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Clovis Island looks the sharpest spear at Carlisle

February 2024

Clovis Island is entitled to step forward from his hurdling debut in the Come Racing At Carlisle In 2024 Novices' Hurdle on Monday.

Hailing from the in-form yard of Nicky Richards, the six-year-old was second in his only point-to-point before joining the Greystoke handler.

He made the perfect start to life under rules in March last year when winning a bumper at Hexham by two lengths from Fox's Fancy in heavy ground, looking a nice prospect in doing so.

Not sighted after that for over 200 days, he made his hurdling debut at Hexham in December and while it was not a total disaster, it was disappointing he could finish only fourth given he was 2-1 favourite.

Nevertheless, better can be expected with that run under his belt and the yard have been among the winners in recent days.

Micky Hammond's Shighness has taken to fences well, although it did take her four runs to get off the mark.

After two initial forays over the bigger obstacles early in the season she came back a much better proposition at Wetherby in January when second to Val Dancer, who defied a 7-point higher mark next time out, too.

Shighness went to Catterick earlier this month and despite being raised 3 points she was the hot favourite to oblige and she did just that.

Brian Hughes appears to get on really well with her and a 4-point rise ahead of the Book Your Raceday Hospitality Now Handicap Chase looks fair.

Olly Murphy's Booster Bob has not been seen since winning a Listed event at Sandown when he showed stamina is his forte.

Carlisle is a stiff track at the best of times and it will be especially so in testing ground, but he looks ready for the step up in trip in the Book Your Conference And Events Now Handicap Hurdle.

Richard Hannon's Hatadora could be hard for the handicapper to keep tabs on.

She was given a rating of 58 having finished unplaced in her first three outings, but there had been a glimpse of promise.

On her handicap debut she only won by a neck from Eccentric over 1600m, but having had to come wide into the straight, she was probably value for more. A 2-point rise should not stop her following up in the Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap at Lingfield.

Epsom Faithfull has been in great form for Pat Phelan and can bring up a hat-trick in the BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap.

A mare in form should always be followed and she has won at Lingfield off 72 and 75 the last twice. Now up to 78, she has outstanding claims again.

Clive Cox's Cracking Gold can defy a penalty in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Novice Stakes.

Unraced at two, the Havana Gold colt made his debut in January and looked more than useful when beating a well-touted Godolphin newcomer who has since come out and bolted up himself.

He cost 95,000 guineas and while he is conceding 6lb to the rest, Cox must think he is up to it.

George Boughey has managed to get Tuneful a mark of 63 after three outings in maiden and novice company and it would be no surprise if she leaves that behind in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap at Wolverhampton.

She may be a daughter of the speedy Blue Point but she has plenty of stamina in her pedigree, so this step up in trip is likely to see her in an even better light. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.

LINGFIELD: Race 1: 1.17 Hatadora, 1.47 Epsom Faithfull, 2.17 Tribal Wisdom, 2.47 Jungle Dance, 3.17 Sunset In Paris, 3.47 Stopnsearch, 4.20 Cracking Gold, 4.50 Hold The Press.

CARLISLE: 2.00 Just Gino, 2.30 CLOVIS ISLAND (NAP), 3.00 Trac, 3.30 PaddyO'Mahler, 4.00 Shighness, 4.35 Booster Bob, 5.10 Kiss My Face.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.00 Banana, 5.30 Coast, 6.00 Tuneful, 6.30 Path To Dubai, 7.00 Super Hit, 7.30 Snooze Lane, 8.00 Bear To Dream, 8.30 Teresa Grace.

ALL TO COME: Hatadora (Lingfield Race 1) and Clovis Island (Carlisle Race 2).

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