Carlisle, Salisbury and Worcester (N.H.)

Carlisle, one of the oldest racecourses in the U.K., stages its top meeting today, with the historic Carlisle Bell (mile handicap, 16.35 CET) and Cumberland Plate (1 mile 3 1/2 furlongs, 17.10) as the main features. Both have 17 runners and look very open indeed. In the former event, German-bred Wind Shuffle (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) is clearly one for the short list; the 6yo is extremely consistent and has finished in the first four on his last 17 outings, including twice winning over this CD. The long list of dangers is headed by Golden Penny and Observatory Star. In the latter race, the much improved Joe Joe Star (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki) looks the one to beat, he has been first or second all 5 starts this year. Salisbury also stages a historic race today, the Bibury Cup, a handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 16.50. Only 6 runners, but it still looks tricky, with both Akmal (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills) and Final Victory (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) going for a hat-trick, while bottom weight History Lesson (Richard Hannon/ Jimmy Fortun) also looks a big danger. Balding also has a likely-looking runner in Yeamans Hall (William Buick) in the mile handicap at 17.55; he has not run since the 2008 Lincoln, but was highly-rated as a 3yo and, if anywhere near peak form, can win here. It could in any case be a good day for the Balding stable, as Swan Wings at 15.10, Cloudesley at 16.15 and Countess Zara at 17.20, all with Buick up, also have good chances. There is also some competitive jumps racing this afternoon at Worcester, and two German-breds, both last-time-out winners and well suited by fast ground, who should go well are Vacario (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the novice hurdle at 15.20 and Passato (Jo Davis/ Seamus Durack) in the handicap chase at 17.30.