'He ran a first-rate race over this trip and enhanced his Coral Cup prospects'

Racing at Kelso on Saturday provided pointers to some of the big spring meetings. Find out the key details, market moves and reaction from the big races below.

2.40 Kelso

bet365 Premier Chase (Listed), 2m7½f

What happened?

There was a thrilling finish to this event as outsiders Nuts Well and Hill Sixteen battled it out after the last in what looked a gruelling test over the trip.

Victory went to the former, who kept on willingly for Brian Hughes to provide another big-race success for Ann Hamilton. The eleven-year-old defeated National entry Hill Sixteen by a length, with favourite Espoir De Romay three lengths back in third.

The winning time

Nuts Well crossed the line in 6m 13.60s, slow by 30.60s compared to Racing Post standard on ground described as soft, heavy in places.

Ante-post market moves

Hill Sixteen was cut to 40-1 (from 50) for the Grand National with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook.

What do our experts reckon?

Although the form wouldn't be totally reliable with Espoir De Romay perhaps needing the run and Itchy Feet being pulled up it was a fine performance with a penalty by Nuts Well, who jumped so much better than when pulled up in the Sky Bet Chase. It was his first win over three miles, and as he is just as effective on drier ground he should go well at Ayr or Aintree with three miles now an option. Hill Sixteen ran a fine race in second and as he is unlikely to make the cut in the National he could be an interesting runner in the Scottish version a week earlier if the ground doesn't dry out too much. Stablemate Dingo Dollar finished fifth but also ran a fair trial for the Scottish National, in which he finished second last season, on unsuitable ground.
Colin Russell, analyst

Full result and replay

3.15 Kelso

bet365 Morebattle Hurdle (Handicap Hurdle), 2m

What happened?

Cormier, a winner at Cheltenham on his previous start, galloped on relentlessly to land this £100,000 event for Sean Quinlan and Brian Ellison. He could scoop owners Dan Gilbert and Andrew Bruce another £100,000 if following up at the Cheltenham Festival, with entries in the Coral Cup and County Hurdle.

Saint D'Oroux and Faivoir completed the placings, while dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air finished ninth on his first start of the season.

The winning time

The two hurdles in the home straight were omitted due to low sun, with the winning time of 3m 56.50s slow by 16.50s compared to Racing Post standard.

Ante-post market moves

Paddy Power shortened Cormier to 12-1 (from 20) for the County Hurdle and 16-1 (from 25) for the Coral Cup.

What do our experts reckon?

With only four of the eight hurdles being jumped this was more of a trial for the Chester Cup than the Cheltenham Festival. The lack of hurdles didn't play to the strengths of Buveur D'Air though he got very tired after his long layoff and trailed in a well-beaten ninth. It was the seasoned handicappers that came to the fore with Cormier, a Cheltenham winner on Trials day, travelling well before winning off this career-high mark. He's progressive and should go well in the County Hurdle. Faivoir, third in this race for the second year in succession, also holds a County Hurdle entry while Saint D'Oroux, who had won over 2m5f here last time (form franked by the easy win of Famous Bridge in the 2.05 here) ran a first-rate race over this shorter trip and enhanced his prospects for the Coral Cup.
Colin Russell, analyst

Full result and replay

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