GENERAL TO WIN THE BATTLE

General Mahler can lead by example on a cracking card at Musselburgh tomorrow.

Brian Ellison’s inmate competes in one of the more workaday races at the meeting, the bet365 Handicap Chase, but he should offer pretty good value in his quest to get off the mark over fences.

General Mahler made a really encouraging chasing debut at Market Rasen, when a neck runner-up in a better race than this.

He could not quite replicate that stepped up in distance at Doncaster last month, but a last-fence error did him no favours.

The eight-year-old finished fourth, but he was only beaten four and threequarter lengths by the useful winner Red Infantry and he clearly got the threemile trip well enough.

Ellison seemingly feels that way as he goes up another quarter of a mile off the same handicap mark of 113. This looks a really nice opportunity for him.

The rest of the card really ought to be owned by Nicky Henderson.

We Have A Dream is unlikely to slip up in the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial, while Claimantakinforgan should win the Sky Bet Supreme Scottish Trial Novices’ Hurdle.

The Henderson-trained Mr Whipped is similarly going places in a hurry and will be a warm order for the Albert Bartlett Scottish Trial Novices’ Hurdle.

Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown features four Grade Ones on the card.

No-one will make millions supporting Samcro in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle, but he has looked awesome this season and should further strengthen his Cheltenham Festival profile.