Racing

Kelso Win 6 Preview | 8th December

By Steven Dowler

11.55 Racing TV ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle

LOST FREQUENCIES beat a next-time-out winner on his penultimate outing before only finding one too good on his hurdles debut at Wetherby last month. Any improvement should see him go one better, though DEDICATED HERO is unbeaten in two starts at this course and should improve from his third-place finish on his hurdle debut at Carlisle.

Tips: LOST FREQUENCIES & DEDICATED HERO

12.25 Bring Out The Best By Belhaven Handicap Hurdle

CRACKING RHAPSODY likes it here, and this dual C&D winner will find this easier than the Greatwood Hurdle he contested last time out. I can see him having a big say in the latter given he’s back on the same mark as when finishing a close-up third in last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle. The well-treated CANNOCK PARK and the returning GINGER MAIL are others to note.

Tips: CRACKING RHAPSODY, CANNOCK PARK & GINGER MAIL

12.55 EBF Mares’ ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle

ROARING HOME shaped nicely in three bumper starts before opening his account in this sphere at Exeter at the first time of asking on his seasonal reappearance. He can be given another chance after a rare blip at Newbury last time out, while HOLLY BIRD represents a yard that does well and is included as a cover option.

Tips: ROARING HOME & HOLLY BIRD

13.30 Belhaven Black Classic Handicap Hurdle

KINGSTON BRIDGE is a two-time course winner and returns off only a 4lb higher mark than when last successful. He could pose a serious threat at large odds, while FORGED WELL resumed winning ways with a determined success here last month and should be suited to the extra emphasis on stamina. The grade-dropping YOUNG JACK completes the shortlist.

Tips: KINGSTON BRIDGE, FORGED WELL & YOUNG JACK

14.05 Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase

TRAVAIL D’ORFEVRE has not been out of the frame in nearly two years (11 starts) and is very interesting on his first go over a marathon distance, having shaped well when third on his comeback outing at Ayr. With no weight on his back, the eight-year-old appeals the most to me in the feature contest. PRINCE DES FICHAUX and JET LAGS could also run well.

Tips: TRAVAIL D’ORFEVRE, PRINCE DES FICHAUX & JET LAGS

14.40 Richard Landale Memorial Handicap Chase

MATATA can strike in the Richard Landale Memorial Handicap Chase. His task was made easier when Gunsight Ridge fell at the last fence at Cheltenham last time out, but I suspect he was idling more than anything and picked up well up the hill. This classy six-year-old can follow up off only a 3lb higher mark.

Tips: MATATA