George Charlton has endured a torrid year so far with just the single winner but today could be the day his Freddie Brown (14:45) finally comes good, the eight-year-old going in the 17-furlong handicap chase at Kelso. A bumper winner at the track two years ago, the free-going Freddie Brown has hit the frame in all five of his chase starts so far, looking on a fair mark when patently failing to stay in a two-and-a-half mile handicap last time. Today's race looks weak and with Freddie Brown having been dropped 2 lb by the official assessor, the Timeform top rated (2 lb clear of Earl Grez) can get the reward his consistency deserves.
Sarah Humphrey is carving out a niche at being able to improve horses from other yards and she has already achieved the feat with I've Been Framed (15:30), the eight-year-old in top form over fences on his last two starts, winning emphatically at Uttoxeter before producing a better effort when runner-up at Market Rasen. His jumping proved an asset last time and it should do again today, Jack Doyle having seemingly developed a good understanding with his mount. While the prospect of good to firm going is an unknown, the trip is not an issue and he's expected to put up a bold showing at attractive odds.
Back at Kelso, the sheer amount of pace in the races means Humbie (15:50) looks in line for a typical Timmy Murphy pouncing ride in the handicap chase run over three miles and a furlong. Lightly-raced eight-year-old Humbie hails from one of the most in-form yard's in the country in that of Pauline Robson (last five runners to complete have all won) and he did his bit for that stat when taking a course handicap hurdle at the start of the month, improving after six months off to take advantage of lower mark over timber. Twice a winner over fences (off 6lb and 5 lb lower than today), the strong-travelling Humbie can bolster both his own tally and that of his stable this afternoon.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Freddie Brown @ 4.67/2 in the 14:45 at Kelso
Back I've Been Framed @ 6.05/1 in the 15:30 at Fakenham
Back Humbie @ 3.814/5 in the 15:50 at Kelso
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