Musselburgh Placepot picks: Richard Birch tries to crack the £100,000 puzzle

Izzy’s Champion has conditions firmly in his favour in Musselburgh’s 2m4f handicap chase (12.50), opening leg of the Placepot, and makes plenty of appeal.

The less-exposed Fever Roque, equipped with cheekpieces for the first time, should also be included in perms.

The Nicky Richards-trained Aubis Walk, a £120,000 purchase last December, ought to make short work of her three rivals in the mares’ novice hurdle (1.25).

Stablemate Serious Ego has dropped to a very fair mark and could stage a revival in the 2m3f handicap hurdle (1.57).

Low-mileage Kilbrainy, who graduates to handicaps off 103, is also of interest with his best days likely to be ahead of him.

Diamond State goes particularly well at Musselburgh, scene of his two wins over hurdles, and can build on his encouraging run at Hexham in the 1m7f handicap chase (2.30).

Cuban Cigar and Jackhammer look the pair to focus on in the 1m7f handicap hurdle (3.05), while Kiss My Face and That’s Your Lottie stand out in the 2m7f handicap hurdle (3.35).

The latter is untested at this sort of trip but gave the impression at Ayr last time out that it would suit.

Musselburgh Placepot perm

12.50
6 Fever Roque
8 Izzy’s Champion

1.25
1 Aubis Walk

1.57
3 Kilbrainy
6 Serious Ego

2.30
4 Diamond State

3.05
4 Cuban Cigar
7 Jackhammer

3.35
4 Kiss My Face
12 That’s Your Lottie

2x1x2x1x2x2 = 16 lines

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