Good racing also at Doncaster

Doncaster also offers a strong N.H. card today. although it appears that there will many non-runners because of the ground, much softer than officially forecast, which will weaken some of the top races. It is significant that some of the top jockeys ride here instead of Cheltenham, notably Tony McCoy, who could well have a successful afternoon (although his mount Fier Normand in the big betting race, the Great Yorkshire Chase over 3 miles at 16.25, appears to be one of several doubtful runners in this event). McCoy should certainly take the Grade Two mares hurdle at 14.05 CET on Nicky Henderson´s Chomba Womba, who won this last year and now has Irish raider Zarinova (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) to beat. The Grade Two Albert Bartlett Hurdle for novices over 3 miles at 15.50 has a strong field, and On Raglan Road (Howard Johnson/ McCoy), Gullible Gordon (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) and Junipr (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) look the main contenders. With so many possible no n-runners, the Great Yorkshire Chase is difficult to forecast, but According to Pete (Malcolm Jefferson/ Phil Kinsella) is the likely favourite; he is unbeaten over fences, but has been highly-rated by the handicapper. At these weights we prefer Ungaro (Keith and James Reveley) and Big Fella Thanks (Nicholls/ Christian Williams), but Verasi (Gary Moore/ Philip Hide) is highly interesting as a specialist for heavy going, even though he has pulled up on all recent starts. In the likely absense of the forecast favourites, the finish of the novice chase at 13.35 should be fought out by Palomar (Nicky Richards/ Day Condon) and German-bred Lightning Strike (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas), both easy last-time-out winners.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Lightning Strike - Palomar - Psychomodo
2.Race: Chomba Womba - Amber Brook - Zarinava
3.Race: Charmaine Wood - Character Building - Serhaaphim
4.Race: Our Jasper - Corlande - Nacarat
5.Race: On Raglan Road - Junior - Gullible Gordon
6.Race: According To Pete - Alexanderthegreat - Big Fella Thanks
7.Race: Artist`S Moon - Good Faloue - Baligha