3:30 Carlisle Tips

Tim Easterby continues in great form, and he has managed Barley's mark down to a very attractive spot. The seven-year-old has been running with credit lately without getting his head in front, but this could be the day that changes. He's got a good record at Carlisle; his only poor run came when the ground was unsuitably soft. There is no chance of soft ground on this occasion.

Harswell Ruby looks capable of getting back to winning ways based on her recent consistency. Last time out she finished 4th in a Class 4 Handicap at York Racecourse over 1m 1f, beaten just 1½ lengths off a mark of 72. She travelled well from midfield and was making headway when short of room at a crucial stage, suggesting the bare result may underestimate the performance. The form has received a boost with the sixth horse winning since. Earlier in the season she got off the mark in a Class 5 Handicap over 1 mile, winning by 1 length off 69, and has continued to run well in defeat since then. Her recent efforts suggest she remains in good form and is holding her level despite moving into slightly stronger company. A drop of 1 lb from her latest run is a small positive, while the return to 1 mile looks ideal given her previous success at the trip. Conditions appear set to suit, and she arrives here with arguably one of the more reliable profiles in the race. With her current mark looking workable and recent form stacking up well.

Aqua Bear has been running in much higher-class handicaps this year and now drops down quite markedly in class. He has made the long trip north to take in this contest. Expecting a much better showing here.

The 3yo filly has been beaten 4L in her last two starts, not helping herself by being keen and at the rear. She showed smart form last year, winning twice on quick good/firm ground while racing up with the pace. On a handy mark now, she was rated 14 lb higher back in March and could be a big player with a more positive ride.

Pension Pot has yet to win in six starts but looks to be coming into enough form to have a say here at decent odds. Trainer in reasonable form is a plus.

Pepsea probably comes out here after the run yesterday, which didn't look the smoothest. If he's kept in, though, it'll be because the stable fancies his opening handicap mark and opts to give him a whirl for a big pot. Money will likely come down in that scenario.