3 minute read
There is jumping in Scotland at Kelso on Monday afternoon and eight races to sort through the form for.
Ann Hamilton's course specialist Bavington Bob was a four-time winner last season, including in this race. The eight-year-old won carrying 11-10 last season and will carry 12-0 this time around and he could well make it back-to-back victories in the Ashleybank Investments Reg And Betty Tweedie Handicap Chase (3.20).
His form has been up and down, but good ground should be more to his suiting. He has dropped to the rating he won this from 12 months ago and could offer some real value in this competitive handicap.
Domandlouis could be his biggest danger after his second over fences at Musselburgh 47 days ago. The six-year-old is less exposed than the rest and will go close.
Trainer Micky Hammond has has a knack of buying promising French jumpers to win at minor tracks in the UK. And Contre Ordre fits that profile.
The five-year-old was pulled up in his last two runs, but he was running a better race last time with headgear applied, only for his saddle to slip.
He comes here under similar conditions, after a 23-pound drop in his handicap mark, and is well worth backing each way if he is bigger than the 14/1 he started at last time out.
Where's Hector is fancied to get his first win in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Handicap Chase (2.45).
He was consistent over hurdles last season and was a narrow second of 7 in a 3m handicap at Wetherby on soft ground 17 days ago.
A 3lb rise seems fair after that effort and he looks a serious contender.
Kelso selections
1.40 Jimmy Chou Pecos AA
2.15 Coniston Clouds
2.45 Where's Hector
3.20 Bavington Bob
3.55 Rae Des Champs
4.30 Baron Briggs
5.05 Speed Davis
5.40 Lisnamult Lad