One Gloucestershire based trainer is sending a single runner on the 630-mile round trip to Kelso on Sunday. Perhaps more significant than the travel, when the trainer and jockey combine, they have an 83 per cent strike-rate at the track. The combination of these two factors suggest that they’re not going there to make up the numbers. It’s no surprise that the race they’ve targeted is the £20,000 Elliot Henderson Group Handicap Hurdle, the feature race on the card. Check out our free tips page for content across all British and Irish racing.
The Fergal O’Brien-trained Castel Gandolfo will be ridden by Paddy Brennan as the pair seek to get another winner on the board. On the evidence of his second last time out, this gelding should have a great chance. Despite the handicapper putting him up 2lb for that effort a big run should be expected.
This gelding brings much of the strongest form into this race including a second at Cheltenham in November. Brennan has ridden this horse in all but one of his starts for Fergal O’Brien and by now he must know the horse like the back of his hand.
Fergal O’Brien has made no secret of the fact that he has ambitious aims as a trainer. He had a personal best season last term with 128 winners and a prize money haul of £1,379,761. O’Brien has stated that this season’s aim is to break the record again and with 17 winners on the board already, you wouldn’t want to bet against him.
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