KELSO was the showpiece meeting in Britain last Saturday both in terms of prize money and outstanding performances.

Cormier (134) won the feature race over hurdles to set-up a tilt at the £100,000 bonus for winning at Cheltenham, an achievement The Shunter managed last season, while Nells Son (130+) proved just too strong for North Lodge (130+) in the Grade 2 novice hurdle.

However, the standout time over hurdles was clocked by Famous Bridge (140+) who looked way ahead of his 118 rating off which he competed on Saturday.

Bought along in typically patient style by Nicky Richards, the son of Fame And Glory confirmed he would have won on his handicap debut, had he not fallen at the second last hurdle with the race at his mercy.

On Saturday he travelled smoothly throughout the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest before being sent for home by Brian Hughes approaching the final flight.

A comparison of the closing sectionals against Morebattle Hurdle winner Cormier showed the effect to which the six-year-old finished his race as he covered the ground from the third last 1.2secs faster despite having to jump the hurdles in the straight..

Switching focus back to the Morebattle Hurdle and particularly Saint D’Oroux (132) who was the beneficiary of Famous Bridge falling when winning over two and a half miles on his previous outing. Dropping in trip on Saturday, the six-year-old was the first of the principals off the bridle before finding plenty for pressure to suggest he will regain the winning thread when reverting to a longer trip.

Citizen no back number next time

PAINT The Dream (142) routed his field in the feature chase on Greatwood Charity day at Newbury to take his tally to two wins from two starts over fences at the Berkshire venue.

In winning eased down, Fergal O’Brien’s gelding recorded the best time-figure when allowing for distance, although the sectionals were not especially quick leaving the impression the race somewhat fell apart behind the son of Brain Boru.

If there was a performance of note amongst the placed horses, it was Senior Citizen (122+) who was returning from a break and will no doubt head to the Topham Chase at Aintree.

Alan King’s gelding will require good ground at Aintree to be seen at his best.

Punctuation (147) was an impressive winner of his previous start at Warwick, winning on the bridle.

On this occasion he showed tenacity and courage in the finish to edge out Irish Hill (145) even though he was probably unaware of his presence.

As with the feature chase, the closing sectionals were slow although I would take the view it illustrates the winner could step up in trip where his ability to travel strongly will be a potent weapon.

Pearly Island (139) was never in the race before making some late gains and will also benefit from stretching out in distance.

Eyecatchers

Universal Folly (123), Doncaster, Saturday, March 5th– came home strongly to get the better of the equally progressive Mongol Emperor in a driving finish.

El Caballo (103), Lingfield, Saturday, March 5th – looks to have improved again for adopting positive tactics.

Man Of Riddles (81+), Southwell, Saturday, March 5th – now a gelding, produced a career best to beat an in-form Prince Abu and looks set to win again