SUNDAY RACING
His decision to run Bohernagore twice in seven days backfired for trainer Philip Kirby. But compensation could be waiting at Kelso this afternoon.
The eight-year-old was beaten by four lengths by the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Borderline-decision at Uttoxeter three weeks ago.
The pair were 15 lengths clear of the rest, but Bohernagore failed to run his race a week later, when 10th over a longer trip today.
He was still bang there with a furlong to run, however. After a short break, and getting weight from the rest, today’s test may get him back on song.
Coole Hall ran a cracking race at Perth in April for Rose Dobbin, when pipped by a nose by “good thing”, Royal Village, after a pulsating run-in struggle.
Royal Village has won again since and is rated 125, more than enough to win a maiden hurdle at Kelso, which looks a little less than strong.
Coole Hall deadheated in an Irish point on soft, but the ground at Perth was quicker and today’s conditions in the Borders would seem to be ideal.
JP McManus had an impressive novice winner in Herewego Herewego at Warwick on Thursday. He has another fine-looking prospect in Palmers Hill.
He makes his rules debut in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter, having won an Irish point by 20 lengths.
Both horses could easily be Cheltenhambound in March.
SELECTIONS
NAP – Bohernagore (Kelso 2.05).
DOUBLE – Coole Hall (Kelso 3.50).
TREBLE – Palmers Hill (Uttoxeter 2.55).
LATE WIRE
Truckers Lodge has to be of interest in the opening event at Uttoxeter, having won by nine lengths, in a Chepstow bumper, following a point win in Ireland.
SELECTION
Truckers Lodge (Uttoxeter 2.25).