13:15 Carlisle

Donald McCain has won the last two renewals of this race and has another live contender in the form of WHITEHAVEN, who should have learned plenty from his stable debut when he was third in a novice hurdle at Catterick (the form boosted by the runner-up since) at the start of last month. French import Icarat is also interesting on his debut for Venetia Williams and looks the best alternative. Ebendi completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Whitehaven 2nd Icarat 3rd Ebendi

13:45 Carlisle

BALLYBEG BOSS, who cost 50,000 pounds after winning a point last April, has shown ability in two previous starts over hurdles and could be hard to beat with improvement expected now he faces a sterner test of stamina. Altobelli, who won a bumper at Exeter before winning a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las 60 days ago, is highly respected but needs another step forward under a penalty. Knockanore can also get involved.
Prediction : 1st Ballybeg Boss 2nd Altobelli 3rd Knockanore

14:15 Carlisle

Knocknamona is interesting from the foot of the weights and is worth a betting check at least after returning to winning ways at Newcastle last month, while Tico Times has the ability to figure and support for him on stable debut would be noteworthy. However, preference is for the versatile MASSINI MAN, who has gone from strength to strength over fences since joining Sandy Thomson and is consistent enough to defy his new mark.
Prediction : 1st Massini Man 2nd Knocknamona 3rd Tico Times

14:45 Carlisle

PADDY'S FANCY took a step back in the right direction when runner-up on her handicap debut at Plumpton last Monday and the filly, who made a winning start in this discipline at Leicester in November, is expected to go one better. Hashtag Lord is entitled to improve from his recent third at Ayr, while Silkstone could easily bounce back from a disappointing effort at Sedgefield.
Prediction : 1st Paddys Fancy 2nd Hashtag Lord 3rd Silkstone

15:15 Carlisle

POST CHAISE has progressed well since going chasing, having won both outings to date at Hereford and Huntingdon, and a 9lb rise for his latest success is unlikely to stop him from making it three on the bounce. Destiny Is All has been a consistent performer this season and may have more to offer in first-time cheekpieces, while others worth considering are Tile Tapper and Marown.
Prediction : 1st Post Chaise 2nd Destiny Is All 3rd Tile Tapper

15:50 Carlisle

This looks a very competitive handicap, where a chance can be taken on MEXICO, who makes his handicap debut after contesting a Grade 2 last time. Based on his Southwell win two starts ago, a mark of 125 could prove to be manageable. Marsh Wren is another to consider, as he has only been raised 1lb for his win at Exeter last month. Others to note are Up For Parol and Fingal's Hill, who won when last seen at Newcastle.
Prediction : 1st Mexico 2nd Marsh Wren 3rd Up For Parol

16:25 Carlisle

Doireann was only beaten a short head in this company at Fakenham last time, for which she was raised 3lb which keeps her in with a shout. However, preference is for PIAFF BUBBLES, who kept on strongly to take a class 4 handicap on his latest outing. For that success he has been raised 6lb, but he will prove tough to beat once more. Of the remainder, Our Sam has to be of interest as he finished second last time behind a dual subsequent winner.
Prediction : 1st Piaff Bubbles 2nd Doireann 3rd Our Sam