Racing preview for Sunday, December 13

Fresh from one of the biggest successes of his career last week Jimmy Moffatt might be celebrating again with Morning Royalty in the 188Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Carlisle.
Horse racingHorse racing
Horse racing

Highland Lodge landed the Becher Chase at Aintree on his first start for the Cumbrian trainer, and he is now dreaming of the Grand National in April with him.

Moffatt has been hit by flooding so will have empathy for the people of Carlisle, who have been given free admission.

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Morning Royalty was once a smart bumper performer for Willie Mullins and Moffatt picked up a bargain, paying only £40,000 considering his background.

For new connections he was a decent hurdler, reaching a rating of 135 before the handicapper took a hold.

He used to be a trailblazer but as he is nine in a few weeks he now seems to want a trip, that is why his comeback run over two miles here last month was perfectly respectable.

Before that he had won over three miles so this trip of two and a half in heavy ground should be perfect.

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Jonjo O’Neill likes sending raiders to his former stomping ground and his Bronco Billy should take the beating in the Bet Now At 188Bet “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

Second to the useful Duelling Banjos in his first bumper, he went one better when sent north next time to this track. He will not be doing anything quickly but the stiff track and testing ground will suit him perfectly.

Golden Chieftain bounced back to form first time out and appears to have benefited from his change of yards.

The 188Bet Veterans’ Handicap Chase, the last qualifier of its type, have been just the job for horses like him who had previously been handicapped to the hilt but were still capable of winning races.

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He has been hit pretty hard again and races off 8lb more than at Fontwell but he was as high as 148 in February 2014 and runs off 129 here.

Selections:

Carlisle: 12.05 Lacerta, 121.35 MORNING ROYALTY (NAP), 1.05 Bronco Billy, 1.40 Golden Chieftain, 2.10 Island Heights, 2.40 Verko, 3.10 Billy Billy.

Southwell: 12.20 Un Noble, 12.50 Dixie Bull, 1.20 Robin Of Locksley, 1.55 Hawkhurst, 2.25 Western Breeze, 2.55 Pink Play, 3.25 Silver Dragon.

Cork: 12.40 Allblak Des Places, 1.10 Au Quart De Tour, 1.45 Cogryhill, 2.15 Bright New Dawn, 2.45 Solita, 3.15 Blazing West, 3.45 Mick The Jiver.

Navan: 12.00 Balko Des Flos, 12.30 Lord Scoundrel, 1.00 Bellshill, 1.30 Princely Conn, 2.05 McKinley, 2.35 Fine Rightly, 3.05 Killer Crow, 3.35 Death Duty.

Double: Morning Royalty and Bronco Billy.