Beck could take Kelso chance.

NICKY Richards will wait until later in the week before deciding whether to step Grizebeck back up in class for the totepool Premier Kelso Hurdle on Saturday.

The seven-year-old finished third in Grade Two company at Doncaster on his penultimate start and bounced back to winning ways with an impressive display at Ayr last time, where he had subsequent Eider winner Merigo back in second.

Richards has been pleased with his charge's progress since but will assess the ground and the likely weekend opposition before making a final decision on his participation.

"We were thrilled with him at Ayr and staying is the name of the game with this horse," said Richards. "I've put him in the weekend but I will see nearer the race what those higher rated lads are doing and we'll make a decision then.

"If he doesn't go to Kelso he'll be out somewhere in the near future but I'm not sure about Cheltenham.

"He's in a couple of races there but he is very much ground dependant and as they are talking about watering already, that wouldn't be in his favour.

"He's going to make a nice chaser next season, all being well." Meanwhile, Last year's John Smith's Grand National runner-up King Johns Castle may have his first run since Aintree at Navan this weekend.

Arthur Moore's grey 10-year-old was initially ruled out for the campaign with a tendon injury but he made a quicker than expected recovery and a return to Merseyside is now back on the agenda.

He holds an entry in the Athboy Hurdle and ground conditions will dictate whether or not he lines up.