Mr Big Shot has ideal chance to extend record

Tips: David Pipe’s charge should be good enough for challenge at Carlisle

David Pipe’s thoughts are surely focused on the coming three days at Aintree, but MR BIG SHOT can ensure the team heads to Merseyside on a high by extending his unbeaten record to three at Carlisle.

The Pond House handler has one of the Grand National favourites in Vieux Lion Rouge to look forward to, and while Mr Big Shot is obviously a muchlower-profile beast at this stage, he should be more than good enough in the Pauline Phizacklea Memorial Novices’ Hurdle at Carlisle.

He won a bumper at Uttoxeter last March before finally taking his chance over hurdles at Wetherby in January.

Lining up in what appeared to be a fair novice heat, Mr Big Shot still looked quite green but he got a fine ride from Tom Scudamore and never really looked like being beaten after assuming control at the last. He was a ready winner that day and there appears to be plenty more to work with.

SHAH OF ARMAAN was very disappointing last time out but should be given chance to redeem himself in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Wolverhampton. SELECTIONS CARLISLE: 2.00 Theatre Act, 2.30 Doktor Glaz, 3.00 Mr Big Shot, 3.35 Halcyon Days, 4.05 Freddies Potrait, 4.35 Dr Hooves.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.10 Powerful Dream, 2.40 Investigation, 3.10 Smiley Bagel, 3.40 Ruler Of The Nile, 4.10 SHAH OF ARMAAN (NAP), 4.45 Zubaidah, 5.15 Jack Blane.

DOUBLE: Mr Big Shot and Shah Of Armaan.

Picture: Getty. David Pipe can expect good things from Mr Big Shot.