N.H. racing at Catterick and Chepstow

The Paul Nicholls stable has been very quiet so far this year but could be back with a bang today when the trainer can take the two divisions of Chepstow´s maiden hurdle over 3 miles with Hollow Star at 14.00 CET, a winner of an Irish point-to-point on his only start so far, and King Fontaine half an hour later, who shaped well enough on his debut. Ruby Walsh partners them both, as well as the stable´s Raffaelo in the beginners chase over 3 1/4 miles at 14.35. This one looked very promising after winning his first two hurdles races, but has been off the track for moire than 2 years, and while the Nicholls runners are always ready to do their best, this trip on soft ground is quite a big ask. Keith Goldsworthy´s Hills of Aran, who is fit and stays well, could be an alternative, especially as he runs his best races for Tony McCoy, who is in the saddle today.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Hollow Star - Prince Geeno - Cast Cada
2.Race: King Fontaine - Durante - Baren De Doc
3.Race: Dontpaytheferryman - Perlon - Elbistan
4.Race: Raffaello - Hills Of Aran - The Cool Guy
5.Race: What A Scientist - Notabotheronme - Laudamus
6.Race: Guns Of Love - Milton Des Bieffes - Walsingham
7.Race: Ruby Crown - Moonlight Music - Sturbury



At Catterick, the most interesting runner could be the tremendously improved Mount Benger (Jim Best/ Rhys Flint), who is going for a four-timer under top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 14.40. He has won his last races so easily that he could well go in again, but the handicappers do their best to prevent such sequences and he has been raised a total of 41 lbs since his winning run began. Best can also take the novice hurdle at 15.45 with the good flat stayer Gee Dee Nen (Graham Lee), last seen when finishing last in the Cesarewitch. The danger here is Honest John (Tom Tate), a heavily backed favourite last time when 2nd of 21 at Doncaster and obviously capable of going one better, but the problem here is that none of the principals have raced over a´trip anywhere near today´s distance of 3 miles 1 furlong.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Burnbank - Anduril - Olimpo
2.Race: Reel Charmer - Osolomio - Dancer`S Serenade
3.Race: Mount Benger - Argento Luna - Pay Attention
4.Race: Glenary - Coldwells - Stoneriggs Merc
5.Race: Honest John - Battle Stations - Easby Park
6.Race: Gunadoir - Frith - Peak Seasons
7.Race: Twentynineblack - Mr Syntax - National Heritage