2:15 Kelso Tips

Le Beau Madrik has won two hurdle races at 2m 1f and 2m 4f. He was a winner on his latest outing in a hurdle race over 2m 4f at Newcastle last month. Dropped in trip to 2m 2f should suit, and he could well be able to go in again and win this race.

Starmount has had two good C4 novice wins in December, with the latest being by 15L. Sandwiched in between, he was still fourth after a mistake when running in a G1 and could find today a tad easier.

The Last Cloud has been found wanting going up in class this season so far, but he finished ahead of Starmount at Aintree and could finish ahead again at Kelso. He has the most experience in the field and could go close against some yet to be tested at graded level.

Kosac Doudairies is a four-time winner who has delivered three victories in the last four runs. Of course, he will need much more against very demanding rivals today. Still a very good value-for-money option.

Lord Byron has only run twice over hurdles but performed to a good level in both runs. It is sure to appreciate the step up in trip on pedigree and has a low weight and cheekpieces to help it on its run. It should have lots of improvement still to come.

Is taking a step up here, but was an effortless winner of a class 4 maiden Lto and stable have a decent record in this race. Good jockey back up and very shrewd trainer who has a very good record where last 5 seasons, 23 percent with her hurdlers in same period, making current 12/1 solid Ew value in the race.

Three career runs for the 5yo, form 114. He was a good fourth last time out in a Grade 1 novice hurdle, only losing out on the run-in, and that form is looking solid now. He comes here fresh after a two-month break and can be a big player in this Grade 2 contest.

Red Oak is a progressive horse who should give another good run here. Lto he was travelling well, leading before the last and only being beaten late over 2m3, so his ability for this trip is doable at decent odds with Bowen onboard. Earlier he had got off the mark at Musselburgh, and his Irish bumper form was solid also. His overall profile is sound enough for me to take a punt here.

Has taken well to hurdling. After a promising start over them at Newbury, he improved back at that track next time when finishing 3rd over two miles. He was stepped up in trip at Ascot two starts ago and showed further improvement before running respectably at Doncaster over a slightly shorter trip. This looks tougher, but he should give his running and is a massive price.

Caballo De Guerra is the only horse in this field with winning form at this tricky track, winning over 2 miles here in October 2025. Just the four races since, and could go well at a decent price here for each-way appeal.