2:30 Carlisle Tips

A five-times all-weather winner. Has a lower mark over turf, has the engine, and if the ground suits, he can add to that tally.

Acrisius looks the selection in a race where plenty arrive with question marks attached. He does come with risks himself after two below-par efforts, but both came on softer ground in stronger races and are worth forgiving. He was well beaten in a Class 4 handicap on soft ground and then again in a Class 3 on good to soft, but his better performances have generally come on a sounder surface. Returning to quicker ground could make a significant difference. Importantly, he now drops back into a Class 5 handicap for the first time since winning at Chester last July. On that occasion he won over 5f by 2¼L off 71, finishing strongly from the rear and looking comfortably ahead of his mark. Prior to that he had also run well in a Class 4 handicap, finishing 3rd, beaten just 1½L off 72, again on good ground. The drop in grade looks a major positive after contesting stronger Class 3 company last time out. His mark has now eased from 77 to 75, which gives him a chance if rediscovering his earlier form. With conditions more suitable and Daniel Tudhope booked, Acrisius looks capable of bouncing back.

Winner at Pontefract almost a year ago who was only seen 3 times thereafter but did maintain his form in this starts. Well beaten at Newcastle on reappearance but he should come on plenty for that and he's a better horse on turf so would be no surprise to see him run well.