Race-By-Race Tips: Kelso, Wednesday 18th September

Nick Seddon runs through today's twilight meeting at Kelso and picks out a bet in each race...

Kelso 15:40 - Nietzsche 

Nietzsche has shown plenty of ability in four starts over fences so far, winning twice, and he produced a solid performance to finish second in a strong race on his first start in handicap company at Cartmel last month. He’s the one to beat here on the back of that now switched back into novice company, and gets a confident vote in what’s likely to develop into a match race between him and Newtown Boy, who showed enough over hurdles to suggest he can be a force over fences, but has something to prove after unseating on his chasing debut at Market Rasen in May. 

Kelso 16:15 - Glorious Lady

Glorious Lady made the perfect start to her hurdling career when just getting her nose in front on debut at Bangor last time out, and she looks capable of completing a quick-fire double considering that there should be more to come from her yet. The more-experienced Le Milos would be a big threat if replicating the form he showed when winning at Sandown in March, while Glorious Lady’s stablemate Gennady is another to consider. 

Kelso 16:45 - Damiens Dilemma

A wide-open, 12-runner handicap chase, in which it could be worth taking a chance on Damiens Dilemma each-way. He produced his best effort for a while when finishing second over further here last time out, and provided the quick turnaround doesn’t cause any issues, he can take advantage of his slipping mark by going close once again. Ever So Much is a big threat under a 3 lb penalty after returning to winning ways at Sedgefield last time out, while Ballycrystal Court and Zolfo complete the shortlist. 

Kelso 17:15 - Canford Thompson 

Canford Thompson has been kept busy of late, but he’s clearly thriving at the moment, and showed a good attitude when getting back to winning ways over two miles here eight days ago. He escapes a penalty for that here with that success coming in a conditional jockeys race, and his claims are obvious provided his recent busy spell doesn’t catch up with him. Gris de Pron is another last-time-out winner who deserves plenty of respect, while The Herds Garden has been holding his form well for the Donald McCain team at the moment, and should be thereabouts once again. 

Kelso 17:45 - Theflyingportrait

A good-quality race for the time of year, in which it looks worth siding with Theflyingportrait. Admittedly, he’s been more miss than hit so far this year, but he has shown patches of his true self, and has been given time to freshen up since disappointing on his most recent start at Perth in July. Arriving here 5 lb lower than his last winning mark, there’s every chance that the break will have done the trick with Theflyingportrait, and it will be disappointing if he can’t go close at the very least off his current terms. Tidal Watch fell at Newton Abbot last time out, but has shown enough to think that he will be able to win a race of this nature sooner rather than later, while Ballyvic Boru and the thriving Ardera Cross can’t be discounted in a wide-open affair. 

Kelso 18:15 - One Night In Milan

It’s difficult to look past One Night In Milan, who’s been in excellent form since joining Keith Dalgleish last year, winning four races from seven starts, and should be able to shrug off a 6 lb penalty provided he’s in the same mood as when running out a commanding winner over course and distance eight days ago. Aye Right signed off with a win when last seen at Ayr in April, and will be a big threat if fully tuned up on reappearance. 

Kelso 18:45 - Notawordofalie

There isn’t a lot of meaningful form to go off in Kelso’s finale, meaning that Notawordofalie is a confident selection. It isn’t too often that Coolmore have a runner in their colours up in the Scottish Borders, but Notawordofalie sets the standard here based on what she’s shown in two bumper starts so far, and can take advantage of her talented rider’s 3 lb claim by getting off the mark at the third time of asking. Elle Est Grande makes some appeal on paper and is worth keeping an eye on in the market on her debut, while Cast In Grey was a solid second at Killarney last time out and is another to consider on debut for her new yard.