Chapmanshype bids to see off 11 rivals as racing returns to Kelso

Jamie Snowden bids to build on his excellent Kelso strikerate today as the Borders track stages racing for the first time since 16 March.

The Lambourn trainer, who has saddled two winners from only four previous course runners, is represented by likely favourite Chapmanshype in the featured Great Welfare Auction Handicap Hurdle.

K el so managing director Jonathan Garratt said: “It will be great to see horses back on the track at Kelso with such strong, competitive fields. We really appreciate the support of all the owners and train - ers and when crowds return we would love to reward them with enhanced prize money.”

Already an impressive scorer at Fontwell this summer, topweight Chapmanshype faces 11 rivals in the £15,000 contest, st aged behind closed doors over a trip of nearly 2m 5f.

Former champion conditional rider Gavin Sheehan, whose own K el so record is three wins from only six mounts, is again on board the 142-rated Berkshire raider.

Among the opposition to Chapman shy pea re James Ewart-trained Westland Row ridden by dual Scottish Borders National-winning jockey Rachael Mcdonald and Push The Tempo, a first-ever runner at Kelso for Newport trainer Robert Stephens.

The bumper eight-race card begins with division one of the Radio Borders Cash For Kids Handicap Hurdle.

Chin wag, trained in Wiltshire by Neil Mulholland, was in good form prior to lockdown and bids to give jockey Robbie Dunne a first course strike on only his fourth Kelso ride.

Brian Hughes, crowned top jockey for the first time in the spring, has six mounts at the track where he rode nine winners during his 2019-20 championship campaign.

Elsewhere, Lavender’s Blue had no luck on her most recent trip to S andown, but the Chase more Farm Fortune Stakes back at the Esher venue offers her an excellent chance of consolation. Amanda Perrett’s charge was going for back-to -back victories in last month’s Atalanta Stakes and looked poised to launch her challenge in the mile event before running out of room.

Once Lavender’ s Blue got clear, she finished with real purpose to be beaten just over a length. She had previously been found wanting upped to 10 furlongs in the Nassau and on her reappearance at Ascot in June, but her Sandown run marked something of a return to form, albeit in defeat.

Lavender’s Blue has a bit to find on the ratings with the likes of Zaaki and Motakhayyel, but her fillies’ allowance should put her right in the mix.