Northern - Kelso 1.35

 

At the top of the market Bestarius has finished third, runner up and fourth off marks of 97 (twice) and 100, but barely gets this trip I feel and one I want to take on. Ensel Pu Perche ran a better race last time at Market Rasen but form prior to that wasn't really compelling in any way and at the price I am not sure it will reproduce it's best form again. Flash Morviere is a dangerous one as it drops in trip after running well to a point over further and could nick this off the front, so too could Saryshagann for Sandy Thompson but i have more than a hunch this pair could take each other one and go too freely again and set the race up for others. Fourth of July has had it's last 10 runs over Fences winning a couple; its off a nice handicap mark, is a very obvious danger but may just need the run and be being sharpened up for more Chase runs in the coming weeks (one to track in Chases).

 

My pair against the field are EVITA DU MESNIL who will now be 100% fit after a couple of runs. Its won on soft and heavy off similar breaks of 100 days off marks of 84; 91 and 96, and the profile in terms of breaks and handicap marks suggests it's primed to run a much better race today off a competitive mark of 97 with a 3lbs claim.

 

At bigger odds is SOUTHEAST ROSE for Martin Todhunter. This one has lost a bit of confidence with jumping over fences but won a Handicap Hurdle over Course and Distance 2 years ago and has to be of interest therefore back off a bargain Hurdle mark of 77 if enjoying running over the smaller obstacles again.