With two wins from two, Alvarado is definitely no novice

Alvarado has looked a decent prospect over fences in winning twice so far this season and he can make it three races unbeaten in the News & Star Novices' Chase at Carlisle.

The six-year-old was twice a winner over hurdles last term but he has really come of age since going over the bigger obstacles. He opened his fencing account at this track in October beating Flying Doctor, with no less than six subsequent winners amongst the also-rans.

Alvarado then followed up with another stylish verdict at Wetherby, although the track did not look to suit him quite as well as the Cumbrian venue.

He still ran out a three-length winner and this race could prove a nice stepping stone to better things in due course.

Douglas Julian can further add to his impressive record in the Better Odds Anywhere With Betfair Mobile Novices' Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old has notched up five victories this term with his winning streak snapped only when he unseated his rider at Doncaster on his penultimate start.

Starting at Hexham last October, Sue Smith's charge has struck gold at Carlisle, again at Hexham, Bangor and Haydock, rising from a mark of 75 to his current perch of 115. He showed his Doncaster tumble had left no ill effects on Merseyside and with the ground again riding heavy at Carlisle, conditions will be in his favour.

Midnight Appeal is another on a winning roll and his hat-trick looks there for the taking at Newton Abbot in the Silks Coffee Lounge Handicap. Chase.