Brian Hughes: Some nice chances at Kelso
Kelso, Saturday
Ruth Jefferson’s Kerryhill (11:55 am) seems like a nice horse having won a Point-to-Point in Ireland. We’re up against Lucinda Russell’s Cadell, who won at the track last time and also Chance The Robin, who won well at Hexham but they’ve got penalties to deal with. Although it’s my ride’s first time over hurdles, I’d like to think he’ll go well. I sat on him on Thursday and I was impressed so hopefully he can put in a good performance.
Next up is Teescomponentstrig (1:05 pm) who is three days short of 700 days off the track having picked up an injury in 2021. The trainer is confident that he’s working well and is plenty fit enough, so hopefully he can run well following the long layoff.
I’ve got Cardamom Hill (1.40 pm) after that who I thought ran well at Carlisle last time although he didn’t feel as if he came up the hill quite as well as he could have. However, this type of race should suit him and given the way he ran last time, he should definitely be involved. I don’t think he should be as big a price as he is, and I’d like to think he’ll run well in this.
Prince Des Fichaux (2:15 pm) won at Ffos Las for Sam Thomas back in April on soft ground over three miles, but we still think he’s still improving. He’s only had a couple of runs worth of experience over fences, but we’re quietly confident he will be there or thereabouts.
I then ride Carrigeen Castle (2.50 pm) and Lincoln Burrows (3.25 pm) for Micky Hammond. I can’t say I know too much about either of them, but Micky is happy with how they’ve been going and with any luck they can put their best foot forward.
My last ride of the day is aboard Presently (3.55 pm). I rode her both times when trained by the Kublers and now she’s moved to Donald’s [McCain]. She ran pretty well at Uttoxeter last time where she had a good look around when she hit the front.
This sort of track shouldn’t be a problem for her and the ground drying out shouldn’t inconvenience her either, so I’m looking forward to it.
Aintree, Saturday
Minella Trump is a horse I know well, and you’d like to think he’ll run well in the Grand Sefton at Aintree. It will be his first run since the Grand National, but he’s in good form at home. In an ideal world, he’d want good ground, but, having said that, he’s got form on all sorts of ground, so I wouldn’t be too worried if it was on the soft side which it looks like being. I’d imagine his season will be tailored around another tilt at the big one in April.
