Musselburgh Preview: Arctic Court gets the verdict
Published:
David Metcalf | January 20, 2016
Arctic Court looks decent value to cash-in on a drop in the weights and land the 3m handicap hurdle to today’s card at Musselburgh (16.05).
The Jim Goldie trained veteran is on along losing run having scored since landing a class 2 contest at this venue back in 2013 off a mark of 121.
However, Arctic Court has run well to be placed off 115 and is now able to race off a reduced rating of just 105.
That is a career-low and a massive 16lb less than when the 12-year-old was last successful.
It gives Arctic Court major claims at the weights on the pick of his form, and he shaped as if retuning enough ability to win a race of this nature three starts back when keeping on to finish 4 1/2 length fifth to Maraweh over course and distance.
The gelding also wasn’t disgraced last time out over 3m 2f at the track when sixth of 15 to Donnas Diamond in a class 3 contest, and Arctic Court will appreciate the return to 3m and drop back down to class 4 company.
Holly Bush Henry hoping for hat-trick
In the 2m handicap hurdle (14.55) the progressive Holly Bush Henry can defy a hike in the weights to land the hat-trick.
The gelding hinted at ability in three starts for trainer Jonjo O’Neill, but has shown much improved form and looked an exciting prospect since joining Graham McPherson.
After romping home by eight lengths at Doncaster on debut for his new handler, Holly Bush Henry made a mockery of his opening mark of 120 to land a competitive class 4 handicap at the same venue in impressive fashion.
The five-year-old travelled ominously well throughout, and after taking up the running three from home surged clear to win by six lengths under a hands and heels ride.
Holly Bush Henry has been hit with a 14lb rise for that runaway success, but the front two pulled 16 lengths clear of the third home and the form looks strong.
To me, it doesn’t look enough to stop Holly Bush Henry going in again given the manner of the victory, and he looks the type who should have plenty more to offer and needs keeping firmly onside.
Selections
13.10: Wakhan
13.45: Definitely Better
14.20: Regal Ways
14.55: Holly Bush Henry (NB)
15.30: Court Of Law
16.05: Arctic Court (NAP)
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