As all eyes begin to turn to Carlisle Racecourse’s blue riband event – The Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate – leading trainer Keith Dalgleish returns to the scene of his 2016 triumph with 13 entries.

Today sees flat racing return to Cumbria’s premier racecourse with seven races – the course’s penultimate fixture ahead of Bell and Plate day on Wednesday, June 28.

Carluke-based Dalgleish, who triumphed in last year’s Bell with Edgar Balthazar, has multiple entries at Carlisle on Monday.

Among the pick of Dalgleish’s entries is Lady Anjorcia, impressive while running second at Catterick on May 25, three-year-old Hee Haw, who has placed second twice this season, and Taxmeifyoucan – a winner at Southwell in April.

Dalgelish has three winners from nine races at Carlisle so far this season. Another trainer with multiple entries, and a trio of wins in Cumbria under their belt, is Michael Dods.

His entries today include Arcavallo and Brimefold Lane, both entered in the Racing UK In HD Novice Auction Stakes, as well as Moonlight Blue and Mustaqbal who was beaten by just three quarters of a length last time out at Carlisle on June 8.

Other horses to watch out for will be Noah Amor, David O’Mera’s four-year-old gelding who has three wins to his name already this season and Linda Perratt’s Dark Crystal who is looking for a treble having won at Hamilton and Ayr in her last two outings

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “We are all systems go ahead of Bell and Plate day – our most famous flat race meeting – but before then we have another packed racecard here on Monday.

“Once again, we are expecting the sport’s leading trainers to bring their horses here. Both Keith and Michael have multiple entries and are in good form with three winners each here already.

“It will be intriguing to see if they can add to their winners ahead of Bell and Plate day on June 28. It is going to be another fantastic meeting and we cannot wait.”

Tickets for Monday’s meeting are £14 (in advance) or £17 (on the day). Under-17s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Gates open 12pm. First race 2pm, last race 5pm.

For more information about tickets for Bell and Plate day go to carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk