Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Kelso & Newbury Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Kelso 2.25 – Handicap Hurdle
Nordic Tiger (8/1) has a big each-way chance in this handicap hurdle.
He’s gone well at Kelso previously and, while he hasn’t been at his best on recent starts, he usually comes alive at this time of year.
I expect him to be ridden a bit more positively and hopefully that will spark him back into life as, on his best form, he’d have a big chance in what looks like an ideal race for him.
Megan’s Tips: Nordic Tiger EW
Newbury 2.40 – Handicap Chase
Theatre Man (5/1) will be carrying my money here.
It’s his first start after a wind operation but he can go well fresh and plenty of his form from earlier in the season has been boosted.
I think he’ll enjoy the decent ground and should go well.
Megan’s Tip: Theatre Man WIN
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Kelso 3.00 – Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle
The one I like the look of here is Surrey Belle (9/2 fav).
She drops down to the minimum trip of two miles but that doesn’t concern me too much.
She was very impressive at Newcastle last time where she jumped much better than she had previously. If she can build on that she could still be a few pounds ahead of the handicapper.
As I said, the drop back in trip doesn’t worry me as I think the race at Newcastle will have taught her a lot and I can see her coming home really strong up the Kelso hill.
Megan’s Tips: Surrey Belle WIN
Newbury 3.15 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
If Jasmine Bliss (9/2 fav) can handle the better ground she should take a bit of beating.
That’s the chief concern as she was impressive at Southwell last time and the team have always thought plenty of her.
She’s improving all the time and, providing the ground is OK for her, she’s the one I think they’ve all got to beat.
Megan’s Tip: Jasmine Bliss WIN
Kelso 3.35 – Handicap Chase
Gold Des Bois (7/2) drops down in grade which will definitely help, while he also seems to go better in smaller fields.
He’s grown up a bit and the switch to Sandy Thomson’s yard seems to have got a really good tune out of him.
He’s run well at Kelso before and that in combination with a weaker race than the one he was pulled up in at Musselburgh last time should see him to much better effect.
Megan’s Tip: Gold Des Bois WIN
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation