Midnight Dynamo can light up proceedings at Musselburgh’s twilight fixture tomorrow when racing begins in late afternoon.
Jim Goldie’s sprinter was way out of his depth when last of seven runners in a Listed event at Beverley last weekend, but faces a much easier task despite top weight in the Cala Homes Straight Handicap (5.05).
The seven-year-old has winning form on the East Lothian track, having landed two of his six career victories over this sharp five furlongs. The latest success came when he produced a strong late run to score here three weeks ago. He then finished fourth at Newcastle prior to that Beverley effort and runs tomorrow off a mark 5lbs higher than for that latest success, but most of his best form comes in the second half of the season and he may well be on the upgrade. His trainer is usually worth following on the seaside circuit and can complete a double with the veteran Dhaular Dhar in the William Hill Handicap (7.10).
The 12-year-old has not won on the level for almost three years, but did score over nine furlongs of this track at this corresponding fixture in 2010. However his recent efforts in finishing runner-up in three of his last five starts suggest that there is plenty of life left in him yet. The gelding seems at home at all sorts of distances and was second over a mile at Ayr in July before finishing runner-up over an extra four furlongs on this course a week later. He was then fifth over nine furlongs here before finishing unplaced at Doncaster. But he caught my eye as a likely future winner when runner-up at Catterick over two miles last week. Sent to the front half a mile out, he bolted clear in the home straight, but was headed in the last 100 yards.
The drop back in trip should suit tomorrow and although Goldie saddles four of the eight runners, I expect Dhualar Dhar to prove best, especially with smart apprentice Jack Garritty claiming a valuable 5lbs allowance. Little Shambles won in good style on that same Catterick card and can defy a 6lb penalty in the EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Fillies handicap (6.40).
Mark Johnston’s three-year-old has registered all three of her career wins at Catterick where she is unbeaten and the form of last week’s event looks strong. She beat two previous winners, while the fourth horse has won since then. She had been highly tried in Class Two events previous to that latest victory and her trainer has an excellent record on this track.
Pavers Star has been running consistently well and can win the Eastern Electric Handicap (7.40) which closes the meeting. The five-year-old has been beaten 17 times since scoring over this course and distance in May last year, but has bags of pace. Well beaten in his first five races this term, he hit form when second here in July, making the running before losing in a photo finish.
He was then a close third here last month before occupying the same position at Catterick recently where he led or disputed the lead for most of the way until he could find no extra in the last 50 yards. A good draw near the stands rail tomorrow can see him lead all the way.
Selections: 5.05 Midnight Dynamo; 6.40 Little Shambles: 7.10 Dhualar Dhar; 7.40 Pavers Star