Imperial Vic (13:55) is lightly raced over fences and suggested his future may lie in long distance events when a strong finishing third over 3m at Carlisle last month, so he's given the vote. Ros Castle needs to prove himself at the trip, but his reappearance second over 2½m has worked out really well and he may just have a bit more to offer now. The selection, trained by Michael Smith, was a winner over hurdles and he has made the perfect transition to fences, scoring at the first attempt at Perth in May. He's matched that form in defeat since, and looks an ideal type for a race of this ilk.
With Riskier's stamina for this trip open to question, this is best left to the 4 last-time-out winners, with clear preference for Night Alliance (14:25) over Kruzhlinin, No Planning and Rossini's Dancer. The selection was given a chance by the handicapper back over fences and has taken full advantage, bolting up at Ffos Las then followed up under a penalty at Ascot. Plenty of scope still from this mark.
Snuker (15:25) has been in cracking form over fences of late and is worth siding with to translate that improvement back to hurdling. Amethyst Rose should have more to come and is an obvious threat, with Maggie Blue also making the shortlist. Snuker scored in handicaps at Carlisle and Hexham over the larger obstacles last month, improving all the while, and he has a lower hurdles mark to exploit now.
Timeform SmartPlays:
All at Kelso
Back Imperial Vic in the 13:55
Back Night Alliance in the 14:25
Back Snuker in the 15:25
