Horse-racing ‘Tip Of The Day’ — Friday January 4

Friday January 4

LIBERTY COURT

Musselburgh 12.40 WIN

The maiden hurdle in which this horse finished a close second at Fakenham last month was always at the mercy of the odds-on favourite Ericht who, this time last year, was regarded as one of Nicky Henderson’s best youngsters, only to flop every time he hit the track. He’d undergone a breathing operation to cure his problems and also had 10lb taken off his back by claimer Gary Derwin. He duly won, but for Tim Vaughan’s hurdling debutant to give him such a fright on his hurdling debut, giving lots of weight, marked him down as a prospect far more interesting. Given that he’s a big, strong sort, the tight course would not have been in his favour, yet he went through the race smoothly and gave every indication he’ll be winning soon. Today he faces another well-respected favourite from a big yard in Donald McCain’s Veloce, but Vaughan would not be making the marathon trip to Edinburgh from his headquarters in deepest Wales without good reason. He even takes his go-to jockey, Richard Johnson, with him.

THURSDAY: NO DEAL WON (5/4)

WEDNESDAY: HALO MOON 2ND

TUESDAY: LETS GET SERIOUS 4TH

MONDAY: YOU MUST KNOW ME 3RD

SUNDAY: MA FILLEULE 2ND

SATURDAY: GLENS MELODY 3RD

FRIDAY: MONKSLAND WON (11/4)

TIP OF THE DAY SUPPLIED BY SCOOP RACING (RICHARD SILVERWOOD).