Racing Preview - Day Two of the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials

Inis Oirr bids for a second successive victory in the £75,000 Edinburgh National at Musselburgh.

The 3f 7f marathon looks wide-open and his trainer Lucinda Russell also saddles Cadell.

“Inis Oirr gave us one of our highlights of last season when he galloped his rivals into submission to win by 21-lengths,” the dual Grand National-winning handler recalled. “We think he could still have untapped potential as a staying chaser.

“Cadell appreciated stepping up in trip when he won at Wetherby in the autumn on just his second start over fences and we feel he could be a smart staying novice handicap chaser in the making.” 

Surrey Quest, just the second course runner for Surrey-based trainer Toby Lawes, was still travelling okay when unseating his jockey in a valuable event at Newbury’s late December fixture.

David Pipe’s top-weight King Turgeon rattled up three wins in the backend, including one over the National fences at Aintree, while 2023 Edinburgh National hero Magna Sam is equipped with first-time cheekpieces in his quest for a repeat win. 

Tripoli Flyer is likely to be a warm jolly for Jonathan Burke and Fergal O’Brien in the bet365 Scottish Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

A useful bumper performer, he won in a canter by 29-lengths when sent off at 1/14 last time at Market Rasen and holds an entry in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls enjoyed five winners over the two-days last year and he could go close with Harry Cobden-ridden Insurrection in the bet365 Frodon Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Tony Martin-trained Hamsiyann landed a touch at Cheltenham in November and a 10lb hike may not stop the Irish raider having a major say in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle

And the J P McManus silks, sported by Brian Hughes aboard Grain d’Ouddairies, could be the answer to a tricky two-mile handicap chase.

That is providing he has recovered from a heavy fourth last spill when still in contention at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

For more information contact Gordon Brown on 07850 258063 for Scottish Racing.