13:30
Kelso
Odds correct as of 10:09am 12th Feb
Chris Gordon’s Hampshire yard couldn’t be much further away from Kelso so it could be significant that he sends a runner on the 758-mile round trip there on Friday. The trainer is having an excellent season thus far and has only had one previous runner at the track. His runner has shown a fair level of form so far and looks well set to go close once again, so we’ve assessed the horse’s chances. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Kocktail Bleu showed immediate promise in bumpers, despite failing to win in four point-to-point starts, and finished second on his rules debut in a Class 2 event at WIndsor. Idaho Sun was the winner that day and he has since gone on to score in Grade 1 company over hurdles.
The form of his third at Exeter last February is also very solid, as the victor is now a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and the runner-up has since scored in maiden company. Getting off the mark at the first time of asking over hurdles, he was a comfortable winner of a Fontwell maiden back in November.
The step up in trip at Newbury didn’t quite work out and he got pretty tired approaching the second-last. Connections dropped him back to two-miles at Kempton last month and he got back on track when second to Baron Noir, who is a useful prospect.
This looks like a much easier task and a return to winning ways should be on the cards. He has proven himself to be competitive under a penalty and another big run is expected here.
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