A MAJEUR CHANCE
DEVON raider UT MAJEUR AULMES (3.00) can lift the Kilmany Cup on another cracking card at Musselburgh.
Vic Dartnall’s gelding has been in reasonable form this season and was just edged out by Baby King at Aintree last time.
The 10-year-old remains well-handicapped and can go one better today on decent ground.
HEARTASIA (1.00) can claim a competitive maiden hurdle for the Corbetts.
Useful in bumpers, the mare was an eye-catching third at today’s venue on her timber debut and rates a sure-fire improver.
MULLAGHMURPHY BLUE (1.30) can enhance his excellent course record in the novice chase.
Jim Dreaper’s gelding has been rapidly progressive over fences and can shrug off another 10lb hike for last month’s effortless course and distance success.
Micky Hammond’s RHYTHM OF SOUND (2.00) can call the tune in a handicap hurdle. The eight-year-old has been in rude health over fences recently and can make a winning return to timber in his current mood.
In-form trainer Tim Easterby can take the three-miler with RANDY PIKE (2.30).
The eight-year-old produced a career best when bolting up over 2m 4f at Market Rasen last week and can come on plenty over this extra four furlongs.
At Ludlow, COPAIN DE CLASSE (2.20) looks another nice chasing prospect for Paul Nicholls. Progressive over hurdles, the gelding was a fine third on his fencing debut at Ascot and can use that experience today.
■ Owner Rich Ricci has not abandoned hope that Douvan could return to the track before the end of the season.
Willie Mullins’ superstar had been ruled out for the campaign but could make an unexpected reappearance if he remains sound over the next few months.
■ Death Duty is sore after his heavy fall at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.
Trainer Gordon Elliott will monitor the exciting novice chaser’s progress over the next few days before making any plans.
Elliott also said that Apple’s Jade would head straight to the OLGB Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March after her win in the Christmas Hurdle at the Foxrock venue.
Meanwhile, Mick Jazz will be entered for both the English and Irish Champions after his shock win in last week’s Ryanair Hurdle.
Coney Island is thriving after his emphatic comeback win at Ascot last Saturday.