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.