Noah is now on an upward Ark
Noah And The Ark took a big step forward at Stratford a month ago and, although penalised, can follow up at Kelso.
That was in a Class 3 novice hurdle, when he drew clear from Panko in the straight, and that runner-up is an 81-rated flat winner.
Today’s race lacks quality in depth, but Mike Smith has an interesting runner in Astute Boy, who was a winner on the level for Harry Fry.
But Noah And The Ark has excellent claimer Harrison Beswick on board again, his 7lb allowance negating the winner’s penalty.
Green Zone is still a well-handicapped hurdler and today’s twomile-five-furlong trip looks ideal now, as indicated by his recent Perth win.
That was over a furlong shorter, off a mark of 90, and today’s 6lb rise still leaves Lisa Harrison’s charge well in.
Last July the sevenyear-old rattled up a hattrick, twice at Perth and one at Uttoxeter, the last of these off 105.
Never A Word may find the ground against him, and maybe Marju’s Quest can get his head in front after a 29-month wait?
He was still in the lead at the last at Market Rasen last time and has two-and-a-half furlongs less to last out today.
selections
NAP – Noah And The Ark (Kelso 3.25). DOUBLE – Green Zone (Kelso 5.25) (Last week, Ocelot. 1st. 3/1). TREBLE – Marju’s Quest (Uttoxeter 2.0).
late wire
Commanche Red’s bumper form makes him of interest in the maiden hurdle, where he runs with a soft-ground win to commend his chance. SELECTION Commanche Red (Uttoxeter 3.0).