N.H. racing at Doncaster and Ludlow

With the ground getting better, there are some large fields at today´s jumps meetings. The most interesting race at Doncaster is the veterans (i.e. 10yo´s and up) handicap chase at 16.20 CET, which looks wide open. The two "Kings" Barry (Paula Robson/ Timmy Murphy) and Harald (Mark Bradstock/ Mattie Batchelor) have obvious chances, but Venetia Williams´ Spring Lover (Liam Treadwell) certainly takes the eye here with bottom weight. There is a huge field of 18 for the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.55, but A French Horse (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas), who ran so well at the weekend, can complete a quick double for his in-form trainer. Higgys Boy (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who had no chance in top company last time at Cheltenham, can take the opening 4yo hurdle at 14.40 and Henderson can also be among the winners at Ludlow where his debutant Acordeon (Tony McCoy) can take the opening maiden hurdle at 14.50. Henderson also has chances with top-weight Working Title (Fel ix de Giles) in the handicap hurdle at 16.35, but this looks a very open race; Harry Tricker (Gary and Jamie Moore) looks very dangerous, while German-bred Nordwind (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) also comes into the reckoning if the ground is not too soft. Baseball Ted (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), caught on the line on Saturday has Battlefield (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste) to beat in the 2 mile handicap chase at 15.25, while Jim Best´ s Gee Dee Nen should be another winner for McCoy in the 3 mile maiden hurdle at 16.00.