It was good to see Kay Gee Be get the job done yesterday and it was just a shame that Stevie Gee couldn't hold on in the opener. Off to Cheltenham tomorrow so once again I've had a look at the handicaps and below I'll note down a few of those that look interesting.

3.20 


Kauto Relko


Although Kauto Relko hasn't so far reached the same dizzy heights as his half brother Kauto Star nor his full brother Kauto Stone, there is still more than enough evidence suggesting that he is more capable than his current handicap mark of 127. Having been largely disappointing in Ireland he joined the Rachel Hobbs yard at the beginning of the season. In his first three runs he did not show all that much but since his mid season break he has put in two improved efforts. I believe that he had treatment for his back in the interim which was something that his connections thought was affecting him badly.

First time back he looked liked he was going to win before possibly blowing up. Still he was raised 5lbs for that effort meaning that he creeped into the Martin Pipe race at the festival. That day he travelled well into the race before being badly hampered by a faller four out. In the end he was beaten 16l though the drastic action that was needed to avoid the horse that fell in front of him must have cost him at least half the ground he was beaten.

Back over the same C+D distance tomorrow in a much weaker affair he must close and the 14/1 available is simply to big. Peter Carberry can claim his full 7lbs in this race, so he'll only be running off 9st 13lbs. The rest of the field don't look up to usual Cheltenham quality and it's hard to see Kauto Relko not being involved coming to the last without any mishaps. Like his siblings he seems adaptable to ground so if any rain falls it shouldn't bother him at all.

1pt E/W 14/1 BOG

Rest of Card


I'd give Lexicon Lad a positive write up in the novice handicap hurdle. He should appreciate the step up in trip and  I always respect the Brennan/George combo in novice handicaps. He's been running against some nice sorts in the bumpers/hurdles and I'd imagine connections would be disappointed if his can't win of this mark at some point in his career, whether tomorrow is that day though, I don't know.