Kelso Wednesday - with Lady Villanelle

TD9 Racing's mare Lady Villanelle heads along the road to Kelso on Wednesday afternoon to contest the 2m 2f mares' handicap hurdle (2.27pm). She's not been the easiest to train but her ability displayed on the gallops each morning can't be denied. Craig Nichol comes in for the ride and we think this race presents a good opportunity for the mare to shine.
The persistent rainfall in recent days has meant that the going will be soft, and although attendance at the course is limited to owners, we hope the lads enjoy the afternoon.

Of course there are 11 opponents who will have different ideas about things.

There are 2 or 3 quite well exposed types here but they are all in fine form and could be in with a chance turning for home. Blue Hawaii, Gamester's Icon and Off The Hook should all run well while the Crawford Bros. send over a couple for this race. Their top weight (Roxanya) looks to be the selected one (Brian Hughes rides) but has been given a hefty OR116 by the BHA for this handicap bow. She'll do well to defy that mark.

A case could be made for a couple of others but the softening ground wouldn't suit all. Maybe Gamester's Icon will present herself to Lady Villanelle as the main danger.

Lady Villanelle with Laura

Shoeshine Boy a creditable second on Boxing Day 

On the day, Shoeshine Boy had no answer to the acceleration from 2 out by the winner Cailin Dearg but still ran well enough to confirm the improvement n form in handicaps shown at Hexham last time. But he kept on resolutely to finish in second place, in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Sedgefield on Sunday.

He jumped a bit better in this race but still a couple of sketchy leap meant he was on and off the bridle from time to time. But after 3 out he made some good headway to hold every chance before the winner put the race to bed turning into the home straight.

Brian Hughes felt the gelding would be suited by 3 miles so we'll look around for a suitable opportunity next time.