Finaghy Ayr brings solid form to Kelso

RACING: By the Boardwalk is the way to go for punters at Ludlow

FINAGHY AYR looks the best option in the Kelso Annual Members Chase at the Borders track.

Trained by Ian Duncan, he is far from exposed, especially compared to most of his rivals.

Having lost his way over fences when he first tried them, he did end up with a win over hurdles before injury struck.

After that success he was off for well over a year, but he returned with a win over fences at Carlisle.

Subsequently beaten just a head off 7lb higher at Ayr, on his most recent outing he was still travelling well when departing at Hexham.

His jumping could be the sticking point but, if he stands up, he brings some solid form to the table.

Duncan’s LOCHNELL has only been raised 8lb for a very easy win last time out and had been in consistent form before that.

He is out again in the Newcastle Arms Coldstream Handicap Hurdle and could take all the beating.

TRUSTAN TIMES has been a very good horse in his day and if he was anywhere near what he was he would be a certainty in the Queen Head Hotel Handicap Hurdle.

That he is on the downgrade is not in dispute and he left Tim Easterby to join Mark Walford, but he has been freshened up and if there is life in the old boy, he can go well off a mark of 130.

BY THE BOARDWALK can give trainer Kim Bailey a nice boost at what is the start of big week by winning the Racing UK Handicap Chase at Ludlow.

The nine-year-old struck gold at Market Rasen back in October but has had to settle for minor honours on three subsequent outings, most recently claiming fourth at Taunton at the end of December.

Eased 1lb by the handicapper, By The Boardwalk remains on a workable mark and can make his presence felt if ridden a little closer to the pace. SELECTIONS:

KELSO: 2.10 Ruby Who, 2.40 Finaghy Ayr, 3.10 Lochnell, 3.40 Chidswell, 4.10 Floramoss, 4.40 Trustan Times.

LUDLOW: 2.00 Atirelarigo, 2.30 BY THE BOARDWALK (NAP), 3.00 Discours D’Un Roi, 3.30 Un Prophete, 4.00 Here All Along, 4.30 Zeehan, 5.00 Abbeyview, 5.30 What A Diva.

DOUBLE: By The Boardwalk and Atirelarigo.