Kelso on Monday

Kelso 15th April : 2.30 pm 2m 6½f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)

A quick look at the morning market and you'd assume Both Barrels would have a very good chance of opening his account at Kelso in this staying handicap hurdle. Installed as favourite, and we like him a lot but there are some in form talented rivals here.
Still, on the plus side he's a progressive sort, and has run some fine races in just a couple of seasons racing, none more so than last time out when runner up to Jackie's Eire Street (who runs in a Go North final later on the card). The 3rd horse from that race franked the form when winning next time, so there can be a bit of confidence about our lad.

Soft ground and Craig Nicol rides for Ann Marshall.

But Both Barrels is not the only improving, in-form horse here. Remarkably, Artic Mann a 10 yr old from Kinneston Nick's yard also looks to have such a profile (although this can be disputed depending on which 'form book' is your preference). A c&d winner as a 6 yr old, after a spell on the sidelines, he's not been out of the first 4 in six attempts this season so he's one to be on the premises in the home straight for the third and final time.

Sandy's Gypsey's Secret is another approaching the veteran stage but a credit to her handler. She broke her maiden tag last time out when beating Artic Mann at Carlisle from 5lb out of the handicap and is another carrying the improving tag. She is suited by soft ground, stays well and has benefitted from settling off the pace.

George Bewley's ex-Irish Pointer Lahardaun is another last time out winner and this lightly raced 7 yr old acts on soft, stays 3 miles and holds a progressive profile. Receiving more than a stone from Both Barrels, this is another horse in this race whose recent form has brought him into this with a very good chance.

Phew!

And we've not mentioned Olly Murphy's Woodie Flash who is already a triple hurdle winner this season, his first on the racecourse but previously an Irish Point scorer. He looks an out and out stayer, acts on soft and his young jockey (Lewis Saunders) can claim 10lb.

So, favourite.......?
This looks as competitive as that Go North final later on and is a cracking, competitive handicap hurdle.

Best of luck to our connections.