3 Grade One races at Fairyhouse

Some excellent racing is in store today at Fairyhouse, where the meeting has survived an early morning inspection. One can only hope that conditions are better than yesterday, when visibility was very poor indeed, as several major Irish hopes for Cheltenham will be on view. Main feature is the Hatton Grace hurdle at 15.10 CET, where the field includes two previous winners of the Champion Hurdle in Hardy Eustace (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), back to form recently, and Brave Inca (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) who won both this race and the champion in 2006 but has been off the track now for 19 months. German-bred Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), won mpressively last time out, while another German-bred Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Niall Madden), who won this last year, would appear to be the stable´s second string behind Muirhead (Paul Carberry). Willie Mullins holds a strong hand in the novice hurdle at 14.05, where he saddles 2 runners, Cousin Vinny (Paddy Mullins), last yea r´s top bumper horse who is making his hurdles debut in a Grade One race (!) and Hurricane Fly (Paul Townend), an impressive form of only Irish start and also with smart French form to this credit. The other Grade One race is the novice chase at 14.40, where all 8 runners have good recent form. Tranquil Sea (O´Grady/ McNamara) defeated Trafford Lad (Eamonn Sheehy/ Tom Doyle) over hurdles last year, but there is very little between this duo and Forpadytheplasterer (Thomas Cooper/ Davy Russell).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Tharawaat - Yield For No One - Admiral Barry
2.Race: Cousin Vinny - Donnas Palm - Fisher Bridge
3.Race: Tranquil Sea - Forpadydeplasterer - Trafford Lad
4.Race: Hardy Eustace - Catch Me - Kazal
5.Race: Freds Benefit - Irish Invader - Reisk Superman
6.Race: Patsy Hall - Sonnium - Drive On Jim
7.Race: Quempton - Cranky Corner - Blown By The Wind

Kempton and Leicester

With Carlisle abandoned because of frost, there are only two British meetings today, at Leicester (N.H.) and Kempton (all-weather flat racing). A Leicester, Lake Legend should win the opening novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 13.45 CET after a convincing debut at Huntingdon. There are only 4 runners in the mares novice chase at 14.15 and of these only Fit to Drive (Brendan Powell/ Sam Jones) has form over fences. On hurdling form, Brook no Argument (John Quinn/ Dougre Costello) ought to win, while Charlie Mann´s German-bred Figurita (Dave Crosse) has a stiff task on ratings, but ran well last time. The two top-weights Roznic (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) and College Ace (Paula Robeson/ Dam Jones), both last-time-out winners, should dominate the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.20, while top-weight Mujamead (Tony Carroll/ Wayne Hutchinson) is the likely favourite for the handicap hurdle at 15.55. He is unbeaten in two starts this CD, but has to give a lot of weight to Or d´Oudaire s (Quoinn/ Costello) and ex-German Snake Charmer (Milton Harris/ Charlie Poste). The 7 races at Kempton are all class 5 or 6 and althugh the fiels are large, they are short on quality- Perhaps the most interesting race is the 7 furlongs handicap that closes the card at 18.15. Front-runner Dawson Creek (Brian Gubby/ Michael Hills) looked a bit unlucky to be caught by Tobar Suil Lady (John Spearing/ Adam Kirby) last time, and can reverse the placings on 3 lbs better terms, but possibly the improving Sendreni (Michael Wigham/ Chris Catlin), who has won 2 of his last 3 races, can make a winning debut at this track.

All-weather action at Kempton and Wolverhampton

Easily the best flat racing today comes from the all-weaher track at Kempton, where there are 2 listed races on the card, both very open. The 1 1/2 mile race at 16.25 CET sees the all-weather debut of German-bred Les Fazzani (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), an easy winner on very soft ground last time at Doncaster. If she handles the track, she must have a good chance, but perhaps a.w. specialist Philatelist (Michael Jarvis/ Shane Kelly) is the safer option, while lightly-weighted 3yo filly Mischief Making (Ed Dunlop/ Chris Catlin), also from a German family, is another live candidate following her 33-1 win at Lingfield last time. The mile race at 17.00 could be won by the ex-Italian Il Grande Maurizio (Frank Sheridan/ C. Colombi), who won nicely here on his British debut. General Elliott (Paul Cole/ Shae Kelly) has the highest rating here, but is running on the a.w. for the first time, while Orchard Supreme (Richard Hannon/ Steve Drowne) now reverts to a shorter and more suitable distance. Best race on a poor card at Wolverhampton this evening is the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 21.50. The much-improved Nordic Bavaria (Ann Duffield/ Andrew Mullen) has won his last 3 races, including at Southwell on his first attempt on the a.w., and although the distance now is shorter, he can complete the four-timer.

Other N.H. racing today

Unfortunately Newcastle (and the high profile Fighting Fifth Hurdle) has had to be abandoned following heavy frost, but there is still some good jumping at Wexford and Fairyhouse in Ireland, and Towcester in Britain. Fairyhouse has the best card, featuring two graded races, both valuable handicaps. The 3 mile 5 furlongs handicap chase at 15.35 obviously cannot be compared to the Hennessy, but still has several of Ireland´s better stayers entered. Alickadoo (TJ Nagle/ SJ Gray) has won his last 3 races and is clearly much improved, but Willie Mullins´ Arbor Supreme (Paul Townend) could be the answer on his seasonal debut, with the stable now back in form. Mullins and Townend also team up in the 2 mile handicap hurdle with Sesenta, but Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Tom Doyle) looks the logical choice here; he has won 2 of his 3 hurdles starts and last time out was an impressive winner of a valuable flat handicap. On the undercard, the most interesting runner could be ex-German Maremo tto (Tom Hogan/ David Casey) in the maiden hurdle at 14.30. At Wexford there are 4 races over hurdles followed by 2 Irish N.H. flat races. Another ex-German runner here is Forever Free (WM Roper/ Barry cashj), a listed winner at Baden-Baden in 2004, but now having his first run for over 2 years. At Towcester, Coda Agency (David Arbuthnot/ Timmy Murphy), a beaten favourite last time, can recover losses in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.30.

Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

An excellent card at Newbury today is headed by the Hennessy Gold Cup, one of the top handicaps of the year for staying chasers and scheduled to be off at 15.40 CET. Numerous stars have won this race - Denman last year and going back a bit, Arkle and Mill House , all Gold Cup winners, - and although one cannot see any of today´s runners winning at Cheltenham it is still a high-class renewal and a very open event with 16 runners. Charlie Mann has made very optimistc noises regarding his German-bred Air Force One (Noel Fehily) and this one could well start favourite. Paul Nicholls has had some setbacks the last few day, but still holds a strong hand here with 3 runners, of which Big Buck´s (Sam Thomas) would appear the main hope based on jockey bookings. Slim Pickings (Tom Taaffe/ Paddy Flood) comes over from Ireland with a clear chance, while Snoopy Loopy (Peter Bowen/ Seamus Durack), despite his high profile win last week, has apparently been written off by Timeform. Nicky H enderson has his string in great form and Oedipe (Andrew Tinkler) has to be respected; although not the most consistent, he is lightly-race and won well at Aintree in April with this jockey. Bottom-weight Island Flyer /Tom George/ Denis O´Regan) also has prospects in what promises to be a great race. The main reason O´Regan is at Newbury is to ride the wonderful Inglis Drever in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at 15.05. This outstanding stayer has won the race for the past 3 seasons and is always at his best on his seasonal debut. Although he tends to run in snatches, he still looks hard to beat today and should reverse Aintree form with Blazing Baileys (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who has always finished behind him at Cheltenham and here. Nigel Twiston-Davies´ improving Pettifour (Paddy Brennan) has won his last 4 races and could be a threat. Other interesting runners here are German-bred Peppertree Lane (Bowen/ Durack), who mkes his hurdlkes debut in a strong field for the novice hurdle at 13.25, and the moody Saintsaire (Wayne Kennedy), having his first race for new trainer Andrew Hales in the 2 mile handicap chase at 14.35, a race he has already won twice, but in between has put up many poor performances for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: American Trilogy - Cockney Trucker - Unfurled
2.Race: Calusa Caldera - Tricky Trickster - Shouldhavehadthat
3.Race: Petit Robin - Predateur - The Wicketkeeper
4.Race: Inglis Drever - Blazing Bailey - Duc De Regniere
5.Race: Big Buck`S - Air Force One - Character Building
6.Race: Private Be - Yes Sir - Randwick Roar
7.Race: Prince Taime - Squadron - Pires

German runners at Saint-Cloud

Today is the last day of flat racing for this year in the Paris region, and the Saint-Cloud fixture has therefore attracted some huge fields, so that winners will not be easy to find on the expected very heavy going. Once again there are several German-trained runners, starting with Peter Schiergen´s La Tournesol (Filip Minarik) in the listed race for fillies over 2500 metres at 13.35. Schiergen also saddles Emporio (Melanie Plat) in the 24oo metres claiming race for lady amateur riders at 14.35 and this one is likely to start a warm favourite after two very easy wins in France; however he has a huge weight and must concede 7 kilos to Horst Steinmetz´ Montirat (Helen Corcoran) among others, so he is no certainty. Swing and Rock (Andreas Trybuhl/ William Mogil) and Bee Keen (Dr. Bolte/ Markus Kolb) both run in the 2100 metres claiming race for 3yo´s an hour later, while Beau Marchand (Conny Brandstätter/ Mattias Sautjeau), Nasibow (Steinmetz/ Dominique Boeuf) and Pennekar (Nor bert Sauer/ Henk Grewe) are entered in the 2800 metres handicap at 16.05.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: French Charm - Peanut Butter - Southwold
2.Race: Maine Rose - Believe Me - La Tournesol
3.Race: Un Rendez Vous - Bassel - Priam Des Mottes
4.Race: Emporio - Ma Preferee Adoree - Kerlouedec
5.Race: Azhar Eria - Set et Match - Miss Cybelle
6.Race: Wifi - Palasha - Swing And Rock
7.Race: Petit Colibri - Host - Excentrique
8.Race: Coventgarden - Aerien - Slipshod

Newbury and Musselburgh

The N.H. racing this afternoon comes from Newbury, the second day of their Hennessy Gold Cup meeting, and Mussleburgh in Scotland, where Little Shillimng (Tim Vaughan/ Robbie Killoran) looks a god thing to complete a quick hat-trick in the opening handicap hurdle over 3 miles for conditional jockeys at 13.10 CET. He has won twice in the last 10 days with the greatest of ease and a 14 lbs penalty should not stop him in this company. Another top weight with good prospects is German-bred Los Nadis, whio had no chance last week against Binocular, but should go well in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 15.20 for trainer Peter Monteith with regular jockey Ryan Mania aboard. He can improve his already good course record by defeating Maneki Neko and Amazing King.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Little Shilling - Tara Queen - Glen Rouge
2.Race: Call Me Al - Houston Dynimo - Don`T Stop Me Now
3.Race: Run To Space - Bow School - Ho Pang Yau
4.Race: Broadway Star - Glencree - Danzatrice
5.Race: Maneki Neko - Los Nadis - Mr Jack Daniells
6.Race: All For The Cause - Moor Spirit - Beggars Cap
7.Race: Meridian City - Southerness - Leith Walk



Main feature at Newbury is the class 1 novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40. Only 4 runners, but still an interesting race, particularly with The Market Man (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) in the field. He missded all of 2006 and 2007 and has not run since being pulled up in Cheltenham´s World Hurdle, but if back t form, he can take care of Kicks for Free and Ring the Boss. The opening 3yo hurdle at 14.00 sees some interesting hurdles debutants line up, notably Alan King´s Mount Helicon (Robert Thornton), a 600,000 guineas yearling who was listed-placed for André Fabre. There are 18 runnes in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.05 but it is hard to see the consistent Ballydub (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) finish out of the money after his excellent effort at Cheltenham last time. The main dangers could be Ringaroses (Henrietta Knight/ Timmy Murphy) and Miko de Beauchene(Sue Alner/ Andrew Thornton), who finished second in this a year ago before winning the Welsh Grand Natio nal, which is once again his main target.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Mount Helicon - Art Trend - Nino Cochise
2.Race: Kilcrea Asla - Buck The Legend - Red Man Ray
3.Race: Ballydub - Galient - Green Mile
4.Race: Kicks For Free - The Market Man - Ring The Boss
5.Race: Michael Muck - The Real Deal - Prince De Bersy
6.Race: Riverside Theatre - Copper Bleu - China Gold

3 all-weather fixtures today

Plenty of action today for the fans of all-weather racing, with 7 races this afternoon at Lingfield, 8 this evening at Kempton and another 8 at Dundalk in Ireland. The Irish meeting has the best racing and a lot of interest will be focussed on the struggle for the Irish jockey´s championship, in which Pat Smullen currently leads with 88 winners from Fran Berry (83) and Johnny Murtagh (80), who is basically no longer a contender as he does not ride this evening, which is the penultimate fixture of the Irish season. The most valuable event is the mile handicap at 21.10 CET with a maximum field of 14. Smullen has an obvious chance here with Joanna Morgan´s Funatfuntasia, who has been repeatedly been placed here in similar races - without however ever actually winning. Top-weight Mojito Royale (Eoin Doyle/ Daniel Grant), Cochölear (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) and High Court Drama (Paul Deegan/ Kevin Manning) are all multiple CD winners and will make life difficult for him.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Imco Tendence - Toberanthawn - Morrigan
2.Race: Playdate - Emily Dickinson - Palazzone
3.Race: Magic Mornings - Brazen Beauty - Spinone
4.Race: Pozyc - Northern Rocker - Way West
5.Race: Lake Pontchartrain - High Court Drama - Mojito Royale
6.Race: If Per Chance - Vignelaure Rose - Opera Music
7.Race: Roy`S Delight - Cullofane - Luxie
8.Race: Alhabeeb - Farinelli - Bobs Pride



At Kempton this evening, the best race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.50, also with a maximum field. Mister Ross (Gary Moore/ Fergus Sweeney) is the likely favourite hee, having won his last 2 races very easily, including at Lingfield, his only a.w. start so far. PerfectAct (Clive Cox/ Steve Drowne) was 3rd at Limgfield last time and also has to be respected, while old Dingaan (Andrew Balding(/ Liam Keniry) is long overdue for a win and is ideally suited by this CD.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Smokey Ryder - Glamorous Spirit - The Magic Of Rio
2.Race: Choisharp - Maswerte - Tarruji
3.Race: Wing Play - Fantosha - Tender Process
4.Race: Kladester - True Britannia - Captain Walcot
5.Race: Highland River - Hawkspring - Swiss Art
6.Race: Franksalot - Copper King - Welcome Releaf
7.Race: Mister Ross - Swift Gift - Perfect Act
8.Race: Back In The Red - Blue Charm - Polish World



There are only 4 runners in this afternoon´s class 3 conditions race for 2yo´s at Lingfield at 15.30. Invincible Heart (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Pat Cosgrave) has been placed four times running and has the best rating, but Lexlenios (David Elsworth/ Marc Halford) won his only race in good style and is probably capable of more. The 6 furlongs handicap at 16.05 is miuch more open, but top-weight Internationaldebut (Steve Parr/ Adam Kirby) has an obvious chance afer his easy win over a furlong further here last week.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Our Day Will Come - Madison Belle - Cool Art
2.Race: Kames Park - Rapid City - Obrigado
3.Race: Blessing - Spouk - Special Reserve
4.Race: Belated Silver - Takeover Bid - Dynamo Dane
5.Race: Invincible Heart - Lexlenos - Global
6.Race: Internationaldebut - Resplendent Alpha - The Game
7.Race: Mayoman - Bluebok - Step It Up

German runners at Fontainebleau

More chances of German victories today in France, where there is flat racing at Fontainebleau. French Kiss (Norbert Sauer/ Henk Grewe) runs in the 1800 metres race for 2yo´s at 13.05 and Sauer and Grewe are also represented by Asterio an hour later in a 2000 metres event for 3yo maidens, in which Oriental Rose (Petr Olsanik/ Brice Caballard) and The Sixty (Michael Trybuhl/ Ronan Thomas) also run. Daudet (Hans Blume/ Carina Fey) and Dosimo (Stephan Buchner/ Tony Farina) are engaged in the claiming race for "young jockeys" over 1800 metres at 14.35; an interesting opponent here is Diamond Diggins (Lenka Horakova/ Nicolas Perret), a recent winner at Hanover. There are 3 German runners in the 2500 metres handicap at 15.35: Wellango (Hans Blume/ William Mongil), Weardi (Conny Brandstätter/ Delphine Santiago) and Allez Filly (Olsanik/ Remi Campos).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Silver Point - Noble Ginger - Orange Pekoe
2.Race: Marcellin - Genereuse Gold - Volsora
3.Race: Enrisy - Bayouda - Galiego
4.Race: Angel of Rain - Attar Of Rose - Arpagone
5.Race: Zariyan - Qualinka Royale - Diamond Diggins
6.Race: Little Joe - Backward - Rocamar
7.Race: Magnocco - Wellango - Lester Quercus
8.Race: Grap De Mai - On Line - Lips Lion

rest of today´s N.H. racing

There are 3 more jumps meetings today, Taunton and Uttoxeter in Britain and Thurles in Ireland, but obviously the standard is much lower than in Newbury. Charlie Mann does extremely well with his German imports and runs Laredo Sound (Noel Fehily) in the beginners chase at 14.40 CET at Taunton. This is quite a good race, and Deep Purple (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who was a better hurdler but jumped badly on his chasing debut, and Mister Whatzisname (Charlie Longsdon/ Tom Siddall) are also dangerous, more so than the other German-bred in the field, Jonjo O´Neill´s Soprano (Tom O´Brien), who has so far not come up to expectations. Paul Nicholls´ The Nightingale (Christian Williams) was one of the unluckiest losers of the season when he slipped up on the flat last time, and he can make amends in the novice hurdle here at 15.15. At Uttoxeter, where the ground is testing, Gypsy George (Tom and Robert Walford) now tries hurdling after winning 3 times over fences and can take th e 3 miles novice hurdle at 14.20. In Ireland, the best race at Thurles is the 3 mile chase at 16.10. Scotsirish (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) is the class act here and has easily the best rating, but this trip could stretch his stamina and Hairy Molly (Joe Crowley/ Paul Carberry), winner of the Cheltenham bumper 2 years ago, looks a big danger.

Newbury today

Today is the first day of Newbury´s three day Hennessy Gold Cup meeting and there is a strong card, even though some of the fields are small. The Grade Two novice chase over 3 miles at 15.05 CET is a case in point, but all 6 runners have good form this season, 4 of them winners last time out; this race was been won in the past by some smart performers and this is certain to be so agan today. The Tother One (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) is likely to be favourite, despite some recent setbacks for the yard. He holds Gone to Lunch (Jeremy Scott/ Tony McCoy) on Extere form, but the latter has run much better since and is now 3 lbs better off. A big danger could be Tartak (Tom George/ Denis O´Regan), who had good form in France and has twice won very easily since joining his present connections. However this is a big step up in distance for him. There are 5 runners in the beginners chase here at 13.55, which looks a match between Straw Bear (Nick Gifford/ Tony McCoy) and Pasco (Nicho lls/ Thomas). Straw Bear could never get into the race behind another Nicholls runner Tatenen last time, but finished in front of Pasco previously and was also better over hurdles, so in theory he should be the winner today.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Over Sixty - Carole`S Legacy - Tara Two Hills
2.Race: Pasco - Straw Bear - Isn`T That Lucky
3.Race: Parlesotho - Cootehill - Tuskar Rock
4.Race: The Tother One - Gone To Lunch - Tartak
5.Race: High Oscar - Jean Le Poisson - Briery Fox
6.Race: Hector`S Choice - Kerry`S Girl - Schiehallion
7.Race: Pepe Simo - Abbevillian - Larks Lad

All-weather action this evening

Great Leighs stages 6 races this evening and the most interesting runner from the German point of view is Gary Moore´s Artreju (George Baker), who runs in the class 5 handicap over 10 furlongs ar 21.20 CET. On his old German form he is very well handicapped, but his British performances so far have not been so inspiring and he is now coming off a 4 month break. Otherwise only the 2yo maiden which opens proceedings at 19.50 is worth a mention. Poyle Meg (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) has already run some decent races, while Wedding List (William Haggas/ Michael Hills) was a good runner-up over this CD 12 days ago, but Sir Michael Stoute´s Tahfeez (Martin Dwyer) is expected to show considerable improvement on his debut performance this time.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Wedding List - Poyle Meg - Cabernet Sauvignon
2.Race: Turban Heights - Puy D`Arnac - Bank On Benny
3.Race: Sunniva Duke - Saif Al Fahad - Retro
4.Race: Golden Bishop - Artreju - Rising Force
5.Race: Remember Ramon - Action Impact - Indian Skipper
6.Race: If You Knew Suzy - Dontpaytheferryman - Mayfair`S Future

Mario Hofer at Enghien

No flat racing in France today, with jumping at Enghien and trotting at Vincennes. The most interesting event from the German point of view is the Group 3 hurdles race for 3yo´s over 3500 metres at 14.35 at Enghien. Mario Hofer, fresh from his big Auteuil victory with Atamane, saddles Viper (Sebastian Sauren) , who fell when in a clear lead at Auteuil last time and, if he stays on his feet, he can be another French winner for the in-form Krefeld trainer.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Royal Tune - Cokydal - Crack d`Emble
2.Race: La Trattoria - Pentacle - Bonita Du Berlais
3.Race: Roc De Sivola - Townsville - Kalin Des Cotieres
4.Race: Nobilita - Oh Calin - Noble Kaid
5.Race: Ice Mood - Palk - Karoo Du Berlais
6.Race: Pacifick - Passe Partout Aulmes - Pelikan du Houx
7.Race: Bounce Card - Carolus Quercus - Ezcaray

today´s N.H. racing

Three jumps meetings today, but easily the best card is at Kempton, where the main feature is a listed hurdle race for mares over 3 miles at 14.40 CET with some interesting runners. Amber Brook (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) was a easy winner at Wincanton 18 days ago, but now meets Hora (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who was 10 lengths behind after winning her 3 previous races, on 13 lbs worse terms so that the form may well be reversed, while Emma Lavelle´s Blaeberry (Jack Doyle) is a danger to all. Henderson can also win the novice chase at 14.00 with French Opera, who will be partnered by Marcus Foley. Backers of outsiders should consider Black Hills (Jonathan Geake/ Andrew Thornton) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.15; he won the same race last year off a 3 lbs higher mark.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lord Ragnar - Seefin Mountain - Somersby
2.Race: French Opera - Doctor David - Ameeq
3.Race: Hora - Tot Of The Knar - Amber Brook
4.Race: Aimigayle - Treasury Counsel - Nom De Guerre
5.Race: Terramarique - Regal Quote - Nostringsattached
6.Race: Et Maintenant - Boomshakalaka - Gaelic Flight
7.Race: Huguenot - Immense - French Leave



At Wetherby the German-bred Le Platino (John Wade/ Peter Buchanan), who had decent bumper form, catches the eye making his hurdles debut at 14.20, while Ovthenight (Pam Sly/ warren Marston), placed on bith hurdles starts, can get off the mark in the 3yo maiden at 15.25.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Albany - Mirjan - Three Lions
2.Race: Carryduff - Chigorin - Supreme`S Legacy
3.Race: Waterloo Road - Smoke And Mirrors - Sharadiyn
4.Race: Blast The Past - Arumun - Some Touch
5.Race: Ovthenight - Nino Cochise - Thunderstruck
6.Race: Benny The Piler - Silly Wupple - Checkerboard
7.Race: Pokanoket - Diklers Oscar - Miss Keck



The best race at Chepstow is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.15, in which Tamadot (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien), who ran well at Cheltenham 10 days ago, can defeat the much improved Charles Street (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy), who has been raised 31 lbs after winning 3 of his last 4 races. The dark horse here is Picts Hill (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), who is coming off an 18 months break.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Bensalem - King Fontaine - King Of Atlantis
2.Race: Thursday`S Knight - Decree Nisi - L`Eau Du Nil
3.Race: Amble Forge - Great Tsar - Baseball Ted
4.Race: Tamadot - Charles Street - Picts Hill
5.Race: Aheadofhistime - Scalini`S - Benitez
6.Race: Sergeant Harper - Cherry Flora - Pale Rider
7.Race: Alfie Sherrin - Mister Stickler - Prince Tom

All-weather action this evening

Very poor racing this evening at Wolverhampton´s all-weather track, with the only 2 races of interest being the final 2 class 4 handicaps. The race at 21.50 CET is run over 5 furlongs, and Even Bolder (Eric Wheeler/ Steve Carson), runner-up this CD last time , has an obvious chance, but two interesting runners are the 11yo The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Jack Dean) and Garlogs (Reg Hollinshead/ Hayley Turner). Garlogs has not run since the spring but is a real a.w. specialist and won 4 races over this CD last winter, while The Tatling is having his very first run on the all-weatjher after 107 starts on turf! The 8 1/2 furlongs race half an hour later is wide open, but Follow the Flag (Alan McCabe/ Jimmy Quinn), who is moving up in grade after an easy CD win last week, has a clear chance off his low weight. Hold the Gold (Eoghan O´Neill/ Chris Catlin) is inconsistent but is still the main threat.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Madison Belle - Celtic Rebel - West Leake
2.Race: Freepressionist - Our Wee Girl - Little Blacknumber
3.Race: North South Divide - Enlightened - Mr Rev
4.Race: My Best Bet - Sister Clement - Clerical
5.Race: Pseudonym - Elaala - Flame Creek
6.Race: Dazzling Bay - Even Bolder - Garlogs
7.Race: Morbick - Follow The Flag - Sam`S Cross

German runners at Saint-Cloud

Saint-Cloud today stages one of the last days of flat racing of 2008 in the Paris region and once again German stables are strongly represented. There are no Germans in the listed mile race at 14.20 for 2yo´s (but a British challenger, Richard Fahey´s Goliaths Boy with Tony Hamilton), but Mario Hofer´s Mona Lisa (Andreas Suborics) challenges for the listed race fof 3yo fillies over 1400 metres half an hour later, where Michael Bell´s Just Like a Woman with Hayley Turner is the British hope. Hofer and Subi also have prospects with Malachito in the 1300 metres event at 15.50, while there are German runners in all three divisons of the mile handicap. In the first, and best, division at 13.50, Weltträumer (Andreas Trybuhl/ William Mongil) and Prokopios (Hans Blume/ Subi) are the German hopes, while there are 4 runners in the second division at 16.20 - Triple Beat (Hofer/ Maxime Guyon), Langford (Heinz Hesse/ Stephane Breux), Noxon (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) and Le Patro n (Petr Olsanik/ Rene Campos), and 2 in the third division at 16.50, oldtimer Grantley (Hesse/ Julien Augé) and Fancy Running (Baltromei/ Boeuf).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Diderot - Cirrus des Aigles - Telluride
2.Race: Je Trace - Eire - Quick Bere
3.Race: Guerande - Entre Deux Eaux - Laguna Salada
4.Race: Rock Harmonie - Carved Emerald - Just Like A Woman
5.Race: Singapore Treat - Celanside - Afariyas
6.Race: Bocastar - Distrayante - Race Driver
7.Race: Le Boss - Naxon - Zitenly
8.Race: Fancy Running - Danse Etoilee - Nachos

N.H. racing at Lingfield and Sedgefield

Lingfield staged flat racing on the all-weather yesterday, but today they race there over jumps (although the opening bumoer is run on the all-weather track), and the 2 mile beginners chase at 14.30 CET looks a good opportunity for Chatrlie Mann´s German-bred Gauvain (Neil Fehily) to get off the mark over fences. The Sternkönig gelding was a decent hurdler and ran an excellent race last time out when second in good company at Sandown. Divali Princess (Alan King/ Charlie Huxley) also looks a good thing to win the mares novice hurdle at 14.00, while Little Josh (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) should take the novice hurdle an hour later; both were good bumper horses who have made a decent start over hurdles. The handicap hurdle at 15.00 is much more open; Osolomio (Jennie Candlish/ Alan O´Keeffe) is the best horse in the field, but is coming off a long break and has to concede a lot of weight, e.g. 17 lbs to Jardin de Vienne (Noel Chance/ Richard Johnson).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: The Darling Boy - Toulaman - Tigerbythetale
2.Race: Divali Princess - Southern Exit - Worbarrow Bay
3.Race: Gauvain - Divine Gift - Rapid Increase
4.Race: Little Josh - Rebeccas Choice - Lennox Gardens
5.Race: Night Safe - Nicto De Beauchene - Ballygalley Bob
6.Race: Stradbrook - Guardian Of Truth - Osolomio
7.Race: Mylord Collonges - Misbehaviour - Glengarra



At Sedgefield, the opening beginers chase ver 2 1/2 miles at 13.50 looks the most interesting event. Chief Dan George (Jimmy Moffatt/ Richard McGrath) won a Grade One novice hurde over 3 miles at the 2007 Grand National meeting and has been running, without success, in top races events since. This trip could be on the short side for his first race over fences, and both Logan´s Run (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) and Lease Lend (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello) could be dangerous. Howard Johnson and O´Regan are in tremendous form and should land the 3yo novice hurdle at 14.20 with Silk Drum and the handicap chase an hour later with Digital Media.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Chief Dan George - Lease Lend - Bedlam Boy
2.Race: Silk Drum - We`Re Delighted - Dry Speedfit
3.Race: Sorrento Moon - Leprechaun`S Gold - Just Posh
4.Race: Digital Media - Flaming Heck - Eborarry
5.Race: Kings Maiden - Delightfully - Gallileo Figaro
6.Race: Rival Bidder - Shulmin - Nelliedonethat

All-weather action today

Today´s all-weather action comes from Southwell and, with 4 class 6 races followed by 4 class 5, it is hardly an inspiring card. Only 5 are entered in the 2yo novice race at 15.10, which should in theory be a straightforward task for Sir Mark Prescott´s Kind Heart (Jean-Pierre Guillambert); she was runner-up on both her starts so far, both at Great Leighs, and receives 12 lbs from the main threat, Kevin Ryan´s Alexander Gulch (Chris Catlin). The most interesting runner at the meeting should be Alan Swinbank´s Shiwawa (Robert Winston), who makes his debut under rules in the 1 1/2 miles maiden race at 15.10. He is however far from a maiden, having won three bumpers in 2006 (all at odds-on) before this year running 3rd of 19 in a better class bumper at Sandown, and Swinbank has often introduced smart performers on the flat after starting them off in bumpers. Best of the opposition should be West with the Wind (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton), who has not so far lived up to his pedigree - his dam is the German pattern race mare Midnight Angel- but he has at least been placed a few times and should be able to win a modest maiden at some stage.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Salerosa - Boss Hog - The Grey One
2.Race: Kirstys Lad - Barataria - Bavarica
3.Race: Kinigi - Smalljohn - Svindal
4.Race: Jilly Why - Reigning Monarch - Willhewiz
5.Race: Kind Heart - Alexander Gulch - Captain Imperial
6.Race: Shiwawa - West With The Wind - Fly With The Stars
7.Race: Pertemps Networks - Azabu Juban - Bold Bobby Be
8.Race: Efisio Princess - Incomparable - Peter`S Storm

N.H. racing at Ayr and Ludlow

After the high cass action at Ascot, Haydock, Aintree and in Ireland at the weekend, today´s jumps cards at Ayr and Ludlow have a very second division look. Best race at Ayr is the class 3 handicap chase at 15.45 over 2 1/2 miles CET, where the field of 7 includes two German-breds, with the Acatenango gelding First Look (Peter Monteith/ Rhys Flint), who has a good record here, easily preferred to Euro American (George Moore/ Barry Keniry); last-time-out winner Tell Henry (Martin Todhunter/ Barry Keniry) is an obvious danger. The behginers hase there at 14.40 should lie between Great Approach (Nicky Richards Fearghal Davis) and Quws Law (Lucinda Russell Peter Buchanan) and the same two stables can dominate the novice hurdle half an hour later with Merrydown and Crackerjack Lad respectively. At Ludlow, the main feature is also a class 3 handicap chase over 2 1&2 miles, due at 15.25, and there are several possibilities here, including Ping Pong Sivola (Venetia Williams Aidan Col eman) and Picot de Say (Chris Roberts Jack Doyle). The beginners chase half an hour later should mainly involve Kia Kaha (Jonjo O= Neill Tony McCoy) and The Dukes Speech (Ferdy Murphy Graham Lee).

All-weather action today

a typically dreary Monday, with two low-level jumps meetings and all-weather racing from Lingfield, where 7 of the 8 races are class 5 or 6. The exception is the class 4 mile handicap at 16.05, which looks wide open. Top-weights Gallantry (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn) and Alpes Maritimes (Gary Moore/ George Baker) have obvious chances, while two N.H. trainers Charlie Mann and Noel Chance saddle Shavansky (Steve Carson) and Mister New York (Jim Crowley) respectively, who both ran well here last week. Lighly-raced Robby Bobby (Mark Johnston/ Jamie Spencer) has a very low weight and could possibly be a blot on the handicap. However he fares, Johnston and Spencer should not go home empty-handed, as their Lord Chancellor has obvious prospects in the first division of the 2yo maiden at 13.30 after his good debut at Leicester and in the second division the well-bred Haashed is another possible, although on public form Featherweight (Barry and Michael Hills) could be hard to beat.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Charming Escort - Station Place - Norcroft
2.Race: Lord Chancellor - Simon Gray - Rockson
3.Race: Motivated Choice - Grand Palace - Lord Deevert
4.Race: Monkey Glas - Stand In Flames - Desert Dreamer
5.Race: River Kirov - Ugenius - Royal Manor
6.Race: Featherweight - Formula - Haashed
7.Race: Mister New York - Palmerin - Dichoh
8.Race: Lord Theo - Risque Heights - Siena Star

German runners at Auteuil

German-trained runners have been extremely successful on the flat in recenrt weeks in France, but are rareyl represented at the top jumping meetings, but this is not the case today, when two German runners are in action at Auteuil and both have at least good prospects of finishing in the money. Mario Hofer´s Atamane (Xavier Hondier) ran an excellent race here when runner-up in a Group One hurdle race, and now runs in a slightly lower grade when he contests the Grade Two Prix Leon Olry-Roederer over 4300 metres at 16.20. This is however a tough race and Millennium Royal (Francois Doumen/ Christophe Pieux) looks a big danger. Miroslav Rulec saddles Ian (Jean-Gilles Gueracague) in a 3600 metres hurdle race half an hour later and he should also run well, after winning twice at Nancy.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fortana - Wendy du Berlais - Miss Aubane
2.Race: Valfranc - Roi Du Val - Persy Des Mottes
3.Race: Pharly De Kerser - Podensac - Popova
4.Race: Master Flight - City Note - Katria
5.Race: Carpo - Ivanhoe Du Berlais - Jakiloup
6.Race: Coralhasi - Atamane - Drole de Drame
7.Race: Ian - Tell No One - Rescato de l`Oust

smart hurdling prospects at Navan

today´s Irish N.H. fixture at Navan features a Grade Two novice hurdle at 14.00, in which several of Ireland´s top hopes clash. Only 6 run, but all are in good form, and pride of place clearly goes to the unbeaten Pandorama (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), who slaughtered a huge field here on his hurdling debut recently. Alpha Ridge (Paul Nolan/ AP Cawley) and German-bred Sarteano (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) could be the main dangers. The Troytown Handicap Chase over 3 miles at 15.30 is a valuable handicap, and Paul Nicholls, who has chances of being champion jumps trainer in both Ireland and the U.K., saddles the smart Officier de Reserve (Davy Russell). Chelsea Harbour (Thomas Mullins/ Tom Doyle) and Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) could be threats, as is handicap specialist Tony Martin´s Hold the Pin (Robbie Colgan)

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Tharawaat - Man From The West - Magdoodle
2.Race: Pandorama - Alpha Ridge - No Full
3.Race: Rocheford Bridge - Kingsbury - Montana Slim
4.Race: Realt Dubh - Sierra Peak - Mikael D`Haguenet
5.Race: Officier De Reserve - Operation Houdini - Chelsea Harbour
6.Race: Your Sum Man - Jaamid - Macs Mandalus
7.Race: Roches Point - Blame The Missus - Long Strand

Plumpton and Towcester

there is also N.H. racing in Britain today at Plumpton and Towcester, and although the quality on offer is clearly well below that at Aintree, there are still some interesting races and it could be siginificant that some of the top jockeys are riding at these tracks, e.g. Tony McCoy at Plumpton and "Choc" Thornton at Towcester. McCoy partners the useful Oceana Gold for Emma Lavelle in the novice hurdle at 14.30 at Plumpton, but German-bred Wendel (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who made such a positive impressiuon when winning on his debut over this CD 3 weeks ago, is obviously a big danger. McCoy´s best chance is probably the novice hurdle at 15.40, where he partners Brendan Powell´s Award Winner, a very easy winner at Exeter last time.Two more easy last-time-out winners who could score again are Panjo Bere (Gary and Jamie Moore) in the novice chase at 15.05 and Spanchil Hill (Jim Best/ Tom Scudamore) in the stayers handicap chase at 16.15. At Towcester, Colonial Jim (Neil Mulh olland/ Felix de Giles), another easy winner last week, can take the handicap hurdle at 14.50, while Thornton´s best chance appears to be Alan King´s Gold Reef in the mares novice hurdle over the same trip of 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.25.

Betting forecast Plumpton:
1.Race: Sainglend - Sufad - Sawpit Solitaire
2.Race: Georges Boy - The Ring - Ironside
3.Race: Oceana Gold - Wendel - Dan Tucker
4.Race: Panjo Bere - Creinch - New Team
5.Race: Award Winner - Vodka Brook - Mollys Garden
6.Race: Spanchil Hill - Just Poppytee - Its A Classic
7.Race: Galoshes - Olympian - Most Definitely



Betting forecast Towcester:
1.Race: Tosula - Fortune Point - Auditor
2.Race: Lady Florence - Cashmere Ted - No Supper
3.Race: Nevada Red - Brumous - Kiltimoney
4.Race: Colonial Jim - Ice Melted - Silver Bay
5.Race: Gold Reef - Silver Spinner - Naturally Inspired
6.Race: Shake The Barley - Thai Vango - Salsero
7.Race: Similar Fashion - Bai Zhu - Aussie Deal

historic races at Aintree today

today´s one day fixture at Aintree sees two historic handicaps on the card, and the Becher Chase at 15.50 CET over 3 1/4 miles of the Grand National course is often a useful pointer to the National itself. Experience of the track is always a huge advantage here, and it is likely that Mr.Pointment (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) will start favourite to repeat his 2007 victory. Nicholls also saddles top-weight Gungadu (Christian Williams), who is also in with a chance, while Irish Raptor (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) should also go well. There are 5 Irish-trained runners in the field of 16, all of them presumably toying with the idea of a prep race for the National, and Black Appalachi (Dessie Hughes/ Denis O´Regan) could be the best of them. The Grand Sefton Chase at 14.40 over 2 miles 5 furlongs is also a hot handicap, andf the presence of Turpin Green (Nicky Richards/ Davy Condon) - third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 - in the field means that several are running o ut of the handicap. Gwanako (Nicholls/ Thomas) was a CD winer here at the National meeting and should go close again, despite a hefty rise in the weights, and this also applies to The Hollow Bottom (Twiston-Davies/ Brennan), winner of his last 2 races, both here, while Irish raider Ponmeoath (Eric McNamara/ Barry Geraghty) also looks dangerous. Geraghty´s new partnership with trainer Nicky Henderson is aready paying huge dividends and the pair can strike again with German-bred Fairyland in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.30. This 5yo mare was listed class in Germany and has finished runner-up in both her British starts.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fairyland - Honest John - Caravel
2.Race: Glingerbank - Quarry Town - Andrew Nick
3.Race: Gwanako - Regal Heights - Bill`S Echo
4.Race: King Caine - Auroras Encore - Premier Dane
5.Race: Mr Pointment - Gungadu - Irish Raptor
6.Race: Major Miller - Petrus De Sormain - Ormus

how to be a millionaire

quite simple really- just tip the winners of the 6 most difficult races today and you can possibly win well over a million, as the jackpot for the Scoop 6 bet is expected to reach well over 3 million pounds, with another million in next week´s bonus race. For the foolhardy here are our suggestions:

1st leg (Lingfield 15.10): Atlantic Story, My Gacho
2nd leg (Lingfield 15.40): Izzibizzi, Jennie Jerome
3rd leg (Haydock 15.45): Glasker Mill, Rambling Minster
4th leg (Lingfield 16.20). Mr. Aviator, Bronze Cannon
5th leg (Huntingdon 16.30): Millards Lad, Rebel Melody
6th leg (Lingfield 16.50): Ceremonial Jade, Chief Editor
good luck!

listed races at Lingfield

the all-weather action today is at Lingfield in the afternoon and Wolverhampton in the evening. Easily the best racing comes from Lingfield, where the last 4 races (including two listed events) are part of today´s Scoop 6 bet. The most popular winner of the day would undoubtedly be Grand Passion (Steve Drowne) in the 10 furlongs listed race at 16.20 CET, expected to be the last runner of trainer Geoff Wragg´s long career. He is not without a chance, as he is a real CD specialist and has won this race twice before. However Richard Hannon´s pair Mr. Aviator Richard Hughes) and Orchard Supreme (Ryan Moore), both last-time-out winners, as well as Yahrab (Clive rttain/ Jamie Spencer), going for a hat-trick, and especially John Gosden´s Bronze Cannon (Jimmy Fortune) wil make it difficult for him to end his trainer´s career on a winning note. The 6 furlongs listed race at 16.50 has numerous CD and in-form spec ialists in the field, but Ceremonial Jade (Marco Botti/ Jimmy Quinn), Chi ef Editor (Michael Jarvis/ Neil Callan) - unbeaten on the all-weather- and Prohibit (Gosden/ Fortune) seem to be the three likeliest winners. Course specialist Atlantic Story (Mick Easterby/ Ryan Moore) can possibly get coop 6 punters off to a good start in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.10, while the fillies´ handicap at 15.40 looks the hardest race of all. Jennie Jerome (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill), Secret Night (Clive Cox/ Ian Mongan), Miss Brown to You (Michael Bell/ Neil Callan) and Izzibizzi (Ed Dunlop/ Chris Catlin) are just 4 possibilities. The evening racing from Wolverhampton looks vey modest, but Miss Beat (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer) and Doncosaque (JR Gask/ Tom Queally) can land a short-priced double at 19.20 and 20.50 respectively.

Huntingdon and Gowran Park

there is also N.H. racing today at Huntingdon and Gowran Park (Ireland) and the most interesting race is the handicap hurdle over the long distance of 3 1/2 miles at 16.30 CET at Huntingdon, the 5th leg of the Scoop 6 bet and a very tricky race to solve, especially as not all the 16 runners are sure to stay the trip. Rebel Melody (Charlie Mann/ Kevin Tobin) won ove this CD a year ago and represents a stable in form, and makes the short list, as does Acosta (Dr. Naylor/ Eamonn Dehdashti), an easy winner at Hereford last time. German-bred Diarius (LKucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) seems rather unreliable, but certainly has the ability, as has course specialist Domenico (John Jenkins/ Wayne Kennedy) and House of Bourbon (Tim Vaughan/ Lee Stephens). The question mark in the race is Millards Lad (Aaron Bateman/ Jamie Moore), who is very leniently handicapped on his chase form. Trainer Howard Johnson has no runner in this event, but can otherwise dominate the dixture, as his runners in the first 5 races, all partnered by Denis O´Regan, could all win: Presenting Forever at 13.05, Woody Waller at 13.40, Cool Operator at 14.15, Andy Anshan at 14.50 and El Vaquero at 15.35. There are huge fields at the Irish meeting at Gowran Park, but not much in terms in quality.

small but high-class fields at Ascot

there is also an extremely high-class N.H. card at Ascot, though some of the fields are small. The Grade 2 hurdle race at 14.55 could provide more Champion Hurdle clues, as the much improved 4yo Crack Away Jack (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) faces his stiffest task yet. The opposition includes Nicky Hemderson´s mare Chomba Womba (Barry Geraghty), impressive last time out at Wincanton, Elusive Dream (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams), who finished last season with 2 easy wins, and just about holds Franchoek (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle for which he started a hot favourite. The Grade Two handicap chase at 16.05 is also a hot race. Mahigany Blaze (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) ran an excellent race in defeat at Exeter last time and on April form holds Paul Nicholls´ top-weight Oslot (Nick Scholfield); however last-time-out winner My Petra (Henderson/ Geraghty) looks very dangerous off her low weight.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Indian Pipe Dream - Barnhill Brownie - Toby Belch
2.Race: Fairoak Lad - Distiller - Phone In
3.Race: Jack The Giant - Bleu Superbe - Andreas
4.Race: Crack Away Jack - Elusive Dream - Chomba Womba
5.Race: Poquelin - Psychomodo - Cheating Chance
6.Race: Mahogany Blaze - Oslot - My Petra
7.Race: Red Harbour - Fiftyonefiftyone - Riddleofthesands

Cheltenham favourites in the spotlight at Haydock

Binocular (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), ante-post favourites for the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup respectively, are the two stars who are expected to dominate proceedings today at Haydock. It will be a major shock is either gets beaten, but the odds in both cases will be extremely short. Kauto Star, attempting to win the Betfair Chase for the third time at 15.15 CET, does at least have a serious rival - Jonjo O´Neill´s Exotic Dancer (Tony McCoy), who was only just beaten in this last year and is the third highest-rated chaser in training. However Exotic Dancer has already met Kauto Star 7 times and finished behind him every time and it is hard to imagine a different result today. Front-runner Ollie Magern (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England), well behind Kauto Star in the last 2 runnings of this, should ensure a fair pace and can hang on for third. It is almost impossible to find any opposition to Binocular in the Betfai r Hurdle at 14.40. He has won 3 of his 4 starts in Britain and his only defeat came when 2nd of 22 at the Cheltenham Festival. German-bred Los Nadis (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania) is a fair handicapper and can follow him home, many lengths behind. The big betting race at Haydock is the handicap chase over 3 miles at 15.45, part of today´s Scoop 6 bet, and with 16 runners a wide open affair. Paul Nicholls and Sam Thomas have another good chance here with Osako d´Airy, but he, like Gold Medallist (Philipo Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien), is stepping up in trip and not certain to stay the distance. Glasker Mill (Henrietta Knight/ Brian Harding) and Rambling Minster (Keith and James Reveley) can be slighly preferred.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Font - Doeslessthanme - Bolodenka
2.Race: Star De Mohaison - According To Pete - Leac An Scail
3.Race: Binocular - Los Nadis - Lazy Darren
4.Race: Kauto Star - Exotic Dancer - Cloudy Lane
5.Race: Osako D`Airy - Glasker Mill - Gold Medallist
6.Race: Medicinal - Something Wells - Presenting Copper
7.Race: Saveiro - Steptoe - Mintaka Pass

German runners in France today

Two flat meetings in France today, at Fontainebleau and Lyon, both with listed races and both with a large number of German-trained runners. There are no German starters in the listed race for 2yo´s at Fontainebleau, although two British challengers run, but Time to Beat (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) runs in the listed event for 3yo fillies at 14.20, and Antonym (Boeuf) and Laokoon (Andreas Suborics), both trained by Mario Hofer, as well as Wilfried Kujath´s oldtimer Sacho (Maxime Guypn) all run in the listed race over 1200 metres at 14.50, while the best German chance of the day here is probably Baltromei´s Delano (Boeuf) in the 2000 metres handicap at 15.50. At Fontainebleau, Manfred Weber saddles The German Herman, so unlucky at Baden-Baden, in a 4100 metres chase at 13.35 witrh Laurent Bouldoires in the saddle, while Amadeus (Horst Steinmetz/ Antony Cratsus)) runs in the 2400 metres handicap at 14.05 and Sassoaloro (Hans Blume/ Eduardo Pedroza) in the listed race ov er the same trip half an hour later. Millefeuille (Wolfgang Gülcher/ Thiubault Dachis), Grand Archer (Nina Bach/ Crastus). Floreas (Petr Olsanik/ Antoine Sanglard) and New Desrett (Christian Sprengel/ Alxi Badel) all run in the 1350 metres race at 15.05, while Quadraga (Blume/ Pedroza), Terra Directa (Sprengel/ Badel), Born to Win (Christian von der Recke/ Crastus) run in the 3yo claiming race over 2200 metres at 16.05 and Quick de Maux (Conny Brandstätter/ Bouldoires) is engaged in the 16.05 race for half-breds over 2400 metres.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Always in the Sky - Madragan - Massicotier
2.Race: Prima Porta - Diviniza - Perse
3.Race: Chausson Dore - Doriana - Bluster
4.Race: Sakza - Synergy - Tubular Bells
5.Race: Salut L`Africain - Tiza - Dunkerque
6.Race: Rendons Grace - Rapiere - Royal d`Arc
7.Race: Delano - Premier Violon - Kornei
8.Race: Cuban - King Crimson - Mount Kenya

N.H. racing at Ascot, Exeter and Kelso

Three jumps meetings today and all of them offer some good quality racing, although some of the fields are quite small. At Ascot, the first 3 races could be the most interesting, with some useful propsects in view in each event. The novice hurdle at 13.55 could lie between the two debutants Mad Max (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Karabak (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who both had smart bumper form last season. The beginners chase at 14.30 sees the chasing debut of Massini´s Maguire (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who defeated Tidal Bay (!) at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival. Obviiisly that form makes him clear favourite now although he has been off the track for 19 months. Irish raider Slash and Burn (Charlie Swan/ Davy Russell), runner-up at the last meeting here, will take advantage of any weakness. The introductory hurdle at 15.05 has 9 runners, 5 of whom won in good style last time out. Ex-German Bergo (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) was one of them, and although the oppo sition is much tougher now, he could again go well. Ar Exeter, the previously smart saying hurdler ichita Linesman (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) runs in the 3 mile novice chase at 14.40, but has to give weight to the highly-rated Lodge Lane (Vic Dartnall/ Christian Williams).

The 2 1/2 mile novice handicap chase at 15.50 also has some good entries, including top-weight Oracle des Mottes (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) who is chasing a hat-trick but has to give weight to Buck the Legend (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England) and Pistol Desbois (Sue Alner/ Robert Walford), which will not be easy. At Scottish Kelso, Quicuyo (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania), an own brother to Quijano, is an interesting runner in the beginners chase at 14.50. He got bogged down in the mud last time, and on this slightly better ground, might surprise the likely hot favourite Naiad du Misselot (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee). Monteith also saddles two German-breds in the handicap hurdle at 15.25, Sinatas (Seamus Durack) and Tiger King (Ryan Mania), but this is a very open race with 18 declared runners.

All-weather action this evening

Two all-weather meetings this evening, at Dundalk (Ireland) and Wolverhampton. The Irish track, where there are maximum fields in almost all 8 races, has a much better card, with 2 decent handicaps topping the bill. The 7 furlongs race at 20.40 CET couldgo to Funatfantasia (Joanna Morgan/ Pat Smullen), who has been placed in 7 out of 10 races at this track and is now overdue for a win. The 1 mile 3 furlongs race at 22.40 looks wide open, but trainer Willie Mullins has two chances here with Tango Foxtrot (Paul Townend) and Sani California (Danny Mullins), while consistent Sinsational (Edward Lynam/ S. Foley) is another for the short list. The mile conditions race at 21.10 alsolooks interesting. Finicius (Eoin Griffin/ Johnny Murtagh) is unbneaten i 2 starts here and is just preferred to Solas Na Greine (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who looked a bit unlucky here last week.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Soap Wars - Brave Falcon - Bett`S Spirit
2.Race: Sheena`S Palace - Blue Belle Polka - Maidin Maith
3.Race: Cosmic Breeze - Alaiyma - Little Bug
4.Race: Alone He Stands - Funatfuntasia - Killinan
5.Race: Finicius - Solas Na Greine - Crossing
6.Race: The Gnathologist - Countess Petrushka - Kaplinsky
7.Race: Mad Existence - Full Title - Matjar
8.Race: Dani California - Monteriggioni - Top Mark



At Wolverhampton, easily the best race is the class 2 handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 21.50. Millville (Michael Jarvis/ Jimmy Fortune) is an a.w. specialist and won over this CD in February, but he has been off since the spring and faces a stiff task under top weight. The three 3yo´s in the field, Tarkheena (Alan Swinbank/ Robert Winston), Keine´s Day (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) - going for a hat-trick - and bottom weight Slip (James Boyle/ Andrea Atzeni) all look dangerous.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: One More Round - Absa Lutte - Bishopbriggs
2.Race: Bluebell Ridge - L`Homme De Nuit - Zuwaar
3.Race: Blue Hills - Irish Ballad - Stravita
4.Race: Ucantmissme - Monsieur Fillioux - Inconspicuous Miss
5.Race: Party Frock - Pivotal Queen - Azure Mist
6.Race: Tarkheena Prince - Keenes Day - Bandama
7.Race: Hyde Lea Flyer - Blues Minor - Morbick

German runners at Le Croisé-Laroche

As is usual on a Thursday, thee are 3 PMU meetings in France today, with Enghien (jumps racing) starting at 12.35, Vincennes (trotting) at 13.50 and Le Croisé- Laroche (flat racing) at 16.35. As always. tzhere are lots of German-trained runners at thr last-named track, which is easily reached from Germany. Penjabi (Ertürk Kurdu/ Emrah Kurdu) and Star Lady (Ralf Rohne/ Stephane Breux) run in the 2yo race oer 1800 metres at 17.05.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Alice de la Vis - Isaonor - Salsarides
2.Race: Amico Mio - Penjabi - Singapore Blue
3.Race: Kesara - Tres Froide - Midnight`s Child
4.Race: Falcon Rock - Long John Silver - L`Albatros
5.Race: Foxfire Delight - Vaccaria - Shepton Mallet
6.Race: Richhill Lady - Nakaling - Beauty Mix
7.Race: Innisfree - Roi Dana - Himalayan
8.Race: Almaguer - Royal Borough - Pumuki

4 jumps meetings today

Plenty of jumping action today, with N.H. racing at Hereford, Market Rasen and Wincanton in England and Thurles in Ireland. The most interesting runner at Thurles is Cooldine in the opening beginners chase at 13.35 CET. He won 5 successive hurdles races last year, 3 of them here, and with trainer Willie Mullins coming back to form and smart young claimer Paul Townend on board, he should start his chasing career on a winning note. Alpine Eagle (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) in the 4yo maiden hurdle at 15.05 is another likely short-priced favourite here. Another trainer coming into form is Ferdy Murphy and he can take Markat Rasen´s beginners chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.40 with Nine de Sivola (Graham Lee), still a maiden over fences but placed in several top events. The trip seems a bit short but he can still take care of Bay Cherry (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) and Coe (Sue Smith/ Christian Williams). At Hereford the man to follow should be Tony McCoy, who ca take the first 3 races with Charlie Egerton´s Solar Max in the 3yo hurdle at 14.20, Tim Vaughan´s Priests Field in thre selling hurdle at 14.50 and Jeremy Scott´s Gone to Lunch in the main event, a 3 miles 1 furlong beginners chase at 15.20. Wincantpn is Paul Nicholls´ local track and it ususally pays to follow the championb trainer here - he had 5 winners at the last meeting. However today he only saddles 2 runners, Definity (Sam Thomas) in the novice hurdle at 14.30 and Lamanver Homerun (LIam Heard) in the mares novice chase half an hour later. In both cases thre main opposition is provided by the Alan King/ "Choc" Thornton team, with Orion d´Oudaires and Katess respectively.

All-weather action today

not much all-weather action today with just the evening meeting at Great Leighs, and not much there to stir the imagination. The main event is the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.20 CET, in which Paul Cole´s consistent Harlech Castle (Shane Kelly) once again meets Irish Pearl (Karl Burke/ Fergus Sweeney), who has won her last 2 races with the Cole challenger, who is now better off at the weights, well held. However Harlech Castle, placed on both his all-weather starts and unbeaten with this jockey, could turn the tables this evening. Best bet of the evening should be Ed Dunlop´s well-bred Fosool (Richard Hills) in the mile maiden half an hour later. She was second n her debut in April and has not been seen since, but the opposition looks very weak. The claiming race over a mile for apprentice jockeys at 21.20 sees an interesting ex-German runner at the start, Gestüt Schlenderhan´s Idealist, a smart group race performer a couple of years ago, but now trained by Andrew Stringer for Barney Curley and ridden today by Charles Eddery. If anywhere near his old form after a break of a year, he can hardly lose this; Karl Burke´s Electric Warrior (Matthew Lawson) looks the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Fast Freddie - Silvanus - Sands Crooner
2.Race: Irish Pearl - Harlech Castle - Cape
3.Race: Fosool - Bullet Man - Lyceana
4.Race: Electric Warrior - Idealist - Obezyana
5.Race: Mannlichen - When Doves Cry - Kaolak
6.Race: Premier Danseur - Bluejain - Pharaohs Justice

N.H. racing at Hexham and Warwick

The ground will be very testing at both today´s jumps fixtures and it would be wise to concentrate on runners that can handle the going. Companero (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) is the interesting one in the class 3 handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 15.10 at Hexham, but he has been given a huge weight for his handicap debut after winning his last 3 races, and perhaps Twelve Paces (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania) and Hasanpour (Karl Burke/ Mr.I. Popham), both of whom receive lumps of weight and are ridden by good 7 lb claimers as well, can be preferred under these circumstances.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Abbaleen - Rivington Pike - Motarid
2.Race: Joe`S A Boy - Letterpress - Miss Tarantella
3.Race: Twelve Paces - Companero - Tighten Your Belt
4.Race: Manoubi - Kirkside Pleasure - Boris The Blade
5.Race: Fabalu - Calin Royal - Galapagos Islands
6.Race: Mamba - Brackenmoss - Go On Be A Lady



At Warwick there are only 4 runners in the main feature, a 2 mile chase for 4yo´s at 15.20, which should be won by Chapoturgeon (Paul Nicholls/ Timmy Murphy), who looked like winning easily before falling last time at Exeter. Songe (Charlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy), fourth in the Trimph Hurdle and a respectable third on his chasing debut, looks the obvious danger as Araldur (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), despite his good form, faces a tough task in giving this pair 8 lbs. The handicap hurdle half an hour later should in theory go to Faversham (J.Mackie/ Campbell Gillies) an easy winner last week and racing off the same mark, but veteran All Sonsilver (P. Kelsall/ Jamie Moore) could an interesting long shot alternative off his low weight, as he loves heavy ground.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Enfant De Lune - Frontier Dancer - Make Haste
2.Race: Royal Kicks - Jolejoker - Scaramouche
3.Race: Jokers Legacy - St Killian`S Run - Tisfreetdream
4.Race: Chapoturgeon - Songe - Araldur
5.Race: Faversham - Sexy Rexy - Top Ram
6.Race: Fourpointone - Badger - Amoreigh
7.Race: Aohna - Shame The Devil - Civil Servant

All-weather racing at Lingfield and Kempton

Two all-weather meetings today, Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening, with several jockeys riding at both tracks. Punters won´t get rich backing Jamie Spencer on odds-on favourites, but it is hard to see David Elsworth´s Swiss Diva tasting defeat in the 2yo maiden over 6 furlongs at 14.30 CET at Lingfield. She has twice been runner-up in much better company than she faces today. Otherwise the two divisions of the class 4 7 furlongs handicap look the most interesting races at Lingfield. The first division at 13.30 can go to Mister New Yorek (Noel Chance/ Jim Crowley), whos trainer is better kniwn for his N.H. exploits, but who sent this one out to an easy win at Wolverhampton last week; Bahiano (Clive Brittain/ Neil allan) is inconsistent but could be thr main danger on a course where he has often excelled. The second division at 15.30 is quite open; bittom weight April Fool (Jonathan Geake/ Liam Keniry) seems well treated, but our selection is German-bred Carmene ro (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer), who was unlucky here last time and should go close if getting a clear run today.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Epsom Salts - Potentiale - Highest Esteem
2.Race: My Gacho - Mister New York - Bahiano
3.Race: Bantu - Cape Express - Winter Miss
4.Race: Swiss Diva - Barnezet - Pethers Dancer
5.Race: Woolston Ferry - Cool Art - Hawkspring
6.Race: April Fool - Fiefdom - Internationaldebut
7.Race: Neuchatel - Blue Tango - Goodison Glory
8.Race: Plush - Batchworth Blaise - Quality Street



At Kempton, the best race is the conditions event over 7 furlongs at 20.50. Bonus (Ger Butler/ Eddie Ahern) is the class act here and although he is possibly better at 6 furlongs, can defy top weight this time, at the main expense of Confuchias (Karl Burke/ Darren Williams) - third in the Ayr Gold Cup last time- and Red Alert Day (Simon Callaghan/ Shane Kelly). Megalo Maniac (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) ca complete a hat-trick under top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.20 and lightly-raced Silaah (Ed Dunlop/ Tom McLaughlin) can take the concluding 6 furlongs handicap an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Bountiful Bay - Bishopbriggs - Bluebok
2.Race: Came Back - Little Edward - Makshoof
3.Race: Bring It On Home - Yab Adee - Dontpaytheferryman
4.Race: Dialect - Three Ducks - Okba
5.Race: Red Alert Day - Bonus - Markab
6.Race: Megalo Maniac - Sarah`S Art - Torquemada
7.Race: Thabaat - Solicitude - Overstayed
8.Race: Silaah - Dazzling Bay - Rasaman

N.H.racing at Fakenham and Folkestone

Folkestone stages one its best jumps meetings of the year today, with the class 3 handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.40 CET worth over 15000 GBP to the winner. This looks very competitive with Paul Nicholls´ Alfred´s Tower (Sam Thomas) the likely favourite, but he faces strong opposition from top-weight Nation State (Gary and Jamie Moore), consistent Storm of Applause (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) - in his last 6 races one win and five times runner-up) and Porters War (Alan King/ Robert Thornton). However the last-named fares, King and his stable jockey "Choc" should have a good afternoon, as consistent Rustarix in the novice chase at 14.40 (has the mare Aimigayle to beat) and Spring Dream in the mares´ handicap hurdle half an hour later both have obvious chances, although German-bred Figurita (Charlie Mann/ David Crosse) could be a danger to the latter.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Woolfall Treasure - Karky Schultz - Pic White
2.Race: Medermit - Quazy De Joie - Massini Moon
3.Race: Mount Oscar - Rustarix - Aimigayle
4.Race: Spring Dream - Carly Bay - Topflight Wildbird
5.Race: Storm Of Applause - Alfred`S Tower - The Big Canadian
6.Race: Bynack Mhor - Kingston-Banker - Himba
7.Race: Aberdale - Genies Lamp - Maderson Blue



German-breds could also play a leading role at Fakenham. The well-bred debutant Laterly (Tom Tate/ Keith Mercer) takes on Starluck (A. Fleming/ Timmy Murphy) and Maxwil (Gary Moore/ Philip Hide), who have both shown abilkity over hurdles, in the 3yo hurdle at 15.00, while Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) makes his chasing debut at 15.30; he was the best of these over sticks, but Nicky Henderson´s Scots Dragoon (Felix de Giles) has already shown fair form over fences and is a big danger. Leopold (DW Thompson/ Ryan Mania) was a CD winner last time out, and has most to fear from Russian Flag, who fell when going well last week, in the handicap chase half an hour later, while Weststern (Milton Harris/ Timmy Murphy), who won 4 times on the flat in Germany, seems to be on a very favourable weight in the novice handicap hurdle at 16.30.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Little Shilling - Great Compton - Catiline
2.Race: Silvergino - No Greater Love - Beau Torero
3.Race: Starluck - Maxwil - Laterly
4.Race: Scots Dragoon - Backbord - Berings Express
5.Race: Leopold - Russian Flag - Don`T Ask Me
6.Race: Crystal Prince - Topjeu - Trevian

Southwell (all-weather) today

The only flat racing today takes place at the all-weather track at Southwell and with 6 of the 8 races class 6 and the other 2 class 5, very little classy action can be expected. However it is certainly unusual to find leading Irish trainer David Wachman sending a runner to this meeting, and his lightly-raced Crystal Crown (Jamie Spencer), never better than 6th on his 3 starts so far, is potentially thrown in at the weights in the class 5 mile handicap at 15.50 CET. There is another unexposed sort in the field, Brigydon (James Fanshawe/ Adam Kirby), a 5yo with only 4 career starts, and it would be no surprise to see these two fight out the finish. Otherwise the selling race over the same trip half an hour hour earlier could be the most interesting betting heat, with several runners dropped in grade, e.g. Barkass (Brian Ellison/ George Baker) and Red Espresso (Michael Bell/ Spencer), but the real fly in the ointment here could be Captain Royale (Tracy Waggott/ Neil Callan), bo ught for peanuts out of Jeremy Noseda´s yard after several very poor performances, but who was thought good enough to run in a Group One as a 2yo.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Stoneacre Chris - Out Of India - Charlotte Grey
2.Race: Shadow Bay - Island Chief - Iorek Byrnison
3.Race: Today`S The Day - Holberg - Dante Deo
4.Race: Cut And Thrust - Rio Cobolo - Iliketoboogie
5.Race: Elusive Warrior - Red Expresso - Barkass
6.Race: Crystal Crown - Brigydon - Avertis
7.Race: City For Conquest - Mickleberry - Hollywood George
8.Race: Summer Lodge - Ice Bellini - Sabancaya

German runners at Fontainebleau

Longchamp, Chantilly and Maisons-Laffitte have all closed their doors for the season, but there is still racing in the Paris area at Saint-Cloud and Fontainebleau, and 5 German runners try their luck at the latter track today, 4 of them in the same race, a claimer for 4yo´s and up over 2200 metres at 16.20. Emporio (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke), who won by 6 lengths last time out, is clearly the best of them and despite an outside draw should be involved in the finish. Balladur (Werner Baltromei/ Davy Bonilla), Sagawing (Michael Trybuhl/ William Mongil) and Tanimara (Toni Potters/ Thierry Thulliez) will do well to get placed in this large field of 18 runners, the same number that contest the 3yo handicap over 1800 metres half an hour later, in which Baltromei has booked Mongil to partner his outsider Titan War, as his regular jockey Dominique Boeuf was riding yesterday in Japan.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Chichi Royale - Baccalaureate - Spirit Of The King
2.Race: Panichop - Saugere - Capitaine Courage
3.Race: Fatayev - Molesne If - Charlotte Ki
4.Race: Guyana - Divine Comedy - Numerologie
5.Race: Wedge - Kouradj - Diocleziano
6.Race: Un Rendez Vous - Castelo - Chi Wara Sheba
7.Race: Emporio - Grishan - Balladur
8.Race: Slick The Dreamer - Churriana - Autunoise

jumps card at Leicester

With Limerick (Ireland) abandoned, Leicester stages the only jumps racing today and all the top jockeys are in action. The class 3 novice chase over 2 miles at 15.20 CET has only 6 runners, but they all are useful performers. Kalahari King (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee), a winner of 5 flat races and 2 over hurdles, made a good start to his chasing career by winning a month ago at Kelso, but Jonjo O´Neill´s Crocodile´s Rock (Tony McCoy) also won his only chase in good style and must be feared, while Nicky Henderson´s Shatbadi (Sam Waley-Cohen) looks a big danger in receipt of 13 lbs from them both. The handicap hurdle half an hour later, also over 2 miles, looks wide open. The trip is possibly too short for Pagano (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), while Haar (Andrew Turnell/ Mark Grant) and Widely Accepted (OloiverSherwood/ Sam Jones) both ran respectably last time. but our main fancy is Lucy Wadham´s Approved Force (Dominic Elsworth), a CD winner a year ago and who has run against s ome smart opponents since. With Venetia Williams coming into form, her Pterodactyl (Sam Thomas) can get the better of Norman the Great (King/ Choc) in the final novice hurdle at 16.50.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Crouch End Flyer - Parlesotho - Pride Of Mine
2.Race: Natoumba - Jacarado - Pop Ahead
3.Race: Goldan Jess - Harlequinn Danseur - Deadline
4.Race: Kalahari King - Crocodiles Rock - Shatabdi
5.Race: Pagano - William Bonney - Haar
6.Race: Walsingham - Mattaking - Ravenscar
7.Race: Norman The Great - Pterodactyl - Flow Gently Along

All-weather action at Kempton and Wolverhampton

An average Monday afternoon´s sport today, with all-weather racing at Kempton and Wolverhampton and N.H. racing from Leicester, with the Irish meeting at Limerick abandoned because of a waterlogged track. Most interesting event at Wolverhampton is the class 3 5 furlongs handicap at 17.00 CET, with several CD specialists in the line-up, notably Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Joe Fanning), who has won 9 times here. However his recent form is not inspiring and he can be passed over in favour of two horses that are running here for the first time, Arganil (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) and Luscivious (Alan McCabe/ EJ McNamara), while Masunosuke (AB Coogan/ Darrlyy Holland) and Soopacal (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) must also be rspected. Jamie Spencer has several gpood rides booked and can win the last race, a 2 miles 1 furlong handicap at 17.30 with James Fanshawe´s Dart, an easy winner a week ago at Southwell from Inchpast and Victory Quest, who can repeat the dose under a 6 lbs penalty. < br />
Betting forecast:
1.Race: Rocket Rob - Faraway Sound - Readily
2.Race: Madame Hoi - Shakedown - Absa Lutte
3.Race: Climate - Cap St Jean - Mrs Jefferson
4.Race: Five Two - Graylyn Ruby - Remember Ramon
5.Race: Arganil - Soopacal - Luscivious
6.Race: Dart - Mohawk Star - Inchpast
7.Race: Eternal Optimist - Kirstys Lad - Liberty Valance
8.Race: The Grey One - Ours - Quick Off The Mark



At Kempton, Valdan (David Evans/ Dame O´Neill), who was just caught here last week, can make amends in the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.10; Stand Guard (Paul Howling/ Ian Mongan) and Hucking Heat (Reg Hollinshead/ Hayley Turner) are both chasing hat-tricks here, while Under Fire (Tony Carroll/ Shane Kelly) keeps going up in the weights following a long series of placed efforts. It is unlikely that we shall see any smart 2yo´s in action for the rest of this year, but Princess Cagliari (Richard Hannon/ Dane O´Neill) and Bobs Dreamflight (Dean Ivory/ Martin Dwyer) both ran well enough on their only starts to suggest that they are both certain future winners. As the Princess´ run was here a fortnight ago, while Bob´s run was in June at Sandown, the former must be preferred to take the 6 furlongs maiden at 16.10.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Dougie Peel - Barcode - Hassadin
2.Race: Stand Guard - Hucking Heat - Ministerofinterior
3.Race: Good Effect - Torrens - Little Carmela
4.Race: Bobs Dreamflight - Princess Cagliari - Diamond Twister
5.Race: Namu - River Kirov - Hurricane Coast
6.Race: One More Round - Ten Pole Tudor - Cheap Street
7.Race: Salt Of The Earth - Kannon - Dualagi
8.Race: Moon Crystal - Eastern Gift - Zazous

N.H. racing today in Ireland

Two jumps meetings in Ireland today, Cork and Punchestown, both with heavy ground forecast, and easily the best racing at Punchestown, where the main feature is theGrade One hurdle at 15.15 CET. With Harchibald a non-runner, only four line up, but they include the top two Irish hopes for the Champion Hurdle, Jered (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew McNamara), who actually started favourite at Cheltenham last March. Jered has already made a good start to the season and could make his fitness tell. With dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace now apparently out of form, Won in the Dark (Sabrina Harty/ Davy Russell) looks booked for third place. It could still be a good day for the "Sizing" team trained by Henry de Bromhead, as Sizing Africa in the Grade 2 novice chase at 14.05 and Sizing America in the beginners chase at 14.40 also have decent chances, both with Davy Russell in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Ross Accord - Dan George - Spring Charm
2.Race: Sizing Africa - Holly Tree - Shazand
3.Race: Clarified - Aranleigh - Barker
4.Race: Jered - Sizing Europe - Won In The Dark
5.Race: Farringdon - Lukie Victor - Horse Man Pass By
6.Race: Corskeagh Royale - Mick The Man - Themoonandsixpence
7.Race: Quinola Des Obeaux - Swallows Nest - Asigh Pearl



The best race at Cork is the Grade C handicap hurdle at 14.50 which looks wide open, but perhaps on this ground the lower weights can come out on top, and Sinatra Bar (Paul Nolan/ MP Walsh), Notable d´Estrival (Arthur Moore/ Robbie Colgan) and hat-trick seeking Mystical Breeze (Michael Hourigan/ Tom Doyle) are three likely contenders.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lilywhitedancer - Beroni - Alpine Glade
2.Race: Lounaos - Robin Du Bois - See U Bob
3.Race: Cailin Alainn - Mystical Breeze - Sinatra Bar
4.Race: Tinakellylad - Slievecorragh - Marks Rusty
5.Race: Bring On Rocket - Atriptothelocal - Part Presenting
6.Race: Healys Bar - Strange Encounter - Karaking
7.Race: Preswell Lad - Raise You Ten - Maid Of Malabar

Southern National at Fontwell

With Stratford abandoned Fontwell is the only other meeting in the U.K. today and the main feature is the Southern National, a handicap chase over 3 1/2 miles at 16.10 CET. Very Cool (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly) is the forecast favourite as he seems very leniently handicapped over fences, but with doubts over the stable form and his stamina for this trip, Hello Bud (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England), winner of 4 of his 5 starts this year, and Hermano Cordobes (Philip Hobbs/ Darren O´Dwyer) can possibly be preferred. The class 3 handicap hurdle at 15.40 looks wide open with15 runners. 3 of them are German-bred, First Point (Nicky Henderson/ Felix de Giles), Donaldson (Jonjo O´Neill/ Bobby McLernon) and Classic Dream (Brendan Powell/ Wilson Renwick) and all could run well. Donaldson was easily the best of these on flat form, but First Point has taken well to hurdling and can possibly defy top weight. Another ex-German runner is Swordsman, who goes for the beginners chase at 13.55., and he although he has twice run disappointingly, he must have chances in this company.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Orchard House - Rapid Pete - Burgess Hill
2.Race: Heathcote - Otage De Brion - Swordsman
3.Race: Osprey View - Rawaabet - Beechwood
4.Race: Vibe - Glimmer Of Light - Gotontheluckyone
5.Race: First Point - Postmaster - Sweetheart
6.Race: Hello Bud - Very Cool - Hermano Cordobes
7.Race: Perkin Warbeck - Kayf Aramis - Fair Point

Cheltenham Open meeting: third day

Today is the third and final day of Cheltenham´s Open meeting and once again there is some high class racing. The ground is quite testing and soft ground performers must be given preference. Ruby Walsh will not be riding, as he suffered a ruptured spleen when taking a nasty fall yesterday, so some of the jockey arrangements must still be confirmed. However it is likely that Sam Thomas will take most of his mounts. In the opening Grade Two novice chase at 14.10 CET, Walsh was due to partner likely favourite Tatenen with Sam Thomas on Paul Nicholl´s second string Poquelin, but this could now be changed. Tatenen, ante-post favourite for the Arkle, looks a major prospect for top honours and probably has the one-time top hurdler Straw Bear (Nick Gifford/ Tony McCoy) to beat. The 2 mile handicap chase at 14.45 could go to German-bred Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who is very inconsistent but runs his best races here and has won at this meeting the last 2 years. Trama ntano (Paddy Brennan), from the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies stable, is an obvious danger. The big betting race of the day is the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle 15.20, which usually goes to a top performer (e.g. Rooster Booster, Detroit City). The two top weights Ashkazar and Blue Bajan are non-runners, but it is still tricky enough. We would fancy Mamlook (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), third in the Cesarewitch last time, but the Pipe stable has still not hit top form. Instead, Aigle d´Or (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), Numide (Gary and Jamie Moore) and Squadron (Alan King/ Christian Williams) are the three for our short list. The Grade 2 novice hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.30 sees Paul Nicholls´ smart Hell´s Bay up against the unbeaten Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Timmy Murphy) and is another race to savour.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Tatenen - Poquelin - Straw Bear
2.Race: Predateur - Andreas - Tramantano
3.Race: Ashkazar - Rippling Ring - Aigle D`Or
4.Race: Punchestowns - Super Formen - Lupanar
5.Race: Hell`S Bay - Diamond Harry - Tot Of The Knar
6.Race: Express Leader - Mcmurrough - The Big Orse

Scoop 6 rolls over again!

Our speculative Scoop 6 tips yesterday only yielded one winner (plus 3 placed horses), but not many people did much better and the bet was not won for the tenth successive week. There is now over 2 million pounds in the main win pool, and almost a million in the bonus pool. Next Saturday there could well be 5 million pounds up for grabs - we shall try again !

Scoop 6 at Cheltenham and Wetherby

anyone with a British betting account should have a look at today´s Scoop 6, in which well over 2 million pounds is expected to be up for grabs, but it looks extremely difficult with 6 very open handicaps. As a died-hard optimist we offer the following suggestions:

leg one (Cheltenham 15.00 CET): Joe Lively, Simon
leg two (Cheltenham 15.35): Silverburn, Babers Shop
leg three (Wetherby 15.55): Rakalackey, Super Road Train
leg four (Cheltenham 16.10): Sullumo, Kirbybroguelantern
leg five (Wetherby 16.25): Ela Re, Heavenly Chorus
leg six (Cheltenham, 16.45): Hivikos,Oldrik

but basically this looks impossible, and if we have a single winner in the dozen listed above, we think that we have done very well!

Other N.H. racing today

There is plenty more N.H. racing today, with Uttoxeter and Wetherby staging cards in Britain and Punchestown in Irelan. The best race at Punchestown is the Grade 3 Novice Chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.50 CET. Trafford Lad (Eamonn Sheehy/ Tom Doyle) was the best of these over hurldes but was not impressive when winning on his chase debut and may struggle to give weight to the last-time-out winners Parsons Pistol (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), Siege Master (Dessie Hughes/ davy Russell) and Window of Hope (Tom Taaffe/ Paddy Flood). At Wetherby, the best 2 races are the final class 3 handicaps, both part of the ferociously difficult Scoop 6 bet. The handicap chase at 15.55 could concern Killard Poiunt ( aroline Bailey/ Sam Jones), Rakalackey (Henry Daly/ Mark Bradbourne) and Super Road Train (Sue Smith/ Mr. A.E. Kinirons), while the hurdle race half an hour later has Heavenly Chorus (Keith and James Reveley), European Dream (Richard Guest/ Paddy Aspell) and Ela Re (Sue Smith/ Tjade Collier) on our short list, but obviously unbeaten Knockavilla (Howard Johnson/ Davy Condon), despite a long layoff and much stronger opposition now, could be a huge danger, but basically anything is possible in these events. At Uttoxeter, the 2 mile introductory hurdle at 15.10 looks the most interesting race; hurdles debutant Movesgoodenough (Andrew Turnell/ Noel Fehily) has won his last 3 races on the flat and has the useful bumper horses Call me a Legend (Alan King/ Christian Williams) and Youngstown (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) to beat .

Rest of Cheltenham

The remaining 5 races at Chelteham are also highly interesting and the card begins with a Grade Two race for 3yo hurdlers at 13.20, in which 12 of the 16 runners are already winners. Girogio Quercus (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), R de Rien Sivola (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Saticon (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) are all ex-French horses who won on their British debuts and represent top stables. The novice chase over 3 miles at 14.25 sees Nicholls/ Walsh and King/ Thornton again in opposition with Big Fella Thanks and West End Rocker respectively, who were only separated by 1/2 length when they met last month at Chepstow; Gone to Lunch (Jeremy Scott/ Tony McCoy) was the best of these over hurdles and is also in with a big shout. The handicap chase over 3 1/(2 miles at 15.00 is wide open, especially as many of the runners are making their seasonal debut. Grand National winner Comply or Die (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) may need the race and his stable is not yet in top form. Simon (Jon Spearing/ Andrew Thornton) makes more appeal, while Parsons Legacy (Philip Hobbs/ Ricjhard Johnson) won here at the last meeting over 3 miles but is now 6 lbs worse off with 3rd-placed Joe Lively (Colin and Joe Tizzard). The listed handicap hurdle at 16.10 could possibly go to the German-bred Sullumo (Cahrlie Mann/ Sam Thomas), who who very consistent form in Britain and can certainly be preferred to the other ex-German Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ RP Flint), but Irish challenger Kirbybroiguelantern (Tom Hogan/ John Cullen) is a big danger. Another German-bred with a chance is Oldrik (PÜhilip Hobbs/ Mr. I.Popeham) in the 2 mile novices handicap hurdle at 16.45, but he faces 19 opponents, including 5 trained in Ireland, all of who could be handicap snips.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: R De Rien Sivola - Giorgio Quercus - Saticon
2.Race: Big Fella Thanks - West End Rocker - Gone To Lunch
3.Race: Opera Mundi - Halcon Genelardais - Joe Lively
4.Race: Silverburn - Imperial Commander - Barbers Shop
5.Race: Pride Of Dulcote - Sullumo - Valerius
6.Race: Hivikos - Sunnyhillboy - Keki Buku

Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

Today´s Paddy Power Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.35 CET, is the centrepiece of an excellent card at Cheltenham, certainly the best so far this N.H. season. With 20 runners it is extremely difficult to find the winner, although Paul Nicholls´ Silverburn (Ruby Walsh) seems certain to start favourite. This own brother to Gold Cup winner Denman is also highly rated in his yard and is reported to have improved for an operation to cure a breathing problem. Nicky Henderson has a good record here, and the Queen´s Barber Shop (Barry Geraghty), originally expected to run in an easier race, but switched to this now the ground has come in his favour, is one of the main dangers, but Imperial Command (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) and Bible Lord (Andrew Turnell/ Mark Grant), behind Ouzbeck (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) this CD a month ago but now 10 lbs better off, are others with big chances in a red hot handicap.

Betting forecast:
Silverburn - Imperial Commander - Barbers Shop

German runners at Maisons-Laffitte

It has not beern a good week for German-trainers in France, and today´s races also look very tough. Main event at Maisons-Laffitte is a conditions race over a mile at 16.20, in which Mario Hofer´s Triple Beat (Jean-Pierre Carvalho) and Sascha Smcrzek´s Fareion (Stephane Pasquier) are engaged, but the opposotion is very strong, and André Fabre holds a strong hand with BaronUllmann´s Echoes Rock (Johan Victoire) and Quest for Honour, for whom Christophe Soumillon has surprisingly been booked. Kalawa (Waldemar Himmel/ Hana Mouchova) and More Applause (Hofer/ Katharina Werning) both run in the claiming race for 3yo fillies.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Cocody - Bottle Green - Crinan
2.Race: Eternal Flash - Usseglio - Little Messi
3.Race: Surpressa - Tarry Not - Wicca
4.Race: Kalawa - Etranger - Treize Heureux
5.Race: Mythomane - Slipshod - Bereft
6.Race: Singapore Quest - Golden Giant - Festivaliere
7.Race: Echoes Rock - Triple Beat - Fareion
8.Race: Big Lion - Tartesos - Lord Run

All-weather action today

There is plenty of all-weather action today, with 8 races at each of the three meetings, Southwell this afternoon, and Dundalk (Ireland) and Kempton this evening. The most competitive racing comes from Dundalk, where there is a maximum field of 14 in every race and the main feature is the listed mile event for fillies at 21.10 CET. Autumn specialist Jalmira (Charle Swan/ Willie Lee) is the likely favourite here, have beaten several of these opponents over this CD last time out, but John Oxx´ Aga Khan-owned pair of Kalihada (Mick Kinane) and Sharleez (Fran Berry) could both be dangerous. At Kempton, Jamie Spencer could win both divisions of the 2yo maiden with Godolphin´s Yirga at 20.20 and Brian Meehan´s Hope Junior half an hour later, while the class 2 mile handicap at 21.20 could go to Commander Cave (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Rain Delayed - Aspectoflove - Sheba Five
2.Race: Fairy Flow - Soap Wars - Empirical Power
3.Race: Takasima - Magic Mornings - Way West
4.Race: Full Title - Nimbelle - Russian View
5.Race: Jalmira - Kalidaha - Miss Gorica
6.Race: Consulate - Silent Wind - Rekaab
7.Race: Thespian Star - Send Me Home - Mad Existence
8.Race: Gimli`s Treasure - Grand Aurora - The Gnathologist



At Southwell, Mozayada (Mel Brittain/ Franny Norton) can defy a 6 lbs penalty for her easy win here on Monday and take the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.15, while a last-minute change of jockey would give Steel City Boy (Ann Stokell) an obvious chance in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.55.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Tender Process - Scruffy Skip - Kirkie
2.Race: Nastrelli - Varadouro - Elusive Warrior
3.Race: Special Bond - Darwin`S Dragon - Emeebee
4.Race: Forever`S Girl - Shadow Bay - Waterstown
5.Race: Mozayada - Palais Polaire - Rosie Says No
6.Race: Taqdeyr - Edmondstown Lass - Superior Duchess
7.Race: Elaala - Piverina - Turkish Sultan
8.Race: Tyrannosaurus Rex - Liberty Ship - Steel City Boy

Tony McCoy at Newcastle today

It is certainly interesting that several top jockeys make the long journey to Newcastle despite the rival and much more lucrative atrractions at Cheltenham. Tony McCoy has been booked for four promising rides by Howard Johnson, Spellchecker in the novice hurdle at 13.00 CET, Santo Stefano in the second division half an hour later, Kealshore Boy in the beginners chase at 14.00 and his best chance Shanakill in the mares´ maiden hurdle at 14.30. It will be disappointing if he goes home without a winner or two (or more!)

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Burnt Oak - Spellchecker - Brian`S Journey
2.Race: Bolodenka - Santo Stefano - Skylancer
3.Race: Lease Lend - Kealshore Boy - Raysrock
4.Race: River Shanakill - Riodan - Starbougg
5.Race: Roznic - Hall Of Flame - Jethro Tull
6.Race: Thursday`S Knight - Boysterous - Chapel Flowers
7.Race: Cash Man - Wot Way Chief - Justwhateverulike
8.Race: Kosta Brava - Alan`S Legacy - Sitting Tennant

Cheltenham Open Meeting: day one

The Paddy Power Open meeting, which starts today at Cheltenham, is now regarded as the best N.H. meeting of the autumn and in fact the third best of the entire season (behind only the March Festival here and the Grand National meeting at Aintree) and offers a host of top class races over the 3 days. Today´s card has something for everyone, including a cross-country, a handicap chase for amateur riders and a handicap hurdle for conditionals, all, needless to say, with huge fields. However the classiest races on the card have smaller fields, with only 4 turning out for the Grade Two graduation chasse at 15.25 CET. This looks a match between Paul Nicholls´ Ornais (Ruby Walsh) and Nigel Twiston-Davies´ Battlecry /Paddy Brennan); the latter has a much better record at this track and in receipt of 7lbs must be the selection, although Nicholls can never be underestimated. Nicholls and Twiston-Davies also go head-to-head in the novice chase at 17.05, where they are represented by He recomesthetruth (Walsh) and Razor Royale (Brennan) respectively. The most interesting event could be the Grade Two novice hurdle at 14.50, where Paul Nicholls again has the likely favourite in American Trilogy (Walsh), a useful performer on the flat in France (third to It´s Gino in a listed race in April!), who made an impressive winning debut at Aintree 18 days ago but of course faces much tougher opposition now, including Leo´s Lucky Star (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), winner of 4 of his last 5, and the unbeaten Golan Way (Sheena West/ Jamie Goldstein) and Hunter´s Play (Twiston-Davis/ Brennan), while Czech-trained Charley (Josef Vana/ Josef Bartos) is an interesting contender, having been an easy winner at Baden-Baden s May meeting. Vana and Bartos also team up with Juventus, last time out third in the Grosser Pardubitzer, in the cross-country at 16.00, but Irish trainer Edna Bolger is usually the man to follow in these events and saddles the two likely favourites in Garde Champetre (Nina Carberry) and L´Ami (John McNamara - who won this race so often on Spotthedifference). Nina also partners Aggie´s Lad for Tony Martin in the amateurs riders chase at 14.15, where her main rival could be Katie Walsh, Ruby´s sister, on course specialist Hordago for trainer Eric McNamara.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Aggie`S Lad - Hoopy - Borora
2.Race: American Trilogy - Leo`S Lucky Star - Golan Way
3.Race: Battlecry - Ornais - Le Toscan
4.Race: Garde Champetre - L`Ami - Puntal
5.Race: Paddleyourowncanoe - Maraafeq - Templer
6.Race: Razor Royale - Herecomesthetruth - Dream Garden

French racing today

This has not been a good week so far for German runners so far, but Christian von der Recke´s Mister Minister (Manuela Murke) can possibly put the record straight when he contests the 2000 metres race for lady riders at 15.50 at Fontainebleau. He ran a good race at Munich last time and that form certainly gives him a chance of defeating the two likely favourites, Albert Hall (Elie Lellouche/ C. Launay) and Audaz (Carlos Fallon-Parias/ Delphine Santiago).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Malegria - Singapore Troy - Benveniste
2.Race: Bermeco - Magnetic Storm - La Rogerais
3.Race: Miss Maybe - Silicon Wise - Neris
4.Race: Calm - Shediyama - Divinsis
5.Race: Gallilei - Carnac - King Glitters
6.Race: Audaz - Rose De France - Albert Hall
7.Race: Star Val - Little Bay - Roi Bere
8.Race: Grap De Mai - Summer Shrill - Raj Love Royale



There is also N.H. racing with an early start at Auteuil and trotting, with a late afternoon start, at St-Galmier.

N.H. racing ar Clonmel, Ludlow and Taunton

Jumps racing today at three tracks, at Clonmel in Ireland and Ludlow and Taunton , both in the West of England. The best racing takes place at the Irish track and Snowy Morning (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) is the day´s most interesting runner. The Grand National third contests the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET, but has to concede quite a lot of weight to Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Barry Geraghty), a recent easy CD winner, and the useful Clopf (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara). Mullins is also strongly represented in the listed mares´ chase half an hour later, where he saddles Pomme Tiepy (Walsh) and Candy Girl (David Casey); they are the best two on ratings, but Rory´s Sister (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) has finished 1/2 on all her 4 starts this season and could make her fitness advantage tell. Some promising types tine up in the introductory hurdle at 16.30 at Ludlow, notably Mighty Bold (Charlie Egerton/ Tony McCoy), Awespme George (Alan King/ Cha rlie Huxley) and the Irish challenger Ardglen, while The Randy Bishop (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards), going like a winner when he fell late on last week, can make amends in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.00. 18 runner-ckass 5 handicaps over hurdles are not normally good betting mediums, but Thursday´s Knight Jim Best/ Marc HGoldstein) looks thrown in for the 15.30 race after winning last week by 20 lengths; he has been raised 24lbs for that win, but races off his old rating today. At Taunton, the novice hurdle at 15.40 is the best event. Obviousy there will be a great deal of interest in Thundering Star (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), easily the best of these on te flat and last time out 7th in the Ascot Gold Cup (!), but Humble Opinion (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) is another potentially useful newcomer, while Hot Diamond (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) and Right Stuff (Gary and Jamie Moore), though below these on flat form, have both already shown ability over hurdles. Nicholls an d Thomas can follow up with Kerry´s Star in the handicap hurdle at 16.10, while the 3 mile handicap chase half an hour lies lies between top-weight The Venetian (Vic Dartnall/ Christian Williams) and Iris´s Prince (JL and RP Flint), who really ought to to have won last week, following 10 successive point-to-point victories.

All-weather action at Lingfield and Great Leighs

There are two all-weather fixtures today, with racing at Lingfield in the afternoon and at Great Leighs in the evening. There are some well-bred maidens desperately hoping for a last gasp victory in the 1 1/2 mile race at 15.20 CET, notably Godolphin´s Sibi Saba (Jamie Spencer), but she ran so disappointingly last time that it is difficult to be too confident. The 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies here at 15.50 has only 6 runners, but looks very tricky. Consistent Suzi Spends (Hugh Collingridge/ Jimmy Quinn) runs here for the first time, but has good form at Great Leighs to her credit. Red Linnet (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) ran well here last winter but has been off for 6 months, while Jadaara (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) also has a good chance.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Alonso De Guzman - Epsom Salts - Mr Napoleon
2.Race: Titan Triumph - Carmenero - Sam`S Cross
3.Race: Megasecret - Satwa Street - La Capriosa
4.Race: Amhooj - El Diego - Arts Guild
5.Race: Suzi Spends - Rio Guru - Jadaara
6.Race: It`S A Game - Belated Silver - Quick Single
7.Race: Pivka - Hessian - Support Fund



Best race at Great Leighs is the mile handicap at 21.50, which also looks very open. Prince of Thebes (Mike Attwater/ Paul Doe) has won his last 2 races, but there is little between him and Palmerin (Richard Hannon/ Eddie Ahern) on their latest running, while Mahadee (Clive Brittain/ Jamie Spencer) and Obezyana (Alan Bailey/ Micky Fenton) are both in good form and have run well at this track before.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Wreningham - Desert Opal - Billy Red
2.Race: Weybridge Light - Bold Bobby Be - Tender Falcon
3.Race: Mutamared - Orpenindeed - Little Edward
4.Race: Becausewecan - Charlie Smirke - Naizak
5.Race: Prince Of Thebes - Abbondanza - Bold Marc
6.Race: Incarnation - Time To Play - Mayfair`S Future

Group One success for Mario Hofer?

Mario Hofer has his team in tremendous form, especially his two-year-olds (4 group wins in the last month) and hopes are high that King of Sydney (Jean-Pierre Carvalho) can crown his season by winning the Criterium de Saint-Cloud over 2000 metres this afternoon at 15.05 at Saint-Cloud. This is the last Group Obe race of the year in Europe and has attracted a strong international field, but Hofer has already won this race (with Paita in 2004) and possibly King of Sydney can see off the 5 Irish challengers, one British and four locally-trained runners. Aidan O´Brien has given up on his chances of setting a new world record for Group One winners, but is still strongly represented here with 4 runners; on jockey bookings Fame and Glory (Johnny Murtagh) and Age of Aquarius (Seamus Heffernan), both of whom are unbeaten after one easy maiden win, but are taking a big leap in class, are his main candidates. English raider Zafisio (Paul Blockley/ Dominique Boeuf) won here over a mile 2 weeks ago, but this is a stronger field and he was earlier behind King of Sydney. Tracy Collins´ Turin Lady (Pat Shanahan), Criquette Head´s Blaze of Fire (Stephane asquier) and André Fabre´s Feels all Right (Olivier Peslier) also have chances in an open race. There are no fewer than 5 German runners in the 2800 metres claiming race for lady jockeys at 1635: Kaliyan (Hofer/ Katharina Werning), Soterio (Werner Baltromei/ Eve Meutzner), Nasibow (Horst Steinmetz/ Carina Fey), Kasus (Pavel Vovcenko/ Delphine Santiago) and Montirat (Steinmetz/ Manuela Murke), while Baltromei saddles two runners in the 2100 metres handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.05, Genoveva (Frankie Leroy) and Baldoria (Boeuf).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Wajir - Capellanus - Desertar
2.Race: Bahhariva - Netova - Miss Boogie Woogie
3.Race: Solaria - Damacita - Belle Et Brave
4.Race: Zafisio - Topclas - King Of Sydney
5.Race: Playwithmyheart - Beauvoisin - Dellaside
6.Race: Miss Stream - Royal Bridge - Dingdong
7.Race: Soterio - Loup De Mer - Animateur
8.Race: Graine De Tempete - Rain Esteem - Citydex Du Frene