NAB A NICE WINNER
NAB WOOD (1.55) looks set to rob the bookies for in-form Nicky Richards on Timeform Day at Kelso.
The gelding last month opened his account over hurdles by slamming Choose A Copper over track and trip.
The seven-year-old looks nicely unexposed over 2m 6f 151y so stands to pull off a winning handicap bow.
TEDTWO (2.25) can claim the Johnston Smillie Novices’ Hurdle for Ben Haslam. The gelding was a stellar second to Asta La Pasta on debut for his yard at Wetherby last month.
That is respectable form so the five-year-old should deliver in another decent contest.
IP UP (2.55) can rise to the challenge in the competitive Church House Hurdle.
Jedd O’Keeffe’s charge improved when hammering Golden Glance at Newcastle last month. The mare scored with plenty left so should shrug off a 6lb penalty upped in class.
EMPIRE STEEL (3.25) looks set to show his mettle for handler Sandy Thomson in the Timeform Chase.
The grey hit back with a cracking second to Fontaine Collonges in a hot event at Wetherby on Boxing Day.
The 10-year-old will not mind dropping to 2m 5f 133y so should star in calmer waters.
The local handler ought to double up with DEDICATED HERO (5.02) in the maiden bumper. The gelding was an eye-catching third to Hazy Glen on his Rules debut at Carlisle in October, a race that is working out extremely well.
SPECIAL RATE (4.0) should make his foes pay in the novices’ handicap chase.
Philip Kirby’s charge relished three miles when thumping Jet Legs here last month so can make light of a 5lb hike.
ESCAPEANDEVADE (4.32) stands to run riot in the Royal Caledonian Hunt Chase. James Ewart’s charge hacked up from Heritier at Sedgefield three weeks ago and remains fairly treated for a weaker event under Brian Hughes.
BACK TOMORROW (4.10) is the best bet on a trappy card at Wolverhampton.
Richard Spencer’s bay hosed up from Zargun at Southwell last month.
The four-year-old won with real authority so should make light of a lenient 4lb hike.