UK Horse Racing Tips

In the Cumberland Handicap Chase (2.30) at Carlisle on Sunday, Templeross started favourite for a beginners’ chase, over 2 miles 4 furlongs, on his debut over regulation fences at Uttoxeter four weeks ago on the strength of a couple of decent placed efforts over hurdles last winter. Although failing to justify his position as market leader on that occasion, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ 6-year-old was entitled to need the run – his first since February – and was far from disgraced, staying on at one pace from three out to finish fourth of the seven finishers, beaten 13 lengths. The Presenting gelding fell on his sole point start at Loughanmore two seasons ago, but didn’t make a semblance of a mistake at Uttoxeter and, while he has his stamina to prove over a testing 3 miles 2 furlongs, he did win over 3 miles, albeit on a flat, galloping track, over hurdles last season.

Helpfully, the handicapper has dropped him 3lb since Uttoxeter, so he can race off a mark just 1lb higher than when second, beaten 2¾ lengths, behind Modus in the valuable Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton last January. Modus went on to finish sixth in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, off an 11lb higher mark, so if Templeross can translate his form over hurdles to the larger obstacles he looks favourably weighted to open his account in his new discipline.

Selection: Carlisle 2.30 Templeross to win

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