This evening at Windsor and Musselburgh

Windsor contnues its series of Monday evening meetings with a card featuring two class 4 handicaps. The first, for 3yo´s over a mile at 20.40, is quite tricky as 3 of the 7 runners, Capucci (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), Marning Star (David and Adrian Nicholls) and Brave Hawk (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robonson) are all in good form after wining last time out, while top-weight Lindelaan (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) also looks dangferous. By contrast the 10 furlongs handicap half an hour later is difficult, as hardly any of the runners are recommended by recent form. Top-weight Emperor Court (Peter Makin/ Ryan Moore), bottom-weight Harry Gee (Geoff Wragg/ Steve Drowne) and Good Effect (Charlie Morlock/ Dane O´Neill) are three for the short list. At Musselburgh, the best race is the class 4 handicap over 7 furlongs at 21.25 and this time there are sv eral form horses in the line-up. Stellite (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) and Il Castagno (Brian Smart/ Tom Eaves) have neother finished ou of the first two so far this season, while consistent Cha Cha Cha (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) is a danger to all.

Pontefract and Wolverhampton

Typical Monday racing today, with poor fields this afternoon on turf at Pontefact and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. At the latter track, Precision Break (Paul Cole/ John Egan) appeals as the best bet of the day in the class 5 handicap for 3yo´s at 16.30 CET over 1 1/2 miles. He has wo his last 3 races, all on turf,and while this is his first experience of Wolverhampton, the opposition does not look strong and he can complete his four-timer. The 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs an hour later shoild concern mainly Talking Hands (Sylvester Kirk/ Seb Sanders) and Seminole (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin), both of whom were runners-up last time. Talking Hands is now preferred, especially as Seminole is equipped with first-time blinkers, not always a positive sign with inexperienced
2yo´s. At Pontefract, the class 3 race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.15 is quite interesting, as all 5 runners are already winners. Indian Art (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) just beat In Transit (Mick Channon/ Marc Geran) at Goodwood 6 weeks ago and meet on the same terms; they have both run well since and can fight out the finish. The fillies handicap, also over 6 furlongs, half an hour later looks quite open. The consistent Dorn Dancer (Derek Barker/ Danielle McCreery) finally got her head in front 9 days agao at Haydock under this rider after several nar misses. She holds Misphire (Michael Dods/ Darryll Holland) on that form, while Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Franny Norton) and Loose Caboose (Alan McCabe/ Neil Pollard) must also be considered, even though they are badly drawn.

Huge weekend in European racing

This coming weekend is one of the biggest of the year in European Racing, with major events in Ireland France, Germany and the U.K. Pride of place goes to the Irish Derby on Sunday at the Curragh, which should determine whch really is te brst 3yo in Europe, as 5 of the first 6 from the Epsom Derby will be in action. New Approach won in such good style there, with Tartan Bearer keeping on strongly for second, that it seems more than likely that the finishing order will be the same. CasualConquest (3rd at Epsom), Washington Irving (5th) and Alessandro Volta (6th) will be hoping to finish much closer, and it could be significant that he is the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh from 5 Aidan O´Brien entries. Soldier of Fortune won the race for Aidan O´Brien last year, and he wilöl be star attraction at Sunday´s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. In the Coronation Cup he defeated Youmzain and Getaway, both of whom are out for revenge, while the presence of Zambezi Sun and Doctor Dino in the line-up makes this one of the best races of the year. The top meeting on Saturday in the U.K. is at Newcastle, where the Northumberland Plate, the so-called Pitmen´s Derby, is the main feature, a very valuable 2 mile handicap with 20 runners. Bukit Tinggi, a close 4th in the Ascot Stakes, is the likkely favourite. In germany, te Hamburg Derby meeting gets under way on Saturday, when the main feature is the Jaxx. Pokal over a mile. The second, 4th and 6th from the Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen are in opposition against some good older milers headed by Santiago. The big race on Sunday is the Idee Hansa-Preis, now run over 12 furlongs. The winner and third from last year´s German Derby, Adlerflug and Anton Chekhov, renew rivalry, as well as Poseidon Adventure, runner-up here a year ago, and the big unknown quantity It´s Gino, unbeaten in 7 starts, including a similar event at Baden-Baden.

France today

The only flat racing in France today is at La Teste de Buch, in the south-west, where the card includes a valuable race for Anglo-Arabs. There are no German-trained runners here, but there will be at Vincennes´ evening trotting meeting, although experience has shown that it is very tough to win here. There is also trotting this afternoon at Lisieux.

Action at 4 tracks this evening

There is racing this evening at the Curragh in Ireland, Chester, Newmarket and Newcastle. At Newmarket, two last-time-out wnners with german pedigrees could well score agan- Sintenis Mac in the mile handicap at 17.25 CET and Temple of Thebes in the 6 furlongs race for fillies at 21.05. Main vent at Newcastle is the Gosforth Park Cup, a valuable 5 furlongs handicap at 20.25. 17 runners are declared, including many of the usual suspects. Howé she Cuttin (David Barron/ Darryll Holland) could be the answer here off bottom weight, after finishing third in a listed race at Ayr last Saturday. If the rains come, then last year´s winner Green Park (Rochard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) would be a big danger. Best race at Chester is the fillies hndicap over 10 furlongs at 20.45; Sir Mark Prescott´s lightly-raced and improving Algarade, with Seb Sanders back in thre saddle after his knee problems, has a good chance here, but Storyland (William Haggas/ Kerrin McEvoy) and the super-consistent Proincess Cocoa (Richard Fahey) look very threatening. At the Curragh the big Irish Derby meeting gets under way, with the listed Saoire Stakes for 2yo fillies at 20.30 the main feature this evening. Shimah (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) and Chintz (David Wachman/ Johnny Murtagh) both won first time out in good style and have the finish between them

Doncaster, Folkestone and Market Rasen

A big weekend is coming ip, but today´ s cards are relatievly low key. There is summer jumpring this afternmoon at Market Rasen and flat racing at Doncaster and Folkestone, where the most interesting event is the last race, a class 5 handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 18.15 CET. Ex-German Artreju runs here, he is now trained by Gary Moore and will be ridden by apprentice Jemma Marshall. He should be thereabouts, but looks held on form by Prime Number (Jon Akehurst/ Jack Mitchell), an eas winner last time, and top-weight Aegean Prince (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs). At Doncaster, the class 3 novices event for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.25 looks very open, although there are only 6 runners. All of them are last-time-out winners and three are still unbeaten. Perhaps Paul Cole´s Wildcat Wizard (Joe Fanning) and Andrew Balding´s Motor Home (William Buick), both from in-form stables, are the likeliest winners. At Market Rasen, German-bred Harry Potter (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) can take the opening selling hurdle at 15.10 as long as the rain stays away. Main feature here is the 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 16.50 wth 14 runners. John Diamond (Henrietta Knight/ Sam Thomas) has not run since the autumn but seems to do best fresh and is one of several with chances; Laskari (Paul Webber/ Andrew Tinkler) and La Grande Villez (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) also make the short list.

Listed race at La Teste Buch

There is a late start today at France´s only flat meeting at La Teste Buch, where the first race is due off at 15.35 CET. Main event is the listed Prix la Sorrelina for 3yo fillies over a mile at 17.05. Henri-Alex Pantall saddles no fewer than 4 of the 12 runners, but faces strong opposition from some top Paris stables, notably the Aga Khan´s Alnadana (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Chixstophe Soumillon). There is also trotting this afternoon at Enghien and this evening at Vichy.

Hamilton, Leicester and Fairyhouse this evening

The 5 furlongs handicap at Hamilton at 21.00 CET this evening sees Kings College Boy (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) attempt to win his third race in the space of 10 days, and the same trainer-jockey combination can also take the mile conditions race for fillies an hour later with Flying Clarets, who has been running creditably in much better races and is clear top-rated here. The most interesting race at Leicester is the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 20.45, in which Marco Botti´s unbeaten Avertis (Ted Durcan) has a huge weight to carry. She is undoubtedly the class horse in the field, but whether she can concede lumps of weight to last-time-out winners Tifter (Tony Carroll/ Jimmy Quinn) and especially Willkandoo (Kevin Ryan/ Frannie Norton), who scored by 10 lengths at Hamilton last week, remains to be seen. In Ireland, the 7 furlongs conditions race at 19.55 at Fairyhouse should go to the consistent Mojito Royale (Eoin Doyle/ Johnny Murtagh), who has won 5 of his 7 starts to date.

Great Leighs, Newcastle and Warwick

Three flat meetings this afternoon in the U.K. and the best quality sport is at Newcastle, on the opening day of its big 3-day meeting with the Northumberland Plate on Saturday its main feature. Best races today are the Seaton Delaval Handicap over a mile at 16.30 CET and the 10 furlongs listed race for fillies half an hour later. Both of them could go to Hamdan al Maktoum homebreds ridden by Martin Dwyer. In the former, Tazeez, trained by John Gosden is very lightly raced but won in great style last time out at Yarmouth and is almost certainly much better than a handicapper. Ghaidaa, trained by Michael Jarvis, was equally impressive when winning at Newbury, and although this is a steep jump in class, should be good enough to take the listed race; she is certainly bred for the job, being a half-sister to an Oaks winner out of an Oaks winner. At Warwovk there is also a listed race for fillies, this time over 7 furlongs for 3yo only at 16.50. Kylayne (Paul d´Arcy/ John Egan) looks the answer here, having run two good races at group level. Lady Aquitaine (Brian Meehan/ Richard Hughes) is the highest-rated runner here, having finished 7th of 14 in the Cheveley Park last October, but she has not run since, while John Gosden´s Frivolity (Jimmy Fortune) and last-time-out winner Lesson in Humility (Karl Burke/ Andrew Elliott) are also not without chances. At Great Leights, Benllech (Michael Wigham/ Simon Whitworth) is coming off a s-month-break, but can still defy top weight in the class 3 handicap at 16.10. He has never run here, but has an excellent record at the other all-weather tracks, having won 5 of his last 7 starts and finished runner-up on the other two occasions. There are only 6 runners in the mile conditions race for 3yo´s at 17.10 but is still quite a trappy race. Almajd (Sir Michael Stoute/ Kerrin McEvoy) is a half-brother to Grpoup One winner Alhaafh, is making his seasonal debut and must cope with Tasdeer (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) - another well-bred Hamdan runner -and Gaspar van Wittel (Simon Callaghan/ Jamie Spencer), slightly disappointing so far but still highly regarded.

Trigeminus at Auteuil

Germany´s best hurdler Trigeminus (Dirk Austmeyer/ Roman Mackowiak), an easy winner at Baden-Baden a month ago, faces much stronger opposition in today´s Prix listed Dawn Run over 3900 metres at 14.20 at Auteuil. Best of 10 opponents is the smart Kiko (Arnaud Chaille-Chaille/ Jacques Ricou) but the German runner could well finish in the money in this 85,000 euro event.

Bath. Kempton and Naas this evening

3 flat meetings this evening, with the most competitive racing at Kempton´s all-weather track. The 6 furlongs class 4 handicap at 20.50 CET looks very tricky. Andrew Balding´s Whisky Junction (Liam Keniry) is much improved this season and is going for a hat-trick, but top-weight Diriculous (Terry Mills/ Jim Crowley) and Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn), both of whom have excellent CD records, are two big dangers. This column is waiting for German-bred Birkspiel (Simo Dow/ Ian Mongan), a winner of a group race at Bremen in 2006, to come back to form. His recent runs have been dreadful but he is now on an amazingly lenient weight and the 11/2 mile handicap at 21.20 could be the race in which he finally comes good. Best race at Bath is the 12 furlongs maiden at 21.40, which should go to Roger Charlton´s Bellotto (Steve Drowne), who has twice run well against much stronger opposition at Newbury. Green Wadi (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland) is the obvious danger. At Naas, Aidan O´Brien´s Great Barrier reef would be a near-certainty for the 6 furlongs maiden at 20.00, but it seems he is a doubtful runner. In his absence Dash Back (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) looks the likeliest winner. The 10 furlongs conditions race an hour later can go to Jim Bolger´s Toirneach (Kevin Manning).

Carlisle, Salisbury and Worcester

Carlisle stages its biggest day of the year today, with the historical Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate, both races with a centuries-long tradition. Today they are only class 4 handicaps, buzt are still quite valuable (20k GBP to the winner) and have each attracted a maximum field of 17 runners. The Carlisle Bell over a mile at 16.35 CET is very open indeed, and Carlito´s Spirit (Rod and James Millman), Nevada Desert (Richard Whitaker/ Michael Stainton) and Observatory Star (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) are 3 very tentaive suggestions for the short list. In the Cumberland Plate over 1 1/2 miles half an hour later Hit´s only Vic (Declan Carroll/ David Allan) goes for a four-timer, with top-weight La vecchia Scuola (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) and Olimpo (The Millmans again) two of many dangers. Salisbury also features a histoircal race title, the Bibury Cup, nw a class 3 hamdicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 16.15. Top-weight Warringah looks a typical Sir Michael Stoute improver and can continue jockey Ryan Moore´s good run. Moore is especially dangerous when riding for his father Gary, and Officer -who last ran at Abu Dhabi in February- looks a very interesting runner in the class mile handicap at 17.15. Luca Cumani´s top-weight Military Cross (interesting jockey booking with Dane O´Neill) is also coming off a long break, while Hustle (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), the only 3yo in the field, is best on recent form. Paul Niholls and Ruby Walsh could be the team to follow at Worcester´s N.H. meeting and can land a double in the two main races with Forest Green at 16.55 and Roby de Cindre half an hour later.

2 group races at Longchamp

Easily the day´s best racing comes from the Bois de Boulogne, where Longchamp stages a strong card featruring two Group Three races. The Prix Daphnis for 3yo´s over 1800 metres at 15.50 can go to Jean-Claude Rouget´s Indian Daffodil (Christophe Lemaire), who has never yet been out of the first two. Half an hour later, Criquette Head-Maarek can take the Prix de la Porte Maillot over 7 furlongs with African Rose (Stephane Pasquier), where Peter Rau´s Chantra (Johan Victoire) is one of her opponents. The only other German runner at Longchamp is John John (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), who faces 19 opponents in the concluding 2000 metres handicap at 17.20, including ex-German Toninho. Also of German interest is Rolf Brunner´s Manaba (Andrér Fabre/ Johan Victoire), a half-brother to Manduro, who made a pleasing debut recently and can take the 1700 metres race at 14.20.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Beau Vengerov - Les Trois Rivieres - Storming Spirit
2.Race: Manaba - Boisleduc - Oceane Music
3.Race: Fully Funded - Turjuman - Koenigsberg
4.Race: Rainbow Dancing - Misan - Takizada
5.Race: World Ruler - Indian Daffodil - Starlish
6.Race: African Rose - Athanor - Bertranicus
7.Race: Number Giant - Commissaire - Jardin D'Eau
8.Race: Lord John - Alpe Doloise - Loch Dancer

Racing this evening

This evening sees flat racing from Newbury - by their normal standards a weak card - as well as N.H. racing fro Newton Abbot and a mixed meeting at Sligo in Ireland, with 3 flat races, 3 over hurdles and a bumper. At the Irish track, Thirdofthe forth (Mark Fagan/ Adrian Joyce), who has finished fourth three times running, can take the maiden hurdle for 5yo´s at 20.55 CET. At Newbury the most interesting race looks to be the 7 furlongs maiden fpr 2yo fillies at 20.25. John Dunlop has won this race with a newcomer for the last two years, but sets punters a problem by saddling three runners this time, Persian Memories (Kerrin McEvoy), the closely-related Tinkerbelle (Eddie Ahern) and Zaaqya (Richard Hills). At Newton Abbot, trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore look the team to follow and can win the two best races with the top-weights I´m SoLucky at 20.35 and Star of Germany half an hour later. The selling hurdle at 20.00 can go to hat-trick seeking Indian Star; this Schlenderhan-bred was one of the leading German classic hopes in 2001, but it seems after many disapointments that he has found his true metier at last!

Beverley and Brighton

Racing this afternoon at Beverley and Brighton, two of Britain´s trickiest racecourses.As usual at Bverley it is stringly advised to back horses with an inside draw (i.e. high numbers), espeially when the ground is fadstoing fast, as is the case today. Bearing thatin mind, the well-drawn Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Neil Brown), drawn 15, Srike up the Band (David and Adrian Nicholls), drawn 13, Everymanforhimself (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) and Lord of the Reins (James Given/ Tom Queally), drawn 17 of 17, look the four to concentrate on in thed 5 furlongs sprint at 16.15 CET. Similarly Kings College Boy (Rchard Fahey/ Frederik Tylicki son of Andrzey), a winner last week at Carlisle, must go close in the apprentice handicap over the same trip at 18.15, while course specialist Riley Boys can make it his 6th win here in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.45. At Brighton, the local Moore family are always to be followed and Ryan Moore has 5 good rides, two for his father Gary, Nawamees in the 10 furlongs claimer at 16.30 and Rocker in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.00, both of whom should be able to defy top weight. Souter´s Sister at 15.30 and Tina´s Best at 17.30, both for Richard Hannon, and Zaarmitfor David Simcock at 16.00 and his other mounts and it would be surprising if he ends the afternoon without at least a couple of winners.

German runners at Maisons-Laffitte

Several German runners try their luck at Maisons-Laffitte this afternoon, where there is a massive card of 9 races. Norbert Sauer´s Matchpoint (Davy Bonilla) starts the ball rolling when he contests the opening race at 13.50 CET, a tiercé handicap over 6 furlongs. This is a very tough race, but Matchpoint, who won twice in the winter on the fibresand track at Deauville and is racing off the same mark, has an each-way chance. Yvonne Vollmer´s Paarl runs in the seller for lady riders over a mile at 15.50 with Sandrine Hagenbach in the saddle, while there are two German-trained runners in the 2100 metres conditions race for older horses at 16.20: Los Cantos (Jerome Lermyte), already a winner in France this year but in lesser company, and Waldemar Hickst´s Zaungast (Adrie de Vries), who appeals as the best German bet of the day after winning at Frankfurt and Baden-Baden on his last 2 starts.

Chepstow, Windsor and Kilbeggan this evening

Flat racing this evening comes from Chepstow in Wales and Windsor, while there is N.H. racing at Kilbeggan in Ireland.Most interesting horse on view at the last-named track is Noel Meade´s Rosaker (Paul Carberry), who runs in the beginners chase overt 3 miles 1 furlong at 21.00 CET. He is making his chase debut at the advanced age of 11, but on hurdles form (he is a five times Grade Two winner) he has stomes in hand over these opponents, best of whom may be Ted Walsh´s Battlefront, partnered by son Ruby, who is making his comeback after a lengthy suspension. At Windsor, the best race is the class 4 handicap for 3yo´s over 6 furlomngs a 20.40. Onceuponatime (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) and Willie Muir´s We have a Dream, ridden by son-in-law Martin Dwyer, are both going for hat-tricks here. Dwyer has good prospects of winning the other 3yo handicap, half an hour later over a mile, on Marcus Tregoning´s Slip, an easy winner at Salisbury lastweek and racing off the same mark. Best betat Chepstow should be Victoria Reel (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) in the mile maiden at 21.20; she has been placed in both her starts ths season and today´s company looks much weaker than in those two Goodwood races.

All-weather action at Lingfield and Wolverhampton

After last week´s Royal Ascot highlughts, this week gets off to a very poor start with only all-weather racing this afternoon. The Wolverhampton card consists entirely of class 5 and 6 races and is instantly forgettable. Sir Mark Prescott has his strong in good form and can win the 2yo maiden here at 17.00 CET with Predict (Jean-Pierre Guillambert), runner-up on both his starts so far, while the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.30 seems to lie between the top-weights Heaven (Peter Makin/ Tom Queally) and Chesgire Rose (David Barron/ Paul Fessey), beaten a nose last time out at Goodwood. Sir Mark can also get on the scoreboard at Lingfield, where the progressive Master of Arts (Seb Sanders) is favourite for the main feature, a class 3 mile handicap at 17.15. Unplaced in all 3 starts last term, Master of Arts is unbeaten in 3 starts this season and has rocketed up ther weights as a result, but can still defy the handicapper after a very easy win at Goodwood last time. The Snatcher (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) looks the main danger. The 5 furlongs handicap at 17.45 looks quite oen and will run at a furious pace, with trailblazer Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Kevin Ghunowa) in the field. However he seems to reserve his best efforts for Wolverhampton, and may be swamped in the final furlong by top-weight Elhambri (Sylvester Kirk/ Richard Kingscote), who has running in better company, and Safari Mischef, who ran a great race last time to finish 3rd of 18 in the Epsom Dash on Derby Day. Another fancied runner cming out of better events is Count Ceprano (Mark Usher/ Gabriel Hannon), who carries top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.15. He was not disgraced last Friday when 15th of 28 at Royal Ascot and as he has an excellent CD record should outclass today´s opposition. The mile race for maiden fillies at 16.45 could also be interesting: Sir Michael Stoute´s Russian Empress (Ryan Moore) shaped like a certain future winner when only 9th on her debut, but the equally well-bred Godolphin newcomer Emirates Lady (Kerrin McEvoy) also merits close attention.

Listed race at Pontefract

Sunday flat racing in Britain is usually weak, and today offers the usual fare - with one exception, the listed race at 16.40 CET at Pontefract over 1 1/2 miles. The field of 8 includes some useful performers, notably Henry Cecil´s Tranquil Tiger (Tom Queally) and Mark Johnston´s German-bred Peppertree Lane (Neil Callan), who share top weight. Both are front-runners, which could open the way for Alan Swinbank´s Alfie Flits (Jim Crowley), who won this race 2 years ago and is now dropping in grade after some unsuccessful forays in group races.

Jumping in Britain and Ireland

There is also plenty of N.H. action in Britain, with jumps meetings at Hexham and Hereford, and mixed meetings in Ireland at Gowran Park and Down Royal. At the last-named track, yesterday´s rain should prove ideal for ex-German Kalderon, who appears to have a simple task in the opening hurdle race at 15.15 CET. Main feature here is the Ulster Oaks, but despite its high-faluting title, this is only a modest handicap over 10 1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares. Dancera, another ex-German performer, runs for the first time in Ireland but is difficult to assess. Jim Bolger´s Angels Story, partnered by Paul Harley´s nephew Martin, has an obvious chance, while Kevin Prendergast´s Fikrah, ridden by Declan McDonogh, one of the few senior jockeys in action here, looks a big danger. At Gowran Park, Pillar of Hercules (Pat Hughes/ Paddy Flood) has finally found form and can complete a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle at 17.35. Hereford and Hexham both feature large fields of mainly moderate performers, although there are only 8 runners in Hexham´s class 3 handicap hurdle at 16.50, which can go to top-weight The Rocking Dock (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire). Hereford´s top race is also a class 3 handicap hurdle, and the field of 16 includes 3 German-breds, top-weight Cortinas (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), Twist Bookie (Sam Lycett/ Keith Mercer) and Federstar (Milton Harris/ Charlie Poste). The weather could play a role here, as Cortinas likes it form and Federstar needs cut in the ground. Last-time-out winner Mango Catcher (Rebecca Curtis/ Nick Scholfield) looks the one to beat.

Jumping goes centre stage

After a wonderful week´s flat racing at Royal Ascot, N.H. racing goes centre stage today, with the Parisian jumping track at Auteuil staging one of its biggest days of the year, with two grade one races and two other graded races. Willie Mullins has an excellent record on his raids here and is triple-handed in both the main events, the Prix Alain du Breuil, a hurdle race for 4yo´s over 3900 metres at 15.45 CET and the Grande Course de Haies d´Auteuil (the French champion hurdle) over 5100 metres at 16.55. With Ruby Walsh currently suspended, Davy Condon appears to have the best mounts with Hurricane Fly, who is unbeaten in two starts at this track, in the 4yo race, and J´y Vole in the main feature. This has attracted a top field, and Emma Lavelle´s Labelthou (Ervan Chazelle) is an interesting runner here from England; she will love the soft going and is an interesting each-way bet. Best of the French should be Mid-Dancer (Arnaud Chaille-Chaille/ Jacques Ricou), who won this in 2006, but recently finished behind Princesse d´Anjou (FM Cottin/ Philip Carberry). Mullins could also go close with Pomme Tiepy (David Casey) in the grade two Prix des Drags at 16.25. Ex-German Gandolfino failed tom complete in his two latest outings and is only an outsider in the handicap hurdle over 3600 metres at 14.45, but another German-bred Katka (Cottin/ Carberry) has an uneniable chance in the second division at 17.55.

Ayr, Newmarket, Redcar and Down Royal

There is also flat racing at 3 more tracks in England and Scotand as well as Down Royal in N. Ireland, whee the main feature is the grandly-name Ulster Derby. Despite the name, this is a valuable handicap for 3yo´s and up. Only 3yo in the field is Aidan O´Brien´s The Bogberry (Seamus Heffernan), and although he is far from being one of the best 3yo´s in the yard, he can continue the stable´s successful run. At Ayr, the listed Land o´Burns stakes for fillies over 5 furlongs is the top race; Eastern Romance (Kevin Ryan/ Fergal Lynch) has twice been narrowly beaten in Group Threes this year and could be the answer, although the very speedy ex-German Mondovi (Nicky Vaughan/ Chris Catlin) also looks dangerous. Best event at Newmarket is the class 2 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.00, in which Michael Jarvis´ Befortyfour (Philip Robinson), ujnbeaten in 3 starts this season is the obvious favourite. He beat Little Pete and Royal Intruder on his last 2 starts, and although worse off at the weights, can do so again. Most interesting runner at Newmarket is Godolphin´s Meydan City, who makes his debut in the mile maiden race at 18.10; he cost a mere $ 11.7 million as a yearling, making him one of the most expensive horses of all time. The racing at Redcar, and also this evening at Lingfield and Haydock is relatively low key.

Rest of Royal Ascot

Best race on the undercard is clearly the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes (1 1/2 miles, 16.05 CET) in which Lucarno (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), who won last year´s St. Leger but is probably better suited by today´s trip has to concede weight all round. He is a class act, but may find it tough to defeat Aidan O´Brien´s Macarthur (Johnny Murtagh), third in the Coronation Cup, and Sir Michael Stoute´s pair Maraahel (Richard Hills), who has won this race for the last 2 seasons, and Spanish Moon (Ryan Moore), a CD winer last time and considered capable of great improvement. The listed Chesham Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs which opens the programme at 15.30 lies on form between Free Agent (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), easy winner of his only start, and Seaway (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), runner-up in good company on both his starts so far, but Andrew Balding´s newcomer Swindle (William Buick) is also to be respected. As usual, the tweo handicaps are dreadfully difficult. The Wokungham over 6 furlon gs at 17.25 has 28 runners, and if the sraw bias seen this weel still holds good, then Intrepid Jack (Mughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne), drawn 7, Tombi (Howard Jphnson/ Robert Winston), drawn 9, Abraham Lincoln (O´Brien/ Murtagh), drawn 4, and Knot in Wood (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), drawn 6, will all have chances, but Baden-Baden runner-up Dark Islander (John Hills/ Eddie Ahern) is badly drawn in 18. Luca Cumani suffered an unexpected defeat in the Royal Hunt Cup, but supplies another hot favourite in Mad Rush (Jimmy Fortune) for the Duke of Edinburgh over 1 1/2 miles; cours specialisdt Young Mick (George Margarson/ Robert Winston) , who won this race in 2006, is a dangerous outsider. The traditional "getting out stakes", the last race of the meeting is the Queen Alexandra, Britain´s longest flat race over 2 miles 5 1/2 furlongs at 18.30. This is often a weak race, but not so this year. Honolulu (O´Brien/ Murtagh) is the class horse here, having finished 3rd in the St. Leger, but this distace is new territory. Proven over the CD are Enjoy the Moment (Jamie Osborne/ Shane Kelly) and Baddam (Ian Williams/ Richard Hughes), winners of the last 2 renewals, while Williams also saddles Bulwark (Jim Crowley), who showed great speed to win the Chester Cup last time. If the rain stays away, then Nicky Henderson´s German-bred Caracciola (Eddie Ahern) would also come into the reckoning.

Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot

The Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.45 CET is the feature race of the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot and has attracted a supe international field of 20, including runners from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, France and Ireland. With Aidan O´Brien and Johnnny Murtagn already successful in 4 Group Ones this week, their candidate US Ranger must be on the short list after his excellent run last time from a bad draw at York. French hope Marchard d´Or (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla) is arguably the form pick here and his last form ast Chantilly has been boosted by the runner-up Equineo, who won here on Tuesday from the Australian horse Takeover Target (Joe Janiak/ Jay Ford) who is strongly fancied to go one better this time. He was also runner-up here last year to Soldier´s Tale (Jeremy Noseda/ Mick Kinane), but is fancied to reverse that form, especially as the latter needs softer ground and his stable seems to be out of form. If the ground stays firm (some rain is expected), Sakhee´s Secret (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) is an obvious contender, as his July Cup victory last year was a brilliant performance. The South African War Artist and New Zealander Seachange are probably not up to this standard, but 3yo Sir Gerry (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spencer) is a live outsider, but is another one who needs rain.

Unsere Tipps für die Rennen:
1.Rennen: Free Agent - Seaway - Swindler
2.Rennen: Macarthur - Spanish Moon - Speed Gifted
3.Rennen: Sakhee`S Secret - Takeover Target - Marchand D`Or
4.Rennen: Intrepid Jack - Abraham Lincoln - Knot In Wood
5.Rennen: Mad Rush - Ezdiyaad - Luberon
6.Rennen: Honolulu - Distinction - Ajaan

Royal Ascot: day four

Main feature at Royal Ascot today is the Group One Coronation Stakes for 3yo fillies over a mile at 16.45 CET. This race does not have quite the glamour of the Gold Cup or Prince of Wales, but it is still a fascinating race, which can tie up the form between the British, Irish and French classics. Unfortunately none of the 1,000 Guineas winners from those countries line up today, the only classic winner being Clive Brittain´s Love of Dubai (Darryll Holland), who won the Italian 1,000 Guineas before finishing third in the German version - with all due respect, it would be a miracle were she to win today.

English form is represented by theCheveley Park pair Spacious (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spencer) and Infallible (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), senond and fourth behind Natagora at Newmarket, while Modern Look (David Smaga/ Stephane Pasquier) was fourth to Zarkava at Longchamp and has since won a Group Two easily. On the whole the French looks better this year. In view of Aidan O´Brien´s incredible stable form (four Group Ones already at this meeting!) it would be unwise to ignore his entry Psalm (Johnny Murtagh), although strictly speaking she is held on the French Guineas form, where she finished sixth, by Modern Look.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Cuis Ghaire - Jet D`Eau - Please Sing
2.Race: Conduit - Bronze Cannon - Hebridean
3.Race: Spacious - Infallible - Lush Lashes
4.Race: Bushman - Monte Alto - Emirates Skyline
5.Race: Patkai - Ebadiyan - Captain Webb
6.Race: Zaahid - Iguazu Falls - Atlantic Story

Rest of Royal Ascot

The best bet at Ascot today is probably Jim Bolger´s Cuis Ghaire (Kevin mannimg) in the opening Albany Stakes (Grouip Two) for 2yo filles over 6 furlongs at 15.30 CET. She has both her starts, both at Naas, in good style and was particularly impressive ladt time out . The Group Two Edward VII Stakes for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05 is a traditional Derny compensation race, though surprisgly none of Epsom field shows up today. The much-improved handicappers Conduit (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Bronze Cannon (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) are takinmg a big leap in class, but could well be up to the task. All the Aces (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Aian O´Brien´s Hebridean (Johnny Murtagh) are the obvious dangers. The Queen´s Vase (Group Three) for 3yo´s over 2 miles at 17.55 is always tricky, as none of the runners are proven over the distance. Mark Johnston has won this race four times already this century and saddles two runners, Captain Webb (Joe Fanning) and Age of Reason (Kerrin McEvoy), while the German-owned Unleashed (Ted Durcan) is an interesting runner for Henry Cecil. How that Ryan Moore has broken his Royal Ascot cherry, he could go close on Stoute´s Patkai, while John Oxx´ Ebadiyan (Mick Kinane) looks guaranteed to stay the trip and is a danger to all. The two handicaps are as wide open as always and have the usual huge fields. 16 run in the Wolferton Handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.20 and no fewer than 30 in the Buck House at 18.30. Our very tentatoive short kist for these two races comprises Buccellati, Monte Alto and Many Volumes in the former event, and Docofthebay (if he turns out again after his close second in the Royal Hunt Cup), Dabbers Ridge and Bianti in the latter.

Redcar and Musselburgh

Obviously there is little high class action at the other two afternoon meetings. At Musselburgh, the best race is probably the final 5 furlongs apporentice handica at 18.40, which should mainly involve the two top-weights, Speedy Senorita (Karl Burke/ Declan Cannon) and Grunge (Derek Barker/ Andrew Mullen). At Redcar, German-bred Garibaldi (Neil Wilson/ Paul Quinn) is an interesting long shot in the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.55. He is now on a very low rating (well deserved after a long run of poor performances) but may be capable of better form on his first outing for 7 months. Total Impact (Richard Fahey/ Jamie Moriarty) ran very well when runner-up last week at York and can go one better in the class 3 handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.10.

Plenty of evening action

Racing all over this evening, when Newmarket´s July course opens for the season with one if its popular Friday evening cards, followed by a pop concert. The racing however is no great shakes; Kal Barg (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) can win the class 3 handicap over 7 furlongs at 21.10 CET, easily the best race on the card. There s also flat racing from Ayr and Goodwood, while in Ireland there is a mixed meeting at Down Royal (4 races over hurdles, 3 on the flat) and Limerick, where the feature is a listed race over 1 3/4 miles. This should go to top-weight Red Moloney (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Geoghagan), who ran Yeats to 3/4 length at Navan in April, but John Oxx´ 3yo filly Simaya looks dangerous off a very light weight. She ran badly last week at Cork, but this half-sister to Sinndar is capable of much better.

Listed winner at Chantilly?

Kasus continued the good run of German-trained runners in France yesterday, and today there could well be a German listed winner at Chantilly. Three German sprinters line up for the Prix Hampton over 5 furlongs at 17.00 CET, with Mario Hofer´s Mood Music (Dominique Boeuf) probably having the best chance. Arc de Triomphe (Dieter Fechner/ Johan Victoire) and Fantastica (Karen Haustein/ Christophe Lemaire) can also get involved. There is also flat racing at Toulouse and this evening trotting from Vincennes.

Longchamp this afternoon

French flat racing today comes from Longchamp, while there is trotting at Laval and Vichy. Main feature in the Bois du Boulogne is the Group Three Prix du Lys for 3yo over 12 furlongs at 15.20 CET. This seems poor planning in view of the large number of valuable races for 3yo this week at Ascot, so ity is no surprise that there are onlt French runners in the field. The race could well go to the Aga Khan, who has 3 runners. Whiler Beret Roige is presumably in the field as a pacemaker, both Ripple (Christophe Lemaire) and Montmartre (Christophe Soumillon) should be involved in the finish. There are 2 German runners today, Grazilla (Andreas Trybuhl Antony Crastus) in the opening race over 2000 metres at 13.50 and Pavel Vovcenko s Kasus (Filip Minarik) who, if anywhere near his best form, can win the 3000 metres seller at 17.15.

7 more meetings today!

Royal Ascot is clear;y the top meeting, but there is plenty more racing today, with fla racing at Warwick and Ripon this aftermnoon, and this evening N.H. racing at Towcester and Tipperary (Ireland) as well as flat racing at Great Leighs (a.w.) and Leicester and Fairyhouse in Ireland. Our best bets are Buddhist Monk *Sir Mark Prescott& Seb Sanders( in the 21.00 CET race at Great Leighs and Monaadeema (William Haggas Liam Jones) in the 17.0 race at Warwick, both maidens. Belclare (Tracz Collins Pat Snanahan) can win the listed race at 20.35 at Fairyhouse, while Amanda Perrett and Jim Crowley look the team to follow at Leicester, and Graham Gibbons has several good mounts at Ripon. There could be a German/bred winner at Tipperary with Silex in the opening maiden hurdle 18.55, but there is a huge field here, as in all almost the Irish races.

Rest of Royal Ascot

The remaining 5 races at Royal Ascot look very tricky indeed for punters and it would be no surpris to see more outsiders successful. The evidence of the first 2 days strongly suggests that horses drawn on the inside (low numbers) on the straight course have a big advantage, which makes the 30-runner Brittania Handicap (one mile for 3yo´s at 17.20 CET) even more difficult than usual, as several of the most fanied horses, e.g. Redford (Michael bell/ Jamie Spencer), Flawed Genius (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Yaddree (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) are drawn on the "wrong" side. Our very speculative suggestion is Siberian Tiger (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland), drawn 9. The opening Norfolk Stakes (Group Two) for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs features two horses that ran well here on Tuesday - Flashmans Papers and Mullionmilean hour, who finished first and third, and both trained by John Best, who also saddles Elegant Cad; the trainer might know which of these will run best today, but we certainly do not! The field for the Group Two Ribblesdale (3yo fillies, 1 1/2 mils) looks slightly substandard. Cape Amber (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) and Michita (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) finished 6th and 7th in the Oaks at Epsom, both apparently unsuited by the track, while Aidan O´Brien´s Kitty Matcham has made no show in two classics. Gosden´s other runner Dar Re Mi (Stephane Pasquier) looks dangerous, but will only run if the ground is not too firm. Sir Michael Stoute saddles two fancied runners in the listed Hampton Court Stakes (3yo´s, 10 furlongs) at 17.55, with Ryan Moore - still searching for his first Royal Ascot winner - on the once-raced Kensington Oval and Mick Kinane on Dr. Faustus, whilöe O´Brien´s King of Rome (Murtagh) - very slowly away in the Derby, could be a big danger. henry Cecil´s Unnefer (Ted Durcan) is possibly the best horse in the field, but has to concede weight all round. Finally the King George V handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles with 19 runners is another very open affair. Strategic Mission (Paul Cole/ Richard Quinn(, a very reliable performer, is one of several with chances.

Gold Cup at Ascot

Although races for out-and-out stayers are not the most fashionable these days, the one obvious exception is the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, still the most prestigious race of the Royal meeting, which will be run today over the extreme distance of 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET as the main feature of the third day (Ladies Day) of the meeting. The first four from last year all line up again and there will be a tremendous ovation if Aidan O´Brien´s Yeats wins this for the third year is succession, a feat only ever achieved once before. He clearly holds Geordieland, Le Miracle and Finalmente on that form, and all three have gone on to win good races since.

German hope Le Miracle has run badly on his two starts this season, but trainer Werner Baltromei reports him back to his best now and hopes are high that he can once again finish in the money. A new opponent, and a big danger to all is André Fabre´s Coastal Path (Stephane Pasquier), who has won all his 6 starts very easily and has been heavily backed to continue this sequence against the toughest opposition he has yet met. He is unproved beyond 2 miles, and although he has undeniably been visually very impressive (leaving a below-form Le Miracle well behind on his last two starts) we still expect the proven performer Yeats to come out on top and give his team their fourth Group One victory of the week.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: South Central - Cerito - Flashmans Papers
2.Race: Michita - Cape Amber - Dar Re Mi
3.Race: Yeats - Coastal Path - Geordieland
4.Race: Redford - Flawed Genius - Hurricane Hymnbook
5.Race: Dr Faustus - Kensington Oval - King Of Rome
6.Race: Allied Powers - Colony - Missioner

Rest of Royal Ascot

Another great day´s racing at Royal Ascot and very tricky for punters with large fields in every race, the biggestbeing the Royal Hunt Cup at 17.20 with 30 declared. Normally this mile handicap is the biggest betting race of the meeting, but today it has astonishingly probably the hottest favourite of the day in Bankable (Luca umani/ Frankie Dettori), who has won his last 4 races and is officially a stone ahead of the handicapper. In theory he is a good thing to win today, but he is certainly no value at the likely price, which is unlikely to drift in view of the excellent record of his trainer and jockey. Certainly Duke of Marmalade at a very similar price must be a better bet. This of course does not mean that Bankable will not win, he is by far the most likely winner. But at the prices, Docofthebay (Jamie Osborne/ Shane Kelly) makes more appeal. We´ll Come (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Lang Shining (Stoute/ Moore) also have their chances, while two horses with Group wins in Germany to their credit - Fight Club and Royal Power are interesting outsiders. Frankie Dettori also has a chance with Godolphin´s Il Warrd in the opening Jersey Stakes over 7 furlongs for 3yo´s, although his stable companion, the unbeaten Calming Influence (Kerrin McEvoy) woud appear to have better claims on form, while Aidan O´Brien´s Jupiter Pluvius (Johnny Murtagh) and Andrew Balding´s Dream Eater (Frannie Norton) also look dangerous. It is difficult to look past Heaven Sent (Stoute/ Moore) and Sabana Perdida (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Lemaire) in the Group Two Windsor Forest over a mile for older fillies and mares at 16.05, while Destiny Dancer (William Haggas/ Jimmy Fortune) and Heart Shaped (O´Brien/ Murtagh) can dominate the Group Two Queen Mary for 2yo fillies at 17.55. The card closes with the listed Sandringham Handicap for 3yo fillies over a mile, which looks desperately difficult. Top-weight Eva´s Request (Mick Channon/ Mick Kinane), Festivale (John Dunlop/ Kerrin McEvoy) and Shabiba (Marcus Tregoning/ Martin Dwyer) are just 3 of many possibilities.

Prince of Wales´s Stakes at Royal Ascot

Last year the Prince of Wales´s Stakes (Group One, 10 furlongs) was the best race of the year, with Manduro defeating King George and Arc winner Dylan Thomas. The 2008 renewal at 16.45 CET this afternoon has a much larger field with 13 runners but does not match the high standard of 2007. Still, it is an excellent race with several possibilities, the most likely being a victory for Duke of Marmalade (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), who looks to be following in stablemate Dylan Thomas´ hoofprints as the best older horse in Europe.

On a line through the German horse Saddex he holds Michael Jarvis´ Pressing (Neil Callan), while Godolphin´s Literato (Frankie Dettori), who was his superior last year, has disappointed twice this season. Ask (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is highly rated, but may find this trip too short and the ground too fast. Pipedreamer (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Phoenix Tower (Henry Cecil/ Ted Durcan) are both improving, but moving up in class, and it may be left to French-trained Loup Breton (Elie Lellouche/ Christophe Lemaire), whose stable is in great form, to follow him home.

Betting Forecast:
1.Race: Calming Influence - Jupiter Pluvius - Dream Eater
2.Race: Heaven Sent - Sabana Perdida - Baharah
3.Race: Duke Of Marmalade - Phoenix Tower - Ask
4.Race: Bankable - Lang Shining - We`Ll Come
5.Race: Danehill Destiny - Heart Shaped - Baileys Cacao
6.Race: Makaaseb - Maramba - Shabiba

German runners at Maisons-Laffitte

The German run of success in France continued yesterday and there could be more winners today, when several German-trained runners try their luck at Maisons-Laffitte. Danawind (Ralf Rohne/ William Mongil) rruns in the opening race for 3yo´s over 1600 metres and Masquenade (Werner baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) and Redita Corriente (Ana Bodenhagen/ Gregoire Benoist) in a similar event for fillies half an hour later. West Pacific (Rohne/ Antony Crastus) goes for the 2100 metrs seller at 15.40, while there are 3 German runners over a mile at 16.55: Le Big (Uwe Stoltefuss/ Jean-Michel Breux), Weltträumer (Andreas Trybuhl/ Sebastien Maillot) and Kistria (Hartmut Steguweit/ Delphine Santiago). In the mile seller at 17.25 Spejbl (Pawel Vovcenko/ Christophe Soumillon) and Nogaro (Michael Trybuhl/ William Mongil) are the German challengers. In our opinion West Pacific and Nogaro have the best chances.

Rest of Royal Ascot

The remaining three races at Royal Ascot today are also fascinating and, with large fields, very tricky for punters. 18 2yo´s line up for the Coventry Stakes over 6 furlongs at 17.20 CET, of them still unbeaten. With no clear form-lines to go on, this race is difficult to sum up, but Orizaba (Mick Channon/ Frankie Dettori), Art Connoisseur (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer), Himalya (Jeremy Noseda/ Seb Sanders) and Peter Tchaikovsky (Aidan O Briern/ Johnny Murtagh), whose stable has an excellent record in this race, make a likely quartet. The Ascot Stakes over 2 1/2 miles at 17.55 is the only handicap today, and with 20 declared, looks wide open. Course specialist Baddam (Ian Williams/ Johnny Murtagh) is cpming back to form and could run well at a big price, but on current form Liberate (Philip Hobbs/ Jamie Spencer), winner of a big hurdle handicap last time, and hat-trick seeking Fukit Thinggi (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robindon) could be preferred. Frankie Dettori´s mount Som Tala, runner-up last time in the Chester Cup, could also get involved. The final race at 18.30 is the Windsor Castle Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs and has the biggest field of thre da with 26 runners. Dermoit Weldf´s Silver Shoon (Pat Smullen) and Bushranger (David Wachman/ Johnny Murtagh) are two likely-looking Irish runners, while Barry Hill´s Dabbers Chief, with son Michael aboard, and Michael Bell´s Brae Hill (Hayley Turner) look best of the home brigade.

3 Group One races at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot, which starts today and goes on until Saturday, is the most eagerly awaited flat meeting of the year and the 2008 fixture is well up to standard. Today´s card kicks off with 3 Group One races (!) all of which look highly competitive. The Queen Anne Stakes over a mile for older horses at 15.30 CET is likely to go abroad as there is a very strong French and Irish challenge. Alain de Royer-Dupré sets a poser by running two, Sageburg (Olivier Peslier) and Darjina (Christophe Soumillon); Sageburg defeated his better-fancied stable companion last time, but is likelyx that the filly will be better stuited by today´s trip and going and can turn the tables this tables this time.

Spirito del Vento (Jean-Marie Beguigné/ Christophe Lemaire) is another in-form French challenger, but on ratings is below the other pair. Aidan O´Brien spearheads the Irish challenge with 3 runners, with stable jockey Johnnyn Murtgah on the ex-Australian Haradasun. However Jim Bolger´s Finsceal Beo (Kevin Manning) may turn out to be the best of the Irish, while Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Tariq (Jimmy Fortune) looks the pick of the home contingent. The King´s Stand Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.05 is probably the best sprint race of the entire season and has in recent years been dominated by Australian sprinters. There are two in the line-up this year, Takeover Target (Joe Janiak/ Jay Ford), who won here in 2006, and Magnus (Peter Moody/ Damien Oliver), third here last year. Last time out they finished first and second in a valuable race in Singapore, with Magnus fancied to reverse placings this time. Best of the Britsh should be Jeremy Noseda´s flying filly Fleeting Spirit (Ryan Moore), who broke the course record last time at Haydock, but Benbaum (Mark Wallace/ Pat Smullen) and Kingsgate Native (John Best/ Jimmy Quinn), first and second in the Abbaye last year, cannot be left out if calculations, while Equiano, a rare Spanish runner, is also interesting.

The St.James´s Palace Stakes at 16.45 for 3yo milers, is theoretically the best race of the day and sees the hottest favourite of the meeting in the line- up - Aidan O´Brien´s Henrythenavigator (Johnny Murtagh), winner of the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas and arguably the world´s best miler at present. Stubbs Art (David Elsworth/ Seb Sanders) was third in both those classics, but can hardly be expected to do any better today, while Ravens Pass (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), 4th at Newmarklet, could finish closer this time. Falco (Carlos Laffon-Parias/ Olivier Peslier), easy winner of the French 2,000, looks the main danger, but it will be a big surprise if Henrythenavigator gets beaten today.

Betting Forecast:
1.Race: Haradasun - Sageburg - Darjina
2.Race: Fleeting Spirit - Takeover Target - Kingsgate Native
3.Race: Henrythenavigator - Falco - Raven`S Pass
4.Race: Orizaba - Himalya - Art Connoisseur
5.Race: Bukit Tinggi - Liberate - Galient
6.Race: Silver Shoon - Bushranger - Brae Hill

Thirsk, Newton Abbot and Yarmouth

Royal Ascot casts a long shadow and the other three meetings in Britain today are scarcely worth a second look. The only other racing this afternoon is at Thirsk; it is often worth following top jockeys when they are in action at the minor meetings, and Darryll Holland may be able to land a double here in the first two races on the Mick Channon-trained 2yo´s Scenic Pass at 15.15 CET and Blusher at 15.50. He also has a chance in the main event here, a class 3 fillies mile handicap at 17.00 with Marco Botti´s Princess Taylor, but William Haggas` Maghya (Martin Dwyer) looks capable of improvement and could be the answer here. This evening there is flat racing at Yarmouth (all class 5 and 6 races) and a N.H.card at Newton Abbot. At Yarmouth, Ed Dunlop, who scolred with a similar type at Windsor last night, can take the mile handicap at 21.00 with top-weight Hasty Retreat (Jamie Spencer), who has consistent front-runner El Dececy (Steve Parr/ Franny Norton) to beat. At Newton Abbot, Paul Nicholls, who has an amazing strike rate at present, can take the class 3 handicap hurdle at 21.15 with top-weight Sporazene (Harry Skelton), who has been racing - without much success- in much better company. Warpath (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who been chasing but is much better handicapped over hurdles, is the obvious danger.

German runners at Chantilly

Last week was highly successful for German raiders in France, and this trend can continue today at Chantilly, where there are German-trained runners in the last 3 races. Four of them go for the 1400 metres seller at 16.35: Mithrandir (Nina Bach/ Alxi Badel), Viaonconi (Dr. Bolte/ Jean-Pierre Carvalho), Royal Rainbow (Andreas Löwe/ William Mongil) and Zobel Davis (Horst Rudolph/ Davy Bonilla), while Werner Baltrolmei, now back in top form, teams up with Dominique Beouf in the final 2 races with Hiughness in the 2500 metres seller at 17.05 and Dosimo in a mile handicap for 4yo´s half an hour later. Vichy´s trotting meeting also continues this afternoon.

Ballinrobe (Ireland), Warwick and Windsor

Easily the most interesting runner at this evening´s 3 meetings is Gestüt Schlenderhan´s Miramare, who runs in the listed race for older fillies and mares over 11 furlongs at 21.40 CET at Warwick. The headstrong filly, withdrawn at the start of the German Oaks last year, for which she was hot favourite, is now trained by Andrew Stringer (Barney Curley´s assistant) and has finished in the money on all 3 of her British starts. She still finds it difficult to settle nd will no doubt try to make the running again, but this track and the slightly shorter distance could be ideal. Main dangers are Sweet Lucy (Mick Channon/ Tadge O´Shea), runner-up to Sixties Icon at Goodwood last time, and Bahia Breeze (Rae Guest/( Neil Callan), but both of these are moving up in distance. nother german-bred with possobilities here, although at a much lower level, is Twist Bookie, who runs in th amateur riders´ handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 19.40.He has fair hurdles form, and is only moderate on the flat, but this is a very poor race. Best bets at Windsor this evening should be Dear Maurice (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore), who bids to follow up his very easy CD win last Monday under a 6 lbs penalty, and My Sweet Georgia (Barry and Michael Hills) in the 5 furlongs 2yo maiden at 20.30; she made a good debut in better company at York 16 days ago. Godolphin´s debutant Ibn Quaiba is an interesting runner in the 10 furlongs maiden an hour later. He comes from a top U.S. family and cost $ 775,000 as a yearling. Best of the opposition on public form is Mark Johnston´s Hunting Country (Darryll Holland), runner-up to a subsequent winner at Redcar last time out. At the Irish mixed meeting at Ballinrobe (4 flat and 4 N.H. races), Jessica Harrington´s useful hurdler Dreamy Gent (Andrew Leigh) makes his debut over fences at 20.20 and, if he jumps roiund safely, should account for today´s opposition easily enough, while Via Mantua and Some Craic both look extremely favourably weighted in the handicap hurdle races at 21.20 and 21.50 respectively.

Carlisle and Sedgefield (N.H.)

With Royal Ascot starting tomorrow, today is obviously a very quiet day, witzh two meetings this afternoon, both in the far north, at Carlisle (flat) and Sedgefield (N.H.), but very few highlights. Tweo very speculative each way bets at Carlisle could be Kings College Boy (Richard Fahey/ Jamie Moriarty) in the class 5 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45 and Oeuf a la Neige (Linda Perratt/ Daragh O´Donohoe) in the mile handicap an hour later. The fomer, running for the third time this month, is dropping in the weights and showed signs of copming back to form last week, and the same holds true for the latter, a close third at Hamilton 11 days ago. At Sedgefield, Goldan Jessd (Alan Swinbank/ Brian Hughes) can defy a 10 lbs rise in his rating and take the final of the selling handicap hurdle series at 16.00. He was an easy winner here 26 days ago and can confirm the form with runner-up Errol (J.F.Coupland/ Eamon Dehdashti). The novice hurdle an hour later, also over 2 1/2 miles, looks a match between Jimmy Lambe´s Classic Moon (Tony McCoy) and Alan Swinbank´s Onerforsaturday (Hughes), who is making his hurdles debut after showing decent form in bumpers.

French racing today

A mixed bag today in France, with N.H. racing at Auteuil, flat racing at Le Lion d´Angers and trotting this evening from Vincennes. Only German-trained runner is Christian von der Recke´s Fiepes Suffle (Philip Carberry) in the 3500 metre hurdle race at 16.50 at Auteuil. Although a mutiple winner at home, he faces a stiff task here, and Jacques Ricou´s mount Kikos is likely to start a hot favourite. Best flat race is the listed Prix Urban Sea for 3yo fillies over 2350 metres at 16.05. Arc winner Urban Sea had of course a German dam, so it would be nice if Horst Rapp´s Orient Queen (Henri-Alex Pantall/ Johan Victoire) could win, but she also faces a stiff task agaianst the two British raiders Barring Decree (Eoghan O´Neill/ Jean-Bernard Eyquem) and Zaskar ( Tom Dascombe/ Davy Bonilla) as well as local hopes Lautka and Lune Rose (Pascal Bary/ Christophe Lemaire).

Busy evening

Plenty of racing this evening, with flat meetings at Goodwood, Chepstow and Navan (Ireland). At thr ladst-name track, Aidan O´Brien´s One Great Cat (Seamus Heffernan), last seen when second last in the French 2,000 Guineas, faces a much simpler task in the mile conditions race at 20.30 CET. At Goodwood, Goodwood Starlight (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern), owned by "GROG", would be an appropriate winner of the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 21.00, while Victoria Montoya (Franny Norton), whose trainer Andrew Balding is in great form, can take the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 21.35. Best bet at Chepstow could be Oh So Saucy (Chris Wall/ George Baker), who can complete a quick hat-trick in the last race, a 7 furlongs handicap. She was a non-runner at Brigjton on Wednesay when it started to rain, but the ground should be perfect this evening.

N.H. racing today

Jumping fans are well catered for today, with N.H. racing this afternoon at Market Rasen and this evening at Aintree and Clonmel (Ireland). At Market Rasen, Georgian King (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who was an odds-on shot when falling last time at Uttoxeter, will be at very short odds again in the novice hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 16.00 CET, but if he stays on his feet should outclass this opposition. The class 3 handicap hurdle at 3.35 by contrast looks very open, but it may be best to stick with the progressive That Look (Derek Cantillon, Michael Murphy), winner of 6 of his 10 N.H. starts, including the last two, both wth this jockey on board. At Aintree, Chickapeakray (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) reverts to hurdling after some decent but unsuccessful efforts over fences and can perhaps take the 3 mils handicap at 20.10. The 2 mile handicap chase at 20.45 featurews several in-form cahsers, but top-weight Ormello (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanana) is the class act here and can win again. In Ireland there could be some German-bred winners: Lugato and Maturus Ardor could well have the maiden hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 18.45 to themselves, while Aspolan has obvious proects in the maiden hurdle for 5yo´s half an hour later.

Sandown and York

By the normal standards at Sandown and York, today´s cards are not especially inviting, with no rac es better than class 3 and both stage much better racing tomorrow. At York, the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.35 looks typicall trappy with 19 runners, and luc in running will certainly play a major part. Two with chances at any rate are latt-time-out winner Total Impact (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), who won a similar evnt at Doncaster 13 days ago, and Everymanforhimself (Kevin Ryan(/ Neil Callan), second of 18 over this CD the same day. There are only 8 runners in the 2 mile handicap at 16.25, but it also looks quoite open. With Tim Easterby´s yard in good form, he can possibly score here with Bollin Felix (David Allan), who made a god seasonal debut recently over a shorter trip, but is better suoited by this distance. At Sandown, Mexican venture (William Jarvis/ Jamie Spencer), a bit unlucky last time out, can make amends in the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.50, and the same trainer´s El Duende (Tom Queally) can also go close in a huge field for the 10 furlongs handicap also for 3yo´s at 17.55; but Sir Michael Stoute´s Heritage Coast (Ryan Moore) looks the more likely winner here.

Prince Flori at Maisons-Laffitte

The recent run if success by German-trained horses in France looks set to contnue today, as it is clear that Sascha Scmrzek´s Prince Flori (Johan Victoire) has an outstanding cance in the 2100 metres trace at 16.50 CEt at Maisons-Laffitte. The winner of the 2006 Grosser Preis von Baden is making his seasonal debut but shuld still have little fifficulty in disposing of today´s opposition, best of which is

Two N.H. meetings this evening

This evening there is jumps racing only, with N.H. racing at Fontwell and Uttoxeter. Kim Bailey has his string in good form, and can land an across the card double with The Good Guy (Jason Maguire) in the 2 1/2 mile novice hurdle at 19.30 CET at Fontwell and Double Mead (Robbie Killoran), who carries top-weight in the novice handicap chase at 20.15 at Uttoxeter; both of them won very easily last time out and look as if they can progress further. September Moon (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) is another one who can follow up an easy win under top weight in the 3 mile handicap chase at 20.45, while German-bred Harry Potter should land the selling hurdle at the same track at 21.15 as long as the ground remains on top.

Haydock and Yarmouth

The other flat meetings in the U.K. today, Haydock and Yarmouth, have relatively modest fare on offer, although the former course does at least have two class 3 handicaps on the card. In the first, for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.35 CET, looks quite open; top-weight Aye Aye Digby (Ian Mongan), whose trainer Henry Candy is having a great run with his sprinters, renews rivalry with Rubirosa (Michael Dods/ Fergal Lynch), whom he defeated a month ago at Nottingham. The latter has since won, but still reopposes on 7 lbs better terms. Rash Judgement (Stuart Kittow/Fergus Sweeney) has twice finished runner-up this season over 5 furlongs, but this trip could be ideal and he rates a big danger. The mile handicap at 17.45 looks easier, and last-time-out winners Farley Star (Roger Charlton/ Fergus Sweeney) and Obezyana (Alan Bailey/ Dominic Fox) could dominatwe the finish, with preference for the latter, an easy CD winner 19 days ago. At Yarmouth, where all 8 races are class 5 or 6, we have to wait until the last race at 18.35 for a good bet, as Si Belle (Rae Guest/ Seb Sanders) won so easily on Sunday that she can take the 3yo handicap over 1 3/4 miles under a penalty. Bouggler (Julie Camacho/ Tom Queally), placed both starts this season and who probably needs this trip, is the most obvious threat.

3yo fillies at Newbury

Three flat meetings this afternoon, with the best card at Newbury, featuring a listed race over 10 furlongs for 3yo fillies at 16.50 CET. This looks quite an open race, with Ed Vaughan´s unfortunately-named Kotsi the probable favourite with Frankie Dettori aboard. Last time out she finished runner-up to Clowance (subsequentlx fourth in the Oaks) over this CD 4 weeks ago. Annie Skates (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Kerrin McEvoy) was also runner-up last time to an Oaks entry, Michita, but that one was a disappointment at Epsom. Melodramatic (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) is one of several moving up in grade after an easy maiden win and should not be underestimated. It could well be that the 3yo fillies running in the two divisions of the maiden race over the same trip will in the long term prove superior to those in the listed race. Several very well-bred fillies are engaged, most of them running in the colours of various members of the Maktoum family. In the first division at 14.40, Godolphin´s Siyabona (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) can beat Sheikh Hamdan´s Alzaroof (Ed Dunlop/ Richard Hills) and Princess Haya´s Caprivi (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), while Frankie Dettori can double up an hour later in the second division with Godolphin´s Siyasa; Hamdan´s Ghaidaa (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) - whose dam and half-sister both won the Oaks- heads the opposition.

Germans invade Strasbourg!

German raiders on French meetings, particularly in the north and east of the country, have become a regular occurrence, but today´s meeting at Strasbourg is exceptional- there are no fewer than 27 German-trained entries in the 6 flat and two jumps races, quite possibly a record. In the opening 2100 metres handivap at 13.50 CET, Dieter Fechner saddles two runners Marek (Franck Foresi) and Lamborgino (Maxime Guyon), while Pennekar (Norbert Sauer/ Jerome Lermyte) and Princess Petra (Miroslav Rulec/ Thomas Huet) are also in contention. In the next race, for 3yo´s over 2100 metres at 14.20, Arrow Flght (Christian von der Recke/ Yann Lerner), Maybe (Hans Blume/ Jean-Pierre Carvalho), Northern Dragon (Manfred Weber/ Nicolas Dieu) and Ashantee (Rulec/ Huet) all line up, and in the 3800 metres hurdle race at 14.50 Our First Chestnut (von der Recke/ Jan Korpas), Pizarro (Miucael Trybuhl/ Josef Bartos) and El Kabara (Andreas Trybuhl/ Paul Johnson). The 3000 metres race at 15.20 sees Feather Heights (Johannes Blatt/ Eric Wehrel), Carion (Markus Klug/ Johan Victpoire), Spirit of Stars (Wrerner Hefter / Guyon) and Soterio (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) at the start, and an hour later Nettelbeck (Waldemar Himmel/ Ronan Thomas), Seenixe (Rulec/ Huet), Roccamena (Hefter/ Guyon), Arralinara (Blume/ Carvalho) and Born to Win (von der Recke/ Victoire) contest the 3yo seller over 2350 metres. The seller for older horses over the same trip at 16.50 sees Le Malande (Hefter/ Victoire) and Sovereign Poiint (Himmel/ Guyon) at the start, while Allez Hopp (Weber/ Nicolas Milliere) is the only German runner in the 4200 metres chase at 15.50. The final race at 17.20, the second division of the 2100 metres handicap, also has 4 German-trained runners - Beau Marchand (Connie Brandstätter/ Dieu), Courthouse Steps (Franck Foresi) and Cabari (Thierry Jarnet), both trained by Dieter Fechner, and Ravenclaw (Himmel/ Thomas). It would be a major surprise if the Germans return home without any winners; our top tips of the day are Werner Baltromei´s Soterio at 15.20 and Hans Blume´s Maybe at 14.20.

Evening racing at 3 tracks

There is evening racing today at 3 tracks, with the best race at Leopardstown (Ireland), where the Group Three Ballycorus Stakes over 7 furlongs at 20.30 CET tops the card. This looks wide open, and all 8 runners can be given a chance. BVarry Hills´ Captaon Marvelus, with son Michael in the saddle, is the only fotreign runner, while the best local chances probably lie with Campfire Glow (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), Great War Eagle (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) and Summit Surge (Ger Lyons/ Keagan Latham). There are some competitive handicaps on the all-weather track at Kempton, and the class 4 handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 21.55 looks especially hot, even though there are only 6 runners. The unbeaten Relative Strength (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry), who has won boitg his starts here and represemts a stable in top for, has obvous prospects, but faces strong opposition, notably from top-weight German-owned Unleash (Henry Cecil/ Ted Durcan) and Sir Mark Prescott´s General Ting (Daragh O´Donohoe), the dark horse of the race, making his handicap debut over a longer trip after running down the field three times over shorter distances last year- a typical Prescott preparation. Main event at Hamilton in Scotland is the Lanark Silver Bell, a class 2 handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 21.20. This is the oldest race in the British calendar, dating back to the 12th century, and although the racecourse at Lanark closed down in 1977, the race lives on at nearby Hamilton Park. With 13 runners this is very tricky, but La Vecchia Scuola (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) came from last place to score very easily here last week and can shrug off a 6lbs penalty.

Beverley, Brighton and Nottingham

Some large fields of mainly moderate animals at this afternoon´s three U.K. meetings at beverley, Brighton and Nottingham. At Beverley there are two handicaps with 17 runners, and to add to the usual problems at this tight track, luck in running is certain to play a part in the outcome of these races. However it is clear that it is a huge disadvantge to be drawn on the wide outside (low numbers). In the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.50, this means that the chances of 9yo Bailieborough (Brian Ellison/ Tom Eaves), who appears to be coming back to form, are severely compromised by his no. 2 draw, while form horse Princelywallywogan (John Harris/ Pat Cosgrave), winner of 3 of his last 4 races, is drawn 7. Moonstreaker (Richard Whitaker/ Michael Stainton) is in good form and is well drawn in 13, but might prefer softer ground. The 5 furlongs handicap at17.20 is equally tricky, but Socceroo (Steve Parr/ Graham Gibbons), a 3yo filly who is still a maiden, put up her best performance when 3rd of 15 at Carlisle last time out and is clearly a lading contender from her 16 draw. At Brighton, the much improved Oh So Saucy (Chris Wall/ George Baker) can defy top weight and complete a quick hat-.trick in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.30, while Thoughts of Stardom (Michael Wigham/ Toby Atkinson) has an obvuious chance in the 5 furlngs handicap half an hour later, but the biggest cheers would come if top-weight Dancing Mystery (Eric Wheeler/ Liam Keniry) could win; at 14 years of age, he is one of the oldest horses in training and boasts a career record of 17 wins and 28 places (many of them this CD) from 191 starts. Best race at Nottingham is the class 3 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.10. Roger Charlton´s Scuffle (Steve Drowne), Michael Jarvis´ Eternal Luck (Philip Robinson) and Sir Michael Stoute´s Lindelaan (Ryan Moore) look the three to concentrate on here.

German runners at Longchamp

Today´s Longchamp card is relatively low-key, but once again there are some German-trained runners with good chances of finishing in the money. Werner Baltromei, whose three runners yesterday all ran creditably, saddles Lord John in the first race, a tiercé handicap over 2400 metres, and Highness in a 4yo seller over 2000 metres at 16.20 CET both with Dominique Boeuf in the saddle, while Heinz Hesse has booked Stephane Pasquier to partner Langford, runner-up on his last 3 starts, in the seller for older horses at 16.55

Chester and Southwell this evening

Flat racing this evening comes from Chester, while Southwell stages one of its rare N.H. meetings. Trainer Mrs. S. Leech and jockey Paul Moloney could well land a double at the latter track with consistent Croc an Oir in the 3 1/4 mile handicap chase at 20.00 CET and top weight Back to the Wind in the novice hurdle half an hour later. Back to the Wind was a comfortable winner at Ludlow nearly a month ago, but now meets third-placed Our Choice (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) on 12 lbs worse terms, so it could be close. Chester features a race for maiden 2yo´s and 5 handicaps, all with quite large fields, so finding winners will not be easy. The effects of the draw at this tight track can be decisive, so punters are advised to concentrate on horses drawn low (low numbers). This could certainly be the case in the 7 furlongs handicap at 20.45. Daaweitza(Brian Ellison/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), drawn 5, has been in good form this year and has already won twice, last time out defeating Captain Jacksparra (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), drawn 9, and Phluke (Eve Johnson Houghton), drawn 8, at Catterick 17 days ago. At today´s weights there is nothing between this trio. Phluke always runs well here, but Hazzard County (David Simcock/ Richard Mullen), drawn 1, with good all-weather form, and Heywood (David and Adrian Nicholls), drawn 6, who won only last Friday at Catterick, are others to be considered in a tricky race.

Redcar and Salisbury

Another quiet day, with flat racing this afternoon at Redcar and Salisbury, and this evening at Chester and Southwell (N.H.); no Irish racing today. There are mainly large fields and at Redcar the main feature is the class 3 handicap over the straight mile at 17.30 CET with 9 runners, just about the smallest field of the day. This looks quite open, although Godolphin´s Gold Sovereign (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) could well be a blot on the handicap, despite carrying top-weight. He has only ever run twice and is possibly much better than this grade. The front-runners Zero Tolerance (David Barron/ Neil Brown) and Ansells Prode (Brian Smart/ Tom Eaves) are both in good form and should ensure that it is a truly run race. At Salisbury, the 10 furlong fillies handicap at 17.15 is the best race. Top-weight Atomic Winner (Alan King/ Dane O´Neill) is the only older filly in the field, the other 12 are all 3yo´s. She has a chance, especially in viw of her trainer´s excellent strike rate on the flat, but it is not certain that she can concede weight to John Dunlop´´s handicap debutante Star of Gibraltar (Eddie Ahern) or Henry Cecil´s Wimnter Bloom (Jimmy Fortune); however the much improved Storyland (William Haggas/ Kerrin McEvoy), winner of both her starts this year, looks the most likely winner.

France today

Werner Baltromei has been a bit quiet the last few weeks, but his team seem to be coming back to form and today he saddles 3 starters at Saint-Cloud, all 3yo´s running over 2100 metres and all ridden by Dominique Boeuf: Samiro in a handicap at 16.05 CET, Big Lion in a maiden race at 16.35 and Baldona in a seller for fillies half an hour later. Main event on thre card is a listed race for 3yo fillies at 15.35, which could go to Stephane Pasquier´s mount Azabara. There is also trotting this afternoon from Vichy.

Pontefract, Roscommon and Windsor

Racing this evening comes from Pontefract and Windsor in the U.K.and from Ireland Rposcommon, where there is a mixed card (3 flat races, 3 N.H., one bumper). Most interesting runner here is Tony Martin´s versatile Leg Spinner (Robbie Colgan), who contests the 2 miles hurdle race at 20.40 CET. At Pontefract there is a listed race for older fillies and mares over a mile at 21.20 which has attracted 12 runners, including Bahia Breeze (Rae Guest/ Richard Mullen), whoi finished a close 8th in a Group Three on Saturday. St her best she has a chamce in tis race, which she won in 2006, while Treat (Ryan Moore), one of two Ed Dunlop entries, looks the obvuous favourite, even though she has not run since last July. On recent form, last-time-out winers Fondled (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spencer) and Kasumi (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block) must be given a chance. Block is still an apprentice and unable to claim here, but gets on really well with this mare, in fact as ridden her to all 5 of her wins so far. The interesting feature of Windsor´s usual Monday evening fixture is that Frankie Dettori comes for just two rides- Valrhona for Jeremy Noseda in the 120 furlongs handicap at 20.30 and Monsieiur Renard for Brian Meehan in the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s half an hour later- and it is quite possible that he could win both, although Mullein, representing the Oaks winning team of Ralph Beckett and Seb Sanders, looks a big danger in the latter event.

Folkestone and Newton Abbot

Only two meetings this afternoon in the U.K.,flat racing from Folkestone and N.H. racing at Newton Abbot. At the latter track, Tony McCoy looks as so often the man to follow and could win sverel races, notably the class 3 novice hurdle at 16.30 with Woolcombe Folly for Paul Nicholls, who appears to have an easy task. Nicholls could also take the class 4 handicap hurdle with top-weight Königsbote, with 5 lbs claimer Nick Scholfield aboard. This ex-German performer has not only the best flat class (he ran in the 2006 German Derby) but has also shown ability over the sticks. Best race at Folkestone is the class 4 handicap hurdle for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs 16.15, which could lie between the two top-weights Baunagain (Mark Wallace/ Pat Cosgrave) and Wehaveadream (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer). They have already met over this CD this year, when the latter came out on top, but at the revised weights Baunagain, very consistent at this level, is preferred.

Brighton, Southwell and Worcester

A typical Sunday in the U.K., that is mediocre racing at 3 tracks, Brighton and Southwell (all-weather) on the flat and Worcester over jumps. At Brighton, German-bred Napoletano (Simon Dow/ Steve Drowne), who needs to come late off a strong pace, may find conditions just right in the class 5 handicap over 7 furlongs at 16.00 CET. Another German-bred with winning possibilities is Limonia, who made all to win over 6 furlongs at Southwell on Tuesday and can repeat this win over the same CD at 17.10. At Worcester, Jupon Vert (Ron Hodges/ Aidan Coleman), who ended a long losing run at Taunton a fortnight ago, can score again, despite a raise of 11lbs in the weights, in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.50.

Ireland today

There is N.H. racing today at Cork and a mixed card at Roscommon (4 flat races, 2 N.H., and a bumper). Salford City (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) should win the novice chase at 17.25 at the latter track; he was easily the best of these over hurdles and has started off his chasing career with a winning effort. Of the flat races, the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.55 looks very open, but Wesaidneveragain (Augustine Leahy/ Fran Berry), who has been runner-up five times, can finally get his head in front for his attractive owner. At Cork, there are huge fields in the hurdle races, but only 5 runners in the 2 mile 1 furlong handicap chase at 16.45, which should lie between top-weight, and last winner´s winner, Dbest (Joanna Morgan/ Joe Cullen) and easy last time out winner Jubilant Note (Michael Murphy/ Davy Russell). An interesting outsider could be top-weight Dalucci (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) in the handicap hurdle at 17.15; he unseated his rider last time out, but has been racing in much better company.

Prix de Diane day at Chantilly

Easily the best racing of the day comes from Chantilly, where the Prix de Diane fixture is one of the most glamorous days in French racing. Almost every winning run comes to an end, as we saw last night with Big Brown, but it will be a sensation if Zarkava (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon) fails to win the Diane, the French Oaks over 2100 metres which is due at 16.15 CET. She has won all her 4 starts in such authoritative manner that she can clearly be rated the best filly in Europe, and easily holds Goldikova (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) on their running when first and second in the French 1,000 Guineas. The only possible flaw in her armour is that she has never run beyond a mile, but her pedigree suggests that she should have no problem with the extra 500 metres and her superior class should prove decisive, with Goldikova possibly again the main danger. Royer-Dupré has 3 further irons in the fire, and Belle et Celebre (Ioritz Mendizibal), who beat Gagnoa (Andre Fabre/ Johnny Murtagh) in the main trial, and Leo´s Starlet (Frankie Dettori), unbeaten in 3 starts but at a much lower level, could both run into the money. Fabre also saddles Proviso (Stephane Pasquier), so far disappointing this year, while Aidan O´Brien´s Kitty Matcham is possibly the best of the foreign runners, though it could be significant that Murtagh has chosen to partner Gagnoa (in the same ownership). The supporting card features two Group Three races over a mile, the Prix Paul de Moussac for 3yos at 15.00 and the Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord half an hour later for older horses. In both races there is a German runner, but it will be a surprise if either manages to win, although Andreas Wöhler´s Balios (Soumillon), 4th in the Mehl-Mülhens, could run into a place in the former event, but Molly Max (Karen Haustein/ Dominique Boeuf) is struggling to find his best form and is an outsider for the latter event, which could go to Spirito del Vento (Jean-Marie Beguigné/ Peslier) for the second time. Aidan O´Brien´s Mount Nelson (Murtagh) is a big danger.

Big Brown for Triple Crown?

Of almost equal importance to the Epsom Derby is the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in New York, which will be run at 25 minutes past midnight CET. All eyes will be on the unbeaten Big Brown (Rick Dutrow/ Kent Desormeaux), a very easy winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes on his last two starts and now going for the Triple Crown last won 30 years ago. In the meantime, ten colts have attempted to follow up their first two classic victories with a success here and all have failed for one reason or another. History is therefore against him, as is his number one draw, plus a slight training setback last week. However he is clearly the best American 3yo by far and on paper form has only one serious opponent, the Japanese trained Casino Drive (Kasuo Fujisawa/ Edgar Prado), who is also unbeaten, but has only run twice, including an easy victory at this track.

Rest of U.K. and Ireland

There is plenty of other racing, with flat meetings at Doncaster and Musselburgh, mainly handicaps, and N.H. racing from Worcester and Hexham, including the first 3yo hurdle of the season, while this evening there is flat racing from the Curragh, including a listed race, Lingfield (the first 3 races on the all-weather and the last 3 on turf) and Newcastle. Richard Hughes can land a short-proce double at Lingfield on Navajo Joe for Brian Meehan at 19.40 CET and Straitjacket for Richard Hannon half an hour later; both finished second last time out and look certain to go one better soon. Another team who can double ois Oaul Nicholls and Tony McCoy, who can score at Worcester with Simondium at 15.25 and Oumeyade at 17.20, while John Gosden´s Moonquake (Jimmy Fortune) looks the best bet at Newcastle in the 10 furlongs maiden race at 20.50. The listed race over 10 furlongs at the Curragh at 20.00 should go to Mores Wells (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), very unlucky last time, althugh he faces strong opposition from the 3yo´s from the Bolger, O´Brie and Weld stables.

Rest of Epsom

The rest of the Epsom card is also extremely attractive with some very competitve races. The Group Three Princess Eizabeth Stakes for fillies and mares over an extended mile at ^5.40 CET could well go to France, as Jean-Claude Rouget´s Cicerole (Christophe Lemaire) is very consistent and her form looks better than that of the home division, who are headed by Baharah (Gerard Butler/ Eddie Ahern). The listed Woodcote Stakes over 6 furlongs at 15.10 is usually won by a smart 2yo. The unbeaten Able Master (Brian Smart/ Paul Mulrennan) is possibly the best horse in the race, but will not fund it easy to concede 5 lbs to Smokey Storm (Willie Jarvis/ Alan Munro) and Full of Nauture (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan). The handicaps all have big fields and look very difficult, especially the notorious "Dash" over 5 furlongs at 16.15. With 20 runners, luck will play a major part here. especially as the jockeys will all be scrambling for a position on the favoured stands rail. Horses drawn in sungle figures willbe at a disadvantage here, so that Hogmaneigh (Steve Williams/ Saleem Golam), last year´s winner and drawn 17, has an obvuous chance of repeating his 2007 success. The opening 10 furlogs handicap for 3yo´s could go to Ryan Moore´s mount Conduit, who looks a typical Sir Michael Stoute improver. The handicap for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 17.45 is wide open, with several runners having been running over hurdles recently, such as Philip Hobbs´ Bureaucrat (Jamie Spencer), Gary Moore´s Wingman (Tadge O´Shea) and Venetia Williams´ Misty Dancer (William Buick), a course specialist who was runner-up here last year.

Derby Day at Epsom

There are now Derby races all over the world, and there are many more valuable races than the one run this afternoon at 17.00 CET at Epsom, but this is still the original race, the real thing and the most celebrated classic race in the world of thoroughbred racing. The race seems more open than ever this year, and it is not at all clear who will start favourite. Following yesterday´s win by a 33-1 shot in The Oaks, another upset is on the cards, as there are quesion marks over several of the leading contenders, most obviously New Approach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) the top-rated runner and the clear from choice after running second in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas. However he has never run further than a mile and has had two very hard races, while the decision by Bolger to run here, announced only 5 days ago, came as a huge surprise. Another Irish runner, Casual Conquest (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) was one of 3 supplemented fof 75,000 pounds earlier in the week (one of the owners as already lost his money, as Paul Cole´s River Proud is lame and will miss the race) and was an impressive winner last time at Leopardstown in a race that has always been a good guide to the Derby. He is the only unbeaten horse in the race, but has only run twice, and lack of experience could prove a disadvantage. The other reliable trial has always been York´s Dante Stakes, won narrowly this year by Tartan Bearer (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) from Aidan O´Brien´s Frozen Fire (Mick Kinane), who however has ben rejected by stable jockey Johnny Murtagh in favour of King of Rome from the 5 O´Brien runners. However logically Frozen Fire, whose dam was German-bred, is the O´Brien stable selected and boith he and Tartan Bearer, a brother to Golan, runner-up here and winner of the King George, should play a leading role, especially in view of their trainers´ excellent Derby records. Stoute´s other runners Tajaweed (Richard Hills) and Doctor Fremantle (Kerrin McEvoy), who was also supplemented, both won well at Chester last time and are also to be considered. There are stamina doubts about Godolphin´s Rio de la Plata (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Gestüt Ammerland´s Kandahar Run (Henry Cecil/ Ted Dutrcan), while Curtain Call (Luca Cumani/ Jamie Spencer) was transfrred in the winetr from Jessica Harrington´s Irish stable specifically to win this race. He was an easy winner of a minor event at Nottingham on his only start for Cumani, but missed his main trial, but the vibes are positive. The field of 16 includes at least 10 possible winners, our very tentative three asgainst the field are: Tartan Bearer, Casual Conquest and Frozen Fire.

French racing today

There is flat racing this afternoon at Maisons-Laffitte with three German-trained runners: Mario Hofer´s Royal Papper (Dominique Boeuf) and Petr Olsanik´s Setareh (Davy Bonilla) both contest the mile race for 3yo colts that opens the card at 13.50 CET, while Werner Baltromei´s Delano (Boeuf) runs in the handicap for older horses, also over a mile, at 16.00. There is also racing from Lyons (a mixed card with 5 flat races and 3 over jumps, including the Grand Steeple-Chase de Lyons) and trotting this evening from Vincennes.

Rest of Epsom

The rest of the Epsom card is also extremely high-class, as befits the occasion. The afternoon could well start off with two horses repeating their 2007 successes here - Blythe Knight (John Quinn/ Graham Gibbons) in the Diomed Stakes (Group Three) at 14.40 CETR, in which he has Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Don´t Panic (Alan Munro) and the Godolphin pair Young Pretender (Frankie Dettori) and Alexandros (Kerrin McEvoy) to beat, and the tough 9yo Unshakeable (Bob Jones/ Paul Eddery) in the class 2 mile handicap at 15.10, where top-weight Eradicate (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) looks a big danger. The listed race over 7 furlongs for 3yo´s at 17.50 has a relatively weak field, and perhaps Godolphin´s Iguazu Falls, a big disappointment so far this year, can get his head in front and possibly complete a good afternoon for Frankie Dettori.

Coronation Cup at Epsom

The Coronation Cup for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 16.25 CET is a major event in its own right, and has assemled the strongest field for some time. In recent years, the Germans have done well in this event, with both Boreal and Shirocco winning this century, and Baron Ullmann´s Getaway (André Fabre/ Stephane Paquier) is hot favourite to give his owner and trainer another big win. In recent years this race has been monopolised by Fabre and Aidan O´Brien and this trend seems set to continue, although it should not be forgotten that Youmzain (Mick Channon/ Richard Hughes) finished in front of both Getaway and O´Brien´s runner Soldier of Fortune when runner-up in last year´s "Arc". However Youmzain has not won since taking the Preis von Europa 21 months ago and does not appeal as a likely winner, whereas Getaway showed excellent speed to win at Newmarket last time and clearly is much better than a one-placed stayer, as seemed to be the case a year ago. He appears to be yet another son of Monsun to show tremendous improvement at 5 years of age for André Fabre and is expected to win today, although the odds will not be generous. Outsiders who could run into a place include O´Brien´s second string Macarthur (Seamus Heffernan), Brian Meehan´s Red Rocks (Frankie Dettori) - winner of the 2006 Breeders Cup Turf - and the quirky but talented Papal Bull (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who may well find the race run to suit him.

The Oaks at Epsom

The Group One Oaks at Epsom at 17.05 CET this afternoon appeas to be wide open, with several different scenarios possible. One probability however is the winner will be Irish-trained, as all four of the top Irish trainers are strongly represented. Jim Bolger by Lush Lashes (Kevin Manning), who is the likely favourote after destroying her field in the Musidora at York; Dermot Weld by Chinese White (Pat Smullen), unbeaten but stepping up in grade, as is John Oxx´ Katiyra (Mick Kinane). Weld and Oxx are trainers who would not be sending horses over unless they seriously considered them to have a strong chance, whereas Aidan O´Brien tends to go mob-handed into these events, and has no fewer than 6 runners today. Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has chosen to ride Adored, but on form neither Sail (Ryan Moore) and Tiffany Diamond (Seamus Heffernan) can be far behind. Best of the British should be John Gosden´s Michita (Jimmy Fortune) and Roger Charlton´s Clowance, on whom Frankie Dettori replaces the jocked off Steve Drowne; both won last time out, but obviously face a much stiffer task now. Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Cape Amber (Jamie Spencer) ran on well to finish 5 lengths second to Lush Lashes at York; she is reported to have improved, but there still seems little reason for her to reverse the form with the winner. We certainly expect an Irish filly to score today, with slight preference for Katiyra.

Huge classic weekend

today is the beginning of a huge classic weekend in international racing, with the Epsom Derby meeting featuring the Oaks and Coronation Cup (both today) and the Derby tomorrow, as well as the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly on Sunday and in the U.S. the Belmont Stakes, with Big Brown´s attempt to succeed in winning the American Triple Crown, a feat not achieved for 30 years, although no fewer than 10 horses have won the first two legs in that period. Last but not least (!) the Bavarian Classic at Munich on Sunday!

German runners at Chantilly

Once again there are German runners active in France today, this time at Chantilly. Werner Baltromei saddles the talented but unreliable Omesheriff in the 1200 metres tiercé handicap that opens the card at 13.50 CET, and the 3yo Adelar in the 2400 metres race at 17.00, both with Dominique Boeuf in the saddle, while there are 2 German-trained entries in the 2400 metres race at 14.20 - recent Baden-Baden winner Zadounevees (Wolfgang Gülcher/ Eric Wehrel) and Arkando (Michael Trybuhl/ William Mongil).

There is also trotting this afternoon at Caen and at Vichy this evening.

Flat racing this evening

This evening´s flat racing comes from Sandown and Tipperary in Ireland. At the latter track, there are in fact 4 flat races, two chases and a bumper, but the most interesting event is the 7 furlongs maiden for 3- and 4yo´s at 18.40. 16 runners, of whom two have already shown some abilitity - Prince Igor (Augustine Leahy/ Fran Berry) and Marching Sandy (Edwsard Lynam/ Chris Hayes), while Luminaire (Jim Bolger/ Kevin manning) and Zarilan (Mike Halford/ Johny Murtagh) are well-bred and highly-regarded newcomers. At Sandown, the rapdily improving Topazes (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) can win his fourth race in succession in the 3yo handicap over 7 furlongs at 20.20. The class 3 mile handicap haölf an hpour later looks wide open; Carlitos Spirit (Rod Millman/ Alan Munro) is on a hat-trick, but faces strong opposition from (among others) top-weight Prince of Thebes (Mike Attwater/ Paul Doe), Zero Cool (Gary and Ryan Moore) and Full Victory (Rodney Farrant/ Jimmy Fortune).

N.H. racing at Newton Abbot, Uttoxeter and Wetherby

There is plenty of jumps racing today, with N.H. meetings at Newton Abbot (this afternoon) and in the evening a Uttoxeter and Wetherby. At Newton Abbot, Alison Thorpe´s Tot of the Knar (Richard Johnson), an easy winner of her only hurdles start after running up a sequence in point-to-points, can continue on her winning ways in the novice hurdle at 16.00 CET, while the maiden hurdle half an hour later should concern mainly Acapulco Bay (Dai Burchell/ Lee Stephens) and Master Wells (Jimmy Frost/ Tom O´Connor). The maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter at 19.25 is over 3 miles, and Georgian KIng (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Predictive (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) look the obvious candidates here. German-bred Absolut Power (Jonathan Geake/ Paddy Brennan), who need fast ground to show his best form, may find conditions to his liking in the novices handicap chase at 19.55. McCain also has good chances at Wetherby, and top-weights Temple Place, in the class 3 handicap hurdle at 20.05 over 2 miles, and Chickapeakray, in the 2 miles 7 furlongs handicap hurdle at 20.40, both with PJ Benson in the saddle, can also score for the stable.

Hamilton and Lingfield

With Epsom´s Derby meeting starting tomorrow, it is obvious that this afternoon´s two flat meetings, at Hamilton and Lingfield (all-weather) are very low-key, with only class 5 and 6 races on the programme. The best races at the Scottish track are the class 5 handicaps at 16.40 CET, 17.40 and 18.10. The mile race at 16.40 is made more complicated by the fact that local trainer Linda Perratt saddles three runners, of whom Oeuf a la Neige (Daragh O´Donohoe) could come out best, while an hour later 16 line up for the 6 furlongs handicap, with top-weight Coleorton Dancer (Kevin Ryan/ Andrew Mullen), recent CD winner The Bear (Bob Jpohnson/ Graham Gibbons) and Rainbow Fox (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), runner-up te last twice, just three of many possoiblöes. Best bet at Hamilton is La Vecchia Scuola (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope), who is much improved over hurdles and can defy top weight in the 1 mile 5 furlongs handicap at 18.10. At Lingfield, the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies can go to top-weight Requisite (Ian Wood/ Seb Sanders), although Rosie Says No (she said yes to me) (Robert Cowell/ Shane Kelly) also has prospects. The maiden race for 3- and 4yos at 16.50 has 14 entries, but should lie between Transfer (Andrew Balding/ William Buick) and Farthermost (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), while German-bred Napoletano (Simon Dow/ Seb Sanders), has won two of his last 3 races and can score again at 17.50.

Group Three at Leopardstown

The Wednesday evening meetings at Leopardstown frequently offer high class sport, and today is no exception with a group race on the card. This is the Group Three Ballyogan Stakes for fillies and mares over 6 furlongs at 20.00 CET and the field of 11 includes three British raiders - Cartimandua (Ed McMahon/ Graham Gibbons), Manzila (David and Adrian Nicholls) and Eastern Romance (Kevin Ryan/ Fergal Lynch), all of whom could finish in the money. Jim Bolger´s My Girl Sophie (Kevin manning), who won o Monday at Naad, looks best of the locals. The listed race over mile an hour later has also attracted a good field.Last time out winners Ferneley (Francis Ennis/ Willie Supple) and Summit Surge (Ger Lyons/ Johnny Murtagh) clearly come into the reckoning, but the interesting one here is 7yo Mustameet (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), who has not run for over a year, but is better than this opposition if anywhere near his best form.

Evening racing at Kempton and Ripon

Evening racing today from Kempton (all-weather) and Ripon, where the ground is certain to be very testing after yesterday´s rain. The best race there is the class 3 handicap over a mile at 21.20 CET, with several veterans in the field of 10, including 9yo´s Bustan (Giles Bravery/ Robert Winston) and Vicious Warrior (Richard Whitaker/ Dean McKeown) as well as 8yo Stoic Leader (Roger Fisher/ Royston Ffrench), all of whom have chances. However Wigwam Willie (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), a relative youngster at six, runs his best races on this ground and could be the answer. At Kempton, the card features a listed race over 5 furlongs at 20.40 which looks very competitive. Galeota (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) would have a great chance on the form he showed in younger days, but has not really fired since his comeback foillowing an unsuccessful spell at stud. The 3yo Group Therapy (Jamie Osborne/ Shane Kelly) also had good juvenile form, but has not run for over a year. Matsunosuke (A.B.Coogan/ Kerrin McEvoy), Green Manalishi (Kevin Ryan/ Daragh O´Donohoe) and Judd Street (Eve Jpohnson Houghton/ Steve Carson) also come into the reckoning. The class 3 handicap over 10 furlomgs at 20.10 sees the return of Godolphin´s loghtly-raced Spring City (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kerrin McEvoy), who looks capable of making an impression at a much higher grade., He has a superb German pedigree, being by Monsun out of Spirit of Eagles (dam also of Silvano and Sabiango). The main threat comes from Kaateb (William Haggas/ Richard Hills), also a progressive Maktoum-owned performer.

Fontwell and Lingfield

There are now only two meetings his afternoon in the U.K., a N.H. card at Fontwell and flat racing from Lingfield, where the first 4 races will be run on turf and the last 3 on the all-weather. Most interesting races there are the two divisions of a 10 furlongs maiden race for fillies and mares. The first division at 14.50 CET looks booked for John Dunlop´s Elmeheela (Richard Hills), who can continue the good run of owner Hamdan al Maktoum, but the seond division, half an hour later, looks much more open. Sayyedati Symphony (Clive Brittain/ Darryll Holland) is, as her name suggests, a daughter of the great Sayyedati (1,000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes etc), although she has a long way to go to reach her dam´s level of ability; she was beaten out of sight last time in the Musidora and whil this is clearly much easier, she still faces a stiff task. Desert Chill (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kerrin McEvoy) has run well on all 3 career starts and looks a certain future winner, while Jeremy Noseda´s Full Marks (Shane Kelly) and Sir Michael Stoute´s well-bred Winners Chant (Ryan Moore) must also be taken seriously. It is possible that Frankie Dettori, due to ride at Nottingham, will now be switched to Lingfield and replace McEvoy. At Fontwell, the best race on the card should be the class 4 novice hurdle over 2 1/4 miles at 16.00. Paul Nicholls´ Qrackers (Tony McCoy) was a very easy winner over this CD 10 days ago but is now burdened with a double penalty of 14 lbs and may not be able to concede the weight to Sam Lord (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), while last-time-oiut winners Nothing is Foirever (Luke Corcoran/ Noel Fehily) and Sharp Dresser (VenetiaWilliams/ Aidan Coleman) also merit consideration.