Kelso 5:25 Result

Loriko is clearly the class act here on official ratings (125 vs next best 121) and has the strongest recent form, winning last time out and showing a 11211-type sequence of dominant runs. Dan Skelton is in excellent form and Harry Skelton takes the ride, a stable that targets these small-field handicap hurdles well. Top weight is earned rather than a penalty for a stale campaigner - he's progressive at 5yo and race-fit having run just 7 days ago, giving him a fitness edge over rivals who've mostly been off 60+ days. The 2m5f trip and good-to-firm ground look well within his compass given his recent scoring. Continuance is the closest market rival on official figures but has had a 60-day break and his best form has come at slightly shorter, while Bold Light, Dream's Ka, Heart Above and Starlyte are all lower-rated and carry question marks (breaks, inconsistent form, or clearly held on ratings). In a small 6-runner field with a clear ratings and form leader who is fit and in-form, Loriko stands out as the one to beat and represents the strongest all-round profile even if he goes off favourite.