Carlisle Preview: Dance can Lord it over rivals

Lord Of The Dance has plummeted in the weights and looks decent value to take advantage and land the spoils in the 1m handicap at Carlisle today (4.00).

Trained in Cheshire by Mick Mullineaux, the gelding thrived during 2013 when constantly defying the handicapper to score six times.

In the last of those successes, Lord Of The Dance slammed Karaka Jack by seven lengths off a mark of 82 in the 7f amateur rider’s handicap at Ascot, a victory which resulted in him being raised 11lbs to 93.

The eight-year-old went on to finish a solid third at Haydock three starts later off 90, but has since failed to make the frame in eight subsequent starts.

However, that has resulted in Lord Of The Dances handciap mark falling dramatically and the son of Indian Haven is now racing off just 70.

That is a massive 12lbs lower than when last successful, and makes Lord Of The Dance potentially thrown-in at the weights in this class 4 contest.

The veteran also shaped as if he could be coming back to form when fifth last time out over course and distance, and with cheekpieces now fitted for the first time this looks a great opportunity for Lord Of The Dance to get back to winnings ways.
In the proceeding 1m handicap (3.30), the unexposed and improving La Havrese is going to be very tough to beat.

The Anne Duffield trained filly hinted at ability in three maiden runs, and has taken her form to a new level since tackling handicaps.

After finishing an eye-catching an eye-catching third of six to Centre Haafd in a 6f contest at this track, the daughter of La Havre scored in good style at Catterick when upped to 7f.

La Havrese raced prominently before taking up the running inside the last and staying on well to score with more in hand than the winning margin of 1/2 a length suggests, and then ran very well under a 6lb penalty at the same venue when third of 14 to Smart Alec.

The way La Havrese finished off in the latter suggested she was crying out for a step up to today’s mile trip, and the three-year-old looks the type who has more to offer and is ahead of her current mark of 68.