Jonjo O’Neill and Aidan Coleman are aiming for a hat-trick of wins at Carlisle as in-form hurdler Aspen Colorado makes the trip north this weekend.

The six-year-old has already won twice at Carlisle this season and will be heavily fancied as he returns to Cumbria’s premier racecourse tomorrow.

It is the final meeting of a brilliant 2018 at the course and there are seven intriguing jumps races in prospect at what is the annual "Christmas Jumper" event.

None more so than the 2.20 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Series Qualifier) in which the O’Neill-saddled Aspen Colorado will be among the favourites for this Class Two hurdle contest.

He will again be ridden by Coleman who led the Irish-born jumper to victory over 2m 4f at Carlisle on October 18 and again on November 4.

He goes over the slightly longer 3m 1f distance this time but his recent impressive form in Cumbria may prove too irresistible for many punters.

Another horse returning to Carlisle after recent headline-grabbing performances is Xpo Universel.

The Rebecca Menzies-saddled hurdler was among star performers at the Northern Lights series finals earlier this month when he stormed home to win the two-mile hurdle by an impressive 12 lengths.

Xpo Universel had won only once in his previous 74 races but the soft ground on the day suited him as his explosive turn of pace up the home straight saw him triumph at 20/1.

Again partnered with Aaron Anderson, the nine-year-old followed up his Carlisle triumph with a dominant 21-length victory at Kelso on December 9.

Elsewhere on the card, no fewer than three Grand National-winning trainers will have runners.

Lucinda Russell has five runners including Ryalex in the Novices Handicap, who won at Carlisle back in October, and Northern Lights finals runner Ain’t My Fault in the Novices Hurdle.

Donald McCain also has five runners, four ridden by Brian Hughes who landed a double on his last time out at Carlisle.

Sue Smith, who trained the 2013 National winner Auroras Encore, has three runners including Lough Derg Farmer who will be going in search of his first win since April last year.

Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager Molly Dingwall said: “It has been a fantastic year here at Carlisle and we are looking to end 2018 on a real high with another afternoon of quality jumps racing.

“It is great to see many trainers and jockeys who have starred here throughout the year confirmed for our final meeting.

“It should be another cracking day’s racing and the perfect way to round off another brilliant year. It would be great to see you here as we bring the curtain down on the 2018.”

First race is 12.20pm, last race is 3.30pm. gates open at 10.20am. Adult tickets are £15 (in advance) or £18 (on the day). Under-18s free entry when accompanied by an adult.