Popular chaser Tommy's Oscar returns and a possible Arkle contender makes his debut over fences - Sunday's punting pointers

Punting pearls for Sunday's meetings. . .

Kelso: Tommy's Oscar returns in feature

Ann Hamilton has a terrific record in the feature 2m1f handicap chase (3.50) and it sees the return of her stable star Tommy's Oscar, who goes for back-to-back glory in the race.

Hamilton, alongside husband and owner Ian, have won the contest, which is registered in honour of top-class chaser Simply Ned, four times in the last decade including three of its last four runnings.

Tommy's Oscar must defy topweight of 12st again and faces seven rivals including the Paul Robson-trained Breizh River, who has already won twice this campaign.

Robson said: "I don’t think I’ve ever had him as fit as he is just now. I’ve had this race in mind for him for a while and we’re excited to be taking on the likes of Tommy’s Oscar.

"It will require another step up from our lad, but it’s one I think he’s up to."

Breizh River15:50 Kelso

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Jky: Sean Quinlan Tnr: Paul Robson

Kelso stat: take note of Russell runners

Lucinda Russell has a 29 per cent strike-rate with her runners in handicap hurdles at the track this season. Her runners who fit the bill are Nastasiya (4.25) and Starlyte (5.00).

Killarney: Bolger bids to enhance course record

Enda Bolger has enjoyed another fine season at the track and bids to enhance his strong strike-rate there this year with two runners on the seven-race card.

Bolger is operating at a 33 per cent strike-rate at the County Kerry venue in 2024, with three of his nine runners this year winning. He generally does well at Killarney too, with a strike-rate of 23 per cent there during his career.

The trainer's main chance looks to be Nicholas Street (2.15) in the 2m1f handicap hurdle. The four-year-old is yet to win, but took the eye when a staying-on sixth at Cork last time and goes off the same mark of 95.

Bolger is also represented by Between Friends (1.40) in the 2m1f mares' maiden hurdle. Like Nicholas Street, she is owned by the trainer's longstanding supporter JP McManus, but must improve on her 12th in a similar contest at Galway last month.

Nicholas Street14:15 Killarney

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Jky: Mark Walsh Tnr: E Bolger

Tipperary: Winter Fog takes aim at feature

Winter Fog has already enjoyed notable success at the track this year and bids to complete a big-race double in the feature Grade 3 Horse and Jockey Hotel Hurdle (3.40).

Trained by Willie Mullins, the ten-year-old caused a 22-1 shock in the Grimes Hurdle in July under Brian Hayes, who partners him again, before he ran a huge race when fourth in the Galway Hurdle.

He has since finished second twice on the Flat, but returns to hurdles as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of last year's winner Fils D'Oudairies, who took this after winning the Grimes. Ivan Grozny is the other horse to do the double in the last decade, in 2016.

Winter Fog's trainer Willie Mullins will also be represented by Daddy Long Legs, who flopped in both the Grimes and Galway Hurdles. However, Paul Townend stays loyal to the impressive Punchestown festival winner.

Winter Fog15:40 Tipperary

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Jky: Brian Hayes Tnr: W P Mullins

Uttoxeter: L'Eau Du Sud makes chasing debut

The jumps season is just getting into full swing and a possible contender for the Arkle could be unleashed as L'Eau Du Sud makes his chasing debut (3.00).

Trained by Dan Skelton, the six-year-old took high rank in some of Britain's best handicap hurdles last season without winning. He finished a fine second in the Betfair Hurdle behind Iberico Lord, before filling that same position behind Absurde in the County Hurdle.

He faces three rivals on his chasing bow, including the Charlie Longsdon-trained Rare Edition and Uncle Bert for the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard.

Skelton said: "It was always the plan to go chasing this season. He's got plenty of experience under his belt and he's jumped fences nicely at home.

"This looks a nice starting point, it's a nice race and there are horses in there who will go on to win plenty of races this season, but I'm delighted to get him out."

L'Eau du Sud15:00 Uttoxeter

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

Uttoxeter stat: Dunn in red-hot form

Alexandra Dunn is operating at a red-hot 43 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight, with three of her seven runners winning. She saddles three runners on the card in Timely Escape (1.15), Chester Tonik (1.50) and Holy Legend (2.25).