Cappa Bleu: Evan Williams-trained stayer faces four rivals at Carlisle
PICTURE: Mark CranhamNational hope Cappa Bleu returns at Carlisle
LAST year’s John Smith’s Grand National fourth Cappa Bleu starts out on the road back to Aintree today in the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Graduation Chase (2.25) at Carlisle.
The Evan Williams-trained stayer is part of a small but select five-runner field that includes Sarando, who ran out a comfortable winner 12 months ago.
Add Across The Bay, successful at Kelso last month on his return to fences, into the mix and the 3m½f contest - won in previous years by smart chasers Hey Big Spender and Money Trix - is not short of quality.
While the ground at Carlisle is soft, heavy in places, Southwell is set to go on good ground for its seven-race card.
Limerick has been abandoned due to waterlogging after 10mm of rain fell overnight.
