15:40 Kelso

Sunday 15 January 2017

All12:4013:1013:4014:1014:4015:1015:40

Eildon Hill Stables Open Hunters' Chase

Off time: 15:46 | Winning time: 6m 44.42s

Chicago Outfit^p²¹⁰

Age: 12| Weight: 12-6| J: Mr Ryan Nichol⁽⁷⁾| T: L Kerr| OR: 119

80/1

Fair handicap chaser who ran up a sequence for the Bewley's at Hexham in the spring and early autumn of 2015. Now 12, and not seen since June 2016, heading into these races for a new yard. C&D winner.

Form: P5PU14-

Nowurhurlin²³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 12-6| J: Mr Nick Orpwood⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs S Stilgoe| OR: 120

14/1

A winner for this rider at Warwick (2m4f) in March last year, but beaten here on a couple of occasions by Cave Hunter, including on last start in May 2016. C&D winner.

Form: 3142-22

Mister Marker³⁵

Age: 13| Weight: 12-2| J: Miss S M Doolan⁽⁵⁾| T: N G Richards| OR: 117

14/1

Won an Amateur Riders event here in February 2014 off a mark of 132, and generally reliable at this track. Campaigned in these races last season and a winner on final start at Perth (3m Good) in May 2016.

Form: 32-1344

Barrick's Hill²³¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Zac Baker⁽³⁾| T: Gary Rutherford| OR: 109

100/1

Maiden under rules, but a two time winner in PTP's. Beaten by ten lengths (third) by Harbour Court at Cheltenham in April, but failed to complete in two of his three later starts in Scotland at Perth and Kelso.

Form: 2/3P-7UP

Black Thunder²⁸¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Sam Waley-Cohen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 139

11/8

Off since competing in the Grand National for Paul Nicholls in April, and was a useful chaser for the master of Ditcheat, with his last success coming in December 2014 in a Listed contest at Sandown (Rated 155). Obvious contender given new trainer and jockey combination.

Form: U6P-12P

Dolatulo^p²⁷⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr D Gittins⁽⁷⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 142

6/1

Pulled up in the Scottish National on final run for Warren Greatrex in April, but a classy winner of nine races from 43 starts under rules, and makes debut for new connections here with a similar profile to Black Thunder.

Form: 8P/2810-

Grand Vision⁶⁷⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr M Legg| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 131

7/4

Travelled the length of the UK to contest this race, and fourth of 24 when last seen in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2015. Lengthy absence to overcome, but this is a realistic level for a one time most useful handicapper.

Form: 324-312

Green Flag⁷²⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr D Delahunt⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 130

12/1

One of the North's most promising novice chasers during the 2013/14 season, and won a thrilling battle here with Imperial Vic in October 2013. Arguably never fulfilled that immense potential but was a runner up in the Feltham (December 2013) and contested various strong races thereafter. Not seen on a racecourse in two years, but returns at this level for the same trainer.

Form: 640P/P5

Non-Runners

Cave Hunter²³¹

Weight: 12-6| Age: 10

T: Mrs W Hamilton J: Mr T Hamilton

Forecasts

Black Thunder (11/8), Grand Vision (7/4), Dolatulo (6/1), Cave Hunter (10/1), Green Flag (12/1), Mister Marker (14/1), Nowurhurlin (14/1), Chicago Outfit (80/1), Barrick's Hill (100/1)

An excellent Hunters Chase to round off the afternoon at Kelso. BLACK THUNDER, Dolatulo and Grand Vision were all classy performers once upon a time, and the race should rest between this trio. That said; the likes of Cave Hunter, Chicago Outfit, Mister Marker and Green Flag have also won plenty of races in their prime up North. As is always the case early in the season in these races, it's difficult to know which horses retain their old ability, but preference is for Black Thunder who has moved from Paul Nicholls to Warren Greatrex, and with Sam Waley-Cohen aboard, you can't help but feel much bigger targets lie ahead during the months of March and April. 1. Black Thunder 2. Dolatulo 3. Grand Vision