Carlisle 3.20
By National Hunt UK (Robin T)
ROBIN - Carlisle 3.20 Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 1 furlong - 15 run - Good to Soft
A competitive race and a few caught my eye and a few to track forwards too.
I think that Runwithetide who returns off a 6 month break and who is dropped in trip and Azof Des Mottes who has had a wind operation since last seen and who also drops in trip and had been off for longer still, can both be taken on here. I think both will benefit for their runs today.
Bridge Road is another dropping back in trip and will be a danger for Jennie Candlish, Laggy Reach hasn't really achieved much yet but anything McCain sends out has to be noted given the sheer amount of winners they have, She's A Rocca also drops in trip and I'd have concerns if any rain falls with this one and Iolani is another tried over shorter who may not want too much rain but would have been a tip had it been Good to Firm.
I will add SPOT ON SOPH to my tracker as I think it's a nice Chaser in the making, it could take a hand here but i feel its more of a preparation for options to come. I'll also track WOR VERGE and have a side bet of £1 each way as I think it's a quirky type who can hang under pressure but that may under-estimate its mark. Its won off 1010 and 107 last Autumn, gets in off 104 here but carries 12 stones. It's one of those I want to see carrying less weight in a better race to be honest but I still think worth a small investment here.
My main pair though at nice prices, are JOIE DE VIVRE who is fit from the Flat where he won last time and who has also won over Hurdles at Sedgefield over further of this same NH hurdle mark of 95. I don't think the rain forecast will affect its chances.
I also think OLD JEWRY who drops back in trip but whose best form is at this distance is over-priced. It's a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 84 and has dropped back to 78 now and really should be more competitive than of late with so many boxes ticked.
TRACKERS - Joie De Vivre + Old Jewry (£1 e/w on Wor Verge)