YOU BETTER YOU BET
BETTER GETALONG (2.25) can enhance his growing reputation in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso.
Nicky Richards’s gelding was useful in bumpers and has improved over timber with two decisive wins at Ayr either side of a good third in a Cheltenham Grade Two in November.
The seven-year-old has handled heavy conditions well during his short career and can take another big step forward switched to open company. The Greystoke handler can also take the Hawick Hunters’ Chase with CULTRAM ABBEY (4.05).
The 11-year-old ran a blinder in second on his return behind the reopposing Al Co here last month and can exact his revenge with that run under his belt.
TAXMEIFYOUCAN (1.55) can claim a fascinating novice hurdle for Keith Dalgleish. Proven on heavy ground, the gelding was in excellent form over timber last Summer and can shrug off a 178-day absence having gone well fresh in the past.
Lucinda Russell’s BIG RIVER (3.0) can leave his rivals washed up in the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase. The eight-year-old had a cracking record over hurdles at the Borders venue and scored in good style on his fencing bow over today’s course and distance.
The gelding had a good third to the classy Ms Parfois in a Warwick Grade Two and can improve again back at his favourite track.
Iain Jardine has hit form and can add to his tally with BRUICHLADDICH (3.35). Fair over two miles, the six-year-old has improved plenty over staying trips and caught the eye when chasing home Donna’s Diamond at Haydock last month. The form of that race has worked out pretty well and this unexposed type can return to winning ways off an unchanged mark.
■ Borders handler Sandy Thomson is delighted after Seeyouatmidnight was given an inviting weight of 10st 8lb for the Grand National. The 10-year-old is in good shape despite missing most of the season and will warm up for Aintree in either the Kelso Premier Chase or the Grimthorpe at Doncaster.
■ Ante-post jolly Might Bite and reigning champion Sizing John head 29 acceptors for next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The most notable absentees are Aintree-bound Bristol De Mai and 2015 hero Coneygree who was not declared by trainer Mark Bradstock. Last year’s winner Buveur D’Air is the headline name among a high-class entry for the Champion Hurdle.