German runners at Maisons-Laffitte

German-trained runners were once again in the money at Longchamp yesterday with 2 winners (at very lucrative odds!) and their run of success could continue today at Maisons-Laffitte. Mario Hofer, who is currently in great form, saddles Laokoon in the 1200 metres race for 3yo´s at 15.20, and it should not be forgotten that he was runner-up to Overdose over this trip at the Baden-Baden May meeting. He is partnered by Dominique Boeuf, who also rides Delano for Werner Baltromei in a 2100 metres handicap half an hour later, while Privo (Hans Blume/ Katharina Werning) and Vaccario (Waldemar Hickst/ Maria Papke) both contest a claiming race over 1800 metres for lady jockeys at 16.20.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Le Roc - Madragan - Agnes Champ
2.Race: Singing Machine - Si Lyrique - Zibeling
3.Race: Bodegon - Golden Giant - Elbrus
4.Race: Royale Again - Moonlight Danceuse - Estrela Helen
5.Race: Avanguardia - Magritte - Goleta
6.Race: Delano - Divorce Me - Alcabala
7.Race: Vaccaria - Salamandra - Privo
8.Race: Caprier - La Mariane - Grazela

N.H. racing at Uttoxeter and Wetherby

Some decent jumps racing this afternoon at Uttoxeter and Wetherby, with the latter track staging two listed races. Three of the 7 runners in the 3yo novice hurdle at 15.10 CET are still unbeaten, the best of them probably being Howard Johnson´s Silk Drum (Denis O´Regan), who won by no less than 19 lengths on his hurdling debut. Today´s opposition is obviously stronger, and Ruff Diamond (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who won his first two before finishing 5th in a hot event at Cheltenham, looks a big danger. The listed handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.45 has 8 runners, but almost any of them could win, especially as the pace could be very fast with several front-runners in the field. Yes Sir (Peter Bowen/ Seamus Durack) should go well, while Frankie Figg (Howatrd Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) can make up for his Cheltenham mishap- when he fell when going well- but possibly the super-consistent Storm of Applause (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien), in the money on his last 11 starts, ca n come out on top.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Ten Carat - Moon Melody - Kinfayre Boy
2.Race: Tempsford - Prince De Bersy - Ngong Hills
3.Race: Silk Drum - Ruff Diamond - Resounding Glory
4.Race: Yes Sir - Frankie Figg - Strawberry
5.Race: Sergheyev - Almond Court - Bobtante
6.Race: King`s Majesty - First Point - Royal Rationale



It is possibly significant that traine Hobbs sends his stable jockey to Uttoxeter to partner hurdling debutant Castellina in the maiden hurdle at 13.50. She won 5 races on the flat in France and is an interesting recruit. Hobbs and Johnson also team up with the smart Pancake, who has already shown ability over fences, in the beginners´ chase over 3 miles at 15.00. However he is up against a potential star in John Oaksey´s Carruthers, trained by the owners´s son-in-lkaw Mark Bradstock and ridden by Mattie Batchelor, who is makin g his chasing debut today but should be ideally suite by these conditions.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Castellina - Fassaroe - Hunters Ploy
2.Race: Bluegun - Great Endeavour - Ballingaddy
3.Race: Carruthers - Pancake - What A Friend
4.Race: Just Like That - Mulaazem - Pipers Legend
5.Race: Luccombe Bay - Figurita - Yoursomethinelse
6.Race: Go For One - Pop Ahead - Pacco
7.Race: Our Bomber Harris - Noble Aran - Mister Stickler

Ireland today

There is flat racing at Gowran Park this afternoon as well as N.H. racing from Down Royal, where there are several smart performers on view. The Grade Three Anglo-Irish Bank Hurdle at 15.40 CET is always one of the best early season races and, although only 4 line up today, this is again the case. The smart Jered (Noel Meade/ Tony McCoy), was one of the top novics around last season and won his last 3 races in good style. However he is set to concede 11 lbs to Jessica Harrington´s Cork All Star (Barry Geraghty), and although thre 2007 Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner has not so far run up to expectations over hurdles, this will not be easy. Megan´s Joy (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) has a possible fitness advantage, having won already this month, and could easily surprise them both. The Grade Three mares novice hurdle at 15.10 looks quite open, and the German-bred Dancera (Mervyn Torrens/ Andrew Thornton) is one of thre favourites, but may not be suited by the very soft going. Cabin Point (Andrew Leigh), one of two Jessica Harrington runners, is much improved and can complete a hat-trick. Tony McCpoy should not go home empty-handed, as he can win the beginers´ chase at 16.10 with Tony Mullins´ Aranleigh.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: The Fist Of God - Geestring - Tharawaat
2.Race: Kaskader - Paradis De Thaix - Plunge
3.Race: Cabin Point - Dani`S Girl - Dancera
4.Race: Jered - Cork All Star - Megans Joy
5.Race: Aranleigh - Taipan`S Way - Boulavogue
6.Race: Berkerys Treasure - Indian Love - Publican
7.Race: Voler La Vedette - Captain Nash - Playboy Luke



At Gowran Park, the most interesting racs could be the two divisions of a 2yo maiden over a mile that open the card. Aidan O´Brien introduces two well-bred sons of Sadler´s Wells in Moon Indigo (14.20) and Byzantium (14.50), both of whom will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan, as stable jockey Johnny Murtagh is in Australia preparing for the Melbourne Cup.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Moon Indigo - Dazzle Dancer - Liszt
2.Race: Ebashan - Byzantine - Slieve Mish
3.Race: Lee Applause - Snap - Sara Cara
4.Race: Designated Decoy - Slaney Wave - Liberty Eclipse
5.Race: Elbasana - Forest Minx - Clayton Chief
6.Race: Vignelaure Rose - Rue De Cabestan - Vertigo On Course
7.Race: Havetoavit - Diamond Fire - Katcarhue

Newmarket - final meeting of 2008

The flat race season is rapidly coming to an end, and Newmarket begins its final meeting of 2008 today, when the main feature is a listed race for 2yo fillies at 14.50 CET. Penny´s Gift (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) has the best form, having run well in group races, but she has 8 races already under her belt and may be vulnerable to a lightly-raced improver, such as Miss Eze (Alan Munro), one of the last runners to be saddled by Geoff Wragg. She was an easy winner of her only start, a Folkestone maiden, and although that form is nothing special, she looks capable of holding her own in better company. The class 3 conditions race at 16.00 is an interesting event, as this 6 furlongs race is confined to 2- and 3yo´s only, and in fact the juveniles (who receive plenty of weight) have had much the better of things in recent years.Godolphin´s Khor Dubai (Ted Durcan), a clase 4th of 22 in a valuale race at Redcar, looks the best of the younger age group and Khaldoun Kingdom (Richard F ahey/ Paul Hanagan) is the pick of the 3yo´s after his good second of 19 in a Doncaster handicap a week ago. There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton this evening, where course specialist Just Bond (Geoff Oldroyd/ PJ McDnald) can defy top weight in the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 21.20 and record his 8th course victory.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Swiss Diva - Emirates Sports - Catskill Mountain
2.Race: Emirates Roadshow - Ithinkbest - Libel Law
3.Race: Royal Bet - Anacreon - Kirkson
4.Race: Penny`s Gift - Art Princess - Qalahari
5.Race: Critical Acclaim - Island Vista - Starfala
6.Race: Khor Dubai - Frognal - Kaldoun Kingdom
7.Race: Viper - Gala Evening - Grande Caiman
8.Race: James Pollard - Red Skipper - Zeffirelli

German runners at Longchamp

There are no German runners in the main event at Longchamp today, a listed race for 2yo´s over 1000 metres at 14.50, but there are Germans engaged in all the other 7 races, several with good chances. Werner Baltromei starts the ball rolling with runners in the first 3 races, all partnered by Dominique Boeuf: Alcor in the claiming race for 2yo´s at 13.20, Naxon in the tiercé handicap over 2100 metres at 13.50 and Earl of Fire in the mile race for 3yo´s at 14.20. There are three German-trained runners in the claiming race for 3yo´s at 15.20, The Dieter Fachner-trained pair of Princess d´Etreham (William Mongil) and Pittoresca (Franck Blondel) and Isily (Andreas Löwe/ Christophe Soumillon). Boeuf also partners Hashbrown for Christian Sprengel over 1800 metres at 15.50, while Rene Campos has been booked for Petr Olsanik´s Le Patron in the 1700 metrs handicap at 16.20. In the sewcnd division of the 2100 metres handicap, Grazilla (Andreas Trybuhl/ Ioritz Mendizibal) and Lamborgino (Fechner/ Mongil) also have each-way chances. It has been another good week fror German runners in France, and we consider Naxon and Hashbrown to be the two best German bets today.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Grisant - Singapore Treat - Enlil
2.Race: Wingstar - Zimri - Naxon
3.Race: Trois Rois - Elusif - Earl Of Fire
4.Race: Good Bye My Friend - Bluster - Doriana
5.Race: Rauh - Isily - Bossaka
6.Race: Noble Ginger - Hashbrown - My Call
7.Race: Tashan - Theorique - Anawood
8.Race: Men Alemarat - Vacelisa - Cleanaway

All-weather action today

There is no flat racing on turf today, but all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Great Leighs, and the main features are two listed races for fillies and mares at Lingfield, both of whic could go to the powerful team of trainer Michael Jarvis and jockey Philip Robinson.

In the mile race at 15.40 CET, their candidate Fragrancy has several smart performances to her credit and can hold off Godolphin´s Desert Chill (Frankie Dettori) - no chance in Cologne last time - and top-weight Baharah (Ger Butler/ Hayley Turner), while Shabiba (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills) looks the best of the 3yo´s. Over 1 miles and 5 furlongs half an hour later, Armure, who has won all her starts on ther all-weather, all at Kempton, can score for Jarvis and Robinson, but Storyland (William Haggas/ Kirsty Milczarek) looks a big danger. Dettori rides 3 well-bred Godolphin horses in the 3 maiden races, but the Godolphin stable form (see yesterday´s results) is still not as good as it should be.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: West With The Wind - Silk Trail - Kouloura
2.Race: Bridgewater Boys - Josr`S Magic - Potentiale
3.Race: Capitelli - Suba - My Verse
4.Race: Sandor - Star Links - Custody
5.Race: Fragrancy - Baharah - Harvest Queen
6.Race: Storyland - Samira Gold - Ronaldsay
7.Race: Noble Citizen - Bazroy - Gallantry
8.Race: Palais Polaire - Shaded Edge - Scruffy Skip



At Great Leighs, there are only 6 runners in the 1 mile 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 20.50, but any of them could win; our preference is for Graylyn Ruby (John Jay/ Luke Morris), who is running for the first time here but could complete a hat-trick. The mile maiden race for 2yo fillies at 21.50 should lie between John Gosden´s Catamarca (Jimmy Fortune) and Paul Cole´s Charlotte Point (Neil Callan), both of whom ran well over this CD last time out.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Margot Mine - Felicia - Telephonist
2.Race: Veloso - Zuwaar - Fantasy Ride
3.Race: Grizedale - Shot To Fame - Elusive Dreams
4.Race: Graylyn Ruby - Plaisterer - Precision Break
5.Race: Pride Of Northcare - Multahab - Wreningham
6.Race: Catamarca - Charlotte Point - Breadstick
7.Race: Classic Blue - Strike Force - Bavarica

N.H.racing in Britain and Ireland

Jumps racing today in England at Newcastle and Stratford and in Ireland at Clonmel, but the best racing takes place at Stratford, where most of the top jockeys are engaged. Favourite backers can get off to a good start with Predateur (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) in the opening beginners chase at 14.50 CET. This was one of the few under-achievers in the Nicholls stable last year, failing to win in 4 starts (3 times beaten favourite), but apparently connections still feel that he can make up for lost time. The 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.50 looks quite open, but the 3 last-time-out winners What a Scientist (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), Earcomesannie (Paul Pritchard/ Jack Doyle) and top-weight Terramarique (Nicky Henderson/ Marcus Foley) should all be thereabouts. Twiston-Davies ad Brennan are enjoying a great run and can also win the maiden hurdle at 16.20 with Sexy Rexy (who he?) - the danger being You and I (Henderson/ TonyMcCoy), while useful bumper horse Bakbens cher (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) can make a successful hurdles debut at 17.20. Some good ex-bumpers also on view at Newcastle, notably Broadway Star (Nicky Richards/ Rose Dobbin - née Davidson) and Waterloo Road (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) who both make their hurdles debut in the novice race at 15.00; Numero Due (George Moore/ Barry Keniry), a useful staying handicapper on the flat, has already won over sticks and will make sure that they know their job. There are huge fields at both Newcastle and Clonmel, and the smallest field at the Irish track is in the best race, a 2 1/2 miles chase at 15.55. Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Barry Geraghty) and Justpourit (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) are the best horses in the field but have to give 11 lbs to the promising The Gloves are Off (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), which may prove beyond them.

N.H. racing in England and Ireland

Two jumps meetimgs today, but while the ground at Huntingdon (in eastern England) is fast, it is very testing at Punchestown in Ireland. Even so, the better racing takes place at the Irish track, where Forpadytheplasterer(Thomas Cooper/ Davy Russell) will be the centre of attention when he contests the beginners chase at 16.15 CET. He was one of the best novice hurdlers last season, winning a Grade One and finishing 4th at Cheltenham, and is expected to have a glittering career over fences. The rest of the Punchestown meeting, where there are maximum fields in most races, could belong to trainer Noel Meade and his stable jockey Paul Carberry, who appear to have winning chances in 4 races - Fisher Bridge at 14.15, Pandorama at 14.45, Dan Dare at 15.15 and Shiloh at 16.45.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fisher Bridge - Schofield - Lenabane
2.Race: Pandorama - Head Of The Posse - Kennel Bridge
3.Race: Bob Lingo - Dan Dare - Mr Sykes
4.Race: Paddy The Ref - Gusda - Farringdon
5.Race: Forpadydeplasterer - Narquois - Your Sum Man
6.Race: Shiloh - Sandyzar - Mac Robin
7.Race: Steel Park - Sibenek - No Pasa Nada



At Huntingdon, the most interesting event could be the novice hurdle at 15.50, where Alan King´s useful prospect Levera (Robert Thornton) has to give weight to some horses with potential, notably Bolodenka (Richard Fahey/ Denis O´Regan), a useful flat handicapper who fell on his only hurdles start. Later on, Jonjo O´Neill and Tony McCoy can combine to win the two staying handicaps with Can´t Buy Time (over fences) at 16.20 and Nostringsattached (over sticks) half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Tuanku - Starluck - Joshua
2.Race: Green Wadi - Rock Me - Terrasini
3.Race: Oso Magic - Abutilon - Bonchester Bridge
4.Race: Levera - Bolodenka - Overrule
5.Race: Can`T Buy Time - Porters War - Sea Eagle
6.Race: Fakima - Nostringsattached - Cresswell Ruby
7.Race: Another Ambition - Roznic - Bafana Boy

All-weather action today

There is all-weather racing this afternoon at Great Leighs and this evening at Kempton, and Frankie Dettori could well score at both meetings. At Great Leighs he rides the likely favourite Alfonso de Guzman for trainer James Boyle in the opening stayers handicap at 15.00 CET and Godolphin´s Contretemps n the 2yo maiden over 10 furlong at 17.30. The latter was a very disappointing favourite last time out, finishing last, but with the stable now in excellent form can make up for that display by beating Orbitor (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) and Akbabend (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who appear to be the biggest dangers. Neil Callan could be another jockey to follow at Great Leighs, where he has winning chances on Arganil in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.00 and Tobond in the mile nursery half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Alonso De Guzman - Mustajed - Tender Falcon
2.Race: Leftontheshelf - Gone Hunting - Woolston Ferry
3.Race: Wibbadune - Madame Hoi - Piscean
4.Race: Guestofthenation - Worth A King`S - Starry Sky
5.Race: Jawaab - Rapid City - Obezyana
6.Race: Akbabend - Orbitor - Contretemps
7.Race: Basanti - Smarterthanuthink - Phoenix Flight



Frankie travels on to Kempton, where he had just one mount, Godolphin´s Film Set in the 6 furlongs nursery at 20.50. Godolphin rarely have runners in nursery handicaps and Film Set, who has shown great promise on his two starts, can defy top weight here.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Bluebell Ridge - Flam - Dan Tucker
2.Race: Optical Illusion - Reve Vert - Charming Escort
3.Race: High Office - Cool Strike - Fin Vin De Leu
4.Race: Silaah - Kenton Street - Edmondstown Lass
5.Race: Film Set - Go Go Green - Tropical Paradise
6.Race: Royal Encore - Under Fire - One Oi
7.Race: Lake Windermere - Cat Whistle - Provence
8.Race: Shouldntbethere - Auntie Mame - Cossack Prince

Inspection at Nottingham

Nottingham´s meeting today depends on an early morning inspection as the weather (just like here!) is pretty horrible. If racing goes ahead, Luca Cumani could land a double with Jennie Jerome (Dane O´Neill) in the mile handicap at 16.10 CET - where consistent Rhadegunda (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) looks the obvious danger - and the Australian-bred Cara´s Request (Jamie Spencer) in the 3yo maiden half an hour later, where William Haggas´ Shamali (Ryan Moore) is the main threat.

Update: Nottingham´s card is to go ahead after there was less frost overnight than expected and no snow. However the going will be very testing and punters are advised to check for non-runners.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Jonah`S Cruising - D`Artagnans Dream - Invincible Brave
2.Race: Dome Rocket - Advisor - Jedi
3.Race: Dragon Flame - Highland Warrior - Hereford Boy
4.Race: Affluent - Silent Wonder - Breakevie
5.Race: Rhadegunda - Jennie Jerome - Kingsdale Orion
6.Race: Shamali - Cara`S Request - Manere Bay
7.Race: Ba Dreamflight - Dream Of Olwyn - Neon Blue

German runners in France today

The German run of success in French races continues and there could be more winners today at Compiegne, where there are German-trained runners in 6 of the 9 races. There are no fewer than 4 in the main event, a listed race over 10 furlongs at 14.20, in which Dwilano (Peter Remmert/ Raphael Marchelli), Davidoff (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke), Pylanus (Sarah and Alexander Weis) and Sybelio (Werner Hefter/ Dominique Boeuf) are all engaged, as is Baron Ullmann´s El Comodin (André Fabre/ Johan Victoire). Marek (Dieter Fechner/ Boeuf) and Ziuethe (Andreas Trybuhl/ Antony Crastus) both run in the 1800 metres handicap at 13.50, while Thalamon (Schiergen/ Starke) runs in the second division at 16.50. Trampolina (Hans Blume/ Victoire) goes for a claiming race for 2yo´s at 15.20 and Agent Almeida (Mario Hofer/ Boeuf) for a 3yo claimer over 1400 metres at 16.w0. Boeuf also rides Alpe d´Huez in a mile handicap for 3yo´s at 15.50 for trainer Werner Baltromei. There is also a German ru nner at Lyon, where Werner Hefter´s Atlantus runs in a mile race for 2yo´s at 14.05.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Varenar - Cairnsmore - Diableside
2.Race: Bedaly - Ourika - Ziethe
3.Race: Anabaa`S Creation - Fastmambo - Daly Daly
4.Race: Blue Bay Doloise - Shanne Bere - Lutece Eria
5.Race: Volsora - Muhtablue - Trampolina
6.Race: Alpe d`Huez - Delta Victoria - Lady In Green
7.Race: Royal Protector - Nebular - Shaheen Hawk
8.Race: Finikas - Thalamon - Ovidie
9.Race: La Demoiselle - Alexandria Blue - Una Storia

Catterick, Southwell (a.w.) and Yarmouth

The three British flat meetings today are all very average, with no races better than class 4 (and only one of them at each track). At Catterick, Zegna (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) should win the opening 2yo maiden at 14.30 following her photo-finish defeat in a similar event at Pontefract last week, and trainer and jockey can follow up an hour later with Chosen One in a 3yo handicap over the same distance of 6 furlongs. Eaves also has a chance in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.00 with Hiccups, who has a good record here, but this is a very open race and Quest for Success (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), unpenalised for an easy win at Doncaster on Saturday, and CD specialist Daweeitza (Brian Ellison/ Neil Brown) are others with chances. The interesting feature at Yarmouth is that Frankie Dettori, fresh from his huge success at Santa Anita on Saturday, comes here to ride two 2yo maidens for Godolphin. Yirga, in the 7 furlongs race at 14.40 is a debutant, while Al Marmoom in the mil e race at 16.10 ran well enough when 2nd of 14 at Leicester last time to win a race of this nature, although in both cases there are other well-bred juveniles from top stables in the field. On the all-weather at Southwell, some oldtimers could well take centre stage. Trance (David Barron/ Michael Stainton) has a mind of his own, but the handicapper has given him a chance in the 1 3/4 miles event at 15.20; he has dropped 28 lbs since his last win, and was also a CD winner in younger days. Cult horse Pawan (Ann Stokell), also an 8yo, runs in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20; although held by My Gacho on his latest running, he should never be underestimated at his favourite track.

Limerick today

Flat racing today at Limerick, an additional fixture to replace some of the many Irish races lost to the weather over the past few weeks, but the ground will again be heavy and the races mainly low-level. Te openin 2yo maiden over 6 1/2 furlongs at 14.35 CET seems to lie between Coat of Arms (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan) and Intimate Secret (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who are both clearly far from the best juveniles in their powerful stables vut have shown enough to suggest they will win a race or two.

Weld ad Smullen can possibly double up in the following maiden for 3yo´s over the same trip with Cihangir, clearly the form pick despite some disappointments, where Ciserassdotcom (Mike Halford/ Sean Foley) and Pussyfooking (Edward Lynam/ Chris Hayes) look thr main dangers. Hayes also has an obvious chance of winning the final 1 mile 3 furlongs handicap at 17.05 with Western Winner, who has been runner-up 3 times running but is still a maiden; an interesting runner here is ex-German Gladiole (Ger Cully/ Paul Townend), who came back from a 2 year break to run twice fairly respectably, and at least knows how to win (twice successful in Germany in 2005 and rated 75 GAG).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Intimate Secret - Coat Of Arms - Eurosmart Lady
2.Race: Caherassdotcom - Voldmort - Cihangir
3.Race: Bolt Up - Talk Of Excitment - If Per Chance
4.Race: Kaitlins Joy - Andre Mon Ami - Karma Lina
5.Race: Lilly Lavender - Grand Fella - Baldini
6.Race: Western Winner - Gladiole - Captains Girl

Prix de Flore at Saint-Cloud

today´s main feature in France, the Group Three Prix de Flore for fillies and mares at 14.20, has attrracted a strong field,partly because several runners have been re-routed from Italy where Rome´s Premio Lydia Tesio, due to be run yesterday, was abandoned, together with all other Italian racing for the past two weeks. Peter Schiergen´s Goose Bay (Andrasch Starke) is one of them; she won the Italian Oaks earlier in the season, but her German form is less inspiring and she now carries a Group One penalty, whucn makes things even tougher. The opposition includes two more German-breds, Tres Rapide (Henri-Alex Pantall/ Dominique Boeuf), 6th in the "Opera" last time, and La Boum (Robert Collet/ Jean-Bernard Eyquem), but Mahaathem (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla), whose trainer can do no wrong at present, and Light Green (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon)(ditto) both look dangerous, while Lady Deauville (Frannie Norton), although well behind Tres Rapide last time, could also run well at a big price. Certainly her trainer Paul Blockley will hope so, as he has just been warned off by the BHA for 2 1/2 years. Schiergen possibly has a better chance with Emporio in a claiming race for amateur riders at 16.20; one of the best European amateurs, Florent Guy, has been booked. Wolfgang Gülcher´s consistent Zadounevees, who runs his best races in France, should also finish in the money in the tiercé handicap at 13.50 with Dominique Boeuf in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Martial Law - Xaar`s Pride - Martial Law
2.Race: Naramix - Maitresse - Zadounevees
3.Race: Antiquities - Bahia Breeze - Top Toss
4.Race: Lavetoria - King`S Dam - Maginot Line
5.Race: Miss Maybe - Un Rendez Vous - Menez Hom
6.Race: Sematha - Simple Style - Reve Un Peu
7.Race: Sign of the Wolf - Emporio - Golden Memory
8.Race: Taxfree - Schomir - Rue De Lappe

Kempton, Leicester and Lingfield

The three British flat meetings today, on the all-weather at Kempton and Lingfield and on turf at Leicester, are all mainly moderate, but Leicester does stage two class 3 races. Only 5 line up for the conditions race over 1 1/2 miles at 15.30 CET, which on ratings should go to Young Mick (George Margarson/ Dane O´Neill), but he has not won for ages and seems to run better at Ascot than anywhere else, so possibly Classic Punch (David Elsworth/ Richard Quinn), whose latest form has been boosted, can concede the weight. Mon Michel (Gary Moore/ George Baker) has not run on the flat for over 2 years, but he was group-placed then and is also a useful hurdler, so should not be overlooked. The mile handicap at 16.30 looks very tricky, but Luca Cumani´s Axiom (O´Neill) must have a chance; after Saturday´s fantastic successes at Santa Anita, Princess Haya´s Charm School (John Gosden/ Richard Mullen) obviuously has to be respected as well. Cumani can also be on the scoreboard at Lingfie ld, where Jamie Spencer (!) rides his Falcativ in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.20. The opposition includes two German-breds, top-weight Polish Power (Stan Moore/ Edward Creighton), who has won 6 times here but seems to be out of form, and the Schlenderhan-bred Agapanthus (Andrew Stringer/ Tom Queally), who finished last in the German Derby and last again on his British debut for Barney Curley, who travelled to Baden-Baden yesterday to complain about the horse´s rating, so he is probably best watched for now. At Kempton, Ghanaati (Barry and Richard Hills) will be a hot favourite for the 2yo maiden at 16.10, while in the mile handicap at 17.40 there is another clash between Prince of Thebes (Mike Attwater/ Paul Doe) and Daniel Thomas (Mrs. King/ Jim Crowley), who is now a pound better off for a head defeat at Lingfield 12 days ago.

Ireland today

Today is a public holiday in Ireland and there are two meetings, flat racing at Leopardstown and jumping at Galway, with the going testing at both tracks. At Leopardstown there are huge fields in the handicaps and maiden races, but relatively small ones in the top main features. a Group Three for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 14.25 CET and a listed event for older horses over 10 furlongs at 16.55. The obvious favourite for the latter event is Derot Weld s Famous Name (Pat Smullen), runner-up in the French Derby earlier in the year and third over a mile at Longchamp on "Arc" weekend.This trip is more suitable and he should hold Aidan O´Brien´s two runners Poet , the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh, and Windsor Palace (Seamus Heffernan). However Mores Wells( Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) loves this track and despite top weight could well spring a surprise. All the usual suzspects have runners in the 2yo race, including O´Brien with two runners and Jim Bolger, but John O xx possibly holds the strongest hand with Rayeni (Fran Berry) and Vitruvian Man (Mick Kinane). At Galway´s N.H. meeting, the most valuable race isthe 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 16.35, whch looks wide open. Rory´s Sister (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) is on a hat-trick but meets better opposition now, while Beautiful Vision (Tom Taaffe/ Paddy Flood) deserves a win after twice finishing second, but Ruby Walsh´s mount Conem (Thomas Austen), who loves heavy ground, just gets the vote. Walsh can also take the novice hurdle at 15.05 with Adrian Sexton´s Conclave, who can makew the most of the weight conc ession from the smart Montero (Dessie Hughes/ IJ McCarthy), while Noel Meade´s Clarnazar (Paul Carberry), one of Ireland´s big hopes for this season, is expected to take the beginners chase at 17.05.

Breeders´ Cup Saturday

the B.C. races on Saturday are much stronger than on Friday and there should be some really fascinating events. The evening starts with three new races, the Marathon over 1 1/2 miles at 19.10 CET, the Turf Sprint over 6 1/2 furlongs at 19.50 and the Dirt Mile at 20.30. Jeremy Noseda fields two strong candidates in the first two, Sixties Icon (Frankie Dettori), who must have a good chance in the Marathon, and Fleeting Spirit (Johnny Murtagh), famous because his stall door did not open last time in Paris, in the Sprint, where Saeed bin Suroor´s Diabolical (Dettori) and André Fabre´s Only Answer (Olivier Peslier) are two more European challengers. The only European runner in the Dirt Mile, run of course on Pro-Ride, is Charles O´Brien´s Lord Admiral in the colours of his father Vincent. Ex- English Well Armed (Eion Harty/ A. Gryder) looks a big danger. The Mile at 21.15 is the race in which Europans hae excelled over the years, and who can forget Miesque´s great double in this e vent, including at this track? She was ridden then by Freddie Head and he is now the trainer of Goldikova (Peslier), in our opinion the best chance of a European success at the meeting. Aidan O´Brien has US Ranger (Murtagh) entered here, but he has been rather disappointing this year. O´Brien also has Westphalia (Murtagh) in the Juvenile Turf over a mile at 22.35, in which John Gosden´s Donativum (Dettori) is another one to carry European hopes. No European runners in the Sprint at 23.15, in which Bob Baffert´s Midnight Lute (Garrett Gomez) will attempt to repeat last year´s victory, but there are 5 Europeans in the Breeders Cup Turf over 1 1/2 miles at midnight: Soldier of Fortune (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and his pacemaker Red Rocks Canyon (Colm O´Donoghue), St.Leger winner Conduit (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), Winchester (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Eagle Mountain (Mike de Kock/ Kevin Shea), who has been based in England all summer but whose trainer is South African. Final ly a worthy climax to the meeting, the Breeders´ Cup Classic over 10 furlongs on Pro-Ride at 00.45 with an excellent field headed by the title-holder and the world´s highest-rated racehorse Curlin (Steve Asmussen/ Robbie Albarado). The European challenger is stronger than ever, with Aidan O´Brien saddling the "iron horse" Duke of Marmalade (Murtagh) as well as Henrythenavigator (JR Velasquez) and John Gosden Raven´s Pass (Dettori). The latter two are the best milers in Europe, but neither is certain to stay this trip, while Japanese contender Casino Drive (Kasuo Fujisawa/ Victor Espinoza) could well beat the lot of them.

Breeders´ Cup Friday

there are 5 Breeders´ Cup races run on Friday evening, all of them restricted to fillies and mares. The opening Fillies and mares Sprint over 7 furlongs on Pro-Ride at 21.25 CET has only American fillies in the line-up, and the three likeliest winners here are Zaftig (James Jerkens/ R. Bejarano), Indian Blessing (Bob Baffert/ J Velasquez) and especially Ventura (Bobby Frankel/ Garrett Gomez), who has been heavily bvacked with British bookmakers. The Juvenile Fillies on Turf over a mile at 22.15 is a new event, but only two Euroipeas line up, both trained in Ireland, Tommy Stack´s Beyond Our Reach (Frankie Dettori) and Aidan O´Brien´s Heart Shaped (Johnny Murtagh), while best of the Americans is possibly Laragh (John Terranova/ Edgar Prado). The Juvenile Fillies on Pro-Ride over 8 1 /2 furlongs at 22.55 also has an Irish runner, David Wachman´s Pursuit of Glory (Murtagh), but the American filly Sky Diva (Steven Klesaris/ RA Dominguez) looks a big danger. The Fillies and Mares Turf over 10 furlongs at 23.35 os a race in which the Europeans have a good record, and there are three runners, all with chances: Visit (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), Folk Opera (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) and classic winner Halfway to Heaven (O´Brien/ Murtagh). The last-named has the best rating, but is not cettain to get the trip and some of the O´Brien runners this month have shown signs of being tired after their hard season. Finally the Ladies Classic over 9 furlongs on Pro-Ride, another new event, has the banker of the meeting (at least, according to the locals) -. Zenyatta (John Shirreffs/ Mike Smith), easy winner of all her 6 starts this year and cettain to start at odds-on. Saeed bin Suroor has two runners, Cocoa Beach (RA Dominguez) and Music Note (J. Castellano), but both the Godolphin horses are in reality trained in the U.S.

BREEDERS´ CUP in Santa Anita

this year´s Breeders´ Cup takes place on Friday and Saturday of this week in Santa Anita in Los Angeles, California. Once again the main interest will be the performance of the top European runners against the best Americans, but an additional factor is added this year by the fact that the "dirt" races will be run on a new surface, Pro-Ride, which was installed this summer and is quite similar to the all-weather surfaces in Europe. In theory this might gve an advantage to the European runners, who may be more familiar with this surface, which is new territory for many of the U.S. runners. However the weather, reported as very hot with temperatures of over 30 C, may be to the disadvantage of horses travelling over from the much cooler European climate. There are a couple of new races this time, and an added innovation is that all the races for fillies and mares will be run on Friday evening, where the racing starts quite late - the first B.C. race is at 21.35 CET.

German runners in France today

German-trained runners are in action at both French tracks this afternoon. At Maisons-Laffitte, Priodina (Dieter Fechner/ Frankie Leroy) runs in the 3yo race over 2400 metres at 15.50 and Mosles (Johan Victoire) for thre same trainer in the mile handicap at 17.20, while both Sacho (Wilfried Kujath/ Alxi Badel) and Giant Generation (Pavel Vovcenko/ Christophe Soumillon) contest the claiming race over 1000 metres at 16.50. Sacho is now 10 years old, but is easily the best horse in the large field and despite his outside draw, can be expected to make a bold effort here. There are also two German runners at Lyon-Parilly, both of them engaged in the 3yo claiming race over 2000 metres at 15.35: Bee Keen (Dr. Andreas Bolte/ Markus Kolb) and The Wild Rose (Miroslav Rulec/ Mickael Barzalona). They have only limited ability, but this is a very poor race.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Trully Belle - Panichop - Chico Del Sol
2.Race: Tessalha - Jet Dancer - Bonington
3.Race: Strike Ballot - Sand Tiger - Coronelli
4.Race: Peace Camp - Little Nell - Louis`Lover
5.Race: Boludo - Mister Dynamo - Townsville
6.Race: Querenice - Quristine - Qimble Kervero
7.Race: Derison - Sacho - Another True Story
8.Race: Sisu - Aldaketa - Red Tulip

Brighton and Great Leighs

Brighton stages its last meeting of 2008 today, but the races are mainly of a low standard. The class 4 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.05 CET is prbably the best race on the card. Rocker (Gary Moore/ Jim Crowley) is chasing a hat-trick here, but all his winning form is at 5 furlongs anhe is not certain to get this trip, while the two top-weights Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Shane Kelly) and Peter Island (Jeff Gallagher/ Chris Catlin) are both CD winners and can therefore be preferred. The mile race for 2yo maidens half an hour later should lie between John Gosden´s Headline Act (Robert Havlin) and Mark Johnson´s Takeover Bid (Royston Ffrench), who both ran well last time. At the evening all-weather meeting at Great Leighs, Godolphin have two winning chances, both partrnered by Ted Durcan as Frankie Dettori is already in California - Dareh in the race for 2yo maiden fillies at 20.50 and Pink Ivory in the mile maiden for 3- and 4yo´s an hour later

today´s N.H. racing

there are three jumps meetings today, Ludlow and Carlisle in the U.K. and Thurles in Ireland, where the ground is very soft. In Ireland, Noel Meade´s Fist of God (Paul Carberry), beaten at odds-on on both his hurdles sarts, can be given another chance in the 3yo hurdle at 16.50 CET, while ex-German Maximo (Tom McCourt/ Paul Townend) has each-way prospects in the maiden hurdle at 17.20. Another ex-German who should run well is Heavenly Blues (Ted and Ruby Walsh) in the conditions race over sticks at 17.55. There are also some ex-Germans with chances at Ludlow, where Salinas (Milton Harris/ Dave Crosse) runs in the selling hurdle at 16.25, First Point (Nicky Hemderson/ Felix de Giles) in the handicap hurdle at 16.55 and Wild Power (Helen and Owyn Nelmes) in a handicap chase at 18.00. Of these First Point, unplaced on soft ground but for whom today´s going should be ideal, has probably the best chance. Two interesting chasing prospects at Carlisle are Astarabad (Howard Johnson/ Denis O Regan) in the novice chase over 2 miles at 15.40 and Nine de Sivola (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) over 3 miles at 17.15. The last-named is astonishingly still a maiden over fences, despite having finished second in both the Irish and Scottish Grand Nationals in 2007 but has not been out since and may have to play second fiddle today to Tot o´Whiskey (Malcolm Jefferson/ Phil Kinsella), runner-up over a shorter trip at this course on his chasing febut a fortnight ago.

all-weather action today

there is all-weather racing this afternoon at Great Leighs and this evening under floodlights from Kempton. The class 3 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET at Great Leighs looks quite tricky. Beat the Bell (Alan Bailey/ Nicol Polli) is much improved and has won his last two races, including this CD, woth this jokcey on board, but is facing tougher opposition this time. The top two weights Matsunosuke (AB Coogan/ Alan Munro) and Tabaret (Roger Whitaker/ Dean McKeown) have been running in better company and could be dangerous. The conditions race over the same distance half an hour later is aslso interesting. Diriculous (Terry Mills/ John Egan) is an all-

German runners at Deauville

third and final day of Deauville´s October meeting and the main feature is a listed race for 3yo´s over 2500 metres at 15.35. Werner Baltromei, who had another winner here yesterday, saddles Shawnee Saga (Dominique Boeuf), who has already run well in France but faces some tough opposition here, notably the two British-trained runners Drill Sergeant (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Syvilla (Rae Guest/ Davy Bonilla) and the two entries from Mikel Delzangles, Winkle and Court Canibal. Baltromei and Boeuf possibly have a better chance with Cabari in a handicap over the same distance half an hour later. Two more German-trained runners are Applewoi (Doris Smith/ Ronan Thomas) and La Lollo (Ralf Rohne/ Johan Victoire), who both contest the 2yo claiming race at 15.05.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Feels All Right - Serpotta - Cashelgar
2.Race: Heard A Whisper - Antinea - Ponte Di Legno
3.Race: Usseglio - Afariyas - Jumeirah Queen
4.Race: Winkle - Court Canibal - Chirango
5.Race: Lion`s Dance - Verdi - Kalendes
6.Race: Juanito - Pirina - Sam Lion
7.Race: Bereft - Kalmuk - I Got Rhythm

Bath and Navan

there is flat racing on turf today at Bath and Navan (Ireland) and the going will be very testing at the Irish track. Aidan O´Brien and hs team are now in California and preparing for the Breeders Cup, but they will still be interested in the result of the mile race for 2yo maidens at 17.15 CET, a race O´Brien has won for the past 4 years. He now saddles 3 runners, with Sirgarfieldsobers (Seamus Heffernan) the pick on jockey bookings. This Montjeu colt, named after one of the greatest cricketers of all time, was a big disappointment on hisdebt, playing u before the start and finishing 13th of 14, but is expected to give a mch more positive performance today. At Bath, the cad begins with 3 maiden races for 2yo´s, which on the form so far shown in opublic, should go to Lasso the Moon (Mick Channon/ Tadge O´Shea) at 15.00, Noordhoek Kid (Charlie Egerton/ Steve Drowne) at 15.30 and Fitz Flyer (DH Brown/ Paul Mulrennan) half an hour later; however in all races there are some inter esting well-bred newcomers from big stables, so it may not be so cut and dried.

Betting forecast Bath:
1.Race: Lasso The Moon - Star Links - Antinori
2.Race: Kris Kin Line - Noordhoek Kid - Mehendi
3.Race: Fitz Flyer - Sharpener - Celestial Dream
4.Race: Kyllachy Storm - Fast Freddie - Willhewiz
5.Race: Surrealism - Ainia - Filigree Lace
6.Race: Rutba - Goldrenched - Spiritonthemount
7.Race: Mistress Eva - Mae Cigan - Force Group
8.Race: Barkass - Effigy - Moves Goodenough



Betting forecast Navan:
1.Race: Spring Horizon - Lista Lightning - Rudolph Schmidt
2.Race: Nortburn - Toberanthawn - Mt Weather
3.Race: Golan Heights - Positive Event - Broom Dancer
4.Race: Sirgarfieldsobers - Barrel Of Fun - Fergus Mciver
5.Race: Ounooi - Vertigo On Course - Rue De Cabestan
6.Race: Belle`S Ridge - Lady Alicia - Tintreach
7.Race: Lunduv - Stairway To Glory - Ashka

N.H. racing at Southwell

Southwell, better known for its all-weather track, stages one of its rare N.H. meetings today and has attracted several useful performers, notably Wichita Linesman (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who makes his chasing debut in the opening race, a beginners chase over 3 miles at 15.20 CET. Wichita Linesman is one of the best staying hurdlers in the U.K. and was last seen when running 5th in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. If he jumps fences properly, he should have no problems in winning here. The one to take advantage of any lapse is probably Strong Coffee (Oliver Sherwood/ Dominic Elsworth), but if he fails, his supporters will probably need something even stronger! O´Neill and McCoy can complete a double with Ice Melted in the handicap hurdle at 17.50, he looks well very handicapped on his chasing form.The class 3 handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.20 looks very open; Sue Smith saddles two interesting contestants here, Bougoure (Graham Lee) and Oso Mag ic (Tjade Collier), but the one to beat is probably Bestofthebrownies (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Wichita Lineman - Hopkins - Strong Coffee
2.Race: Action Spirit - Vibe - Perly Spencer
3.Race: O`Toole - Bestofthebrownies - Our Jasper
4.Race: Blue Dark - Bob `N` You - Cross Compliance
5.Race: Argento Luna - Over Sixty - Camino Real
6.Race: Ice Melted - Roznic - Alkar
7.Race: The Panama Kid - Trempari - Beau Troubadour

German runners at Deauville

German-trained runners were out of luck yesterday at Deauville, but it could be a different matter today. World in Action (Doris Smith/ Julian Augé) runs in a 1900 metres handicap on the fibresand track at 14.20, while Syriana (Pavel Vovcenko/ Thierry Thulliez) runs in a 2yo claimer over the same CD an hour later. However Werner Baltromei and Domnique Boeuf probably have the best chance of a German win; they team up with Soterio in the 2700 metres claimer at 16.20 (when ironically ex-stable companion Loup de Mer could be the main danger) and Titan War in a 2000 metres handicap for 3yo´s at 16.50, both on turf. Main feature is the Group Three Prix des Reservoirs for 2yo fillies over a mile at 14.50. There are no German nor British runners here, though the Italian-trained Alta Fedelta (V. Caruso/ Mirco Demuro) has been supplemented. Of the 6 French runners, the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained pair Ciel Rouge (Ioritz Mendizibal) and Homebound (Christophe Lemaire) look the most likely to keep the prize at home.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Freemix - Senor Monk - Dance Dance
2.Race: Samala - Gallardo - Tres Bravo
3.Race: Homebound - Gainful - Article Rare
4.Race: Butte Bergeyre - Islandside - Tunder
5.Race: Far From Old - Reach For The Star - Gare Du Nord
6.Race: Soterio - Loup De Mer - Host
7.Race: Autunoise - Flying Fish - Tiger Cliff

N.H. racing at Exeter

easily the best racing in Britain today comes from the jumps meeting at Exeter, where the two class 3 beginners´ chases are the most interesting events. Over 2 miles and 1 1/2 furlongs at 16.10 CET, all eyes will be on Straw Bear (Nick Gifford/ Tony McCoy), who is making his long-awaited chasing debut. He is one of the best British hurdlers of recent years and finished fifth in the Champion Hurdle last March, but faces stern opposition from Pasco (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who was clearly his inferior over the sticks but is expected to have a great future over fences. Sir Harry Ormesher (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) also has a squeak. Half an hour later thje distance is 3 miles and once again the Nicholls/ Walsh team has a very strong candidate in The Tother One, who after 5 successive wins, finished third in two Grade One novice hurdles. He is also tipped for chasing stardom, and should hold Spare Cash (King/ Thornton) and Gone to Lunch (Jeremy Scott/ McCoy), who was rusty on his seasonal debut here a fortnight ago, but is expected to be much sharper today. It could be another big day for the Nocholls stable, as Gullible Gordon (Walter Biddick) in the amateur riders novice hurdle at 15.10 and Oracle des Mottes (Ruby Walsh) in the handicap chase at 17.40 also have winning chances in their respective races.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Gullible Gordon - Tricky Trickster - Job One
2.Race: The Nightingale - Samurai Way - Shalone
3.Race: Straw Bear - Pasco - Sir Harry Ormesher
4.Race: The Tother One - Gone To Lunch - Spare Cash
5.Race: Double The Trouble - Dalyan Dancer - Mister Wiseman
6.Race: Oracle Des Mottes - Smoke Trail - Beehawk
7.Race: Shalamiyr - Falsino - Cill Rialaig

Lingfield and Yarmouth

mainly large fields of moderate horses at today´s two British flat meetings; all 15 races, both at Yarmouth and on the all-weather at Lingfield are class 5 or 6. The most interesting events at Yarmouth are the two divisions of the mile race for 2yo maiden fillies, and Godolphin´ s Mezenah, whose dam is a half-siser to "Arc" winner Lammtarra, looks a good thing to win the first division at 15.20 CET after her good recent debut. With stable jockey Frankie Dettori on the way to California to ride in the Breeders Cup, Ted Durcan has the mount and the only danger would appear to be the unraced but well-bred Shaaridh (Mark Johnston/ Richard Hills). Richard Hills can also take the second division at 16.50 with Mayaalah,one of two runners trained by John Gosden (stable-companion Take the Hint, with Robert Havlin aboard, also has a chance), while Hills teams up again with Mark Johnston and Taazar in the 6 furlongs 2yo maiden at 15.50. William Haggas, who is enjoying a highly successfu l season, can land a double at Lingfield with Baron Otto (Liam Jones) in the 2yo maiden at 15.30 and Silvanius (Eddie Ahern) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30, while Simon Callaghan´s Five Star Junior (Chris Catlin) should win the 6 furlongs maiden for 2yo´s at 16.30 if he can reproduce his effort when beaten in a photo at Kempton last week.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1.Race: Our Day Will Come - Strathcal - Noble Dictator
2.Race: Test Match - Baron Otto - Bea Menace
3.Race: What Katie Did - Meridian Line - Hucking Harkness
4.Race: Battle - Five Star Junior - Whisky Jack
5.Race: Louphole - Chelsea Girl - Commander Wish
6.Race: Desperate Dan - Wibbadune - Silvanus
7.Race: Josr`S Magic - Formidable Guest - Yes Eighteen



Betting forecast Yarmouth:
1.Race: Bella Medici - Ricci De Mare - Greek Theatre
2.Race: Mezenah - Shaaridh - Hometown
3.Race: Taazur - Wedding List - Bulella
4.Race: Mykingdomforahorse - Nizhoni Dancer - Royal Toerag
5.Race: Mayaalah - Holamo - Quiquillo
6.Race: Blacktoft - Desiderio - Mick Is Back
7.Race: Poppets Sweetlove - Paradise Island - West End Lad
8.Race: Who`S Winning - Interactive - Joyeaux

German runners at Deauville

it has been a highly successful few days for German-trained runners in France, and this could continue today at Deauville, where the autumn meeting gets under way. Kocham Cie (Michael Trybuhl/ William Mongil) runs in the 3yo race over 1500 metres at 15.05 and the same jockey has been booked for Dr. Andreas Bolte´s oldtimer Standby Dancer in a claimer over 2400 metres an hour later. There are two German runners in the 1500 metres claiming race another hour later - Man of Fire (Erika Mäder/ Iorotz Mendizibal) and Alberto Paolo (Sascha Smrczek/ Dominique Boeuf). Some of today´s races are on turf, but all three events in which the Gemans run are on the fibresand track.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Coquind`ouilly - Esmun - Cos
2.Race: Luciole - Dianeva - Singapore Treat
3.Race: Conti Jet - Time For Gold - Pergamus
4.Race: Ballerina Blue - Step Softly - Tajaafi
5.Race: Mutraf - Howard Le Canard - Carte Sauvage
6.Race: Richhill Lady - Royal Tiara - Added Attraction
7.Race: Lips Lion - Sky Crusader - Jokari

Pontefract and Windsor

large fields at today´s two flat meetings in the U.K., but only 5 turn out for the main feature, the listed Silver Tankard at Pontefract for 2yo´s over a mile at 16.40 CET. One of these, Mick Channon´s Lahaleeb (Sam Hitchcott) was a Group Two winner at Newmarket on Saturday and if he runs again would have an outstanding chance. The danger is clearly Michael Jarvis` Playfellow (Philip Robinson), third in a Doncaster Group Two last time after easily winning his first two races. The Acatenango gelding First Look (Peter Monteith/ Paul Fessey) is an intriguing runner in the 2 1/4 miles handicap at 17.10, having shown form both over sticks and fences. Miss Serna (Pam Sly/ Micky Fentpon) and CD specialist Thewhirlingdervosh (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) are the two main dangers. At Windsor, the best race is the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 17.00, which any of the 8 runners could win. Top-weight Safari Sunup (Peter Winkworth/ Stephen Carson), consistent Inchwood (Michael Jarvis/ Da rryll Holland) and Jaadull (Mark Johnston/ Jamie Spencer), stepping up in distance, are three possibilities.

Betting forecast Pontefract:
1.Race: Fastnet Storm - Chilly Filly - Dubai Crest
2.Race: Speedy Guru - Quick Single - Asakusa
3.Race: Ridge Wood Dani - Foxy Music - Kay Two
4.Race: Lahaleeb - Playfellow - Mishrif
5.Race: Miss Serena - Thewhirlingdervish - First Look
6.Race: Force Group - Ahlawy - Packers Hill



Betting forecast Windsor:
1.Race: Kheleyf`S Silver - Albertine Rose - Hand Painted
2.Race: Mutamared - Dressed To Dance - Barbary Boy
3.Race: Cocktail Party - Ben`S Dream - Final Salute
4.Race: Safari Sunup - Inchwood - Jaadull
5.Race: Marvo - Sofia`S Star - Mister Ross
6.Race: Orange River - Coral Shores - Catholic Hill

German-breds at Plumpton

N.H. racing today at Plumpton, where the most interesting event is the 2 mile maiden hurdle at 15.20 CET. Thjere are 3 German-breds in the field of 14 and it would no huge suprise were they to take the first three places. Carmond (Brendan Poell/ Tony McCoy), who won the Slovakian Derby for Andreas Wöhler last year. has alraedy run respectably over hurdles, while Evan Williams saddles two runners, Bergo (Christian Williams) and Nordwind (Donal Fahy). Noprdwind showed fair handicap form for Walter Swinburn, while Bergo, who is coming off a long break, is having his first run in the U.K. However he was easily the best of these on the flat and can score at the first time of asking for renowned punter Harry Findlay. In the following handicap hurdle over 3 miles 1 1/2 furlongs, Papeete (Mrs. N. Smith/ Gemma Gracey-Davidson) would have a chance on his best form, which however he does not always show; the prolific point-to-point winner North Island (Alison Thorpe/ Richard Johnson) lo oks a more reliable proposition.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Apache Dawn - Carmond - Nordwind
2.Race: Phone In - Papeete - North Island
3.Race: Havenstone - Transvestite - Knock Boy
4.Race: Earcomesannie - Le Forezien - Left Hand Drive
5.Race: Soulard - Knightsbridgelives - Roughing It
6.Race: Just Standeese - Thenameescapesme - It`S Blue Chip
7.Race: Oujamaflip - Stowford Press - Ruby Isabel

today at the Curragh

the top Irish flat course stages an additional meeting today to make up for some of the abandonments suffered during the past few weeks of very wet weather. Going at the Curragh today will still be heavy, and the card has a very end-of-season look. Most interesting event could be the mile maiden race for 2yo fillies at 16.35. With Jim Bolger´s stable back in top form, his Dancing Bandit (Kevin Manning) could be the answer here, having finished in the money on all her 3 starts so far. Miss Keller (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) and Izagonawin (Tommy Stack/ Willie Lee) look the two to beat. If the latter lives up to her name, then her team can complete a double with Pollen in the mile maiden for older horses half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: The Bull Hayes - Johann Zoffany - Smart Miler
2.Race: Greannmhar - Dreams Forever - Brazilian Spirit
3.Race: Musical Review - Triple Axel - Amarula Ridge
4.Race: Senators Alibi - Willoughby Bay - Cotocachi
5.Race: Miss Keller - Izagonawin - Dancing Bandit
6.Race: Pollen - Golden Silk - Katoom
7.Race: Customary Chorus - Alandi - Tapioca

German runners at Longchamp

Longchamp stages a good card today with two group races and German chances in both .Poseidon Adventure (Wolfgang Figge/ Andreas Suborics), so unlucky in the Preis von Europa three weeks ago, runs here in the Group Two Prix du Conseil de Paris at 15.20 following the abandonment of Milan, where all racing has been cancelled for the foreseeable future. He clearly has a fair chance here, though the opposition is strong and is headed by three Andre Fabre runners, best of whom should be Prospect Wells (Olivier Peslier), despite his disappointing performance last time.

Luca umani´s Purple Moon (Jamie Spencer) is another big threat. Mario Hofer, who has had such a successful week in France, saddles King of Sydney (Jean-Pierre Carvalho) in the Group Three Prix de Conde for 2yo´s over 1800 metres at 15.50. Handsome Maestro (David Smaga( Olivier Peslier) and Zafisio (Paul Blockley/ Darryl Holland), who have both won their last two starts, look the pick of the international opposition. There are also German runners in several of the supporting events, but these races all look very tricky.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Mojave Moon - Spruce - Almail
2.Race: Heavenly Light - Lectrice - Vie Ta Vie
3.Race: Prospect Wells - Poseidon Adventure - Purple Moon
4.Race: Handsome Maestro - Naval Officer - Canwinn
5.Race: Totem - Darbaza - Board Meeting
6.Race: Good Bye My Friend - Alta Luna - Roi Des Sables
7.Race: Be Lucky - Sendish - Passibo
8.Race: Dubai Queen - Touch Of Rheinberg - Special Gold

Ireland today

two meetings in Ireland today, with flat racing at Fairyhouse and N.H. racing from Cork. This is the last flat meeting of the year at Fairyhouse and the card features two listed races. The 2yo fillies race over 9 furlongs at 16.30 CET will require plenty of stamina on the testing ground, and John Oxx holdsa strong hand with two Aga Khan-owned fillies, Dabirana (Fran Berry) and Mariyca (Mick Kinane), while Johnny Murtagh has been booked for Ger Lyons´ Ballycahill.

The race over 1 1/2 miles at 18.00 looks wide open, with fancie candidates from most of ther leading stables; New Zealand (Aidan O´Brien/ Murtagh), Mourad (Oxx/ Kinane) and Via Galileo (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) all have their chances while top-weight Red Molony (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) looks certain to finish in the money. The best race at Cork is the Grade B handicap chase over 2 miles at 17.20, where Willie Mullins has two chances withIrish Invader (Davd Casey), running over a much shorter distance than usual, and top-weight Davenport Democrat (Paul Carberry), while Jamies Choice (Philip Rothwell/ EC McCarthy) looks a big danger.

Betting forecast Fairyhouse:
1.Race: Four Star General - Cnocan Gold - Almatlaie
2.Race: Senor Benny - College Scholar - Teachers Choice
3.Race: Ebashan - Golden Sword - Shy Appeal
4.Race: Ballycahill - Mariyca - Kiyra Wells
5.Race: Teach Nua - Akimbo - Distant Piper
6.Race: Tale Of Two Cities - Timari - Designated Decoy
7.Race: New Zealand - Red Moloney - Mourad
8.Race: Prince Erik - Indian Spring - Dafarabad

Betting forecast Cork:
1.Race: Sonnium - Bullhill Flyer - Skidroe Joe
2.Race: Paddy The Ref - Western Rose - King Of The Titans
3.Race: Back Of The Pack - Alphalou - Estuary House
4.Race: Davenport Democrat - Irish Invader - Changing Course
5.Race: Mythical Prince - Tigerocracy - Reykjavik
6.Race: Clew Bay Lodge - Sizing Africa - Rinroe
7.Race: Watchurhouse - Capdalight - Trainersregret

N.H. racing at Kempton and Fontwell

two jumps meetings in the U.K. today, with Kempton staging by far the most interesting races. Star attraction is champion hurdler Katchit, who runs in the 2 miles hurdles race at 17.35 CET. In theory he has to win this, as he has about a stone in hand on official ratings, but if he is rusty after his layoff since Cheltenham, then Sporazene (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) could be the one to cause him problems. In any case Nicholls and Walsh hould score with Woolcombe Folly, who looks an above average novice and can complete a four-timer in the listed hurdle race at 16.25.

German-bred Cortinas (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) could go well in the beginners chase at 15.50, but this looks quite a tricky event. It could be significant that champion jockey Tony McCoy rides at the lesser meeting at Fontwell, and he has winning chances on all three of his mounts, Abuliton at 15.30 and Shoreacres at 16.00, both for Brendan Powell, and Kilcrea Asia for Tom George at 16.35. There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell, where most of the races are class 4 handicaps. Punters should keep an eye on cult horse Pawan, ridden as usual by trainer Ann Stokell, who goes for the 6 furlongs race at 17.55, as he runs his best races at this track.

Betting forecast Kempton:
1.Race: Maxwil - Saticon - Ray Diamond
2.Race: Greenbridge - I`Msingingtheblues - Cortinas
3.Race: Woolcombe Folly - Maslak - Levera
4.Race: Jazz Dance - Oumeyade - Sou`Wester
5.Race: Katchit - Katies Tuitor - Sporazene
6.Race: Nikos Extra - Earth Dream - Just Shove It
7.Race: No Complaint - Charlies Future - Petitjean

Betting forecast Fontwell:
1.Race: Crouch End Flyer - Art Gallery - Ring Bo Ree
2.Race: Leading Article - Monzon - Abutilon
3.Race: Postmaster - Shoreacres - Royal Rationale
4.Race: Kilcrea Asla - Dusty Dane - City Affair
5.Race: Alpha Juliet - Easy Dancer - Sovereign Spirit
6.Race: Runshan - Urban Tiger - Good Old Days
7.Race: Local Present - Liquid Desire - Tragic Realm

Catterick, Cork and Wolverhampton

easily the best race at today´s three other flat meetings is the listed event over 8 1/2 furlongs at 17.05 CET at Cork. With the ground very soft, Jessica Harrington´s Jumbajukiba /Fran Berry) is clearly the one to beat, but he may not be able to concede so much weight to Dermot Weld´s lightly-raced filly Scarlet O´Hara (Pat Smullen), who is from an excellent German family. Jalmira defeated Hard Rock City in this race last year, but the opposition looks better this time.

Easily the best thing on the card is Tuscan Evening (JJ Murphy/ Declan McDonogh) in the 3yo maiden at 18.10; according to the Racing Post, she is "close to unopposable" following her good run in the Irish 1000 Guineas. At Catterick, the most interesting event is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.35 with numerous distance specialists. Ron Harris has two good chances with Judge ´n Jury (Kevin Ghunowa) - shares top weight with Captain Dunne (Tim Easterby/ Duran Fentiman) and German-bred Misaro (William Buick), while David Nicholls and Richard Fahey, both specialists for sprint handicaps, also each saddle two runners in a wide open event. The less said about this evening´s all-weather card at Wolverhamton, the better.

N.H. racing at Cheltenham and Kelso

another good card at Cheltenham, with some very competitive races. The German-bred Fair Along, with good claimer Rhys Flint in the saddle, is a very interesting runner in the opening hurdle handicap. He shares top-weight with trainer Philip Hobbs´ other starter Pearl King (Tom O´Brien) and is having his first run over hurdles for 2 years, but looks very well handicapped on his best form. The danger is Paul Nicholls´ Pacha d´Oudaires (Ruby Walsh), whose team can swoop again in the following 2 mile novice chase with Poquelin, now that stable-companion Tatenan has been withdrawn.

The 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.25 is the richest race on the card and with 18 runners looks very open. Top-weight Celestial Gold (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) has a chance at his best, while the consistent Fier Normand (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Patmil du Charmil (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) also make the short list. There is also jumps racing at Kelso, where the two interesting runners are unbeaten bumper horse Doeslessthanme (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) having his first run over hurdles at 15.40, and Kalahari King (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee), one of last season´s top novice hurdlers, making his chasing debut at 16.15.

Betting forecast Cheltenham:
1.Race: Fair Along - Pacha D`Oudairies - It`S A Discovery
2.Race: Tatenen - The Package - Oh Crick
3.Race: Fier Normand - Sou`Wester - Ouzbeck
4.Race: Indian Pipe Dream - Simondiun - Valerius
5.Race: Font - Supreme Duke - Leamington Lad
6.Race: Ballyfitz - Big Fella Thanks - Mister Gloss
7.Race: Eighteenfifty - Annie Go - According To Dick



Betting forecast Kelso:
1.Race: Queen Of Diamonds - Sonara - Merigo
2.Race: Pakineo Des Pictons - Son Of Flicka - Doeslessthanme
3.Race: Kalahari King - Bywell Beau - Cast Iron Casey
4.Race: Maneki Neko - Seeyaaj - Lahib The Fifth
5.Race: Door Boy - Le Vert Galant - Merrydown
6.Race: Malko De Beaumont - Huckleberry - Greenock
7.Race: If You Knew Suzy - Coeur De Fou - Chickini

rest of Champions Day at Newmarket

with 5 further group races as well as one of the season´s top handicaps, the rest of the Newmarket card is also extremely strong, with the Group One Dewhurst Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.35 CET the highlight. This race has been won by many great horses over the years, but today´s edition looks slightly substandard, unless Aidan O´Brien´s Rip van Winkle (Johnny Murtagh) delivers the goods in style. he was won both his starts so far well enough, but this opposition looks much tougher. Both Soul City (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), winner of the Goffs Million last time, and Lord Shanakill (Karl Burke/ Jim Crowley), have had plenty of racing but they are both tough types who can be relied upon to give their running, while Brian Meehan´s Delegator (Jamie Spencer) is very lightly raced and could be a big improver and Ashram (John Hills/ Ryan Moore), the only CD winner in the field, also has his chance.

The Group Two Challenge Stakes over 7 furlongs that opens the card at 15.05 looks wide open, but Major Cadeaux (Hannon/ Hughes), although conceding weight all round, should be involved; Stimulation (Hughie Morrison/ Darryll Holland) and Cat Junior (Meehan/ Spencer) look the main dangers. The battle between experience and promise looks to be renewed in the Group Two race for 2yo fillies at 17.25. Both Aspen Darling (Alan Bailey/ Jimmy Quinn) and Lahaleeb (Mick Channon/ Holland) have shown continual improvement thoughout a long season, but Sir Michael Stoute´s Purissima (Moore), a very easy winner of a modest maiden at Warwick last week, is expected to take this huge step up in class in style. Older fillies and mares line up over 1 1/2 miles in the Group Three at 18.00, in which Tommy Stack s St.Leger runner-up Unsong Heroine (Wayne Lordan) has Dar Re Mi (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori) and Crystal Capella (Stoute/ Moore) to beat, and in the final 2 mile Group Three, oldtimer Dis tinction can round off a good day for the Stoute/ Moore team. Big betting rce is clearly the Cesarewitch over 2 1/4 miles at 16.50 with 35 runners. Last year´s winner Leg Spinner (Tony Martin/ Robbie Colgan) turns out again under top-weight, but tzhe Irish trainer probably has better chances with Arc Bleu (Johnny Murtagh), thoigh those who remember him from his Munich days will not believe that he will stay this trip. Another German-bred, the 11yo Caracciola (Nicky Henderson/ Eddie Ahern) was runner-up here in 2007 and should again go well, but our fancy is David Pipe´s Mamlook (Ryan Moore), not seen out since just failing to win the Ascot Stakes in June.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Major Cadeaux - Stimulation - Laa Rayb
2.Race: Rip Van Winkle - Ashram - Delegator
3.Race: New Approach - Russian Cross - Twice Over
4.Race: Askar Tau - Greenwich Village - Gee Dee Nen
5.Race: Aspen Darlin - Marquesa - Purissima
6.Race: Dar Re Mi - Unsung Heroine - Crystal Capella
7.Race: Distinction - Veracity - Speed Gifted

Champion Stakes at Newmarket

today´s card at Newmarket is the last really big raceday of the year in Europe and fully lives up to its "Champions Day" tag. Main feature is the Group One Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.10 CET, in which Jim Bolger´s New Approach (Kevin Manning) looks likely to start a strong favourite. He is the highest-rated horse in the field, having won the Derby and Irish Champion, and was Europe´s champion 2yo last year, but there could be reasons for opposing him today. He has had some hard races, is a difficult ride, sometimes pulling hard, and struggled to beat Traffic Guard (reopposes today) last time in Ireland, while Derby winners do not have a good record in this race. Andre Fabre bids to continue the excellent French record in this event with Russian Cross (Olivier Peslier), who however has never run in a Group One before. German racegoers will be interested in the performance of Sir Michael Stoute´s Linngari (Ryan Moore), who was so impresive when winning at Munich in J uly. Obviously this is much tougher, but at the likely odds, he could be a sporting each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Major Cadeaux - Stimulation - Laa Rayb
2.Race: Rip Van Winkle - Ashram - Delegator
3.Race: New Approach - Russian Cross - Twice Over
4.Race: Askar Tau - Greenwich Village - Gee Dee Nen
5.Race: Aspen Darlin - Marquesa - Purissima
6.Race: Dar Re Mi - Unsung Heroine - Crystal Capella
7.Race: Distinction - Veracity - Speed Gifted

German runners at Saint-Cloud

this has been a highly successful week for German-trained runners in France (5 winners yesterday alone!) and this sequence may be continued today at Saint-Cloud. Werner Baltromei saddles two 2yo maidens over the long distance of 2000 metres - Australian Airline in the fillies´ event at 13.50 and Marito in the colts´ equivalent an hour later. Both will be partnered by Dominique Boeuf, who also rides Pesago for Christian Sprengel in a 1400 metres handicap at 15.50, where he will be accompanied by Johan Victoire riding Andreas Trybuhl´s Fancy Running, while in the second division at 17.20 Boeuf rides Mithrandir for Nina Bach, while Scarlet Möller´ Mister Bold will be ridden by Jean-Pierre Carvalho. Nina Bach also saddles Silverlord in a lady riders race at 14.20 with Andrea Hierer aboard.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Golden Clou - Kahya Springs - Genereuse Gold
2.Race: Vassilievsky - Moon Rock - Atlantic King
3.Race: Blaze Of Fire - Ashkar - Dovil Boy
4.Race: Cosmic Fire - Myakoda - Shadiyna
5.Race: Chicaya - Mister Chocolate - Munostal
6.Race: Un Rendez Vous - Silicon Wise - Princesse Celine
7.Race: Royal Bere - Un Ciel Etoile - Miss Stream
8.Race: Baroudyx - Theorique - Kfar Saba

Johnny Murtagh back

Johnny Murtagh returns today from his controversial suspension and can make up for lost time by riding winners at both Irish meetings. At Tipperary, where the going will be very testing, he rides hot favourite Maurice Utrillo for Aidan O´Brien in the opening 2yo race at 15.10 CET before rushing to the all-weather meeting at Dundalk, here he has rides in all 7 races, including 3 for Aidan O´Brien, all with winning chances: Perfect Trut in the maiden race for 2yo fillies at 21.10, Francisco Goya in the colts´ equivalent half an hour later and Zulu Chief in a conditions race at 22.10. He can also take the opening maiden on Caherassdotcom for Mike Halford and could even go through the card as every one of his mounts has a chance.

rest of U.K. racing

there is plenty more racing today and some huge fielkds a Redcar, where 4 of the 8 races have 20 runners and there is no field smaller than 14. Neil Callan appears to have the best chances and can ride a short-priced double on Godolphin´s Popiel in the 2yo maiden at 15.55 CET and Michael Jarvis´ Taqdeyr in the 6 furlongs maiden at 18.05. The best raceat Kempton´s evening all-weather meetzing is the mile handicap at 20.50, which looks wide open. Top-weight Cape Hawk (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) and consistent Arabian Spirit (Ed Dunlop/ Steve Drowne) are two CD specialists who should be involved in the finish.

Newmarket today

tomorrow is Champions day at Newmarket, but today´s card is also strong, featuring a Group Three race over the unusual distance of 9 furlongs at 16.10 CET. This could be ideal for Luca Cumani´s Bankable (Dane O´Neill), who has now been runner-up four times running in similar events, costing his supporters a packet each time. Godolphin´s pair Kirklees (Frankie Dettori) and Third Set (Ted Durcan) look dangerous, as does Mike de Kock´s Lucky Find (Kevin Shea). There are also two listed races for fillies and mares, over 10 furlongs at 16.45 and over 6 furlongs at 17.20. The former event should go to James Fanshawe´s Spacious (Robert Winston), who is best on ratings havoing finished second in the 1,000 Guineas here, but it is her first try at the distance and Fragrancy, representing the in-form team of Michael Jarvis and Philip Robinson, could be the safer bet. Laddoes Poker Two (Jeremy Noseda/Tom Queally) and Red Dune (Jarvis/ Robinson) look the two likeliest winners of the sprin t. The conditions race for 2yo´s over a mile at 15.35 also looks very hot, but Henry Cecil´s On Our Way (Tom Queally) was third in the Group Two Royal Lodge last time out and should win if running up to that form.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Run For The Hills - Invincible Heart - Catigo
2.Race: Mustaqer - Alhaque - Hyades
3.Race: Highland Glen - Myshkin - Mooakada
4.Race: On Our Way - Ra Junior - Mastery
5.Race: Bankable - Tranquil Tiger - Lucky Find
6.Race: Spacious - Classic Remark - Barshiba
7.Race: Laddies Poker Two - Red Dune - Silver Touch
8.Race: We`Ll Come - Furnace - Plum Pudding
9.Race: Redesignation - Greylami - Ordination

Cheltenham opens doors for 2008-9 season

the indisputably leading N.H. racetrack in Britain and Ireland, Cheltenham, strats ots 2008-9 season today with an excellent card and some very competitive races. Possibly the best bet of the day is Earth Planet (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) in the first race on thr card, a novice hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Nicholls and Walsh can follow up witzh Font in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, but this is a very open event with 20 runners, including German-bred Donaldson (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who has a definite chance if the ground stays on the fast side. The 3 mjiler handicap chase at 17.05 is also a tough one, but Joe Lively (Colin and Joe Tizzard) looks the class act here. The 3yo novice hurdle at 17.40 looks the best race in this catgegory so far this season. Alan King`s Ruff Diamond (Robert Thornton) has already won twice and must carry a lot of weight, but is an obvious contender, while Amerigo (O´Neill/ McCoy) is an interesting debutant, having run second in the Queens Vase when last seen in June.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Earth Planet - Paddleyourowncanoe - Dragon Eye
2.Race: Ring The Boss - Razor Royale - Quattrocento
3.Race: Font - Noble Alan - Advancement
4.Race: Joe Lively - Parsons Legacy - Glasker Mill
5.Race: Nine Stories - Amerigo - Ruff Diamond
6.Race: Beauchamp Prince - Gaora Lane - Florida Dream
7.Race: Cockney Trucker - Sagredo - Alfie Flits

German runners in France today

two flat meetings in France today, with German-trained runners in almost all races at Strasbourg and Chantilly. There are too many to list here, but in our estimation the best hopes of a German success lie with Born to Win (Christian von der Recke/ Alxi Badel) in the 3yo claiming race at 13.05 and Genios (Dr. Andreas Bolte/ William Mongil) in the 14.05 claimer for older horses at Strasbourg; and at Chantilly, Hashbrown (Christian Spregel/ Carina Fey) in the lady riders race at 16.50. Main event at Chantilly is the listed race for 3 yo fillies over 1400 metres at 14.20, in which both German runners, Atalia (Mario Hofer/ Jean-Pierre Carvalho) and Time to Beat (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) could be involved in the finish.

today´s U.K. flat racing

there are 3 flat meetings today in the U.K. wih the most interesting races at Nottingham. John Gosden and Frankie Dettori can land a short-priced double with Big Bond, very unlucky on his debut 19 days ago at Haydock, in the 2yo maiden at 14.40 CET and Espresso Star, a very easy CD winner last week and now penalised just 6 lbs in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.40. Dettori also partners Godolphin´s well-bred newcomer Covert Ambition in the 3yo maiden over 10 furlong at 16.10, where the main opposition could come from Hamdan al Maktoum´s trio Nasaq (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills), Eqbaal (John Dunlop/ Ted Durcan) and Qeyaada (Ed Dunlop/ Steve Drowne). The cards at Brighton this afternoon and Great Leighs (all-weather) this evening are not so exciting, but Gary Moore´s Singleb (Pat Dobbs) can continue is winning run in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.30 at the former track; he has won 3 of his last 4 races, including only two days ago at Leicester. At Great Leighs, Audemar (Eddi e Vaughan/ Jamie Spencer) looks hard to beat in the 2yo maiden at 20.50 but is likely to start at a very short price.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winners at Punchestown!

easily the best racing today comes from the Irish N.H. meeting at Punchestown, where two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners clash in the Grade 3 chase over 2 3/4 miles at 17.45 CET. 2005 winner Kicking King (Tom Taaffe/ Barry Geraghty) has never really run up to that form since and has had his fair share of problems; he fell last time out and preference must be for 2006 winner War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), who has won this race twice before, but is coming off a long break. There are only4 runners, but Watson Lake (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) will keep the principals honest despite giving them both weight. The very consistent ex-German Kalderon (Tom Hogan/ David Casey) has a good chance in the Grade Three novice chase at 17.15, but mjust concede weight to last season´s smart novice hurdler (third at Cheltenham!) Trafford Lad (Eamonn Sheehy/ Ruby Walsh), who is making his debut over fences. Also on the Punchestown card are two listed hurdle races and Davy Russell can posibly win them both; he partners Made in Taipan for Tom Mullins at 16.15 and Oscar Rebel for Willie Burke in the mares´ race half an hour later. There are, unusually for Ireland, small fields in most of the Punchestown races, but they are well worth watching. There is also jumps racing in the U.K. today at Ludlow, where Tony McCoy as usual looks te man to follow. He has several fancied rides, notably Darabatsa for Tor Sturgis in the mares´ novice hurdle at 15.20, De Soto for Jonjo O´Neill in the handicap chase an hour later, Misterinbetween for Gordon Elliott (for whom he ride a double yesterday) at 16.50, and another Irish-trained runner, Patrick Kelly´s King Ali in the beginners chase at 17.50.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Baron De`L - An Cathaoir Mor - Bob Lingo
2.Race: Made In Taipan - Coolcashin - Raise Your Heart
3.Race: Oscar Rebel - Vale Of Avocia - Give It Time
4.Race: Trafford Lad - Kalderon - Fantoche
5.Race: Kicking King - War Of Attrition - Watson Lake
6.Race: Ardalan - Wheels Up - Drumconvis
7.Race: Chip Tea - Instant Cherry - Rock Gossip

German runners at Maisons-Laffitte

there are two more German-trained runners in France today, where the flat racing comes from Maisons-Laffitte. Christian von der Recke has booked Steffi Hofer to ride Orlik in the claimning race for 4yo´s and up for lady riders over 2100 metres at 16.05, while Peter Schiergen´s Saalewüste runs in the 3yo claiming race over a mile at 17.45. There are huge fields in both races, so winning will not be easy, but both could finish in the money.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Astur Green - Cueto - Marinous
2.Race: Shanna Bere - Vitesse Superieure - Sapfo
3.Race: Wifi - Prince Apollo - Bellamy Prince
4.Race: Rising Tornado - L`Etoile De Moscou - Audebelle
5.Race: Charlebesone - Le Champion - Orlik
6.Race: Mister Moonlight - Miss Nevees - Icy Major
7.Race: Reslenamix - Cash Point - Vitora
8.Race: Le Grillon - Saalewüste - Gonscharow

N.H.racing in Britain and Ireland

the autumn is upon us and there are 3 N.H. meetings today, at Uttoxeter and Wetherby in the U.K. and Punchestown in Ireland. Rony McCoy can make his trip to Wetheby pay off by riding a double for Irish trainer Gordon Elliott with Mhilo in the novice hurdle at 17.20 CET and Hoopy in the beginners chase half an hour later. He also has a chance on Jonjo O´Neill´s Olay Olay in the handicap chase at 16.50, but the trip of 2 1/2 miles seems a bit short, in which case Yes Sir (Peter Bowen/ Seamus Duack) and Borora (Richard Lee/ Jamie Moore) can be preferred. Another possible Irish winner at the fixture is John McConnell´s Coolnharan (Davy Condon) in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.15. In Ireland itself there are huge fields at Punchestown, with a maximum field of 25 in each of the 4 hurdle races. The Fist of God (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) can take the opening maiden hurdle for 3yo´s at 15.35; he was beaten at odds-on last time but deserves another chance and his trainer ad jockey can complete a double with Offaly in the handicap chase at 17.45. There are also sme large fields at Utoxeter, where Tagula Blue (Ian Williams/ Jason Maguire) looks a good thing to defeat 14 opponents in the selling hurdle at 17.10. The novice hurdöle at 16.05 looks the most interesting race here. Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Timmy Murphy) was unbeaten in bumpers and could be a real prospect, but Awesome George (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Tom Know (David Pipe/ Hadden Frost?) are just two of several possible dangers

all-weather racing at Lingfield and Kempton

no flat racing on turf today, but all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton. There are only 5 runners in Lingfield´s featured event, a condtions race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 17.00 CET. This looks a match between Calligrapher (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Godolphin´s Global City (Frankie Dettori), all of whose runs so far have been over 5 furlongs, but who is bred to stay further. The most interesting race at Kempton is also for juveniles, this time over a mile at 20.20. 14 runners and several with chances, including Karl Burke´ s Markyg (Neil Callan), whose Royal Ascot third is the best form in the race, Lady Drac (Barry and Michael Hills) and Charlie Smirke (Gary Moore/ George Baker), a beaten favourite here last time, but the one to beat is probably History Lesson, whose trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Richard Hughes are in great form. As he is owned by the Queen, it would be appropriate if Reigning Monarch (Zoe Davidson/ Sam Hitchcott) could win the 6 furlongs handicap an hour later, and he is in fact the form choice after his narrow defeat at Great Leighs last week.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1.Race: Buy On The Red - I Confess - Trimlestown
2.Race: Noble Jack - Mirrored - Axel Foley
3.Race: Gazboolou - Glencal - Spring Goddess
4.Race: Calligrapher - Global City - Countrywide City
5.Race: Astrodome - The Composer - Forget It
6.Race: James Pollard - Just Mossie - Princess India



Betting forecast Kempton:
1.Race: Mayadeen - Shouldntbethere - Split The Wind
2.Race: Floodlight Fantasy - Ocean Avenue - Medieval Maiden
3.Race: Night Seed - Key To Love - Riflessione
4.Race: History Lesson - Fin Vin De Leu - Markyg
5.Race: Cumana Bay - Ray Of Joy - Victoria Sponge
6.Race: Musical Script - Reigning Monarch - Hurricane Coast
7.Race: Gap Princess - Credit Swap - Charlie Delta
8.Race: Ceili Mor - Pembo - Headache

German runners at Longchamp

Longchamp stages today its first racing since the "Arc" meeting, and although obviously the racing is of much lower standard than 10 days ago, there are still some nice races and the possibility of more German success, following Smooth Operator´s win in a Group race at Chantilly yesterday. He is trained by Mario Hofer, who today saddles Kaliyan (Jean-Pierre Carvalho) in the opening tiercé handicap over 3100 metres at 13.50. However this is a very tough race and it is not certain that he can beat Brigitte Renk´ s Milongo (Thierry Jarnet) among others. Miroslav Rulec´s Thanatos, with top jockey Christophe Soumillon aboard. probably has a better chance in the 2000 metres race for 3yo´s at 15.20. The same trainer saddles his stable star Thunder Storm Cat (Stephane Pasquier) in a conditions race over 2100 metres at 16.20, and although he has shown his best form on the all-weather, he could run well in this company, as could Baron Ullmann´ s El Comodin (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon). The final German runner is Andreas Trybuh s Something Stupid (Andreas Suborics) in thre 1800 metres claimer at 16.50.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Milongo - Sunrise Spirit - Mandali
2.Race: Peach Pearl - Entre Deux Eaux - Russiana
3.Race: Wajir - Rachmaninov - Tynedale
4.Race: Albert Hall - Green Du Ciel - Marendinio
5.Race: Zina Blue - Crystal Swan - Shakila
6.Race: Balius - El Comodin - Apophis
7.Race: Iruz - Lotharios - Abades
8.Race: Smart One - Buttes Chaumont - Quimanbo

Leicester and Newcastle

Easily the best flat racing today comes from Leicester, and Frankie Dettori can possibly land a double for Godolphin in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs that open the card. Both Emirates Roadshow at 14.40 CET and Al Marmoon half an hour later look the form choices, but there are several potential dangers, including a well-bred Sir Michael Stoute newcomer in both races. The class 3 conditions race for 3yo fillies at 16.40 looks booked for Ghaidaa (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills), whose dam and sister both won the Oaks and who has been twice listed-placed, form which should be good enough here. The class 3 conditions race for 2yo´s at 16.10 looks more open, but Akhenaten (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott), who has twice run respectably in group races, could prove best if he can shrug off the effort of a third race already this month. The ground will be very testing at Newcastle and the quality mainly poor, but Princess Rainbow (Jennie Candlish/ Jimmy Quinn) looks a near-certainty to win ther 1 1/2 mile maiden at 16.50 after two decent efforts in much stronger company. Another likely odds-on favourite is Sir Michael Stoute´ s Custody (Robert Winston) in the 2yo maiden at 15.50, while Allformary (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) can win the fillies´ equivalent half an hour earlier.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Emirates Roadshow - Dancourt - Bravo Echo
2.Race: Box Office - Al Marmoom - King`S Song
3.Race: All In The Red - Singleb - Blue Charm
4.Race: Absent Pleasure - Versaki - Akhenaten
5.Race: Ghaidaa - Dream Day - Kylayne
6.Race: Afram Blue - Red Current - Ambrose Princess
7.Race: Three Moons - Class Is Class - All Guns Firing
8.Race: Jawaab - Roodolph - Lunar Promise



Betting forecast:
1.Race: Allformary - Caress The Soul - Haulage Lady
2.Race: Custody - Tiger Reigns - Bushveld
3.Race: Artsu - Avontuur - Woodsley House
4.Race: Princess Rainbow - Orkney - The Little Master
5.Race: Giant Love - Bavarian Nordic - Rawdon
6.Race: Signalman - Mister Pete - Prince Rhyddarch

N.H. racing at Huntingdon

thee are surprisingly small fields at Huntingdon today, possibly as a result of the good to firm going. Only 5 run in the main event,a class 3 handicap hurdle over 2 miles 17.00 CET, in which Jimmy Moffatt´s Border Tale (Brian Hughes) should start favourite after a very easy win at Kelso 9 days ago, for which he has a 7 lbs penalty. Elaala (J.T. Stimpson/ Aidan Coleman) is much improved and loves this going, but perhaps the German-bred top-weight Moon Star (Paul Blockley/ Mark Bradburne) could be the one to beat; despite his pedigree he also acts well on fast ground. Another German-bred with prospects is Act Gold (Ian Williams/ Seamus Durack) in the first race, a handicap hurdle over 3 1/4 miles at 15.30. Although still a maiden,. he stays really well and was only just touched off over this CD when last seen in May. Answer Me (Norma Twomey/ Robert Thornton) certainly deserves to win a race after finishing placed on all his 4 starts so far (2 bumpers, 2 hurdle races) but may find Nigel Twiston-Davies´ Billie Magern (Paddy Brennan) too strong in the novice hurdle at 16.30.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Markington - Cee Cee Rider - Act Gold
2.Race: Tempsford - She`S Humble - Pharanto
3.Race: Billie Magern - Answer Me - Sea Cliff
4.Race: Border Tale - Elaala - Hibiki
5.Race: Ocean Du Moulin - Scots Dragoon - Lyes Green
6.Race: Moscow Catch - Vacario - The Bonus Ball

German runners at Chantilly

main feature in France today is the Group Three Prix Eclipse for 2yo´s at 15.05 CET at Chantilly. Only 3 of the 9 runners are trained in France and there must be the strong possibility of a British or German success. Best of the Brits could be Richard Hannon´s Bonnie Charlie (Christophe Soumillon) and Damien (Barry and Michael Hills), while the two German runners are Mario Hofer´s Smooth Operator (Andreas Helfenbein) and Pavel Vovcenko´s Giordano (Filip Minarik), with preference for the former, winner of the Kronimus-Rennen at Baden-Baden. The German runners did not do so well last week in France, but there could well be some winners today. Swing and Rock (Andreas Trybuhl/William Mongil), Vaccaria (Waldemar Hickst/ Andrreas Suborics) and Champions Time (Miroslav Rulec/ Dominique Boeuf) all run in the opening claiming race for 3yo´s over 1800 metres at 14.05, while Laokoon (Hofer/ Helfenbein) and Topkapi Diamond (Erturk Kurdu/ Antony Crastus) contest the 1200 metres race for t he same age group at 15.35. Atantic Raer (Rulec/ Nicolas Dieu) runs in the apprentices race over 1600 metres at 16.35 and in the final 1800 metres handicap at 17.35 there are two German runners, Goldanera (Kurdu/ Davy Bonilla) and Delano (Werner Baltromei/ Boeuf). In our opinion, Swing and Rock, Laokoon and Delano have the best chances.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Cottage Club - Rava - Equinoreva
2.Race: Bird Of Paradise - Noble Ginger - Muthabaie
3.Race: Smooth Operator - Bonnie Charlie - Treasure
4.Race: Dunkerque - Jane Blue - Dam d`Augy
5.Race: Roatan - Bizerte - Miss Heart
6.Race: Deacon Blue - Rockette - Haadeej
7.Race: Babouche - Grazela - Major`s Love
8.Race: Mishkina - Irish Heart - Pauillac

Windsor and Wolverhampton

most of the top trainers and jockeys this afternoon will be at Windsor, including Frankie Dettori, who should take the mile maiden at 18.00 CET on Godolphin´s Etosha, a good runner-up at Pontefract last week. The obvious danger is Lease of Life (Barry Hills/ William Buick), a promising 4th of 16 on his recent debut at Nottingham. There are also some promising types in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden over 6 furlongs, notably the well-bred All about You (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) in the second division at 16.30, the form of whose second place on his debut has been well boosted since. The first division at 16.00 should lie between Sir Michael Stoute´s Standpoint (Ryan Moore)- beaten at odds-on last time - Chambers (Mark Johnston/ Frankie Dettori) and Bold Tie (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes). The 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo s at 17.30 is very open. St. Jean Cap Ferrat (Geoff Wragg/ Tadge O´Shea) has twice finished second and is due for a win, but Mahadee (Clöive Brttain / Eddie Ahern), normally an all-weather specialist, Arts Guild (Willie Musson/ Kevin Shea), lightly-raced and possibly a blot on the handicap, and Opera Prince (Silvester Kirk/ Richard Hughes), consistent but moving up in distance, could all be dangerous. At Wolverhamptn, the best event is the class 4 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50. Willkandoo (Kevin Ryan( Neil Callan) looks the logical winner here. he has just a 6 lbs penalty for an easy win last week at Dundalk, where the opposition was probably much stronger than it is now.

Agapanthus at Kempton

the most interesting runner today in the U.K. from the German point of view is surely Agapanthus, last seen when trailing in last for Gestüt Schenderhan and trainer Jens Hirschberger in the German Derby. He has since been gelded and now races in Barney Curley´s colours and is trained by his former assistant Andrew Stringer at Newmarket. He runs now in the class 3 handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 17.40 CET at Kempton with Shane Kelly in the saddle, and faces 11 opponents, the best of which should be the lightly-raced CD winner The Carlton Cannes (Geoff Wragg/ Darryll Holland) and Kings Event (Sir Michael Stoute/ Jimmy Fortune), runner-up here over 10 furlongs last time out. Another German-bred who could run well at Kempton´s all-weather fixture this afternoon is Carmeneno (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer), who goes for the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.10. The lightly-raced 3yo´s Lake Windermere (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Without Prejudice (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) are the likely f avourites and look the two to beat, but the more experienced Carmenero likes this track and could possibly go well at a decent price.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fun In The Sun - Summer Recluse - Hurricane Coast
2.Race: In Transit - Statute Book - Cherry Belle
3.Race: Lake Windermere - Carmenero - Without Prejudice
4.Race: Damaniyat Girl - Poyle Meg - Fen Spirit
5.Race: Rag And Bone - Minute Limit - Morning Queen
6.Race: King`S Event - Rayhani - Pacifism
7.Race: Light Hearted - Artistic License - Dazed And Amazed

Flat racing at Navan, Nottingham and Kempton (evening)

After some heavy rain yesterday, the going is likely to be testing at both Nottingham and in Ireland at Navan. The most interesting event at the Irish track is the 10 furlongs conditions race at 17.15 CET, in which Tony Martin´s smart handicapper Leg Spinner (Robbie Colgan), having his first run of the flat since winning the Cesarewitch a year ago, will find the going tough over a distance far short of his best. Aidan O´Brien´s New Zealand (Sean Levey) has a major chance here, but Via Galileo (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), Daasij (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Blues in Cee (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) could all be dangerous. However New Zeaand fares, the trainer and his talented apprentice should pick up the 3yo maiden at 18.15 with Washington Irving, whose fifth place in the Derby makes him almost unbeatable in this company. At Nottingham, 4 of the 8 races are restricted to 2yo´s and Fitz Flyer (David Brown/ Paul Mulrennan) in the 5 furlongs maiden at 14.40 and Alanbrooke (Mark Joh nston/ Royston Ffrench) in the mile maiden at 15.40 both appear to hold winning chances. Red Jade (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), in the 10 furlongs maiden for older horses at 17.10, should make up for his mishap last week, when a close third here over a mile, where the jockey dropped his hands in the closing stages, which cost him second place and a lengthy suspension. At Kempton´s evening meeting on the all-weather, the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.50 looks wode open, with all 13 runners holding a chance, from top-weight Russki (David Simcock/ Richard Mullen) to bottom-weight Irony (Amdrew Balding/ David Probert); both Lindoro (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby) and Fathsta (Silvester Kirk/ Liam Keniry) look overdue for a win, but they are both badly drawn.

N.H. racing at Exeter andTowcester

Two N.H. meetings today, and although the standard of racing is similar, it is significant that the top jockeys are all in action at Exeter. Tony McCoy can set the ball rolling by winning the opening handicap hurdle at 15.20 CET on Sunnyhillboy for his boss J.P. McManus and trainer Jonjo O´Neill. The lightly-raced 5yo seems to have been given a very lenient mark for his handicap debut, anbd is expected to prove much better than this grade. McCoy also partners the highly promising Gone to Lunch for trainer Jeremy Scott in the beginners chase at 16.20. He ran well enough in some of last season´s top novice chases to suggest that he should outclass today´s opposition. The two divisions of the novice hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong that close the programme also have some interesting entries, notably the David Johnson/ David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy pair of Quaddick Lake at 17.50 and Rural Rebel half an hour later. At Towcester, the best race is clearly the class 3 novice hurdle at 16.00. Top-weight Shore Thing (Charlie Egerton/ Dominic Elsworth) has already shown talent, but will do well to concede weight to such as Ogee (Pauline Robson/ Jimmy McCarthy), an impressive winner two weeks ago, Theatrical Moment (Jonjo O´Neill/ Noel Fehily), unbeaten in 4 bumpers but so far not quite that class over sticks, and especially the French-bred filly Quechua des Obeaux (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien), who won her only race on the flat in the French provinces last spring and could be anything. The 2 mile beginners chase at 17.30 also looks interesting, and Nicky Henderson´s Ingratitude (Barry Geraghty) is clearly the one to beat, although German-bred Soprano (Jonjo O Neill/ Neil Fehily) and David Bridgwater´s Pagan Sword (Sean Quinlan) should also both go well.

Catterick, Folkestone and Leicester

Only very average racing at three flat race meetings in Britain, with the best sport coming from Leicester, where the class 2 handicap for 3y s over 1 1/2 miles at 17.,10 CET looks wide open, with almost every runner in with a chance. Trainer Michael Jarvis and his stable jockey Philip Robinson are in great form and their Torpichen, slightly unlucky last time, could start favourite, but they face strong opposition from such as Kingdom of Fife (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), Times Vital (Eoghan O´Neill/ Chris Catlin), Kossack (Luca Cumani/ Jamie Spencer) and King o´the Gypsies (Roger Charlton/ Frankie Dettori). There are only 5 runners in the 3yo race over 10 furlongs at 16.10, this looks quite a tricky contest but Mark Johnston´s Alcalde (Royston Ffrench) is bred to get this trip and can possibly maintain his unbeaten record.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Burgundy Ice - Phillipina - West With The Wind
2.Race: Prince Golan - Flying Flute - Glencal
3.Race: Alcalde - Heliodor - Le Grand Amour
4.Race: Dancing Marabout - Near The Front - Dazzling Begum
5.Race: Kossack - Torphichen - Kingdom Of Fife
6.Race: Belle Bellino - Doric Lady - Hurricane Harriet
7.Race: Bessie Lou - July Jasmine - Mezenah
8.Race: Pivka - Sirocco Breeze - Cotswolds

At Catterick, where 4 of the 7 races are for 2yo´s, top-weight Guto (Bill Ratcliffe/ Simon Walker) could be the answer to the 5 furlongs handicap for amateur riders at 15.30. Majuba (Kevin Ryan/ Paul Mulrennan), placed in his last 5 races, can possibly get his head in front in the first division f the 2yo maiden at 15.00.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Majuba - Fesko - Breakevie
2.Race: Guto - Spirit Of Coniston - Jakeini
3.Race: Misty Glade - Chantilly Dancer - Secret City
4.Race: Kheleyf`S Silver - Titus Andronicus - Diamond Daisy
5.Race: Firebet - Lakeman - Pride Of Kings
6.Race: Banquet - Doonigan - Boing Boing
7.Race: Gulf Coast - Spirit Of Adjisa - Maha Dubai

Two course specialists to watch at Folkestone are Mandarin Spirit (Greg Chung/ William Carson) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.20 and Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Tom Queally) over 5 furlongs half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Gesseem - Surprise Party - Castlemaine
2.Race: Emirates World - Burma Rock - Saint Arch
3.Race: Granary - Manchestermaverick - Kinnego Bay
4.Race: Dareh - Sharpener - Sley
5.Race: Witchry - Mandarin Spirit - Princess Valerina
6.Race: Haajes - Mango Music - The Jobber
7.Race: Me Fein - Pocketwood - Valdan

Listed races at Chantilly

After the excitements and drama of "Arc" weekend, racing is now back to normal in France, but there is a good card at Chantilly this afternoon with 3 listed races, two of which could go to German runners. In the 1000 metres sprint at 16.20 Mario Hofer´s Mood Music (Dominique Boeuf), who has already put up some smart performances in France, should go well, although British raider Masta Plasta (David and Adrian Nicholls) is the obvious favourte here. Half an hour later Pavel Vovcenko, whose It´s Gino ran such a fantastic race on Sunday, saddles Limatus (Andrasch Starke) over 3000 metres and this good stayer, winner of the Langer Hamburger, has an excellent each-way chance.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Go For Gold Mine - Broncoli - Senor Monk
2.Race: Ribadesella - Anyaar - Pink Candie
3.Race: Diderot - Rendezvous - Orzare
4.Race: Dreamt - Towards - Solaria
5.Race: Changing Skies - Sanjida - Virana
6.Race: Quaroma - Masta Plasta - Delvita
7.Race: Friston Forest - Fully Funded - Cristobal
8.Race: Moghaayer - Perspicace - Liberty Valence