Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing taking place at Huntingdon and Kelso.
Kelso Best Bets
Race 1: ASK HIMSELF (1)
Trainer: Michael Scudamore
Jockey: Brendan Powell
ASK HIMSELF hasn’t done much wrong in his two starts this season and after those near misses deserves to open his account. He looked sure to prevail at Hereford when he held a four lengths lead over the final flight, but was mugged close home by the rank outsider Shanacoole Prince. If he puts in a similar effort it should be enough for him to see off Captain Blackpearl.
Race 7:FARLAM KING (12)
Trainer: Maurice Barnes
Jockey: Dale Irving
Having looked all over the winner FARLAM KING was worried out of it at Newcastle and his trainer now runs him over a slightly shorter trip. It’s hard to be sure that he didn’t get home as he pricked his ears on the run in and rallied when headed. If he turns up in similar mood today he will be a tough nut to crack.
Huntingdon Best Bets
Race 4: TOP NOTCH (4)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Daryl Jacob
The tough dual-purpose performer TOP NOTCH should relish this return to fences in the featured Peterborough Chase. Fresh from a battling comeback triumph over hurdles at Aintree, where he gamely battled back after being headed on the run-in, the 8yo has a great chance to consolidate. He’s had a month’s gap since then and is fresh and well for the two and a half-mile contest at a course that will suit his style of racing.
Race 5: WEST CORK (14)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Dropping WEST CORK back to two miles looks a logical step based on the way he ran out of gas towards the end of his latest start at Warwick. The former point-to-pointer’s jumping let him down at the business end of that race but it was as much lack of stamina that found him out. This strong traveler might also prefer operating on a right-handed track like this.
