Carlisle 15:15
This is a short (one mile and seven furlongs) handicap chase in which Germany calling for Charlie Longsdon is at the top of the handicap. He has run twice this year where he was a nice winner in a two miles beginner's chase at Uttoxeter before coming second to the very useful Dell' Arca over two and a half miles. It may have been that the longer trip stretched him there so back over this shorter distance should suit.
Relic Rock was second in a high quality bumper at Aintree last year and has been extremely well supported in the majority of his races since then without getting his head in front. He leaves hurdling to give chasing a go now and it's interesting that he gets thrown straight into a handicap. It can safely be assumed that he must have been going well at home and if he does take to fences he will surely be good enough to make the frame here today.
Lucky Bridle has been rated as high as 139 over hurdles and was deemed good enough to go to Cheltenham in March this year. He has been given a rating of 127 for his first go over fences and given his relatively modest form of late, I think that may be plenty high enough.
Vodka Wells for Micky Hammond won a novice chase over this distance last time out and took to fences pretty well. He was receiving a bit of weight from his main rivals that day but apart from one mistake he did it nicely enough and that experience could prove vital. The claimer Jamie Bargary again takes seven pounds off and I think there is a lot of improvement to come from this five year so he gets the strong vote here. An added bonus is that he is at home on today's firmer ground where both of his market rivals are yet to race on anything quite as firm as this.
Carlisle 15:50
Shantou Village a class above his rivals here today. He had already won a point to point before winning a number as easily as her liked. One of his rivals that day has come out and won a hurdles race so this nicely bred horse looks like he could be really good. His price has shortened somewhat but if he doesn't win today with plenty in hand I will be very surprised. Having Noel Fehily on board is always a plus as well.
Today's Selections
Carlisle 15:15 Vodka Wells - 1 point @ 10/3 (Ladbrokes, Bet365)
Carlisle 15:50 Shantou Village - 3 points @ 8/11 (Now 4/9 best price with William Hill as a couple have pulled out)