Sun 2nd Jul 2023
2.05 Cartmel (12 runners)
Oakmere Homes Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
2m5½f 

Here is the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on their ratings:

1. Grey Skies (IRE) – 554.7
2. Ubetya (IRE) – 508.6
3. Hang In There (IRE) – 500.3
4. Messire Des Obeaux (FR) – 494.3
5. Arctic Ambition (IRE) – 490.9
6. Marshalled (IRE) – 452.8
7. Quoi De Neuf (FR) – 437.5
8. Walking The Walk (IRE) – 433.4
9. Arthurs Quay (IRE) – 411.6
10. Captain Tom Cat (IRE) – 399.1
11. Broken Ice (IRE) – 378.2
12. Sword Of Fate (IRE) – 325.6

Now let’s assess the comments for each runner:

1. Grey Skies (IRE): Impressive wins at Sedgefield and Perth. Close second over this course and distance in a recent run. Expected to give another good account.
2. Ubetya (IRE): Won a handicap chase at this course and distance with patient tactics. Needs to step up in this tougher contest.
3. Hang In There (IRE): Smart performer with an excellent strike rate over fences. Disappointing over hurdles recently but respected back in this sphere.
4. Messire Des Obeaux (FR): Formerly a smart novice hurdler/chaser. Gutsy win at Warwick followed by a less impressive performance at Newbury.
5. Arctic Ambition (IRE): Good form over fences and took advantage of a lower hurdles mark in recent starts. Expected to perform well in this chase.
6. Marshalled (IRE): Winning hurdler/chaser in Ireland and has revived for a new yard. Narrowly missed out on a win in a recent handicap chase at this course and distance. Cheekpieces back on.
7. Quoi De Neuf (FR): In good form away from the mud, with a recent win at Fakenham. Faces a more competitive field here.
8. Walking The Walk (IRE): Better than ever this season, winning at Perth in good time. This is a tougher race but should not be taken lightly.
9. Arthurs Quay (IRE): Improved for a new stable and completed a hat-trick of wins at Sedgefield. Strong finish in the latest run at this course. Considered at an increased trip.
10. Captain Tom Cat (IRE): Not performing as well as in the past since returning from a long break. Failed to capitalize on a drop in weights in the latest hurdle race.
11. Broken Ice (IRE): Returned to form with a close second-place finish at Kilbeggan. Unlucky to bump into a revitalized rival. Respected.
12. Sword Of Fate (IRE): Fair handicap chaser in good form but likely to find this race too demanding from out of the handicap.

Based on the analysis, the top pick for this race would be Grey Skies (IRE). With impressive recent wins and a strong performance over this course and distance, Grey Skies is expected to be a top contender. Additionally, Ubetya (IRE) and Hang In There (IRE) have shown promise in their recent performances and can be considered for the selections as well.

2.40 Cartmel (14 runners)
Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
2m1½f

Here is the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on their ratings:

1. Castel Gandolfo (IRE) – 521.2
2. Trolley Boy – 510.8
3. Hurricane Ali (IRE) – 465.0
4. Belvedere Blast (IRE) – 463.6
5. Hallowed Star (IRE) – 452.9
6. Inferno Sacree (FR) – 444.4
7. Too Friendly – 432.6
8. Banks Boy (IRE) – 405.2
9. Vocal Duke (IRE) – 391.2
10. Ashington – 384.5
11. Dr T J Eckleburg (IRE) – 345.3
12. Fiveonefive (IRE) – 333.8
13. Band of Outlaws (IRE) – 330.1
14. I Dont Get It (IRE) – 323.9

Now let’s assess the comments for each runner:

1. Hallowed Star (IRE): Creditable fifth-place finish in a handicap chase at Ballinrobe. Back down in trip and shouldn’t be dismissed.
2. Banks Boy (IRE): Impressive second-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Cork, clear of the rest. In contention for this race.
3. Hurricane Ali (IRE): Genuine individual with three wins from nine runs last season. Good second in a handicap hurdle at Aintree, running on. A player off an unchanged mark.
4. Too Friendly: Career-best win in a handicap hurdle at Fakenham with cheekpieces on for the first time. Expected to be in the mix.
5. Ashington: Eleven runs since last win. Sixth-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen, where he did too much too soon. Cheekpieces back on and not without a chance.
6. Fiveonefive (IRE): Winner in a hurdle at Tipperary. Creditable second in a novice hurdle at Perth, clear of the rest. Can’t be ruled out.
7. Castel Gandolfo (IRE): Career-best win in a handicap hurdle at Kelso, running on strongly. Needs to be considered.
8. Trolley Boy: Latest win in a hurdle at Ludlow. Creditable second in a handicap hurdle at Worcester. In the picture for this race.
9. Dr T J Eckleburg (IRE): Eighth-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Plumpton in the previous run. First run for a new yard, so improvement may be expected.
10. Band of Outlaws (IRE): Below-par seventh-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Hexham. Has a good chance at these weights if back on form.
11. Belvedere Blast (IRE): Career-best win in a handicap hurdle at Hexham. Progressing well and firmly in contention.
12. Inferno Sacree (FR): Four wins from 11 runs last season. Career-best win in a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot, pushed out. One to consider for the shortlist.
13. I Dont Get It (IRE): Latest win in a hurdle at Limerick. Creditable third-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Downpatrick, needing a stiffer test. Expected to be in the shake-up.
14. Vocal Duke (IRE): Last-place finish in a handicap chase at this course on debut over fences. Switching from chase to hurdles and needs to bounce back.

Based on the analysis, the top pick for this race would be Castel Gandolfo (IRE). With a career-best win at Kelso and a strong finish, Castel Gandolfo has shown the potential to perform well in this race. Trolley Boy and Hurricane Ali (IRE) also have promising recent performances and should be considered for selections.