14:40 Kelso

BILLY BOI BLUE (best price 9-2) may have just lost out to Art Of Authority at Wetherby last time out, but he left the distinct impression he was the one to take out of the race going forward and with today’s better ground another significant factor why that thought process might turn out to be the case, the seven-year-old looks poised to strike at the first time of asking in handicap company. 

Although there were only three runners at the Yorkshire venue, the speed figure produced indicated they went a reasonable clip and despite being pushed along over half a mile from home and making a bad mistake two out, the son of Blue Bresil kept on in determined fashion to keep the losing margin down to a respectable distance. 

Handed an opening mark of 119, that perch seems more than fair based on his performance levels so far to date but with the potential to keep on improving, especially over today’s extra yardage, this chasing type has the scope to go beyond class 4 level.

Billy Boi blue - 1pt e/w @ 9/2

14:05 Chester

The race won by DAISY INTHE BREEZE (best price 7-1) looked a decent one of its kind for the track standards (useful time figure) and with both the winner and runner-up, SIR GEOFF MORGAN (best price 9-2) looking suitable types for the nature of today’s track, they are worth taking against the field. 

The former was a bit more streetwise throughout the journey at the seaside venue and, as a result, she was able to build up a significant enough advantage over her old rival that she was able to maintain all the way to the line. Whether she can uphold the form is open to a degree of debate, but either way, Dominic Ffrench Davis’ filly looks sharp enough to give it a good lash from towards the head of affairs (nicely drawn). 

The latter was soon on the back foot seven days ago thanks to a tardy start, but he did impress with the way he stuck to the task to get the losing margin down to just a length. Considering where he was at halfway and how he was travelling compared to his main market rivals this was a fair effort by Tom Dascombe’s inmate and with just normal improvement and, more importantly a better break, he has the capabilities to take advantage of his low draw. 

Daisy Inthe Breeze - 1pt @ 7/1
Sir Geoff Morgan - 1pt @ 9/2

15:45 Kelso

STRONG BELLE (best price 10-1) arrives here in top shape having proved too strong for odds-on favourite Pitwood Road (won since) at Bangor last time out and with today’s final the aim for some time, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ mare can put up a bold bid to execute the plan. 

Setting off with plenty of intent at the Welsh track, the six-year-old grey was still going well even when joined by her main market rival two out and from that juncture, she kept on the better of the pair to record a comfortable four length success. 

Clocking a useful time figure, she finally gained due reward for several fine place efforts and an unlucky fall at Catterick during the winter months and even though today’s ground is in total contrast to what she faced 70 days ago, she has enough form on a better surface to justify the slight risk. 

Strong Belle - 0.5pts e/w @ 10/1