December 04 / 13.05 Kelso

13.05

Good To Soft

125 Years Of Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £26467.56
  • 4m 0f 90y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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125 Years Of Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1444-3 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Untested beyond an extended 3m2f but she ran well when third at stiff Carlisle (3m2f, soft) on her reappearance in October and her in-form trainer, who won this four times in a row between 2014-2018, does well in marathon events; she's 2-2 at Kelso and could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Rated much higher back in the day but she was out of form last season and no sign of turning things around this campaign.

25/1

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

in rear

25/1

7

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

16:00 Carlisle

Flower Of Scotland

10st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

never going well, always behind, pulled up after 9th

7/1

16/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: -F1505

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on both starts this autumn, most recently at Cheltenham, and he's 3lb out of the handicap; however, this four-time winner (2m6f-3m1f) has hinted on occasions he could be suited by a marathon trip, and his Irish trainer has a 2-2 record at Kelso; no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Clonguile Way

10st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Andrew Crook

in rear

100/1

12

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Clonguile Way

10st 10lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Andrew Crook

in rear

100/1

5

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:02 Hexham

Clonguile Way

11st 8lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Andrew Crook

Ex-Irish; not the force of old and, having shown little in two runs after a break for present yard, is best watched for now.

100/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 1/5-23

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Returned from absence with good second over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) last month and stayed on into fair third when back over fences at Fontwell (3m3f, good to soft) last time; he's well served by a marathon trip and is not ruled out now back up in distance; versatile ground-wise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

11th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 85y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Cyclop

11st 4lb

J: William Maggs

T: David Dennis

prominent

12/1

Form: F15221

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Won at Cartmel (2m5f, good to soft) in June and was suited by the step up in trip when landing the Durham National at Sedgefield (3m5f, good) in October; this 7yo, who ran well on testing ground earlier in his career, could have more to offer at marathon trips and is on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

30th Dec 2022

Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

All About Joe

10st 9lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

Successful summer/autumn, culminating in Durham National win at Sedgefield (3m5f, good) under Alan Doyle; shaped as if he stayed 4m in the Borders National at Kelso last time but that soft-ground fourth was well below the Sedgefield form, prompting a concern about soft or heavy ground today.

16/1

4th

3

4th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

4m 0f 90y

Class 3

13:05 Kelso

All About Joe

11st 0lb

J: Alan Doyle

T: Andrew Hamilton

in rear, jumped slightly right 10th

5/1

2nd

6

29th Aug 2022

Good

3m 1f 107y

Class 2

15:24 Cartmel

All About Joe

10st 5lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Andrew Hamilton

prominent early, dropped to rear after 2nd, not fluent 4th, dropped to last and became detached 6th, pushed along 12th, ridden but still plenty to do after last, kept on strongly run-in, went second final 110yds, always held

6/1

Form: 9021-3

Last run: 220 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten over 3m5f at Fairyhouse in November 2021 on her sole run beyond an extended 3m, but seemed fine at the trip and she's often hinted she may be suited by an extreme test of stamina; in good form over hurdles and fences when last seen in the spring and this Irish-trained mare could have a big say with Jack Hogan removing a valuable 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

3rd Mar 2024

Soft

3m 4f 61y

16:35 Leopardstown

Fiveaftermidnight

10st 11lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Four-time winner; completely tailed off at Down Royal in January but better judged on her previous second in a veterans' chase at Limerick; each-way chance.

20/1

5th

6

23rd Jan 2024

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 0y

16:00 Down Royal

Fiveaftermidnight

11st 2lb

J: P J O’Hanlon

T: P J Rothwell

Most recent of her four wins was over hurdles in April 2022; the stable is enjoying a fine season and positives can be taken from her second in a five-runner veterans' contest at Limerick.

5/1

2nd

3

29th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 6f 120y

12:20 Limerick

Fiveaftermidnight

10st 12lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: P J Rothwell

Never really involved at Roscommon albeit she stuck to her guns really well to bag a modest fourth; jumping left a bit to be desired on that occasion and if she has ironed out those frailties, she should hold her own here.

5/2

Form: 2275-2

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Consistent 9yo who was second in this last year (soft) and the absence of headgear (same today) was no barrier to a good run when second on his reappearance at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) in October; could be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Cash To Ash

10st 8lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

in touch with leaders on outer

9/1

5

11th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 20y

Class 3

15:55 Ayr

Cash To Ash

11st 5lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

3rd

2

15th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

16:20 Wetherby

Cash To Ash

11st 12lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Has a record of 0-10 at Wetherby but last four attempts over C&D have resulted in form figures of 2223, most recently third on latest outing; held by East Street on that effort but should give his running; second in this race two years ago.

11/2

Form: 13-212 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Did well in the spring after joining this yard, with two wins (3m5f/3m3f, good to soft/good), and he returned from a break with a close second of four at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft) last month; this 8yo may still have more to offer and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

raced in second, pulled up quickly before 11th

12/1

6

7th May 2024

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:20 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

raced in second, pulled up quickly before 11th

12/1

0

2

19th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 5f 24y

Class 4

13:40 Fakenham

Wake Up Early

12st 2lb

J: Cillin Leonard

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Scored over C&D (good to soft) in 2022 and was placed in Norfolk National over C&D (good) in May; disappointed on both appearances last month but returns here on a good mark and is sure to appreciate the ease in grade.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1143-7 CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 12st 1lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 141

Form & Verdict
12yo who was soundly beaten here on last month's reappearance but may have needed the run; won this last year (soft) and scored at Kelso for the eighth time when following up here (2m7f, good to soft) in January; now just 1lb above that last winning mark and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Big River

11st 2lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

held up in rear on inner, niggled along 6th

16/1

3rd

2

15th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:00 Kelso

Big River

11st 11lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

in touch with leaders on inner

11/2

1

4th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

4m 0f 90y

Class 3

13:05 Kelso

Big River

12st 1lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

in touch with leaders, jumped slightly right and bumped rival 8th, towards rear after 12th, bad mistake before 20th

13/2

Form: 5429-5 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Course winner who was fourth in the Scottish National in April 2021 and went close at Newcastle this March; has been given a chance by the handicapper and represents an in-form yard, but his profile was patchy last season and he failed to shine on his reappearance; claims aren't compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

28th Jan 2024

Good

2m 7f 214y

Class 4

13:25 Doncaster

The Ferry Master

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Won off 3lb higher at Kelso (2m5f) last May but has proved far from consistent otherwise in recent times; distant third over C&D last month and needs to improve on that form.

16/1

3rd

4

15th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 4

15:22 Doncaster

The Ferry Master

11st 4lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Won a four-runner handicap off this mark at Kelso in May but his form has been patchy in recent seasons; pulled up the last twice.

12/1

Form: F121-5

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Prone to making mistakes during short chasing career but he nevertheless won twice early this year (3m2f/3m, good to soft/soft) and stayed on well for fifth at stiff Carlisle (3m2f, soft) on his reappearance in October; today's trip could be right up his street, provided he minimises the blunders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Feb 2024

Soft

3m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:55 Ayr

Niceandeasy

11st 10lb

J: Bruce Lynn

T: N W Alexander

Stayed on gamely to score at Kelso (3m2f, soft; first-time tongue-tie) in November but was below that form the following month (albeit on heavy ground) and has become difficult to predict; younger rivals appeal more.

12/1

5th

7

23rd Dec 2023

Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 3

15:15 Haydock

Niceandeasy

10st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: N W Alexander

Returned to hurdling for last two starts and it paid off last time when he was always front rank to win seven-runner race at Kelso (3m2f, soft; acts on heavy); tongue tied for the first time that day, so maybe he's turned a corner; back up 3lb but his form of previous seasons (up to last December) was significantly better.

4/1

Form: /P52-5

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 2lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
11yo who showed when going close at Ayr in March that he retains spark, and he may improve for his reappearance run there last month; has plenty of stamina (won over 3m3f on heavy ground in 2020) and his trainer is in good form, but stronger cases can be made for others.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

30th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

15:20 Hexham

Donnas Delight

11st 2lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

He's on a reduced mark and had wind surgery prior to being brought down at the fourth fence here a fortnight ago; however, he was pulled up twice in a row prior to the wind op and this 12yo has plenty to prove.

14/1

5

16th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 7f 199y

Class 4

15:50 Hexham

Donnas Delight

11st 7lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

Very strong claims on the form of his all-the-way deep-ground Ayr wins of three years ago, but twice pulled up in December when last seen and a big response to further wind surgery is required.

25/1

8

29th Dec 2022

Heavy

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

11:53 Kelso

Donnas Delight

11st 4lb

J: Mr Zac Baker

T: Sandy Thomson

Won twice on soft ground, including over 3m3f, at Ayr in January/March 2020, but was then off for 672 days; hasn't recaptured his best form since; plenty to prove.

16/1

Form: 114-18 C BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row over 2m7f here (good/soft) towards end of last year and scored on his reappearance at Hexham (2m4f, soft) in October; it's possible he'll stay this far but his stamina isn't guaranteed and he was disappointing here (2m5f, good to soft) last month; wears a first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

6th Oct 2024

Good

3m 2f 39y

Class 4

15:15 Kelso

Breaking The Ice

10st 7lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

disputed lead early, prominent before 3rd

13/2

3rd

1

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 5

18:05 Perth

Breaking The Ice

12st 0lb

J: Edward Austin

T: George Bewley

Went down narrowly after a good tussle with stablemate Lights Are Green at Cartmel (3m1f, good) last month; softer ground, and a swift turnaround valid excuses for a lesser effort next time; 1-1 at Perth with weights rise effectively offset through Ed Austin's 5lb claim.

7/1

5th

5

22nd Jul 2024

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 5

17:00 Cartmel

Breaking The Ice

11st 9lb

J: Jonathon Bewley

T: George Bewley

Pulled up three consecutive times in October-June but, with cheekpieces refitted, revived with game effort in defeat over 3m1f here on Saturday; it's hard to tell whether he'll be in the same mood today but he can cope with the drop back in trip and remains well handicapped on old form.

8/1

Form: /4F1-3 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Has gone close over 4m and won here (3m2f, heavy) last December; could improve for last month's fair reappearance third at Ayr (3m, soft) but he's 2lb out of the weights now up in grade, and this may be too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

10th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:20 Bangor-on-Dee

Buddha Scheme

11st 8lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

Below form in Borders National at Kelso in December and needs to put that behind him but returned from long layoff with encouraging run in November and certainly won't fail through lack of stamina here.

14/1

12

4th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

4m 0f 90y

Class 3

13:05 Kelso

Buddha Scheme

10st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

in touch with leaders, towards rear after 5th, mistake 16th, shaken up and reminder after 17th, got behind and pulled up before 20th

20/1

3rd

6

9th Nov 2022

Soft

3m 0f 20y

Class 3

15:25 Ayr

Buddha Scheme

10st 10lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

took keen hold, prominent, pushed along before 4 out, ridden after 3 out

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £65.60
Straight Forecast £57.81
Tricast £688.91
Trifecta £701.30

Selections

The Times:

All About Joe

SPOTLIGHT:

Niceandeasy

RP Ratings:

The Ferry Master

TOPSPEED:

Cash To Ash

D Express:

Fiveaftermidnight

Daily Mail:

All About Joe

The Sun:

All About Joe

Daily Record:

All About Joe

Daily Mirror:

The Ferry Master

POSTDATA:

Cash To Ash

Telegraph:

Niceandeasy

The Star:

Niceandeasy