Cheltenham stars at Carlisle

Carlisle is certainly not the most glamorous track in the U.K., but it stages clearly the best race of the day in the intermediate chase at 15.10 CET over 2 1/2 miles. Only 4 runners, but they include two winners from this year´s Cheltenham Festival, who are expected to go on to even better things this season. Tidal Bay (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) was a most impressive winner of the "Arkle" and followed up with another easy win at Aintree; he is currently second favourite for the Champion Chase. Alberta´s Run (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) on the other hand is more of a stayer, having won the Royal & Sun Alliance over 3 miles 1 furlong. Considering the different distances, the pair are never likely to meet again, and today´s intermediate distance probably favours Tidal Bay, who is already a CD winner and also holds Alberta´s Run on earlier form. Howard Johnson and his jockey can also take the opening beginners chase with Companero, while Nigel Twiston-Davies´ good run can co ntinue with The Gangerman (Paddy Brennan) in the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.10.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Companero - Golden Child - Nine De Sivola
2.Race: Tidal Bay - Albertas Run - O`Maley
3.Race: Peters Star - Cadoudalas - Digital Media
4.Race: Arnold Layne - The Gangerman - See You There
5.Race: Teenando - Super Baby - Mongorno
6.Race: Moustique De L`Isle - Huckleberry - Beau Saddler