Gambled-on Flower Of Scotland the National pick for Borders king Thomson

Sunday: Kelso

Sandy Thomson is usually the trainer to note when it comes to the Scottish Borders National and he came up trumps again when the heavily backed Flower Of Scotland made light of the gruelling conditions.

Thomson, whose stables are just eight miles from the track, was registering his fifth success in the 4m½f handicap chase.

Flower Of Scotland, representing long-time owner Ray Green, was available at 7-1 in the morning but was backed down to 100-30 as the rain arrived.

She travelled sweetly through the race for Danny McMenamin and after taking it up at the second-last pulled clear to defeat Clonguile Way by six lengths.

“It’s a race I target as it’s close to home but also because we have a lot of staying chasers,” said Thomson.

“I might have had six winners now but Duc De Grissay came down at the last and presented the race to Ray’s horse Dino Boy in 2020. I’m delighted that Ray was on my side this time.”

Thomson was also represented by The Ferry Master and Donna’s Diamond but he said: “Once it started raining Flower Of Scotland was always going to be the one. She had an excellent chance based on her run in a hurdles race at Ayr on January 2 as the form has worked out so well.”

Thomson sent out Neptune Equester and Harry The Viking to win the race twice and all being well Flower The Scotland will attempt to repeat the feat in 12 months’ time. In the meantime her next target is likely to be Newcastle’s Eider Chase.

Thomson was rounding off another good day, having landed the opening 2m maiden hurdle with Carcaci Castle.

Game Ned

Ned Tanner produced a game effort to defeat the favourite Git Maker in the 2m7½f limited handicap chase.

Trainer Nick Alexander said: “He scared himself when making an error on his chasing debut here but he’s had plenty of practice since then.”

Results and analysis

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