Carlisle Racing Tips

Ben Pauling has his string in excellent order and has an excellent strike rate of 23% at this track so far this season. HARPER'S BROOK was last seen finishing 3^rd in a Wetherby bumper in March, when he perhaps hit the front too soon and tired in the closing stages. That was still a good effort for his racecourse debut. He won a Point to Point by 12-lengths on his only start between the flags when trained by Tom Ellis and he is a half-brother to Wetlands (Nicky Richards) who has also won over this course and distance. All of which points to a big run from Harper’s Brook on his hurdles bow.

Not too much in the way of solid form to go on and so this could go to RELEASE THE KRAKEN. Nicky Richards son of Shantou finished 2^nd in a Hexham bumper in March, chasing horse Dazzling Glory who has won twice since. Having made the running that day, he was unlucky to be caught late on by what turned out to be an above average rival and he looks to have been found a very winnable opportunity for his hurdles debut.

A very competitive Novice Handicap Chase with lots of potential improvers over fences, but it is still very hard to get away from DREAMS OF HOME. He was 3 from 3 over hurdles last winter and with the Donald McCain team in such good form, he is very difficult to take on. Brian Hughes has been onboard for all his hurdle victories and a mark of 134 doesn’t look beyond him on chase debut.

It’s hard to have confidence about any of this field, but it may be worth taking a chance on CAPTAIN MOIRETTE. He hasn’t taken to chasing (0-7), but this return to hurdles on a track where he has run well in the past could see him in a better light. He is now 18lbs lower than his last win and this is the easiest contest he has faced for some time. Charlotte Jones is excellent value for her 5lb claim and he could take advantage of a drop in the weights to earn a 4^th career win over Timber.

A fascinating renewal of this race, with the late defection of Ahoy Senor from Wetherby only adding to that. Fiddlerontheroof is capable on his day but has developed a habit of finishing 2^nd, so instead it may fall to the highest rated ESPOIR DE ROMAY. He comes out best at the weights and has an outstanding record when Fresh, this race should be run to suit, and he may outclass his rivals.

Another very competitive handicap hurdle but CAPTAIN ZEBO is a perfect 4 from 4 at Carlisle and although he is a touch fragile, his record when he has made it to the track speaks for itself. His trainer/jockey takes off a useful 7lbs (has been onboard for all 4 wins here) and he could well prove capable of carrying top weight at his favourite track.

A tricky handicap chase with several horses who signed off last season in good form. Sandy Thomson has an impressive record with horses recruited from other yards and in HILL SIXTEEN he may have another recruit he can work wonders with. Having somewhat lost his way last season when with Nigel Twiston-Davies, the change of scenery could really suit him and on the form he showed at the start of last season when he won his first 2 starts at Ffos Las and Newbury, he would have a chance in this competitive race.

The closing bumper lacks any obvious racecourse form and so it may fall to the newcomer BARRULE PARK. He looks to be the pick of the 2 Donald McCain runners, based on jockey bookings and as a half-brother to Vintage Clouds, he could be a poignant winner in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings.