Skyhill seeks third win

Hamilton’s seven-year-old back at Kelso after defeat at Newcastle

SKYHILL can get back to form in the Belhaven Brewery Handicap Hurdle at Kelso after his four-race winning run came to an end with defeat at Newcastle.

Two of those four victories came at the borders venue – which stages today’s meeting behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic – and a third win of the season beckons in this stamina test for the Alison Hamilton’s sevenyear-old.

Elsewhere on the card, CULTRAM

ABBEY goes to Kelso a fresh horse after a light campaign when he lines up for the Buy New Timeform Horses To Follow Handicap Chase, run over an extended two and three-quarter miles.

The 13-year-old was fifth at this track on his only outing over the winter in December after being on a break since May.

Nicky Richards’ veteran seems sure to contest this race as he has won twice at the course and is a regular there.

IVILNOBLE can claim a first career victory in the Westons Cider Novices’ Handicap Chase at Hereford.

The seven-year-old has yet to fire this season, finishing only one of three races run when fifth of seven in a novice handicap chase at Leicester in December.

That effort saw the gelding only five lengths behind the winner, however, with the first two home stepping up to graded contests since.

His most recent effort suggests he has more to offer, after the Charlie Manntrained gelding travelled well for a long way at Wincanton and was challenging when blundering at the last flight and unseating his jockey.

SELECTIONS

HEREFORD: 2.20 Imperial Icon, 2.50 IVILNOBLE (NAP), 3.20 Demachine, 3.50 Wayfinder, 4.20 Jurys Out, 4.50 The Edgar Wallace.

KELSO: 2.10 Baboin, 2.40 Kalaharry, 3.10 Skyhill, 3.40 Bonny Houxty, 4.10 Cultram Abbey, 4.40 Project Mars.

SOUTHWELL: 2.00 Silent Steps, 2.30 Little Light, 3.00 Atomix, 3.30 Shantou Vow, 4.00 City Never Sleeps, 4.30 Hang Tough.

DOUBLE: Ivilnoble and Skyhill.

● All racing in Britain is set to go behind closed doors this week, initially until the end of the month.

The Cheltenham Festival went ahead last week, as did meetings over the weekend, but that now looks like changing, with the sport’s leaders preparing to act.

A statement issued by the BHA read: “Racing industry leaders are preparing to hold race meetings without spectators and to ensure that the competitors and participants attending only do so under strict conditions.”

PA. Truckers Lodge was a decisive winner of the Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday, beating Captain Drake and Joe Farrell by 18 lengths.