Steve Ryder is back with three selections for today's racing.
13:40 Carlisle
The Lucinda Russell trained WELL ABOVE PAR (best priced at 9-1) has form figures of 211 over this course and distance and he should be able to run in his optimum conditions. He won off a mark of 104 in a first-time tongue-tie in March before making a winning reappearance over this course and distance 34 days ago off a mark of 110.
Well, Above Par made all that day under Derek Fox and showed a good attitude to beat First Account by a neck. The pair pulled 15 lengths clear of the third that day so it looked a good performance and the handicapper has only raised the nine-year-old 4lb for that victory. Papa Tango Charly is a worthy favourite for this race having made a winning handicap/chase debut last time but he is now rated 10lb higher and is a short price. Preference instead goes to Well Above Par with up to four places on offer.
14:10 Carlisle
The five-year-old BASS ROCK (best priced at 9-4) has looked progressive over hurdles this season and comes here with form figures of 113 since handicapping. The Sandy Thomson trained gelding won off an opening mark of 115 last season before following up at this course over 2m4f on his reappearance off a mark of 123.
The handicapper raised Bass Rock 7lb for that victory up to a mark of 130 where he put in a career best performance to finish a close 3rd in the Grade 3 Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on his first attempt over 3 miles. He was given a positive ride by Ryan Mania that day and I feel with a slightly more conservative ride in this race he can win despite racing off a 2lb higher mark.
14:25 Southwell
The Neil Mulholland trained PELTWELL (best priced at 9-4) has won her previous six races since the application of cheekpieces and she looks worth keeping onside until she is beaten in that headgear. The mare started her winning sequence off a lowly mark of 82 but has progressed up to a mark of 116 having won at Hereford last time off a mark of 111.
Peltwell only won by a neck that day but the pair pulled 6 ½ lengths clear of the third so a 5lb rise seems fair and hopefully she can win again with Sam Twiston-Davies retaining the ride.
