Richard Birch's play of the day at Carlisle
Manuelito
3.30 Carlisle
Punters hoping to get the better of the old enemy on the eve of Royal Ascot should focus on Manuelito in Carlisle's 1m6f handicap (3.30).
It's surely a tip in itself that David Pipe sends last month's Ffos Las hurdles winner on the 325-mile trip north as his only runner of the day.
Manuelito, winner of two of his four starts over hurdles, boasts an official rating of 121 in that sphere after thrashing Bucephalus by four and three-quarter lengths last time.
That was his first venture into a handicap hurdle and he proved himself a very nicely treated four-year-old.
Firmly on top at the finish, he looks the type to improve further and win more jumps races this year, but it's no surprise that Pipe seeks to exploit the gelding's highly attractive Flat mark of just 63 as a priority.
The son of Cracksman failed to win in seven starts on the Flat for his previous trainer Richard Hannon, but did shape with promise on two or three occasions.
Unexposed at 1m6f, Manuelito has clearly improved significantly since his last Flat spin and ought to make short work of his six rivals.
Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
Published on inPlay of the day
Last updated
Copy