3 minute read

The team return with two selections over jumps – an exciting handicap prospect from Hexham, and a pick in the Grade 2 feature from Exeter…

Kelce looks poised to take advantage of a fair handicap mark in the First Class Catering From Falcons Events Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase (1:02) at Hexham on Friday.

Neil Mulholland's gelding was unlucky not to win last time out, staying on well despite making a jumping error at the last. He appeared to be somewhat one-paced throughout the contest, which would indicate a step up to three miles should be more suitable.

The six-year-old needs good ground, and should get his conditions at Hexham. It is also telling that he is Neil Mulholland's only runner on the card, which is notable when considering the distance between his base in Bath and the Northern course. He enjoys a 33% strike rate when sending them to Hexham, which should be factored into considerations.

WIN – KELCE – 2/1

Jpr One held his own in Grade 1 company last season and should go close today in the Grade 2 BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2:25) at Exeter.

Joe Tizzard's inmate was arguably the best two-mile novice chaser in Britain last year. He was ly unlucky not to claim a second Grade 2 at Cheltenham when sent off a well-backed 6/5 favourite for the Arkle Trial at the November meeting, before unshipping Brendan Powell with the race at his mercy. An official rating of 149, then, doesn't look especially taxing.

With the Tizzard team in red-hot form at the moment, one would expect him to be fit and up to the task of landing the £60,000 pot on seasonal reappearance – especially considering the Tizzard family record in the race, winning two of the last three renewals.

The seven-year-old is evidently highly thought of at home, and this looks to be an excellent opportunity to get his campaign off to a winning start.

WIN – JPR ONE – 11/4