Kelso 1.35
By UK Flat / AW (Northern)
NORTHERN - Kelso 1.35 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 5 furlongs - Good to Soft - 14 run
If they pass Inspection I suspect it'll be crusty dead type Going and this is a tough track and whatever wins will need some proven stamina or indications the trip will suit at the very least.
Secret Secret was a 14 length winner over Course and Distance last time, gets an 11lbs penalty and is clearly in form. It's important to note though that due to low sun the last 2 jumps that last day were omitted and the form therefore may not be as strong as it looks. At the price i want to take this one on.
Hattons Gardens is an ex 3 mile P2P horse who shapes as if it will win races but usually needs a run and therefore we'll have a watching brief off a break of 219 days. You Some Girl had a crashing fall 2 out at Sedgefield last time and that was at the point where it needed to prove stamina for this trip, a horse with clear progression possible but I think we'll just want to see a safe passage today and to see what stamina is actually there on balance. So They Say will be added to the TRACKER. It also had a tired fall last time off a 2 year break but had previously run with promise and one we'll monitor. At big Odds breakdance is the only one at that end of the market that caught my eye as it ran with a bit of promise on return last time and did show glimmers of form in 2022.
EDEN MILL is one I think can take on and beat Secret Secret, runner up here over Course and Distance and a shade unlucky and I think a repeat of that should suffice.
A pair catch the eye as shrapnel bets, BALLYQUIN BAY is an ex Gordon Elliott horse who is slowly improving in the UK and closing in on a win. It got 2 miles 6 furlongs in Ireland, has been running up to 2 miles 4 furlongs here and looks ready to strike to me. BOUNCING BOBBY is a dual Flat / Hurdle winner and is Flat fit and has had a jumps run. It has won over 2 and a half miles up the steep finish at Carlisle so I think this trip is in range and presents a nice opportunity before the ground gets too deep!
Tips (1w) Eden Mill (2s) Ballyquin Bay (3s) Bouncing Bobby