'The ideal race' for Definitly Red in next segment of Grand National preparation

3.22 Kelso
William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Premier Chase | 2m7½f | Listed | 5yo+ | RTV

Definitly Red, a leading contender for Randox Health Grand National glory in April, warms up for the Aintree showpiece in Kelso’s William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Premier Chase.

The 11-year-old suffered a shock defeat on his only previous visit to the Borders track – he was turned over at 1-6 by Captain Redbeard in a match last February – but has run two rock-solid races this winter in Graded company at Aintree and Haydock, and official figures again make him the one to beat in this Listed race.

“It’s the ideal race for him,” said Ellison, who has the classy stayer declared for Doncaster’s Grimthorpe Chase in case Kelso is called off.

“He’s in very good form and I’m happy with him. It’s the next part of his preparation for Aintree. So far he’s enjoyed a great preparation. I just hope everything goes well at Kelso and we can kick on with him afterwards.”

Paul Nicholls sends Saint Xavier, another who holds the big-race Doncaster engagement, on the long trip north from Ditcheat.

“The race looks perfect for him,” Nicholls said. “He's rated 150 over fences, and the race has cut up well.”

Nicholls is represented by likely favourite Calva D’Auge, the mount of Sam Twiston-Davies, in the Grade 2 William Hill Premier Novices’ Hurdle.

Winner of three of his five starts in Britain, including when proving a length too strong for the 135-rated Fraser Island at Plumpton last time, he looks the sort of typically progressive young horse with which Nicholls excels.

“He has done nothing wrong,” Nicholls said. “He keeps on winning, and two and a quarter miles round there will be fine for him.”

The 133-rated Clondaw Caitlin bids for a four-timer following wins at Wetherby (twice) and Newcastle.

Clondaw Caitlin: bidding for a four-timer at KelsoCredit: John Grossick

However, Ruth Jefferson’s mare may not have beaten a great deal on her latest start, and will need a career-best to win.

That also applies to Cheddleton, whose only defeat in four starts came on his hurdling introduction at Wetherby in November.

Since then he has posted comfortable successes at Bangor and Kelso and fully deserves his place in the line-up.

Alan O’Keeffe, assistant to the five-year-old’s trainer Jennie Candlish, said: “He's done everything right so far and we're looking forward to running him again. He'll cope with the conditions and the extra two furlongs will suit him. He's stepping up in company but it's a small field and he's a course winner.”

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