The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Bright outlook for Optimist on visit to Kelso
Irish raider’s relative light weight should be enough to tip scales
NATIVE OPTIMIST looks like the best bet on the card at Kelso, where he goes in the Isle Of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Handicap Hurdle.
The 11-year-old was a wide-margin winner at Hexham back in October, but a subsequent flop at Ayr the following month somewhat tempered his supporters’ enthusiasm at Carlisle last month.
Sent off a 33-1 chance, he ran a cracker to be beaten just three lengths in a class two heat, just getting caught for a change of pace when push came to shove at the finish.
A 3lb rise for that run is clearly not ideal, but he sneaks in here at the bottom of the handicap and his relative light weight should be a help in testing conditions.
Scotswell, a two-time Scottish Borders National runner-up, is in opposition.
The Jedburgh raider has a good record at the course ans is likely to be in the mix again. NIGHT OF GLORY can confirm himself a useful prospect with victory in the Trial Racing UK For Free Now Juvenile Hurdle at Warwick.
Andrew Balding’s charge was beaten a fair distance in third on his jumping bow at Sandown, but he made a few jumping errors that day and should be wiser for the experience.
The winner, Sussex Ranger, has since gone on to be placed at Grade One level while Night Of Glory proved his well-being with a win on the flat at the start of the month. SELECTIONS:
KELSO: 12.45 Un Guet Apens, 1.15 NATIVE OPTIMIST (NAP), 1.45 Uno Valoroso, 2.20 Very First Time, 2.55 Budarri, 3.30 Hitman Fred, 4.05 Champagnendiamonds.
WARWICK: 12.55 Night Of Glory, 1.25 Molly The Dolly, 2.00 Yanmare, 2.35 King Uther, 3.10 Mon Parrain, 3.45 Not Normal.
DOUBLE: Native Optimist and Night of Glory.