1:50 – Tote £250k Guaranteed Placepot Royal Mile Handicap
The Johnston yard have won 3 of the last 5 running’s of the Royal Mile and although they have 2 declared, LION OF WAR is the obvious choice. He won his first 2 starts last season and although the step up to pattern company proved a step too far, he returned to form when 3rd in a Handicap at Doncaster in October, when he was beaten just 2-lengths by the in-form Queens Eyot. He begins his 3-year-old campaign on a very fair mark of 87 and with Oisin Murphy booked to ride, he makes a lot of appeal in a race where very few can be considered progressive.
3:35 – Tote Summer World Pool Queens Cup Handicap
This is a difficult race to read with a combination of horses who have been running over hurdles mixed with those returning from a break on the Flat or returning from racing overseas during the winter. At the age of 8, OUTBOX isn’t progressing, but he is largely consistent and has always produced his best form in the Spring as opposed to the Autumn. He won on his return in 2021 and it is only last February that he managed to win the Amir Trophy in Doha. Archie Watson has a 36% strike rate at Musselburgh in the last 5 seasons which combined with Hollie Doyle’s good record on his mount (last 4 wins have been when ridden by her), he makes plenty of appeal here.
