Bastiman targets repeat

Trainer Rebecca Bastiman is after more success at Musselburgh today in the race she won last year with stable star Royal Brave.

This time the Wetherby handleris represented by amazing Grazing in the Core (Oil And Gas) Handicap over 5f at the East Lothian venue.

Bastiman said: “He’s been with a few trainers and only joined us in March of last year. His first few races were over 7f up to 1m 3f but we’ve campaigned him as a sprinter.

“He won at Hamilton about this time last season and he’s gone close a few times on the all-weather during the winter.

“I’d like to think he would run well as Musselburgh has been a lucky track for us in the past.”

In yesterday’s action at the East Lothian track, The Defiant was an impressive all-theway winner of the Watch Racing TV Now Handicap in the hands of Kevin Stott.

Sent off a well-backed 5-2 favourite, he came across from a wide draw in stall one to see off Brahma Kamal by an unchallenged two lengths.

Apterix, a winning hurdler and chaser, battled on gamely to land the Macroberts LLP Handicap after he was headed over two out by runner-up Sebastian’s Wish.

Ben Robinson had made most of the running on Brian Ellison’s 4-1 chance and kept enough in reserve to send his mount back to the front well inside the final furlong to score by half a length.

At Lingfield, Summer Flair can open her account at the second time of asking in the 9th Barry Gurr Memorial Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

The Godolphin homebred, who is from a family laced with decent performers, shaped nicely on her debut and sole start last season. Racing over a mile at Yarmouth, she finished third of ten – beaten just over two lengths.

The winner, Frankellina, is still engaged in the Oaks and is held in high regard by William Haggas but, in truth, the form has not really been tested yet.

Nevertheless, it looked a strong heat on paper and Summer Flair was sent off favourite – suggesting she had been showing plenty at home.

Manorah stands out in the Select Security Novice Stakes at Chepstow. Roger Varian’s filly scored on the second of her two runs at Kempton in November.

The stable continues in fine early-season form, and on her switch to turf, Manorah looks like another winner.