Cartmel Placepot picks: Richard Birch makes his selections for the jumps card

An excellent Cartmel card kicks off with a 2m6f novice hurdle (1.39) in which Irish raider Bella Bliss can show further improvement for the step up in trip.

Zumbi, who remains unexposed after just three starts for Cartmel king James Moffatt, rates the biggest threat in the Placepot opener.

Johnson’s Blue, winner of his last four starts, was particularly impressive when landing the 2m6f Cumbria Crystal Cup.

The handicapper has put him up 10lb but the longer distance of the 3m1f handicap hurdle (2.14) may see him to even better effect.

Course winners Tico Times and Ardera Cross appeal in the 2m1f handicap chase (2.50), while Jerrysback, winner of the valuable Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last time out, and Rapid Flight are selected in a tricky 3m1f handicap chase (3.24).

Flamboyant front-runner Tonto’s Spirit has a decent chance of a record-breaking eighth course success in the 2m5f handicap chase (3.59).

The Churchill Lad and Eclairant Le Monde, who represents Donald McCain and Brian Hughes, are the selections in the 2m1f juvenile hurdle (4.35).

Cartmel Placepot perm

1.39
3 Zumbi
4 Bella Bliss

2.14
4 Johnson’s Blue

2.50
3 Tico Times
4 Ardera Cross

3.24
1 Jerrysback
3 Rapid Flight

3.59
6 Tonto’s Spirit

4.35
4 The Churchill Lad
5 Eclairant Le Monde

2x1x2x2x1x2 = 16 lines

Sign up here. New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £/€5 and win or lose you will receive £/€20 Tote Credit. £/€20 Tote Credit rewarded as £/€10 redeemable against racing bets only and £/€10 redeemable against UK and Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after seven days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. Totewin will be the qualifying bet when a Totewin and a Toteplace bet are struck at the same time. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org.