BERTIE'S WISH has been here twice and won both, the latest when having plenty to spare in a handicap for which he's been raised 7lb. Applaus has gained his last three victories at Carlisle but, though raised 4lb for his latest success, is still well below his chase rating. Winning point-to-pointer Hashtag Boum makes her handicap debut after three decent runs in maidens and novice company while neither Mothill nor Chti Balko can be discounted in a tight handicap.
Bertie's Wish (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Jumped right and hung right, led 2nd, headed bend before 4th, ran wide after 4th, headway to lead 5th, stayed on, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Feb beating Start In Front (10-13) by 3l, 8 ran.
Guiri (GER) 100-1 (11-11) In touch, weakened 4 out, soon behind, last of 10, dist behind Hajey (10-13) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Mothill (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Held up in 5th, headway tracking leaders before 2 out, led 2 out, ridden and headed between last two, weakened approaching last, 5th of 8, 9 1/2l behind Hugos New Horse (12-0) at Sandown 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Chti Balko (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, led 4th, ridden 2 out, jumped left and headed last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Hajey (10-13) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Applaus (GER) 11-1 (11-1) Always prominent, led approaching 2 out, joined flat, asserted towards finish, won at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Feb beating Vocal Duke (11-12) by hd, 13 ran.
Hashtag Boum (FR) 4-1 (11-0) Mid-division, went 4th after 3 out, ridden before last, kept on, not pace to challenge, 3rd of 8, 4 3/4l behind Blue Fin (11-7) at Newcastle 2m 1f mdn (4) gs in Feb.
