Shades of Midnight trots up at Kelso

The scene had been set by the 6yr old gelding showing progressive form all through the season, and appreciating the slight drop in class, Shades of Midnight duly recorded his first win of the season.

And he couldn't have timed it any better with Potassium Partnership head honcho Nick Bannerman celebrating a recent birthday in fine style with his partnership cohorts at their local track. Our stable are not prolific in terms of winners at Kelso, but Shady was most impressive yesterday drawing clear unchallenged from 3 out, winning by 26 lengths in the end.
The conditions were very testing and a mixture of low sun and unsafe ground meant that the 2 flights in the home straight, effectively the last and second last, were omitted - a total of 5 jumps omitted in total.

So, where now? There were a lot of tired horses in behind Shady, and we'll have to judge just how much this race has taken out of him. But, he's one of the recent runners to have run to his form for us this year, so we'd be keen to see if he can follow up soon on this victory with the ground in his favour.

Shades of Midnight (Garry)

Bruce placed at Ayr last Tuesday

A couple of days before Shades of Midnight's win at Kelso, Snapping Turtle was fourth in a staying hurdle at Ayr. He probably didn't run anywhere near his best and his form is slightly regressive this year.
He does need a bit of a help from the handicapper.