Horse Racing Tips: Timeform's 3 very best bets at Kelso on Sunday

14:45 Mahlervous (NAP)

Mahlervous caught they eye on his third start over fences at Uttoxeter in October, doing better than all bar one of the hold-up horses and spared a hard race. That race has since proved strong form, with no less than four next-time-out winners emerging from the contest. Mahlervous himself showed much improved form subsequently as well, running well at Sandown last month, just edged out in the last 50 yards by a promising sort who has gone in again since. He is capable of going one better before long and must hold a big chance if staying this longer trip.

15:20 Duc De Grissay (NB)

Duc De Grissay has long looked like the type of horse to excel in staying chases, and he proved as much when landing the odds over three miles here at the end of last season, always looking to have matters in hand. He shaped encouragingly on his return to action at Sedgefield in October, coping well with the hurly-burly of a bigger field than he had previously faced over fences, catching the eye as he stayed on for fourth. That outing is likely to have put an extra edge on him, and he can race off 1 lb lower here, so he must rate a major player, particularly now stepped up further in trip.

14:02 Big Bad Dream (E/W)

5/1 probably isn’t anyone’s idea of an appealing each-way bet, but there is an extra place on offer in this contest, so Big Bad Dream does make appeal at the current prices. Big Bad Dream ran creditably on his return to action at this venue last month, finishing second, but he made very hard work of it, racing lazily for much of the contest.

The refitting of blinkers should help settle him down better here though, and the longer trip should also be in his favour. There are plenty with something to prove in this field, and Big Bad Dream may just be able to capitalise and belatedly open his account.