USING the tried and tested formula of backing horses for courses, Diamond Mick (12.40) has plenty going for him in the opening Borders Racing Club Novices' Hurdle at Kelso.

Diamond Mick did us a seriously good turn by scoring at 9-1 over course and distance just prior to Christmas, hitting the front at the halfway stage and then showing tremendous tenacity to hold on in a head bobbing finish.

Rose Davison's mount was subsequently stepped up in trip an extra half-mile, but even though he jumped like a proverbial bunny rabbit, Diamond Mick stopped as if shot at the second last, palpably failing to get home over the longer distance.

The message has clearly got through to his trainer, Rhona Elliott, who sensibly opts to bring her charge back to the scene of his previous victory in the hope that he can once again occupy the hallowed the winners' circle.

Tarbolton Moss (2.40) is strongly fancied to win the Bedmax Handicap Chase for the second year in succession, although he needs to get his act together after running like a drain when pulled up at Bangor last time out.

Quite why the wheels fell off so quickly at the North Wales venue is something of a mystery, nevertheless we're all entitled to one bad day at the office and Tarbolton Moss, a decent enough staying chaser on his day, is no exception to the rule.

The 11-runner Morebattle Handicap Hurdle brings to the table several useful timber merchants including Nowell House, Honest Endeavour, Brave Vision, Zamat, plus Kevin Ryan's Petrula (3.10).

It's such a competitive affair that I'm not sure the eventual winner is actually in amongst those named, however one thing's for sure, Petrula has the right sort of profile to give his each-way supporters some sort of reward.

Since picking up a valuable event over the minimum distance at Wetherby in November, Petrula has twice tried two-and-a-half-miles, and twice been worried out of first place in the closing stages.

It does appear from all available evidence that Petrula is best suited by the shorter trip and being such a keen individual, Kelso's relatively sharp track should theoretically play to his strengths.

Rescind's (3.00) recent bout of seconditis might be about to end in Huntingdon's Live Support Handicap Hurdle.

The smart money will be on Jedd O'Keeffe's Middleham raider now that the trainer has seen the light and booked top-flight conditional rider, Keith Mercer, to take a handy 5lbs off her back.

Mercer's cool-as-you-like style seems ideal for Rescind, who will not want to hit the front too soon seeing as the five-year-old must concede weight to all bar one of her 17 rivals.

Not a great deal to get worked up about at Wolverhampton, where despite a 120-day absence, Vermilion Creek (4.20) could be worth a small investment at potentially attractive odds for each-way thieves.

Reg Hollinshead's horses often go well after being rested, which along with the fact that his niece, Stephanie, gets on well with Vermilion Creek, might give combination a squeak in a wide-open race.

* Winner Finder's long shot selection hit the bullseye at Catterick yesterday when Ipledgeallegiance obliged at a whopping 50-1.

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