By Gordon Brown
NICKY RICHARDS is after more course success with Petite Ganache on the behind-closed-doors fixture at Musselburgh on Wednesday.
Ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes, the top-weight faces five rivals in the William Hill Money Back Second Novices’ Handicap Chase over there miles.
Richards, who is based at the historic Greystoke stables in Cumbria, said: “He seems to enjoy going round there as he’s won over hurdles and fences. Brian gets a nice tune out of him and he’s ridden him every time he’s won including for his other win at Newcastle.
“He gave him a great ride when they won over course and distance back in January but I suppose that’s why he’s the champion. This is a horse that’s has always had a fair bit of ability so maybe he can do it again for us even though he has a big weight on his back.”
The opposition to Petite Ganache includes Not The Chablis, trained by Nick Alexander. His three runs over fences have all come at Musselburgh and they include twice coming second at the East Lothian venue over 2m 4f in December and January.
Likely hot favourite Skatman could get the card off to a flyer for Paul Nicholls and his stable jockey Harry Cobden in the William Hill Pick Your Places Maiden Hurdle.
The pair team up in two other races at a track where both boast healthy strike-rates while Cobden also rides Captain Buck’s, formerly trained by Nicholls, in the hunters’ chase.
For more information contact Gordon Brown on 07850 258063 for Scottish Racing.