CARTMEL PREVIEW | The Cumbria Crystal Cup

Racing action returns to Cartmel on Saturday, with the Crystal Cup featuring on a seven-race card at the Cumbria track.

IMPERIAL SACHIN’S (3/1) is still relatively unexposed over hurdles for Denise Foster and the Fame And Glory gelding could thrive here.

The gelding struggled with the softer conditions over the winter months but he struck on quicker ground, taking advantage of a weak maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan back in May.

He has been stepped up in trip here following a poor run over 2m1½f at Downpatrick, but he should stay the trip and he could well show progress here.

ASK PADDINGTON (7/2) is known for his love of good ground, but the seven-year-old will need to bounce back here after two disappointing efforts as favourite at Hexham and Market Rasen.

Tristan Davidson’s runner was bumped up in the ratings after a comfortable success at Hexham back in April, but he has struggled at his current mark since.

He is still 4lbs higher than his last winning mark and he will need to defy that if he is to be competitive here.

CALUM GILHOOLEY (7/2) was automatically disqualified after losing his weightcloth in the final stages at Stratford last month, but the gelding could well land success here at Cartmel.

Graeme McPherson’s recruit has been stepped up in class here but remains at the same mark as last time out, which catches some interest.

He is an interesting gelding and he should be fairly competitive over this distance as well.

NATIVE FIGHTER (7/2) claimed a C&D success back in May and is now 4lb higher for James Moffatt, while Justin Landy’s SHETLAND BUS (6/1) is stepped up in class following his course success three weeks ago.

JACKS LAST HOPE (14/1) is now 12 years old and is at his lowest mark in over five years for Chris Grant, while Donald McCain’s MORRAMAN (14/1) will need to bounce back to form if he is to be competitive at Cartmel.

SELECTION:

• Calum Gilhooley @ 7/2