Highly-regarded dual course winner Elvis Mail, ridden by daughter Lucy, failed to eat up prior to a disappointing run in Listed company at Newbury in November and a better effort is anticipated this time in the £20,000 feature hurdle.

His handler said: “There were valid reasons for the poor run at Newbury and I’d like to think he is capable of going close. “However the ground is a concern and he may not want it quite so heavy if he is going to be good enough to win of a career high mark. “We’re still going to give it a go as its hard not to turn up with such a small field for a valuable prize an I’m sure everyone fancies their chances.”

The testing conditions shouldn’t worry Up Helly Aa King in the 2m 5f chase as he has good form when the mud is flying.

Alexander added: “Both his runs over fences were on heavy ground including a close third at Newcastle on his seasonal debut last month. “We reckon he should progress from that although it is a very competitive race.

He hasn’t races over fences at Kelso before but he should handle the track ok.”

The Alexander riding party is completed by Arnica and Arctic Mann who are “both learning their trade” in the novices’. hurdle over 2m. Iain Jardine could be the trainer with the best chance in the race as he is represented by Jabbaar who made an impressive debut over timber at Sedgefield on Boxing Day.

A four-timer winner on the Flat, he could be a useful recruit to the hurdling scene particularly if he settles better than he did at the County Durham venue.

Lucinda Russell chose Kelso over Warwick yesterday for Big River probably because he has won a bumper and over hurdles and fences at his favourite track.

He has only lost twice in seven previous visits including recently when brought down while travelling strongly in the Scottish Borders National. Derek Fox’s partner looks the one to beat in the £14,000 two mile handicap chase.

Next meeting 27.01.2020 buy tickets online here