Hat-trick on the cards for XPO

XPO UNIVERSEL

(12.50) is in brilliant form at present and is taken to complete a hat-trick at Carlisle today.

He has won two hurdle races, including one over the track, very easily and tackles fences in the novices’ handicap chase. His fencing rating of

101 is lower than his hurdles mark, which is now 105 so he is well handicapped.

AIN’T MY FAULT (12.20) is highly regarded by Lucinda Russell and the drop in trip will suit him at Carlisle.

He led and jumped well over 2m 4f at the course recently before weakening in the final two furlongs so two miles will suit him. He is a work in progress but is definitely a horse to follow.

Russell could land a double with the talented BIG RIVER

(2.25), who reverts to hurdles after taking a heavy fall at Newcastle in the Rehearsal Chase.

He will revel in the soft ground and see off a decent field. Brian Hughes has already reached 100 winners for the season and can strike again on Iain Jardine’s TRONGATE

(1.55) at the Cumbrian track. UMBRIGADO

(1.10) hosed up in a bumper at Uttoxeter and makes his hurdling debut at Southwell under Tom Scudamore, (above).

He showed inexperience at Uttoxeter but this looks a weak affair.