JAMES Moffatt had to settle for seeing The Steward take second place as the Cartmel trainer began a busy week with two runners at Musselburgh yesterday.

The seven-year-old was last seen 100 days prior, finishing second at Moffatt’s home course under Brian Hughes, and was sent off as 13/8 second-favourite for the 12.45 Racing UK Extra On racniguk.com Maiden Hurdle.

And the race went to form as The Steward and regular Moffatt jockey Henry Brooke finished seven lengths behind the Donald McCain-trained 11/10 favourite Morraman.

The Pit Farm Stables handler had Smart Ruler running in the 1.45 Watch Racing UK On Sky 426 Handicap Hurdle at the Scottish venue too, although the 12-year-old was pulled up by Brooke three out from the finish.

Moffatt holds two provisional entries for tomorrow’s card at Haydock, with Noble Warrior aiming to build on his nine-length win at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f last month with a step back in trip for the 1m 7f 1.55 Watch Racing UK In Stunning HD “Introductory” Hurdle. Minella Charmer could feature in the 2.25 Watch Racing UK On BT TV Handicap Hurdle too.

Meanwhile, Highland Lodge is in line for another crack at the Becher Handicap Chase on Saturday, having finished first, second and third in the Aintree race in the past three years respectively, and could be joined by recent acquisition from Paul Nicholls, Just A Par.