Cartmel - Mon 20 Jul 2026
GAMBINO finished an encouraging third on his only start in this sphere at Newbury in March and if reproducing that level of form, Dan Skelton's charge could prove hard to beat. Speed For Fun was four lengths clear when falling at the last over 2m4f at Listowel in May and holds an obvious chance for the Willie Mullins team, while Masekela is next best.
It's hard to get away from SEEYAINTHESUNINN, who bolted up by 13 lengths over C&D last month and if running anywhere near that level again, he is likely to play a leading role. Westerton is a player based on his runner-up effort at Warwick two starts ago and may improve for this step up in trip. Present Fair isn't ruled out either.
Matoury successfully completed a double at Market Rasen earlier in the month and is bound to have his supporters, but the vote goes to TOP FLIGHT CENTURY. David Thompson's charge wasn't disgraced when third over 2m4f at Perth at the start of the month and may have more to offer over this longer trip. Masterminding is the pick of the remainder.
Scots Poet unseated his rider when bidding for a hat-trick at Perth on his most recent start and there will be many who keep the faith. Big Gypsy King sprung a 25/1 surprise when victorious in a novice event over C&D last month and is one to watch, but RAFFLES NOBU gets the nod. The six-year-old struck by just under three lengths over an extended 2m2f at Newton Abbot a week ago and can go in again.
Le Malin hasn't been seen since he won at Down Royal on Boxing Day 2024 but that form looks solid and he could have a say if he retains enthusiasm. However, preference is for STRATAGEM, who has a proven liking for this unique venue and his healthy strike-rate over fences makes him a tempting proposition. Slaney Opera could also have a say if his fall at Newton Abbot is left behind.
DUNKERQUE has maintained steady progression and remans unbeaten in three starts over fences. Also a winner on his final start over hurdles, this upwardly-mobile six-year-old still has room to move from a mark of 128 and further success is attainable. Krak and Kientzheim both get 9lb from the selection and have feasible chances at the weights. However, Passing Diamond is another improving type who could be a bigger danger if the switch to fences draws further progress.
After a win and a second over hurdles in recent months, this venue seems to bring the best out of PATH OF STARS. Assuming the switch to fences is taken in her stride, victory here could open new doors for the reliable five-year-old. Imperial Rule and El Muchacho are more experienced in this discipline and are likely to capitalise if the selection falters on her chasing debut. Jack Sprat could also have a say.
This looks a match race between Gambino and SPEED FOR FUN who have both already shown a good level of form in both codes. The former travelled best in a hot novice in the spring and is open to plenty of progress for his top yard following a wind op but it is the latter who is preferred. He was a Flat winner in France and looked set to make a winning hurdles debut in Ireland but fell late. He can make amends dropped back in distance with another ex French performer Kind Of Kiss expected to fill the places on his hurdling debut.
Last time out C&D winner Seeyainthesuninn remains well treated on his maiden form despite a 10lb rise so is likely to prove popular. However it could pay to take a chance with BORN LIKE ME who shaped with promise over the winter in maidens. He produced his best handicap run to date last time where he looked ready for a go over staying trips. The James Moffatt pair Secret Secret and Dusky Days are also both feared given their trainer's excellent record here.
A tricky contest where it could be worth taking a chance with KATZOFF. He never travelled on his stable debut last time but the blinkers go on and he is dangerously well treated on his best Irish form. As recently as the spring he proved he retained his ability and he should have more to offer this top stable. Fairlawn Skipper is yet to fire in handicaps but looks on a fair mark on his best maiden efforts. Dropping back in distance he may pose the biggest challenge ahead of hat trick seeker Matoury.
Last time out C&D novice winner Big Gypsy King is likely to be all the rage for a yard with an excellent record here. However that form looks moderate and she will need to improve to defy this opening mark. RAFFLES NOBU snapped a long losing run last time and remains very well treated on his old French form. Recently he has proven his ability on quick ground so he is picked to defy a 7lb penalty. Veteran Zamond has been in good form and has won off higher marks in the past so is also feared.
STRATAGEM arrives in good form and was a course winner earlier in the summer. He remains well treated on his hunter form so is chosen to defeat Slaney Opera who is thrown in on his last time out win but needs to prove he retains his ability after a lay off. Sean Og can't be entirely dismissed either given his fine course record but he does have some big stamina concerns.
A tight contest where the Ben Haslam yard holds a strong hand at a track where he has a good record. Progressive hurdler Passing Diamond should have more to offer over fences but does appear the stable second string on his chase bow. KIENTZHEIM was outpaced on her chase debut last time but will appreciate this slightly longer trip will suit and she looks on a good mark judged on her best hurdle form. She brings in some course experience over hurdles and is picked ahead of the progressive Dunkerque. The top weight may be a bit flattered by his latest couple of victories but could improve again in first time cheekpieces.
PATH OF STARS has been in excellent form at this venue over hurdles recently over similar trips on good ground. She's well treated off an unchanged mark so is chosen to make a winning chase debut at the chief expense of Kingofthegame. That rival was only narrowly denied in his hat trick bid last time and should run well again but he will need a stiff test down in trip. Jack Sprat returned to form when runner up here last time and isn't fully exposed in this sphere so could also play a part.
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