3:35 Carlisle Tips

Jedd O'Keefe has always thought well of his 6yo, and following a maiden win at Newcastle in December, he ran even better when second in an Ayr handicap 34 days ago. He's adaptable regarding going and looks on a fair mark.

Firstly, this is 6/1 tops with Paddy/Sky. Secondly, I'm dutching. Soldiers Leap is progressive, and the race wasn't run to suit at Newbury last time out, for all that he wasn't disgraced. That was a stronger race, and a 1 lb ease in the ratings could prove lenient. Personally, he would be my favourite in here against the northern-trained horses.

Not sure how he lost at Leicester in November and he travelled like he was still in great form when not seeing out 2m5f at Warwick the following month. The eight-year-old was too far back when fifth at Kempton last time, they went a sedate gallop and only raced for the second part of the race. SWINGING LONDON fared best of those held up and there is definitely a race in him. I'm sure he will find a contest like this easier and he's just too big a price.

Two Auld Pals is unexposed as a hurdler, having had a long career in staying handicaps on the flat. He has been drifting down the handicap over hurdles and plugged on into third place at Ayr last time, ten lengths behind He's Brasillian in second. He is four pounds better off at Carlisle, and the uphill finish might suit him.

No good last time over 3m, but this stiff 2m1f will be more to her liking. Won at Ayr in November over this distance on the same soft ground and is just 3 lb higher here.

Lady Babs three time CD winner but does need to be forgiven for her latest start, which came following a 2 month break, but she may have needed it. The fact she is bought out again a fortnight later suggests there are no real issues with her general well-being. A winner of 7 of 28 starts and plenty of frame finisges gives the 12yo a fairly consistent profile. Twice a winner on soft, she is now 3 lb below her last winning mark. The odds available offer value that she can produce her best as she has the form to win this. 22/1 with a four-place payout is a gamble worth taking.

A dependable and versatile dual-purpose racer, having secured 8 wins in his career, with 6 of those victories coming in hurdle races. At 9 years old, he has proven his toughness and remains a competitive force, regularly finishing in the top ranks in both hurdles and flat events. That said, he can be a bit tricky to handle, often labelled as frustrating due to his tendency to stop once he gets ahead, necessitating a late surge to bring out his best. Nevertheless, while a win is certainly possible, it is the four places available and the attractive 25/1 odds that make him a tempting option for an each-way bet.