Fiolino, who loves a slog in the mud, has conditions in his favour and makes plenty of appeal in the Annual Members Handicap Hurdle over three miles and three furlongs at Kelso this afternoon.

Mick Easterby's nine-year-old has been in fair form over fences of late and ran well over four miles at Hexham recently when second to dour stayer Phar Echo. He's particularly interesting back over hurdles as he can race from a 10lb lower mark and he's taken to beat progressive performer Tarbolton Moss, who has been in good heart of late.

Easterby's Lord Sandrovitch has good claims with a clear round in the Teviot Smokery Novices Chase over two miles and one furlong, but his jumping has been a cause for concern and a chance is taken with Superior Weapon.

Barry Murtagh's eight-year-old, a dual point winner, reportedly had a breathing problem when disappointing at Newcastle two outings ago but he shaped much better last time when third to the in-form San Francisco at Ayr.

As he's a strapping horse, that first run in nearly 50 days could put an edge on him and his fencing to date has been fluent. With Radar having it all to do under a double penalty, he rates the day's best bet.

Norman Mason has had a good time of it of late and his Red Rampage can carry on the good work by taking the L.G. Wines Handicap Chase over three miles and one furlong.

Although he's 11lb higher than when successful at Catterick last time, that was only his second run over fences so there's almost certainly more improvement to come.

And, with doubts about the majority of his rivals concerning trip, ground and fencing ability, then there are good grounds for thinking that he is a sound bet. Mary Reveley's Merry Masquerade is the one to beat but his jumping is very iffy and the trainer could have better luck with hurdles debutant Lady Bob Back, who contests the Annual Members Maiden Hurdle over two miles and six furlongs.

The five-year-old has shaped like a stayer in her four runs to date in bumpers and she has shown enough to suggest a modest race such as this one could be within her compass.

Lady trainers could also be on the mark with Bodfari Signet, who is handled by Sue Bradburne, in the Belhaven Best Handicap Hurdle over two miles.

Although his best efforts are at Musselburgh, he has shown himself to be effective at this course and the form of his penultimate start when he finished second to Through The Rye has worked out particularly well.

With Newcastle's meeting lost early yesterday to waterlogging, the only Flat action is on the sand at Southwell and the best bet on an ordinary card could be Golden Rod in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Daily Special Offers Handicap over a mile and three furlongs.