Thursday Racing Tips: Nicol’s Star to shine at Kelso

Jumps racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Thursday with three meetings taking place across the afternoon.

Among our Thursday racing tips is one for Adam Nichol, who will be hoping his representative is able to bounce back to winning ways.

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15:10 Kelso - Parish Star @ 4/1

In this Mares' Handicap Hurdle, Neil Mulholland's Miss Carbo looks to be a classy prospect following her dominating win on handicap debut last time out.

However, she is unexposed at this trip and faces the tough task of defying a 7lb penalty. With that in mind take her on with PARISH STAR.

Adam Nicol's mare scored back-to-back victories at the end of January with a hood applied to the six-year-old. She then was unable to justify favouritism at Carlisle on her latest run with the hood subsequently removed.

It's interesting to note that connections have now opted to reapply the hood along with a first-time tongue tie, which could spark a profound revival in the horse's form.

There is seemingly no concern that she won't be able to handle the 2m 5f trip needed here and has a great opportunity to bounce back to form at Kelso.

16:30 Clonmel - Dee Capo @ 5/4

Gordon Elliott looks to hold the key to this contest and, while stable jockey Jack Kennedy has chosen Maxxum, the nine-year-old hasn't jumped a fence since 2024.

Therefore the preference is for DEE CAPO, who comes into this race with the best chase form.

The seven-year-old gelding won by a convincing four-and-a-half lengths in a decent handicap back in November and was also fourth in a strongly competitive handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival; earning him his highest RPR to date.

While he ultimately disappointed in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, a return to Ireland could see improvement from the Elliott charge.

Despite the fact he will be conceding a minimum of 6lb to the field, he does seem to be the best horse in the race and has every opportunity to come out on top in the opener at Clonmel.

16:46 Kelso - Kahvari @ 5/2

The Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero stable won this race last year and they look to hold a good hand once more with top weight KAHVARI set to take to the track.

The six-year-old can be inconsistent at times but looked to take a step in the right direction last time out Carlisle when beaten by a head off a 1lb lower mark.

That was his first attempt at a longer trip and the extended distance looked to suit him well. He’ll have to step up again here, but that shouldn’t be a worry when taking that second place finish at Carlisle into account along with his pedigree.

If he is able to defy the top weight burden he should have a massive say in this contest.

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