Sean Bowen Sunday rides blog: 'She should get every yard of this 4m trip'

Sean Bowen has four rides at Kelso on Sunday, December 7. The Coral ambassador previews them all in his latest blog.

• Zhanma Enki - Kelso - 12:55 race odds

• Al Kalila - Kelso - 13:30 race odds

• Gold Clermont - Kelso - 14:00 race odds

• Matata - Kelso - 14:37 race odds 

Zhanma Enki has had a couple of runs over 2m but has yet to hit the frame. She is now racing over 2m5f, so hopefully this step-up in trip will help. This is the first of three rides for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede on the card, and it is always great to carry their green silks.

Based on her victory at Sedgefield on her debut over hurdles, La Zoubida looks to be the one to beat in this race, but my filly is open to improvement.

Al Kalila is arguably my best chance of the afternoon. He had some good form over hurdles at the back end of last season. There was a lot to like about his debut over fences over this C&D last month. The ground should be ideal for him here, and if he takes another step forward on his opening chase appearance, he has a great chance of going one place better.

Gold Clermont had her first run for Olly Murphy at Uttoxeter last month, and on what was testing ground, she ran well to finish second. This horse has some good form in races over 4m, and she should get every yard of this trip. She is now just 1lb higher than her last winning mark, so if she produces her best, there is no reason to believe she won’t be in the mix at the finish in the Scottish Borders National.

This will be my first ride on board Matata, and it is a great spare to pick up. This horse has some solid form in graded action. He was third in the Shloer Chase behind L’Eau du Sud and Jonbon, respectively, on his last appearance. The challenge this time will be top weight, but he has the ability to carry it to victory, in what looks like an open contest. 

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