The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pistol to fire for hat-trick at Carlisle
TIPS: Dixon’s runner thrives on heavy ground and likes Cumbrian venue
PISTOL can make it a hat-trick in the Apollo Bet Enhanced Odds Handicap Hurdle at Carlisle.
John Dixon’s runner has proved particularly effective at the Cumbrian venue on his last two starts, winning a fair handicap hurdle by 26 lengths at the beginning of February and then following with a length-and-a-quarter success at the end of the month.
He defied a 14lb hike to win on the second occasion and once again thrived on heavy ground, showing plenty of determination.
Pistol is racing off a 4lb higher mark here but he excels at this track and, with conditions again set to be testing, he could take plenty of beating.
SEAN BAN opened his account when successful over Carlisle’s twomile one furlong course and can repeat the trick in the ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old’s 4lb rise for beating Mixboy a length and three-quarters does not appear too harsh considering the third horse was 31 lengths behind.
It is not surprising Donald McCain has picked out this race for the chance to double up.
BIG SHOES stuck on well to lose his maiden tag when last seen and can do the business again for trainer Charlie Hills in the 32Red Handicap at Southwell.
A 3lb rise should not cause him too many problems and he could progress again now he has got his head in front.
RAIN IN THE FACE, trained by Ralph Beckett, can make it third time lucky after being narrowly beaten into second place in his last two outings by getting his head in front in the Ladbrokes Mobile Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
SELECTIONS:
CARLISLE: 2.00 Divine Port, 2.35 Dakota Grey, 3.05 PISTOL (NAP), 3.40 Mumgos Debut, 4.15 Sean Ban, 4.50 Verko, 5.25 Reivers Lad.
SOUTHWELL: 2.10 Mirsaale, 2.45 Northside Prince, 3.15 Rain In The Race, 3.50 Trust Me Boy, 4.25 Sir Billy Wright, 5.00 Hab Reeh, 5.35 Big Shoes.
DOUBLE: Pistol and Sean Ban.