Date: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Race: 3.35 Carlisle – Watch Racing TV Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
Going: Good to Soft
Carlisle is an unforgiving track. You need a horse that stays, jumps fluently, and handles the stiff uphill finish. Today’s 3.35 is a competitive handicap, but one runner stands out for having tackled—and performed in—much deeper waters.
The Selection: Smart Decision (13/8)
This is the solid play. T.D. Easterby’s gelding arrives in the form of his life (113112). Crucially, his last run was a gritty second in a Class 3 at Haydock. Dropping back down to Class 4 company today is a massive easing of grade.
While he carries top weight of 12-2, the booking of William Easterby claims a valuable 5lbs, effectively bringing his burden down to 11-11. He has the tactical speed to sit handy—vital at Carlisle—and the class edge to see off this field. He is the most likely winner by some margin.
The Danger: Medieval Gold (9/2)
If there is a fly in the ointment, it is Patrick Neville’s runner. Horses for courses is a cliché for a reason: Medieval Gold won over this exact course and distance (C&D) in December, beating That One by over five lengths.
He is up 6lbs for that effort, which makes life harder, but having Brian Hughes in the plate at a northern track is worth its weight in gold. If the ground rides particularly tacky, his proven stamina here brings him right into the mix.
One to Swerve: Kientzheim (12/1)
Don’t get sucked in by the “1” next to her name. She won well last time, but that was at Musselburgh—a sharp, flat, speed track. Carlisle is the polar opposite. A 4lb rise combined with a much stiffer test of stamina makes her a vulnerable proposition today.
The Verdict
Smart Decision has the class edge and the form in the book. He should have too much firepower for Medieval Gold, who looks the only credible threat for the forecast.
Win: Smart Decision
Forecast: Smart Decision to beat Medieval Gold