Horse Racing Tips: Sandy Thomson's Elf De Re has a great record at Kelso

Elf De Re can get his first win over fences

Back Elf De Re @ 4/1 in the 14:45 Kelso

Elf De Re returned after 236 days to produce a very pleasing seasonal debut over fences at Carlisle but you are going to have to excuse his performance on his return to the same track last time out. After such a long lay off two races in quick succession may have been a bit of a shock to the system. This is easier and it should not be forgotten that Sandy Thomson's charge was runner up in a Grade 2 novice hurdle here in February. Admittedly that was a weak race for the level but he's only had eight starts and he obviously likes the track, with form figures over hurdles here of 3122, he can put that last effort at Carlisle well and truly behind him.

Warren Greatrex has the favourite in the race Mahlervous and you can see why. He went close over fences for a second time in a Sandown handicap last month, but the concern is will he get the trip? That Sandown race was over two and a half miles on good ground, the same distance as all three of his wins, including winning here over hurdles. I think this rain softened ground will take plenty of getting and it may just be asking a bit much of Mahlervous.

Bigirononhiship can retain his Borders National crown

Back Bigirononhiship @ 11/2 in the 15:20 Kelso

This looks a cracking renewal of the Borders National and I think last year's winner Bigirononhiship can defend his crown off, despite being off a mark 10lbs higher than he was last year. He shaped well on his return at Ayr over three miles, staying on powerfully on the run-in. He did the same last year, had one prep race over three miles (which he won) before stepping back up to this trip and winning by an easy nine lengths. He will stay all day so stamina is not an issue with him, this is just his second start over the marathon distance and I think he runs a big race again today.

Charlie Longsdon's Just Your Type was second to the selection in this race last year and won on his latest start, has been raised 5lb for that head success over three miles two furlongs and connections will be hoping this stiffer test can produce further improvement, I am sure he will be on the premises again. But the one I fear more is local trainer Sandy Thomson's charge, he has a superb record in this contest (won four of the last five renewals), and that is Duc De Grissay. He won over two mile seven here in the spring and should be sharper for his comeback assignment at Sedgefield but I think he will find at least one tou good today preferably in the shape of Bigirononhiship