Atticus Finch, who got off the mark over fences at Wetherby last time, has conditions to suit and looks an interesting runner in the Pat De Clermont Handicap Chase over two miles and one furlong at Kelso this afternoon, writes Richard Young.

Maxine Stirk's six-year-old is one of the few in this field open to any improvement and he turned in his best effort to date at the West Yorkshire venue on that occasion when beating previous winner Inch Perfect in gutsy style.

Although back in handicap company, there are several in this field who should be avoided - market leaders Bit O Magic and Damien's Choice. My selection, who has form over further, will appreciate the testing run in.

Fast ground will also be ideal for Mick Easterby's Gastornis, who is taken to beat Jupiter de Bussy in the Cheviot Rentals National Hunt Novices Hurdle over two miles.

This fair bumper performer won a slow race on his hurdles debut over two and a half at Wetherby recently but will be equally as effective making the running back over this shorter trip.

Easterby has decent prospects with Noshinannikin in the Brian's Greendale Winners Handicap over two miles but he's a quirky sort who could resent the fitting of the blinkers and the safest choice could be to side with the in-form Mister Chisum.

Although he proved frustrating for his previous connections, he's unbeaten in two outings for local trainer Dick Allan and he showed the right spirit when winning on quick ground at Newcastle last week.

A 7lb penalty makes life tougher but this isn't much of a race and his up-with-the pace style of racing is well suited to a sharp track such as this one.

Tobesure seems to reserve his best efforts for this course and he could be the one to be on in the Tennents Velvet Handicap Hurdle over two miles and six furlongs. Alastair Charlton's nine-year-old, a dual course and distance winner, turned in his best effort for a while when second to Rosalyons here last time and a reproduction of that effort should ensure another good run. Len Lungo's Dunrig has shown more than enough in two outings at this course to suggest he'll take all the beating in the Maiden Hunters Chase over three miles and one furlong.

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