Red Baron back to best

RED BA RON bounced back to top form and landed the feature sprint handicap at Musselburgh yesterday.

The Eric Alston-trained gelding, who is owned by John Stephenson, ran below par last time at Haydock but was back to his best at his favoured track winning here for the third time on three visits.

The winning trainer explained his poor show last time, saying: “They raced on the inside track at Haydock and the ground was rock hard and was simply too fast for him but he recovered quickly and conditions were ideal today.

“He got a good start and that was that really.

“He will improve again next year and if there is a decent race for him here we will be back.”

Keith Dalgleish landed a one-two in the 5f handicap when Secret Advice (11-5) got the better of his more fancied stablemate Salvatore Fury (evens fav) by two and a quarter lengths.

Dalgleish said: “To be honest I couldn’t split them so I’m glad we won with either one.”

The Carluke handler landed another one-two when Idyllic Star (8-13f) romped to a four-and-a-half-length success from Burnwynd Boy (9-2) in the concluding 7f handicap.

The William Haggas-trained Brown Eyed Honey (8-13f) was well touted to take the 7f maiden and Graham Lee got the job done, winning in workmanlike fashion by half a length.

Haggas’ travelling head girl Claire Goodenough said: “We came up yesterday with just this one and it took seven hours but at least he won and to top it off it’s my birthday so it’s been a great day.”

La Bacouetteuse came from last to first under David Allan to land the 2m handicap for Hawick handler Ian Jardine.

Jardine said: “He was given too much to do last time but I fancied him today.

“The key is the ground, he needs it fast and he’s well handicapped over hurdles and I might see if there is anything for him at Perth.”