'He promises to improve for the step up in trip' - analysis and key quotes for Musselburgh feature

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This 2m7½f handicap chase is likely to provide some clues for Musselburgh's valuable Edinburgh National on February 1.

Magna Sam, winner of that marathon handicap chase in 2023 and 2025, has his first start since May and it would be unrealistic to expect him to be spot on for this assignment over an inadequate trip.

Inis Oirr, a 21-length winner of the Edinburgh National in 2024, is also surely being prepared to peak in that contest once again.

He did perform with real credit when runner-up to Dare To Shout on his seasonal reappearance at Carlisle in October, but proved a major disappointment when well backed for the Cumberland Handicap Chase last time. He has been dropped only 1lb since.

Giovanni Change, a Market Rasen specialist, returns from a 156-day absence, and of more interest are the two at the foot of the weights, particularly Too Cool Forshrule.

The six-year-old is unexposed as a staying chaser, and promises to improve for the step up in trip.

He won nicely at Ayr on his penultimate start on soft ground, and the forecast overnight rain will be in his favour.

Swallows Song competes from 4lb out of the handicap, but he too possesses the scope to progress on just his fifth start over fences.

He disappointed on heavy ground at Ayr on his most recent outing, but it would be no surprise if Iain Jardine’s charge bounced back off a career-low mark in first-time cheekpieces.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

Going report

The going on Sunday was described as good to soft. Showers are forecast on Monday morning, possibly bringing 1-4mm of rain, after which it is set to stay cloudy for the rest of the day.

What they say

Alastair Ralph, trainer of Magna Sam
He's in good form for his first run of the season. This is his prep for the Edinburgh National and I imagine he'll improve for it. He's been away a couple of times and he's pretty straight, so he should run well.

Kilmore Rock: could have more to offer over fencesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Susan Corbett, trainer of Kilmore Rock
He should run well. We're not 100 per cent convinced he's a better hurdler than chaser yet, but hopefully his jumping can improve. He had a great season last season and he should remain a progressive horse.

Martin Todhunter, trainer of Forged Well
He fell last time, so we're just hoping he gets a good run round. He's not had a bad season; things didn't work out on his first start and then he came down when he would have been at least third last time. The softer the ground the better, and if he gets around he should be in the first three.

Jackie Stephen, trainer of Too Cool Forshrule
He was grand when he won last month and we just ran him back too soon at Newcastle last time. I think we got the tactics wrong, too. He's in good form at home, the ground is fine and hopefully he'll like the track.
Reporting by James Stevens

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