MINEHEAD trainer Philip Hobbs has had only two runners at Musselburgh in the last five years - both losers - but he sends Royal Player on the lengthy journey from Somerset to the East Lothian course today in a bid to clinch the feature race.

Richard Johnson, Hobbs’ long-time stable jockey, travels up to take the mount on the six-year-old, who was the winner of two of his four races over hurdles and who has made a good start to his chasing career.

He won at Ludlow on his second start over fences on his latest outing just under three weeks ago and, although the handicapper has taken his revenge by raising him 9lb for that success, Royal Player is the sort of horse to keep progressing over the major obstacles.

The long-distance traveller has top weight to carry in the £12,000 William Hill Kilmany Cup Chase, but is expected to prove hard to beat.

Brian Hughes, who continued his excellent campaign by riding two winners at Newcastle on Saturday, has good prospects of riding another brace at Musselburgh.

The top northern jockey teams up with Jalingo in the opening Belmont Wallyford Maiden Hurdle for Newmarket trainer John Ferguson, whose horses are in excellent form.

A useful runner-up, albeit when a beaten favourite, at Newbury last month, Jalingo has a fine chance of going one better in this average-looking event. He was a mid- 80s performer on the Flat and looks to set to make his presence felt in his new discipline.

Hughes can also score on nap selection Aiaam Al Namoos in the William Hill - The Home Of Betting Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by John Wade, the good-looking gelding proved a decent horse in bumpers last season. He has had three runs this term in novice hurdles, without cutting much ice.

The difference today is he is into a handicap for the first time off a modest mark of 104, and also steps up to three miles for the first time. It will be disappointing if he can’t figure in the shake-up.

It could be third time lucky for One More Go in the Watch On 3 Devices racinguk.com/anywhere National Hunt Flat Race.

Alan Swinbank’s charge has finished in the money in both his outings to date and chased home the smart Virnon at Newcastle last time out.

On the Flat at Wolverhampton, Mick Easterby can make his mark with Hernando Torres in the Bet In Play At Coral Handicap.

Although well beaten over hurdles on his latest outing at Doncaster, the seven-year-old is better judged on his creditable third-placed effort on this course in October.

He should go well under Graham Gibbons, who rides this course so well.

York trainer Mel Brittain saddles Mayfield Girl in the 32Red Fillies’ Handicap.

The five-year-old stayed on strongly to finish fourth on her all-weather debut over five furlongs here nearly six weeks ago.

This step up to six furlongs will suit her and she can add to her four turf victories under PJ McDonald.

Richard Fahey can also add to the North Yorkshire tally of winners at Dunstall Park, courtesy of Fleur Des Mers in the opening Ladbrokes Apprentice Handicap.

In a race which will take little winning, this French recruit must have decent claims off a modest mark of 63 and with Sammy-Jo Bell in the saddle.

Also worth noting are newcomer Dragon Tree (1.20) from the Lady Cecil stable, and recent winner Thomas Blossom (4.20), trained by Patrick Chamings.


Musselburgh today: 1.00 Jalingo, 1.30 Blackwater King, 2.00 Catchthemoonlight, 2.30 Aiaam Al Namoos (NAP), 3.00 Royal Player, 3.30 One More Go.

Wolverhampton today: 12.50 Fleur Des Mers, 1.20 Dragon Tree, 1.50 Mayfield Girl, 2.20 Missandei, 2.50 Naval Action, 3.20 Hernando Torres, 3.50 Cascadia, 4.20 Thomas Blossom.

Today’s other meeting: Lingfield.