13:30 Kelso

The Donald McCain yard remain in fantastic form at present with a 37% strike rate in the last 14 days (11-30) and I expect GREY SKIES (best priced at 7-4) to remain unbeaten since joining this yard. The six-year-old won a PTP in December before joining McCain and making an impressive hurdling debut when victorious by six lengths at Uttoxeter.

The gelding stayed on strongly over the 2 mile trip that day on good ground and although he is bred to appreciate further, this trip on soft ground should be fine for him. Both himself and Escapeandevade carry a penalty in this contest but I do think he is good enough to remain unbeaten over hurdles with Brian Hughes taking over in the saddle.

Grey Skies - 1pt @ 7/4

16:45 Southwell

MYKONOS ST JOHN (best priced at 15-8) made a winning stable debut for Scott Dixon here 10 days ago and should prove hard to beat in this contest. The five-year-old won three times in a row last year at Wolverhampton, Lingfield and Chelmsford which earnt him a rating of 82 before underperforming on his next few starts for Jamie Osbourne. The gelding had dropped down to a mark of 76 when he made a winning stable debut last time in an apprentice race when he won here over 7f by two lengths so he is well handicapped on old form.

Mykonos St John is unpenalised for that victory so he gets to run here 4lbs “well in” at the weights and he should also be well suited by this step up in trip back to a mile. Jonathan Fisher once again rides but gets to claim with full 5lb allowance in this race and I expect him to prove hard to beat.

Mykonos St John - 1pt @ 15/8