Horse Racing: Trainer has a double chance at Musselburgh

Published on Tuesday 17 August 2010 12:29

ALAN BERRY has not had the best of luck this year, but the Cumbria trainer can enjoy a change of fortune at Musselburgh tomorrow.

Crimson Knot has already been second three times here and can go one better in the Scottish Racing Maiden Auction Stakes (1.55pm).

The youngster was only fifth on her debut at the end of April but showed some promise and was then runner-up over the minimum trip here early in May and again the following month before finishing a close third at Chester where she led until the final furlong. The daughter of Red Ransom ran really well when chasing home a highly-rated opponent in a valuable novice event at the last meeting here ten days ago and she takes a drop in class tomorrow. If she can get her head in front, it will increase her stud value and initiate a double for her trainer who can also take the following event, the Scottish Racing Your Better Bet Handicap (2.30pm) with Wicked Wilma.

The six-year-old has winning form over this course and distance, having scored here as a juvenile and again last September, while she has two other victories over the minimum trip on her CV.

She has won once this term and been placed five times from eight starts and went very close at the last meeting here when storming into the lead approaching the final furlong, looking all over the winner, but her stride shortened in the last 75 yards and she was caught and beaten into third place.

She runs off the same mark tomorrow and, with Franny Norton taking over in the saddle, she gets a confidence vote, especially if there is any rain to ease the ground.

Silver Rime has been in good form this summer and the grey can regain winning ways in the East Lothian Council Handicap (3.40pm) over seven furlongs. A 100,000 guineas yearling, he won twice in his early days at Goodwood and Windsor for Richard Hannon and was sold to current connections for 50,000gns at the end of 2008 but failed to trouble the judge last year although he did run well when third at the Ayr Gold Cup meeting last September. However, he has won two of his last four races and, in between those victories at Ayr and Newcastle, he finished only fifth on this track when he was far too keen and wasted a deal of energy in the early stages.

The gelding is off a 2lb higher mark and taking on several other recent winners but has a chance.

Leopard Hills has taken my eye with two good efforts this term and can open his winning account in the Racing UK Handicap (4.15pm)

The gelding is bred for stamina, but did show some promise over sprint distance as a juvenile last term and is receiving weight from his four rivals.

Joe Rowntree's Musselburgh Selections: 1.55 Crimson Knot; 2.30 Wicked Wilma; 3.40 Silver Rime; 4.15 Leopard Hills.