On a day with little in the way of decent field sizes and likely non runners reducing 8-9 runner races to less I was drawn to this race as there could be some latent P2P form angles to exploit and also an Odds On Favourite who clearly has "an engine" but who like many NHF horses, looks like the main issue will be any obstacle put in its way.

 

A trip round Carlisle will test the mettle of Earlofthecotswolds in more ways than one, it should win but amongst a number of P2P recruits a pair stand out and decent each way value. THE HOLLOW CHAP is one of 3 from the Rose Dobbin yard and looks the most likely of them to run in to a place or better. A 140k purchase who faded over 20 furlongs last time, a bit fizzy and probably needed that run. Will step up in trip in time but clearly got ability to jump and the hill here will play to stamina strengths if the "fizz" has gone and it settles in to a nice rhythm.

 

AINT MY FAULT has a similar profile, another P2P winner who led and faded over 20 furlongs and a bit fizzy last time and another from a good Yard and I fancy both the P2P picks more than Lord Springfield and Near Kettering at these odds and in these soft conditions. There may also be one to follow longer term from the Dobbin Yard and that is GEORDIELANDGANGSTA at very big odds today (around 66/1) as that horse has good collateral P2P form with a very decent horse called Jarveys Plate, now with Fergal O'Brien, so one to track for sure and if you have a £2 coin in your pocket might be worth a fun dabble, as this type of race can throw up surprises.