Donald McCain: Overturn the star attraction at Musselburgh

Overturn heads to Musselburgh to round off his Cheltenham preparations.

Donald has a busy afternoon at Musselburgh with Overturn having his last run before heading for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival...

Musselburgh

13.00 2m Novice Chase - Overturn

This looks the ideal race for him to complete his Cheltenham preparations in - given the weather we've had, the chance to run him on decent ground is a real bonus and fingers crossed he'll maintain his unbeaten record over fences. Tetlami is a useful performer but he wasn't in our league over hurdles and this does look a perfect opportunity for us.

13.30 3m Novice Hurdle - Witness In Court

This looks a warm race but he's rated 132 and he either steps up in class or runs in a competitive handicap. I think he might well improve for this longer trip and although he needs to, he's in grand form at home. As I say, this does have some good novices in it but we go there with a chance and it should give us a much better idea as to where we stand with him going forwards.

14.00 2m4f Novice Chase - Desert Cry

To me, he's been shaping as though he might get a bit further now and although it's a good race, he must have a solid chance. He won his last two in good style and although this is a step up in class, he was capable of smart form over hurdles on his day. We've probably got Tap Night to beat but there wouldn't have been a lot between them over hurdles and if he does find the longer trip suiting, he's got to go close.

15.00 2m Handicap Chase - Swift Arrow

He seems to have taken well to this track and has been running well all winter. He's gone up in the weights and realistically I would think he would find a couple too strong but it's a decent prize for a horse like him to be going for and the conditions won't be a problem.

16.00 2m4f Hunter Chase - Cloudy Lane

The trip is probably just on the sharp side for him round here but we need to get a run into him and this probably isn't a particularly strong race. He showed he wasn't a back number at Aintree last season and although he's 13 now, he still retains plenty of enthusiasm and ability.

16.30 2m4f Handicap Hurdle - Smadynium

I am not sure how well handicapped he is but he's going the right way and I would think that the longer trip would be in his favour. He won well on his only previous visit here and conditions should suit. He's open to more improvement than some of these and although 126 isn't a gift of an opening mark, the trip might prove the key to him.