Great Britain & Ireland Preview: Bold Endeavour can win Kelso feature

It’s a quieter weekend across the Atlantic for jumps racing with the Cheltenham Festival less than two weeks away. But with the Aintree Festival looming a month after that, there’s still plenty to race for this weekend in Britain.

Kelso, Race 2, Premier Novices’ Hurdle (G2) - 2 1/4 miles, novice hurdlers

Few of these are in the running for Cheltenham, but this eight-horse field includes three unbeaten runners and a number of others with very strong form. One worth a punt here might be #2 Bold Endeavour. He’s won all four of his races, the last two over hurdles, and hasn’t been troubled in any of them. With the field including Grade 2 winner #1 North Lodge and the impressive #8 Richmond Lake, second to leading Cheltenham chance Jonbon at his most recent effort, odds might be reasonable about Bold Endeavour.

• $10 win/$30 show: #2 Bold Endeavour

Kelso, Race 4, Premier Chase (Listed), 2 15/16 miles, open chasers

Likely favourite #5 Espoir De Romay could be at overly short odds, and it may be worth opposing him with #7 Itchy Feet, whose runs this campaign include a second-place finish in an a Grade 2 event at Aintree and another runner-up slot behind the well-regarded Bravemansgame. He looks well handicapped here.

• $10 win/$20 place: #7 Itchy Feet

Kelso, Race 5, Morebattle Hurdle, 2 miles, open hurdlers

This is most notable for the seasonal reappearance of #1 Buveur D’Air, five years ago won the Champion Hurdle (G1) at Cheltenham and repeated the following year. Now an 11-year-old, it remains to be seen how much racing is left in him. Irish raider #3 Metier may be the more likely horse to win here.

• $10 win/$30 show: #3 Metier

Newbury, Race 2, Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap (G3), 2 1/2 miles, open chasers

In a very open field, it may be worth looking at #4 Senior Citizen. He won well at Market Rasen in October before finishing second over the Grand National fences at Aintree Nov. 6. Should be fit and a good chance to take home the honors.

• $10 win/$30 show: #4 Senior Citizen

BONUS PLAY – IRELAND

Navan, Race 6, Flyingbolt Novices Chase (G3), 2 miles, novice chasers

• $10 win/$20 show, #2 Gentleman De Mee: Broke through for a well-deserved victory at Thurles Feb. 10. If he’s in the form that took him to a 34 length victory that day, he should be right in the hunt here.