Hi all,
The ITV cameras head to Kelso for five races on Day 2 of the “Go North” Finals Weekend, including three more series finals. Newbury also stages its final jumps card of the 2024-25 season, with ITV covering the first three races live, plus one from Bangor-On-Dee, making it a nine-race programme.
Inside today’s main piece, I’ve looked at the ITV races from Kelso, including two of the “Go North” Finals. You'll also find a free tip from Kelso.
Yesterday’s free tip, Cuban Cigar, lost all chance at the start at Musselburgh, forfeiting at least 15 lengths. As I mentioned yesterday, I only had one bet at Musselburgh, choosing to focus on Newbury instead. For those who joined Victor Value this week, it turned out to be a profitable decision, with two winners advised at Newbury. It was my first bets since last weekend, so it was good to kick off the week with a winner.
If you want my Saturday selections and for the rest of the month, which includes Aintree’s Grand National Festival you can get them here.
Kelso Saturday Preview
1:15 – Ladbrokes ‘Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing' Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m 2f
Your Own Story stays further than this trip, so he’ll need a strong stamina test. A first-time visor replaces the cheekpieces, which could sharpen him up. Fairly treated on his best form, but he's 1-15 over fences and hasn’t won since March 2023. Stablemate Cadell won on good ground and didn’t stay 3m 7f in the Edinburgh National last time. The drop back in trip should suit, and he’s unexposed over fences. If bouncing back, he’s a player.
1:50 – Ladbrokes ‘Big-Value You Can Bet On' Mares' Hurdle (Listed Race) – 3m ½f
Wyenot won a Listed Mares’ Hurdle at Doncaster two starts back and should be able to give weight away to her five rivals. She’s likely to race prominently in what could be a steadily run affair. A worthy favourite, though her early odds reflect that.
2:25 – Ladbrokes Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 5f
The first of today’s three “Go North” Finals, with a maximum field of 16. An open contest where Ashington, I Am Max, Foster’s Return, and Ridin Solo all have cases.
At bigger odds, Singapore Trip catches the eye. He’s been well below form this season but came to life last spring and is now 1lb below his last winning mark. His yard has struggled for winners but had one at Wetherby earlier in the week. I’m an each way player at 16/1 & bigger.
3:00 – Ladbrokes Herring Queen Series Final Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m
Game Colours bolted up in a Lingfield novice hurdle last time. She’s steadily progressive and returns to handicap company with a big chance.
Tour Ovalie won a Taunton novice two starts back and ran a career-best when 9th of 23 in the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. She should be a contender back in handicap company.
Surrey Belle has won her last two at Uttoxeter and Newcastle. The drop back to 2m shouldn’t be an issue. Her trainer rates her a 130+ mare, so if that’s accurate, an opening mark of 121 would underestimate her.
3:35 – Ladbrokes ‘Boost Your Bet Builder' Handicap Chase (Class 4) – 2m 1f
A small but competitive six-runner field, with four C&D winners.
Bollingerandkrug needed the run when 5th here three weeks ago after a four-month break. He’s 12lb below his last winning mark and could pop up on a going day. Yard had a double at Musselburgh on Friday – 4/1 or bigger would tempt me in.
Escapeandevade is inconsistent but is a dual C&D winner and now 8lb lower than when beating Gold Des Bois over C&D last March.
Gold Des Bois is a three-time C&D winner who goes well here and is only 2lb above his last winning mark.
Flash Du Pistolet made all at Newcastle (2m 4f) last time, jumping well. Down in trip but in form and one to consider.
Duty Calls won this race last year but has failed to complete in three of four runs this season. Needs a revival.
Selection: Bollingerandkrug
See you on Monday when I’ll look back at the weekend’s racing.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John