ONLY the weather could dampen the spirits of those who make the journey to Kelso tomorrow for an excellent card featuring the John Smith’s Scottish Borders National.

This valuable meeting was the victim of snow last year, but the fixture will hopefully go ahead without any serious weather problems. The rail has been moved to provide fresh ground and all races will be approximately 100 yards shorter than the official distances. However, it will have little bearing on the National for the dozen runners still have the best part of a gruelling four miles to travel.

Nigel Twiston-Davies (pictured right) sends his dour stayer Ballyfitz up from Cheltenham and will be hoping he enjoys a clear round after his stable’s previous runner in this event, Jaunty Journey, stumbled and unseated his rider at the 19th in the 2009 renewal.

Ballyfitz was rated 152 over fences some time ago but has not won over fences since Cheltenham in November 2008, and the sprightly 11-year-old is now down to mark of 129. Another word of warning. He has never won a handicap chase.

However, looking on the positive side, there are no stamina or ground concerns and he was runner-up in Haydock’s Grand National Trial and the Midlands National at Uttoxeter, though well beaten on both occasions.

He made a promising reappearance at Cheltenham’s Open meeting three weeks ago, chasing home the progressive Galaxy Rock and the form of that race is working out well with the third and fourth, Carruthers and Hey Big Spender, winning big races last weekend.

While Ballyfitz has never been a convincing jumper, he will relish this slog in the mud and, if he avoids any serious errors, he fits the profile needed for a marathon and the handicapper has given him every chance of making the journey worthwhile.

Keith Reveley was worried about the testing ground when Rambling Minster took a walk in the market and duly obliged at 25-1 in this event four years ago.

He could have similar concerns about Eyre Square, who may not want it as soft as this. He ran well against Morning Moment at Haydock two outings ago but disappointed on a return visit when beaten further by the same rival despite meeting him on better terms.

Eyre Square has been beaten three times off his present mark, yet it might be unwise to think the handicapper has his measure and he has always looked suitable for these long-distance chases.