1:50 Kelso – Donny Boy
There is a strong “end of season” feel about this Kelso card and the opening Novices’ hurdle at 1:50 looks a good example of that theory. DONNY BOY sets a clear standard for the Alexanders, and he also looks the most likely to handle the drying ground. A winner of a bumper here in November, he was still in with some sort of chance when he was brought down at the last in the Premier Novices’ Hurdle here last month. He may not have won that Grade 2 contest, but he would certainly have finished in the frame and if he repeats that effort, he should prove hard to beat despite the penalty on his back.
3:35 Kelso – Bavington Bob
There are plenty of runners in this field with questions to answer and for that reason, BAVINGTON BOB looks to be one of the better bets on the card. Ann Hamilton is having a fantastic season, aided by this son of Court Cave who has already won 4 times throughout the campaign. He is still unexposed at the trip and has already proven that he can handle the drying conditions underfoot. He travelled very strongly at Carlisle before coming with a winning challenge in the home straight and if he can repeat that effort under Brian Hughes, who has been onboard for his last 2 victories, he should win.
4:45 Kelso – Frankies Fire
This is a maiden Hunters chase, but there are some talented Point-to-Point winners in this lineup and perhaps the most in from horse is FRANKIES FIRE. His record under rules stands at 0-14, but most of those races came over hurdles and this is certainly the easiest race he will have run in under rules. He won a Point at Friars Haugh 2-weeks ago, making all the running to beat Rio Des Echanault by 2-lengths. Rio Des Echanault had won an Open Hunters Chase at Musselburgh on his previous start and on the bare form, that win is the best piece of form on offer in this field. If he can repeat that effort, he could finally break his duck.
