Both Barrels at Kelso today

Kelso 14th February : 1.50 pm 2m 6½f 0-120 Cond'l Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)

Cowboy Cooper thrilled us all with a fine win at Ayr a couple of days ago, and we go again at Kelso today where Both Barrels contests the opening handicap hurdle.

This represents a slight drop in grade from his last outing at Ayr in early January, but this is still a very competitive race. A course & distance winner, he faces 11 opponents and will be ridden by young Murray Dodd, who claims 5lb.

 Having run 4th in a Grade 2 hurdle at Haydock last time, Lucinda's Rocheval also takes a drop in grade (and a quite significant one too). This French bred gelding (by Kapgarde out of a Martaline mare) won all three races last season and doesn't look badly handicapped first time on an OR118. Step up considerably in trip from those wins but you'd think on breeding this would suit. The one to beat.

Another taking a drop from his usual class is Micky's experienced hurdler Foster'sisland who has 6 wins to his credit. Not in the best of form recently but that's not stopped this stable before. Not out of it.

Jonjo's Stay If U Want To always runs well over hurdles in this grade and will be there over the last two, while Sue last time out Wetherby winner Paddy O'Mahler has more improvement in him.

Phew, this is a cracking handicap to start off the day. Best of luck to Murray and all connections.