Fast Track Sprint To Glory In Musselburgh

You’d struggle to find a more “in-form” sprinter than Red Baron (5/1) at present, who heads north to Musselburgh in search of landing the valuable Scottish Sprint Cup (3.25).

In-Form Baron
This 5f event really takes some winning, as there is often little to separate them at the finish, and having already won a decent 5f sprint at Thirsk last month (Online Alexander 2l back in fourth), Red Baron almost won another at York (5f, good) when just pipped on the line.

The cherry on the cake for his followers is that Eric Alston’s 6yo gets to race off the same mark here, and will handle conditions having been runner-up in the consolation race here 12 months ago.

Barnet Back To Nice Mark
Another to have been punted in the lead up to this race is David Nicholls’ Barnet Fair (7/1), who really caught the eye in last weekend’s “Dash” at Epsom (5f, good to firm). Only 2lb higher than his last winning mark, Barnet Fair is respected, even if he is outside the ideal age bracket for this race as a 7yo…

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 Sprint Cup winners…

9 were 3-6yo’s
9 were non-favourites
9 won a maximum of five handicaps
9 finished eighth or better last time
8 were drawn in stalls 6-16
T Easterby & B Smart won it twice apiece

Also involved in the Epsom “Dash” was the 4yo, Boom The Goom (8/1), who ran on well and should be thereabouts once more.

Demora Back For More?
One back on a winning mark is last year’s Sprint Cup winner, Demora (8/1), who looks to have been prepared for this following two unplaced runs this season, though he did come into this race 12 months ago on the back of a victory.

Fast Track Cherry-Ripe
As for the bigger prices – remember, only one favourite has won this race in 10 years – David Barron’s 4yo, Fast Track (10/1), caught the eye on his return at Newbury when blocked.

Winner of a big prize at Newmarket last summer, he has won over 5f and has to be respected for a trainer who likes these big sprints.

Scottish Success?
One trainer who would love to win this for the home crowd is Jim Goldie, responsible for the 9yo, Hawkeyethenoo (12/1), who ran a cracking third in Ascot’s Victoria Cup last time (7f). Although a sharp 5f may catch him out at the start, he still maintains a late burst that could see him in the places.

Recommended Bets
This promises to be fast and furious, which should suit Fast Track, winner of a big 6f sprint last summer for David Barron, who gave him an eye opener for this prize last month. Fast Track should be cherry-ripe now and represents each-way value.