Stainsby Girl at Kelso, Sunday

Stainsby Girl ran a good race over 2m 3f last time at Haydock but it was more that she had the wet/heavy conditions in her favour than the step up in trip that brought about the fine run. Drying conditions this week and the choice was between Wetherby (Saturday) and Kelso (Sunday). Having watched Saturday's card at Wetherby run on testing ground, we've probably made the wrong choice as advance going at Kelso is good to soft.

Like a few of the yard, the Shirocco mare suffered from a runny nose last month and hasn't run for 7 weeks so we did want an outing this weekend.

The extended 2m Class 3 handicap hurdle at Kelso on Sunday has attracted 6 runners, headed at the top of the weights by Kinneston Nick's very useful hurdler/chaser Elvis Mail, carrying a whopping 12st 5lb (minus Bruce's 5lb allowance). The gelding though has a touch of class and his usual hold up tactics may pay dividends here with 2 or 3 in the field who race prominently.

One of those who like to go forward is McCain's Word Has It who returns to hurdling here after falling on his chase debut last month. He had a fine, progressive second season over hurdles last term and represents a big danger to our mare here. Nicky's Serious Ego reverts back to today's minimum trip after appearing not to see out the extended 2m 4f at Ayr last time. He can go well here and is another who likes to be held up.

The other two in the race both have the form to be competitive but appear to be out of sorts in recent runs. Still Battle of Wills and Albert's Back hail from yards that can coax improvement especially when their charges tumble down the handicap. Market support would reveal expectations.

Craig Nichol rides for Al & Helen, and good luck to all.

Stainsby Girl (Georgina)