Towcester (N.H.) and Kempton (a.w.)

Only the jumps meeting at Towcester and the all-weather fixture at Kempton have survived this weekend´ s storms and neither are likely to quicken the blood, especially after seeing Master Minded and co run yesterday. Towcester´s card begins with a novice hurdle over 3 miles at 14.40 CET, which is likely to be fought out between two experienced horses better known as staying chasers - Kilbeggan Blade (Tom George/ Tony McCoy) and Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman). The former has won his last 2 races, including CD, but at the weights the latter, who ran in the Welsh Grand National last time out, can be preferred. Best race here is the 2 mile novice hurdle at 16.10, where the field of 16 includes 5 last-time-out winners. With the Jonjo O´Neill stable in great form, Quazy de Joie (McCoy) must be fancied, but Charmaine Wind (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who has won twice over this course, is the form selection. Philip Hobbs´ consistent Pancake (Richard Johnson) is the cle ar choice in the 3 mile 1 furlong beginers chase at 16.40, although this trip may stretch his stamina and he could be out-stayed by Sir Peter (Henry Daly/ Mark Bradburne). German-bred Wiesenfürst (Gary Moore/ Jon Akehurst) has an each-way chance in the final amateur riders handicap hurdle at 17.10. At Kempton, War and Peace (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Pat Cosgrave) can take the maiden race over 5 furlongs at 15.50, after running up to the useful River Kirov last time. River Kirov (Michael Wigham/ Steve Drowne) himself has been a revelation this winter and can win his 4th race on the trot in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.50, the best race on the card. Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn) can confirm the form of last Sunday´s win from Count Ceprano (Charles Dore/ Liam Jones) but neither should be able to cope with River Kirov; Vhujon (David Evans/ Tom McLaughlin)is a possible danger, as although his recent form is poor, he runs his best races here. German-bred Safin (Roger Curtis/ Emil y Jones) was a 66-1 winner for us at Wolverhampton and should again run well in the amateur riders handicap over 1 1 /2 miles at 18.20; Karky Schultz, also German-bred - indeed his dam won the German 1,000 Guineas- has been hurdling and could also go well.