Gavin wishing for Almaz-ing effort at Kelso
Gordon Brown Gavin Sheehan is expecting a big run from Almazhar Garde at Kelso.
Charlie Longsdon’s Oxfordshire raider is one of five previous course winners in the line-up for the feature handicap chase over nearly three miles.
Sheehan said: “I rode him when he was a big price in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and he certainly wasn’t disgraced then.
“He won nicely at Kelso in November over shorter and he’s only 3lbs higher this time. I’d say he should come on for Cheltenham which was his first run since the late autumn and the first-time cheekpieces should help.”
Stepping back up in trip should help Keith Dalgleish-trained likely jolly On A Promise.
Meanwhile, Rachael McDonald-ridden Empire De Maulde shaped as if this extra distance shouldn’t be a problem after he stayed on well to win at the Borders track in late December.
Nick Alexander has booked champion jockey Brian Hughes for Wakool in the staying handicap hurdle.
The Kinneston trainer said: “He was a good
second at Musselburgh just before Christmas but then had a slight setback. He seems fine now and could run well if he’s fit enough over this longer trip.”
Alexander also has one of the market principals in the shape of Not The Chablis in the 2m 5f handicap chase and he added: “He won nicely at Musselburgh last month for Sean
Quinlan and they should go close again.
“That was his first win over fences and he did it in convincing style so hopefully there is more to come from him.”
Some 42 years ago Maurice Barnes was winning the Grand National for Scotland aboard Rubstic.
This afternoon the Cumbrian trainer is saddling Argent Et Or in the opening novices’ hurdle and Fisher Green in the 2m 2f handicap hurdle.