Bookies are wary of a possible gamble on Irish runner Carrarea at Lingfield on Friday afternoon.
Paul Townend will partner the five-year-old, who is vying for favouritism with Metier in the two-mile Sovereign Handicap Hurdle, for trainer Emmet Mullins.
Carrarea has gone close twice in hurdle events this season and was beaten just a head at Fairyhouse in November on his handicap debut.
Ladbrokes say they would not be surprised to see plenty of money come for the gelding ahead of the race.
Nicola McGeady from the firm said: “We have been conservative with pricing Carrarea but judging by the horse's popularity thus far in his brief career, we wouldn’t be surprised to see plenty of interest.”
Carrarea is Townend's only ride at Lingfield on Friday, with the Cork jockey set to partner Energumene in his mouth-watering Clarence House clash with Shishkin at Ascot on Saturday.
“It was a good run by Carrarea last time. It was his first run in a handicap, so hopefully the experience should help him,” Mullins told Sky Sports Racing.
“Paul is over there for Ascot on Saturday so it was good to take advantage of that.”
Sevenna Star is the other Mullins challenger, a horse previously campaigned on the Flat by John Gosden and John Ryan and one who is yet to lose his maiden status over obstacles.
“He was a good younger horse in his day on the Flat, but he’s had his issues and problems,” he said.
“Hopefully, we seem to be getting on top of them in the last month or so. Mike (O’Connor, jockey) is a good young rider and has had a bit of success for me in the past.
“Picking between the two is a tricky one. Sevenna Star has had his issues, Carrarea has more potential but with the ground, the weight and Mike’s claim, maybe Sevenna Star could run into a pace, hopefully.”
Mullins has seen a number of his horses land huge gambles in recent years and it is no surprise to see the bookies exercise caution with Carrarea.
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