Charlie McCann's Horse Racing Tips for Carlisle & Wincanton on Thursday

Éclair On Line to foil Maliboo’s hat-trick bid at Wincanton

There was the prospect of light rain at Carlisle on Wednesday ahead of today’s seven-race card where underfoot conditions were described yesterday as a mix of good to soft and soft.

Upandatit appreciated the good ground at Kelso last time – four fences omitted due to the low sun – and a 4lbs rise looks fair. I remember thinking after his chase debut at Ayr earlier in the season that there would be races to be won with Nick Alexander’s seven-year-old, but he would not want the ground want any worse than good to soft.

Royal Arcade (2.10pm) was just touched off at Ayr behind a subsequent winner on soft ground from a 1lb higher mark in December and he was caught out by a return to the minimum trip when third back at the Scottish track last time. 

Nicky Richards has his string in good form, he is well served by plenty of cut and he is a course winner over hurdles. He has a bit to find with Into Overdrive on hurdles form from last March, but the latter has not yet looked a natural over fences.

Recommendation: Royal Arcade (2.10pm Carlisle) @ 7/2 with bet365

She’s A Rocca (2.45pm) ran her best race yet over timber when beaten less than a length on good ground at Doncaster in her first-time tongue-tie back in January. Her Bumper win – on debut – came on heavy ground and she has run well here in the past.  The mare is only 1lb higher than when third last time and this stiff track and additional furlong should suit.

Recommendation: She’s A Rocca (2.45pm Carlisle) @ 3/1 with bet365

Over to Wincanton and Maliboo has won her last couple – one over fences and the other back over timber – and she is only 5lbs higher than when scoring at Huntingdon on just her second chase start on her penultimate start. She was a winner between the flags in her native Ireland and looks sure to make a bold bid in her quest for a hat-trick.

The vote, however, goes to Charlie Longsdon’s Éclair On Line (3.10pm) who jumped well but was just outstayed over an additional furlong-and-a half here last time from a 4lbs lower mark. That form has been well and truly franked with the winner and second both scoring next time and the grey – another previous point winner – receives 3lbs from the market leader. 

Johnny Burke takes over in the saddle for the first time with Charlie Deutsch going up to Carlisle for one ride for Venetia Williams. That might be a tip in itself.   

Recommendation: Éclair On Line (3.10pm Wincanton) @ 4/1 with bet365 (NAP)