Slugsy

He has been consistent but has struggled to find the winner's enclosure lately (form: 3-8734). His last run was a fourth-place finish at Sedgefield last month. Heavy ground is essentially his favorite surface. He has historically performed his best when the ground is at its most testing, including a win at Ayr on heavy ground last season. He carries a very light weight of 10st 6lb (aided by the fact he is running from a lower handicap mark of 88). This could be a decisive factor in the grueling 3-mile, 2-furlong trip through the mud. Course familiarity: He knows Kelso well, having placed here in bumpers and hurdles in the past.

He caught the eye on his handicap debut over CD 21 days ago, where he finished a respectable 6th of 14, only beaten by about 2.5 lengths. He was very keen on that occasion and took a strong hold. If he settles better today under jockey Adam Browne-Souza, he could produce a much stronger finish. As a son of Magna Grecia, he has the pedigree to be better than his current handicap rating of 56.

Finished a respectable 6th of 11 on his debut at Southwell in November. While 11 lengths behind the winner, he showed enough ability to suggest he belongs in this company, especially with the benefit of that experience. There is a strong form line through the horse that beat him last time out, which suggests Presentandcorrect is actually much better than his finishing position showed. He is a half-brother to Coole Hall, a very useful performer who excelled in testing conditions. This bodes well for his ability to handle the heavy ground at Kelso today. Plenty to do to beat the favourite, but appeals at an each-way price.

Significantly steps back up in trip today to roughly 3 miles. Last time out at Ffos Las (14 days ago), he finished 3rd over 2 miles, but that distance was inadequate and he was staying on well. This longer distance is much more likely to suit his stamina. He faces soft (heavy in places) ground today. While his record on heavy is mixed, he has shown more hope in his last two starts and seems to be finding his form as the season progresses. Partnered with Shane Quinlan (3 lb claimer), who has been aboard for his most recent improved efforts. The 3 lb claim helps offset his weight in what will be a very taxing contest. Worth considering now that he is back down in class. His current handicap mark of 100 makes him one of the higher-weighted horses, but his recent 3rd and 4th-place finishes suggest he is knocking on the door.