14:00 Kelso

I can see STAINSBY GIRL proving hard to beat at Kelso on Friday. This likeable mare is lightly raced for her age and she built on a really encouraging effort when runner-up at Haydock to score over C&D last month, holding off Elvis Mail to make all the running. She will push forward again and may well gallop these into the ground. A 2lb rise looks lenient and she is one I want to keep on side. Elvis Mail is a horse I like too and he ran right up to form when second last time so looks the danger again. McGowan’s Pass ran better when third at Sandown last time and if he builds on that again he could also be in the mix. Word Has It is another one to note but definitely has ground to make up if he is going to reverse the form with a couple of these. Diocletian looks up against it and is opposable despite a wind op.

16:45 Southwell

It was every yard a winning one for MYKONOS ST JOHN tackling this surface for the first time over 7f earlier this month. He never looked like coming back to them and crossed the line with plenty to spare. He escapes a penalty for that given it was an apprentice race and back up to a mile he has plenty going for him again with Jonathan Fisher keeping the ride and claiming a handy 5lb. The change in tactics really did look to benefit him but he is versatile and has won from coming from behind in the past so that doesn’t bother me. The main danger looks to be My Brother Mike who won 3 from 4 last year and was beaten just half a length on return at Wolverhampton. If he builds on that he should be the one asking questions late. Custard The Dragon is also in form so can’t be entirely ruled out either.