Gullinbursti to defy top weight in televised Kelso feature

Channel 4 cameras are at Kelso for a bonus race on Saturday with the staying handicap chase at 2.00. A field of nine are set to face the starter over three and a quarter miles with the weights headed by Gullinbursti.

The eight-year-old son of Milan won impressively at Market Rasen back in March but has been slow to recapture his best form. He was a fair fifth in the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock before finishing a close third behind Hadrian’s Approach at Newbury.

He was among the favourites for the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster last time but was pulled up. He should appreciate the better ground at Kelso on Saturday and races off a 2lbs lower mark.

Sydney Paget won easily at Haydock in November and was among the favourites for the Welsh National. Donald McCain elected to send him to Wetherby for the Rowland Meyrick but he faded quickly and was pulled up.

He ran a better race at Haydock in the Peter Marsh Chase but again faded in the heavy ground to finish fifth behind Wychwoods Brook. No Planning represents the Grand National winning combination of Sue Smith and Ryan Mania.

He has been admirably consistent but looks a little high in the handicap off a mark of 140. Imperial Vic and The Panama Kid have also won their share of races and have claims in a tricky little contest.

The staying handicap hurdle at 3.30 could go the way of Drop Out Joe who is another that will benefit from the faster surface. He has been running well all season and has finished placed in better company than he meets here.

Who Owns Me has an obvious chance on his second at Newbury last time out and top weight Lie Forrit won’t go down without a fight. Lackamann and Hellorboston will also have their supporters after some decent efforts recently.

Selections: 1.30 War Lord, 2.00 Gullinbursti, 2.30 Drop Out Joe, 4.05 Imjoeking, 4.40 Plan Again, 4.15 Markem, 4.50 Golans Choice