Paris Pike, the 2000 Scottish Grand National winner, makes his eagerly-awaited comeback from a 20-month absence because of a leg injury at Kelso tomorrow.
The nine-year-old has to give upwards of 20lb to his three rivals in the Tote Placepot Champion Chase (Showcase Handicap) over three miles and a furlong at the Borders track where he is unbeaten in three visits.
And trainer Ferdy Murphy today spoke of his delight at getting his stable star racing again.
"We are just glad to get him back on the race track and give it every chance. He is fairly forward, but he will be better for the run having been off that long," said Murphy.
"It will be interesting to see how the race is run. Hopefully someone will go on and make it a gallop. We wouldn't want to make the pace but we may end up doing it."
Paris Pike returned to Murphy's Middleham stables in July.