Championship Friday Comes North
Well now, would you look at what we have here! Carlisle has been blessed with an absolute belter of a card this Friday, and I'll tell you what - the going conditions of Good to Good to Soft in places couldn't be more perfect for what's about to unfold. Seven races of pure quality, with over £1.2 million in prize money on offer, and enough championship-level action to make your head spin faster than a politician's promises.
The ground is riding beautifully up there in Cumbria, and with Willie Mullins sending what looks like half of Closutton across the Irish Sea, you know this is serious business. When the master of Carlow is fielding runners in nearly every race, you sit up and take notice - even if some of his prices will have you reaching for the smelling salts.
The Gold Cup: Where Legends Are Made
Sweet mother of pearl, what a Gold Cup we have at 4pm! £625,000 in prize money and eleven runners who'd grace any championship race. But let me cut through the noise for you - this is all about Gaelic Warrior and whether anyone can lay a glove on Willie Mullins' superstar.
Rated 170 and with Paul Townend in the saddle, Gaelic Warrior has been imperious this season. The eight-year-old has that rare combination of class and stamina that Gold Cup winners are made of, and he's proven over the course and distance. But here's the thing that has me slightly twitchy - at his likely price, there's no value whatsoever.
The danger comes from Grey Dawning for the Skeltons. This nine-year-old has been knocking on the door of the very top level, and Harry Skelton knows his way around Carlisle better than most. Rated 166, he's not far behind the favourite on the figures, and crucially, he's proven in these conditions.
Inothewayurthinkin is another who demands serious respect. Gavin Cromwell's charge is both a course and distance winner, and that [C,D] combination beside his name isn't there for decoration. Mark Walsh takes the ride, and this fella has the engine to go with the best of them when the pace really kicks in over the final two miles.
Mullins' Magnificent Seven in the Triumph
Jaysus, where do you even start with the 1:20 Triumph Hurdle? Willie Mullins has eight runners in a 20-runner field - it's like bringing a machine gun to a knife fight! But before you go backing them all in some mad multiple, let me save you some heartache.
The one that catches my eye is Maestro Conti for the Skeltons. He's both course and distance winner, rated a lofty 135, and Harry Skelton knows exactly what it takes to win these big handicaps. While everyone's getting dizzy trying to separate the Mullins battalion, this lad could sneak up the rail and steal the lot.
Minella Study is another with serious claims. Adam Nicol doesn't send many to this level, but when he does, they usually mean business. Rated 139 and a course and distance winner, Ryan Mania will have him travelling sweetly when it matters.
From the Mullins mob, Selma de Vary with Paul Townend looks the pick. She's rated 138 and has that touch of class that separates the good from the great. But at the prices they'll go off at, you'd want to be sure of your ground.
Mares' Chase: Dinoblue's Time to Shine
The 2:40 Mares' Chase is where I'm expecting fireworks, and Dinoblue is the one to beat. This nine-year-old has been threatening a big performance all season, and she's both course and distance winner - crucial on a track like Carlisle where experience counts for everything.
But don't sleep on Panic Attack for Dan Skelton. This ten-year-old warrior has been there and done it, and Harry Skelton will have her positioned perfectly for a late charge. She's proven in these conditions and has that never-say-die attitude that wins big races.
The Albert Bartlett: Staying Power Required
The 3:20 Albert Bartlett over nearly three miles will sort the men from the boys, and Doctor Steinberg looks the class act in the field. Willie Mullins' six-year-old has the breeding for this trip and Paul Townend's booking speaks volumes.
However, Thedeviluno for Paul Nolan is a fascinating outsider. This seven-year-old has been progressive all season and Sean O'Keeffe is a jockey in red-hot form. The [D] beside his name shows he handles the distance, and at a much bigger price than the Mullins favourite, he represents serious each-way value.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Right, let me cut to the chase with my selections for today's Carlisle racecard:
Banker: Grey Dawning in the Gold Cup - class, course form, and each-way value against the jolly.
Best Value: Maestro Conti in the Triumph Hurdle - the Skeltons know how to win these big races and he's proven at the course.
Each-Way Special: Thedeviluno in the Albert Bartlett - progressive type with stamina to burn at a fancy price.
The ground conditions are absolutely perfect for these championship races, and with the quality on show, we're in for an absolute treat. Just remember - in races of this calibre, it's not always the favourite who gets his picture taken. Sometimes it's the one with the heart of a lion and the will to win that counts most.
Slàinte, and may your selections run like the wind!
