N.H. racing at Sedgefield and Tralee

N.H. racing today from Tralee in Ireland, where the going is yielding, and Sedgefield in N. England (good to firm). From the German point of view, the most interesting runner is Christian von der Recke´s Wildbach, who contests the selling hurdle at 16.30 CET at Sedgefield with Tony McCoy in the saddle. He is probably the best horse in the field and was an easy winner on his last trip to Britain, but has a huge weight today and will not find it easy to defeat Palace Walk (Brendan Powell/ Timmy Murphy) and Zamboozle (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) on these terms. However thr last-named fares. his trainer and jockey should pick up the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 18.00 with top-weight Golden Feather, who won over this CD very easily last time and only has a 7lbs penalty. The sam,e goes for Urban Warrior (Ian Williams/ Michael Murphy) in the handicap hurdle at 17.30 after his effortless win at Plumpton last week.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Royal Rationale - Yachvili - Bergonzi
2.Race: Muree Queen - Perly Spencer - Rexmehead
3.Race: Wildbach - Palace Walk - Zamboozle
4.Race: Wise Owl - Cool Operator - Cash Man
5.Race: Urban Warrior - Think Lucky - Barney
6.Race: Golden Feather - Schinken Otto - Glimmer Of Light



Best race at Tralee is the handicap hurdle at 16.55, ich looks wide open with 15 runners. Two of them are German-bred and could have good chances- top-weight Lyceum (Dessie Hughes/ I.J.McCarthy), who is very consistet both on the flat (runner-up last time) and over hurdles - 5th of 20 in the Galway Hurdle in August, while the Monsun gelding Salt Lake (Edward O´Grady/ Tommy Treacy) is on a very light weight and should also be in the shake-up. Another German-bred with chances here is Spiriton (Pat Cashman/ Paul Carberry), who runs in the novice hurdle at 17.25. The much-improved Garrai Ard (Eamonn Sheerhy/ Ruby Walsh) is the obvious danger.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Port La Chaine - Beneath The Radar - Ballymahon
2.Race: Lyceum - Dariak - Absolute Image
3.Race: Garrai Ard - Sherney - Beneficial Spirit
4.Race: Sonnyanjoe - Good Thyne Jack - King Ali
5.Race: Rory`S Sister - Bonne Noel`S - Operation Houdini
6.Race: Alkar - Conker Nails - Skidroe Joe
7.Race: In The Circle - Bangonform - The Bishop Looney

Flat racing at the Curragh, Warwick and Southwell (a.w.)

Some large fields today,especially in Ireland, but basically low level racing at the three flat meetings. Most interesting race at the Curragh is the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at 16.15 CET. Mr. Topaz (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Vitruvian Man (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) both finished runner-up on their only starts so far and are clearly capable of going one better, but two well-bred newcomers from top stables could be dangerous - Aidan O´Brien´s Jacamar and Jim Bolger´s Seachantach (Kevin Manning).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Dancing Bandit - Four Star General - Smartest
2.Race: Cihangir - Be Fantastic - Rookwith
3.Race: Astonish - Teachers Choice - Invincible Ash
4.Race: Vitruvian Man - Mr Topaz - Jacamar
5.Race: Lamzena Lady - Grace O`Malley - Jakarta Jazz
6.Race: Dohasa - Rain Rush - Award Ceremony
7.Race: Lime Tree Valley - Springfort - Akimbo
8.Race: Golden Sword - Ebashan - Dark Mimosa



Best race at Warwick is the stayers handicap at 16.40, with two German-bred candidates, Absolut Power (Jonathan Geake/Liam Keniry) and Tora Bora (Brendan Powell/ Richard Quinn). Both were listed class in younger days but have been campaigned mainly over jumps in Britain. Absolut Power has been basically disappointing, but is now well-handicapped and as a son of Acatenango, will appreciate the fast going. Swingkeel, the only 3yo in the field, and consistent Fregate Island are the likely favourites here. Another Acatenango at the meeting is Terminate (Ian Williams/ Mr. J. Ravenell), who attempts to repeat his 2007 victory in the amateur riders´ handicap at 18.10, although his recent form is not inspiring.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Yungaburra - Belle Bellino - Brandywell Boy
2.Race: Peace Concluded - Tomintoul Star - Nora Mae
3.Race: Sayyaaf - Baariq - Wilfred Pickles
4.Race: Furious Belle - Wabi Sabi - Dahama
5.Race: Swingkeel - Fregate Island - Hawridge King
6.Race: Silent Hero - Sparkling Crystal - Swingfire
7.Race: Indy Driver - Run For Ede`S - Libre
8.Race: Kingsholm - Intensifier - Winning Show



On the all-weather at Southwell, the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.20 should be exciting, with several CD specialists in the field of 14. Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Chris Catlin) has a good a.w. record and his last win came when winning over this CD in the spring from Northern Empire (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan); there could be little in it now, but "cult" horse Pawan can never be underestimated at his favourite track, with owner/ trainer Ann Stokell as usual in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Silent Treatment - Alphabeth - Compton Ford
2.Race: Silent Wonder - Plotting - Risky Capital
3.Race: Minus Fifteen - Paraguay - Always A Rock
4.Race: Rowan Lodge - It`S Josr - Plumage
5.Race: Judge `N Jury - Pawan - Kay Two
6.Race: Mezzanisi - Precision Break - Reclamation
7.Race: Dan Chillingworth - Prime Factor - Aegean Pride

German runners at Nancy

Another huge invasion of French racing, this time at Nancy, by German-trained runners today. Albenga (Miroslav Rulec/ Jean-Michel Breux) runs in the opening 3yo claimer over 2400 metres at 14.05, and the same trainer and jockey are represented by Thanatos in the 1900 metres race for 3yo´s at 15.05, in which Dieter Fechner also saddles two runners, Indinero (Franck Foresi) and Pittoresco (Franck Blondel). In the hurdles race over 3800 metres at 15.35 there are two German runners, Karl Thomas´ Nardello (Paul Johnson) and Christian von der Recke´s Our First Chesnut (Jan Korpas), while there are three in the 2400 metres claimer half an hour later: Pennakar (Norbert Sauer), Absolom (Sarah Weis/ Davy Bonilla) and Wellango (Hans Blume/ Johan Victoire). Three more run in the 1950 metres handicap at 16.35, Royal Rainbow (Andreas Löwe/ Alxi Badel), Courthouse Steps (Fechner/ Blondel) and Allez Filly (Petr Olsanik/ Rene Campos), while Pesago (Christian Sprengel/ Dominique Boeuf) and Mi thrandir (Nina Bach/ Badel) contest the final 1350 metres handicap at 17.05. Our First Chesnut is our tip for the best German chance of the meeting. There is also N.H. racing at Enghien this afternoon and trotting this evening at Vincennes.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Bienvenido - Loumarie Jo - Tiepsian
2.Race: Princio De Juilley - Thury - Dragolino
3.Race: Midnight`s Child - Royale Again - Don Ramiro
4.Race: Super Solo - Our First Chesnut - Nardello
5.Race: Figo - Wellango - Double Vision
6.Race: Pauillac - Full On Magic - Villerin
7.Race: Veyron - Papi Fernand - House Blend
8.Race: Sisi De Pierrepont - Scarine - Toby Leger

French racing today

French racing today comes from Enghien (trotting) and Amiens (flat racing) and once again there are several German-trained runners. At Amiens, Miroslav Rulec saddles Princess Petra (Kati Werning), in a conditions race over 2200 metres for lady professionals at 14.05, and Champions Time (Maxime Guyon) in a 3yo mile race at 15.35. The latter race is also the target for Shivas (Toni Potters/ Christophe Soumillon) and Michael Trybuhl´s Kocham Cie (William Mongil), and the latter trainer/ jockey combination try again at 16.50 with Big Stormy Moon, who faces strong opposition from Don Carinio (Andreas Wöhler/ Eduardo Pedroza) , and Obelix (Erika Mäder/ Dominique Boeuf) among others. The consistent Don Carinio is possibly the best German bet of the day.

Betting forecast Enghien:
1.Race: Ultra Force - Zoogan - Oasis de Chenu
2.Race: Quessy du Cap Vert - Quetsche Marboula - Qualabria
3.Race: Quarla Du Pont - Queen du Loisir - Que Bella Dona
4.Race: Sissi de Joudes - Sirene Boreale - Suricate
5.Race: Obelix Pierji - Olgado - Lipouz Lesmelchen
6.Race: Quipson - Quickly D`Ombree - Quibala Street
7.Race: Pampero - Pixel Bellemare - Pitchpin Des Bois
8.Race: Rose des Landes - Radio Flash - Romane de l`Erdre
9.Race: Retz Du Lys - Raulin Captain - Rabirirus

French racing today

French racing today comes from Enghien (trotting) and Amiens (flat racing) and once again there are several German-trained runners. At Amiens, Miroslav Rulec saddles Princess Petra (Kati Werning), in a conditions race over 2200 metres for lady professionals at 14.05, and Champions Time (Maxime Guyon) in a 3yo mile race at 15.35. The latter race is also the target for Shivas (Toni Potters/ Christophe Soumillon) and Michael Trybuhl´s Kocham Cie (William Mongil), and the latter trainer/ jockey combination try again at 16.50 with Big Stormy Moon, who faces strong opposition from Don Carinio (Andreas Wöhler/ Eduardo Pedroza) , and Obelix (Erika Mäder/ Dominique Boeuf) among others. The consistent Don Carinio is possibly the best German bet of the day.

Betting forecast Enghien:
1.Race: Ultra Force - Zoogan - Oasis de Chenu
2.Race: Quessy du Cap Vert - Quetsche Marboula - Qualabria
3.Race: Quarla Du Pont - Queen du Loisir - Que Bella Dona
4.Race: Sissi de Joudes - Sirene Boreale - Suricate
5.Race: Obelix Pierji - Olgado - Lipouz Lesmelchen
6.Race: Quipson - Quickly D`Ombree - Quibala Street
7.Race: Pampero - Pixel Bellemare - Pitchpin Des Bois
8.Race: Rose des Landes - Radio Flash - Romane de l`Erdre
9.Race: Retz Du Lys - Raulin Captain - Rabirirus

Ireland today

A mixed meeting this afternoon at Roscommon, with 3 flat races and 4 N.H. Easily the best event on the card is the Grade Three novice chase over 2 miles at 17.45 CET, and it is quite possible that we shall see some of these 8 runners in much better races later on. Ex-German Kalderon (Tom Hogan/ Paul Carberry) was probably the best of these over hurdles, but only scrambled home on his first outing over fences, while Dreamy Gent (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) has aöready shown good chasing form. Holly Tree (Eamonn Sheehy/ Ruby Walsh) is also pretty smart, but has to give weight away all round. Noel Meade sent out his 2000th winner on Saturday, and can start the third thousand rolling with Gay Sloane (Paul Carberry) in the novoce hurdle at 18.45. Mst interesting runner on the flat is undoubtedly Teofilio´s own brother Slaney Wave (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who can take the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 16.45, as the form of his third place at Gowran Park last time is working out well.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Sioduil - Maziona - Adjaliya
2.Race: Slaney Wave - Matters At Hand - Dabista
3.Race: Noubian - Warrior Chief - Imperial Hills
4.Race: Valain - Dreamy Gent - Holly Tree
5.Race: She`S Supersonic - Doctor Woodfield - Tamayo
6.Race: Gay Sloane - Glenbarrow - Winterdown Star
7.Race: Hintsnallegations - Nivek`s Dream - Bwatuis

Bath, Brighton and Windsor

As so often, Monday´s racing in the U.K. is of very poor quality, and in fact almost every race at the 3 meetings is either class 5 or 6, the only exceptions being two class 4 events at Windsor. The first of them is a nursery (2yo) handicap over a mile at 17.30 CET. Richard Hannon, whose juveniles are in amazing form, and who won both the million euro races at the Curragh yesterday, saddles two runners here, Sequillo (Richard Hughes) and Hambledon Hill (Ryan Moore), but on recent form the two top-weights and last-time-out winners Brazilian Art (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) and Hurakan (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley) can be preferred. Ryan Moore probably has better prospects in the 10 furlongs handicap at 18.30, where he rides top-weight Cupid´s Glory for his father Gary. The form of his second place at Newbury 10 days ago, with several of these behind, looks good enough. Blessing (Jeremy Noseda/ Frankie Dettori) will probably be at a very cramped odds in the mile maiden at 1 8.00 but looks the best thing of the day. At Bath, there are 17 runners in the opening 2yo maiden at 15.10, but Brief Encounter (Andrew Bslding/ Liam Keniry) and Majestic Lady (Barry and Michael Hills) seem to stand out following their good recent runs. Keniry can also go closer in the stayers´ handicap an hour later on Milton Harris´ Pseudonym, a fair chaser who looks very well handicapped here. At Brighton, note should be taken of German-bred Napoletano (Simon Dow/ Ian Mongan), who runs his best races at this track. However his come from behind style could be a problem in this large field. There are also 16 runners in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.20, in which top-weight Azygous (Jon Akehurst/ Dane O´Neill) and Pic Up Sticks (Brendan Powell/ Freddie Tylicki) could both figure.

German runners in France today

With the huge "Arc" meeting due next week, there is no flat racing in the Paris area today, so the main action is trotting at Vincennes, while flat racing takes place in the provinces at Strasbourg. Just across the Rhine from Germany, this meeting has always attracted lots of German-trained runners and today is no exception with 25 Germans declared. There are no fewer than 10 of them (probably a record for a single race) in the claiming race over 2000 metres at 15.05; our choice is Dr. Bolte´s Genios (William Mongil). Half an hour later, in the featured listed race over 2100 metres, Dr. Bolte can strike again with Chiron (Jerome Lermyte), although oldtimer Simonas (Andreas Wöhler/ Alxi Badel) could win this if he is in the right mood.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Red Wolf - Applause - Lobau
2.Race: Synaptique - Sprint Car - Sable Des Ongrais
3.Race: Kaliyan - Claiborne - Genios
4.Race: Kocab - Marek - Daly Daly
5.Race: Kazoma Kate - Patanegra - Priodina
6.Race: Le Bazin - Mistral Boy - Mick Bonito
7.Race: I Will Survive - Chinaman - Pomerol
8.Race: Kalmuk - Lucy De Juilley - Avec Classe

Another big day at Ascot

The card on today´s third day of Ascot´s big September meeting is not as illustrious as yesterday, but is still pretty impressive, with two group races ad a listed race. Only 5 turn out for the Group Three Cumberland Lodge Stakes at 15.40 CET, which should go to Jeremy Noseda´s Sixties Icon (Frankie Dettori). However the Grpup Two Diadem Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.15 looks mch more competitive with 15 runners. Sir Gerry (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spencer) ran dismally in the July Cup last time, but his earlier third place over this CD at the Royal meetings gives him a good chance. However Richard Hannon, who could well enjoy a massive day (see the Curragh) has strong prospects here with Assertive (Ryan Moore), second to African Rose at Doncaster last time, and the consistent Edge Closer (Jimmy Fortune). The 9yo Distinction (ir Michael Stoute/ Ran Moore) loves it here and can repeat his 2007 victory in the listed 2 miles race at 17.25, where front-runner Tungsten Strike (Amanda Perrett/( Jim Crowley) should ensure a true-run race. Godolphin´s Sagara (Dettori) could win this at his best, but we are still waiting for a sign that the stable is coming into form.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Kensington Oval - Hatton Flight - Pevensey
2.Race: Sixties Icon - Galactic Star - Lion Sands
3.Race: Sir Gerry - Edge Closer - Lesson In Humility
4.Race: Secrecy - Liberation - Mister Dee Bee
5.Race: Balkan Knight - Distinction - Tungsten Strike
6.Race: Gold Sovereign - Curzon Prince - Extraterrestrial

Wöhler chases million pot at the Curragh

Whatever one thinks of the huge distorting amounts of prize-money available in sales races f0r 2yo´s, there is no doubt that they make for some very competitive racing and of course bring huge profits to the winning connections. The trw Goffs Million races today at the Curragh are cases in point, and it could well be that a large part of the huge pot will be on its way to Germany, as Andreas Wöhler´ s Mambo Light (Declan McDonogh) looks to have at least place prospects in the fillies race over 7 furlongs at 17.15 CET. She is qualified for this race by virtue of having been bought at Goffs last year for 325,000 euros. Placed on her first two starts in the spring, when trained by Paul Cole, Mambo Light, owned by the Russian Rashit Shaykutnikov, was transferred to Wöhler in the summer and ran a huge race when runner-up to Serienhöhe at Baden-Baden in the Maurice Lacroix-Trophy on his first outing for the Ravensberg trainer. Obviously this will not be a easy race to win with no f ewer than 25 runners, and we can be sure that they will all be trying! The two top-rated are Oui Say Oui (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) and Luminous Eyes (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), while Richard Hannon´s pair Baileys Cacao (Richard Hughes) and Minor Vamp(Mic Kinane) look the best of the British contingent. Hannon has long specialised in these races - winning one at Ascot 2 days ago - and can take the colts´ race at 15.55 with Soul City (Richard Hughes), although fellow-Brit Awinnersgame (Jeremy Noseda/ Mick Kinane) looks a big danger. These races are worth much more than the theoretical main feature, the Grpup Two Beresford Stakes for 2yo´s over a mile at 15.20, in which Aidan O´Brien saddles 3 of the 6 runners with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh aboard likely favourite Masterofthehorse; John Oxx´ Sea the Stars (Kinane) is the obvious danger.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Benbaun - Dohasa - Snaefell
2.Race: Sea The Stars - Masterofthehorse - Recharge
3.Race: Soul City - Awinnersgame - Alhaban
4.Race: Blas Ceoil - Chintz - Baliyana
5.Race: Oui Say Oui - Luminous Eyes - Baileys Cacao
6.Race: Connie Mac - Cristal Island - Pasar Silbano
7.Race: Muskatsturm - Perihelion - Ebadiyan

Ireland today

Some good racing also in Ireland, with flat racing at Gowran Park and N.H. racing at Navan. where there are huge fields - 4 of the 7 races have 30 runners! When Glad Lion won the Preis des Winterfavoriten in 2003, it could not hae been imagine that he would be running 5 years later in a modst maiden hurdle in Ireland, but that is the case. However he has obviously had major problems and seems to be totally out of form. He runs in the opening race at Navan at 15.40. The mares maiden hurdle here half an hour later can go to Michael Bowe´s Fair Ina, while Charlie Swan can take the featured 2 1/2 mile chase at 17.45 with Oodachee (David Casey). At Gowran Park, the Group Three fillies race over 9 1/2 furlongs at 17.30 is the main feature. This looks quite open, but Caribbean Sunset (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) looks best on form, having twice finished only 4 lengths behind Lush Lashes - in Group One races at Ascot and Leopardstown. Sir Mark Prescott has an excellent strike rate in I reland, so his Soft Morning (Declan McDonagh) is an obvious danger. Smullen can also go close with Austin Leahy´s Prince Igor in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.55.

Market Rasen (N.H.) and Great Leighs (a.w.)

Market Rasen this afternoon stages the best N.H. racing of the season so far, while this evening´s card at Great Leighs is also the best since the track opened in the spring. Where there is big money over jumps, Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh are never far away, and they can take the two top races at Market Rasen with Sendani in the handicap hurdle at 15.05 CET and Roby de Cimbre in the handicap chase at 16.15. However they are both very open races with large fields. As far as the future is concerned, the 3yo hurdle race at 15.40 could be the most significant event, as Alan King has targeted this race with his best juvenile hurdlers (Katchit and co) in previous years,and now sends Black Jacari (Robert Thornton) into the fray. King and Choc can follow up with Ouzbeck, unbaten in 3 chases so far, in the novice chase at 16.55. Great Leighs has been rewarded for their enterprise in staging 4 valuable conditions races as Breeders Cup trials this evening, even though Aidan O´Brien ha s decided against sending Duke of Marmalade and co. All 4 races are well contested and most of the top jockeys, Dettori, Moore, Spencer etc, will be travelling on from Ascot to take part. From the German point of view, the 1 miles 5 furlongs race at 21.50 looks the most interesting event, as it features Henry Cecil´s Tempelstern (Tom Queally), last seen in the Grosser Preis von Baden. This looks more his level, and as the admirable Hattan is likely to find the distance too far, Sir Michael Stoute´s Red Gala (Ryan Moore) looks the main danger

Chester and Haydock

There is also excellent flat racing, mainly at handicap level, at Haydock and Chester this afternoon, and both the class 2 sprint handicaps at Haydock look wide open. ver 6 furlongs at 16.00 CET, Joseph Henry (David Nicholls/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Bel Cantor (Bill Ratcliffe/ Kelly Harrison), third and fourth in the Ayr Silver Cup, but Musaleem (William Haggas/ Tony Culhane) could be the answer here. Haggas and Culhane also have prospects of landing the 5 furlongs race at 16.35 with Fyodor, but possibly Cheveton (Russell Price/ Jim Crowley), who won five in a row before finishing a close 5th in the Portland Handicap, will prove stronger. At Chester, the 10 furlongs at handicap for 3yo´s at 16.50 sees My Aunt Fanny (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry), unbeaten in two races this CD, and Deep Winter (Richard Fahey/ Duran Fentiman), winner of 4 of his last 5 races, facing Clive Brittain´s top-weight Bazergan (Chris Catlin), who has won his only start this year and is possibly much bet ter than a handicapper. With several front-runners in the field, the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.25 should be run at a furious pace, which could suit the come-from-behind runners such as Fathsta (Silvester Kirk/ Liam Keniry) and Guilded Warrior (Wilf Kittow/ Louis-Philippe Beuzelin)

Two Group Ones at Ascot

A magnificent days´s racing today with excellent cards, some huge fields and highly competitive racing at 7 British and Irish tracks, but pride of place clearly goes to Ascot, which stages a card as good as any at the Royal meeting. The Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at 17.15 CET looks to be the unofficial mile championship of the season, with the field of 7 headed by the two multiple Group One winners Henrythenavigator (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) and Tamayuz (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla). Both are accompanied by pacemakers, so the pace should be strong and a genuine result is in prospect. The only chance of a local win would appear to be John Gosden´s ultraconsistent Ravens Pass (Jimmy Fortune), but he is held on earlier form by both the principals. Bookies and punters seem unable to decide between the pair, and this is clearly a race to watch rather than bet on, but we have a tiny preference for the French challenger, who seems to have more scope for improvement. He nrythenavigaor, who flopped last time at Longchamp on unsuitably soft ground, has had several very hard races, but on the other hand is clearly a very smart performer from the almost unbeatable O´Brien team.The other Group One on the card is the Fillies Mile at 16.05, in which John Gosden´s Rainbow View (Jimmy Fortune) after winning all her 3 starts in impressive fashion; she is already clear favourite for next season´s 1,000 Guineas. The opposition is headed by two more unbeaten fillies, the Queen´s well-bred Golden Stream (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), and Luca Cumani s Fantasia, whose jockey Frankie Dettori had his best ever day when winning all 7 races at this meeting 12 years ago. The Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes for 2yo colts, also over a mile, is another good race, with Roger Charlton´s supplemented Cityscape (Steve Drowne), most impressive when winning at Salisbury ladt timer, and Mick Channon´s Orizaba (Frankie Dettori), a Goodwood Group Two winner last time over 7 furlongs, likely to be the main protagonists. The big betting race of the day is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.40 with 29 runners. The original favourite Giganticus (Barry and Michael Hills) is drawn 1, which may not be an advantage, as most of the other likelier candidates are drawn on the far side. The listed race for filies over 7 furlongs at 17.50 should lie between Majestic Roi (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland) and Crystany (Ed Dunlop/ Ran Moore), while the much-imprived Oat Cuisine (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) can complete a four-timer in the opening listed mile handicap for fillies at 14.55.

German runners at Saint-Cloud

The German-trained runners were out of luck yesterday at Maisons-Laffitte, but it could be a different story today at Saint-Cloud, where two listed races for 3yo fillies are the main features. Werner Baltromei, teaming up as usual with Dominique Boeuf, is represented in both, with Night Heart running in the 2400 metres race at 14.50 and Maquenada over a mile at 15.50. In the forme event, Night Heart faces a strong challenge from Marion Rotering´s Bella Amica (Johan Victoire) and the Hanover trainer also saddles Sapiranga over 2000 metres at 16.20 with Boeuf in the saddle. The other German runner is Zauberlehrling (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Alxi Badel) who goes foir the1300 metres handicap at 15.20.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Rock Fellow - Albahri - Cazoulinas
2.Race: Kirov - Tzar Du Frene - Quimanbo
3.Race: Alpine Rose - Myakoda - Mahaatheer
4.Race: Chicaya - Pic Three - Loup Normand
5.Race: Alsace - Caesarine - Blue Cayenne
6.Race: Aachen - Rock Soleil - Friston Forest
7.Race: Iruz - Major Wing - Mecky Boss
8.Race: Telma Des Aigles - Mister Jane - Gold Amber

Evening a.w. racing at Dundalk and Wolverhampton

There is also racing under floodlights on the all-weather this evening at Dundalk and Wolverhampton, with the Irish track having by far the better card. The listed race there over 10 1/2 furlongs at 21.40 has attracte 14 runners, including two from Aidan O´Brien - Zulu Chief, the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh, and King of Westphalia (Seamus Heffernan). The much-improved Fiery Lad (Ger Lyons/ Keagan Latham), who has won 4 f his last 5 races here, all over this trip, is an obvious danger, although he is moving up in grade, while consistent Mr. Medici (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) also has chances.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Aspectoflove - Douze Points - Sapphire Spray
2.Race: Calm Bay - Dreams Forever - Cool Tarifa
3.Race: Excellent Girl - Aadaat - Excelente
4.Race: Appraise - Call Me Al - The Brothers
5.Race: Cassique Lady - Fiery Lad - Zulu Chief
6.Race: Via Galilei - Lunduv - Stairway To Glory
7.Race: Dodder Walk - Dbest - Accompanist



Two likely short-priced favourites from big Newmarket stables who could oblige at Wolverhampton are Standpoint (Sir Michael Stoute/ Jamie Spencer) in the 2yo maiden at 20.20, and Reine de Violette (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) in the maiden for older horses over the same distance half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Welcome Approach - Billy Red - Casela Park
2.Race: Bundle Up - Crispian - River Kent
3.Race: Standpoint - Statute Book - Caerus
4.Race: Reine De Violette - El Fuser - Moscow Oznick
5.Race: Kingsholm - Franksalot - Ready To Crown
6.Race: Tevez - Title Role - Vineyard

Haydock and Southwell (N.H.)

Southwell today stages one of its few N.H. cards today, and Jazz Dance (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who runs in the opening handicap chase at 14.50 CET is an absolute specialist for this track, having won here 3 times already this year. The beginners chase over 3 miles at 15.25 looks interesting. Scots Dragoon (Nicky Henderson/ Felix de Giles) was only just touched off on his chasing debut and is well-related, but the two with the best pedigrees arethe German-breds Ladino (Sheena West/ Mark Bradburne), a 3/4 brother to Lando, and Vivando (Charlie Egerton/ Tony McCoy), whose dam is a half-sister to Silvano and Sabiango. The maiden hurdle at 16.35 can go to The Hairy Butt (Evan Williams/ McCoy), a decent bumper who was beaten in a photo on his hurdles debut. The flat card at Haydock this afternoon is less exciting, but Darryll Holland has two promising rides with Gay Kelleway´ s Stringsofmyheart in the 1 3/4 miles seller at 17.20 and Michael Dods´ Major Magpie in the mile handi cap at 17.55. Both of them run their best races for this jockey, in fact Holland is unbeaten in 4 races on Major Magpie.

Strong Ascot card

Ascot´s 3-day Festival of British Racing meeting starts today, and although the highlights are tomorrow (QE II etc), today´s card is also strong with some large fields and highly competitive racing. Best race on the card is the fillies listed event over 1 1/2 miles at 16.55 CET with 15 runners, which looks wide open. Crystal Capella (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is on a roll, having won her last 3 races, but is now stepping up in distance. Joint top-weights Ronaldsay (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Sell Out (Geoff Wragg/ Steve Drowne -needs rain)are both proven performers at this level and over this trip, while Ralph Beckett´s Hobby (Frankie Dettori) is also consistent and must be respected. The most interesting runner is possibly Michael Jarvis´ Island Vista (Philip Robinson), who has only run twice but looks very promising. The biggest field of the day(29!) and the most prize-money is in the Watership Ship Down sales race for 2yo fillies over 6 1/2 furlongs at 16.20 . Penny´s Gift (Hannon/ Hughes) looks outstanding here, having twice finished a close second in strongly-contested group races and despite the huge field is bound to be a warm favourite. Chris Wall´s Rafiqa (Alan Munro) was an easy nursery winner at Yarmouth last week, but this is obviously much tougher, while Crystal Moments (Ed Dunlop/ Eddie Aher), winner of 3 of her 4 starts, could also be placed. The 6 furlongs handicap at 15.45 has 18 runners, but again there is likely to be a clear favourite, Michael Jarvis´ Speedy Dollar, who beat better-rated opponents last week at Yarmouth on his first try at this distance.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fair Gale - Amanda Carter - Hustle
2.Race: Laddies Poker Two - Speedy Dollar - Masada
3.Race: Penny`s Gift - Foundation Room - Golden Destiny
4.Race: Crystal Capella - Hobby - Ronaldsay
5.Race: Victoria Reel - Cigalas - Thunder Gorge
6.Race: Optimus - Potentiale - Sporting Gesture

Prince Flori at Maisons-Laffitte

Main feature at Maisons-Laffitte today is the Group Three La Coupe over the straight 2000 metres at 15.50 CET, and there are high hopes of a German victory with Prince Flori (Sascha Smcrzek/ Andrasch Starke), who won the Spreti-Rennen at Baden-Baden last tme out. This straight 10 furlongs could be just the ticket the Lando colt and Andrasch Starke, who rode him at Baden-Baden, knows now how to ride him to best advantage. He is one of only 2 penalised runners in the field of 9, having won a group race this year, but most of the others are not up to this standard. There are plenty more German-trained runners on the card. Bebe Vettori (Waldemar Hickst/ Andreas Suborics), Ziethe (Andreas Trybuhl/ Christophe Lemaire) and Triple Beat (Mario Hofer/ Jean-Pierre Carvalho) all run in the opening tiercé handicap over a mile at 13.50. Werner Baltromei saddles Canall (Dominique Boeuf) in a race for unraced 2yo´s at 14.50 and Fever with the same jockey in a claiming race for 3yo´s over 120 0 metres at 16.20. The claiming race at 16.,50 is over the unusual distance of 800 metres, which could be just right for the tricky Omasheriff (Baltromei/ Boeuf), whose opponents include Zobel Davis (Stephan Buchner/ Subi) and Aradia (Werner Glanz/ Carvalho), while Dosimo (Buchner/ Subi) runs in the second division of the mile handicap at 17.20.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Djaroun - Kfar Yona - Je Trace
2.Race: Cafe Racer - Estoril City - Deaufils
3.Race: Arbat Bello - Glamstar - Polytechnicien
4.Race: Never Busy - Blue Fiji - Sienna May
5.Race: Stubbs Art - Prince Flori - Indian Choice
6.Race: Rauh - Signorsi - Delta Victoria
7.Race: Derison - Omasheriff - Jim De Fleur
8.Race: Major Cotil - Zitenly - Kendoroc

Pontefract and Great Leighs

There is flat racing this afternoon at Pontefract and this evening on the all-weather at Great Leighs. Unfortunately t now seems that Aidan O´Brien will not be sending Duke of Marmalade and other stars to Saturday evening´s big Breeders Cup trials at Great Leighs, but it was certainly an interesting idea. This evening´s card is very modest in comparison. The most interesting runner is Sir Mark Prescott´s Prescription (Jean-Pierre Guillambert) who goes for a quick four-timer in the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.50 CET. She is a late starter but has won her last 3 races so easily- most recently on Monday- that she should have no trouble in defying top weight here. At Pontefract, the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.00 offers its usual pouzzl with 16 runners. Mr. Wolf (David Barker/ Tony Hamilton) rns his best races here, where he has 5 victories to his credit, but hat-trick seeking Arganil (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) has only a 6 lbs penalöty for an easy win last week at Beverley and looks the one to beat. The class 2 handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.3o should chiefly concern Mark Johnston´s front-runner Luberon (Joe Fanning) and Sir Michael Stoute´s improving 3yo Ascot Lime (Ryan Moore). Stoute and Moore can double up on the following mile maiden with Custody, who is likely to start at very short odds. German-bred Princess Flame (Brendan Powell/ Kylie Manser) was an easy CD winner with this rider last week and can follow up under a penalty in the apprentice handicap at 18.30

N.H. racing at Perth and Fontwell

Autumn is here and today there are 2 N.H. meetings - in Scotland at Perth and in the extremem south of England at Fontwell. At the latter course the beginners chase over 2 1/4 miles at 16.10 CET looks interesting. Jamie Snowden was for a long time assistant to Nicky Henderson, and how he takes on his old boss by saddling Lester Leaps IN (Tom Scudamore) to take on Ingratitude (Tony McCoy). Both look useful recruits based on their hurdle form and could fight out the finish; German-breds Moon Star (Paul Blockly/ Michael Murphy) and Sternenzelt (Sam Lycett/ Willie McCarthy) will need to improve to get a look-in here. Some very competitive handicaps also at Fontwell, for example the 2 3/4 miles hurdle race at 17.10. Archduke Ferdinand, representing the powerful Alan King/ Robert Thornton team, is in good form, but has to give weight to such as Strong Coffee (Oliver Sherwood/ Dominic Elsworth), still a maiden but who ran an excellent race here in the spring, and the consistent Alec ia (Brendan Powell/ James Davies). Nigel Twiston-Davies is usually the trainer to follow at this Perth meeting, and although he had only one winner yesterday, things could go better this time. Crescent Island in the novice chase at 15.50, and Asud with top-weight in the handicap chase at 16.50, both with Paddy Brennan in the saddle, are coming back from a long break but could well outclass the opposition here. Howard Johnson´s string is coming into form, and he can take the handicap hurdle at 17.20 with top-weight and well-bred Sculastic (Colin Gillies).

N.H. racing at Perth and Downpatrick

the best race at the Scottish N.H. track of Perth today is the class 3 handicap chase over 3 miles at 17.10 CET. Top-weight Santando (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) had some good form i2007, but showed little in his 2 recent starts after a long layoff, while Minellla Tipperary (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has not run since the spring and Golden Child (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) has been off for even longer. With question marks over these, perhaps the consistent and fit course specialist Catch the Perk (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) is ther safest option. Tom Gweorge ad Tony McCoy team up twice with good prospects - with Carthy Cross, runner-up nofour times running, in the novice handicap chase at 16.00, and Pas de Baratin in the maiden hurdle at 18.50; this ones makes his British debut after finishing 3rd of 15 last time out at Enghien. German-bred Herakles (Michael Mullineaux/ Tony McCoy) has a good each-way chance in the 3 miles handicap hurdle at 18.20. At Dow npatrick in Northern Ireland there is a mixed card, with 5 N.H. races and two flat races - both handicaps for apprentices. Dancera (Mervyn Torreens/ Shane Grey) could run well in the 1 1/2 miles race at 16.15.

Listed race at Goodwood

there are some large fields at Goodwood today, but only 7 turn out for the main feature, a listed race over 10 furlongs at 17.20 CET, two of them trained by Henry Cecil: Many Volumes (Ted Durcan) and Tranquil Tiger (Tom Queally). Both are consistent performers at this level, though jockey bookings sugest that the former is the stable´s main hope. Godolphin´s Meydan City (Frankie Dettori) is the only 3yo in the field, and is probably well up to this standard (he certainly cost enough - $ 11.7 million!) but the stable continues to be out of form. The interesting one here is Luca Cumani´s Purple Moon (Jamie Spencer - his first ride for thre stable in some time), who won the Ebor last year but has not been out since running in the Melbourne Cup last November. After this long break, and over a trip short of his best, he is probably best watched today. Cecil and Queally can also go close in the 11 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.55 with Tomintoul Flyer, just run out of it over a furlong further last week at Beverley. There are also large fields at Redcar, with 20 runners in the claiming race over the straight mile at 16.25. Top-weight Royal Dignitary (David and Adrian Nicholls), who has won 4 of his last 5 races, is clearly the one to beat here, but William Haggas´ Very Wise (Joe Fanning) could be interesting dropping in grade here, after making little show in some hot handicaps recently.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Appraisal - Tarzan - Sairaam
2.Race: Zebrano - Admiral Sandhoe - Flute Magic
3.Race: Headline Act - Heliodor - Supernoverre
4.Race: King`S Wonder - Charles Darwin - Patavium Prince
5.Race: Many Volumes - Purple Moon - Tranquil Tiger
6.Race: Thumbs Up - Isle Of Capri - Tomintoul Flyer
7.Race: Moville - Adorabella - Roodolph
8.Race: Compton Rose - Blessed Place - Enodoc

German runners at Chantilly

Three German-trained runners this afternoon at Chantilly. Jive (Horst Steinmetz/ Dominique Boeuf) runs in the opening tiercé handicap over 1600 metres; Jive is in good form, but faces very tough opposition here. Topkapi Diamond (Erturk Kurdu/ Henk Grewe) has been declared for the 1400 metres race for 3yo´s at 15.50, while Werner Baltromei´s Delano (Boeuf) runs in the 2000 metres handicap at 16.30.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Panichop - Rudra - Miss Money Penny
2.Race: Sylverina - Unepetitehistoire - Piste Perdue
3.Race: French Charm - Niamey - Ponte Di Legno
4.Race: Stricke - Madragan - Handsome Maestro
5.Race: Japan - Taking Part - Artic Cry
6.Race: Golden Memory - Nashaman - Play It Again
7.Race: Schomir - Fitell - Monsieur Bay
8.Race: Berina - In Tempo - Red Tulip



There is also N.H. racing this afternoon at Dieppe and this evening trotting from Vincennes.

Beverley and Folkestone

Once again some maonly low level flat racing today at Beverley, where the going is good to soft, and Folkkestone (good to firm). The most interesting rae f thre afternoon is the 5 furlongs conditions race at 15.30 CET at Beverley. The two highest-rated runners here are Hoh Mike (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) and Oldjoesaid (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Nerill). Hoh Mike has plenty of ability, but does not always impress with his attitude; he has not won for 15 months, but ran well in a sumilar event last time oiut over 6 furlongs and this trip suits him much better. Oldjoesaid is a top sprint handicapper and his fourth place in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster (Fullanby and Strike up the Band well held on that form) reads well in this context, However the lightly-weighted Mazila (David Nicholls/ Silvestre de Sousa) looks a big danger. The 7 1/2 furlongs handicap here at 16.30 looks very open with 14 runners. Oshiwonka (David and Adrian Nicholls) was a narrow winner of a similar race this CD a month ago, with Handsome Falcon (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki) - a winner since- and Jonny Lesters Hair (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) close up in second and third, and there should be little between them again, Inconsistent front-runner Nuit Sombre (Geoff Harker/ Silvestre de Sousa) is an interesting outsider, having won this race last year. At Folkestone, Anne of Kiev (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) looks the best thing of the day in the maiden race at 16.20; she made an excellent belate seasonal debut a month ago after a long layoff and appears to have little to beat now. There are only 5 runners in the class 3 handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 17.50, with Howdigo (John Best/ Ryan Noore) and Timocracy (Mark Johnston/ William Buick), both runners-up last week in bettercompany, holding the strongest credentials. The 10 furlongs handicap at 17.20 is more tricky, although Luca Cumani´s Celt (Ryan Moore), an easy CD winner last time iut, is the obvious faviurite. The interest ing one here is Michael Jarvis´ Sortita (Martin Dwyer), who flopped on the all-weather last time, but had earlier won a maiden race in great style. She is an own-sister to German classic winners Samum, Schiaparelli and Salve Regina, but the fast going today may not be in her favour.

N.H. racing at Sedgefield

Tony McCoy, as so often, looks the jockey to follow at Sedgefield and could easily score a hat-trick. He rode te Irish-trained Supreme Being to an easy win at Newton Abbot last time oiut, and this one could well defy a penalty in the selling hurdle at 16.10 CET. Mycoy also has excellent prospects in te two divisions of the maiden hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong. At 16.40 he partners another Irish-trained runner Shareva, on whom he won a bumper in the summer, and at 17.40 Vincenzio for Cahrlie Egerton; this expensive and well-bred colt was a total isappointment on the flat, but he is in the right hands and it coulod be that he will find his true metier as a hurdler. Another debutant, George Moore´s Numero Due ( Barry Keniry), who had better flat form, is the obvious danger.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Colorado Blue - Harrison`S Star - Gulf Coast
2.Race: Ellerslie Tom - Roman Villa - Film Festival
3.Race: Supreme Being - Monsieur - Lord On The Run
4.Race: Sharevar - Mutual Respect - Terenzium
5.Race: Golden Feather - I`M Your Man - Blast The Past
6.Race: Vincenzio - Numero Due - Black Mogul
7.Race: Aladdins Cave - Runaround Sue - Breaking Storm

French racing today

An unusual mixed meeting today in Craon, with flat racing, N.H. racing and trotting all on one card. The main event is a listed race on the flat over 1650 metres at 14.20, in which André Fabre holds a strong hand with Baron Ullmann´s Salden Licht (Johan Victoire) and World Ruler (Stephane Pasquier). Main danger is Jean-Clkaude Rouget´s Gris Tendre (Ioritz Mendizibal), who had smart form at the winter meeting at Cagnes sur merde, but has hardly raced since.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Graine De Tempete - Fast Lane Lili - Sweet Baby Doll
2.Race: Chopastair - Salden Licht - Gris Tendre
3.Race: Quelene Des Landes - Quid De Pintignies - Que d`Oseille
4.Race: Vital Body - Houblonniere - Savoie
5.Race: Nana du Las Vegas - Kocabar - Panache de l`Iton
6.Race: Souri Des Champs - Papillon Rouge - Alfieri
7.Race: Dubai Queen - Khajuraho - Praxithea
8.Race: Prologue Gede - Peon For Clara - Ouf Boy
9.Race: Quitou Pierji - Quarelle De Rose - Quicker Du Closet

Irish racing at Ballinrobe

Huge fields today at the mixed meeting at Ballinrobe, with 4 flat races and two each over hurdles and fences. Top-weight Casadei (Tom McCourt/ Paul Townend) is very consistent and likes this track; he rates an each-way bet in the handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 17.35 CET. Half an hour later, Quinmaster (Mike Halford/ Paddy Flood), a smart flat performer who was rather disappointing over hurdles, can win on his chasing debut, while top-weight Oxalido (Seamus O´Donnell/ Andrew J.McNamara), looks the one to beat in the handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 19.05. The lightly-raced 6yo has won his last 3 races, all here and the last two over this distance as well, and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Holly Hill - Just Like Ivy - Imperial Belle
2.Race: Patio - Ready To Rocknroll - Unquenchable Fire
3.Race: Derrymore Dawn - Danticat - Torina
4.Race: Tipper Road - Rajik - Princess Nicole
5.Race: Casadei - Tubber Gael Holly - Another Biffo
6.Race: Keaveney - Quinmaster - Berkerys Treasure
7.Race: Total Excitement - Helvic Head - The Boxer Coffey
8.Race: Oxalido - Lucky At Last - Yachvili

Hamilton, Kempton and Leicester

Typical Monday fare today, with some large fields but mainly very moderate sport. Best race at Hamilton, where the ground will again be very testing, is the class 3 handicap for fillies over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET. The lightly-raced Prescription (Sir Mark Prescott/ Daragh O´Donohoe) is the obvious favourite here; she trotted up last week at Great Leighs last week and races off the same mark now. Artistic License (Mick Channon/ Tony Culhane), who also won at Great Leighs a week ago, and Swift Princess (Karl Burke/ Andrew Elliott), who will like the ground, can chase her home. Main feature at Leiceste is the class 4 handicap over 5 furlongs at 16.20. This looks wide open, and all 11 runners are in with a chance, from top-weight The Jobber,a winner of a similar race last week at Yarmouth, to bottom-weight Cape Royal (Milton Bradley/ Pat Cosgrave), a bit inconsistent these days but certainly capable of winning off this mark. The two to concentrate on could be the consistent Equu ileus Pictor (Jon Spearing/ Jack Dean), just behind The Jobber last time and now 4 lbs better off, and Rasaman (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), 2nd of 20 last time at Doncaster, with The Jobber held. At Kempton´s all-weather fixture, the class 3 handicap ovedr a miöe and a half which closes the card at 18.30 looks very competitive. Detonator (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley), whose stable is in terrific form, is unbeaten on the all-weather but has a huge weight for a 3yo. Times Vital (Eoghan O´Neill/ Dean McKeown) beat a large field at Newbury on Friday, and Art Man (Gary and Ryan Moore) also has a great all-wearher record - 5 wins from 9 starts, but all at shorter distances. Hatton Flight (Adrew Balding/ William Buick) was a CD winner last year, but his rating has since shot up after winning 4 successive races in the summer, all on turf.

Hamilton, Plumpton and Uttoxeter

Very poor racing today in the U.K. and nothing at all in Ireland. The ground is on the firm side at the two N.H. meetings at Plumpton and Uttoxeter, with most of the leading jockeys at the latter track. Tony McCoy can take the featiure race there, a class 3 handicap chase at 17.50 CET over 2 miles 5 furlongs with the much imprivced Keepitsecret for Jonjo O´Neill. He ha won his last two races in a canter and although he hs taken a bug hike in the weights as a result can go in again at the main expense of Venetia Williams´ consistent Fantastic rts (Sam Thomas) and Borora (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste), who won on his only previous race here. The novice case over 2 miles at 16.50 looks interesting; Chrysander (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) has shown generally good form this summere, winning twice, but as a result has to give a stone to the useful ex-German Cortinas (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who is making his debut over fences.

At Plumpton, the main race is a class 3 handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 16.30, in whic the consistent Mizen Raven (Alison Thorpe/ Christian Williams) seems the logical choice. Last-time-.out winner Jazz Dance (Charlie Mann/ David Crosse) is respected, but is held on earlier form by Gary Moore´s Kings Head, ridden by trainer´s son Jamie, and this firm ground specialist looks the main danger. The novice hurdle at 16.00 looks a very weak race, in which case German-bred Passato (Jo Davies/ Mark Grant) could be an interesting each-way bet. The Scottish circuit continues with flat racing at Hamilton, where the groud is still very soft. 6 runners are declared in the class 2 conditions race over 6 furlongs at 17.10, but two of them, Knot in Wood (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) and Burnwynd Boy (Linda Perratt/ Tom Eaves) ran in yesterday´s Ayr Gold Cup. If Knot in Wood, who finished fourth, turns out again, he can hardly lose this, while Burnwynd Boy finbished stone last. In their absen ce, Ponty Rossa (Tim Easterby/ Royston French) is the likely winner, thoigh he has not run since taking a listed race 15 months ago. Ffrench has another good chance on Alan Swinbank´s Merchant of Dubai in the 1 mile 5 furlongs handicap at 17.40; he won so easily at Musselburgh last Monday that a 6 lbs penalty seems unlikely to stop him scoring again.

France today

The big fixture in France today is the trotting meeting at Vincennes, but there is also a mixed meeting from Craon, where there is a German-trained runner, Andreas Wöhler´s All the Winds (Johan Victoire), who contests a conditions race for 3yo´s over 2200 metres at 17.15. Earlier in the season, he was regarded as a serious Derby hope, but he has been a big disappintment so far; at his best, he should surely win this, but his frequent failures are a warning to punters that he is no certainty.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Surdoue - Synerana - Snow Valley
2.Race: Quecy de Chadzeau - Hollywood Express - Maxedy
3.Race: Santa Locaya - Treize Heureux - Shepton Mallet
4.Race: Xaar Moriniere - Ian de Brion - Korigan De Sourdon
5.Race: Holstar - Calicon - Monardia
6.Race: New Rock - Jam Fast - Iclan De Molieres
7.Race: Rayla d`Ortige - All The Winds - Caid Ali
8.Race: Le Prefet - Karsch - For Woolly

German runners at Longchamp

main event at Longchamp today is the Group Three Prix du Prince d´Orange for 3yo´s over 2000 metres at 17.10 CET with 8 runners, 2 of them trained in Germany: Akiem (Andreas Löwe/ Abdreas Suborics), who has been a bit disappintin since his good run in the Union-Rennen, and the filly Ashantee (Mirek Rulec/ Daniele Porcu), winner of a filles´ group three at Bremen last time. Best of the locals appears to be André Fabre´s Russian Cross (Stephane Pasquier), while Paul Cole´s River Proud (Olivier Peslier) is a dangerous British raider. Other German runners on the card are: König Bernand (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) in the 2yo mile maiden at 14.15, Austrian Airlines (Baltromei/ Boeuf) and La Julie (Löwe/ Subi) in a similar race for fillies at 16.35, and Ottomax (Löwe/ Subi) in a conditions race for 3yo fillies over 1800 metres at 15.25.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Media Giant - Serpotta - Dovil Boy
2.Race: God`s County - Marie`s Rights - Macondo
3.Race: Cherry Linx - Ballerina Blue - Ottomax
4.Race: Naval Officer - Topclas - Canwinn
5.Race: Prophecie - Land of Wilkes - La Milanesa
6.Race: Russian Cross - Never On Sunday - Akiem
7.Race: Idomeneo - You Wait - Royal Bridge
8.Race: Slick The Dreamer - New Best - Dream Venture

Catterick, Newmarket and Wolverhampton

The remaining 3 meetings toda in the U.K. are relatively modest, even Newmarket, whose card is certanly weak for a Saturay. Best race here is the class 2 handicap for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.50, where 6 of the 9 runners are last-time-out winners. Grande Annee (Jeremy Noseda/ Tom Queally), after winning three successie races over a mile, is now stepping up in distance, while Deep Winter (Richatrd Fahey/ Dale Gibson), winner of 4 of his last 5, is stepping up in grade. Darryll Holland is having a good run and perhaps he can control the race from the front on the grey Midships (Amanda Perrett). The 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.35 at Cattrerick has only 7 runners but still looks very tricky. Alan Swinbank´s Another Moment (PJ McDonald) has good bumper form and was a narrow winner of his only race on the flat; he could be anything, but consistent Shady Gloom (Kevin Ryan/ Joe Fanning) looks the more reliable bet. At Wolverhampton´s all-weathe evening meeting, Stan Moore´s Fullbac k (Liam Keniry) can finally get off the mark in the 2yo maiden at 20.50 after finishing second on all four races so far, but Ascendant (Sir Mark Prescott/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) looks a big threat.

Group races at Newbury

The best British meeting this afternoon outside Ayr is clearly Newbury, were there are some large fields, very competitive handicaps, and two group races. The Group Two race over 6 furlongs for 3y´s at 15.35 CET sees a renwed clash between Gallagher (Brian Meehan/ Jimmy Fortune) and Lord Shanakill (Karl Burke/ Jim Crowley), who fonished second and third in the Prix Morny at Deauville. Gallagher, who was also a clse second in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, is the logical choice, but the Burke runner is very reliable and should not be far away. The 5 furlongs race at 16.45 sees several of the country´s fastest horses in action, notably the very speedy Enticing (William Haggas/ Liam Jones) and Alan Berry´s 3yo filly Look Busy (Slade O´Hara), unbeate in her last 6 races over this trip. Galeota (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) was back to form with a narrow win at Doncaster last week from Andrew Balding´s Loch Verdi, but it would be no surprise to see the latter reverse the form now that she is ridden by Frankie Dettori, who had such a successful partnership with her dam Lochsong ("Lynford Christie without the lunchbox"). However one that should not be left out is Linda Jewell´s Rowe Park, who sprang a 25-1 shock in this race last year, beating Enticing among others.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Holyrood - Legislate - Nicky Nutjob
2.Race: Nasri - Definightly - Tishtar
3.Race: Gallagher - Damien - Icesolator
4.Race: Ask The Butler - Rose Street - Siberian Tiger
5.Race: Enticing - Look Busy - Galeota
6.Race: Al Marmoom - Splendorinthegrass - Sky Gate
7.Race: Yaddree - Igor Protti - Acclaimed
8.Race: Manhattan Dream - Billberry - Mazaris

Ayr Gold Cup

The Ayr Gold Cup, to be run this afternoon at 16.30 CET at Ayr, is not only the richest race in Scotland, but also one of the biggest betting races of the year. With a maximum field of 27, this year´s edition of this 6 furlongs handicap looks as wide open as ever. The effect of the draw remains an unknown factor; yesterday´s running of the Silver Cup saw horses drawn low (inside) doninating the finish, although the normal view is that the stands side (high numbers) hae the advantage. It could well be that there is on this heavy ground no advantage to either side, and that the best horse on the day will be returned the winner, which is as it should be. It is even possible that a horse in the middle of the track can come out on top, for example the ex-German Raptor (Richard Mullen), one of 3 runners from the Karl Burke stable; however the betting suggests that Confuchias (Jamie Morierty), drawn 26, is the stable´s main hope. Another trainer to go mob-handed into this race is D avid Nicholls, who has an excellent record here and now saddles 6 runners. Possibly Valery Borsov (Franny Norton), drawn 7, is the best of this yard´s runners, although there is litlle between him and Tajneed, ridden by trainer´s son Adrian on their Ripon running. Kevin Ryan has his string in tremendous form and Advanced, drawn 3, one of his 3 runners and last year´s winner, looks the likely favourite with stable jockey Neil Callan in the saddle; however his German pedigree does not suggest that he will handle this ground. Fonthill Road (Freddie Tylicki) won this in 2006 but in another who would prefer better going. At the likely odds Raptor, who ran a great race in the spring in Ireland against Snaefell on very heavy ground, could be worth a small each-way bet. Also at Ayr there is a Group Three for 32yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 15.20 with 15 runners. Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Robert Winston), who ran well whe a close 4th of 12 in a similar race at Doncaster over 5 furlongs, is the likely favourite here. The listed race over 1 furlons at 17.40 is also tricky, but the three 3yo´s in the field, Redolent (Richard Hannon/ Eddie Ahern), runner-up at Baden-Baden last time, Perks (John Dunlop/ Jimmy Quinn) and Lady Deauville (Paul Blockley/ Franny Norton) all go well on the ground and could have the finish between them.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Mannlichen - More Than Many - Woteva
2.Race: Danehill Destiny - Danidh Dubai - Sneak Preview
3.Race: Zero Tolerance - Underworld - Osteopathic Remedy
4.Race: Valery Borzov - Advanced - Confuchias
5.Race: Kings Point - Amicus Meus - Against The Grain
6.Race: Perks - Lady Deauville - Bushman
7.Race: Torphichen - Tarkheena Prince - Gordonsville
8.Race: Persian Peril - Freeloader - Wind Shuffle

French racing today

There is a mixed flat and N.H. meeting at Lyon-Parilly today, as well as trotting from Bordeaux (afternoon) and Vincennes (evening). Connie Brandstätter send two runners to Lyon, the consistent Auenlove (Alxi Badel), who should certainly finish in the money in the opening conditions race over 2400 metres at 14.05, as there are only 5 runners, and Beau Marchand (Johan Victoire), who faces 14 opponents in the 3yo handicap over 2200 metres at 15.35. Best race on the card is the listed Criterium de Lyon for 2yo´s over 1600 metres at 15.05; this looks quite open, but Goodbye my Friend (Nicolas Clement/ Thierry Thulliez) certainly deserves to win, having finished runner-up now five times running.

all 2yo card at Newmarket

Newmarket today stages its most unusual race meeting of the year - all 7 races are for 2yo´s only, and the large fields show just how much these juvenile races are needed in the autumn. With huge numbers of newcomers and unexposed types entered, punting will not be easy, but two possible winners are Bounty Box (Jack Mitchell) in the opening 6 furlongs maiden at 14.55 CET, as his trainer Chris Wall has his 2yo´s in top form at the moment, and Summers Target (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer) in the 7 furlongs maiden at 16.40; he has twice finished runner-up in good company and can make it third time lucky here. Meehan and Spencer should also go close with Absent Pleasure in the nursery handicap at 16.05, but that race looks much more open.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Sayif - The Hague - Shabib
2.Race: Midday - Three Moons - Featherweight
3.Race: Kings Troop - Perfect Citizen - Swingfire
4.Race: Summers Target - Twisted - Howard
5.Race: Bravo Echo - Dubai Echo - Kyleene
6.Race: Tudor Key - Dreamwalk - Opinion Poll
7.Race: Lethal Glaze - One Cool Kitty - Russian Art

Irish racing today

The Listowel meetimg continues today, the fourth day of its Harvest Festival, while there is also all-wearher flat racing under floodlights at Dundalk this evening. The best race at Listowel, where the going is still very soft, is the valuable handicap chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 17.10 CET. Holly Tree (Eamonn Sheehy/ SW Flanagan was a very easy winner here yesterday and has obvious prospects if he turns out again under a penalty. Top-weight Reisk Superman (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh) is the likelyx favourite, but is not certain to be able to give weight to the last-time-.out winners Lukie Victor (Jessica Harrington/ Andrew Liegh) and Grapevine Sally (Edward O´Grady/ Denis O´Regan). At Dundalk, Grand Opera (Gordon Elliott/ Declan McDonough) was a very easy winner on the beach at Laytown last week and can follow up under a 6 lb penalty in the mile handicap at 20.40. The conditions race over 1 1/2 miles at 22.10 looks between Ghimaar (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullern) and Zafayra (Jo hn Oxx/ Mick Kinane); they finished 3rd and 6th in a listed race behind Aidan O´Brien´s Honoria 11 days ago, but on this surface the Oxc filly can come out on top.

Ayr and Newbury

Both Ayr and Newbury stage good cards today, although tomorrow´s fixtures are even stronger. At Ayr on the second day of the Western meeting, the Ayr Silver Cup at 17.40 CET is the days big betting race. With 27 runners in this 6 furlongs handicap that did not make the cur for tomorrow´s Gold Cup, this is a typically wide open sprint, made more difficult by the uncertain effects if the draw (high numbers possibly favoured, but not necessarily), by the fact that many of thse horses hae run against each other already several times, notably last week at Doncaster, and by the fact that the two top trainers for suc events, David Nicholls and Richard Fahey, each saddle 5 runners. In that Doncaster event, Nicholls´ Gift Horse (Lance Betts) and Joseoh Henry (Silvestre de Sousa) finished second and third, but iut could well be that Northern Dare, well behind that day, could come out on top this time; he is the choice of Nicholls´son Adrian and always runs well at Ayr.

Fahey´s best chance should be the consistent Harrison George with stable jockey Paul Hanagan up, while Ralph Beckett´s Mullein (Richard Kingscote) could well start favourite; however this lightly-raced 3yo filly, an impressive Windsor winner last time, looks rather inexperienced for a race of this type. At Newbury, the grandly-named Arc Trial, a Group Three over 11 furlongs at 15.40, will certainly have no bearing at all on the Longchamp race in 16 days, but is still an interesting event. Henry cecil´s Multidimensional (Tom Queally)has not really lived up to expectations, but ran a good race when 4th to New Approahc in Irelabd last time, and is the obvious form choice. Both Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott) and Blue Monday (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) have won this race before and should not be underestimated, while Spanish Moon (Sir Michael Stiute/ Ryan Moore) is inconsistent but good enough on his day. However regime (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) looks the best each-way alternative. The class 2 conditions race over a mile at 16.20 has been won by some top performers in the past, but this renewallooks sub-standard. However it offers a good opportunity to Full Toss (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) to keep up the good run this season of his owner, H.M. the Queen. The listed race over 7 furloings at 15.10 has a huge field, but easily the most interesting runner is Mike de Kock´s Royal Vintage (Kevin Shea), who had excellent form at Dubai´s Racing Carnival but has not been since. Hotel du Cap (Geoff Wragg/ Steve Drowne) won this race last year last year and would be a hugely popular winner, as his veteran and much-respected trainer is soon to retire after a lifetime in racing.

German runners at Chantilly

three PMU meetings in France today, with trotting at Vincennes, starting at 13.50 CET, a late afternoon flat meeting at Chantilly (first race: 15.35) and evening trotting from Vichy. The card at Chantilly is mainly low grade and made up of claining races and poor handicaps. The best race is the 1100 metres event for 3yo´s at 17.05, a "B" race, for which Dieter Fechner´s Castiglione (Dominique Boeuf) has been declared; he is a decent performer but meets very strong opposition here. Norbert Sauer´s French Kiss runs in the opening race, a 1600 metres claimer for 2yo´s for apprentice jockeys with Williams Saraiva in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Karagem Summit - Milreves - Liddal
2.Race: Okabelle - Capricieuse Bleue - Tessalha
3.Race: Benaojan - Grisant - Valdivia
4.Race: Tayseer - Elusif - Rey Davis
5.Race: Chirango - Pouvoir Absolu - Touch Of Pep
6.Race: Miss Maybe - Cross My Heart - Becqua Rocket
7.Race: Sledgehammer - Montanaro - Lou Lady
8.Race: Lehera - L`An Deux - Carlix

Pontefract, Yarmouth and Great Leighs.

The final day of Yarmouth´s three-day meeting features a class 2 handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 17.10 CET, and two lightly-weighted 3yo´s could possibly have the race between them - Luca Cumani´s Kossack (Tom Queally), a brother to St.Leger winner Milan. and Marco Botti´s Fiulin (Ted Durcan). Best of the older horses should be Harry Tracker (Gary and Ryan Moore), who has however not run since falling in a Cheltenham hurdles race in April, and Jagger (Ger Butler/ Tolley Dean), an easy all-weather winner last time out. At Pontefract, the fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.00 is the most interesting event. Misphire (Michael Dods/ Tom Eaves), a CD winner who ran well at Haydock on Tuesday, Persian Sea (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), dropping down in distance, and especially Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Franny Norton), who has already won 3 times this year, look the three likeliest candidates. By far the most fascinating race at this evening´s all-weather meeting at Great Leighs is the mile maiden at 21.20 with 16 runners, which features a strong challenge from some expensive and well-bred Maktoum family runners. Godolphin are doubly represented, with Plavius, a $ 9.2. million yearling who has so far compleely failed to live up to expectations, the mount of Frankie Dettori, and debutant Alqaafay, a snip at 600,000 euros, partnered by Ted Durcan. Haman al Maktoum also has two runners, Mutawahej (John Gosden/ Martin Dwyer), who cost over $3 million, and Qeyaada (Ed Dunlop/ Tom McLaughlin), while Gosden also saddles Princess Haya´s Red Jade (Jimmy Fortune). The race is worth about 5,000 euros to the winner, a drop in the ocean compared to the values put on these runners a year or so ago.

Meetings at Ayr and Listowel

The three-day September meeting at Ayr gets under way today, although the big races, such as the Ayr Gold Cup, will be run on Saturday. Best race today is the class 2 handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.20CET, which looks wide open and all 8 runners hold some sort of a chance. The super-consistent Allied Powers (Michael Bell/ Micky Fenton) seems sure to start favourite following his narrow defeat at Doncaster last week, while top-weight Capable Guest (Mick Channon/ Matthew Davies) ran a good race at Goodwood on Sunday but is not the most reliable. With the ground expected to ride heavy, Best Prospect (Michael Dods/ Paul Hanagan), Bue Spinnaker (Mick Easterby/ Paul Mulrennan) and Wigwam Willie (Kevin Ryan/ Callan), who all go well in these conditions, must all be considered. However Wigwam Willie fares, Kevin Ryan and Neil Callan, who are in great form at the moment, should not go hime emoty-handed as the in-foal mare She´s Our Lass looks a good thing to win the 10 bfurlongs selle r at 16.50. Meanwhile at Listowel in Ireland, the harvest festival meeting continues with 7 N.H. races; the ground looked terrible yesterday and can hardly be any better today. Most valuable race on the card is the handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 16.55. Mudslinger (Paul Nolan/ APCawley) just beat Finns Cross (Seamus Lynch/ EC McCarthy) last time out, but there should be little in it today, while bottom-weight Erra Go On (GT Lynch/ Andrew Leigh) looks very dangerous. The following beginners chase over 2 3/4 miles should concern mainly Parsons Pistol (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and War Officer (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), both ex-point to pointers.

French racing today

there is N.H. racing this afternoon at Aueteuil and flat racing from La Capelle. Today´s star is likely to be the top chaser Princess d´Anjou (FM Cottin/ Philip Carberry), who runs over hurdles in the Prix de Compiegne at 16.35 as part of her preparation for the autumn´s big steeplechases. Cottin can also win the day´s other main event, the Prix Edmond Barrachini fr 4yo´s at 15.35, with top-weight Oculi, the mount of Dean Gallagher.

Beverley, Kempton and Sandown

The ground is still soft at Beverley, though drying out in the southern half of the U.K., and the races there this afternoon look very tricky. The handicap over 1 1/2 miles for 3yo´s at 16.45 CET is the best race on the card; top-weight Rowan Rio (William Haggas/ Liam Jones), Fearless Warrior (JOh Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) - going for a hat-trick- and last-time-out winners Look to this day and Long Distance are four likely contenders.At Sandown, the 7 furlkongs race for 2yo novices could go to Henry Cecil´s unbeaten Wingwalker (Tom Queally), who has quite a tall reputation; the more experienced Rileyskeepingfaith (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott), outclassed in a Deauville Group One last time, looks the one to follow him home. The fillies mile handicap at 17.40 seems to lie betwee top weight Trumpet Lily (Johnny Portman/ Jim Crowley), Rhadegunda (John Gosden/ Darryll Holland) and Lee Miller (Luca Cumani/ Michael Murphy). The 1 1/2 mile maiden race at 20.20 at Kempton´s all-weather eve ning meeting features two runners with a long sequence of second places - Brexca (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) and Buddhist Monk (Sir Mark Prescott/ Daragh O´Donohoe), one of them should finally get off the mark this time. Priti Fabulous (William Haggas/ Jamie Spencer), who won his only start at this track, has good prospects in the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 21.50

Kerry National at Listowel

the Listowel festival, which goes on all week in the west of the Irish Republic, has its main feature today, the valuable Guinness Kerry National, a handicap chase over 3 miles at 17.10 CET. The ground is very testing so that stamina will be a a premium. Willie Mullins saddles 3 runners, and it is probable that Ruby Walsh, who won the main race here yesterday for the stable, has again made the right choice with Davenport Democrat. Handicap specialist Tony Martin runs the ex-German Green Mile (Robbie Colgan), who fell last time out over fences but recently won on the flat. Last year´s winner Ponmeoath (Eric McNamara/ Paddy Flood) cannot be left out of calculations in a very open affair. The novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.35 has some useful runners and should lie between Define (J.Motherway/ Denis O´Regan) and Afashoon (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Eight Up - Munster Pride - Salesin
2.Race: Afasheen - Define - Oscar Time
3.Race: Pipers Blaze - Kalellshan - Mystical Breeze
4.Race: Sharp Risk - Ryan`S Academy - Swiss Cottage
5.Race: Green Mile - Ponmeoath - Davenport Democrat
6.Race: Loup Du Saubouas - Leanne - Alabama Banjo
7.Race: Jamies Choice - Heads Onthe Ground - Caher Flow
8.Race: Ifyoucouldseemenow - West Is Best - Finisklintown

Listed race at Yarmouth

It is very unusual for Yarmouth, best known for moderate racing for rock-bottom prize-money. to put on the best card of the day, but that is the case today when the Norfolk track has a very strong programme, including a listed race for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 17.30 CET. As expected, this race has attracted a huge entry of 16 runners and looks wide open. It could be that the four older fillies here have the advantage, as last year´s winner Samira Gold (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill) and consistent German-red Les Fazzani (Mark Wallace/ Philip Robinson) have hold claims, while the orders for Nolas Lolly, running in the colours of the recently-widowed Renata Jacobs, will presumably be given in Italian, as she is trained by Marco Botti and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. She has run two good race in Germany, notably when third to Peace Royale at Hamburg, and although she ran badly on soft ground last time, must have a fair chance at a big price today. Best of the 3yo´ s could be Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Cape Amber (Alan Munro). Michael Jarvis sends a strong team to Yarmouth, and his lightly-weighted DarkProspect (Hayley Turner) should run well in the class 3 handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.55, while debutant Tiger Eye (Philip Robinson) is expected to bustle up hot favourite Bouvardia (Henry Cecil/ Ted Durcan) in the 6 furlongs race for 2yo maiden fillies at 15.10.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Rafaan - Emirates Roadshow - Marching Time
2.Race: Bouvardia - West With The Wind - Fen Spirit
3.Race: Glass Harmonium - Causeway King - Seek The Fair Land
4.Race: Highland Laddie - Beggars End - Mick Is Back
5.Race: Kingdom Of Fife - Novikov - Dark Prospect
6.Race: Cape Amber - Les Fazzani - Samira Gold
7.Race: Russian Epic - Capucci - Nutkin
8.Race: Hucking Harkness - Poppets Sweetlove - Djalalabad

French racing today

trotting takes centre stage in France today, with racing this afternoon at Enghien and this evening at Vincennes. The only thoroughbred racing is a mixed card from le Lion d´ Angers. There are no German-trained runners today, but there could still be a success for German breeding, with Kirov and So Long both holding a chance in the 3000 metres tierce handicap at 13.50, and the much-improved Toninho in the second division at 17.20

Haydock and Yarmouth

The going will be very testing at Haydock today and punters are advised to look for specialists for the course and this ground. Two that might fit the bill are Makshoof (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Brown), who has an excellent CD record, and Woodsley House (Tony Foster/ PJMcDonald), who has won his last 3 races, all on soft ground, who clash in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00 CET. The class 3 classified stakes over the same trip half an hour earlie is the best race of the day, but several of the runners here are not at home on this going, such as Crying Aloud (Paul Blockley/ Stephen Dononbhoe) and Whiskey Junction (Andrew Baldng/ Liam Keniry).

10yo The Trader (Maurice Blanshard/ Franny Norton), a group race performer in younger days, handles the ground alright, but is probably best at 5 furlongs, leaving Invincible Force (Paul Green/ Tom Queally) as the best bet. In the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 17.30 is dispouted by two in-form performers, top-weight Hits only Voc (Declan Carroll/ David Allan), first or second his last 7 starts, and Red Fama (Neil Bycroft/ Jimmy Quinn), going for a four-timer, but smart hurdler Souffleur (Peter Bowen/ Jamie Moore) could be the answer here. The amateur riders´ handicap half an hour later over the same distance is also contested by several hurdlers. The interesting one here is Peter Monteith´s Quicuyo, who handles this ground much better than does his brother Quijano, and is the mount of Joshua Moore, younger brother of Ryan and Jamie.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Silent Wonder - Black Attack - Mr Freddy
2.Race: Dubai Hills - Dr Jameson - Musical Bridge
3.Race: Something - Invincible Force - Bond City
4.Race: Woodsley House - Balakiref - Charles Darwin
5.Race: Red Fama - Me Fein - Souffleur
6.Race: Signalman - Kalasam - Sand Repeal




The going at Yarmouth is much faster and this should suit Milton Bradley´s pir of 11yo´s The Tatling (Pat Cosgrave) and Corridor Creeper (Billy Cray), who run in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.40. Both used to be much smarter, but have come down in the weights and could pull off a welcome surprise win for the veteran trainer, who has had a very quiet season. The logical contenders here however are Pretty Bonnie (AEPrice/ Natalia Gemelova), winer of 4 of his last 6 races, including last Thgrsay, and Equuleus Pictor (Jon Spearing/ Jack Dean), winner of 3 races this year, including this CD.

Some decent types are entered in the class 3 conditions race over 6 furlongs at 17.10. Godolphin´s Law Lord (Darryll Holland) was a useful 2yo in France two years ago, but has not run since, while Francesa d´Gorgio (Jeremy Noseda/ Hayley Turner) has not run sine finishing last in the 1,000 Guineas. Top-weight Hoh Mike (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) is consistent and has been running in top races, but has also not won for ages and is probably best over 5 furlongs.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Talk Of Saafend - Redsensor - Valento
2.Race: Flintlock - Taazur - Sapphire Prince
3.Race: Enlightened - Vienna Affair - Pride Of India
4.Race: Calypso Charms - Art Value - Glenveagh
5.Race: Hoh Mike - Francesca D`Gorgio - Law Lord
6.Race: Pretty Bonnie - Even Bolder - Equuleus Pictor
7.Race: Maha Dubai - Sudden Impulse - Moonshine Creek

Lingfield and Listowel

The first 2 days of the week-long Listowel had to be cancelled because of the bad ground, but the rest of the meeting goes ahead and today the Irish tracks stages an all-jumping card with several maximum fields. 18 line up in the valuable handicap hurdle for 4yo´s at 15.55, with Willie Mullins saddling 3 of them. Both Dani California (David Casey) and Sesenta have recently won on the flat, and as the latter is the choice of Ruby Walsh, he is presumably the stables´s main hope. However Silverhand (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) has some smart form last year and could be the one to beat. Decoy Daddy (Tony Mullins/ Davy Russell) and Bouvalogue (David Casey), one of three Charlie Swan runners, are the highest -rated in the conditions hurdle race at 16.25, while Jessica Harrington´s Gemini Lucy (Andrew Leigh) looks thrown in at the weights in the mares handicap hurdle half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: El Fontan - Hampstead Heath - Ann Kastan
2.Race: No Toll - Alpha Ridge - All Diamonds
3.Race: Silverhand - Sesenta - Dani California
4.Race: Decoy Daddy - Boulavogue - Clew Bay Cove
5.Race: Gemini Lucy - Dromaneen Castle - Garrai Ard
6.Race: Dannyally - No Thunder - Shinrock Paddy
7.Race: Rosiel - Realt Dubh - Johnny Kilawee



At Lingfield´s all-weather meeting, Princess Hannah (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) can take the nursery at 16.50, as the form of her maiden win is working out well, while lightly-race Prescription (Sir Mark Prescott/ Rosie Jessop) can get Little Knickers in a twist and take the apprentice handicap at 17.20.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lucayan Dancer - Peruvian Prince - Blacktoft
2.Race: Party Frock - Mutheeb - Uncle Fred
3.Race: Dialogue - King`S Chorister - Sandor
4.Race: Princess Hannah - Strike Command - Marbled Cat
5.Race: Prescription - Siren Party - Anosti
6.Race: Ommadawn - Resplendent Ace - Potentiale
7.Race: Cosimo - Spring Of Fame - Wabi Sabi

National Stakes for O´Brien?

Despite the defeat of the Aidan O´Brien armada in yesterday´s St. Leger at Doncaster, the stable form remains extremely strong, with a Group One and a Group Two victory, and the star trainer launches a strong challenge for today´s Group One National Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 16.45 CET at the Curragh.

He saddles 5 of the 8 runners, with clear preference for Mastercraftsman, the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh. The colt has won all his 3 starts, all of them over 6 furlongs here, but faces a very dangerous opponent in the Aga Khan´s Arazan (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), who is also unbeaten and created a very favourable impression when beating a strong field over this CD on heavy ground last time. With similar conditions expected today, he can perhaps win again. Mark Johnston´s Shaweel (Greg Fairley) won the Gimcrack last time, but could well be outclassed here. The ozther group race at the Curragh this afternoon is theSolonaway Stakes over a mile at 15.40. Jessica Harrington´s Jumajulika (Fran Berry) won this last year and will love the tgesting ground, but has a huge weight to carry and may find it hard to concede 10 lbs to the progressive 3yo´s Zulu Chief (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and Kargali (Oxx/ Kinane)

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Freemantle - Nafaath - Zero Point Seven
2.Race: Zulu Chief - Kargali - Jumbajukiba
3.Race: Suailce - Flashy Beau - Muskatsturm
4.Race: Mastercraftsman - Arazan - Shaweel
5.Race: Gleigeal - Cristal Island - Like Magic
6.Race: Lough Mist - Redera - Playdate
7.Race: Luxie - Snap - Lazare
8.Race: El Presidente - Fictional Account - Amarama

`Arc` trials at Longchamp

An excellent card at Longchamp today, with the three "Arc" trials taking all the headlines. Except for Dylan Thomas last year, all recent "Arc" winners ran at this meeting and this is likely to be the case again, with the Aga Khan´s Zarkava (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon) taking pride of place. The filly, unbeaten in 5 starts and highly impressive every time, will start at very short odds for the Group One Prix Vermeille for fillies and mares at 15.25 CET. She has not run since easily defeating Gagnoa (runs again today) very easily in the French Oaks, and is tackling this distance for the first time, and it will be a major shock if she is beaten, even though there were reports that she had not worked well earlier this week. Apart from Gagnoa (Olivier Peslier), André Fabre saddles the smart Treat Gently (Stephane Pasquier); both he and Aidan O´Brien have 3 runners in the field of 12, but for once the O´Brien entries are all outsiders. More dangerous could be the 2 Briish runners Folk Opera (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Dar re Mi (John Gosden/ Christophe Lemaire), whose dam won this race. German challenger Baila me (Wernr Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) is easily the best outsider; she ran very green when third in the German Oaks and will be much better suited by this track. Another 3yo unbeaten in 5 starts is Vision d´Etat (Eric Libaud/ Ioritz Mendizibal), wh has not been seen since winning the French Derby in early June. Although he is reported as needing the race, he should have too many guns in the Prix Niel at 16.00 for the opposition, headed by Prospect Wells (Fabre/ Peslier), best when coming late off a strong pace, which looks unlikely here, and King of Rome (O´Brien/ Colm O´Donoghue), outclassed in the Irish Champion last week, but who followed his 6th place in the German Derby with two good wins in Ireland. There will be plenty of German interest in the Prix Foy at 16.30, like all these trials run over the "Arc" distan ce of 2400 metres. This race sees the comeback of 2006 German Derby winner Schiaparelli (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) who has not been out since winning the Gran Premio del Jockey Club at Milan almost a year ago. After that race he left Peter Schiergen´s stable and now runs in the colours of Godolphin. At his best he would have an outstanding chance here, but the Godolphin stable form remains very worrying. Another German runner here is Freddie Head´s Avanti Polonia (Davy Bonilla) bur the Khalid Abdullah pair of Crossharbour (Fabre/ Johan Victoire), a half-brother to Arc winner Rail Link, and Zambezi Sun (Pascal Bary/ Pasquier) look the big dangers.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Copperbeech - Bagutta Sun - Pure Joy
2.Race: Naaqoos - Theoricienne - Dianeva
3.Race: Gentoo - Men Alemarat - Jotestamax
4.Race: Zarkava - Cagnoa - Baila Me
5.Race: Vision D`Etat - Prospect Wells - King Of Rome
6.Race: Zambezi Sun - Schiaparelli - Crossharbour
7.Race: Raja - Stern Opinion - Derison
8.Race: Tungsten Strike - High Maintenance - Kasbah Bliss
9.Race: Divorce Me - Touch Of Rheinberg - Mission Apollo

Rest of UK and Ireland

there is plenty more good racing today, notably at Chester and Goodwood, which each stage two listed races, while there are some decent handicaps at Great Leighs. The meetings at Tramore (N.H.) and Kempton (all-weather under floodlights) are less inspiring. The 6 furlongs race at 16.20 at Goodwood sees Godolkphin´s Asset (Ted Durcan) make a late seasonal reappearance; on his best form of last year he would have a outstanding chance, but with the poor stable form and the long layoff it may be more sensible to go for soft ground specilalist Sonny Red (Richard Hannon/ Steve Drowne). Godolphin and Durca also team up with the unbeaten Anmar in the mile race for 2yo´s at 15.50, but here faces strong opposition from Richard Hannon and Mick Channon, who each saddle two runners. At Chester, Alan berry´s stable star Look Busy (Slade O´Hara) goes for her 7th race of the season in the fillies´ 6 furlongs race at 16.30, but her best trip seems to be five furlongs and Manzile (David Nichol ls/ Silvstre de Sousa) can outbattle her. Godolphin also field two candidates here in the 1 1/2 miles race at 17.05; Veracity (Chris Catlin) has not run since finishing 5th in last year´s St. Leger, while Crime Scene (William Buick), a soft ground specialist, could go well; however Foxhaven (Paul Chamings/ Franny Norton) who took this in 2006, but has not win since, could be the answer this time

Rest of Doncaster

The Group One Ladbrokes Sprint Cup over 6 furlongs at 15.35 CET is the other big event at Doncaster, and is run here in place of the abandened Haydock meeting last week. This is almost a re-run f the Prox Maurice de Gheest at Deauville a month ago, in which Criquette-Head´s African Rose (Stephane Pasquier) finished runner-up to Europan champion srinter Marchand dÓr, with Utmost Respoect (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) fourth, and Aidan O´Brien´s pair US Ranger (Johnny Murtagh) and Astronomer Royal (Colm O´Donoghue) as well as Godolphin´s Diabloical (Frankie Dettori) all dead-heating for fifth. There could be little between this group again. There are two more group races on the Doncaster card, the Champagne Stakes for 2yo´s at 14.35 and the Park Staks for oler horses at 16.45, both Group Two´s over 7 furlongs. In the former race, there are 3 unbeaten juveniles, Zacinto (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), War Native (Jetemy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Playfellow (Michael Jarvis/ Phil ip Robinson), all moving up in bgrade and now facing the proven group race horses Master Noverre (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) and Westphalia (O´Brien/ Murtagh). In the latter event Richard Hannon´s Major Cadeaux (Moore) look the safest option, although the much improved Laa Rayb (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench) and Noseda´s Arabian Gleam (Murtagh), last year´s winner on much faster ground, are alternatives. The big betting race of ther day is the Portland Handicap over 5 1/2 furlongs at 15.05. With 22 runners this is almost impossible to solve. Cheveton (Richard Price/ Jim Crwoley) has won 5 in a row and is possibly the most improved sprint handicapper in training, but this looks very tough. In these races it is often best to side with David Nicholls; he has 4 runners here and possibly Strike up the Band (Ryan Moore) could be the best of them.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Zacinto - Westphalia - Master Noverre
2.Race: Cheveton - Buachaill Dona - Hogmaneigh
3.Race: Utmost Respect - African Rose - Us Ranger
4.Race: Frozen Fire - Look Here - Doctor Fremantle
5.Race: Major Cadeaux - Laa Rayb - Racer Forever
6.Race: Moonquake - Tastahil - New Guinea
7.Race: River Captain - Roly Boy - Battle Of Hastings
8.Race: Blythe Knight - Mia`S Boy - Caldra

Dual St. Leger joy for O´Brien?

A huge day´s racing today in the U.K. and Ireland, with two classics and another Group One as well as numerous other top events. The two classics are the St.Leger at Doncaster and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh (now open to older horses and, not strictly speaking a classic at all). Much interest will centre on Aidan O´Brien´s attempt to win both these races and further boost his Group One tally for 2008. With 5 runners at Doncaster and 4 at the Curragh he is leaving nothing to chance, though Yeats is most unlikely to run in Ireland. Should he win the Irish version, he wll complete a clean sweep of this seasons 5 Irish classics, an amazing feat. Whilhe has won both these St. Legers often enough, one trainer who has never yet won the St. Leger is Sir Michael Stoute, who has won everything else in sight and now sends 3 runners to Doncaster. The Group One Ladbrokes Sprint Cup over 6 furlongs is also run at Doncaster in place of last week´s abandoned Haydock meeting.

St.Leger at Doncaster

The St.Leger is the oldest classic race in the world and this year´s renewal has assembled a very strong field. Aidan O´Brien fields a big challenge with 5 runners, and stable jockey Johnny Murtagh (who has chosen wrong several times this season) has picked Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire. He has not run since that rather lucky win (when Alessandro Volta, another runner today with Jamie Spencer up, swerved away his own and several others´ chances in the final furlong) but should get the trip well enough, being by Montjeu out of German mare Flamingo Sea. Sir Michael Stoute´s stable jockey Ryan Moore has chosen Derby fourth Doctor Fremantle from the Stoute stable´s 3 runners, while Frankie Dettori has been booked for Conduit. However the two biggest dangers to the O´Brien dominance could be the two fillies in the field. Look Here (Ralph Beckett/ Eddie Ahern) has not been seen out since running out an easy winner of the Oaks 3 months ago. She was a long shot then but there was no fluke about her success. Tommy Stack´s Unsung Heroine (Wayne Lordan) is the only unbeaten horse in the field. She is taking a huge leap in class, but the way she won her last 2 races, she may well be up to it.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Zacinto - Westphalia - Master Noverre
2.Race: Cheveton - Buachaill Dona - Hogmaneigh
3.Race: Utmost Respect - African Rose - Us Ranger
4.Race: Frozen Fire - Look Here - Doctor Fremantle
5.Race: Major Cadeaux - Laa Rayb - Racer Forever
6.Race: Moonquake - Tastahil - New Guinea
7.Race: River Captain - Roly Boy - Battle Of Hastings
8.Race: Blythe Knight - Mia`S Boy - Caldra

Bangor, Sandown and Wolverhampton

There is also racing in the U.K. today at Bangor (National Hunt), Sandown and Wolverhampton (all -weather evening racing). Sandown´s best race is the class 3 mile handicap at 16.25 CET, in which Admiral Dundas (Jean-Pierre Guillambert), Silver Rime (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) and Topazes (Michael Bell/ Gary Bartley) are the three for the short list. It is significant that Ryan Moore, almost certain to be champion jockey again, rides here rather than at Doncaster, and it seems that the main reason for his presence is Sir Michael Stoute´s Censored in the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 18.05. Stoute´s only runner at the fixture is a half-sister to French Oaks winner Confidential Lady and has most to fear from top-weight Mr. Hichens (Brian Meehan/ Eddie Ahern), an easy winner of his last 3 races.Only race of the remotest interest at Wolverhampton´s floodlit meeting is the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.50, in which 7 of the 13 runners are CD winners, including last week´s winner R oyal Challenge (Ian McInnes/ Pat Mathers) and all-weather specialist Realt na Mara (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block), a winner on his only start at this track. Over jumps at Bangor, the German-bred Moon Star (Paul Blockley/ Michael Murohy) coud run well at a big price in the class 3 handicap hurdle at 17.15. He is a CD winner and being by Goofalik out of an Alkalde mare should no problems with the going. Top-weight Rightway Star (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) also likes this track and soft ground while the two forecast favourites Levitski (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Sheshali (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) probably need it faster.

Ireland today

Two Irish meetings today, with an all-flat card at Cork and a mixed meeting at Tramore. Two interesting German pedigrees at Cork are Scarlet O´Hara (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), likely favourite in the opening 7 furlongs maiden at 17.10 and Poppyfield (Harry Rogers/ Chris Hayes) in a mile conditions race at 18.10. The former is a daughter of Sadler´s Wells out of Agnetha, an own sister to top German srinter Areion and an expensive BBAG yearling purchase, while the latter is a half-brother to this years German 2,000 Guineas winner Precious Boy. At Tramore, the Aga Khan´s Rayina (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) can win the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 15.55, while the 2 mile flat handicap at 17.00 looks very open. All Heart (Tom Mullins/ DMGrant) has won both o the flat and over fences recently and relishes heavy going, so is an obvious candidate, but Princess Nicole (Michael Grassick/ Rory Cleary), also a winning hurdler and runner-up recently in a decent handicap on the flat, rates a big danger

Doncaster St. Leger meeting: day three

The St. Leger continues today at Doncaster with two more grpup races. The going is soft, as it is all over at present. The card opens with the Flying Childers Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.35 with 12 runners, including some of the fastest juveniles seen out this season. Senor Mirasol (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) goes well on the soft and as a good winner in Ireland last time, while Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh) looked very smart in the first half od the season but ran below that form on fast ground in the summer. However the one to beat should be Karl Burke´s consistent Lord Shanakil (Fergus Sweeney?), who has not yet run a bad race and put up his best performance last time when third in the Prix Morny.

The Doncaster Cup over 2 1/4 miles is the last of the "Cup" races for out and out stayers and the soft ground shuld have quite an influence here. Finalmente (Simon Callaghan/ Tom Queally) was a narrow winner from Balkan Knight (David Elsworth/ Jimmy Fortune) and Royal and Regal (Michael Jarvis/ Neil Callan) at Sandown in May but the going was fast that day, and at today´s weights on this different ground the form is likely to be reversed. Royal and Regal loves this ground and the ex-French runner can score, but Aidan O´Brien´s rather inconsistent Honolulu (Johnny Murtagh) and Godolphin´s equally enigmatic Sagara (Frankie Dettori) would rate a big threat if on a going day. Let´s not forget that Honolulu started favourite for the St.Leger here last year, but was well beaten, while Sagara showed his best ever form when third in the "Arc". The conditions race for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.50 has only 5 runners, but is still an intriguing event. It sees the return of James Fanshawe´ s Spacious, not since out since finishing fourth to Lush Lashes at Royal Ascot; before that she was runner-up to Natagora in the 1,000 Guineas. Obviously those pieces of form would be enough for her to score here, but she has never run on ground as soft as this and it is not necessarily an advantage that regular jockey Jamie Spencer, who got on really well with her but is out of favour with the owners, has been jocked off in favour of Robert Winston. Godolphin´s Alexandros (Frankie Dettori) is a credible danger.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lord Shanakill - Senor Mirasol - Madame Trop Vite
2.Race: Tropical Strait - Bollin Felix - Dzesmin
3.Race: Honolulu - Royal And Regal - Sagara
4.Race: La Brigitte - Tropical Paradise - Dove Mews
5.Race: Spacious - Alexandros - Alexander Castle
6.Race: Espiritu - Kite Wood - Golden Sword
7.Race: King Olav - Bajan Parkes - Kings Quay
8.Race: Mustaqer - Union Island - Headline Act

Doncaster St. Leger meeting: day two

Today is ladies´ day at Doncaster and the three main events are all restricted to fillies and mares. With more rain forecast, the going is expected to be much softer than yesterday. The Group Two Park Hill Stakes over 1 3/4 miles at 15.00 CET (also known as the fillies´ St.Leger - although that race, to be run on Saturday, could well be won by a filly this year)is likely to see Sir Michael Stoute´s Allegretto (Ryan Moore) start favourite. She was just about the best staying filly in Europe last year, but this season´s form is less inspiring and she is not certain to act on the ground. Gravitation (Willie Jarvis/ Alan Munro) won a similar event at Goodwood last time, narrowly defeating Folk Opera, who went to to beat Fair Breeze at Deauville next time out and that form gives her a good chance, while Gull Wing (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) is a soft-ground specialist and must also be considered. The Group Two May Hill Stakes for 2yo fillies over a mile at 16.10 looks straightfo rward. John Gosden´s Rainbow View (Jimmy Fortune) is early favourite for next season´s 1,000 Guineas after winning her first two starts most impressively and it will be a big shock if she is beaten today.

The only conceivable danger is Irish raider Aaroness (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning). The listed race over 7 furlongs at 16.45 has recent easy Düsseldorf winner Chantilly Tiffany (Ed Dunlop/ Jimmy Firtune) attempting to give weight to some useful fillies, including Red Dune (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), Dream Day (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) and Royal Confidence (Barry and Michael Hills), while Festoso (Harry Dunlop/ Steve Drowne) was the best of these on 2yo form but has not run for almost a year. Easily the most valuabe race on the card is the sales race for 2yo´s over 6 1/2 furlongs at 15.35, with 147,720 GBP to the winner. Not surprisingly a huge field of 22 line up for this prize. Richard Hannon has an excellent race in such events, and his Pure Poetry (Ryan Moore) could sdtart favourite. Andrew Balding won this last year with a maiden, and now saddles two maidens, Cavera (Franny Norton) and the lightly-weighted Foundation Room /David Probert), both of whom could prove troublesome.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Crackdown - Yorksters Girl - Secrecy
2.Race: Allegretto - Gravitation - Gull Wing
3.Race: Pure Poetry - Art Princess - Foundation Room
4.Race: Rainbow View - Aaroness - Rose Diamond
5.Race: Red Dune - Floristry - Festoso
6.Race: Drill Sergeant - Filios - Wasan
7.Race: Main Aim - Joseph Henry - Great Charm

Brighton, Great Leighs and Sandown

The other 3 meetings in the U.K. today pale by comparison to the card at Doncaster, and eenb Sandown can only offer moderate sport. The listed race here over 7 furlongs at 16.30 CET is easily the best race outside Doncaster, and although there are only 7 runners, it looks quite tricky. Godolphin´s Dijeer (Ted Durcan) is a consistent front-runner and after finishing second 5 timesy running finally ran out an easy winner last time at Newmarket. The ex-Italian Icelandic (Frank Sheridan/ Mirco Demuro) was an easy winner on his first British start, over this trip at Warwick, and is an obvious danger, as is the lightly-raced and promising Atlantic Sport (Mick Channon/ Edward Creighton). The Brighton card, which substitutes for the abandoned meeting at Chepstow, is very modest.

It is a long way from Mark Johnston´s base at Middleham to the south coast, so his two 2yo maidens, Liberation at 15.10 and Alcalde at 15.45, both ridden by Royston Ffrench, should be taken seriously, while John Gosden´s Star Rocker (Richard Havlin) looks a good thing to win the 3yo maiden over 1 1/2 miles at 16.55 after two excellent but slightly unlucky runs. At Great Leighs this evening, where they are racing under floodlights for the second time, there are some huge fields, in many cases the maximum allowed of 16, as in the 2yo fillies maiden over 6 furlongs at 21.20, where 9 of the runners are newcomers. Of those that have run, Dream Date (Willie Haggas/ Michael Hills), fourth at Kempton last week, and Le Reve Royale (Geoff Oldroyd/ Daniel Tudhope), third at Beverley 4 weeks ago, look best, but it would be no surprise to see one of the others make a winning debut.

Chantilly today

Main feature at Chantilly today is the Group Three Prix d´Arenberg for 2yo´s over 1100 metres at 14.20 CET. The two unbeaten runners, Triple Aspect (Willie Haggas/ Liam Jones), one of two British raiders, and Treasure (Criquette Head-Maarek/ Dominique Boeuf) can fight out the finish. Boeuf also partners German-trained Matchpoint (Norbert Sauer) in the opening tiercé handicap over 1200 metres at 13.50; surprisingly he does not ride Werner Baltromei´s runner Omasheriff, who is now the mount of Maxime Guyon. Uwe Ostmann´s Stella di Quattro (William Mongil) carries top-weight in the listed race over 2000 metres at 15.50. He is in good form, but will find it tough to give weight to such smart performers as Baron Ullmann´s El Comodin (André Fabre/ Johan Victoire). There is also trotting today in France at Cavaillon (late afternoon) and Vichy (evening).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Kerno - Bermeco - Anisakis
2.Race: Triple Aspect - Treasure - Ladouce
3.Race: Peace Keeper - Stricke - Salut Adrien
4.Race: Proportional - Vitesse Superieure - Singing Machine
5.Race: Believe Me - Musical Way - Anabaa`S Creation
6.Race: Ransom Hope - Bank Guard - Corconte
7.Race: Narmer - Sospelle - Songsong
8.Race: Nuit De Glace - On Line - N`Boy