UK Horse Racing Tips: Carlisle

The fitting of first-time cheekpieces worked the oracle for SHANTOU LUCKY when romping home at Perth last month. Although a 9lb hike in the ratings demands more from the seven-year-old, a double could be on the cards. Malangen has shown up well over further of late and a return to this 2m1f distance should suit. Lisa Harrison's charge is feared most, ahead of stablemate Dalileo.
Prediction : 1st Shantou Lucky 2nd Malangen 3rd Dalileo

Chase/seasonal debutant Donnacha is an infrequent runner at this venue for trainer Nigel Hawke and he must enter calculations having capped off last season with a career-best victory at Exeter. However, THE CHURCHILL LAD made a winning chase bow at Hexham 13 days ago and that experience could prove crucial. A 4lb rise for that triumph looks more than workable and the five-year-old shades the verdict. Western Zephyr is also noted.
Prediction : 1st The Churchill Lad 2nd Donnacha 3rd Western Zephyr

COUNTRY PARK offered plenty to work with on his first completed start over hurdles when runner-up to a decent sort at Uttoxeter in June. The point-to-point winner is sure to enjoy this greater emphasis on stamina and a breakthrough victory under Rules looks imminent. The biggest threat is Junker D'allier, who filled the runner-up spot on all three of his starts in bumpers last season. The Dan Skelton-trained newcomer Lola Blue must be watched closely in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Country Park 2nd Junker Dallier 3rd Lola Blue

Gentleman Bill did it well when scoring comfortably over 2m1f in a Newcastle bumper on his debut for this yard last season and, provided he is fully tuned up on his return to action, he should go well now tackling hurdles for the first time. That said, WOODLAND PARK is narrowly preferred. The 110,000-euro son of Walk In The Park looked a gelding of considerable potential when bolting up at Market Rasen when last seen and, on his hurdling debut, a bold bid is expected. I Wish You is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Woodland Park 2nd Gentleman Bill 3rd I Wish You

This may prove an ideal opportunity for SNIPE to return to winning ways. Dan Skelton's charge caught the eye when staying on strongly into second over 3m at Doncaster on his penultimate start in January and, with excuses for his low-key effort in the Grand National trial at Haydock when last seen, he looks the one to side with having gone well fresh before. Abuffalosoldier wasn't disgraced when fourth in a warm Ayr handicap chase towards the back end of last season and he's noted, while Wasdell Dundalk also merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Snipe 2nd Abuffalosoldier 3rd Wasdell Dundalk

Useful on the Flat in Ireland and now two from three over timber, IRISH LULLABY looks a shrewd acquisition to hurdling for a burgeoning stable. The daughter of Nathaniel showed a likeable attitude when bringing up a double over 2m1f at Cartmel in May and, pitched into handicap company for the first time over obstacles, she gets the vote. Narrowly denied over 2m at Perth last month, Byron Hill must enter calculations, along with Independent Jimmy.
Prediction : 1st Irish Lullaby 2nd Byron Hill 3rd Independent Jimmy

Mint Gold was beaten five lengths into second in a stronger contest than this at Perth in April and the veteran is one to take seriously off an unchanged mark. However, HOLD ONTO THE LINE gets the vote. The seven-year-old struck in good style in this grade at Musselburgh in January and now makes his return to action off only 1lb higher. With Brian Hughes booked, he could prove tough to beat. Five Dollar Fine completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Hold Onto The Line 2nd Mint Gold 3rd Five Dollar Fine

Point-to-point winner KADJAR DES MOTTES changed hands for 72,000 pounds in May and the son of Balko is related to plenty of winners. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see him make an instant impression under Brian Hughes, with his main threat possibly being Blue Carpet. Dan Skelton's four-year-old wouldn't have to be anything out of the ordinary on his debut to have a say in this contest, while any market support for Walk Of Faith would be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Kadjar Des Mottes 2nd Blue Carpet 3rd Walk Of Faith