2.45pm Carlisle Tips & Betting Preview 30/10/2016

12 runners have been declared for the Class 3 handicap chase over 3m2f on Sunday’s Carlisle card. Read on for our experts’ betting tips and full race preview.

IN SUMMARY: Belmount comes here in search of a hat-trick and is respected but the Hereford event he won when last in action wasn’t particularly strong and the handicapper has turned the screw again. Ready preference is for lightly raced chaser IN THE ROUGH, who opened his account over fences in novice company last month and looks well handicapped on the best of his hurdle form here. Fill The Power has been absent since his C&D win in May 2015 but will enter the equation if attracting some market support. Kilbree Chief was consistent during his first season over fences and is next on the list.

1 In The Rough – Seems to be improving as he gains experience over fences and comes here after winning a beginners’ event at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last month; shoulders top weight in this handicap but is nicely treated on best hurdle form and will be suited by the increased emphasis on stamina; one to consider.

2 Milborough – Thorough stayer who won over C&D in November 2014 and landed the Eider Chase at Newcastle (4m, good to soft) the following February; respectable seventh in the Scottish Grand National when last seen in April but doesn’t have a great record when fresh.

3 Belmount – Been in excellent form in recent weeks, winning at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) and Hereford (3m1f, good); needs to produce a new career-best performance to complete a hat-trick here but won’t mind the slower ground and is expected to give it a good shot.

4 Chase The Spud – Usually goes well fresh but would make more appeal on slower ground and the form of his win in a small-field graduation chase at Exeter (3m, heavy) in February should probably be treated with a degree of caution; comfortably held when third of six at Chepstow (2m7f, heavy) the following month; others preferred.

5 Cultram Abbey – Failed to complete his final three starts last season, most recently when taking heavy fall at Ayr in April; remains unexposed over marathon trips and current mark looks workable but he’s not always enthusiastic and a clear round might be his main objective today.

6 Theatrical Star – Seemingly back on track when third over hurdles after a break last month but carried his head awkwardly in the closing stages when fourth in a Chepstow chase (2m7f, good) three weeks ago and was soundly beaten after making the running in first-time blinkers (now removed) at Cheltenham recently.

7 Fill The Power – Three-time chase winner; most recently when drawing 8l clear over C&D (good) in May 2015; not seen again since then but only 2lb higher today and well worth keeping an eye on in the betting.

8 Kilbree Chief – Returned from long absence and began chasing career with form figures of 22212 last season, the win gained at Ayr (3m3f, soft) in February; coped well with rise to Class 2 company and was clear of the third when dropped back to 3m there in April and is a player here if resuming in similar nick.

9 Carrigdhoun – Gamely made winning seasonal debut here (3m, good to soft) this month and today’s longer trip won’t be a problem, but this race looks a bit stronger and subsequent 4lb rise probably enough to leave this 11yo vulnerable.

10 Full Jack – Easily beat Carrigdhoun to win a 2m4f handicap here after long absence in March and subsequently ran quite well in two hunter chases (2m5f/3m2f); can make his presence felt if on song in refitted blinkers after another break.

11 Askamore Darsi – Won three times during the winter and stayed on well for close third at Carrigdhoun on seasonal reappearance here (3m, good to soft) this month; probably needs to squeeze out something extra to hit the target again, though.

12 Presented – Stays well and outran his 40-1 odds when second to Carrigdhoun here (3m, good to soft) this month but was quickly back in the doldrums when pulled up at Kelso recently and it’s hard to predict whether today will be a going day.

myracing Forecast Prices: 7/2 In The Rough, 5/1 Belmount, 7/1 Chase The Spud, 8/1 Kilbree Chief, Carrigdhoun, Askamore Darcy, 10/1 Cultram Abbey, Fill The Power, 12/1 Theatrical Star, Full Jack, 14/1 Milborough, 25/1 Presented