3.10pm Kelso Tips & Betting Preview 15/01/2017

A low grade race over 3m1f but a fascinating one nonetheless with cases to be argued for a few interesting ones! Read on for our runner by runner race preview as well as our expert tip.

IN SUMMARY: A number of these like to force the pace so there will be no hiding place on the uphill run home. Flinders River is worth watching in the market in first time blinkers as is Brackenmoss Rory whose full brother was a multiple winner over this kind of trip. BRAE ON has been in moderate form this season over fences but has won here in the past with a return to the smaller obstacles likely to see him in a better light. He stays well and with plenty of pace on up front he can get a tow deep into the contest before pouncing late.

1 FLINDERS RIVER – Has shown nothing since finishing third in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal in the October of 2014. The nine year old has had just the six career starts so there is every chance of improvement. Trainer Noel Kelly has to be respected with his UK raiders especially if the market speaks in their favour. First time blinkers are an interesting addition in an attempt to sharpen his focus in what looks a weak race.

2 BESCOT SPRINGS – The twelve year old has never done things quickly but he is a dour stayer and that will be a huge plus in these conditions. His last two wins have both come from a mark of 95 at Hexham, he runs off 98 here so isn’t weighted out of things. Kelso isn’t as stiff a track as Hexham but the home straight is uphill in the same vein and that could suit him well.

3 SNAPPING TURTLE – Another twelve year old veteran, he was gifted a win at Catterick last month when the jockey on the first past the post weighed in light. Like so many by Turtle Island, the softer the better so conditions will be to his liking while his stamina is not in doubt after wins over 3m3f at Sedgefield and 3m1.5f at Catterick. He has been placed in two of his three runs here so another bold showing should not be discounted.

4 BRACKENMOSS RORY – Hinted at promise in maiden hurdles but has not jumped well enough in either handicap so far to play a hand in the finish. He attracted a little bit of each way support on the first occasion at Newcastle and the step up in trip could unlock improvement given his full brother Cavers Glen was a multiple winner over three miles. He shouldn’t be written off just yet after so few opportunities and a market check is advised.

5 KINGS ECLIPSE – A point to point winner in May, he has shown very little in three starts over hurdles. Those runs were over significantly shorter trips so it Is no surprise to see him back up in trip on handicap debut. His worse run in points though was on the softest ground that he encountered so the suitability of this ground is open to question.

6 BRAE ON – A C&D winner back in December 2013, he is four pounds below his most recent winning mark. He hasn’t enjoyed going chasing this season so a return to the smaller obstacles looks a positive move. Soft ground is no problem with local trainer George Bewley looking to add to his excellent record at the track, 7/39 over hurdles for a level stakes profit of £34!

7 GOREY LANE – Bounced back from three years in the wilderness when winning at Uttoxeter on New Year’s Eve 2015. He has been back to his previous level of form since and with the pick of his efforts at slightly shorter trips than this it isn’t hard to omit him from calculations given the likely test of his stamina.

8 HURRICANE RITA – Career best effort came at this track when staying on over 2m6f in May 2015. She has shown little since, spitting the dummy when tried in cheek pieces last time out at Wetherby. She was placed off eighteen pounds higher less than two years ago and unless the tongue tie makes a huge difference, she is very hard to recommend in her current heart.

9 NOTONEBUTTWO – Eye catching the last twice when allowed to enjoy himself and come home in his own time. Ten pounds below his most recent winning mark over hurdles, an inexperienced amateur is replaced by a decent conditional. A dour galloper, his wins have come over staying trips on deep ground so will find conditions in his favour. He is not one to rely on too heavily and although well handicapped will likely face competition for the lead.