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