PADDOCKS PATENT (THURSDAY)

14:10 Carlisle

Dominada comes here as one of the least exposed horses in the line up and is fit from a recent spin on the flat. He hasn’t been seen over hurdles since last November so a switch of codes is likely to keep him enthused. A stiffer test of stamina here should suit and if the ground continues to dry out, the likelihood of him winning is greatly increased. Megan Carberry offsets a useful three pounds from her partner and the duo have to rank high on any shortlist this afternoon.

A massive threat to the selection could actually come from his stablemate Ebazan. He hasn’t been seen in almost a year and a half and that was when he won following a near three month absence. He has clearly had his training issues but he will appreciate this ground and he seemingly goes well fresh. Green Howard got stuck in the mud at Perth last time and now reverts back in trip and back to a faster surface. Callum Bewley gets on well with the five year old and he may well play for a place yet again.

Dominada (WIN)

15:15 Carlisle

Double W’s ran a race with immense promise when chasing home Australasia at Hexham a few weeks ago.  That was over a half mile further and came on the back of a five months absence so he is fully expected to come on for that outing. The front pair in that last raced pulled half a dozen lengths clear of the third suggesting that the form may well be above average. Brian Hughes is the only jockey to have ever won on the Malcolm Jefferson trained six year old and his booking may well spell trouble for his six rivals. The ground will not be an issue and the combination look to hold every chance.

Wells De Lune made a winning seasonal reappearance at Warwick just last month. Richard Johnson  has won twice previously on the five year old but any time they have tried company as high as this in the past they have finished unplaced. If he has improved over the summer he may well feature in the finish here but he looks too small a price given the evidence I have seen so far. Move To The Groove loves small fields and was bidding for a four timer when coming to grief at the second flight at Worcester last time. If he is fully over those recent exertions, he looks a decent price each way.

Double W’s (WIN)

16:25 Carlisle

Kilronan Castle makes his chasing debut this afternoon having signed off in style when winning at Cartmel when last seen back in April. Donald McCain has started off well this year and when he and Wayne Hutchinson combine, they command utmost respect. Kilronan Castle is a previous course winner and that will stand him in good stead and despite a six month layoff he looks destined to go well this afternoon.  He remains the youngest in this line up and there should be plenty of room for improvement now tackling fences for the first time. 

Amilliontimes is looking for a fourth straight win and he is an established performer in chases with plenty of experience under his belt. He came back from a three month break to secure his most recent victory at Kelso and is sure to improve again for that outing. With that in mind he looks a very real threat and rates as the likeliest danger. Major Ivan finished fourth on his seasonal return at Sedgefield following an eight month absence. Despite being beaten over seventeen lengths he is sure to come on for that recent spin and Brian Hughes will be keen to get him involved in the finish.

Kilronan Castle  (E/W if 9/2+)

Listen to the latest Turf Talk Podcast as we preview this Saturday’s Champions Day from Ascot. Also hear how you can get 35% off of our latest book.