UK Horse Racing Tips: Kelso

Smoke Trail has taken well to hurdling, winning here before being set some stiff assignments. A Newbury fourth on his handicap debut wasn't bad but he will do well to successfully concede 8lb to WORD FOR WORD. Having shown some ability on the level, the four-year-old made the best possible start to his hurdling career over C&D and can only improve for the experience, particularly in the jumping department. Nobotheratall made it third-time lucky in bumpers and is fresh for his timber bow.
Prediction : 1st Word For Word 2nd Smoke Trail 3rd Nobotheratall

MISS CARBO didn't really progress in maiden/novice company but she was a different proposition on her handicap debut, winning with something up her sleeve at Hereford. Turned out again quickly under a 7lb penalty, she is 2lb well-in compared to her revised rating and another step up in distance shouldn't be a problem. A busy beginning to 2026 may have taken its toll on Parish Star as she never looked like completing the three-timer at Carlisle. She has had over six weeks to recover, though, and a tongue-tie is fitted. Vanilla Dancer merits respect too.
Prediction : 1st Miss Carbo 2nd Parish Star 3rd Vanilla Dancer

Benefit Ben was still in front when hitting the deck two out at Sedgefield, but this comes soon enough and perhaps a safer option is NIGHTS IN VENICE. Donald Whillans' 10-year-old finally doubled his career tally when justifying favouritism at Ayr and remains on a handy rating, despite going up 4lb. Burgundy Man made the best possible start to his chasing career at Perth to end a long run of minor placings and he is an obvious threat if ready to roll.
Prediction : 1st Nights In Venice 2nd Burgundy Man 3rd Benefit Ben

GUET APENS was a useful stayer on the Flat in France and has taken well to hurdling judged on his victory at Carlisle last month. Now sent handicapping off what appears to be a lenient mark, the step up in trip poses no concerns for the six-year-old who could rack up a sequence. Dedicated Hero has had a mixed campaign but a recent wind operation might aid his cause, while Atlantic Lad is respected on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Guet Apens 2nd Dedicated Hero 3rd Atlantic Lad

ALWAYS A REASON returned to form when runner-up in a series final here 12 days ago and the seven-year-old makes plenty of appeal off just a 1lb higher mark, especially with the extra yardage unlikely to be an issue. My Lady Elektra shaped well on both chase outings over C&D in the autumn and is entitled to be competitive after a break. Others to note are Visual Impact and Lady In The Park.
Prediction : 1st Always A Reason 2nd My Lady Elektra 3rd Visual Impact

DOUBLY BLESSED ran out an impressive winner of a point-to-point last May before being purchased for 65,000 pounds and Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore's gelding gets the vote to make a successful start under Rules. Berkie filled the runner-up spot on his sole appearance between the flags and has to be of interest, while Poets Whisper commands respect for a trainer who is no stranger to bumper winners.
Prediction : 1st Doubly Blessed 2nd Berkie 3rd Poets Whisper