Musselburgh preview: Scottish Sprint Cup (15.25)

Online Alexander caught the eye last time out and looks the answer to an ultra-competitive renewal of the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh today (15.25).

The Kevin Ryan-trained filly was a dual winner last season, scoring in good style at Goodwood before following up with a comfortable 1 1/4 length success in a hot handicap at York off a mark of 93.

Online Alexander was then far from disgraced when a four length sixth of 11 to Mecca’s Angel in a Listed contest at Doncaster off 99, and the winner is a very exciting top class sprinter now rated 113.

That is very strong form and suggests that Online Alexander should be capable of winning races off her current mark of 97.

The daughter of Acclamation should also now be spot on to do herself justice after two runs this season, and there was lots to like about the last of those when fourth of 11 to Red Baron at Thirsk.

Online Alexander raced in touch on the outer, and after making good headway two furlongs from home kept on well without being knocked about to be beaten just two lengths.

It was an effort which suggested the four-year-old’s was being primed for a big pot like this, and Online Alexander now meets Red Baron on 5lb better terms.

That should be enough to swing things in Online Alexander’s favour, especially as she has the services in the saddle of talented apprentice Shane Gray whose claim takes another 3lb off her back.

Red Baron has since gone on to finish a fine second at York when collared close home and looks sure to go well once again, but the one I think could give Online Alexander most to think about is Barnet Fair.

The Dandy Nicholls-trained gelding is just 3lb higher than when last successful in an 18-runner affair at Goodwood, and got no luck in-running when 10th of 20 to Desert Law in the “Dash” at Epsom seven days ago.

Barnet Fair endured a nightmare passage before being beaten five lengths, and the seven-year-old is clearly in good form and weighted to go in again at any time.