3.15pm Carlisle Tips & Betting Preview 19/10/2017

A staying handicap chase for a nice prize of £8,123. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: CARRIGDHOUN is somewhat of a course specialist having won here a number of times and can take this race for the second year in a row. Venetia Williams’s Vic De Touzaine will love conditions and can follow him home.

1 SILVER TASSIE – Ran in some decent races last year and won his first start under today’s jockey Joe Colliver in great style off 6lbs lower at Ayr. He has a 176 day absence to overcome today, but if fully tuned up would go there with a good chance of doing so.

2 BALLYBEN – Was beaten a long way in his final two starts of last season, but reappeared in completely different form to romp home in a four-runner event at Perth. Has gone up 9lbs for that and won’t find it easy off a mark of 133, but is considered.

3 I JUST KNOW – Scored twice in the early months of 2017 and continued his progression when running a lovely race behind the classy Label Des Obeaux when surrounded by some very good horses. Is a useful looking prospect and one to note.

4 VIC DE TOUZAINE – Venetia Williams’s horses are well known for loving the mud and this one is no different. He bumped into one when second in a Grade 3 at Newbury last year but was well clear of the second that day. That form entitles him to plenty of respect in this company; should go well.

5 PALM GREY – Won a couple of races last season including on his last racecourse appearance. He stepped up to 3m over fences for the first time that day and seemed to relish every yard. There may well be more to come over this trip and he is shortlisted.

6 ALDERBROOK LAD – Has won a grand total of seven times over fences from 39 attempts but most of those successes have been at Cartmel, including his latest triumph in July. He is only up 4lbs and Joe Wright takes off 7lbs so he can’t be ignored.

7 CARRIGDHOUN – Gained one of his three course successes in this race last year and is only 4lbs higher in the weights than he was that day. Soft ground isn’t a problem for him and it would be no surprise to see him go well again at a venue he enjoys.

8 FEDERICI – Struggled for most of last season, even after switching yards, but has now fallen 10lbs since his debut for Donald McCain and may have slipped down the weights to a more manageable mark if he is at his best on his reappearance; not ruled out.

9 BORIC – Looked to be improving when last seen, winning two of his final three starts of the season. Makes his reappearance here off a career high mark which is no easy task in what looks a decent race, but there’s a chance he’s still improving and is considered.