton, Play The Blues can outrun big odds to make the frame in the six furlong handicap at 15:50, and while she remains a maiden, she's undoubtedly well enough handicapped to get involved. She has caught the eye with how strongly she's travelled on most outings to date, but hasn't been able to see things out thoroughly. She's probably best played as a back to lay given those weak-finishing tendencies, but I'd not be at all surprised to see her click today, particularly with Joe Fanning taking over from an apprentice. Back her at 28/1 or bigger, and take whatever insurance you fancy in running.
Recommendations:
Back Two Scoops @ [14.0] in the 14:40 Punchestown (NAP)
Back Upepito @ [2.56] in the 14:00 Musselburgh (NB)
Back Play The Blues @ [30] in the 15:50 Kempton (BTL)
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