Thursday horse racing tips: Dave Nevison’s best bets for Carlisle

1.25 Carlisle: Star of St James

This track should suit his prominent racing style and a stiff mile looks an ideal trip.

Star Of St James ran his best race on turf after a two-month absence last time when finishing a good second at Redcar in a race similar to this one. Jockey Cole Harris was also on board on that occasion and he has a first and second from just four rides under Rules so is clearly capable.

Star of St James has won off a much higher mark on the all-weather and has dropped down 10lbs in the weights since last summer. He looks to have been found a winning level on turf judged by his latest run.

3.45 Carlisle: Aphelios

He switches back to turf on his second run for Racing TV’s Chris and Martin Dixon and can continue to pay back the £70,000 that The Horsewatchers paid to acquire him from the Charlton yard.

Aphelios ran a cracker on stable debut, just not quite managing to get in front close home and going down by a nose. He certainly showed great resolution at Kempton but had previously looked a little suspect in a close finish so the first-time cheekpieces are an interesting addition.

Aphelios could well be a bit of a money spinner for connections, who obviously think he is off a good mark at the moment as he has no less than five entries over the next few days. Expect to see plenty of him in the week ahead, hopefully beginning with a win here.

4.55 Carlisle: Asmund

He had spent the season tumbling down the weights and by no less than 10lbs, but won nicely at Doncaster last time and can follow up here.

Trainer Declan Carroll has hit form with a vengeance in recent weeks too and, even though Asmund has gone up 5lbs, he is still much lower than his last winning mark back in September under this same apprentice.

I am not convinced Asmund has lost any of his ability, and given his return to form he looks one to be with.