Monday tips: 20-1 chance among Alex Scott's best bets

Dan Skelton's new recruit Real Quartz was an impressive point-to-point winner for Sam Curling in Ireland last November and was knocked down for £190,000 at Goffs a week later.

He has since had a wind-op and this looks a good starting point in a race with a lot of dead wood. There are plenty of stayers in his family, so whilst this trip is likely to be short of his optimum in time, the stiff finish at Carlisle is likely to suit and I would be surprised if he did not outclass these rivals for his powerful connections.

Steel Ally has been a very useful hurdler for the in-form Sam Thomas, but there is every chance the son of Doctor Dino can make a better chaser and he is in receipt of 11lb from his four rivals here.

He has a tongue tie applied for the first time and conditions are likely to suit. It is also encouraging that he ran so well early on last season and Dylan Johnston knows him very well.

The early 7-4 makes plenty of appeal under these favourable weight and ground conditions.