Our Carlisle racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Monday 18th May 2026. The action gets underway at 14:00 and runs through to 17:10, with going reported as 5.8) (Good (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. William Dewhirst boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, James Doyle has been in fine form here with 2 wins from 6 rides, Ralph Beckett’s yard sends out runners with a 33.33% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Carlisle
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Carlisle over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Daily Post | 18 | 10 | 55.56% | 55.56% |
| Glendale | The Scotsman | 18 | 8 | 44.44% | 61.11% |
| The Judge | The Favourite | 12 | 5 | 41.67% | 50% |
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | 12 | 5 | 41.67% | 66.67% |
| Jeffrey Ross | Sporting Times | 12 | 5 | 41.67% | 66.67% |
14:00 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 5f | Class 2 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
A fascinating little four-runner novice to kick things off, and in a field this small it could easily turn tactical rather than turn into a pure test of raw speed. Crownbreaker brings the one piece of public form to the table after finishing third on debut and, on the figures, that already sets a fair standard. She is plainly the one they all have to beat if reproducing it. That said, debutante juveniles from the Kevin Ryan and K R Burke yards command immediate respect in these northern fillies’ races, and Wild Blossom in particular looks the obvious threat on paper with James Doyle booked. Calef is much bigger in the market and has to bridge a sizeable gap. Strong enough for the grade, but not an easy race if one of the newcomers is above average.
Top Selections
1. Crownbreaker – 5/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Rowan Scott | Trainer: Kevin Philippart De Foy | Form: 3 | Rating: 104 | Topspeed: 103
In a race where three of the four are guessing games, Crownbreaker has the major edge of bringing solid debut form and notably strong early figures for a two-year-old in mid-May. A rating of 104 and Topspeed of 103 tower over what the others have achieved simply because they have yet to achieve anything on the track. She should come forward for that initial outing, and in a four-runner race professionalism counts for plenty, especially over a sharp 5f where there is no time to recover from greenness. At around 5/4, she is not a giveaway, but she is still the percentage call and the one with the fewest questions attached. Bet: WIN
Betting Strategy
With only four runners, this is strictly a win-only race and Crownbreaker is the bet. Her debut experience and the published figures make her hard to oppose. Wild Blossom looks the clear danger if the market confidence is justified, while Miss Havisham is another newcomer worth noting, but there is no each-way angle at all in a field of this size.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calef | 12/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Crownbreaker | 5/4 | 11/10 | 11/10 | 11/10 | 6/5 | 5/4 (Bet365) |
| Miss Havisham | 4/1 | 18/5 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Wild Blossom | 13/8 | 5/4 | 11/8 | 11/8 | 6/4 | 13/8 (Bet365) |
14:30 – Racing TV Handicap
Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This is a proper Carlisle sprint handicap: plenty with chances, not many you could call bombproof. Blue Lakota brings the most solid recent profile after a string of good efforts, while Keldeo arrives on the back of a win and a respectable fourth, so the market has latched onto the obvious pair. Dc Cogent is another knocking on the door, and the low draw could be no bad thing over this sharp 5f. There are also a few dangerous lurkers at bigger prices, notably Imperial Guard, who is better than last season’s figures suggest, and Wen Moon, whose topspeed mark catches the eye if bouncing back. Competitive rather than classy, then, and getting the pace right from the gate will decide plenty.
Top Selections
1. Blue Lakota – 7/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Kevin Stott | Trainer: Kevin Ryan | Form: 216342 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 61
Blue Lakota is the one I’d want on side because he is doing little wrong in this grade and looks sure to give his running again. That recent form line of 216342 reads well for a race like this, and he doesn’t look badly treated despite a mark of 88 because he has been holding his form in stronger-looking sprints than this. Drawn low in stall 2, with Kevin Stott booked, he should get a good stalking position and Carlisle often rewards that if the fractions are honest. At 7/2 he is no giveaway, but he is the percentage call in a race full of ifs and buts. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Imperial Guard – 12/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Mark Winn | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 80696- | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 91
Imperial Guard is the interesting each-way play because the bare form figures are off-putting, but there is enough in his profile to think he could outrun double-figure odds. His topspeed figure of 91 is the best in the field, and that tells you the ability is there if Michael Dods can get him back to something like his better level after the break. Stall 3 is fine, the mark of 87 is workable, and this is not a race loaded with progressive sprinters. He is clearly not one for maximum confidence after the way last season petered out, but at 12/1 with three places on offer, he makes plenty more appeal than some shorter ones. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Blue Lakota is the straightforward win bet given his consistency, handy draw and reliable recent form. For an each-way punt, Imperial Guard makes more appeal than the obvious alternatives because his old speed figures give him a live chance if returning in decent order. Keldeo and Dc Cogent are the chief dangers, while Wen Moon is not hopeless if the inside draw becomes a major asset.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrisius | 9/1 | 10/1 | 15/2 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 10/1 (Betfair) |
| Keldeo | 4/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Wen Moon | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Betfair) |
| Speeding Bullet | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Hurt You Never | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Betfair) |
| Fierce | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 (Betfair) |
| Imperial Guard | 12/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Dc Cogent | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Blue Lakota | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Harb | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 9/1 (Betfair) |
| Harry Mole | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
15:00 – Watch Racing TV Live Handicap
Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper Carlisle sprint handicap: plenty with chances, not many you could call bombproof. Raft Up arrives bidding for the hat-trick and is the obvious starting point after back-to-back wins, but this is a deeper race than the bare class suggests and he won’t get things his own way in a 13-runner dash. Fan Mail and Iris Dancer sit near the head of the market and both have the profiles of horses ready to strike, while Magic Boy returns off a win and isn’t easily dismissed. There are a few lurking at bigger prices too, notably Lightning Galaxy and Mr Dreamseller, but several come here with something to prove. In truth, it’s a tricky puzzle rather than a strong contest, and draw, pace and who handles the hustle best may decide it.
Top Selections
1. Iris Dancer – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Rowan Scott | Trainer: Tristan Davidson | Form: 09-204 | Rating: 83 | Topspeed: 75
Iris Dancer makes plenty of appeal from stall 1 with a feather weight and a recent profile that says he’s knocking on the door. That 0-9-204 sequence doesn’t scream consistency at first glance, but the last two runs were much more like it and his Topspeed figure of 75 is one of the better numbers in the field. In a race where several of the principals are either climbing the weights or returning from breaks, this veteran looks primed to take advantage. Rowan Scott knows him well enough, and at 5/1 with Bet365 he looks a fair rather than flashy price for one who holds strong claims if getting the gaps. Bet: WIN
2. Lightning Galaxy – 28/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Rhys Elliott | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 5270-9 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 72
This is exactly the sort of horse I want on side each-way in a messy sprint. Lightning Galaxy has been easy to overlook after a quiet reappearance, but he’s down to 125, has a solid enough Topspeed figure of 72 and is housed in stall 4, which could be handy if they race up the middle or near side. Michael Dods can ready one second time out, and this horse’s older form gives him a squeak in a race of this nature. He doesn’t need to improve dramatically to outrun 28/1 with Bet365; he just needs to bounce back a little. In a four-place race, that makes him an interesting each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
I’d keep the main play straightforward: Iris Dancer to win, as he looks well treated enough and arrives in the right sort of nick for a race like this. For a bigger-priced alternative, Lightning Galaxy is worth an each-way swing with four places on offer. Raft Up is the obvious danger after two wins, while Fan Mail also has claims if the race sets up for him.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call Me Betty | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Magic Boy | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Ran Amok | 15/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Mr Dreamseller | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Betfair) |
| Counting Cards | 12/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Surprised | 18/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 (Betfair) |
| Raft Up | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Mount Ruapehu | 10/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Impressor | 18/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Invincible Ruby | 40/1 | 35/1 | 35/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
| Lightning Galaxy | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Fan Mail | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Iris Dancer | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
15:30 – Follow Racing TV On X Handicap
Race Details: 1m 6f | Class 5 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This is a tight little staying handicap rather than a deep one, and there are several arriving with something to recommend them. As Fast As Wind and Cascade Hall head the market after recent wins, while Charlie Darling is bidding for a hat-trick and clearly comes here in rude health. Swinging London is another thriving veteran, and Loki has the profile of a horse who could still have a bit more to offer now tackling this trip on the Flat. The slight niggle with plenty of them is the handicapper may just have caught up, so it looks the sort of race where value matters. In that respect, I’d rather side with a progressive stayer than simply latch onto the shortest prices.
Top Selections
1. Charlie Darling – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Sean Kirrane | Trainer: Alan Brown | Form: /57311 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed:
Charlie Darling has got his act together in no uncertain terms, arriving on the back of two straight wins and shaping like a horse whose stamina is becoming a real weapon. He’s up 5lb for the latest success, but that doesn’t look excessive in a race where some of the obvious ones may be more exposed than their prices suggest. Alan Brown’s runner is still well treated if this new level of form is genuine, and Sean Kirrane is a solid booking for a horse who should be finishing stronger than most. At 6/1, he makes plenty of appeal as the one to beat. Bet type: win material.
Bet: WIN
2. Ashdown Forest – 14/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Jack Garritty | Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe | Form: 333-54 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 82
Ashdown Forest is the price play. He hasn’t won for a while, so there’s an obvious leap of faith involved, but his profile is more solid than the market suggests and this longer trip could draw out a bit more. His figures last season were respectable without quite landing the blow, and there was enough in those first two runs back to think he can be competitive in a race of this nature. The 82 Topspeed figure stacks up well enough for this grade, and Jedd O’Keeffe’s horses are always worth a second look in staying handicaps at northern tracks. At 14/1, he’s the each-way punt.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Charlie Darling is the win bet at a fair 6/1, with his recent progress making him the most persuasive option in a race full of exposed stayers. Ashdown Forest is the each-way alternative at 14/1 in a nine-runner field with three places on offer. The obvious dangers are As Fast As Wind, who is hard to knock after winning again, and the well-treated-looking bottomweight Cascade Hall.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loki | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Lord | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Swinging London | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Haarar | 9/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Ashdown Forest | 14/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| As Fast As Wind | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Charlie Darling | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Billy No Mates | 16/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Cascade Hall | 7/2 | 7/2 | 18/5 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 18/5 (Paddy Power) |
16:00 – racingtv.com Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly workable novice rather than a deep one, and the market has probably got the main protagonists right. Lunar Melody brings the best rating in the field and shaped well when second last time, while Wezzeer arrives on the back of a win and is the obvious threat for Roger Varian. Dark Sovereign has a bit of substance to his juvenile form and is the one who could easily step forward again on his return, while Blue Boy Junior wasn’t disgraced on debut and should know much more now. After that, plenty are either exposed, look short of the required level, or need to improve dramatically. It’s not the strongest Class 4 novice you’ll see, but there are enough unexposed types to make it interesting.
Top Selections
1. Lunar Melody – 5/4 with Bet365
Jockey: James Doyle | Trainer: Richard & Peter Fahey | Form: 5-2 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 71
Lunar Melody sets the standard on what’s in the book and, in a race lacking depth, that counts for plenty. The step forward from a debut fifth to finish second last time was exactly what you want to see from a 3yo filly learning the job, and her 82 rating is comfortably the best on offer here. James Doyle is an eye-catching booking and she’s drawn low enough to get a handy position over this sharp 6f. At 5/4 she isn’t a giveaway, but she does look the one with the most solid claims and the likeliest winner if reproducing that latest effort. Bet: WIN
2. Dark Sovereign – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Rodriguez | Trainer: Ralph Beckett | Form: 45- | Rating: 75 | Topspeed: 72
Dark Sovereign makes plenty of each-way appeal at around 5/1 because there’s a fair chance he’s better than we’ve seen so far. His juvenile form figures of 4 and 5 don’t scream future winner, but they came in stronger company than this and his topspeed mark of 72 suggests there is a proper level of ability there. Ralph Beckett’s runners can improve plenty from two to three, and this doesn’t look a punishing spot for a seasonal return. If he’s learned to settle and travels a bit more sweetly, he could easily be the one to give the favourite most to think about. Bet: EACH-WAY
Danger: Wezzeer is the obvious one to fear after getting off the mark and has the profile of a colt still going the right way.
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Lunar Melody is the win play because she brings the strongest achieved form and the best rating into an ordinary enough novice. For an each-way punt, Dark Sovereign looks the value at 5/1 given his yard and the promise in his 2yo efforts. Wezzeer is the main danger if building on that last-time-out success.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie Steady Go | 66/1 | 50/1 | 70/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 70/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Wezzeer | 15/8 | 85/40 | 85/40 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 85/40 (Betfair) |
| Albemagic | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Bee Farmer | 10/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 | 7/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Blue Boy Junior | 8/1 | 7/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Dark Sovereign | 5/1 | 7/2 | 18/5 | 10/3 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Golden Harvest | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
| Great Profit | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Betfair) |
| Tzarmaggedon | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Lunar Melody | 5/4 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 11/10 | 5/4 (Bet365) |
| Royal Sizzler | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 (Betfair) |
16:35 – Join Racing TV Now Handicap
Race Details: 7f | Class 6 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary 3yo Class 6, but that does not make it easy. Hatamoto heads the market and is the obvious one after just three runs, though stall 10 over 7f at Carlisle is not exactly a gift and he is short enough in a race where a few have workable claims. Thankfully Simmy has shown the most solid handicap form so far and should be in the thick of it again, while Smoker Bellamy and Mereside Princess are both capable of getting involved if bouncing back or building on recent efforts. Cobalt Comet also arrives off a better run than the bare form might suggest. It is the sort of contest where fitness, track position and a bit of improvement from one of the less exposed runners could easily decide matters.
Top Selections
1. Thankfully Simmy – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: David Nolan | Trainer: Richard & Peter Fahey | Form: 54-246 | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 53
Thankfully Simmy appeals as the percentage call. He has already shown he can be competitive in this sort of company, and his recent 2-4-6 sequence suggests he is holding his level rather than going backwards. An opening mark in the high 60s looked fair enough and he still does not look overburdened off 69. The Fahey yard knows exactly how to place these types at Carlisle and David Nolan is a solid booking for a race where getting a handy position should matter. At 5/1, he looks a more attractive betting proposition than the favourite because he brings the stronger body of handicap form to the table. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Cobalt Comet – 7/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Cam Hardie | Trainer: John Mackie | Form: 0663 | Rating: 67 | Topspeed:
Cobalt Comet is the each-way angle at a fair enough price. He took a step forward when third last time, shaping like 7f in a modest handicap was more his game than what he had been doing previously, and there is every chance that effort can be built on now that he has shown something to work with. He is drawn well enough in 5 to get involved without wasting ground, and a mark of 67 does not leave him badly treated if that latest run proves the start of a more consistent spell. In a race lacking depth, 7/1 makes him the one who looks the value for an each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Thankfully Simmy is the win play because he brings the safest recent handicap profile and should give his running. Cobalt Comet is the each-way alternative in a 10-runner race with three places on offer, having hinted at improvement last time. Hatamoto is the obvious danger on potential, while Mereside Princess looks the other one for place players to keep on side.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Too Darn Spicy | 9/1 | 9/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Thankfully Simmy | 5/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Cobalt Comet | 11/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 (Betfair) |
| Hatamoto | 9/4 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Smoker Bellamy | 4/1 | 18/5 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 10/3 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Helios Path | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
| Mereside Princess | 9/2 | 18/5 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| The Floors Munky | 40/1 | 35/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Dandy Orton | 22/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Royal Baroness | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
17:10 – Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 5.8) (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper competitive sprint for the grade rather than a weak finale, with several arriving off runs that make them very easy to argue for. Native Instinct heads the market after a solid reappearance second and the inside draw is an obvious plus over this sharp 6f, while Green Pursuit and Black Storm both have enough on their recent profiles to make this interesting. Vince Le Prince is another who keeps knocking on the door and shouldn’t be underestimated from stall 2, whereas This Farh has a wide berth to overcome but comes here in decent nick. In a field of 11 where plenty have bits and pieces of form, track position and how hard they go early could decide it. It’s not impossible, but it is a race where price matters.
Top Selections
1. Native Instinct – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Rodriguez | Trainer: Edward Bethell | Form: 6056-2 | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 85
Native Instinct makes the most appeal. He returned with a much more encouraging effort when runner-up last time and that reads well enough in the context of this race, especially as he now drops into a contest where not many arrive with his mix of class and recent evidence. The draw in stall 1 is another tick, because he should be able to hold a handy pitch rather than get shuffled back. Bethell’s runner is still relatively lightly raced for a 4yo sprinter and a mark of 89 doesn’t look beyond him if building on that latest run. At 9/4 he’s hardly hidden, but he is still the one with the strongest claims. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Black Storm – 13/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Daniel Tudhope | Trainer: Katie Scott | Form: 2230-4 | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 62
Black Storm looks the each-way play at the prices. He signed off last season with a below-par effort, but his earlier form was solid and his comeback fourth suggested he retains enough ability to be very competitive from this mark. A rating of 86 leaves him close enough to the principals on the figures, and stall 4 gives Tudhope options in what could be a race where getting the run of things matters plenty. He’s not one I’d want to take a very short price about, but 13/2 in an 11-runner handicap appeals because he has the profile of one who can sit handy, travel well and at least hit the frame. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Native Instinct is the straight win play: best recent form, a good draw and the most convincing overall profile. For an each-way punt, Black Storm makes more sense than some of the shorter alternatives because he should get a nice trip and has enough form to be in the first three. Main dangers are Green Pursuit and Vince Le Prince, both of whom are capable of making this tight.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native Instinct | 9/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 7/4 | 2/1 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| William Dewhirst | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| They All Know Me | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| This Farh | 11/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Green Pursuit | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Black Storm | 13/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Vince Le Prince | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Judicature | 17/2 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Bay Breeze | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Wish This | 18/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Detective | 18/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 20/1 (Betfair) |
Carlisle Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Dewhirst | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
| Bay Breeze | 4 | 1 | 25% | 50% |
| Hurt You Never | 4 | 1 | 25% | 50% |
| Detective | 29 | 6 | 20.69% | 62.07% |
| Iris Dancer | 10 | 1 | 10% | 40% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Doyle | 6 | 2 | 33.33% | 83.33% |
| Faye McManoman | 66 | 12 | 18.18% | 37.88% |
| Mark Winn | 41 | 7 | 17.07% | 36.59% |
| Kevin Stott | 150 | 25 | 16.67% | 40.67% |
| P J McDonald | 73 | 12 | 16.44% | 41.1% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Carlisle:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralph Beckett | 12 | 4 | 33.33% | 75% |
| Harriet Bethell | 20 | 6 | 30% | 40% |
| Hugo Palmer | 42 | 11 | 26.19% | 45.24% |
| Steph Hollinshead | 23 | 6 | 26.09% | 30.43% |
| K R Burke | 249 | 51 | 20.48% | 47.79% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Carlisle racing tips for Monday 18th May 2026. We’ve covered all 7 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Carlisle today?
The first race at Carlisle on Monday 18th May 2026 goes off at 14:00, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Carlisle today?
The going at Carlisle is reported as 5.8) (Good (goingstick).
How many races are at Carlisle today?
There are 7 races on the card at Carlisle today, running from 14:00 through to 17:10.
Gamble Responsibly ⚠️
Bet only what you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits, never chase losses, and take regular breaks. Gambling should be entertainment, not income.
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