Gavin Cromwell believes Peaches and Cream can provide him a sweet treat at Kelso.
The awesome Irish handler is eyeing a huge Saturday at Cheltenham with favourites Millforce and Bottler’secret leading a six-horse charge for honours on day two of the season’s opening meeting at Prestbury Park. However, Cromwell also has eyes on a lucrative Scottish prize as his nine-year-old heads for the prestigious Edinburgh Gin Chase in the Borders.
The handicap, worth over a juicy £26,000 to the winner, is the 3.55pm highlight of a cracking seven-race Kelso card. Lucinda Russell’s highly-talented Apple Away heads the market with course winners Famous Bridge, Young Buster and Elvis Mail also involved in a highly-competitive clash.
However, Cromwell is adamant Peaches and Cream should not be written-off and can get in the shake-up with ex-champ Brian Hughes taking the ride. He told Record Sport: “We were keeping an eye on the entries and there are only seven runners.
“There’s good prize money on offer, ground and trip are suitable, so that’s the thinking. Listen, he’s not getting any younger, but he’s looking good at home and, if the right Peaches and Cream turns up, he’ll have a chance, for sure. He’s down to a reasonable mark and, if he puts his best foot forward, he’ll definitely have a chance.”
Cromwell will watch the Kelso action from Cheltenham where he has already scored for the meeting following Friday’s success for Path d’Oroux at jumps HQ. The trainer is looking forward to the events and said: “The horses have been running well, so I am happy enough on the whole.”
GARRY OWEN KELSO PICKS
1:35 TOMMYS LAW
2:10 EDGEWELL
2:45 WALK ON QUEST
3:20 BASHFUL
3:55 APPLE AWAY
4:30 PAY THE PIPER
5:05 ARTIC MANN