UK Horse Racing Tips: Kelso

Immortal Fame posted a career-best performance when completing a double at Ascot in December and he must enter calculations. However, he's effectively 17lb higher in the ratings without Cameron Iles' claim so it may be worth taking him on with handicap debutant NAB WOOD. Nicky Richards' gelding was quite taking when landing a novice hurdle over C&D last month and a rating of 114 could underestimate his true ability. Eloi Du Puy has the form to feature too.
Prediction : 1st Nab Wood 2nd Immortal Fame 3rd Eloi Du Puy

Although PRIMOZ was ultimately disappointing when finishing down the field in a Grade 2 at Haydock in late November, it's still early days for Lucinda Russell's gelding. Previous to that effort, he got the better of two subsequent winners at Ayr and, with his stable in flying form, the six-year-old is taken to regain the winning thread. Tedtwo posted a solid second on his stable bow at Wetherby last month and is feared most, ahead of Alnilam and Ballyfort.
Prediction : 1st Primoz 2nd Tedtwo 3rd Alnilam

Ilanz appeared better than ever when landing a 15-runner handicap hurdle at Wincanton on his seasonal bow last month. He warrants respect in his follow-up bid, but an 8lb rise may be enough to thwart him. The downgraded CARNFUNNOCK has some fair form in the book this season and a return to two miles may be enough for the seven-year-old to register a third victory in this discipline. Ginger Mail and Ip Up are sure to have their supporters too.
Prediction : 1st Carnfunnock 2nd Ilanz 3rd Ginger Mail

Nells Son wasn't disgraced when fourth over an extended 2m at Doncaster and he is 1lb lower now so is an interesting contender stepping back up in distance. However, the vote goes to EMPIRE STEEL, who wasn't beaten far into third over 3m2f here before occupying the runner-berth in the Rowland Meyrick. He has had wind surgery since and can repeat his victory of two years ago in this contest. Top-weight Richmond Lake looks the best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Empire Steel 2nd Nells Son 3rd Richmond Lake

SPECIAL RATE is three from four over fences after securing a C&D victory by just over two lengths when denying a hot favourite. Philip Kirby's gelding is 5lb higher now, but he is clearly improving at a rapid rate of knots and can continue his progression. Imperial Merlin was well held on his chase debut here in December but could easily take a step forward, with improvement likely. Giovinco would take all the beating but he is also scheduled to appear at Newcastle on Thursday.
Prediction : 1st Special Rate 2nd Imperial Merlin 3rd Giovinco

Escapeandevade was able to exploit a drop in the ratings when winning at Sedgefield three weeks ago and he merits respect off 5lb higher, but it might pay to side with DUBAI DAYS. Nick Alexander's charge took a step in the right direction when fourth here recently and, from 1lb below his last winning mark, this could be a good opportunity. Marshalled can chase the pair home, ahead of Salamanca Bay.
Prediction : 1st Dubai Days 2nd Escapeandevade 3rd Marshalled

There was lots to like about YAKALEO's Musselburgh debut, where he finished hot on the heels of the front two despite finding trouble approaching the furlong pole. That form has since been franked and with improvement on the cards, Nicky Richards' charge can strike. Cushendun has produced a similar level of form across both of his career starts and must enter calculations along with the Lucinda Russell pair of Caledonian Pearl and Santapietra.
Prediction : 1st Yakaleo 2nd Cushendun 3rd Caledonian Pearl