Runner News

We have runners in action at opposing ends of Britain on Saturday, with Whoshotthesheriff and Elusive Empire running at Kelso and Kempton respectively.

Hambleton stalwart Whoshotthesheriff kicks off the action in the bet365 Handicap Chase (5.10) where he represents Phil Kirby. Sheriff is one of eight runners and is he due to be partnered by Ross Chapman.

As you would expect given that this is Kelso’s premier meeting, it is a competitive heat with some quality rivals in opposition including four former course and distance winners no less. Of these, Escapeandevade arrives here in search of completing a hat-trick of wins this term. He likes to dictate and if granted things his own way here, he could well be on the premises again with him seemingly progressing over the larger obstacles at present.

Perhaps most interesting is Nettywell who has already completed his three wins in handicaps over fences of late. He was an easy winner at Newcastle under the yard conditional who is again booked to ride, and if remaining in the same form, could well be the one to beat provided he can handle conditions.

Phil is hopeful that Sheriff can take another step forward here, though he notes that it would be a pleasant surprise if he was competitive on Saturday over the shorter trip.

Our second runner of the day is Elusive Empire who represents Archie Watson in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap (6.15) at Kempton. Elusive is one of seven runners, drawn in seven, with Hollie Doyle taking the reins.

On paper, there looks to be plenty of Elusive’s rivals lining up with chances including Rogue Thunder.

This four-year-old ran to a respectable level on his latest start at Lingfield earlier this month, running to an RPR of 81 to finish second. A previous winner over seven furlongs at Chelmsford, he looks fairly well treated off his current mark and certainly can’t be ruled out of contention as he looks to get on the score sheet once again.

Embarked is an interesting contender and a winner over course and distance on his penultimate start which should surely put him in the mix. He has previously spent a stint out in Hong Kong and with the one start here this year under his belt, it would be no surprise to see him bang there.

Archie hopes that Elusive can step up on his latest run and be competitive where it counts for his owners.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish both runners and their connections the best of luck for Saturday’s races.