Gordon Brown – Race Reporter
Gordon has a wealth of experience of racing through his background in the written and broadcast media. His current principle role is reporting and supporting the scene in Scotland on Racing TV and relaying the latest news with Scottish angles.
James Ewart has booked Brian Hughes for the ride aboard course specialist Hold Onto The Line in the feature race at Musselburgh.
The Langholm raider goes for a fifth success at the East Lothian venue under the triple champion jockey in the Watch Racing TV Now Handicap Chase.
“He clearly loves the track as he’s never won anywhere else,” Ewart said. “It’s his first time at three miles under Rules but he wasn’t beaten very far in second place at this trip in an Irish point to point.
“I’ve been thinking about stepping him back up in trip and this was the ideal place for that to happen. Hopefully it will all go to plan.
Rivals to Hold Onto The Line include Dianne Sayer’s locally-owned Cardamon Hill, one of whose three wins this term came over course and distance in November.
Sayer is also responsible for Heart Above in the concluding conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle.
Out of a mare that won 14 races for connections, the gelding was bred by the Cumbrian trainer’s daughter Emma and he already has two wins to his name.
The card starts with Lucinda Russell’s useful Flat performer Chichester bidding to build on his jumps debut in the maiden hurdle.
Formerly trained by the likes of Sir Michael Stoute and Keith Dalgleish, he boasts Group form from his earlier exploits on the level.
Nick Alexander’s new claimer Dominic Hislop takes a handy 10lb off Beat The Retreat for his boss in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle.
The Kinneston trainer also saddles Bruce Lynn-partnered course and distance scorer Not In Kansas, who is having her second spin since wind surgery.