Musselburgh preview: Future Empire fits the bill

Future Empire can take advantage of a drop in class to land the 1m 5f feature handicap on today’s seven-race card at Musselburgh (16.00).

The Saeed bin Suroor trained gelding had some smart form as a juvenile, winning in good style on debut before going on to be placed in Group 3 contests at Sandown and Newmarket.

Future Empire has gone on to perform with great credit in decent contests this season, finishing a solid one length third in a Listed contest at Ascot on his penultimate outing before posting a cracking effort to chase home Mr Singh in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last month.

The three-year-old stuck to the task well in the latter to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths, and the winner is a useful sort and a leading contender for the St Leger.

That form reads well in the context of this contest, and makes Future Empire look well-treated on his first venture into handicap company.

The son of New Approach receives a handy weight-for-age allowance, and a repeat of his last run should be good enough to see him land the spoils.

In the 1m 4f handicap (16.30), On A Par has plenty going for him.

The Tim Easterby trained gelding showed little in three maiden runs, but like many from the yard has shown improved form since going handicapping.

After finishing a promising fourth to Pumaflor in a class 5 contest over 1m at Pontefract, On A Par put in an eye-catching effort last time out over 1m 1f at Carlisle when third to Stardrifter in similar grade affair.

The three-year-old kept on nicely to be beaten 2 1/4 lengths, and the runner-up has come out and won since to give the form a boost.