Timeform Morebattle Hurdle

The gorgeous Cyrus Darius defends his Morebattle Hurdle crown, with a swathe of best wishes and goodwill cheering him on for a poignant success for all connected with the Jefferson family. However, he has a penalty to carry this time around, and was perhaps flattered by the manner of that victory given the fact that smooth travelling Born Survivor was a late faller in 2017. Nicky Richards has enjoyed recent success in this race with Duke of Navan (2013) and Glingerburn (2015), and he throws the improving Better Getalong in at the deep end, whilst Katgary is tough to knock (but quite probably not good enough) despite some fine recent non-winning efforts. Therefore, the selection is the sole mare in the line up DAME ROSE. She revels in hock deep conditions, and demonstrated her touch of class when winning a Listed contest at Newbury in December. She has had legitimate excuses the past twice (2m4f trip in the Challow at Newbury, and simply meeting rock-solid rivals at Doncaster), but she should cope with this 2m2f trip at a sharp track like Kelso, and can follow in the footsteps of another smashing mare Marello (winner of the race in 1998).

1. Dame Rose
2. Better Getalong
3. Cyrus Darius