".... rolling the dice at Carlisle & Chester...."

Friday, 29th May 2026

“…. rolling the dice at Carlisle & Chester….”

In ATC today….

…. I bring you my best picks in the handicaps on ITV on Saturday….

I’m on DAYDREAMA in the 3.45 at Carlisle – up at 16s….

…. I’m on CASTLE STUART at 11s in the 1.30 at Carlisle….

…. and I’m on MIAMI MATRIX at 14s in the 3.30 at Chester….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….

Read on….

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…. the Silver Bowl – Carlisle – 3.30....

There is a load of early pace on early doors for this….

…. and those travelling to the fore on strong early fractions might well pay for it on the stiff uphill finish….

I’m reading this as a race set up for a closer and DAYDREAMA is interesting at the 16s….

He chased Startled home at York last time – finishing off strong….

…. having been – I thought – check at the start of his run….

…. and he gave the impression that this step up to the mile tomorrow will suit….

The winner came out and ran another big one in the big 3yo handicap at Goodwood last weekend….

…. he’s risen 9lb in the rankings to a mark of 87 – with more to come….

….. and Daydreama certainly isn’t handicapped out of it tomorrow on a mark of 90….

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…. the Betway Handicap – Carlisle – 1.30....

CASTLE STUART is the pick for this at the general 11s….

He’s been out twice this term….

…. finishing 6/12 and beaten 4.5 lengths on seasonal debut at Doncaster in March….

…. and then 6/15 and beaten 3.5 lengths at York the time after….

Both races were over a mile and a quarter….

…. and both times Castle Stuart convinced that this step up to a mile and a half is what he needs….

They’ve got him fit over the shorter trip and….

…. with his mark having slipped back down to 90….

…. he could be well-set to take a step forward….

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…. the Virgin Bet – Chester – 3.30....

MIAMI MATRIX is the pick of the prices for me at the general 14s….

The 4yo handles this track – winning twice and finishing second and fourth on two of his other three visits….

…. the last of those at the start of the month when finishing a perfectly respectable 4/13 and beaten 3-lengths….

…. on his first go since transferring from Hugo Palmer to Patrick Morris….

…. and on his first outing since September – which he was entitled to need….

On a track that suits….

…. with that run under his belt….

…. he can deliver off a mark of 85….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back with more next week….

Meantime – contact me at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd