1:45 Musselburgh – Loughderg Rocco
We are getting towards the time of year when the maiden/novice hurdle races begin to weaken as many are put away to protect their Novice status for next season. This is a typical example of that and so it looks to be a very good opportunity for LOUGHDERG ROCCO. This will be a 3rd start under rules for Laura Morgan’s 6-year-old and connections will no doubt be hoping that he can get a first win before getting his handicap mark. A winning pointer, he made a very pleasing debut at Newcastle in November when only beaten by a length when he finished 2nd to the very talented Mr. Glass. He was then pitched in at the deep end when making his 2nd start over hurdles in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett trial at the Cheltenham December meeting, where he finished 4th. Given a break since, he makes his return in a very winnable race and could be a horse to look out for when he enters handicaps after this. With the yard operating at 46% in the last 2 weeks, it will be very disappointing if he can’t make it 3rd time lucky under rules.
4:35 Musselburgh – Rio Des Echanault
A winner of his only previous start under rules, as well as 4 races in the Point-to-Point field, RIO DES ECHANAULT falls into the “could be anything” bracket. He is a well-bred son of Satri, with several winning siblings in France and has looked a very uncomplicated type in his point-to-point starts. He has won his 2 starts so far in 2022, beating Set List and Sartorial Elegance in a pair of Men’s Open races at Friars Haugh, who are both solid yardsticks in this discipline. An official rating of 89 hugely underestimates his talents and with many of his rivals looking exposed, he won’t need to find too much improvement to win this Hunters Chase.
