Can Winston C deliver a first winner at the course for Harry Fry?

2.25 KelsoBernhard Lighting Rig Handicap Hurdle |Class 2 | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

KEY HORSES & QUESTIONS

Can Winston C get Fry off the mark?

Harry Fry rarely sends runners to Kelso, with only three so far in his career, and he is aiming for a first winner at the Borders track with Winston C.

The five-year-old will need to display levels of fortitude his namesake would have been proud of after journeying up from Dorset, as the race has attracted an extremely competitive field.

But Winston C is a hurdler on the upgrade, having won two of his three starts since joining Fry off the Flat, and he starts life in handicaps off a mark of 137.

The trainer said: "It’s a bit unfortunate he went up 11lb for winning a novice hurdle at Sandown as I’d much rather have that in hand still, but that’s how it is.

"He seems in good form and hopefully the relatively tight nature of the handicap will play to his strengths."

Is Ingleby Hollow well treated?

Like Winston C, Ingleby Hollow has made a successful transition from the Flat to hurdling this winter, having bagged a pair of wide-margin wins at Sedgefield.

Ingleby Hollow: has taken well to hurdlingCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The seven-year-old will be partnered by Aidan Coleman for the first time, with Richard Johnson having been aboard the last twice.

Trainer David O'Meara said: "He's done well this winter and won two small races round Sedgefield. He's in a handicap for the first time and we'll just have to see what his mark is like."

Could local challenger repel rivals?

Winston C and the Tom George-trained Champagne City may be prominent in the betting, but it is a race that has been dominated by northern yards.

There is a strong contingent from Yorkshire, but Sandy Thomson is hoping Saint Leo can strike for the locals.

He said: "He seemed to be running a nice race last time when he fell. The ground is slightly going to be a bit quicker than he might want but he's a nice horse.

"He's more of a chaser but this is a really good prize so it's worth having a go."

What they say

Sue Smith, trainer of Joke Dancer
He's going there in good form. We went to Cheltenham but didn't run him as the ground was very soft. He won last time at Newcastle and we're quite hopeful he can improve again.

James Ewart, trainer of Aristo Du Plessis
He's in as good a heart as he's ever been at home but it's a hugely competitive handicap hurdle, probably as strong as we've had all season in the north. It will take a bit of winning but I'd hope he has place claims.

Nick Alexander, trainer of Ted Veale
I've been very pleased with him and he seems in great form. He's a very honest horse and always seems to run his race. It's hard to see him winning but I wouldn't be surprised if he pops up in a place.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Royal Reserve
He's undoubtedly a little bit better on good ground and held up off a strong pace on that type of surface is really his thing, but he won the other day at Newcastle when it was good to soft. He has a light weight and needs to be held up so hopefully he can come through at the end.

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