Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing taking place at Kelso and Uttoxeter.
KELSO
Race 4 No1 BLAKENEY POINT (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain – Jockey: Brian Hughes
This novices’ hurdle looks booked for BLAKENEY POINT, who was good enough to win in Listed company on the Flat and is a strong stayer. He demonstrated that when scoring on just a second outing over jumps at Bangor, and although disappointing in a valuable handicap back on the Flat, is back in his comfort zone here.
Race 5 No4 HATCHER
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Bridget Andrews
HATCHER has the size and scope to develop into a horse to follow in two mile chases this season. He’s been off since mid July, but is not just a summer jumper and is a winner in the soft. He faces stern opposition from veteran Simply Ned but impressed with his win last time, and can follow-up.
UTTOXETER
Race 2 No3 FAIVOIR
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
Dual bumper scorer FAIVOIR landed a point before that and has bags of scope for further improvement now going jumping. He’s in the hotter of the two divisions of this maiden hurdle, but based on his good homework will be hard to beat.
Race 8 No12 SHANTOU EXPRESS (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
SHANTOU EXPRESS made the frame in a hot Listed bumper at Ascot and did nothing wrong on hurdles debut at Stratford last month. He’s earned in each of his four career starts that have been spaced out over an 18-month period, marking him down as a horse for whom better things are expected.