Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Rainbow Fire – Everything that was hoped for was delivered. Neil Callan was excellent from the difficult draw in stall nine to slot in behind the expected leaders Biggles and Gweedore. From there it was just a question of could the horse reproduce his Newbury run from last year, and indeed he did. The selection quickened up inside the two furlong pole to close the few lengths he was down and won going away to lead inside the final furlong. It was another (111) speed figure and there may be another nice handicap in the son of Kodiac. Result 1st 5/1 adv R4 15p..

Today’s Advice

No Hassle (13F 29Y Handicap) this daughter of Finsceal Fior is only rated (47) and sneaks into the bottom of the (4.25) at Sligo today. While she has a length or two to find with those at the front of the market there was a glimmer of ability shown at Galway last year. On only the fourth race of her life, she showed enough behind Molly Kaye to suggest that with a little progress there may be a race in her. While this is her first run in 181 days, she may just need the run. I am happy to have a minimum interest in her today.

Glasses Up (12F 104Y Handicap) The outsider of the field in today’s (5.15) at Musselburgh, but it may be a bit early to write off R Mike Smith’s 8-y-o just yet. He started last season off a handicap mark of (85), and although he finished the season winless, there were plenty of solid efforts on the clock. A fourth place behind Sir Chauvelin over the extended 13 furlongs in August, just beaten 4 1/4 lengths at this track, was very decent. Racing off just (70) today, following a seasonal debut over a trip too short, it may be a bit speculative, but it will be interesting to follow this lad’s progress as the season goes on.

Yaaser (7F 33Y Handicap) this son of Lope De Vega first came to clockwatcher’s attention when winning over course and distance last May with a nice speed figure of (102) for a horse rated just (52). Some may say that he should have won more than just three times since, but as a hold up horse he needs luck in running and a decent pace to aim at. Rated just (76) now, a fourth place behind Helm Rock when rated (81) at Haydock in September yielded an excellent speed figure of (107) from a bad draw in stall (12). Well beaten on his seasonal debut, just like last year, it may be worthwhile having a small interest today in the (6.15) Musselburgh, with prominent racers, Liamarty Dreams, Gobi Sunset and Culcor in the field.

Dun Na Sead (5F 1Y Handicap) Kieran Cotter’s filly looked to be in the doldrums for a long time, since her debut win at the Curragh on Good ground in September 2021. However, she sprang back to life at Dundalk in February from stall (13) over the minimum trip, when making all to record a strong (110) speed figure. Last time out at Cork on a Soft to Heavy surface she repeated that number when second behind Real Force, and had Hurricane Ivor in behind. Allowed to race off (75) today, taking Oisin McSweeney’s 3lb claim into account, she is still wel treated. A lovely draw in stall (16) today, near the rail, should help matters. While there is another prominent racer beside her in stall (17) in the shape of Sacred Jewel, it is hoped that she might need the race after a 238 day break.

0.5pt e/way No Hassle (20/1 4 places General) Sligo 4.25

0.5pt e/way Glasses Up (25/1 4 places General) Musselburgh 5.15

0.5pt e/way Yaaser (16/1 4 places 888sport/Betvictor/Coral/Betfred/Boyles/Ladbrokes 14/1 General) Musselburgh 6.15

0.5pt e/way Dun Na Sead (7/1 5 places 888sport, 13/2 General) Musselburgh 6.45