Hereford today

There are large fields at today´s N.H. meeting at Hereford, but with the big Boxing Day fixtures later in the week, the quality is obviously low. National Petition (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) appeals as the best bet of the day; after an easy win last week at Folkestone, he should be able to follow up on the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 14.10 CET. It is unusual for 3yo´s to beat older horses in handicap hurdles, but this could be the case at 14.40, when Tifoso (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) attempts to complete a hat-trick on his first start in Britain; Night Cru (Jonjo O`Neill/ Tony McCoy) looks the main danger. Jonjo and AP have another interesting runner in German-bred Falsino, who makes his hurdling debut an hour later; the one to beat here is clearly Black Jacari (King/ "Choc"), runner-up on his all his three hurdles starts. Another German-bred who can make his presence felt is Moon Star, who carries top weight in the 2 1/2 miles handicap hurdle at 15.10; Paul N icholls´ consistent Kerrys Girl (Harry Skelton) is one of the main dangers here.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lady Malousa - Rash Moment - Scalini`S
2.Race: National Petition - Will The Till - Potts Of Magic
3.Race: Tifoso - Jardin De Vienne - Night Cru
4.Race: Six Day War - Kerry`S Girl - Delayed Approach
5.Race: Black Jacari - Sydney Sling - Stow
6.Race: Fassaroe - Zarrafakt - Charlotte Street
7.Race: Burton Port - Nono Le Sage - Pinerock