It's a two-mile novices' chase up at Carlisle under consideration first (12:50) in which Eduard stands out as the selection; he would have gone extremely close over C&D on his chasing debut but for a bad mistake in the latter stages. Up to that point he had given the highly promising Pendra a great deal to think about, and he can deliver on the potential he showed that day and gain compensation here. Mwaleshi deserves a mention as he beat Eduard over hurdles last term, but he doesn't have the same scope for improvement and should trouble Eduard now they are both over the larger obstacles.
Next up is a staying handicap chase at Leicester (14:05) in which it looks wise to take another chance on The Potting Shed to improve on his successful chasing debut. His ten lengths second to Rockchasebullet at Warwick last time was a respectable effort, and the trip may have been a little on the short side of what he needs nowadays; the extra two furlongs he encounters today will be most welcome, and this looks a weaker contest than the last he contested. There are of course dangers, with the main one shaping up to be Nom de Guerre who might be sharper for the application of first time blinkers.
We end with what looks a tricky handicap hurdle to solve back at Carlisle (15:00) with Amore Mio looking to have solid claims after winning well at Ayr last time he could still to be on a good mark judged on the pick of his form, but its better to side with Big Sound who is lightly raced and thus open to improvement over timber and should have improved markedly in terms of fitness for his latest outing at Sedgefield. He was fifth that day but shaped well for much of the contest, and represents excellent value back in the headgear which saw him get on the score sheet at Hexham in the summer.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Eduard in the 12:50 at Carlisle
Back The Potting Shed in the 14:05 at Leicester
Back Big Sound in the 15:00 at Carlisle
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