2.20pm Carlisle Tips & Betting Preview 08/02/2017

Frustratingly for each-way backers, a field of seven go to post for the second race of the day up at Carlisle, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Nine Altars is likely to run another good race after his latest second in handicap company but this looks like a tailor made opportunity for FREDDIES PORTRAIT to get off the mark over fences. A winning point to pointer, he has ran well in defeat the last twice when second on both occasions, with the form of his latest second at Ayr in January franked by the third Holeinthewall Bar trotting up when back over in Ireland. Donald McCain’s eight year old should be much happier back at right handed track and with conditions to suit, he looks to be the one to beat today.

1 NINE ALTARS – Has shown promise on three starts to date over fences, including his latest close second at Catterick in January (1m 7f, Good). Back into novice company today which he may well find easier for Ann Hamilton. Conditions are fine today as he’s won on soft in the past so another bold effort is likely with Brian Hughes retaining the ride and has to be respected as such as he should have more to offer in this sphere.

2 GREYBOUGG – In the process of running a decent race at Wincanton four starts ago when fourth before unseating the rider three out (2m 4f, Good to Soft). However he did the same on his next start at Exeter on New Year’s Day (2m 3f, Soft) at the first fence and pulled up when weakening rapidly at Wincanton a week later (2m 4f, Soft). On the basis of his last three runs he’s almost impossible to recommend, despite the fact he remains with potential over fences. Rates as a very risky proposition and not one we’re willing to take today.

3 CHRISTMAS TWENTY – Makes his chasing debut with some good form in the book in the context of this race, finishing a good second at Wetherby on his penultimate start in April (2m 5f, Soft), though was nowhere near that when tailed off at Kempton when last seen in May (2m 5f, Good). Rated around the same as Nine Altars in terms of hurdling form which makes him interesting and if taking the larger obstacles he’d certainly be a creditable threat. Has to be respected as such, though obviously there is the question mark as to whether he’ll take to fences for his new yard (Micky Hammond).

4 TURTLE WATCH – Rated 112 over hurdles with a decent enough record of 3 wins from 10 races, and was travelling in hand when falling five out at Newcastle on chasing debut in December (2m, Soft). His second chasing start was more successful when finishing second at Kelso behind a runaway winner (2m 1f, Good to Soft), and now has a base to build off. Likely to be capable of better yet over fences for Rose Dobbin and if building upon that latest second, he’d have to be considered a danger with Craig Nicol on board. Has to be considered.

5 CRAIGANBOY – Patchy profile but useful at his best over hurdles, though he’s not shown a great deal in three runs for Nick Alexander and makes his chasing debut today. His latest well beaten fourth at Ayr (2m, Heavy) was his best effort for the yard despite being beaten 31 lengths and needs this switch to fences to perk him up markedly if he’s to be involved today. On his best hurdling form he’d be entitled to place claims but he’s impossible to recommend on his current form and likely best left alone.

6 FREDDIES PORTRAIT – A winning point to pointer who has ran well in defeat on both occasions over fences thus far, finishing second both times. His latest second at Ayr in January (2m 4f, Heavy) has been franked by the third placed Holeinthewall Bar who trotted up when back in Ireland for Gordon Elliott which is a big plus. The returns to a right handed track and the two mile trip are likely to also be a major plus and he should be hard to beat with conditions to suit for Donald McCain and Will Kennedy.

7 RYALEX – Lightly raced under rules and makes his chasing debut today, placing second on two occasions over hurdles in early 2016, though was soundly beaten when last seen at Musselburgh on seasonal reappearance (2m 6f, Good). Chasing debut today, with fences possibly more to his liking if judged upon his point to point win in October 2015. This distance however is a question mark and there has to be a suspicion he’d want further than this, again referencing his three mile point to point win. Yet to race on soft ground which is another question mark and likely best watched on chasing debut with so many questions to answer.