2:48 Carlisle Tips

Azoff Des Mottes beat Torosay fair and square last time, and they might have a rematch here up the run-in. On the same terms, it seems fair to suggest a repeat could be on the cards. Torosay seemed his own worst enemy in that last race, running in snatches.

After a seven-month break, he seemed to require a run, finishing fifth in a handicap chase at Wetherby 15 days ago. This distance winner still retains ability. Following that outing, with the jockey's 5 lb claim, an each-way bet at reasonable odds is a worthwhile consideration.

I am not this first to suggest GLORY HIGHTS could defy his chasing experience but I am certainly in that camp. Although a 9-y-o, the selection is of much lower mileage than many here. Over hurdles, he looked a dour stayer and with more time in the air over fences, he should certainly be up to this kind of challenge. At Newcastle a fortnight ago, he jumped well enough before a mistake 3-out and hopefully, that will have educated, rather than spooked the horse.

Modest at best over hurdles but has shown improvement in his first two handicaps over fences. Stepping up in trip has seemed to suit, so an extra quarter mile today may play to his strengths.

Hold The Note is a seasoned campaigner who has slipped down the weights and runs best around 3 miles to 3m2f. His recent form shows he’s struggling, but he has won at this course before and holds some place claims here. Trained by Ewan Whillans and ridden by Sean Quinlan, he could be a value bet if the ground and pace suit him here.

Bushypark is a bit of a handful and definitely a runner who likes to make the pace, but his recent form has been a bit patchy. That said, he thrives on cut in the ground and races best over this 3m, and the handicapper has eased him down to a mark where he could be competitive again. Trained by Philip Kirby with Joe Williamson riding, if he can settle better and avoid mistakes, he’s very capable of making a great run.

Brian Hughes can get Super Citizen over the line today for a nice win at Carlisle. The horse does well here and has won before. He can recapture his form today.

If any ability remains after being off the track for 968 days, today is the time to show it for Maid of Houxty. A staying chase in heavy going is her forte. Her penultimate race in March 2023 was a near three-mile handicap chase at Newcastle on heavy, in which she ground out a win. Her latest run here over two and a half miles, in which she pulled up, will have improved her race fitness.