As a busy weekend of racing action gets underway, our horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has meticulously analysed the competitive card at Kelso to deliver his expert Friday tips. Using the best odds from leading betting sites, Doidge identifies value picks across five key races, offering insights into form, conditions, and potential upsets.
Johnston Smillie Novices' Hurdle (Kelso, 13.30)
This competitive opener on a good Kelso card presents a challenging start, with the suggestion falling on They Want Me, representing the Donald McCain stable. While Kaka’s Cousin and Kocktail Bleu have solid claims—the latter particularly well-placed at these weights—both face concerns over the testing ground conditions forecasted, which may not suit their preferences.
In contrast, the selection has proven form on heavy ground, having won his point on testing terrain and secured a victory over course and distance last time out. Although he has a bit to find on strict form comparisons, his improving experience and adaptability make him a valuable alternative to the market leaders on betting platforms.
Friday Racing Tip 1: They Want Me (13.30, Kelso) – 1pt win @ 7/2 (Bet365)Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Kelso, 14.00)
This race might prove more competitive than initial appearances suggest, with several runners on marks that could allow them to make an impact. However, Judicial Deference arrives in top form, seeking a hat-trick after wins at Musselburgh and Haydock, both on good to soft ground.
Despite a 7lb rise for a 2½ length success at Haydock, the form received a boost when Under The Radar, the horse he beat, performed well at Newbury last week. With slightly further to travel this time, there is scope for the selection to eke out more improvement, especially given his ability on soft ground from his point-winning days.
Friday Racing Tip 2: Judicial Deference (14.00, Kelso) – 1pt win @ 5/2 (Betfred)Racing TV Club Day Handicap Hurdle (Kelso, 14.30)
A two-mile contest with an open look, this race sees the suggestion of Lance Les Des, who improved last time and enters handicaps from a workable mark of 105. Having already raced three times at Kelso and shown capability on testing ground, he benefits from the expertise of trainer Nick Alexander, who has a strong record at the track.
While he can be backed each-way, there is optimism that he may step up further to secure a win, making him a compelling pick in this qualifier.
Friday Racing Tip 3: Lance Les Des (14.30, Kelso) – 1pt each-way @ 13/2 (Bet365)Racing's Best Ratings With Timeform Handicap Chase (Kelso, 15.00)
This staying handicap chase, though not drawing huge fields, presents a trappy challenge with five of the six declared runners being exposed and closely matched. The bottom weight, King Of Answers, stands out as less experienced and unexposed, with just nine career starts and three over fences.
Representing Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, he already boasts course and distance winning form from a novices’ handicap chase two months ago. Despite a less impressive run at Wetherby last time, a 1lb drop and potential for improvement over fences, combined with the weight advantage in testing conditions, make him a hopeful selection against more seasoned rivals.
Friday Racing Tip 4: King Of Answers (15.00, Kelso) – 1pt win @ 2/1 (BetMGM)Every Horse, Every Race, At timeform.com Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Kelso, 15.35)
With only six runners, this chase remains challenging. Last time winner Milcree, under Nicky Richards’ patient handling, and Moon Phases from the Russell-Scudamore yard are both improving and feared. Welsh raider Queensbury Boy and Young Jack, sporting first-time cheekpieces, also have claims.
However, the suggestion is the rank outsider I Am Max, each-way. Sandy Thomson’s string is in good form, and this eight-year-old returns to his last winning mark at Kelso, with a shorter trip making this mudlark an attractive proposition for an upset, backed each-way to two places.
Friday Racing Tip 5: I Am Max (15.35, Kelso) - 1pt each-way @ 7/1 (Virgin Bet)Gamble Responsibly
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