Go North starts with 6 Musselburgh runners and 2 at Kelso

Warm and sunny here in London where I am for the NTF AGM, a few fireworks, hopefully we made our point and that will be reflected in the racing media in the next couple of days.

Go North Weekend is upon us again and we plan to have 11 runners across the three days starting with six at Musselburgh tomorrow, I just hope all the tracks have put on plenty of water as it has been very dry and it would be a shame if the fixtures were spoilt by fast ground.

Our first runner is Beat the Retreat in the 2.50, he won well over course and distance last time out and whilst this looks competitive for the grade he should go well again – Dom rides and 9 run.

We run Platin Moon in the Go North Juvenile Final at 3.20, he has improved steadily with each run and has been given a very fair opening mark though he will be seen in a better light at a more galloping track – Bruce rides and 7 run.

Not in Kansas runs in the Go North Mares Final at 3.50, she looks up against it on these terms but was a good 4th last time and won on this card last year, albeit on much softer ground.  Cheek pieces go on, Bruce rides and 8 run.

The Go North Stayers Final at 4.25 looks especially competitive and we run Anamanda.  She has run very well in defeat over course and distance this season and should be suited by the likely strong pace tomorrow – Bruce rides and 15 run.

Mack the Man won the Go North 2m Final last year and he lines up off 12lb higher this time, he showed signs of a revival in form last time and is perfectly well handicapped still if in the right mood.  The race is at 5.00, Kit rides and 12 run.

Finally Just an Artist makes her racecourses debut in the bumper at 5.30, she’s a lovely young filly that should run well and will improve for hurdles as she loves jumping, Bruce rides and 8 run.

Sadly we are restricted to two runners at Kelso on Saturday and we are tilting at windmills with My Lady Elektra stepping up to Listed company in the 1.50. She is better than her rating, will improve for the step up in trip and we’ve tweaked a few things so I’d hope she can outrun her odds – 6 run and Bruce rides.

Recent Ayr winner Ballyfort runs in the Go North Middle Distance Hurdle Final at 2.25, he was put up 9lb for that win and this looks extremely competitive, worth a shot I hope – Bruce rides and 16 run.