3.16 Musselburgh

bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle, 1m7½f

SAM HARDY

1 Washington

2 Nayati

3 Lebowski

The Olly Murphy-trained Washington bumped into a good one last time out at Leicester in Playful Saint but the handicapper has dropped him 1lb for that effort, making him 3lb lower than for his last win less than a year ago. His stable are in flying form with five winners from their last 20 runners and Washington could prove their biggest winner of the lot.

JAMES HILL

1 Nayati

2 Grivetana

3 Washington

Nayati is nine now but has gained a new lease of life recently. He’s recorded personal-best RPRs three times since October, with his best display coming over course and distance on New Year’s Day. He’s up just 3lb so is well treated if he can improve again. Paul Nicholls might run Grivetana. She’s in the same ownership as Washington and whichever one turns up rates the main threat to the selection.

MADDY PLAYLE

1 Lebowski

2 Nayati

3 Grivetana

Lebowski remains unexposed as a handicap hurdler and although he wasn’t sighted in last year’s Imperial Cup, he returned with a stylish three-length win at Wetherby and a mark of 129 could still underestimate him. Nayati has been resurgent for Donald McCain this season and may have more improvement in him, while Grivetana is a fascinating entry for Paul Nicholls.

STUART REDDING

1 Lebowski

2 Nayati

3 Holmes St Georges

Lebowski came up short when his sights were raised in the early part of 2022 but Michael Scudamore’s charge got back on track at Wetherby in December, where he travelled well and sealed victory with a good leap at the final flight. His fluent jumping is a big asset and it would be a surprise if this 7lb higher mark was the limit of his ability.