Scottish Sprint Cup (Musselburgh) Preview & Betting Tips – Saturday 17th June 2017

There are few sprint races on the racing calendar that are as competitive as this one. There is a busy field of 17 runners declared for the five furlong handicap which is Scotland’s second most valuable sprint race of the year.

Due to the congested nature of the race, there have been many surprises down Musselburgh’s straight five furlong track. Despite the slight incline of the course, it’s often a quick race and with the going predicted to be good this year, this renewal shouldn’t be an exception.

Race Analysis

In this race it’s slightly preferable to be by the stands’ side rail so an outside draw can be of some benefit. Three of the last six winners have started from stall 15 or higher so it needs to be considered when examining the racecard.

One interesting trend can be seen when looking at the past ages of winners. There has been just one Scottish Sprint Cup champion aged over six since the start of the century despite many older horses featuring in this time.

As has to be in expected in a race like this, there’s been plenty of big priced winners. Seven of the last 12 renewals have been won by a horse priced 16/1 or over including Burning Thread in 2011 who was a complete outsider at 50/1.

Betting Tips

Bearing the strong age trends in mind for this race, this only helps strengthens Orion Bow’s claim. The 10/1 shot (Ladbrokes) experienced a wonderful season last year, winning five races on the bounce and almost making it a sixth at Goodwood only to be denied by one of the other 26 runners. His performances were enough for Tim Easterby to add him to his yard in April and although he’s not started too strongly for his new trainer, it looks like he could be very close to regaining his old form on his third start under him.

The only concern surrounding Orion’s Bow is a lack of distance experience. He’s made 35 starts but only one has been over five furlongs. The same issue cannot be found in stablemate East Street Revue (14/1, Totesport) however. The four-year-old has a useful record over the minimum distance, winning or placing in three of his last five starts and he will compete in this race off a generous mark. He struggled in a big field at York last time out but being drawn right on the inside should help him steer clear of traffic this time and give him a real shot of a high profile victory.

There are several course and distance winners making their return to Musselburgh for Saturday’s race but none look better for another win here than Bowson Fred. Michael Easterby’s horse usually enjoys his time here, having won twice before and missing out another time by just a head. He put in two very decent efforts at Lingfield and Newbury fairly recently before a poor showing at Epson earlier this month. He simply didn’t have the required pace that day and running downhill clearly didn’t suit. On a slight incline this time, he should be able to put on a much better showing and he’s a great each way option at 16/1 with Betfred.