Monday 16th February 2026
We get things underway on Monday with the 1.35 at Carlisle, and this is a Class 3 handicap chase over two miles. It could pay to side with NETYWELL in this particular affair for the team of Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore. It’s been a long time since he got his head in front; however, as a result, he’s dropped down to a very tempting-looking mark. He also ran with credit at Ayr last time out when finishing fourth of eleven, and he’s a player here off the same mark, which is considerably lower than his last winning one. Jamie Snowden’s Hardy Du Seuil has to be considered a main danger at this level, and a mention also goes to Soft Risk, who returns after a long lay off; however, was a four-length winner when last seen in 2023.
Our second selection comes in the 2.35 and this is another Class 3 handicap chase, this time over three miles and half of a furlongs. This could go well go to the top-weight which is SAINT DAVY for Jonjo & A J O’Neil, and the mount of Jonjo Jr. He won a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown a couple of seasons ago, and clearly has plenty of ability. His most recent outing came at Windsor in January, where he finished third of five, in what was his first run since March of last year. He should take a big step forward following that outing, and you’d like to think he has enough ability to be winning a race of this nature. The main danger is likely Upfordebate for Patrick Neville and Brian Hughes, he’s won four of his last five starts, and could have more to offer yet.
We move onto the 3.35 now which is a Class 4 handicap hurdle over two miles and a furlong. This is a competitive-looking affair, therefore, it could be worth siding with one at a big price, and SWINGING LONDON could outrun his current odds for John Mackie and the in-form Ben Jones. He’s been running with credit over hurdles in his last three starts, travelling well for large parts over further at Warwick on his penultimate start, and notably, when finishing a head second of seven at Leicester back in November. He’ll contest this off the same mark as his Leicester run, and that effort also came on soft ground. He’s got every chance of goin well here within a race of which a case could be made for most. The unexposed Azahara Palace is the main danger for Brian Hughes and Adrian Keatley, she could prove to better than her opening mark on her handicap debut.
The fourth and final selection for us comes in the 4.05, a Class 4 handicap chase over two miles and four furlongs. This could go to the Henry Hogarth-trained LARGY TRAIN, who’s the mount of five-pound claimer Charlie Maggs. He’s a course and distance winner, who won again last time out at Sedgefield, keeping on well to win a five-runner affair by three-quarters of a length. He was raised four pounds for that success, however, with Maggs’ five-pound claim coming into play here, he’s effectively a pound well-in. He looks like a solid play here. His main rival could come in the form of Wolfburg for Sandy Thomson, he was a nine and a half length winner on his penultimate outing at Wetherby, and there’s likely more to come over fences.
1.35 Carlisle – NETYWELL – 15/2 (Each-Way)
2.35 Carlisle – SAINT DAVY – 11/4 (Win) (NAP)
3.35 Carlisle – SWINGING LONDON – 14/1 (Each-Way) (4 places)
4.05 Carlisle – LARGY TRAIN – 7/2 (Win) (NB)
