Sunday Racing Tips: Key Timeform data including a top-rated Horse In Focus at Kelso

• Al Kalila shaped very well on chasing debut

• Marathon trip set to suit De Legislator

• Nells Son on same mark as when successful last year

13:30, Kelso - Al Kalila earned Horse In Focus flag over course and distance

County Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford has a good record with the horses he sends over to Scottish tracks and Al Kalila can give him another winner north of the border in Kelso's novices' handicap chase.

Al Kalila proved the point himself when comfortably getting off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Ayr last season and was then a very good fourth in a competitive novice handicap at Fairyhouse when stepping up to nearly three miles for the first time.

Returning from seven months off, Al Kalila could hardly have shaped any better on his chasing debut last month when runner-up to Cadell, who runs in the Scottish Borders National later on the card, in a handicap over today's course and distance. Kept wide throughout, that didn't show him to full effect against a well-ridden winner but he still looked a threat at the final fence before his effort flattened out. That earned him the 'Horse In Focus' flag and, heading the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings here and with Sean Bowen on board, he looks sure to improve and go one better now.

14:00, Kelso - Progressive De Legislator looks a strong stayer

As noted above, Cadell takes his chance in the Scottish Borders National where he has to give upwards of a stone to his rivals, but he's one of two runners for Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore whose other runner De Legislator, the mount of Derek Fox, looks the more progressive of the pair further down the weights.

While his career has been interrupted by a near two-year absence, De Legislator has won four of his six starts under Rules, including his last two chases when fitted with cheekpieces. He got off the mark over fences at the second attempt at Wetherby last season and then improved again when successful at Ayr on his reappearance last month. Challenging at the last, De Legislator edged ahead close home for a half-length win over Broomfield Present.

De Legislator has been strong at the finish in testing conditions for both those last two wins over three miles, so gives the impression there will be further improvement to come from stepping up to today's marathon trip of four miles.

14:37, Kelso - Nells Son has excellent course record for in-form yard

Kelso's Richard Landale Handicap Chase has the look of a re-run from last year with the first four home from 2024 all in the field again. Twelve months ago it was won in tenacious fashion by Nells Son who got up for a neck win over Matata. The runner-up had looked in control for a long way after forcing the pace but Nells Son stayed on to lead on the run-in before idling once in front. They finished clear of Tommy's Oscar and Traprain Law who completed the frame.

Nells Son has a fine record at Kelso, last year's win being his second course-and-distance victory and his fourth course win all told, meaning he has the 'Horses For Courses' flag. He's also back on the same mark as when successful a year ago which makes him top of the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, while trainer Nicky Richards has the 'Hot Trainer' flag.

Nells Son also picked up the 'Horse In Focus' flag after shaping well over hurdles at Carlisle on his reappearance when a staying-on fifth to Hartington. With that run under his belt, Nells Son looks sure to go close in his bid to repeat last year's win.

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