Back-to-lay Ballythomas and Always Tipsy
2.00 Musselburgh
Ballythomas ran away with a class 5 handicap chase here over course and distance just over 3 weeks ago, and with what seems a reasonable rise of 8lb, he should go close again today.
Though he’s is racing off a mark of 89 today, he has won off 105 over hurdles and was running to a rating of 93 only a year ago over fences. He put in quite a dominant front-running performance winning last time out, which isn’t his normal running style. Settledoutofcourt and Major Ridge look the strong pace horses in today’s race so it’s possible he may drop in behind this time which shouldn’t be problem for him. He currently trades around 4.0 on Betfair for a back-to-lay.
4.30 Musselburgh
Always Tipsy could be the one to side with in-running in this wide open hunter chase. The one horse that really stands out on past form is Darwins Fox, who was a 140+ horse in Ireland less than a couple of years ago. Darwins Fox has failed to produce anything near like is old form in the point-to-point sphere, but the drop down to 2m4f could see an improved performance and he could be the one to side with if there is any significant market support.
This 8 runner race has 4 horses that have realistic chances of being involved in the finish and Always Tipsy shouldn’t be too far away as there doesn’t look too much pace on for him to remain prominent. He has won his last 3 races pointing and comes in to this race fairly well treated without a penalty and the amateur jockey, Mr H. Morshead taking off 7lb; he currently trades around 4.40 for a back-to-lay.
