Helmsley looks just the Lad
MALCOLM JEFFERSON is in the habit of bringing a nice one up to Kelso from Norton in Yorkshire. Bumper winner Helmsley Lad fits the bill.
The lightly-raced six-yearold’s win came last time up at Sedgefield, when he was twoand- a- quarter lengths too good for heavily- backed Ballyvic Boru.
The son of Fair Mix has been second twice before in bumpers, and the trainer has been patient while Helmsley Lad grows naturally into his frame.
Jefferson has clearly decided to kick on with him now and, on a day when stamina will be a big issue, the selection is bred to get further in time.
Jennie Candlish has been a regular, and successful, raider across the border in the last two years, and Sleepy Haven has a fine chance in Kelso’s feature.
Just a year ago, Sleepy Haven was a cosy winner at Kempton off 132. So today’s 5lb- enhanced mark for winning at Leicester should hold no fears.
That was a two-length win from Ozzy Thomas on his less-favoured good ground. Sleepy Haven loves the testing ground he will get today.
There is no doubt that SnappingTurtle is well treated in the three-and-a-quartermile slog over hurdles. But the downside is he is now 12 years old.
Still, there was nothing pensioner-like when he won at Carlisle two outings ago, in a better grade, and he’s only 3lb higher today.