Back Cyrus to enjoy yet more glory at Kelso

Tips: Connections have decided to move nine-year-old to smaller obstacles

CYRUS DARIUS can return to form and capture the Timeform Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso for the second successive year on Thursday.

The nine-year-old went on to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle after comfortably beating One For Harry by seven lengths last February, but he was well behind Buveur D’Air.

Now after three runs over fences this season, connections have decided to revert to the smaller obstacles.

It would be a great achievement and poignant should Ruth Jefferson saddle Cyrus Darius to victory after taking over the reins from her late father, Malcolm.

Since making a winning debut over fences on this track in October, BIG RIVER rather lost his way at Haydock but showed signs of a revival when third at Warwick last time out.

Trainer Lucinda Russell sends him back to the Borders venue for the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase over the same distance of two miles, seven and a half furlongs and the eight-year-old is certainly worth another chance.

Chris Gordon’s team is in pretty good heart and ROTHMAN can give the Hampshire trainer success in the Injured Jockeys Fund Chase at Fontwell.

The eight-year-old ran a decent race when second to Mercian Prince at Kempton a month ago and can go one better. SELECTIONS: FONTWELL: 2.05 Doctor Bartolo, 2.35 Don’t Tell George, 3.10 Rothman, 3.45 Minellatillmorning, 4.20 Redmond, 4.55 Jaytrack Parkhomes.

KELSO: 1.25 Elusive Theatre, 1.55 Taxmeifyoucan, 2.25 CYRUS DARIUS (NAP), 3.00 Big River, 3.35 Ryedale Racer, 4.05 Al Co, 4.40 Hitman Fred.

DOUBLE: Cyrus Darius and Big River.

It will be poignant should Ruth Jefferson saddle Cyrus Darius to victory.