Can Flower Of Scotland repeat her 2022 Borders National success? Analysis and quotes for Kelso marathon

Local trainer Sandy Thomson makes no secret of his focus on the Borders National card, and the feature race in particular. He has won the Borders National five times in the last decade, all the more impressive considering in that time it has twice been lost to the weather.

Thomson's wins have come in pairs. Neptune Equester won in 2014 and 2015, with Harry The Viking winning the next two. Flower Of Scotland won the last time the race was held in 2022 and is much better placed for her defence than she would have been 12 months ago.

Last season never got better than a tailed-off eighth in the Eider for this mare. The result is a much-reduced BHA rating of 107, half a stone lower than her Borders National-winning mark. She had wind surgery before her recent return at Carlisle, which contained some promise, and this will clearly have been the plan. She was Thomson's only entry in the race, even at the five-day stage.

There is still a small leap of faith required in backing Flower Of Scotland and a compelling set of rivals might have had you looking elsewhere. That is not what we have in this field of 12. The race is in effect a 0-130. It is a 0-120 if you discount, Your Own Story, whose career has plateaued if not outright stuttered in the last 18 months, and the inexperienced Pinto Rouge.

The last-named is at least interesting. She is a point winner and fairly useful hurdler, who would have had a lot of options that do not involve four miles in deep ground.

There are horses of some interest further down the weights, too. Bretney has run just once since winning the Highlands National. Prince Des Fichaux may have had this race in mind since he was second in the Eider. Raceview Road ran into one at Carlisle last time. None of them would strike much fear into a back-in-form Flower Of Scotland.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Stuart Coltherd, trainer of Universal Folly
The horse is well. He won at Kelso in the autumn and everything looks right for him. I think he’ll stay. In all the races I have seen him run he has been doing all his best work at the finish. If he does stay he must have a hell of a chance.

Henry Daly, trainer of Bretney
The trip will certainly hold no fears. He was second at Kelso, beaten a short head, at around this time last year, so we know he acts well on the track. He never ceases to amaze me. He won at Hereford off 95 two years ago and is now rated 120.

Martin Todhunter, trainer of Jet Legs
We’ve had this race in mind for a while. He had a prep run at Carlisle a month ago when he was a little disappointing, but he did need the outing. Jet Legs is totally unexposed at this sort of trip. We’re going to ride him to stay. I think he’ll stay, but I don’t want a lot of rain. Good ground would definitely help us as he is not slow and plenty of rain would suit most of the others. He’s still fairly handicapped. We’ve looked after him, and his form against the likes of Cruz Control and Special Rate is rock-solid.

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Flower Of Scotland
Last season didn’t work out for her, but she was running well enough in the Eider when brought to a halt four out. This race has always been the plan. She’s not the type you can glean an awful lot from at home, but I’m hopeful she’ll run well. Everything looks right for her if the weather forecast is accurate and plenty of rain will suit.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Top jockeys such as Sean Bowen can't do their jobs without it – and you can subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months! Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code MEMBERS24. First three payments will be charged at £24.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.