Nail your hopes to this mare to thrive in northern air in Kelso's valuable pot - but it's not a walk in the park

Credit to Kelso for laying on such a good pot for Ladbrokes Go North finals, supported by the Racing Post. The prize fund for this mares’ novice handicap hurdle (3.00) has doubled from last season and that elevates its purse above that of Newbury’s Grade 2 feature, also for novice mares, on the same day. 

Fergal O’Brien supplied the previous winner in 2023 and his runners are a logical place to start. Northern Air is more interesting than stablemate Leloopa, having caught the eye of the stewards behind Gerry Feilden winner Navajo Indy on her hurdles debut at Wincanton last April. 

Wind surgery seemed to make the difference for Northern Air when she broke her duck over hurdles at Taunton in January and she sits on a good mark for her handicap debut. However, she is yet to encounter a surface this quick.