4.20pm Kelso Tips & Betting Preview 08/10/2017

4.20 Kelso tips for Sunday’s Class 2 contest. Several very useful types for the jumps season are out to play in this 2m 1f handicap at Kelso, which will be fiercely competitive. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: Although going the wrong way after a chasing debut success for Mouse Morris, ALAMEIN makes his debut for Richard Hobson today off a mark of 127, which sees him well treated on the best of his hurdling form. He will be happier back down to this trip and has race fitness on his side, which he can put to good use to claim a second success over fences. The main danger is Forest Bihan, who only went down by a head in Grade 1 company at Aintree and has to be respected on his seasonal debut.

1 SIMPLY NED – Has a good record in this race when fresh for Nicky Richards and despite being ten he is still more than capable at the top level. He’s currently He’s four pound lower than when second in this race twelve months ago behind Theflyingportrait and holds every chance once again.

2 FOREST BIHAN – Had a brilliant campaign as a novice for Brian Ellison, winning a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January. He only went down by a head in a Grade 1 at the Aintree Festival and he has to be respected on his reappearance.

3 JUST CAMERON – Won two starts ago at Wetherby with a bold jumping display, well beaten in a Grade 3 when last seen at Naas in February. More on his plate here and previous seasons would suggest he’ll need this run.

4 DOUBLE W’S – Ran on strongly to win a handicap at the Aintree Festival two starts ago, though off this mark he was pulled up in a Listed Handicap at Ayr in April. There could be more to come this season and he goes well fresh, so he couldn’t be discounted with any confidence.

5 WISTY – Three from three over fences for Martin Todhunter, making all on all three occasions with a brilliant display of jumping. This is his toughest test yet now upped thirteen pounds in the handicap and his first run away from Cartmel over fences. Has to be respected but may just be found out here against some strong opposition.

6 THEFLYINGPORTAIT – Won this race twelve months ago for Jennie Candlish but he’s seven pounds higher this year and has been well held in the summer. He’ll have competition from the lead and this is unlikely to work out in his favour.

7 ROCK ON ROCKY – Progressive earlier this year, gamely completing a hat-trick when scoring at Sandown in March. He was pulled up behind Double W’s at Aintree off this mark though and another career best is needed here. Down the list on this occasion.

8 ALAMEIN – Won in impressive style at Fairyhouse in February, going the wrong way in all his runs since. He was set some tasks though and makes his debut for Richard Hobson off a mark of 127, which sees him well treated on his hurdling form. He has conditions to suit and has fitness on his side, so should be tough to beat here back down in trip.