POINT TO POINT

FOLLOWING a dry week in Kelso, it’s all systems go for today’s Buccleuch fixture at the picturesque Friars Haugh course alongside the River Tweed, writes PETER BURGON.

It has attracted 83 entries, including plenty of long-distance travellers, on a six-race card starting at 1pm.

Cheltenham trainer Max Comley recorded a treble at last month’s Berwickshire meeting and is confident Pulse Of Camelot, Jay Bee Whiskey and Oscar Montel will make his latest 630-mile round trip worthwhile.

Pulse Of Camelot’s recent Irish form is head and shoulders above anything shown to date by the other 14 entries in the 3m Maiden Race. Last time out, on January 11, he was beaten under two lengths when third in a 2m5f Clonmel Maiden Hunters’ Chase and this represents a significant drop in grade.

The battle for minor placings may chiefly concern Whatsthesolution and Pop The Question.

Champion jockey James King’s mount Jay Bee Whiskey completed a four-timer over course and distance four weeks ago without coming out of bottom gear and is the one they all have to beat in the Mixed Open Race.

Oscar Montel came from off the pace to give Rhiannon Fletcher a memorable winning debut ride in the Berwickshire Ladies Open and, unpenalised for that success, can strike gold again in the Mixed Open Race for Novice Riders. He beat locally trained Oscar Wilde by three-and-ahalf lengths that day and it’s hard to see Amy Coltherd’s mount reversing the placing off level weights.

Former Gordon Elliott-trained hurdler Trust Me Nate is fancied to get off the mark under John Dawson in the 2m4f Maiden Race. He finished a close second in Maiden Hurdle contests at Limerick and Clonmel last season and the shorter trip will be right up his street.

Of the others, Shantou’s Temple and She Is The Enemy were not beaten far on seasonal debut last time and have scope for further improvement.

Something Golden came from last to first under a well-judged ride from Jack Power when landing the 3m Berwickshire Maiden on his second start for TV celebrity Victor Thompson’s Newton-by-the-Sea yard and a follow up is on the cards in the Restricted Race from South Wales raider Mary’s Fortune.

Coole Hall has been knocking at the door all season and deserves to finally get under his head in front under first season rider Abi Reid in the concluding NPPA Conditions Race.

WEEKEND RACECARDS: Pages 56&57