Knockara Beau has made a promising start to his career over fences and should be suited by the trip, track and underfoot conditions in the Kelso 12.50 tomorrow. The race is named after former Scottish National winner Paris Pike (pictured below).
Although he is a 9 year old Money Trix has very few miles on the clock. He is 3 from 3 at Kelso, will like the ground and can land the 1.20.
The Borders National over 4 miles at 2.20 could turn into a bit of a slog and I have to admit that my selection, Garleton, is trying the trip for the first time. However he is in form having won his last two starts and has been finishing his races strongly. His stable had a winner today which is encouraging.
Hollins made a promising hurdles debut when 3rd at Hexham where he faded in the closing stages. Over a shorter trip tomorrow in the 2.50 he should go well.
The two to concentrate on in the Warwick 12.40 look to be Copper Bleu and Aigle D’Or. Copper Bleu shape as though he would come on for the run when 3rd at Exeter and the winner of the race has since won again. Aigle D’Or represents a stable bang in form and with AP McCoy in the saddle has to command respect but my preference is for Copper Bleu.
Former winning Irish pointer Sandynow was 4th at Ludlow over 4 miles on his hurdles debut on good ground. He won his point to point on heavy ground so hopefully will put up a bold show over 2 miles 5 in the 2.40.
At Punchestown Hugo De Vindecy has been knocking on the door and should gain a deserved win in the 12.35.
The Grade 1 Chase at 2.05 features the first and second from last season’s Power’s Gold Cup, Aran Concerto and Barker as well as Joncol who was second to Tranquil Sea giving that horse 9 lbs back in October. They will all handle the ground and I expect Aran Concerto and Joncol to contest the finish.
Lenabane, a half brother to Moscow Flyer, has been placed on both his starts over fences and with the benefit of that experience can hopefully get off the mark in the 2.35.
The picture of Paris Pike is by kind permission of the artist Jenny Lupton.
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