Botham ready to strike again at Carlisle

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Edited 09:15 18.06.2012

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Jim Goldie's Botham has caught the eye recently and is fancied to land Carlisle's featured Cumwhinton Handicap at 4.45 this afternoon.

The veteran 8-y-o is a confirmed hold-up performer who enjoyed a productive 2011 campaign, winning four times, and ought to be coming right to the boil following three outings this term. This return to much softer ground will suit and he seems sure to go close with the in-form Graham Lee in the saddle.

There are numerous dangers for the £5,000 prize money, with perhaps topweight Osgood posing the biggest threat. Mick Channon's 5-y-o is a reliable type on both the all-weather and turf, returning to his best with a game victory at Newmarket last time out. However, the handicapper has pushed him up 4lb in the ratings as a result and that contest 10 days ago did not appear the strongest for the track.

Thackerey had appeared a soft ground handicapper to follow when winning twice on easy ground at Haydock and Pontefract. He was well held on firm ground last time out, never able to land a blow, and needs this easier terrain to enable him to bounce back from a career high mark.

Goodness represents the up-and-coming David O'Meara yard and has shaped as though returning to form as he has fell in the weights recently. A positive move in the betting near the off would certainly encourage support although he has yet to win in twelve career starts and may not be the most straightforward.

Painted Tale was much improved when switched to handicaps last autumn, successful at Wolverhampton and finishing in the frame several times. He has not at his best this year, looking laboured on occasions and is still 4 lb above his winning mark.

At bigger prices Watts up Son may outrun his odds, with the promising Jason Hart in the saddle taking off 7lb. He won at this course and Nottingham last season, and hinted that his turn was near again when running on late into sixth over 7f here last time. The step upto 1m1f will suit and a big run would not surprise.

In summary, a wide open handicap but Botham may be primed to land it after shaping well in three starts this season. At around 7-1 this morning he is a solid each way wager to swoop up the hill.

Stephen's Monday Nap Lady Margaeux 2.15 Carlisle

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