JOIN the Elvis fan club as the ITV cameras put Kelso centre stage.
ELVIS MAIL (2.05) loves the Scottish borders track.
In seven runs over hurdles or fences he’s notched up three wins and he’s also been runner-up three times. His other course visit resulted in a third in the Grade 2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle three years ago.
Nick Alexander’s hope is tremendously consistent and he should get the strong pace he likes.
That’s not always been the case recently so there’s plenty to like about Elvis Mail’s chances.
Have 2pts each-way at 8-1 with most bookies paying out on at least four places.
Former Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air shoulders top weight in the Bet365 Morebattle Hurdle but I prefer much-younger BALKO SAINT (3.15).
He won on heavy ground in France last spring and he had subsequent Lanzarote Hurdle winner Cobblers Dream behind when landing a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle at Kempton in October.
This bigger field and likely stronger pace should help a great deal as he often pulls hard in the early stages.
The testing ground won’t be a problem and Jane Williams has her team in good form.
Have 2pts each-way at 12-1 with both Sky Bet and William Hill paying out on five places.
My third Kelso fancy comes in the Bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle.
DATSALRIGHTGINO (1.32) needs to prove himself on the ground as he didn’t handle the heavy conditions at Sandown in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in January.
The going that day was truly awful so I’m willing to take a chance that he will be ok today as his earlier form makes him way overpriced.
He did really well to overcome a steady early gallop when beating Jpr One and Washington in a good Cheltenham novices’ hurdle over 2m in December.
This slightly longer trip should suit him well. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1 with Sky Bet offering four places.
Those trainers who have headed to Doncaster in search of decent ground are going to be bitterly disappointed.
There’s plenty of horses that won’t handle the conditions but MONGOL EMPEROR (1.45) should.
He won twice last March and he looked sure to improve for his first run for nearly a year when fourth at Fontwell last month. Have 2pts to win at 5-1 .
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