Sport

Election Day can go one better for Mark Johnston at Musselburgh

Mark Johnston can continue his fine form with victory for Election Day at Musselburgh
Mark Johnston can continue his fine form with victory for Election Day at Musselburgh Mark Johnston can continue his fine form with victory for Election Day at Musselburgh

WITH June 8 now fast approaching, Election Day can prove a suitably topical tip for the Cruden Group Handicap at Musselburgh.

Mark Johnston’s charge was probably a bit unfortunate to bump into an underrated rival at Beverley last month, with the John Gosden-trained Stradivarius proving six lengths too good after Election Day tried to do it from the front.

The winner had the benefit of a 2lb pull in the weights and looks as though he is a horse on the up, but that comment almost certainly applies to Election Day too.

Making his seasonal bow on the Westwood, he left himself nowhere to hide by racing freely throughout, but Election Day still turned in a fine performance.

Two wins at the backend of last year show this Invincible Spirit colt knows how to get his head in front and he will surely progress for that initial run.

Go George Go did not get a race run to suit him ideally last time out, but granted a stronger gallop, he should be be thereabouts in the Weatherbys Private Bank Handicap.

Alan Swinbank has kept his charge busy through the early part of this year, winning at Newcastle in January – his fourth successive victory – before claiming places in four subsequent outings.

He was just caught a bit flat footed at Catterick last time out when tackling 14 furlongs for the first time and a step back to an extended

mile-and-a-half here might be just the ticket.

Atteq was a seven-length winner at Beverley last week and it will be disappointing if he cannot make his presence felt again in the Jackson Boyd Lawyers Handicap.

A tongue tie seemingly worked the oracle that day as he shot clear to win with the minimum of fuss after hitting the bar on a few previous occasions. While that was only a modest event, the handicapper has seen fit to hike his mark by 10lb, but as he races off his old perch with a 6lb penalty here, he is technically 4lb well-in.

The Big Lad was beaten just a neck last time but compensations awaits in the Racing Welfare 24 Hour Support Line 08006300443 Handicap at Lingfield.

He only narrowly failed to peg back the winner that day but a race like this looks sure to fall his way in due course.

It is hunter chase night at Cheltenham and Dicky Bob can take a starring role.

He lines up in the feature Timico Mixed Open Gold Cup Final Hunters’ Chase and after cutting a swathe through the point-to-point division this spring, he can provide trainer Verity Nicholls with a valuable success.

En Passe is the pick in the Autovillage Subaru Mares’ Open Hunters’ Chase on the same card.