Viking Can Conquer His Rivals At Kelso

I was very disappointed by the run of Triggitas at Sandown for us earlier this week. He jumped violently to the left at almost every fence and you can bet he will be going left handed next time. Amazingly, he still managed to finish last of 6 and we were only one faller away from getting paid, although it would have been a hollow success after that effort.

 

Harry The Viking is back to defend his crown at Kelso.

I was gutted Highland Lodge fell in the Becher Chase as I strongly fancied him to run a big race. I am going to back another old boy in the Borders National at Kelso on Sunday, Harry The Viking for Sandy Thomson with Rachael MacDonald claiming what could be a crucial 5lb. Thomson is going for a four timer in this race having won it in 2014 and 2015 with Neptune Equester and then Harry in 2016.

This likeable son of Sir Harry Lewis is 13 years young now, but he won this race the last time it was run and he was laid out for it last year only for bad weather to cause its cancellation. This fella stays all day so the 32.5f trip will pose no problems and his last two wins came on good to soft ground, so conditions look ideal for him at Kelso.

He ran poorly on his seasonal comeback last month at Carlisle but he likely needed it badly from a fitness perspective and it was probably a spin to put him right for this. He looks a well handicapped horse right now too, 1lb lower than when winning this by 5L in 2016 and 2lb lower than for his last victory at Carlisle just over a year ago.

Sandy Thomson made a slow start to the season but his string is definitely beginning to come to hand. Three of his last ten runners have won and two have placed. He has reported that Harry The Viking has been trained for this race and he couldn’t be any happier with him at home (see here). If Harry still retains the ability of old he could make a mockery of his odds of 28/1 and a small each way interest is advised.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: 1.05 KELSO-HARRY THE VIKING E/W @ 28/1