*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change.
13:20 – Malpas
MALPAS was too keen in a bumper at Musselburgh last season, but was set to make a winning start over hurdles at Catterick last month before crashing out at the final flight. He was in the process of making a highly promising debut, going with plenty of enthusiasm and still hard on the bridle two from home, around six lengths up and not stopping when falling at the last. This race appears to have more strength in depth, but he still looks the one to beat granted a clear round.
The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now
13:50 – Protektorat
Only three runners but this looks a good novice chase, and PROTEKTORAT looks to have an excellent opportunity to resume winning ways. He looked a natural when winning his first two starts over fences at Carlisle and Cheltenham, and lost little in defeat when finishing second to a smart type in the Dipper at Wincanton last time. The longer trip is a question mark, but it shouldn’t be too much of a test in this small field, and he is clearly the one to beat on form.
14:20 – Oliver’s Island
OLIVER’S ISLAND has been given a bit of time since recording two wins on very testing ground under this jockey just after Christmas and may be capable of completing the hat-trick on his return in this stronger race. Artic Mann is an obvious threat back at the scene of his win in December, while the Olly Murphy team is in better form now than when Kaproyale was last seen in December so it would be no surprise to see this six-year-old take a step forward.
DON’T MISS
- DON’T MISS OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- … THEN CHECK OUT ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
14:50 – Duc De Grissay
DUC DE GRISSAY didn’t have to improve to open his account over fences in a novice handicap over course and distance on his final start last season, and he shaped encouragingly on his first start for seven months at Sedgefield in October, coping well with the hurly-burly in a bigger field than he is used to running in. He started the 5/2 favourite for a marathon race he had seemingly been laid out for at this course last time, and, on balance would probably have rewarded good support had he not departed at the last. There should be even more to come from him and he is the one to beat.
15:20 – Serious Ego
With the exception of SERIOUS EGO, all of these have either been off the track a while or arrive out of sorts, so he’s very much the percentage call following a smooth win at Haydock a month ago. Minella Charmer and Corrieben Reiver are interesting, while leading connections keep the faith with Vision du Puy and the market will reveal plenty.
15:50 – Heartbeak Kid
HEARTBREAK KID couldn’t keep tabs on the smart Cheddleton when making his chase debut at Carlisle in November, but there’s no disgrace in that given what that rival has gone on to achieve, and he wasn’t overly knocked about. The Donald McCain yard continue to go along nicely and Heartbreak Kid looks a sure-fire improver now handicapping in this sphere from what could prove to be a lenient mark.
16:22 – Kalabaloo
KALABALOO found the Foxhunter at Cheltenham too much on her final start last season and this rates a more suitable assignment on return. The booking of Harry Skelton could be a sign of intent and she made a winning return to Rules last season, so is preferred to African Belle, who is three from five between the Flags and is interesting, whilst Tango de Juilley will command consideration if strong in the betting on his belated return.
16:52 – Lakota Warrior
This could be a good race and LAKOTA WARRIOR looks the way to go for the Skelton team. He was beaten a head in a point by Gerri Colombe, a big-money purchase who won a Fairyhouse bumper as he liked last month for Gordon Elliott, and shaped very promisingly in a well-run Warwick contest for new connections in December. The previous bumper winner Arthur’s Seat and Hector Master are obvious dangers.
Timeform’s tips at Kelso:
13:20 – Malpas
13:50 – Protektorat
14:20 – Oliver’s Island
14:50 – Duc De Grissay
15:20 – Serious Ego
15:50 – Heartbeak Kid
16:22 – Kalabaloo
16:52 – Lakota Warrior
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change.
MORE FRIDAY TIPS:
Our trader’s 3 must see selections at Dundalk on Friday
4 to score at Dundalk on Friday from PPTV
Jason Weaver’s 6 best bets at Dundalk and Southwell on Friday
Read More on Cheltenham 2021
- Cheltenham Festival dates, race times and antepost picks from our experts
- Cheltenham Festival: Are fans allowed to attend?
- Chacun Pour Soi has to deliver on the biggest stages, says Ruby Walsh
- Cheltenham tips: 6 favourites worth following at the 2021 festival
- Cheltenham tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s 5 to thrive in 2021