Timeform Daily: The Willie Park Trophy Handicap (Class 2), Musselburgh, 3.30

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 06 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform rate the runners in Friday's feature race at Mussleburgh.

Eight go to post for the feature race of Musselburgh's final Flat meeting of the season. The stayers' handicap is named after a man regarded as one of the best golfers of his time and has attracted a useful field.

Bollin Felix: Better than ever this year and out of the frame just once, winning under testing conditions at Haydock and Thirsk. Only blip came on faster ground in admittedly what was toughest test he'd had to date in the Cesarewitch last time and no surprise were he to get back on the up in this; trainer has 24% strike rate at Musselburgh in 2008.

Merchant Of Dubai: Thriving and has won three of last four starts including two at this track. Pulled away from Gordonsville when winning here last time and looks capable of defying a further 5 lb rise upped further still in trip with connections preferring this to tilt at tomorrow's November Handicap. Looks the one to beat.

Sphinx: Took advantage of a drop in the weights to win for first time in a year on bottomless ground at Ayr in September (favourite Los Nadis well back in third). Pulled far too hard when well held in minor event at Pontefract last time and though 3lb higher should do better now back in this sphere providing he isn't set too much to do in relation to likely front-runner Merchant Of Dubai.

Gordonsville: Holding form well this year without getting his head in front but the fact he's now finished runner-up on half of his career starts is perhaps no coincidence. Upped in trip here and looks perfect idea of a 'Placepot' banker but almost certainly one to take on for win purposes.

Lets Roll: Losing run goes back over two years but has come down markedly in the weights as a result, his best effort coming here off 74 when second to Grandad Bill last month. Shaped better than result suggests at Doncaster last time having still been in with a shout approaching the final furlong; cannot be dismissed entirely.

Nemo Spirit: By far the least exposed of these but last two runs have confirmed he's not at all well treated in handicaps and will probably continue to struggle until the assessor releases his grip.

Los Nadis: Three-time winner over hurdles, including twice at this track in 2007 and then at Cartmel in August but failed to translate that form back to level when last seen, beaten 30 lengths into third behind Sphinx at Ayr in September. Went off favourite that day and would be of interest if subject to similar support but percentage call is to oppose.

Stravonian: Little solid form and looks completely out of his depth in this company.