A couple in at Carlisle on Sunday

Stolen Money has his second run over hurdles at 1.05pm over 3m 1f on Carlisle's inner hurdle track. It's possibly not the strongest of events - the paper favourite is rated OR100 - but our gelding was pulled up on his first run so has a bit to prove.
The best form of that likely favourite (Gallopongray) is 1 - 8 in modest Irish Points so the door is wide open for a previously unsung hero to step forward.

Blair Campbell is in the saddle for The Buyers Club.

Maid of Houxty runs in the Mares' Bumper which closes the card at 3.10pm. Bill & Carol Aitchison's homebred is a full sister to Bonny Houxty who has run well for the stable in three hurdle races last season. Like her sister, she is a strong, staying sort as befits a family that can trace back to Red Marauder (2001 Grand National, anyone?).

The Crawford Bros/Hughes is a lethal combination in Northern bumpers and Hollymount has a few smart racehorses as siblings (Window Avenue, Malone Road, Ravenhill Road) who all won bumpers. She could well make a winning debut for her owner-breeder Jane (sister to Peter) Buchanan..
A couple of jockey bookings catch the eye with Richard Johnston on Tom Lacey's English Point winner/bumper 4th Lagonda and Ryan Mania on Stella Barclay's Point winner (modest form) Latino Fling. In doing so, Ryan forgoes the ride on the Lambden House debutant Flogging Molly (which wiki describe as 'an Irish punk band' for those initially offended by the name).

Chris Grant's Melony is the first foal of an unraced dam from NH breeder Miss Turner's fine family which includes Violin Davis, Stradivarius Davis and Klairon Davis. Bred to do well in bumpers.
Songbird's Tale is a Sulamani full sister to Harry Fry's useful hurdler The Jitterbug. She could go well but the trainer is not renowned for bumper runners.
Tristan Davidson does well with a small string and is represented by modest Point winner Style It Out (market will provide a guide on chances).

Former Tony Martin inmate Sue Ellen makes her debut for Barry Murtagh. She is well bred from the family of high-class hurdler Valiramix.

Lucinda's Without Conviction finished 3rd in Lagonda's race last month. On pedigree, she may prefer better ground but can be expected to come on for that first bumper outing and be competitive here.

So, fascinating race with several who have shown promise in bumpers/Points and one or two very likely sorts on breeding. We'd prefer a strong pace for Maid of Houxty but then again we wouldn't want to make it. A nice introduction with the mare enjoying the experience would be the aim.
Craig Nichol comes in for the ride and good luck to him and Bill & Carol.

Maid of Houxty on the left with Georgina

A quite promising debut run by Undecided (Newcastle, Thursday)

Craig Nichol had Undecided in a nice position from the off. It was a fairly modest pace (as is the norm) and on the bend into the home straight, most of the field were still travelling well.
The Buyers Club owned gelding ran a little green at this point as the pace increased in the push for home, and he probably lost his winning chance as a result. But, without troubling the leaders, he kept on to the line to finish 6th of the 12-strong field beaten 13 lengths.

Probably a fair bumper, this was a initial outing which fills connections with a fair deal of confidence for his future as an NH performer.