Kalif Du Berlais worth backing at Carlisle

Kalif Du Berlais takes the eye as he embarks on his career over fences in the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Graduation Chase at Carlisle on Monday.

Paul Nicholls has never been shy of pitching a four-year-old into chasing company and this Masked Marvel gelding looks a particularly useful recruit in this sphere.

A cosy winner of his only start in France, Kalif Du Berlais made an immediate impact for Nicholls when winning at Kempton in January before making a swift leap to Grade Two company to win the Adonis back at that track the following month.

With the future in mind, connections opted to sidestep Cheltenham and wait for Aintree, where he ultimately proved no match for Sir Gino when beaten over 17 lengths in third in the four-year-old Grade One hurdle.

Nicholls has referenced the Gold Cup as the ultimate aim for this gelding and while this looks a big enough ask at the first attempt, Kalif Du Berlais' age allowance combined with his mark of 135 puts him well ahead of this field.

Strictly Tango showed a likeable attitude to get off the mark last month and a follow-up success looks possible in the racingtv.com/freetrial Handicap Hurdle.

Third on his only Irish start before joining Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, Strictly Tango suffered a heavy defeat when filling the same position on his British debut before battling all the way to score at Sedgefield.

He was headed that day but fought back on the run to the line to win by just under 2-lengths, with a starting mark of 108 appearing workable.

Nicky Henderson's Califet En Vol is taken to come out on top in the Racing TV Novices' Hurdle at Kempton.

He was bought for £145,000 after finishing second in an Irish point-to-point and conqueror Going Live followed up by obliging on his debut under rules for Gordon Elliott at Downpatrick.

Califet En Vol subsequently finished third in what looked a hot Ayr bumper and ran that day as though this step up in distance will suit over timber.

North Star is the pick in the Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Fillies' Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

She made a good start for George Boughey when finishing second over the same 1400m here, although she was flattered by the official margin of 1.25-lengthsr, as the winner that day, Tundra Rose, was comfortably on top.

That filly gave the form a boost when a close-up third in Listed company at Newmarket last week and if North Star can produce the same level of performance, she will be hard to beat.

Dark Mystery has been knocking on the door of late but can get his moment in the sun at Wolverhampton.

The five-year-old has not finished out of the first four in four starts since returning from a break, with the handicapper lowering him to a mark of 62.

Given he previously scored off 7lb higher, he is one for the shortlist in the BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Monday. Here are the tips.

CARLISLE: Race 1: 14.00 Pic Roc, Race 2: 14.30 No Questions Asked, Race 3: 15.00 Idaho Valley, Race 4: 15.30 She's Notjoeking, Race 5: 16.00 KALIF DU BERLAIS (NAP), Race 6: 16.30 Strictly Tango, Race 7: 17.05 Jalisco Star, Race 8: 17.40 Oh Clare.

KEMPTON: Race 1: 14.45 Piper Park, Race 2: 15.15 Muskoka, Race 3: 15.45 Califet En Vol, Race 4: 16.15 Jackpot d'Athou, Race 5: 16.50 Finest View, Race 6: 17.25 The Dark Edge, Race 7: 18.00 Ikigai Star.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 17.50 Run For The Sun, Race 2: 18.25 Queenofdestruction, Race 3: 19.00 A Fine Claret, Race 4: 19.30 North Star, Race 5: 20.00 Rogue Encore, Race 6: 20.30 Brummell, Race 7: 21.00 Turbo Command, Race 8: 21.30 Howzak.

WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 18.15 Ellexis, Race 2: 18.45 Mr Grimes, Race 3: 19.15 Beta Reader, Race 4: 19.45 My Genghis, Race 5: 20.15 Sisters In The Sky, Race 6: 20.45 Pysanka, Race 7: 21.15 Dark Mystery, Race 8: 21.45 Harlington, Race 9: 22.15 Moe's Legacy.

DOUBLE: Kalif Du Berlais and Strictly Tango (Carlisle, Races 5 and 6).