JACOBS’ Crackers

SUNDAY SERVICE TESTING ground will greet the runners at Kelso this afternoon and that shouldn’t prove a problem for the very promising RED INDIAN (nap) in the novice hurdle at 1.10.

Following two runs in bumpers, the son of Sulamani made his hurdling debut at Ffos Las last month and readily took care of Jameson by a comfortable two-and-ahalf lengths.

The deep ground at the Borders track shouldn’t prove a problem for the best bet of the day and he is taken to see off the likes of Dear Sire and Helmsely Lad.

FINAL ASSAULT (2.40) is another that revels on a deep surface.

The charge of Lucinda Russell (above) was racing in much higher grade last year and looks very nicely treated off a mark of 130.

NOWUHURLIN can see off his old rival Cave Hunter in the hunter chase finale at 3.40, while I fancy an impressive run from the improving QUIET BILLY in the 1.40.

There are also some competitive events at Fairyhouse.

Joseph O’Brien has three entries in the maiden hurdle at 1.30 and A YEAR TO REMEMBER, third on his timber topping debut, can out that experience to good use under Barry Geraghty.

Later on, a huge field of 26 go to post for a three mile handicap hurdle at 2.00 and the each-way value could be NERUAL who has been crying out for a step up to this trip.

THE WEEK AHEAD MIDTECH STAR is the only horse I want to support this midweek and he runs in the Wolverhampton at 4.30 on Tuesday. The five-year-old simply doesn’t get home over two miles and this drop to a mile and a half looks perfect

for him. ANTE-POST We tend to forget about the handicaps at Cheltenham, but GOLDEN DOYEN has been kept fresh for the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final after winning a qualifier earlier in the season and is still available at 20-1.

HOT TO TROT I was disappointed with the ride given to HARMONIC WAVE at Wolverhampton on Friday and his turn is surely just around the corner.

Don’t lose faith in CAPITAINE following his Tolworth Hurdle defeat.

He positively hated the ground and ran way too free.

I think he can still make his mark at the Cheltenham Festival on a quicker surface.