Tartan Snow is well fancied to make amends in big feature

WHITE AND GOLD

Published on 9 Jan 2009

The two Scottish tracks which look likely to end the jumping famine this week � Kelso today and Ayr tomorrow � are staging cards that, in the circum�stances, look good enough to please most jump fans.

The two Scottish tracks which look likely to end the jumping famine this week - Kelso today and Ayr tomorrow - are staging cards that, in the circumstances, look good enough to please most jump fans.

The major feature at the Borders track is the GTG Morebattle Hurdle, a competitive handicap headed by Kings Quay, who has not run over hurdles since April last year. He is rated higher than his rivals and was a very easy winner of a chase at Fakenham last month and it will be interesting to see him back over the flights.

Much the same could be said of Bywell Beau, who also last ran over these obstacles in April. He has run with some promise in chases but could be a more formidable contender back over hurdles.

Perhaps the most informative form for this is a handicap hurdle over course and distance in November, when Issaquah won, Tartan Snow was second and Culcabock third. The three meet again and, as Issaquah has since won again, she faces a stiff test at the revised weights.

In fact, even with her rider's 7lbs allowance she carries 20lbs more today. The Malcolm Jefferson-trained mare has made great improvement, winning her last three races in a row but this is a severe test, especially as both Tartan Snow and Culcabock are very much better off, 18lbs and 25lbs respectively.

Her trainer remains confident she can bridge that sizeable gap. He hopes she proves herself good enough to take in races like the David Nicholson Mares race at the Cheltenham Festival. "I've had to move her up but, luckily, she started the season off a pretty low mark," said Jefferson.

"As she started off on 103, it meant we could place her to win a couple but we think she is quite a nice horse.

"I think she could go a bit further yet. I don't know about the Cheltenham mares race, we'll have a look after this. If she wins just now, I've given her an entry in the totesport Trophy, then I'd have a think about where we go."

Issaquah may well be capable of improving this much but the other two are decent enough in their own right. Culcabock won at Cheltenham last time out, and on that form would win but, although he has won over this track, the two miles here could favour Tartan Snow (1.40), who looked like winning last time out but fell at the second last when two-lengths clear at Newcastle.

Jefferson should win with Moscow Catch (2.40), another hurdler whom he rates highly, although he is convinced this one will make a good chaser in due course.

Reel Charmer (1.10) and Norminster (2.10) are others who could shine at the Borders course.