Cartmel Racing Tips

Former Flat winner Bright Eyed Eagle has been second on his last two outings over hurdles, being beaten by a smart horse from Paul Nicholls' yard on his latest effort at Fontwell in a handicap contest over the extended 2m1f trip. Olly Murphy's runner is back in maiden company where he sets the standard. A repeat of what he has produced so far over hurdles is likely to be enough for him to take this opening race in Cumbria.

There are just five runners for this handicap hurdle over 3m1f and the one to beat is Cartmel specialist Liffeydale Dreamer. Both of his wins have come at this track, including a C&D success last time out, while he was denied by just a neck on his only defeat here. In his victory here last month, he was over six lengths clear of the field so a 6lb rise in the ratings seems quite fair. Take him to keep up his excellent record at this unique racecourse.

For Jim has had wins over hurdles and fences this season and after two chase outings, he is back hurdling. When he scored over this C&D earlier this season, he finished ahead of Liffeydale Dreamer and that form has been boosted since by that runner-up. His latest mark of 99 should not be a problem for the nine-year-old as he was once rated as high as 104. This is another horse who seems to enjoy it at this course and that counts for a lot at Cartmel.

It has been an excellent start to his chasing career for Presentandcounting, recording two wins from his three appearances. He blew the field away by 20 lengths in his victory last time at Perth over 2m4f where his jumping really stood out. It is no surprise that the handicapper reacted by raising him 10lb for his latest performance but that might not be enough to stop this exciting novice chaser from following up. He only has three horses to beat and the obvious danger will come from No Comment.