Sunday 21st December

Carlisle, 12:50 Skippers Brig lines up for a class 3 novice chase over 2m 4f in heavy going. He won his chasing debut at this course last month, in similar conditions, so deserves his place at the top of the market. Verdict: Back at 9/4 (3.25) Result: Won at 15/8

Carlisle, 1:25 This is a handicap chase over 3m. Nelliedonethat is the likely favourite. He has yet to win over fences, and has been put up 3lbs since his latest run. I think the heavy going and the extra weight will prove too much for him. Verdict: Lay at 11/4 (3.75) Result: 2nd at 9/4JF

Carlisle, 1:55 Another handicap chase, this time over 3m 2f. Royal Mackintosh will probably be sent off the favourite. So far his winning form is a couple of class 4 chases in novice company, so a win today would represent a career best performance. I would be tempted to lay him to lose at a short enough price. Verdict: Lay at 6/4 (2.50) Result: Won at 13/8F

Carlisle, 2:25 This is another handicap chase, and this time for mares only. Rosie All Over will be a short priced favourite and considering she has not won in this level of company before, over hurdles nor fences, I think the value would be to oppose her. Verdict: Lay at evens (2.00) Result: Lost at 6/4F

Carlisle, 3:00 Deuteronomy contests this handicap chase over 2m 4f. He has the form in the book to win this kind of race so is worth a punt. Verdict: Back at 9/2 (5.50) Result: Lost at 7/2

Carlisle, 3:30 To conclude an afternoon of handicap chases, yet another handicap chase! Nicozetto won last time out, and can handle heavy going. I am a little concerned about the sharp trip, as he has been contesting races up at 3m of late. But he could prove good value. Verdict: Back at 6/1 (7.00) Result: Lost at 11/2

Account Bets:
Carlisle 3:00, Deuteronomy: back to win at 9/2 (5.50) or better
Carlisle 3:30, Nicozetto: back to win at 6/1 (7.00) or better