Kelso (Saturday) preview

Eileen Smith's 8 year old hurdler Paper Roses runs at Kelso on Saturday in the 3.05, a handicap over 2m 5f where the going is heavy.

There are 3 or 4 opponents tomorrow who have a bit to prove either on form or on the ability to handle such testing conditions.
Of the remainder, Kinneston Nick's Spirit of Kayf takes a massive drop in class here, but top weight of 12st 1lb, even minus his rider's allowance, is a fair burden to carry on his seasonal return. Becky's Toi Storey acts on heavy, stays this trip and is an improving sort but again this is his first run of the season, and he's had a wind op to boot.
Highway Companion is a novice who ran creditably here a fortnight ago, and this will be his first appearance in a handicap. A free-running type who wears a hood and whilst the trip shouldn't pose a problem, he'll need to settle nonetheless.
Rose has her stable in fine form and her Hitman Fred would have every chance on his bumper form of a couple of years ago. It is quite reasonable to suggest that he can now leave his early hurdles form behind.

And ourselves? Well, our horses have certainly been needing the run and you'd expect Paper Roses to be the same. So, maybe next time.....

Callum is in the saddle, and best of luck to Ron & Eileen Smith and friends.

Paper Roses (Connor) pictured in a recent school

Hexham (Friday) review

Banks O'Houxty finished 5th on his racecourse reappearance at Hexham on Friday. Running over 2 miles, in testing conditions, he was a wee bit fresh in the early stages but settled into a nice rhythm by halfway, travelling kindly for Callum.
Still with the leading group 2 out, a slight mistake put him on the back foot and although tiring behind the leading group, he jumped the last well before being eased on the run-in.

Not a bad effort then, after a 4 year absence!

We'll monitor the gelding closely over the next week or so - he would've been having a fairly easy time of it in any case - but it's hoped this run will have brought him along in fitness terms, and we could go again in 4-5 weeks time.