Saturday's Meetings Cork Flat 8 Races 1:25-5:30p.m. Haydock N/H 7 Races 1:30-5:00p.m. Carlisle N/H 7 Races 1:42-5:12p.m. Musselburgh Flat 7 Races 1:50-5:17p.m. Huntingdon N/H 7 Races 1:54-5:24p.m. Newton Abbot N/H 7 Races 1:59-5:29p.m. Wolverhampton(E) A/W 7 Races 5:20-8:30p.m. Fairyhouse Abandoned Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
2:25 Race Preview – Musselburgh Pace plays an essential role in this contest at Musselburgh, where leading early has proven to be a significant advantage. With an impressive Impact Value (IV) of 2.33 and a Profit of £600 to level stakes across 731 races at this Course and Distance, the lead position is a major factor in determining the outcome. Several pace angles stand out. Benacre is highly likely to go forward, having led in 16 of his 25 starts, with another 7 where he ran prominently. Lexington Belle also has a strong history of leading—11 times in her 15 runs, with the remaining 4 being prominent performances. Gweedore (13 leads from 51 runs), Lord Bertie (4 leads from 11 runs), and the in-form Alzahir (3 leads from 25 runs) add further pace to the mix. A contested lead seems inevitable, setting up the race for a stamina-driven finish. None of the runners boast Course-and-Distance-winning credentials, though several have placed form that merits attention. Gweedore and Dain Ma Nut In performed well behind Our Havana in the same race, Rockymountainway and Benacre showed promise behind Rock Melody and Jonny Concrete, and Lexington Belle has a third-place finish behind Charged Up. This hints at a competitive race primed for a horse to demonstrate improvement. Recent runs provide another angle worth exploring. Benacre, Gweedore, Persuasion, Dain Ma Nut In, and Alzahir bring recent form, with the latter being the only one victorious last time out. Alzahir faces challenges under a rating of 94 and must give weight to all rivals, but the expected pace bias could suit his closing style. Benacre stands out with Course-and-Distance placed form from a recent run. Sectionals from that day show he set a fast early pace before slowing mid-race, ultimately finishing slowly in the final furlong. He was drawn wide then, as he is today, which may affect his ability to dominate proceedings. Lexington Belle’s preference for softer ground and her strong pace credentials make her another intriguing prospect, though she returns from a break. Gweedore impressed six days ago in a comparable contest where the pace was heavily contested, producing superior time to Benacre’s performance on the same day. The application of cheekpieces raises questions about his ability to deliver when hitting the front, making him an enigma in this lineup. Dain Ma Nut In, third home in Gweedore’s race, might benefit from another contested pace and potentially softer going. While he may prefer a longer trip, the conditions could play into his hands. Diligent Resdev and Lord Bertie are less straightforward. Diligent Resdev comes off a break after winning a valuable Ayr Bronze Cup over 6 furlongs. The absence of a visor suggests this may be a prep run, though his talent should not be overlooked. Similarly, Lord Bertie transitions to a new trainer, and while he has shown flashes of form, market signals suggest a cautious approach. Alzahir appears the most compelling choice, likely to benefit from the setup and continuing to develop as an improving handicapper. Bet: Alzahir 3:00 Race Preview This race unfolds differently, with the pace likely favoring a frontrunner. Mon Na Slieve and American Affair command attention with notable course victories. Mon Na Slieve arrives fresh off a win here 17 days ago, while American Affair tasted success on this card last year. Mon Na Slieve, with race fitness on his side, may attempt to replicate his previous front-running tactics, though he faces higher-quality opposition. Jer Batt, a Course-and-Distance winner, along with JM Jungle, brings solid form into the mix. Cover Up, who performed well in Meydan, aligns neatly with JM Jungle’s form from their meeting at Doncaster. Cover Up also has recent runs to bolster his fitness, positioning him as a contender for a strong showing. While the race appears competitive, the setup for a dominant frontrunner leaves uncertainty regarding backing any particular horse. No Bet 4:45 Race Preview With several hold-up horses ridden by apprentice jockeys, the question of pace leadership takes center stage. Jo Mason and PJ McDonald may dictate the pace, with Mason potentially pushing Reach forward to create a stiffer test. Reach brings good form over longer distances but may be using this as a prep for a return to York later in the season. Epidavros offers interest, coming off a decent prep run at Southwell. Her past prominent performances, combined with the guidance of a professional jockey, could enable her to play a key role in the pace dynamics. Zapphire boasts solid mile form, though a layoff raises concerns about her readiness for this contest. Samra Star transitions to turf after showing promise on the All-Weather surface under the watch of an in-form Richard Hughes yard, but she may be worth monitoring for future events rather than backing today. Alessia Fernanda, running without blinkers this time, may be starting her season with this as a prep run. Support in the betting market could provide insight into her chances. Epidavros appears likely to take up the pace angle, though she faces mares and fillies with stronger form credentials. No Bet 5:17 Race Preview This sprint handicap presents intrigue, with Profitable Edge catching the eye as one of five Course-and-Distance winners. Notably, none of these victories came from the front, suggesting contested pace may offer opportunities for closers. Our Absent Friends looks poised to take up the lead angle, having demonstrated strong placed Course-and-Distance efforts, and is centrally drawn. Last week’s Course victory by Only Spoofing saw action gravitate towards the stands’ rail. Zarzyni impressed with his effort that day, but he would require the pace to collapse to deliver success this time. Profitable Edge remains of interest despite finishing last on his reappearance. A market drifter, he displayed early pace and was not pressured late on, suggesting that race served as a prep run. Drawn high today, he should obtain a better sit, giving him a strong chance to capitalize if fully primed. Bet: Profitable Edge
Interesting runner in the Huntingdon bumper today in the form of Saint Terry. Bred by Coolmore more with classics in mind being by leading sire GALILEO and out of Oaks runner up PINK DOGWOOD. Was initially with Martyn Meade but never made it to the track and now moved on.
