17:00 Kelso
Saturday 25 March 2017
All14:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:35
Kelso Early Bird Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  2m 4f 189y  |  Heavy (Soft in places)  |  8 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 17:01Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 36.42s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Used to switching regularly between fences and hurdles, his form being slightly inferior in this discipline. Nonetheless, he as not far away from 1lb lower at Ayr in October and is capable of going well with yard in better form again.
Won from 8lb higher when completing a hat-trick over hurdles in the 2014/15 campaign, but has been unable to add to the win column. Now 12lb lower than when runner-up at Ayr (2m5½f, heavy) in December and looks well handicapped if you can forgive three ordinary efforts since.
Almost three years since his last success and now 16lb lower than that. Clearly not been easy to keep sound, but showed that he still retains some ability, though best form has been over 2m.
0-15 and very frustrating for punters, having finished runner-up on seven occasions, including her last two starts. Stays at least this far and loves plenty of cut, but tongue strap going to have to make a significant difference if she is to get her nose in front.
7lb higher than when scoring at Newcastle over a similar trip (soft). Not discgraced on either start since then, though looks as though the handicapper has taken his measure and others are preferred.
0-13 under rules and after looking thoroughly exposed over fences, he was switched back to hurdles last time without success. Looks likely to have his work cut out again despite yard's good form.
Another from this yard that is in cracking form and she too is a maiden going into this. Has been dropped 1lb since a couple of decent recent efforts in defeat and that will help, so can't be ruled out.
Raised 2lb for being 7L runner-up at Ayr last time (2m4½f, heavy), and given his profile, that is enough to have us looking elsewhere to wager.
Forecasts
Rhymers Stone (7/2), Berkshire Downs (7/2), Un Guet Apens (4/1), Rivabodiva (6/1), Cruachan (13/2), Misfits (10/1), Jet Master (11/1), Top Billing (22/1)
Jet Master looks capable of giving another bold showing here ad should be thereabouts, while Berkshire Downs should be in the hunt for money along with Rivabodiva, though the suggestion is to take a chance on TOP BILLING, who looks well handicapped and handles these conditions, though you do need to forgive him some poor runs lately.
- Top Billing
- Rivabodiva
- Jet Master
Prize Money
1st: £4,549.002nd: £1,336.003rd: £668.004th: £334.00
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