Based on the total ratings provided, the contenders for the Elliot Henderson Group Handicap Hurdle at Kelso can be ranked as follows:

1. Castel Gandolfo (IRE) – 393.1
2. Matchless (IRE) – 383.3
3. Russian Virtue – 371.9
4. Bythesametoken (IRE) – 308.0
5. The Navigator – 290.3

1. Castel Gandolfo (IRE), rated 393.1, is the highest-rated runner in this race. Despite not having a win in 13 races since June 2021, he has been the runner-up five times, most recently at Haydock last month. Notably effective on fast ground, Castel Gandolfo has a consistent record of good performances that suggests he is very much in the running here. Despite the 2lb rise, the fact that his performance at Haydock was near his best suggests that he will once again put in a strong bid.

2. Matchless (IRE), coming in with a rating of 383.3, is the second-highest-rated horse in the race. With two wins from his first four hurdle starts and a solid third on handicap debut at Sedgefield in January, Matchless also demonstrated versatility by winning on the flat three weeks ago. Furthermore, his experience with fast ground in flat races gives him an advantage in this setting. We can expect him to put in a formidable performance.

3. Russian Virtue is the third-highest-rated horse with a rating of 371.9. With five wins since December – three over hurdles and two on the flat – Russian Virtue has shown strong form. His good performance at Hexham three weeks ago and ability to run well on fast ground on the flat means he’s definitely one to watch in this race.

The fourth and fifth ranked horses, Bythesametoken (IRE) and The Navigator, while lower in the ratings, should not be discounted entirely.

4. Bythesametoken (IRE), with a rating of 308.0, has been back in good form recently, with two runner-up finishes this spring. Despite his mixed bag of results over fences last year, he is now down in the weights over timber and seems ready to capitalise.

5. The Navigator, rated 290.3, was second in this race last year and despite not being at his best this year, he showed signs of improvement with a fifth-place finish here last time. However, the marked drop in trip for this race could present a challenge.

In summary, Castel Gandolfo (IRE), Matchless (IRE) and Russian Virtue, based on their total ratings and recent form, appear to be the main contenders for this race. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Bythesametoken (IRE) and The Navigator, especially if they can tap into their previous good form.