Carlisle Tips: Three to watch on Wednesday

There’s a seven-race card from Carlisle on Tuesday afternoon on ground currently described as good to soft. Rain is forecast to start a couple of hours before the action gets underway at 14:20, however, so we may find conditions get more testing.

Read on for my Carlisle tips, which includes a trio of mud-lovers.

15:25 - John Kirkup @ 9/1

There is a field of 16 runners due to go to post for a Class 6 handicap over six furlongs at 15:25 and any rain will boost the chances of JOHN KIRKUP. 

David Thompson’s charge is a two-time Carlisle winner. The nine-year-old has scored on ground described as Heavy three times, Soft three times and Good to Soft on another three occasions and the son of Assertive ticks plenty of boxes this afternoon.  

John Kirkup ran well to finish second behind a runaway winner at Catterick 14 days ago over seven furlongs, a trip at which Thompson’s runner has never won.  

All of the nine-year-old’s wins have come down at five and six furlongs and a return to a sprinting trip could see John Kirkup score for the tenth time in his career.  

Betfred are offering five places on the race and Thompson’s charge looks a knocking each-way bet.  

15:55 - Jack Of Clubs @ 13/2

JACK OF CLUBS looked a mildly progressive horse when winning on Soft ground at Beverley earlier this summer and Michael Dods’ runner can get back on track returned to slower conditions this afternoon.  

The Beverley success was followed by two disappointing efforts, but one of those runs came on firm ground, while the other took place on the all-weather.  

Jack Of Clubs has been dropped down to a mark only three pounds higher than the four-year-old scored from impressively at Beverley and a big run is expected in the five furlong handicap at 15:55.  

17:03 - Makalu @ 5/1

There’s another big-field handicap at 17:03 with 15 runners set to go to post over the mile trip.  

MAKALU ran a cracker to finish second behind Likleman on heavy ground at Hamilton seven days ago and that run has to be upgraded. 

Ruth Carr’s charge was slowly away and gave the leaders six or seven lengths at Hamilton last time out, but the five-year-old stormed through the field and was beaten only a short head crossing the line.  

Makalu is effective on any ground, indeed it was Heavy going at Hamilton seven days ago, and any rain or deterioration of conditions won’t be a worry to the five-year-old.  

A big field with a solid pace will suit Makalu and jockey James Sullivan is likely to be patient on Carr’s charge.  

Once again, Betfred offer an extra-place on this race and it’s hard to see Makalu out of the first four this afternoon.

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