Wakool looks best at Musselburgh

WAKOOL can continue his progression for Nick Alexander by winning the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle at Musselburgh.

The six-year-old has looked a completely different proposition since being stepped up to three miles and there is no sign of the handicapper getting a hold of him just yet.

He looked little more than an average type last season, running with credit in low-grade handicaps but held over two and a half miles.

Stepped up to two-and-three-quarter miles he pushed Sidi Ismael close at Kelso and although at the time that form did not look anything special, that one is now rated 135 over fences having made giant strides for David Pipe this season.

Alexander tried Wakool over three miles at Perth in May, where he won off of mark of just 103 - and while he was beaten on good ground back there in June, he has since ratted off a three-timer with two victories at Musselburgh and one at Ayr.

Now rated 131, he is up against a different calibre of opposition and even though the ground will be quicker than ideal, every effort will be made to make sure it is safe for the Edinburgh track’s showpiece meeting.

Alexander may already be on the mark as his Broadway Joe holds excellent claims in the Bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Having won his first three races over fences, he was brushed aside by Donald McCain’s Mackenberg last time out.

There was no disgrace in that, though, as the winner is more the useful and Broadway Joe was running off a mark 10lb higher than for his previous win on ground possibly softer than ideal.

He might just be one of those better off carrying a big weight against inferior rivals.

Tranquil Night is expected to make it back-to-back wins at Kempton in the Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Novice Stakes.