MONDAY RACING TIPS

13:00 Carlisle

Bak Rocky makes his handicap debut today having gone close in a maiden race up at Hexham. His opening mark does look a little on the high side though considering what he has achieved so far and he will be best watched for now.

Made For You has struck up a nice partnership with Daire Davis doing the steering. He looks sure to be involved again today although I think it will be better to look elsewhere for win purposes as he holds no secrets from the handicapper.

My selection for this contest would be Battle Of Wills. Theo Gillard takes the ride here and he comes off the back of an excellent performance dropped two grades in class last time out. The small drop in distance will only suit him better and he is very fairly priced to get the day off to the perfect start.

BATTLE OF WILLS (E/W)

16:30 Carlisle

Tim Pat produced a very nice battling victory last time out at Bangor to break his duck having gone close a few times before. He has been raised 5lbs for that victory and that seems very fair although the drop in distance isn’t exactly an obvious move here as he attempts fences for the first time.

Sunset West was well beaten in a maiden hurdle last time out that might in time turn out to be above average. Before that he went close on his chasing debut but he’s another who doesn’t appear to be crying out for a shorter race distance. He also is declared for Leicester on Tuesday.

En Meme Temps is Philip Kirby’s other runner in the race and makes most appeal here. He’s taken the switch to fences very well and has looked as if a win will not be too far away. Joe Williamson gets on well with him, the conditions here will suit him well and he has handled Carlisle well in the past over hurdles so I’m taking him to win here today.

EN MEME TEMPS (WIN)

17:30 Wolverhampton

The Thin Blue Line has been a very consistent performer at Southwell where he hasn’t finished out of the frame. It seems to be a different story elsewhere though and it remains to be seen whether his first visit to Dunstall Park will be a fruitful one. At his odds he’s probably best watched.

Cuban Breeze won on her first start for trainer David Evans and put in a good front running performance to win at Chelmsford. She had a handy draw that day though and life will be tougher in this race if similar tactics are to be deployed.

Atiyah is another filly who will no doubt be very popular for this race as she does like Wolverhampton, twice winning over course and distance as well as some decent performances in defeat. She has a very good draw today and will no doubt make a bold bid to take this contest and she’s my selection here.

ATIYAH (WIN)

written by Tom Bates