Carlisle Preview: Tara can Lord it over rivals

Bobs Lord Tara has some strong form in the book, and can make it course win number three at Carlisle today in the 2m 1f novices’ hurdle (15:45).

This Alan Swinbank trained gelding opened his account under rules when running out the easy nine-length winner of a bumper at the track, and shaped really well on his second start this season over hurdles when third of 11 to subsequent Aintree Grade 2 winner Cyrius Darius.

The five-year-old duly built on that effort to easily beat Burtons Well by eight lengths over course and distance, and lost little in defeat last time out when runner-up to Shades Of Midnight in a 2m 4f contest at the track.

Bobs Lord Tara looked all over the winner in the latter until getting headed close home and beaten just a head, and the drop back in trip this afternoon looks sure to suit.

Although the son of Kay Tara has to give 6lb to the improving Gingli, who is bidding to land a four-timer, the form of Bobs Lord Tara’s run behind Cyrius Darius stands out and suggests he should be up to the task.

In the 2m 3f handicap hurdle (14:40), Indepub looks decent value to take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the spoils.

The gelding was last successful over course and distance 11 months ago when trained by Martin Todhunter, and getting the better of Welsh Bard by a length off a mark of 88.

Indepub got put up to 95 for that success and has largely struggled since, including on his first two starts this season since joining Lisa Harrison.

However, the six-year-old’s mark has fallen as a result and Indepub now gets into this off just 87.

That is 1lb lower than when last successful, and Indepub comes into the contest having ran his best race for a long time last time out at this track.

After being held-up in mid division, Indepub made headway to have every chance two form home until weakening on the run-in to be beaten just 2 1/4 lengths into fifth behind Age Of Glory.

It was a huge step back in the right direction, and if Indepub can build on it there is little doubt that he is well-treated on the pick of his form.

Selections:
14:10 Courtown Oscar
14:40 Indepub (NB)
15:10 Sgt Reckless
15:45 Bobs Lord Tara (NAP)
16:20 Bearly Legal
16:50 Next Hight
17:20 The Gunner Brady
17:50 Far From Defeat