Today's Horse Racing Tips: Mania to feel the Goodtimes at Kelso

Kelso's seven-race National Hunt card survived its early inspection, so our man Steve Chambers turns his attentions to the action north of the border, and he's picked out his three best bets on the card...

13:00 Kelso

Sandy Thomson's GOODTIMES BADTIMES broke his maiden tag at Ayr two starts ago, but was unable to follow up off a 9lbs higher mark when third at Newcastle earlier this month. However, that was a very competitive contest at the north east track, and while he's been given a 2lbs rise for that effort, and lines up off 97 today, he looks more than capable of continuing his excellent form and he can claim glory in the 13:00 at Kelso on Friday afternoon.

14:00 Kelso

Donald McCain's WORD HAS IT ended last season with two taking wins at Carlisle and Kelso, and the eight-year-old will return to the latter this afternoon to try and claim glory in the 14:00. Tried over fences on his first start this season, the McCain raider was a faller, so the team opted to send him back over hurdles for his last outing. Given a mark of 130 for his handicap debut, Word Has It ran creditably to finish third, where he was beaten by Stainsby Girl. Doing battle again this afternoon, Word Has It is significantly better off at the weights today, and he can duly turn that form around and get his head in front.

15:05 Kelso

Not out of the first three on all seven chase starts, Ann Hamilton's PAY THE PIPER has become a real solid performer over the larger obstacles, and he can duly record his third success over fences on Friday by landing the win in the 15:05 at Kelso. Last seen finishing a decent second behind Kiltealy Briggs in a novice chase at Musselburgh, the seven-year-old will return to the handicap sphere today, and off 142 he has to be a major player. Cheekpieces are applied today, which should certainly help his cause, and the ultra-consistent performer can down the likes of Empire Steel and The Mighty Arc.