Donald McCain: Five runners at Carlisle on Sunday

Donald has five runners at Carlisle on Sunday

Donald has five runners at Carlisle today and here he talks exclusively to Betfair about the chances of each one...

13:30 2m4f Beginners' Chase - King's Grace

He's a lovely horse and he won his novice hurdle impressively at Bangor in December. He's done well at home but he does lack experience and he is going to improve as he goes along. His inexperience is a worry but, that said, he would have to have a solid chance in a race confined to horses rated up to 125.

Dannanceys Hill

He should prove a better chaser than hurdler in time - he did win an Irish point - but I am a bit concerned that he wants better ground. It's the right sort of race to get him up and running in and horses learn a lot at Carlisle but he will be better when he gets a sounder surface underfoot.

14:05 2m3f Novice Hurdle - Ifyousayso

He looks to have an obvious chance now going hurdling and it will be disappointing if he doesn't prove good enough here. The ground might be a bit slower than he would ideally care for but everything he did in bumpers pointed to a test of stamina suiting him over hurdles. His schooling has gone well and he should make up into a decent novice this year, all being well.

14:40 2m4f Intermediate Chase - Railway Dillon

I had pencilled Our Mick in for this but he has a bit of a niggle and won't be seen for a while. Railway Dillon is the lowest rated of the quartet that are due to line up and realistically I would think he is up against it. His main early season target is at Aintree next month and he needs to get a run in before then - he has conditions that should suit but it's just a case of whether he is quite good enough in this grade.

16:15 1m6f Bumper- Vinstar

He won a bumper in France well enough but he's something of an unknown quantity. He has to carry a penalty but his previous experience will be a bonus here and he has shown up well in his work at home. This ought to give us a better idea of where we are with him but it's a bit of a shot in the dark at the moment.