Richards has two 'good each-way chances' in £40,000 hurdle

In addition to having high hopes of landing Kelso’s feature £50,000 event with Baywing, trainer Nicky Richards hold two live chances in the £40,000 Edinburgh Gin Handicap Hurdle (3.35) with Takingrisks and Western Rules.

Officially rated 5lb lower over hurdles than fences, Takingrisks, winner of a 3m handicap chase at Ayr last month, will love the heavy ground.

“He’s a good, strong, honest, consistent horse, and a bit better in over hurdles,” said Richards.

“It’s a good old pot for seasoned handicappers and we’re keen to have a go.”

Ryan Day partners Takingrisks, while Craig Nichol will be aboard stablemate Western Rules, also a last-time-out winner at Ayr.

“Western Rules is in good form and at the right end of the handicap,” his trainer said. “Both of mine will handle the ground and go there with good each-way chances.”

Eminent Poet, who finished third to Big River in this race last year off a 2lb lower mark, represents Venetia Williams.

“He’s in good form and goes well on heavy ground,” said Williams. “It looks a more competitive race this time, though, and it will be tough for him.”

Sandy Thomson expects Arthurs Secret, who often rattles the crossbar, to run another solid race off his low weight, while five-time course winner Landecker can also be relied upon to put up a bold performance at his beloved Kelso.

Landecker’s trainer Nick Alexander said: “It’s a step up in class, but he won nicely there in January and his five career wins have all come at Kelso."

Taxmeifyoucan: has won two of his three runs over hurdlesCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

Another £40,000 purse has attracted a highly competitive field of 11 for the totescoop6 Handicap Hurdle (2.25), including likely favourite Taxmeifyoucan.

Winner of two of his three runs over hurdles, the four-year-old’s Kelso win in February has been well and truly franked since by the runner-up Sam’s Gunner, who went on to win a valuable Grade 3 Sandown event by seven lengths from Dentley De Mee.

The Sue Smith-trained Treshnish has also enjoyed a rewarding season, winning a maiden hurdle at Newcastle in December before landing his first handicap at Musselburgh the following month.

He looks just the type to win plenty more races for Smith over the next few years and she said: “He’s a smashing young horse and has done nothing wrong. I am looking to him to run a big race on Saturday.”

She added: “Kelso do a wonderful job with good prize-money all year round. They deserve to get some decent horses up there, and that’s exactly what we need in the north.”

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com