Alan Thomson’s Tips: Elite Icon can deliver at Musselburgh

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ELITE ICON (4.10) would have a big chance if turned out again after last night’s third at Musselburgh.

That was a satisfactory return from a 232-day absence and although Iain Jardine’s gelding could never get to grips with the pacesetters he wasn’t beaten far behind the gambled-on Picture Painter.

Elite Icon may just have needed the run following such a long break and this looks an equally modest affair, with likely favourite Royal Cosmic, two wins from two starts at the track, never risked previously on ground this fast.

With William Haggas in such rampant form it may be folly to oppose Mosalim in the Class 4 handicap but DUBAI ACCLAIM (3.40) is the each-way call at around 5-1.

Richard Fahey’s colt chased home a smart early-season sort in Vale Of Kent at Wolverhampton and Paul Hanagan will be keen to exploit his mount’s early pace by taking up a prominent position from his wide draw. Dubai Acclaim makes his turf debut but should enjoy slick conditions underfoot.

He receives 5lb from Mosalim, winner of a median auction at Chelmsford City. Haggas is masterful when moving his improving three-year-olds through the handicap ranks and there may be much more to come. However, the placed horses at Chelmsford City, Lord Vetinari and Mont Kinabalu, are no world-beaters and Dubai Acclaim should give him a race.

RAPID APPLAUSE (2.40) is stripped for action eight days after scoring at Beverley and is capable of defying his penalty.

Nathan Evans had to sit and suffer after his route through the pack was blocked but his mount displayed a very smart turn of foot to quickly reel in Tanasoq when eventually finding some racing room. The runner-up re-opposes on better terms and has the benefit of a good draw, whereas Rapid Applause is parked out in stall two. Hopefully, Rapid Applause will be tucked in as he could be a sprinter that likes to come through tiring horses.

AL OZZDI (4.40) has sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap with a big ew chance. Simon Crisford’s three-year-old picked up a novice stakes event at Brighton on fast ground last August and ran well in better company when last seen in a Kempton nursery in September. He has been gelded, Paul Hanagan is booked and a hood is applied for the first time.

Favourite Trading Point is turned out under a fixed penalty eight days after bolting up at Beverley, making all the running on an easier surface.

Keith Dalgleish saddles three in a competitive 7f Class 5 handicap and ZORAVAN (3.10) may surprise a few better fancied rivals.

He was a winner at Doncaster over this trip last April but has slipped to a 13lb lower mark after losing his way. There seemed to be some green shoots of recovery on show at Haydock last Saturday when fifth under today’s apprentice and there was a bit of money around for Zoravan last night.

Dalgleish landed a couple of gambles last night and will no doubt have something lined up for Hamilton on Sunday, the first meeting of the year at his local track.

APPENZELLER (2.20) will be hard to beat at Lingfield.

Recommended bets

• Musselburgh 4.10 – Elite Icon (4-1, McBookie, Paddy Power)
• Musselburgh 2.40 – Rapid Applause (4-1, Ladbrokes)
• Musselburgh 3.40 – Dubai Acclaim ew (5-1, Unibet)
• Musselburgh 4.40 – Al Zoddi ew (11-2, McBookie, bet365)
• Musselburgh 3.10 – Zorazan ew (8-1, Ladbrokes)
• Lingfield 2.20 – Appenzeller (15-8, William Hill)

Johnb's Friday Tips

• Lingfield 3:50 – Muhajjal 8-1 william hill eachway 1/4 odds 1-2-3 NB
• Newcastle 5:10 – Mount Ararat 10-1 william hill eachway 1/5 odds 1-2-3
• Newcastle 5:45 – Corked 14-1 william hill eachway 1/4 odds 1-2
• Newcastle 8:40 – Daffy Jane 10-3 william hill NAP

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