18:40 Musselburgh

Friday 23 June 2023

All17:3018:0518:4019:1519:5020:2521:00

Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes Handicap

Off time: 18:40 | Winning time: 2m 42.16s

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Selected odds by:

(5)

Menelaus⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: S A Gray| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 70

15/8

Off the mark at the ninth attempt when getting on top close home over a mile at Thirsk. Followed up in decisive fashion under a penalty at York (10.2f, good to firm) last week and, unpenalised for that and shaping as though well worth another crack at this trip, he's clearly the one to beat.

Form: 76-8211

(2)

Simple Star²³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: P Mulrennan| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 70| CD

15/8

Improved when opening her account over this C&D last month and went in again off 3 lb higher at Hamilton next time. Couldn't rule out in current form but more will be needed up another 3 lb in this more competitive race.

Form: 5727-11

(3)

Sophiesticate¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Mark Winn⁽⁵⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 68| CD

10/1

Back-to-back winner last August, including over this C&D, and wasn't beaten far off a similar mark at Hamilton 3 starts back. However, she was out with the washing at Beverley recently and others appeal more for win purposes.

Form: 9-44480

(4)

Belle Of Annandale²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Billy Garritty| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 67

5/1

Still a maiden following 16 attempts but she has been placed on 8 occasions, including when second to Simple Star over C&D last month and again at Carlisle (11.2f, good to soft) last time. Should make her presence felt.

Form: 382-822

(6)

Myboymax^p,t²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Aiden Brookes⁽⁵⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 67| D

28/1

It's been a struggle since his latest win at Wolverhampton in December and he needs to bounce back in a major way.

Form: 778887

(1)

Well Planted¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: S H James| T: R M Smith| OR: 58| C| D

6/1

Positive start to his season on the back of a wind op when going close in a 12-runner Ayr handicap (13f, good). Recent third over hurdles at Perth was a solid effort, too, and he's entitled to respect.

Form: 649/27-2

Non-Runners

(7)

Go Bob Go²⁷⁴

Weight: 8-6| Age: 6

T: R M Smith J: Andrew Breslin

Forecasts

Simple Star (15/8), Menelaus (15/8), Belle Of Annandale (5/1), Well Planted (6/1), Sophiesticate (10/1), Go Bob Go (20/1), Myboymax (28/1)

It's hard to look beyond MENELAUS, who is 9 lb 'well-in' with no penalty to carry for last week's clear-cut success in an apprentices' handicap at York. He is clearly at the top of his game and this step back up in trip is unlikely to be an issue. Well Planted gets the nod ahead of Belle of Annandale and Simple Star for forecast purposes.