Timeform Shortlist: Carlisle, Sunday 24 March

2.25 Watch Irish Racing On Racingtv Novices' Hurdle (4) 2m3f61y

Timeform Top Rated:
140p 8. POGUE Donald McCain Brian Hughes
139 1. CAPTAIN ZEBO John Dixon Mr John Dixon (7)
127 2. AIN'T MY FAULT Lucinda Russell Stephen Mulqueen (3)

Analyst's Verdict:
Battys Dilemma hasn't been seen since winning his point in January 2017, but he's in good hands and could be up to making a successful start under Rules. Pogue and Captain Zebo are obvious threats.


2.55 RacingTV Novices' Chase (3) 2½m

Timeform Top Rated:
152 1. CHARMANT James Ewart Brian Hughes
151 5. PITON PETE Oliver Sherwood Leighton Aspell
144 2. SWORD OF FATE Leonard Kerr Jonathon Bewley (3)

Analyst's Verdict:
Charmant has thrived switched to fences this season, winning 3 of his 4 starts in handicap chases, and it's worth chancing that he'll stay this new trip given his rate of improvement. Piton Pete won't lack for stamina and is the obvious danger if his jumping holds up.


3.30 Cummersdale Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (4) 2m1f

Timeform Top Rated:
110 5. JESSIEMAC Ian Duncan Derek Fox
109 8. AVONDHU PEARL Stuart Coltherd Sam Coltherd (3)
108 1. SWEET VINETTA Gillian Boanas Mr Joe Williamson (7)

Analyst's Verdict:
Sweet Vinetta has largely acquitted herself with credit this winter, not beaten far into fourth at Hexham earlier this month, and she is fancied to make her presence felt here. Avondhu Pearl ran well when runner-up at Sedgefield on Thursday and is feared most, ahead of Jessiemac.


4.00 Dalston Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (3) 2½m

Timeform Top Rated:
140 6. DU SOLEIL Venetia Williams Gavin Sheehan
138 8. RYALEX Lucinda Russell Stephen Mulqueen (3)
136 5. QUEST FOR LIFE Mark Walford Jamie Hamilton

Analyst's Verdict:
This can go to Du Soleil, who is still low-mileage and shaped encouragingly on his chasing bow here last autumn. Sophie Olivia and Ryalex rate the principal dangers.


4.35 Little Orton Handicap Hurdle (3) 3m1f

Timeform Top Rated:
134 7. J'AI FROID Ben Case Max Kendrick (5)
133§ 11. PISTOL John Dixon Mr John Dixon (7)
132 10. LETEMGO Andrew Hamilton Colm McCormack (3)

Analyst's Verdict:
Royal Claret has blossomed since tackling staying trips, and with this stiff track right up her street on return from a break, she could easily pick up where she left off in December. J'ai Froid got it right at Exeter recently but drying ground would perhaps be against him, so Some Can Dance could be the chief threat if reacting positively to headgear.


5.10 Cotehill Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (4) 3¼m34y

Timeform Top Rated:
116 2. SOLID STRIKE Paul Collins Brian Hughes
115 3. PRETTY MISS MAHLER Martin Todhunter Danny Cook
115 5. CONAS TAOI Christian Williams James Bowen

Analyst's Verdict:
Magic of Milan is bred to do better in this sphere and duly improved when runner-up on chase debut here 17 days ago. She can go one better if seeing out the longer trip. Pretty Miss Mahler and Conas Taoi head the dangers.


5.40 Baldwinholme Standard Open National Hunt Flat (5) 2m1f

Timeform Top Rated:
108 2. EQUUS DANCER Peter Bowen James Bowen
105+ 1. EAU TOP Ben Pauling Daryl Jacob
104p 4. LARGY PERK Stuart Crawford Brian Hughes

Analyst's Verdict:
Eau Top tanked along and went fairly short in running despite being beaten 10 lengths into fifth at Fontwell on debut so, with the benefit of a recent run, he's likely to show much more of what he's about now. He's taken to get the better of Largy Perk and Portstorm, a pair who also arrive on the back of pleasing starts.