Chepstow preview: Man Of Music ready to hit the high notes

Man Of Music has caught the eye in his last two starts and looks weighted to open his account in the 7f handicap on today’s eight-race card at Chepstow (16.05).

The Tony Carroll trained gelding showed little in three quick runs last season but looked to be a handicap project in the making.

That view was confirmed when Man Of Music put in a much improved display on debut in that sphere when a close up fifth of 12 in a 1m contest at Lingfield last month.

After being held-up in mid-division, the son of Piccolo made good headway three from home and took up the running at the furlong marker until being unable to find any extra inside the last to be beaten just 1 3/4 lengths.

It was an effort which suggested Man Of Music was ahead of his current mark, and the four-year-old backed it up with a solid fifth fifth of 12 to Maymo when dropped back to 6f at this venue and keeping on well to be beaten two lengths.

Man Of Music has since been dropped 1lb to a mark of 46, and the step back up to 7f looks sure to suit.

With further improvement looking assured, this class 6 contest looks a nice opportunity for Man Of Music to get off the mark.

In the 7f handicap (15.35), Lutine Charlie can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the spoils.

The Pat Eddery trained gelding is a five-time winner on the turf, and the last of those successes came at Brighton 10 months ago off a mark of 49.

Lutine Charlie went on to post a couple of solid efforts top finish fourth off 52 and 51 and is now able to race off just 48.

That is 1lb lower than when last victorious and the lowest rating the eight-year-old has ever raced off.