Goldie hoping Kyber can pass Musselburgh test over longer trip

Published on Wednesday 14 February 2007 00:08

WHILE he's much better known as a highly successful trainer on the Flat, Jim Goldie is no mug when it comes to real racing, and Kyber looks set to enhance the Renfrewshire handler's National Hunt record at Musselburgh this afternoon.

The gelding was having only his second start for Goldie when scoring at the East Lothian track earlier this month and although that was over a shorter trip than he tackles here, he won in good style and should find the extra distance no problem.

As a bonus, he'll also have the assistance of Pauline Robson in the saddle which, in an event confined to lady riders, is always a big help.

Howard Johnson can notch up an early double with Gold Thread and Crocodile Dundee in the opening couple of events, while Ferdy Murphy's French import Folk Tune could finally shed his nearly man tag in a competitive looking juvenile novices' handicap hurdle.

The selection has been second in each of the three attempts he's had since crossing the Channel but this may be the day he comes good.

Kings Quay left several of the opposition he faces trailing in his wake when he was the runner-up to Forthright over course and distance at Musselburgh's last meeting, and John Quinn's runner can once again confirm that superiority over the likes of Double Vodka and Bogus Dreams.

His conqueror on that occasion could be a horse worth following and, having been out of the first three just once in five attempts since switching codes, and that was in Ascot's Ladbroke Hurdle behind Acambo et al, the consistent Kings Quay can capture another decent prize.

Unusually, the card contains two bumpers, which are never the easiest races to get a handle on, so it's more in hope than any great expectation that Tap End and Morning Roses get the nod in those.