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Punting pointers and key views for the competitive Sprint Cup

The action will be fast and furious in the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh
The action will be fast and furious in the Scottish Sprint Cup at MusselburghCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap (Class 2) |4yo+ | 5f | ITV4/RTV

A £50,000 pot is up for grabs over Musselburgh's flat, fast five furlongs, with punters needing to choose between the best of last season's form, those that have been on the go over the winter on the all-weather and three candidates that have run right up to form on turf within the last week.

Breslin called up for Mokaatil mission

If recent form is your key indicator, Mokaatil's success at Pontefract on Monday will jump out, albeit it means he carries a 5lb penalty.

Mokaatil showed marked improvement for a return to turf and Ian Williams has called on the services of Andrew Breslin to offset the penalty.

Andrew Breslin's 5lb claim is key to the chances of Mokaatil defying a penalty in the Scottish Sprint Cup (3.00), while he also rides Hochfeld in the Queen's Cup (3.35)
Andrew Breslin's 5lb claim is key to the chances of Mokaatil defying a penalty in the Scottish Sprint Cup (3.00), while he also rides Hochfeld in the Queen's Cup (3.35)Credit: Caroline Norris

"I don't think he was suited by the all-weather and that probably showed when he won at Pontefract," said Williams. "I didn't think the race really went his way that day and the emphasis on raw speed at Musselburgh should suit him.

"It's a much tougher race but he has a useful 5lb claimer which means realistically he’s running off the same weight. Given luck in running I'm sure he'll run his race."

Midgley trio bring good course form

Another horse making a quick return to action is the veteran Line Of Reason, who finished strongly to take second behind Terentum Star at Beverley on Wednesday.

"He got a bit messed about in traffic and the winner got first run the other day," said trainer Paul Midgley.

"He finished his race off well and he’s been very fresh in his paddock the two days since. He's as hard as nails and does handle his races close together, while he likes Musselburgh. The faster they go, the better it is for him."

Midgley also runs Captain Colby and Final Venture, who will be making his first start since October.

"He needed a proper winter break as it's the first time he hasn't gone to Dubai or Qatar since we've had him," said Midgley. "He's done well physically, he's galloping well, he's in good form and ready to go.

"Captain Colby had a very minor tightening of his soft palate and then lost a shoe on his first run back, so it was a bit of a non-event. He's been in good form since, though the draw could have been a bit kinder. I'd like to have been a bit higher than six.

"He's very uncomplicated, goes forward, and sits wherever he’s comfortable."


What the rest say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Copper Knight and Eeh Bah Gum
Copper Knight's in good form and wants good ground or softer, though he's won on faster. He should run well. Eeh Bah Gum loves fast ground and a flat track. He’s in good form and should run well.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Gabrial The Saint
I think he's quite badly handicapped and the only way you can get them well handicapped is to run them, so we'll see what happens. On all known form I can’t see him winning.

Michael Appleby, trainer of Saaheq
He's in good order and should have a very good chance as long as the ground doesn't go too quick. They're calling it good ground but if it were to go much quicker he possibly wouldn't run. But I think he'll have a very good chance and the track should suit him, as long as it doesn't dry up too much.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Primo's Comet
I wouldn't say he couldn’t win a race like this as he's very fast. His dam won over course and distance and so has he.


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France correspondent

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