We send two up to the Scottish borders on Monday, where the going at Kelso at the time of writing is good to soft, good in places.
Contre Ordre was the winner of five of his 16 starts when trained in France, including twice over fences, but in his five runs since arriving at the yard last autumn, he is still to get competitive, which has seen his mark fall from an opening 117, to his current rating of 94. It has to be said though that at Carlisle on his latest start, he was still travelling okay when his saddle slipped at the 10th fence, causing his jockey to pull him up. Contre Ordre will take his chance at 2.45.pm, in a 0-105 handicap chase, over the extended two miles and five furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.
Air Of Approval will have her second start at 5.05.pm, in division one of the two miles bumper. Air Of Approval made her debut on heavy ground at Newcastle 30 days ago, where after being held up early, she made some headway, before being outpaced from three out. She will probably appreciate these less testing underfoot conditions, as she continues her education, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Graeme Newton, and Mr G King.