Drama class can prevail at Kelso
Minella Drama can once again defy top weight in the Racing’s Best Ratings With Timeform Handicap Chase at Kelso tomorrow.
Donald McCain’s charge must shoulder 12st for a second successive start after impressing under the burden at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day, powering home by six and a half lengths with a fair amount seemingly still in reserve.
That race represented a step down in class, having previously been pitched into the Listed Colin Parker at Carlisle on his return before being beaten by Hitman in a Haydock graduation chase.
McCain thinks enough of this horse to have given him a Grade One option at Ascot and while the likes of Shishkin would have been a tough nut to crack, Minella Drama could be a cut above these rivals.
The ground may not be totally ideal at Kelso, but Minella Drama’s class can prevail.
Richhill can make it two from three over hurdles for Dan and Harry Skelton.
He came up against the very usual Chianti Classico – now a three-time winner – on his initial start, with subsequent Grade Two winner Henri The Second in the runner-up spot as he had to settle for third.
That form is obviously pretty hot and Richhill was sent off a short price on his second spin out, but was made to work hard by a stablemate for a neck victory at Southwell last month.
Richhill must shoulder a penalty for that success in the Johnston Smillie Novices’ Hurdle, but looks one on the upgrade.
Dancewiththewind is a similarly unexposed runner in the Subscribe To Racing TV Now Handicap Hurdle and he can make hay off bottom weight.
He was a shock 25-1 winner at Wetherby on Boxing Day for Harriet Graham and Gary Rutherford, taking it up a fair way out before digging deep to repel Brentford Hope by a length and a half. Edwin Austin produced a particularly well-judged ride that day and his 5lb claim should come in handy once again.
Urban Outlook can build on his debut fourth in the BetUK’s Acca Club £5 Free Bet
Restricted Novice Stakes at Southwell. Andrew Balding’s charge boasts a nice pedigree as a full-brother to Hong Kong runner Ka Ying Star but he did not show his best at the first attempt as his inexperience appeared to tell.
Beaten five and a quarter lengths, Urban Outlook was out the back for most of the 10-furlong trip before staying on late in the day and will surely have learnt plenty ahead of this task.
Lady Nagin was a winner over six furlongs last month and a follow up is on the cards in the It’s Time To Turn To talkSPORT Handicap.