5th February news

Carlisle on Monday - couple of runners from Dodlands

Gusty winds and drizzle forecast for Carlisle for most of Monday, and while our two runners won't mind a further bit of softening of the ground, ~40 mph winds make is a less enjoyable day for horses, jockeys and those in attendance.

Anyway, we've got a couple of runners on probably soft ground and best of luck to our owners.

Carlisle 5th February : 2.32 pm 2m 3½f mares' novices' hurdle (Class 4)

Having finished down the field in a couple of bumpers last season, Houxty Reiver will need to take a step forward on her hurdling debut in this race.

The Moffat/Charlotte combination have recorded several successes this season and will have been delighted when their dual hurdles scorer Lunar Discovery picked up valuable black type when placed in a Listed hurdle last time. They'll have to concede 10lb to Pauling's Southern raider Drumlee Spud though and it could be tight at the finish.

Henry Brooke rides Bill Aitchison's home bred mare for us and we hope that they enjoy a safe passage through the race.

Janie & Bella
Houxty Reiver on the right

Carlisle 5th February : 4.07 pm 3m ½f 0-100 handicap chase (Class 5)

Chase debut for Nights In Venice but there are several factors in his favour.
He's well bred for this job as his dam is a half sister to a Sussex National winner (French Executive) and he possesses the ideal conformation for a staying chaser - a tall, lengthy type. Plus he jumped hurdles very well, if a tadge slowly so we're hoping he can adapt well to fences.

We just felt his breathing may have been holding him back towards the finish in his races this season so he's had a small wind operation meantime.

Henry Brooke takes the ride for Legends In Disguise syndicate.

In what could be a wide open race, the handicapper may not have quite caught up with Coltherd's hat-trick seeking Breeze of Wind just yet. And Wavelength from Nick Alexander's Kinneston yard is tantalisingly weighted to go close in an event such as this.

Nights In Venice

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