The opening beginners' chase was won last year by Profowens, trained by Peter Beaumont, who could bid to retain his prize with one of a trio of novice chasers entered – Seymar Lad, Little Said or Double Past.
Another possible local contender is Super Baby for Langholm trainer James Ewart.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports the handicap hurdle, where Sue Bradburne's Kharak would be an interesting runner, having run over course and distance, as has Tobesure trained at Stocksfield by George Charlton. Keep an eye on Great Approach if he gets the nod as Nicky Richards' Greystoke raider was narrowly beaten over this trip here last month.

The Buccleuch Cup, Kelso's most prestigious hunter chase for maiden runners, has a new sponsor in Bill Runciman's Lauder-based Grass Roots Company. Lucinda Broad's Scenic Storm has already come a fair fourth in similar company, while Victor Thompson's Decent Bond has been lightly raced since unseating his rider three years ago. Howard Johnson doesn't train many hunter chasers, but Nile Moon has decent form, notably when chasing home the useful Forty Shakes at Catterick in March.

One of the Borders' greatest sporting characters is remembered through the Pat De Clermont handicap chase, run for the Scott Briggs trophy.

"Colonel Pat," as he was fondly known by so many people in the racing world, was a wonderful character. His widow, Liz de Clermont, will be on hand to make the presentations to the winning connections. Steve Marshall's game Morpeth Raider took this last year and the Peter Monteith-trained Ideal Du Bois Beury, who finished third, may try to get even closer this time. The Miner, trained at Yetholm by Sandy Forster, and Jimmy Walton's Posh Stick are other familiar faces which could see action.

Kelso Races boast two new sponsors at this meeting. Builders' merchants Keyline acts as sponsor for the first time. Lucinda Russell may be tempted to run her recent Ayr fourth Scrappie, while Jim Goldie could put Something Silver in the line-up and Jedburgh's Raymond Shiels has Hurricane Basil entered.

The other new sponsor is Andersons Quality Butchers Berwick Bandits.
Wilf Storey's horses are currently 'sounder' than himself as the Consett trainer is awaiting a replacement knee operation, so victory in this for Minster Abbi or Fly Kicker would be a great tonic. Hawick-based Donald Whillans could enter recent Newcastle third Polly Whitefoot while Bob's Dream is a possible contender for his near neighbour Willie Amos.

The Green Tree Hotel in Peebles sponsors the second hunter chase on the card, and will be represented by owner/ manager Andrew Shortheed.
Vicky Simpson and Jacksonville were successful in this last April and the combination arrive in defence of their title in great form in point-to-points and hunter chases.

Natian from June and Alistair Brown's Galashiels stable has been enjoying a tremendous winning run, and could add this title to an already impressive list of victories.

Other possible contenders include Try Catch Paddy, trained in Berwickshire by Ailie Tullie, and Coomakista from Emma Reed's yard.
Turn to page 12 for point-to-point.