HENRY'S PRIDE (2.40) has a first-rate opportunity at Carlisle to atone for unseating his rider on a wasted journey to Southwell a fortnight ago.

Backed as if defeat was out of the question, supporters of Henry's Pride were in for a nasty shock as he catapulted Patrick Merrigan out the saddle when belting the second fence.

As a result of the calamitous jumping error, Merrigan was pitched violently forward and upwards, after which gravity took over and he was dumped unceremoniously on the seat of his pants.

Patrick will have to sit more tightly in the Betfred Million Beginners' Chase, however Henry's Pride has oceans of untapped potential and if staying upright should be good enough to capture the two-and-a-half-mile contest.

The Elite Racing Club Handicap Chase (3.50) looks right up Matmata de Tendron's street.

On his most recent start Andy Crook's grey produced a remarkable final-furlong rally, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat to gain a memorable last-gasp win at Sedgefield.

Rider Doug Costello was able to give Matmata de Tendron a handy breather midway through the last circuit, enabling the gelding to fill his lungs with much-needed extra oxygen on that occasion.

Costello will be able to adopt the self-same tactics aboard Crook's Middleham raider, a sure-fire repeat ploy that may help clinch the money in what's a pretty close call between the market leaders.

Towcester-bound Dalus Park (2.30) has plummeted like a stone down the weights to the sort of level which makes him an appealing betting proposition for the Libran Compensation Handicap Chase.

Being such a uniquely undulating and testing venue, especially when the ground is riding soft, previous winning course-and-distance form at the Northamptonshire track is absolutely essential.

In this respect Dalus Park fits the bill and there's also the fact trainer Chris Bealby's stable has just emerged from the doldrums following a quiet spell during mid-winter.

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