Flat racing at Folkestone and Southwell (a.w.)

Easily the best flat race of the day is the class 2 handicap over 5 furlongs at 15.40 at Southwell. This is a decent race for the track and sees several CD specialists in action, notably Rebel Duke (Derek Barker/ Tony Hamilton) and Pawan (Ann Stokell), both of whom run their best races here. David Nicholls´ pair Tajneed (Adrian Nicholls) and Tournedos (Silvestre de Sousa) on the other hand have virtually no all-weather experience, but are certainly dangerous on their best turf form. Perhaps the ultra-consistent Whisky Creek (Chris and Martin Dwyer) could be te answer. He has been runner-up three times running, but before that won 5 races during the winter, two of them this CD. John Gosden is already in good form and can take the mile maiden at 16.50 with The Hague (Richard Mullen), who after two poor runs last year made a very encouraging seasonal debut. The 3yo handicap over a mile at 17.55 is also a good race.

Statute Book (Silvester Kirk/ David Probert) is much improved this year and has won all his 3 starrs, all this CD, but Miss Christophene (Sue Lamyman/ Jimmy Quinn) has also won her last two, while both Becausewecan (Mark Johnston/ Robert Winston) and Digger Derek (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) won their final 2 races of 2008 but are now coming off a break. The Folkestone card is modest and most interest will be centred on the two maiden races for 3yo´s. Admittedly the 7 furlongs race at 17.05 is also for older horses, but the 5 that are entered are very weak performers, and the issue surely lies between the 3yo´s Imaam (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills) and Equipe de Nuit (Steve Williams/ Saleem Golam). The very well-bred Imaam was twice beaten at odds-on last year, and as the Dulop stable often takes some time to get into top form, we prefer Equipe de Nuit. runner-up on both starts at 2 and sold for 45,000 guineas to his new connections. The 6 furlongs maiden at 15.55 should mainly concern Aahaygirl (Karl Burke/ Gergus Sweeney) and Hi Shinko (Rod Millman/ Alan Munro) with slight preference for the former. The fillies handicap here at 18.05 could go to top-weight German-bred Princess Flame (Brendan Powell/ Seb Sanders); she won 3 flat races and twice over hurdles last year, and although her latest performances were not so hot, she could be too strong for today´s opposition.

Jumps racing at Wetherby today

Today´s only N.H. racing comes from Wetherby, where there are small fields in the better races. Only 5 line up for the handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.40 CET, and Wee Forbees (Mick Easterby/ Graham Lee) can make up for his bad luck last time, when he stumbled and unseated his rider when still well in contention at Bangor, by taking this event from Borora (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste). Earlier Easterby and Lee team up with Peters Pride in the handicap hurdle at 16.05 and he must also have a good chance, as the form of his 2nd of 17 last time out at Catterick to Description has been well boosted since. The staying handicap chase at 17.45 also has only 5 runners, but Pairc Na Gcapall (Neil King/ Alex Merriam) won so easilyat Hintingdon 9 days ago that he should be able to score again under a penalty. Top-weight Canada Street (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) and Manbow (Micky Hammond/ GrahamLee) both a good record here and can take the minor places.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Indefensible - Heroes - Keyneema
2. Race: Hi Dancer - Bow School - Barneys Lyric
3. Race: Peters Pride - Scale Bank - Smarties Party
4. Race: Wee Forbees - Borora - Chrysander
5. Race: Terenzium - Ajimorag - Sundae Best
6. Race: Pairc Na Gcapall - Canada Street - Manbow
7. Race: Caerlaverock - Wave Power - National Heritage

German runners at Fontainebleau

Main feature at Fontainebleau today is the listed Prix Cor de Chasse at 15.20 for 3yo´s and up over 1100 metres. An international field will line up, the 9 runners including 2 from Germany, 2 from the UK and one from Italy. Clear favourite however is Tiza, whose trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre and jockey Gerald Mossé combined to win the big race yesterday at Saint-Cloud. The German runners Molly Max (Miroslav RFulec/ Daniele Porcu) and Laokoon (Mario Hofer/ Andreas Suborics) have good place chances, especially the former if he can recover his good 2yo form.

The British hopes are mainly centred on Judge ´N Jury (Ron Harris/ Chris Catlin), Handicapper of the Year in England in 2008 after winning 7 races and recently third at this level at Lingfield. Bluster, the only 3yo in the field, is also interesting, especially with top jockey Olivier Peslier aboard. There are several other German runners here today: Malachito (Hofer/ Subi) in a 1200 metres race at 13.50, Auenwunder (Rulec/ Porcu) in a race over 2000 metres for 3yo fillies at 14.20, and Bella Amica (Marion Rotering/ Maxime Guyon) and Wise Man (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) in a conditions race over 2000 metres at 16.50. If Wise Man were back to the form he showed at Cagnes in early 2008, he would have a definite chance here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bermeco - Magnetic Storm - Anisakis
2. Race: Cottingley Fairy - Tale Of Two Cats - Cavaliere
3. Race: Cutlass Bay - Highmix - Zaliapour
4. Race: Tiza - Bluster - Judge`N Jury
5. Race: Volsora - Frantz De Galais - Divinisis
6. Race: Le Xenakis - American Mail - Amazonas
7. Race: Ange Guerrier - Blind Shaft - Zina Blue
8. Race: Surtsey - Proci Road - Umiko
9. Race: Grap De Mai - Papi Fernand - Himalayan

N.H. racing at Newcastle

Although the flat season officially opened at Doncaster this weekend, jumps racing will continue to hog the headlines this week with the Grand National meeting at Aintree beginning on Thursday. However today´s jumps meeting at Newcastle is very low-key, although there are some large fields. The novice hurdle at 16.40 should mainly concern the two last-time-out winners Presque Perdre (George Moore/ Barry Keniry) and Dancing Dik (Chris Grant/ Lucy Horner).

The top-weight General Hardi (John Wade/ Brian Hughes) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 17.10 is clearly the form choice, but it should not be overlooked that he is still a maiden after 23 starts. There are 17 runners in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 17.40 and several of them met last time out. Karmadice (Tjade Collier), from Sue Smith´s in-form stable, made all the running to win 3 weeks ago at Sedgefield from Bob´s Dream, Sandali (5th) and Follow On (6th) who all reoppose on better terms today. Karmadice is lightly-raced and can improve further, but also has new opponents today in Viscount Rossini (Steve Gollings/ Rhys Flint) and Treeko (PA Koirby/ James Reveley), the only 4yo in the field and running in his first handicap off a very lenient rating.

All-weather action at Lingfield and Wolverhampton

As usual for a Monday, this afternoon´s all-weather cards at Lingfield and Wolverhampton offer very little excitement, but the main interest will be at Lingfield, where 4 of the 7 races are reserved for 3yo´s. There are only 5 runners in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.30 CET, but they all have decent form and Chasca (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley), an outsider when winning this CD on his debut, will probably start favourite this time to remain unbeaten. His rating seems very favourable, as there seems no obvious reason why top-weight Under Review (Simon Callaghan/ Jamie Spencer), odds-on when winning a Southwell maiden last time, should have to concede so much weight. Raimond Ridge (Mick Channon/ Marc Geran) has been kept very busy, but has run 3 good races over this CD recently and also has a chance.

Callaghan and Spencer also have a fancied runner in the next race, a 7 furlongs handicap, with Cool Art, but we prefer top-weight Takeover Bid (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who has won 3 of his last 5 races, and Set the Trend (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) who won a maiden here in good style and can also remain unbeaten. Possibly the 3yo maiden over 10 furlongs at 17.30 has the best field, and John Gosden´s Big Bound (Jimmy Fortune) and Clive Brittain´s filly Wadaat (Spencer), who have both shown promise, are potentially the best runners on the card.

The racing at Wolverhampton is pretty feeble, and the fillies 5 furlongs handicap at 17.20 should lie between Drifting Gold (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) and Welsh Opera (Steve Williams/ William Carson), with the former, an absolute distance specialist, preferred. There could also a winning filly in the previous race, for 3yo maidens over 9 furlongs, as Keep Ringing (William Haggas/ Liam Jones), the only filly in the field, has the best form. Agilete (Jeff Pearce/ Jerry O´Dwyer) missed all of 2008 but has come back to form this year with 3 good runs over this CD and can score again in the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 17.50.

Doncaster, Kelso and Newton Abbot

Some very large fields at the second day of Doncaster´s Lincoln meetiung and winners will not be easy to find. However Makaamen (Barry and Michael Hills) should win the 3yo maiden at 15.30 CET after showing great promise on his only start last year. The Doncaster Shield over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40 features several horses who are just short of listed standard. Young Mick (George Margarson/ John Egan) is an obvious candidate after showing good form in Dubai, but clear best on ratings is Fairmile (Ian Williams/ Steve Donohoe), who however has only run once in the past 18 months. The 6 furlongs handoicap at 17.15 is typically ricky, with David Nicholls saddling no fewer than 6 of the 22 runners. Son Adrian rides Evens and Odds, but Nprthern Fling (Franny Norton), another Dubai returnee, could be the pick of them, while Palace Moon (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne), with a low weight and draw, looks very dangerous. Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson should win both divisions of the maid en hurdle at Newton Abbot, with Desert Storm at 14.50 and Nearby an hour later, both of whom were runners-up last time. There is only a small field for the novice chase at 17.35, which can go to David Arbuthnot s Valley Ride (Timmy Murphy). Sue Smith, currently enjoying a purple patch, looks the trainer to follow at Kelso. She has several winning chances, notably Description (Henry Oliver), who has been raised by the handicapper but can still complete a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle at 16.15, and Stagecoach Opal (Tjade Collier) in the handicap chase at 17.25.

Doncaster - betting forecast:
1. Race: Kalasam - William`s Way - Wester Lodge
2. Race: Makaamen - Olympic Dream - African Cheetah
3. Race: Last Sovereign - Orchard Supreme - El Dececy
4. Race: Fairmile - Carte Diamond - Young Mick
5. Race: Advanced - Thebes - Bel Cantor
6. Race: Alexander Gulch - Rupestrian - Orbitor
7. Race: Black Dahlia - Millie`s Rock - Spring Goddess

Prix Edmond Blanc with German runners

Germans milers have a good record in today´s main French feature, the Prix Edmond Blanc (Group Three) at 16.20 at Saint-Cloud, and Christian Sprengel won this last year with König Turf. Now he tries again with his brother König Concorde (Ioritz Mendizabal), who is accompanied by Uwe Ostmann´s Forthemillionkiss (William Mongil) and Peter Hirschberger´s Maradhono (Norman Richter); Mario Hofer´s Echoes Rock is a non-runner. This looks quite an open race, with last year´s runner-up Gris de Gris (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gerard Mossé), recent listed CD winner Verba (Richard Gibson/ Stephane Pasquier) and Racinger (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla) the best of the locals. There are also several German runners at Strasbourg, but this is not a PMU meeting.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Stand To Gain - Spirit Of The King - Ricky Billions
2. Race: Rymi - Sweet Orientfawn - Kallygagne
3. Race: Terre Du Vent - Polynikova - Ladyholme
4. Race: On Est Bien - Skins Game - Cavalryman
5. Race: Verba - Gris De Gris - Japan
6. Race: Miss Stream - Silicon Wise - Beaubahhare
7. Race: Desert Jim - So Long - Girofolo
8. Race: Damax - Mappa - Sizalia

Classic trials at Leopardstown

The Irish flat season gets into top gear today with Aidan O´Brien saddling his first runners of the year at Leopardstown, where the main features are two classic trials, both Group Three. In the 2000 Guineas trial at 16.50 CET, both O´Brien and Jim Bolger field two runners in the field of 6. Hail Caesar, the mount of Johnny Muirtagh, is the main O´Brien hope, but on last season´s form Intense Focus (Bolger/ Kevin Manning) looks the one to beat after his narrow Dewhurst Stakes victory. He carries a Group One penalty for this success, but still has to win here to maintain his credibility as a major player this season. German-bred Liebermann (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), a son of Big Shuffle, could be out of his depth here. In the 1000 Guineas trial at 16.05 the main players on 2yo form are Heart Shaped (O´Brien/ Murtagh), runner-up in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Chintz (David Wachma/ Seamus Heffernan), first and second on all her starts last season. Possibly of ev en greater interest as a classic trial is the opening 3yo fillies maiden at 15.30, in which O´Brien runs Roman Empress, 3rd of 14 on her only start last year at Navan, but already regarded as a major Oaks prospect. There is also jumps racing in Irelabd at Downpatrick. Two Gertman-breds with chances are Der Spieler, who was third in strong company for Christian von der Recke at Kempton´s Christ,mas meeting and has since been sold to Ireland, who runs in thr maiden hurdle at 15.15, and Azana in the handicap hurdle an hour later. Azana has shown little, but this is a very weak race and his only career win came at this track. Willie Mullins and Ruy Walsh can take the main event, a hurdle race at 16.45, with the consistent Borrowaddy, whse last poor performance can be excused as he was not right.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Roman Empress - Perfect Truth - Jakarta Jazz
2. Race: Intense Focus - Recharge - Hail Caesar
3. Race: Three Rocks - Award Ceremony - Impossible Dream
4. Race: Heart Shaped - Chintz - Maoineach
5. Race: Gratified - Numen - Astonish
6. Race: Charminamix - Timoca - Salute Him
7. Race: The Bull Hayes - Rockhampton - Pittoni

Rest of Saturday racing in the UK and Ireland

Even without Dubai and Doncaster, there is plenty of good racing toda. The all-wratjer meeting at Lemtpn is the traditional Easter meeting, featuring two big handicaps, the Rosebery Stakes over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 16.00 CET and the Queen´s Prize over 2 miles at 18.20. The likely favourites for both races come from the Michael Jarvis stable with Philip Robinson aboard: Cape Express in the former event and Meshtri in the latter, but we suggest Grand Passion (Chris Wall/ Jamie Hamblett) and Wine ´n Dine (Gary Moore/ Steve Drowne) as better-priced alternatives. The listed Magnolia Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.35 has 8 runners, 3 of whom ran in last week´s Winter Derby. Bronze Cannon (John Gosden/ Nicky Mackay) came out best of them, but it wouldf be no surpose were Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Tony Culhane) to turn the table, while 2008 winner Kandidate (Clive Brittain/ Darryll Hiolland) also looks dangerous. Lucy Wadham does well with her ex-German runners, and both Super Dire cta, in the novice hurdle at 15.50, and Backbord in the novice chase at 17.00, should finish close up at Lingfield with Dominic Elsworth in the saddle. Raincoat (Heather Dalton/ Steve Craine) in the maiden hiurdle at 15.00 and Predateur (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams), in the beginners chase at 16.45, look likely short-priced winners at Uttoxeter, while in Ireland the two top-weights Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Tony McCoy) and Watson Lake (Noel Meade/ Ruby Walsh) should fight out the finish of the Grade Three chase at 17.15.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Nawaadi - Laurie Grove - Saint Arch
2. Race: Five Star Junior - Smokey Ryder - Top Town Girl
3. Race: Cape Express - Whitcombe Minister - Swiss Act
4. Race: Dansant - Bronze Cannon - Re Barolo
5. Race: Out The Ring - Black Daddy - Star Rover
6. Race: Abraham Lincoln - Battle Paint - Orpsie Boy
7. Race: Meshtri - Downhiller - Benhego

Uttoxeter - betting forecast:
1. Race: Raincoat - Always Bold - Bradford Boris
2. Race: Dan Buoy - Villochely - Scutch Mill
3. Race: Le Vert Galant - Putney Bridge - C`Monthehammers
4. Race: Predateur - Sandhurst - Ortega
5. Race: Be Brief - Aldiruos - Stellenbosch
6. Race: Rash Moment - Even Flo - Lord Alfred
7. Race: Flash Harriet - Star Ar Aghaidh - Gaye Starlet

Lingfield - betting forecast:
1. Race: Kangaroo Court - Lord Generous - Tanks For That
2. Race: Eradicate - Enfant De Lune - Stage Acclaim
3. Race: Heir To Be - Balakar - Ammunition
4. Race: Lodge Lane - Fair Point - Quickbeam
5. Race: My Way De Solzen - Miss Mitch - Super Formen
6. Race: Theft - Armenian Boy - Make Haste
7. Race: Hudibras - Riverboat Gambler - Yes Minister

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Earth Mother - Moonlight Sapphire - Tally Em Up
2. Race: Fosters Cross - Ireland`S Call - Osborn
3. Race: Mutadarek - The Dew At Night - Jafra
4. Race: Glenfinn Captain - Watson Lake - Justpourit
5. Race: Halfback - Cantrell - Glenview Leader
6. Race: Monte Cinto - Canadian Sunset - Mr Aussie
7. Race: Aran Concerto - Deutschland - Checkpointcharlie

Doncaster today - the flat season begins

Today is the official opening of the flat season in the U.K. with a strong card at Doncaster and some huge fields. Main feature is the Lincoln Handicap over a straight mile at 16.55 CET, the first leg of the traditional Spring Double. This race has been increased in value and is now a major event in its own right. The weather and the draw are the two factors which could play a big role here, but we shall not know much about the effect of the draw until the first couple of races have been run, although in the past high numbers have usually had the advantage. The threatened rain has mainly stayed away, so that the ground at present is fast, althougn rain is still expected, and this is bad news for the favourite Expresso Star (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), who needs it soft and may still be pulled out. Gosden´s other runner Charm School (Richard Mullen) is less ground-dependent, and a specialist for this going is Luca Cumani´s Swop (Dane O´Neill). Orthers with a chance in this ve ry open race are Royal Power (David and Adrian Nicholls) - winner of the German 2,000 Guineas 3 years ago -, recent all-weather winner Flipando (David Barron/ Phillip Makin), course specialist Blythe Knight (John Quinn/ Freddie Tylicki) and bottom weight Benandonner (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan). The substitute race, the Spring Mile at 15.45 also had 22 runners, is equally tricky. Ex-German Raptor (Karl Burke/ Jim Crowley) could run well here at a big price, while lightly-raced Fireside (Michael Jarvis/ Jimmy Dortne) is the likely favourite. Spectait (Jonjo O´Neill/ Fran Berry), running in the colours of big jumping owner JP McManus, has won his last 3 races on the all-weather and Slugger O´Toole (Stee Williams/ Richard Kingscpote) is another fancy. The listed Cammidge Trophy over 6 furlongs is another open affair with 16 runners. David Nicholls is also dangerous in these events and Inxile, with son Adrian in the saddle, has an obvious chance, together with Prime Defender (B arry and Michael Hills) and Knot in Woopd (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan). Another previous winner of the German 2000 Guineas running here is Aviso (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 18.05.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Swilly Ferry - Bond Together - Could It Be Magic
2. Race: Fireside - Spectait - Mangham
3. Race: Prime Defender - Vitznau - Icelandic
4. Race: Expresso Star - Swop - Charm School
5. Race: London Bridge - Classically - Above Average
6. Race: Planetary Motion - Shady Gloom - Can Can Star
7. Race: This Ones For Eddy - Ghufa - Bridgewater Boys

Rest of Dubai

The Godolphin stable has had a miserable time here the last two years, failing to win a single race on World Cup Day, but it should certainly be different this time around, and it is quite possible that Saeed bin Suroor will saddle the first three winners this afternoon. In the Godolphin Mile on dirt at 14.40 CET, his two candidates Two Step Salsa (Frankie Dettori) and Gayego (Ted Durcan), both easy winners last time out, could well take the first two places, while the stable has 3 runners in the UAE Derby at 15.15, also on dirt, of whom Desert Party (Dettori) is likely to be the hottest favourite of the day after his easy 2000 Guineas win here. The Golden Shaheen over 6 furlongs at 15.55 is more open, but Diabolical (bin Suroor/ Dettori) is definitely one for the short list, together with the American Indian Blessing (Bob Baffert/ Edgar Prado), while Marchard d´Or (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla), the top European sprinter in 2008, also comes into the reckoning if he can handle the dirt track.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: - -
2. Race: Two Step Salsa - Kalahari Gold - Gayego
3. Race: Desert Party - Jose Adan - Naval Officer
4. Race: Indian Blessing - Diabolical - Marchand D`or
5. Race: Paco Boy - Archipenko - Vodka
6. Race: Youmzain - Purple Moon - Doctor Dino
7. Race: Asiatic Boy - Albertus Maximus - Casino Drive

Dubai Duty Free at 16.55 CET

This could well be the most exciting race of the day, with a full field of 16 runners over the 1777 metres trip and a furious pace likely from the start. Three of the more fancied horses have been drawn wide, Paco Boy (Richard hannon/ Richard Hughes), drawn 13, the much-improved Presvis (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore)in 16 and 2008 winner Jay Peg (Herman Brown/ Warchong Marwing) drawn 15. Much will depend on the way the race pans out, but the distance could be too far for Paco Boy, who seems more of a 7 furlongs specialist. Saeed bin Suroor saddles three runners, with Frankie Dettori partnering the ex-German Lady Marian, running for the first time since her brilliant victory in the Prix de l´Opera but in her case the distance could be too short. Two more mares with big chances are the Australian Tuesday Joy (Gai Waterhouse/ Darren Beadman) and the Japanese Vodka (Katsuhiko Sumii/ Yukata Take), who looked very unlucky here last time. Given more luck in running, Vodka should certainl y be involved here, but in our view Archipenko (Mike de Kock/ Kevin Shea) could be the safest bet.

Betting forecast:
5. Race: Paco Boy - Archipenko - Vodka

Sheema Classic at 17.40 CET

From the German point of view, this is the most interesting race of the meeting, with Peter Schiergen´s Quijano (Andrasch Starke) tackling this race for the third tine, having finished 7th in 2007 and 4th last year. He is reported to be in excellent form, but will need to be as he meets several old adversaries, such as Youmzain (Mick Channon/ Richard Hills), who has finished in front of him twice here, and whose connections seem very optimistic, as well as Doctor Dino (Richard Gibson/ Olivier Peslier), who was in front of him last year and also beat him in Hong Kong in 2007. Doctor Dino repeated that Hong Kong success 3 months ago, this time by inches from Purple Moon (Luca Cumani/ Jamie Spencer), while Spanish Moon (Sir Michael Sztoute/ Ryan Moore) is another Newmarket contender with chances. Quijano finished an excellent runner-up in the main trial to the filly Front House (Kevin Shea), one of four Mike de Kock runners, who is now slightly worse off at the weights but has a much better draw and may try to make the running. The lack of early pace could be a problem here, and both Youmzain, twice runnre-up in the Arc, and Quijano need a strongly-run race. King of Rome (de Kock/ Johnny Murtagh) was a close third in the City of Gold and is also expected to figure, while Eastern Anthem (Mubarak bin Shayfa/ Ahmed Ajtebi), out of German-bred classic winner Kazzia, is much improved and can also play a leading role. Youmzain is possibly the form choice, but this is a very open race and Quijano certainly has a good chance of finishing in the frame if he gets the breaks.

Betting forecast:
6. Race: Youmzain - Purple Moon - Doctor Dino

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup, which will be run as the final event at Nad al Sheba today at 18.30 CET, is the richest race in the world and looks much more open than usual. In previous years, there has always been a hot favourite, but that is not the case now and there are several serious candidates in the field of 14. None of them are as strong as last year´s winner Curlin, but Asiatic Boy (Mike de Kock/ Johnny Murtagh) and Well Armed (Eion Harty/ Aaaron Gryder), second and third to him a year ago, try again with clear chances of going one or two better. There has been strong support for the Japanese hope Casino Drive (Kasuo Fujisawa/ K Ando), while local hopes rest mainly on Godolphin´s My Indy (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), who has won twice here in good style, but now meets much better opposition. However if there is a real champion in the field, it would have to be Albertus Maximus (Kieran McLaughlin/ Alan Garcia); he was an easy winner of the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile last Oc tober, following which he was sold to Sheikh Hamdan and moved to his present trainer, who took this race 2 years ago with Invasor. The problem here is that he was not very impressive when winning the Donn Handicap last time out and especially that he is unproven over today´s distance of 10 furlongs. However connections seem confident that this will not be a problem, and he is our selection to beat course specialist Asiatic Boy.

Betting forecast:
7. Race: Asiatic Boy - Albertus Maximus - Casino Drive

Nad al Sheba´s swansong

Today is the final day´s racing at the Dubai racetrack at Nad al Sheba. After the World Cup meeting finishes at 19.33 CET approxiately, the wreckers will move in and demolish the buildings, next year´s meeting will be held at nearby Meydan, still under construction. But what a way to go! Today´s meeting can fairly be described as one of the best ever held. A group one for purebred Arabians followed by six absolutely top events, all with big fields and runners from all over the world. As far as betting is concerned, references here are made to the likely prices of British bookmakers, as there is no betting in Dubai.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: - -
2. Race: Two Step Salsa - Kalahari Gold - Gayego
3. Race: Desert Party - Jose Adan - Naval Officer
4. Race: Indian Blessing - Diabolical - Marchand D`or
5. Race: Paco Boy - Archipenko - Vodka
6. Race: Youmzain - Purple Moon - Doctor Dino
7. Race: Asiatic Boy - Albertus Maximus - Casino Drive

German runners at Le Croise-Laroche

There are German-trained runners in 5 of the 8 races at Le Croisé-Laroche and quite possibly some winners. Kerima (Erika Mäder/ Henk Grewe)and Goodnitesleeptight (Christian von der Recke/ Johan Victoire) both run in the 3yo maiden over 1100 metres at 14.20, while von der Recke and Victoire team up again with Ribello in the 1800 metres claimer for 3yo´s an hour later. Veteran Standby Dancer (Dr. Bolte/ Jerome Lermyte) and Provi (Regina Weissmeier/ Henk Grewe) both go for the 3200 metres claimer at 15.50 and Miss Flora represents the Weissmeier/ Grewe combinaion in the 2500 metres handicap at 16.20. Half an hour later there are 3 German runners in the 2100 metres claimer for "jeunes jockeys", Monolithos (Reinhard Ording/ M.Martinez), Rebetika (Sara Weis/ E. Hardouin) and Kiss and Run (Rainer Krapp/ Carina Fey). Despite his 13 years, we feel that Standby Dancer could run well in the long distance event, especially if the ground is soft, and at the likely odds he is in our view t he best German bet of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Certainement - Surdoue - Melisos
2. Race: Sylverina - Saboone - Kali Perfect
3. Race: Perky - Ipponiki - Star of the Green
4. Race: Magallanes - Doux Salsa - Marfi
5. Race: La Madonnina - Golconde Mine - Kenacky
6. Race: Foundouk - Schomir - Cru Du Clos
7. Race: Almaguer - Patent Pending - Monolithos
8. Race: Incentive - Pacha Des Galas - Quart De Cidre

N.H. racing at Ascot and Fontwell

A decent jumps card at Ascot today, where the most valuable race is the veterans (i.e. 10yo´s and older) handicap chase at 17.40 CET. Last-time-out winner Out the Black (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be favourite here, but this is a very open affair and the top-weights Hobbs Hill (Chatle Egerton/ Tony McCoy) and Ungaro (Keith Revely/ Rhys Flint) look dangerous. Hobbs Hill won 5 races in 2007, but has only sporadically been seen since, usually in much better company, while Ungaro finished well behind Out the Black at Doncaster but is expected to do better this time. The 4yo handicap hurdle at 16.30 is another very tricky race. Helium (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell), Woodfall Treasure (Gary Moore/ Tony McCoy) and Higgys Boy (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) finshed in that order when all were well beaten in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, but that form may not stand up here, and at these weights we prefer the chances of Rory Boy (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), while Nine Stories (Howard Johnson/ Timmy Murphy), who has good form but has been given a high weight for his handicap debut, is another danger.

The richest jumps race of the day is the handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.55 at Fontwell. The interesting one here is Numide (Gary and Jamie Moore), who looks certain to win a big handicap off his crrent rtaing, but possibly needs softer going than we will find now. Tamarinbleu (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamire) reverts to hurdling after some godefforts in high-class chases and despite top weight is still well handicapped on his form over fences. However the safest option could be Hills of Aran (Keith Goldsworthy/ Robert Thornton), who has run some good races in defeat this season. Later on, Indefensible (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) a very easy winner here earlier in the week should follow up under a penaölty in the 3 miles 3 furlongs handoicap hurdle at 18.05.

Three all-weather meetings today

There is all-weather racing this afternoon at Southwell and this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk in Ireland. The Southwell card is not inspiring and the most interesting event is the maiden race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET. The three 3yo´s in the field, Augusta Gld (Nick Littmoden/ Luke Morris), Dollar Express (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Fin Vin de Leu (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) come out best at the weights, but there must be doubts about all three of them, so that the older horses Miss Keek (Alan Swinbank/ Peter McDonald) andThirtyfourthstreet (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer) maybe the more solid options.

They were 3rd and 4th in a similar race at Wolverhampton last time and can now step up a couple of places. Later on there is another encounter with Obe Royal (David and Richard Evans), running for the 15th time since Christmas. He is currently in great form, having finished 1/2 on his last 6 starts, and has actually won his last 3 races here over 7 furlongs, the distance of today´s handicap at 17.55, so obviously should be involved again. Bes race this evening at Wolverhampton is the class 3 handicap over 5 furlongs at 21.50. Chjimes (Conor Dore/ Liam Keniry)is the likely favourite, having won 4 of his ast 5 starts; however they were all at Lingfield, while he has never shone here. Possibly the CD specialists Harry Up (K and A Ryan), although badly drawn, Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Shane Kelly), whose last form can be ignored as he bolted before the start, and the speeedy Bo McGinty (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), very dangerous off bottom weight, can be preferred.

At Dundalk there are maximum fields in most races, but only 6 runners in the conditions race over 1 mile3 furlongs at 22.25. However there are some smart performers here, including 12yo Emmpat (Charlie Swan/ Willie Lee), runner-up to Harchibald here when last seen; that was over a year ago, so Crossing (William Fitzgerald/ Declan McDonogh), a sprightly 8yo who is very well in at the weights, can be preferred, while Designated Decoy(Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who ran on well when 3rd of 21 in last Sundays Irish Lincoln, must be favourite on current form. Earlier ex-German Maximo (Tom McCourt/ Kevin Manning) must have an each-way chance in the mile handicao at 20.00. He has not won since moving to Irelad, but has been very consistent and has finished in the first 5 (admittedly usually 4th or 5th) on his last 14 starts. He has been dropped 3 lbs by the handicapper and could well after a 5 months break.

The lull before the storm

With a huge day´s racing tomorrow, headed by the Dubai World Cup meeting and the official opening of the flat season at Doncaster, today´s meetings are relatively small beer, but there is decent N.,H. racing from Ascot and Fontwell and all-weather racing from three tracks, so there should be something to please everyone as an hors d´oeuvre to Saturday´s big races.

Atlantic Racer at Saint-Cloud

Atlantic Racer (Horst Steinmetz/ Johan Victoire) is the only German-trained runner today in France, he contests the mile handicap at 13.50 at Saint-Cloud. When trained last year by Miroslav Rulec, Stall Florida´s 4yo won twice in the French provinces and must have chances of finishing in the money today, but like all these tiercé handicaps, this ia fiercely open race with 18 runners. Another race of interest is the Prix du Debut over 900 metres at 14.50, the first (?) race of the year for 2yo´s. However most of the runners represent small stables and we shall have to wait some time before the better juveniles make their appearance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gibor - Slick The Dreamer - Atlantic Racer
2. Race: Arakawa - La Macchia - Islandside
3. Race: Tituchop - Hiporoi - Divine Poesie
4. Race: Feels All Right - Telluride - Le Roc
5. Race: Liaison Fatale - Burlada - Liaison Fatale
6. Race: Flyingwithbebe - Adrar - Finest Cape
7. Race: Liddal - Master Winter - Sabelotodo
8. Race: Hanouka - Sandside - Dubai Queen

4 N.H. meetings today

Plenty of action for jumps fans today, with N.H. meetings at Carlisle, Hereford and Towcester in the U.,K. and Thurles in Ireland. There are some large fields, but not much in the way of quality racing. The best betting race of the day is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.55 CET at Towcester, which with 18 runners looks wide open. Theatrical Moment (Jonjo O´Neill/ Noel Fehily) was an expensive purchase after showing smart bumper form, but his hurdling performances so far have been very disappointing. However he ran better when last seen at Ascot before Christmas and must have chances here, as do Hello Moscow (Jim Best/ Tony McCoy) and Painter Man (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), both lightly raced and capable of improvement, while we also fancy top-weight Coda Agency (David Arbuthnot/ Andrew Thornton), who had no chance the last two times in better company following some decent runs on the all-weather.

The novice hurdle here at 17.30 also looks interesting. Pterodactyl (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has finished in the money on 7 of his 8 British starts, usually heavily backed, but does not seem to be too keen on actually winning. Ruthenoise (Pipe/ Scu), who led for a long way in a Grade One at Cheltenham, is clearly a threat off her low weight, but our main fancy is Benedict Street (Mark Tompkins/ Colin Bolger), who made a promising hurdles debut at Sandown and has since been placed 3 times on the all-weather. Best bet of the day is German-bred Nordwind (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) who came good last time at Fakenham and appears to have little to beat in the novice hurdle at 15.00 at Hereford, where Rippling Ring (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield), although a major disappointment on his last 2 starts, can outclass the opposition in the beginners chase at 16.45. Sue Smith looks the trainer to follow at Carlisle, where Garleton and Aurora´s Encore, both with Tjade Collier i n the saddle, can win at 15.25 and 16.00, while she has two runners in the handicap chases at 17.10 and 18.20 and can take these also with Pass the Class (Collier) and Bamby (Henry Oliver) respectively.

At Thurles there are maximum fields in most races; Jessica Harrington has good possibilities here, especially with Quartino (Barry Geraghty) and Guitar Rory (Tommy Treacy) in the beginners chases at 17.30 and 18.00.

All-weather action at Southwell and Wolverhampton.

The usual fare at today´s all-weather meetings, Southwell in the afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening. Seb Sanders rode his first winner last night following his lengthy injury break and can be back in the winner´s enclosure after the 17.40 CET race at Southwell over 2 miles, where he partners Sir Mark Prescott´s Rough Sketch, who looks as of he will be well suited by this step up in trip. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.30 looks quite open. It is rather depressing to see the 12yo The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Jack Dean) dropped to this grade, but he is certtainly capable of winning this if in the right mood, and has already won twice this winter over this CD. Last-time-out CD winner Colorus (Bill ratcliffe/ Kelly harrison) and CD specialist Back in the Red (Ron Harris/ Kevin Ghunowa) look the main dangers, although in-form Imprimus Tagula (Alan Bailey/ Robert Winston) would be a threat if he can handle the drop down in distance.

The main race at Wolverhampton is also a 5 furlongs handicap at 20.50. Trainer Derek Shaw saddles 3 runners here, Steel City Boy (Jim Crowley), Tyrannosaurus Rex (Paul Hanagan) and Perlachy (Luke Morris), all with good recent CD form to their credit, but we are more interested in CD specialist Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Darryll Holland), who has now dropped to a lenient mark, is well-drawn and has a top jockey in the saddle.

German runners at Fontainebleau

Gestüt Auenquelle´s Glad Sky, who won the big 2yo sales race at last October´s Baden-Baden meeting, makes his seasonal reappearance today in a conditions race for 3yo´s over 1200 metres at 15.35 at Fontainebleau. He was trained last year by Karen Haustein, but is now with Miroslav Rulec and will be ridden by Italian jockey Daniele Porcu. Other German runners on the card are Kristopher (Werner Hefter/ Dominique Boeuf) in a mile race for 3yo maidens at 14.05, and Owentuo (Stefan Wegner/ Delphine Santiago) in a conditions race also over a mile for lady jockeys at 15.05. Owentuo would have a good chance on his old form, but oldtimer Valentino, now trained in Holland and with Kati Werning in the saddle, appears hard to beat here on recent evidence. Also in France today is the second leg of the Grand National du Trot, run this time over 3000 metres at 13.50 at Marseille.

Jumps racing at Taunton and Towcester

There are some small fields at Taunton today, but some quite useful performers will be in action, notably Spanish Conquest (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint), going for a quick hat-trick in the main event, a handicap for novice hurdlers at 17.00 CET. Spanish Conquest, whose dam is a half-sister to Silvano and Sabiango, has created a tremendous impression with his latest victories and is still seriously well handicapped. Stable companion Hot Diamond, mount of Richard Johnson, and Mutual Friend (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) also have good form, but must give him lots of weight and Spanish Conquest looks as if he can run up a sequence. There are only 5 runners, if they all show up, in the novices handicap chase half an hour earlier, and they include Peter Pole (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson), who was an easy winner yesterday and can concede lumps of weight to Sulas Legend (Neil Mulholland/ Felix de Giles) and Fire and Rain (Emma Lavelle/ Noel Fehily), both of whom are also easy recent winn ers.

German Group winner Persian Storm (Gary and Jamie Moore) was very disappointing last season for André Fabre and has been well beaten on all starts for his present connections, but he can be given another chance in the maiden hurdle at 15.50, where Art Trend (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams) and Kings Alchemist (Mark Usher/ Dave Crosse) look to be the only opponents worth worrying about. The fields are much larhger at TGowcester, but there is very little quality on view here. Tony McCoy has some promising rides, including Johns Square in first time blinkers at 15.,40 and Matcho Pierji, both in JP McManus colours for trainer Jonjo O´´Neill, and the Queen´s Midsummer Magic in the mares novice hurdle at 17.10 for trainer Nicky Henderson, who has Henry Daly´s pair Flutter Bye (Adrian Tinkler) and Speed Bonnie Boat (Mark Bradburne) to beat.

all-weather racing at Lingfield and Kempton

All-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton, with several jockeys riding at both meetings. It is unusual for 3yo´s to race against older horses over 1 1/2 miles at this time of year, but that is the case in the maiden race at 16.20 CET at Lingfield, where 5 of the 8 runners are 3yo´s, including El Bravo (Gary Moore/ William Buick), runner-up in a similar event this CD last time, and Chilly Filly (Mark Johnston/ Jimmy Quinn), making her seasonal debut, but in the money on 4 of her 5 starts last year and bred to stay. None of the usual stable jockeys can do the weight, hence the booking of Quinn. Mark Johnston has his usual jockey Joe Fanning on board top-weight Eastern Aria in the 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 18.50 and this one can win as long as one forgets his disappointng performance at Wolverhampton last time.

Fanning also has a good chance of taking the last race at Kempton, a 6 furlongs handicap at 22.20, with Jon Akehurst´ s Super Frank, who is going for a hat-trick. However he seems more of a Lingfield specialist and the number one draw here is a disadvantage. Al Gillani (James Boyle/ George Baker) won 3 races in quick succession, including this CD, last September, but has not been out since, so an interesting alternative could be Derek Ffrench Davis´ Brandywell Boy, who goes well for young apprentice Billy Cray. Seb Sanders is still waitimg for a winner since making his recent comeback from injury, but this could come here courtesy of Sir Mark Prescott´s Phoenix Flight in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 21.20, but more interesting are the two maiden races here, with several well-bred newcomers entered. John Gosden is already in good form and runs his wife´ s Christina Rossetti in the mile fillies maiden at 19.50 and Princess Haya´s Negotiation in the 7 furlongs race an hour later, both with Jimmy Fortune in the saddle.

German runners at Compiegne

Racing at Compiegne today and as usual, plenty of German-trained runners. In the opening tiercé handicap over a mile at 13.50 top-weight Marek (Manfred Weber/ Christophe Soumillon) and Obelix (Erika Mäder/ William Mongil) are the German hopes, but this looks a really tough race. Earl of Fire (Werner Baltromei/ Jerome Lermyte) and Wunderkind (Mario Hofer/ Andreas Helfenbein) run in the 1400 metres conditions race for 4yo´s at 15.20, but again there is some strong opposition. Adelar (Baltromei/ Pierre Fertillet), who was not disgraced in last year´s German Derby, is an interesting contestant in the amateur riders race over 2000 metres at 16.20, while Dunedin Star (Hofer/ Helfenbein) is entered in the claiming race over a mile at 17.20. The German runners all have useful form to their credit, but these fields are much stronger than normally seem at this track.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Carimo - Crossbill - Djaroun
2. Race: Money Money Honey - Dovil Boy - Massicotier
3. Race: Eclair De Lune - Vital Body - Maginot Line
4. Race: Earl Of Fire - Wunderkind - Mirleft
5. Race: Lion Des Flandres - The Quarterback - Magicom
6. Race: Petite Nymphe - La Galerna - Mundybash
7. Race: Zitenly - Star Val - Al Tottara
8. Race: Dawaes - Parfaite - Grebe Huppe
9. Race: Pivon - Courteuil - Tashan

Sedgefield, Southwell and Lingfield (a.w.)

Three very moderate cards today, with Southwell and Sedgefield staging jumps racing and Lingfield flat racing on the all-weather. Bajan Tryst (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), who runs in the 5 furlongs maiden here at 17.20 CET, looks the best bet of the day. He was placed on all 3 starts last season, and although he has not been seen since early October, this sets a good standard and he looks certain to win races. The most open race at Lingfield is the 7 furlongs fillies handicap at 16.20. 5 of the 8 runners met here over a mile 11 days ago. On that occasion Melt (Richard Hannon/ Chris Catlin) got up on the line to beat Moon Crystal (Ed Dunlop/ Jim Crowley) a short head, with Too Grand 4th, Smokey Rye a disappointing favourite in 7th and Little Knickers down in last. Over this shorter distance, and with Moon Crystal now a pound better off, there could now be a different result.

At Southwell, Tony McCoy and young trainer Tim Vaughan, who has a tremendous strike rate, can combine to land a double with ex-French Peter Pole, who scored with the greatest of ease on his British debut last week and shpouild not be troubled to take the opening handicap chase at 15.10, and No Supper, rather unlucky last time at Warwick, in the handicap hurdle at 18.10. German-bred Weststern (Gary and Jamie Moore) has been verx disappinting onhis recent runs but the firmer ground might suit him and he could be a big danger in the latter event. Another German-bred whi might benefor from the faster going is Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Fearghal Davis), who runs in thre selling handicap hurdle at Sedgefield at 16.00. This is a pretty dreadful race, as are most at this track today; the most interesting event here is the 2 mile beginners chase at 16.30, in which we fancy Beherayn (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson) to get the betterof the consistent Professor Higgins (Howard Johnson/ Den is O´Regan) and Master Nimbus (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello), assuming he jumps a bit better this time.

Classic trials and German runners at Saint-Cloud

Easily the best racing of the day takes place at Saint-Cloud, which has 3 listed races on the card, including two early season classic trials. Unfortunately the colts´ race, the Prix Omnium II at 15.50 over a mile, has been weakened by Freddie Head´s decision not to run his 2,000 Guineas hope Naaqoos, as originally intended. This leads the way open for Yves de Nicolay´s Silver Frost (Christophe Soumillon), and the same trainer-jockey combination can also take the fillies´equivalent race, the Prix la Camargo at 14.50, with Soneva. Both she and Silver Frost were group race winners last season and have the beating of their opponents here on 2008 form.

There are no German runnes in the main events, but several on the undercard. Naxon (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) showed signs of coming back to form when runner-up at Marseille last time, but faces tough opposition in the opening tiercé handicap over 1900 metres at 13.50. Nareoin (Baltromei/ Frédéric Spanu) and Blauer Bär (Miroslav Rulec/ Daniele Porcu) both run in the mile race for unraced 3yo´s at 15.20, while Rulec and Porcu also team up with Romantic Man in a claiming race over the same distance at 16.50. While we expect Naxon to run well, the best German hope today is probably Romantic Man, whose last run was in St.Moritz.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Senor Monk - Aragog - Tarpon
2. Race: Chirango - Timos - Stikine
3. Race: Princess Roseburg - Soneva - Rosey De Megeve
4. Race: Effervescent - Reve de Nuit - Vrilissos
5. Race: Accord Secret - Little Dreams - Silver Frost
6. Race: Impressionism - Celebra - Attaches Moi
7. Race: Pauillac - Go Directa - Global Dream
8. Race: Le Martinez - Malneyev - Samala

Kempton, Plumpton and Wolverhampton (a.w.)

Nicky Henderson´s stable continues in top form and looks the team to follow today, especially at Kempton, where he and stable jockey Barry Geraghty could well pick up 4 of the 7 races on the card. You´re the Top, who fell when well in contention in much better company at Cheltenham´s New Year meeting, should win the opening maiden hurdle at 15.10 CET and Dreamy Sweeney can follow up in another maiden half an hour later, while Pepsyrock could complete a hat-trick in the handicap chase at 16.50 and Finian´s Rainbow is one for the short list in the bumper at 18.30. Pepsyrock has gone up in the weights, and has some dangerous-looking opposition, for example CD winner Black Rocks (Jonathan Geake/ Jimmy McCarthy), who has dropped to a very favourable mark.

Geake has had a poor season, but also has chances with the German-bred Absolut Power (Simon Elliott) in the handicap hurdle at 17.25. He has not win since 2006 but is extremely well handicapped on his old form and as a son of Acatenango should appreciate the faster ground. Patsy Finegan (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) is the likely favoiurite here after two easy wins, but Celticello (David Evans/ Paul Moloney), unlucky last time, could be the main danger. Henderson could also score at Plumpton with Know the Law (Tony McCoy) in the maiden hurdle at 15.30. This is AP´s only ride of the day, which is a tip in itself. Otherwise at Plumpton, where the fields are larger but notably short on quality, Sula´s Legend (Neil Mulholland/ Felix de Giles) can make up for his mishap at Chepstow last week -where he fell when looking the likely winner - by winning the novice handicap chase at 16.40. The racing on the all-weather at Wolverthampton is also very low grade and the two handicaps for 3 yo´s are the most interesting events.

Over 6 furlongs at 17.00 there are 5 last-time-out winners, but two of them - Arachnophobia and Freepressionist - have not raced since November, while La Capriosa looks fully exposed after already running 16 times, including 8 times in 2009, although she keeps her form well. That leaves the lightly-raced Trip Switch (Willie Muir/ Neil Callan) as the likeliest winner. The 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 18.10 should lie between the two top-weights Duke of Normandy (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), still a maiden but with several decent performances to his credit, and Kiyari (Marco Botti) who can give Seb Sanders his first winner since returning from a long injury break.

Irish flat season starts today

today is the first day of the Irish flat season on grass and there is a good card at the Curragh, headed by the Group Three Park Express Stakes over a mile for fillies and mares at 16.45 CET. Dermot Weld clearly has his eye on this valuable prize and saddles 3 of the 8 runners, with stable jockey Pat Smullen on Mad about you, who seems certain to start a warm favourite having been placed in four Group Ones last year. She finished behind Prima Luce (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) in the Irish Oaks, but should turn around this form at today´s more suitable distance. Big betting race of the day is the Irish Lincolnshire at 17.15 with 21 runners, including the last two winners, top-weights Deauville Vision (Mike Halford/ Johnny Murtagh) and Crooked Throw (Charlie Swan/ Willie Lee), but we prefer two colts who showed improved form last backend, Rock and Roll Kid (Tony and Danny Mullins) and Designated Decoy (Weld/ Smullen). Aidan O´Brien has no runners at the Curragh, but will be pres ent to give some of his better 3yo´s a workout on the track after racing, so it will be well worth staying on. There is also jumping at Cork today with some huge fields and several German-breds entered. Champus (Noel Meade/ Barry Geraghty) is easily the best of them and should defeat his 26 (!) opponents in the maiden hurdle at 16.05. Unfortunately Meade has withdrawn Nicanor from the main event, the Easter Festival Hurdle at 17.05, which now has only 6 runners and should go to Willie Mullins´ Serpentaria (Ruby Walsh).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Eireannach - King Ledley - Xtraxtra
2. Race: Bibury - Zaralanta - Surfer Girl
3. Race: Senor Benny - Kingsdale Ocean - Croi Mo Ri
4. Race: Mad About You - Prima Luce - Beach Bunny
5. Race: Rock And Roll Kid - Deauville Vision - Designated Decoy
6. Race: Mr Topaz - Sioduil - Chorus Of Angels
7. Race: Toraidhe - Sporting Icon - Final Approach

Huntingdon, Wincanton and Southwell (a.w.)

just average fare at today´s three British meetings, and Tony McCoy can please his army of fans by winning the first two races at Huntingdon on Nicky Henderson´ s hurdles debutant Horseford Hill at 15.10 CET and Evan Williams´ Bergo half an hour later. The latter, a German-bred son of Silvano, was a bit disappointing last time at Ascot, but the form of his first two outings over the sticks give him a great chance in this company. Greenwich Meantime (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), a 9yo making his debut over hurdles, is the main danger, having been a useful stayer on the flat and winner of the Chester Cup in 2007. Another German-bred runner on the card is Idris (Gary and Jamie Moore) who contests the handicap hurdle at 16.40 and after some below par performances has been dropped by the handicapper to a very lenient mark. Paul Nicholls is usually the man to follow at his local track Wincanton, and his two runners today, Classic Swain at 15.30 and Aironageestring at 17.00, both in novice hurdles and both partnered by Sam Thomas, must therefore be taken very seriously. Andrew Baldng´s Kervriou (Mattie Batchelor), a faller last time, faces lesser opposition now and can defY top weight in the novice handicap chase at 15.50. Best race at Southwell is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.55. Autumn Blades (Alan Bailey/ Micky Fenton) won this CD last time out from Caprio (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) and may confitm the form on 2 lbs worse terms, but Smarty Socks (Peter Midgeley/ Jamie Moriarty) is in excellent form and can successfully move up in grade after winning 4 of his last 5 races. Top-weight Royal Dignitary (David and Adrian Nicholls) is another multiple winner, but has been off the track for 8 months and may need the race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Horseford Hill - Spellchecker - Trachonitis
2. Race: Bergo - Glencree - Sindanna
3. Race: Pairc Na Gcapall - Lord Alfred - The Wicketkeeper
4. Race: Crashtown Hall - Gunnadoit - Dantari
5. Race: Yossi - Scutch Mill - Sir Haydn
6. Race: American World - Kikos - General Ledger
7. Race: Saga De Tercey - Mayor Of Kilcock - Bobbysangtheblues

German runners at Strasbourg

although the main fixture in France today is the trotting meeting at Vincennes, German interest will be centred on the flat racing at Strasbourg, where there are as usual plenty of German traiders, mainly from nearby Iffezheim. There are 7 races on the card (4 flat, 3 over jumps) with an early start at 12.45. In the first race, for 3yo´s over 2100 metres, there are 4 German-trained runners - Swadesh (Waldemar Himmel/ Mickael Forest), Dunaden (Doris Smith/ Fabien Lefebvre), Queen Petra (Horst Steinmetz/ Nicolas Dieu) and Irish Beauty (Miroslav Beauty/ Daniele Porcu).In a handicap for 4yo´s over 2100 metres at 13.45, Samarcando (Manfred Weber/ Porcu), Albenga (Steinmetz/ Dieu) and Arralina (Paul Munsch/ Eddie Hardouin) are all entered, while in another handoicap over the same trip for older horses at 15.20, Pennekar (Norbert Sauer/ Henk Grewe), Lennon (Ralf Rohne/ Jean-Michel Breux), Antarctica (Weber/ Porcu) and Mezzolino (Himmel/ Forest) are all intended runners. Tjere are al so German runners in two of the jumps races, Karl Thomas´ pair Nardello (Jan Korpas) and Nacquevlle (Paul Johnson) contesting the hurdle race over 3800 metres at 14.50, and Interpret (Rohne/ Jean-Gilles Gueracague) and Allez Hopp (Weber/ Johnson) the steeplechase over 4000 metres at 15.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Riviera Paradise - Fresh Princess - Ocean Away
2. Race: Valkevi - Songbird - Rocroi
3. Race: Tiger Cliff - Si Amene - Championed`Ouilly
4. Race: Sissy So Lucky - Grazela - Senorita Escarlata
5. Race: Magic Fabien - Katria - Pearl Seeker
6. Race: Petit Colibri - Kalos Kagathos - Lennon
7. Race: Roi Karad - Super Solo - Calideo

Winter Derby at Lingfield

today´s Lingfield meeting is the top all-weather fixture of the year, featuring the Lingfield Winter Derby (Group Three) over 10 furlongs at 16.05 CET, as well as two listed races, including the Hever Sprint over 5 furlongs at 15.05 with a German runner, Mario Hofer´s Mood Music, for whom champion jockey Ryan Moore has been booked. Mood Music, who has some useful French form to his credit and recently beat the smart Maradhono easily at Dortmund, has a definite chance here. Best of his 9 opponents should be Matsunosuke (Barney Coogan/ Luke Morris), whi has been on the go all winter and has rewarded his connections with 5 wins, including twice this CD, and Arganil (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), who has won 5 of his last 6 starts, but is running for the first time at this track. The Winter Derby with 12 runners looks wide open, although Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baker) looks certain to start a warm favourite. He has won his last 5 all-weather starts in good style, but these ra ces have all been at a mile and he is untested at today´s distance. Re Barolo (Marco Botti/ John Egan) won the trial for this race from Suits Me (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton), but the latter could well reverse the form todayon 3 lbs better terms. Scintillo (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) was an easy winter over 1 1/2 miles at Kempton on Wednesday and is not out of it, nor is Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Tony Culhane), who showed excellent speed to win in Dubai earlier this year. John Gosden, who has already saddled a big all-weather winner this week, runs Bronze Cannon (Ryan Moore) and he is another one with chances. The other listed race is for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.35. There are 14 runners, some already with good form this season, while others make their seasonal debuts, so that it is hard to say how the race will pan out. On 2008 form, the two likeliest candidates are Damien (Barry and Michael Hills) and Elnawin (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs), both of whom ran well in grou p company last year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: El Dececy - New Star - Fremen
2. Race: Matsunosuke - Arganil - Judd Street
3. Race: Damien - Elnawin - Nashmiah
4. Race: Premio Loco - Re Barolo - Without A Prayer
5. Race: Debussy - Light Dubai - Makhaaleb
6. Race: Distinctive Image - Sgt Schultz - Formation
7. Race: Aeroplane - Atlantic Story - Abbondanza
8. Race: Jesse James - Legislate - Princability

5 jumps meetings today

today´s top races take place on the all-weather at Lingfield, but there is still plenty of action for fans of N.H. racmg. Newbury has a strong card, headed by two valuable races for mares, both the final rounds of series which have running throughout the season. The handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 15.50 CET can go to Ping Pong Sivola (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), whose Cheltenham form - if she has recovered from her hard race there - should suffice. The handicap hurdle at 16.30 can also go to a Cheltenham runner, Nicky Henderson´s top-weight Carole´s Legacy (Felix de Giles), although stable companion Ravello Bay /Barry Geraghty) could be a danger. Henderson and Geraghty should take the novice hurdle at 17.05 with Riverside Theatre, where Germen-bred Super Directa (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) looks the main threat. Despite the valuable races at Newbury, several top jockeys are riding elsewhere and Tony McCoy has some promising rides at Haydock. Philip Hobbs´ Adare P rince at 15.10, Peter Bowen´s Coq Hardi at 16.45, Nicky Henderson´s Zemsky at 17.20 and Peveil in the bumper at 18.30 as well as Jonjo O´Neill´s Forty Five at 15.40 and Firth of Forth at 17.55, are all possuble winners for thr champion jockey. Richard Johnson is at Bangor and can win the main event, a handicap hurdle at 17.30, on Jonjo O´Neill´s CD winner I´m the Decider, although German-bred Freeze the Flame (Charlie Egerton/ Jimmy McCarthy) could prove troublesome. Tom Scudamore can win Stratford´s handoicap chase at 16.25 on Mark Smyly´s Nacimo and Terminate, a son of Acatenango, looks an interesting runner at 17.00 at this track, having his first run over jumps for 450 days. There are also some German-breds running at the Irish meeting at Gowran Park, and with the ground improving, Noble Prize (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) in the handicap hurdle at 16.00 possibly has the best chance of them.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: El Dececy - New Star - Fremen
2. Race: Matsunosuke - Arganil - Judd Street
3. Race: Damien - Elnawin - Nashmiah
4. Race: Premio Loco - Re Barolo - Without A Prayer
5. Race: Debussy - Light Dubai - Makhaaleb
6. Race: Distinctive Image - Sgt Schultz - Formation
7. Race: Aeroplane - Atlantic Story - Abbondanza
8. Race: Jesse James - Legislate - Princability

German runners in France today

Two flat meetings this afternoon in France, and a German runner at each. At Lyon, Norbert Sauer´s Eminem (Henk Grewe), who has won his last 3 races very easily, will be suited by the soft going and is likely to start favourite for the conditions race over 2200 metres at 15.05. By contrast, Mario Hofer´s Agent Almeida (Gaetan Masure) will start at a big price in a 1900 metres handicap at 17.50 on Deauville´s fibresand track as his recent performances were less inspiring.

Betting forecast Lyon:
1. Race: Politeo - Sharakandi - Bougival
2. Race: Kantor - Moneur d`Ygrande - Tir Apple
3. Race: Eminem - Surrealism - Hight Blue Sails
4. Race: Event Dash - Rashida - Cotil
5. Race: Jet Dancer - Tridance - Berlinetta
6. Race: Bleu Desir - Larsony - Zieto
7. Race: Shatoune - Rislew - Jimkale
8. Race: Mishkina - Uj Csilag - Round Stone

Betting forecast Deauville:
1. Race: Benaojan - Prise De Risque - Only Green
2. Race: Always in the Sky - Serpotta - Stricke
3. Race: Anan - Lion of the Day - Divangui
4. Race: Babyla - Etty`s Diary - Trentini
5. Race: Grand Slammer - Ashdeuzo - Yankee Star
6. Race: Brunete - Rumba Blue - L`Albatros
7. Race: Sky Mamba - Fee Des Sables - Queen At Last
8. Race: Eternal Flash - Roman Eagle - Pearling
9. Race: Tuaoi - Lune Opaque - Feather Bedding

N.H. racing at Kelso, Newbury and Gowran Park (Ireland)

Three jumps meetings today, and arguably the best racing comes from the Scottish course of Kelso. The Grade Two novice chase here over 2 3/4 miles at 15.50 CET has attracted a good field, and 5 of the 9 runners are last-time-out winners, including Chief Dan George (Jimmy Moffatt/ Paddy Aspell) and Razor Royale (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), who look the likeliest candidates. Role On (Nicky Richards/ Rose Dobbin) also has a chance, but for his rider the most important race is the bumper at 18.40, in which she saddles Kinharvie (Graham Lee), her first runner as a trainer. Nicky Richards´ stable jockey Davy Condon partners top-weight According to John in the 3 1/2 miles handicap at 17.35 and they should be good enough to outclass this opposition. A probable German-bred winner here is First Stream (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan), who fell on his first attempt at hurdling, but can make amends at 18.10.

First Stream was Group One-placed for Mario Hofer, and on flat form has nothing to fear in this company. At Newbury, Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh should start off by winning the novice hurdle over 3 miles at 15.10 but may find Nicky Henderson´s tw runners too strong in the following maiden hiurdle for Fistral Beach, beaten favourite on all 3 starts so far over the sticks. Timmy Murphy rides Indian Blood for Nicholls under a light weight in the handicap hurdle at 18.00 and the partnership has most to fear from another last-time-out CD winner Secret Tune (Tom George/ Tony McCoy). Main evewnt at Gowran Park is the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.45. Top-weight Central House (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) is the class act here, but is not certain to be able to gve 6 lbs to Willie Mullins´ Jý Vole (Paul Townend), running for the first time since last June, or 21 lbs to Four Chimneys (Philip Rothwell/ Shane Jackson). Two interesting German-bred runners here are Arc Bleu (Tony Martin/ Rob bie Colgan), who has top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.10 but may need the race after a lay-off, and Arc en Ciel in the hunter chase at 17.55.

All-weather action at Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Dundalk

Three all-weather meetings, including the second fixture of 2009 at Dundalk in Ireland, where the best race is the valuable handicap over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 22.00 CET. With a maximum field of 14 runners and numerous course specialists, this is a very open affair. Green Tobasco (Mike O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) has an excellent record here and finished a good third to the smart Al Eile three weeks ago. On the same evening, Dermot Weld´s Bobs Pride (Pat Smullen) made all the running to beat Cochlear (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) by 1 1/2 lengths, with more of these runners further back. At the revised weights there should be little in it now. The most competitive race this afternoon at Lingfield is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40. 8 runners, all with a chance, and the interesting one is lightly-raced Trade Counter (Willie Muir/ Shane Kelly), a narrow winner of a CD maiden on only his second start and now making his handicap debut under bottom weight. The 10 furlongs handicap at 17.15 could also go to the bottom weight, Michael Wigham´s Old Romney (Richard Hughes), who has been runner-up three times running and looked a bit unlucky last time out over this CD. At Wolverhampton this evening, thre best event is also a sprint handicap, this time over 5 furlongs at 21.50. Bahamian Lad (Reg Hollinshead/ Graham Gibbons) has won his last two races, both over 6 furlongs here, and Princess Valerina (Derek Haydn Jones/ Tom Queally), runner-up last time, now reopposes on one pound better terms for a neck. Incomparable (Alan McCabe/ Robert Winston) was a CD winner here on his penultimate start and could be the answer to a tricky race.

Deauville today

the action in France moves back to the fibresand track at Deauville, and Ralf Rohne´s front-runner Orway (Davy Bonilla) is the only German-trained runner on the card. He faces 15 opponents in the tiercé handicap over 2400 metres at 13.50. He won twice here during the winter but was quickly beaten last time after leading for the first mile. He now has a more experienced jockey in the saddle, but these handicaps are never easy.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sabolienne - Montmarin - Sunrise Spirit
2. Race: Douce Bainai - Arakawa - Meora
3. Race: Granitik - Master Winter - Granitik
4. Race: Dianaba - Pearl Of Charm - Dianaba
5. Race: Coubiza - Estoril City - Broken in Light
6. Race: Peach Pearl - Beyond Time - Antarige
7. Race: Marcellin - Fier D`Ars - Araba
8. Race: Aljiwaar - Sledgehammer - Dinorah

N.H. racing Ayr, Ludlow and Clonmel (Ireland)

Three jumps meetings this afternoon, and at Clonmel Ruby Walsh can continue his amazing winning run with Cru, who fell last time out when looking the probable winner, in the mares beginners chase at 17.35 CET, and Captain Conflict in the beginners chase at 18.35, both for trainer Willie Mullins, and he also has a good chance of winning the maiden hurdle at 16.30 on LP Cusack´s Majestic Oak. Nicky Henderson is another trainer in good form and can land a double at Ludlow in the handicap hurdle at 16.05 with Quarl Ego (Tony McCoy) and the German-bred Fairyland (Felix de Giles) in the mares novice hurdle at 17.10. The latter looks a good thing after her easy win at Doncaser last time following four second places in a row, while the former is more speculative, having his first run in a handicap after running three times unplaced and always well beaten in novice hurdles, but the opposition does not look that great.

At Ayr there are arre some very small fields, but Donald McCain looks the trainer to follow here. He can take the handicap chase at 15.20 with Vicario (Paul Benson) and the novice hurdle half an hour later with Ernst Blofeld (Jason Maguire), while later on his runners Netherley (Maguire) in the beginners chase at 16.25 and Comhla ri Coig (Benson) in the novice hurdle half an hour later face strong opposition from two Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan runners, Bleak House and Woody Waller respectively. For those looking for an each-way bet at a decent price, we recommend German-bred Solis (Peter Monteith/ Graham Lee) in the 2 miles handicap hurdle at 17.30, who has been dropped by the handicapper to a decent mark.

All-weather action at Kempton and Southwell

After the excellent race at Kempton yesterday evening, this evening´s card is much less inspiring, although Onemix (Barry Hills/ Chris Catlin) and Coming Back (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) are two interesting runners in the 10 furlongs race for maiden fillies at 20.20 CET. Our preference is for the former, runner-up on both starts so far over a mile and probably well suited by the extra distance. Prince Charlemagne (Gary Moore/ George Baker) is on a roll and can complete a four-timer (and a CD hat-trick) in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 20.50, while Ed Dunlop´s Arabian Spirit (Tom McLaughlin) was very consistent last season and can come off a 166 day break by taking the mile handicap an hour later.

At Southwell this afternoon, the fare is less exciting, and some small fields make it even less interesting. The best race here is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45. Zoe Davison has her string in good form and Sherjawy (Sam Hitchcott) has an obvious chance of following up his Monday win at Kempton under a penalty, but we have a slight preference for CD specialist Guto (Bill Ratcliffe/ Kelly Harrison), who seems to be coming back to form. This One´s for Pat (Steve Parr/ Neil Callan) was a disappointing favourite when last seen over a mile here at Christmas, but before that had won twice over this CD - his only career victories- and could be a big danger after the break.

Chepstow and Warwick

This afternoon´s jumps racing comes from Chepstow and Warwick, with some large fields and competitive but low-grade racing. Nicky Henderson could be the trainer to follow at Warwick and can take the opening maiden hurdle at 15.20 with Lindeman and the novice hurdle at 16.25 with the Queen´s Gold Award, both partnered by barry Geraghty. Some German-breds running here with chances include Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) in the novice chase at 15.50, last-time-out winner Figurita (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the mares handicap hurdle at 17.35 and Early Wings (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) in another handicap hurdle at 18.10. Several of the top jockeys will be in action at Chepstow, including Tony McCoy, who can land a double with Jim Best´s Mount Benger in the claiming hurdle at 15.40 and David Evans´ Rash Moment, who won at Uttoxeter on Saturday and can follow up under a penalty at 16.50.

All-weather racing at Lingfield and Kempton

Flat racing this afternoon on the all-weather at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton, and by far the best racing comes from the floodlit Kempton meeting, featuring a listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 21.20 CET. Only 6 runners, and Scintillo (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) is clear best on ratings. However he has a very poor strike rate - one win from 17 starts - and can be opposed with Mark Johnston s pair Luberon (Joe Fanning) and Love Galore (Greg Fairley), who ran 4 times at the Dubai Carnival. However the most valuable and also most interesting race of the day is the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes for 3yo´s over 9 furlongs at 20.50. Worth 80,000 GBP in prize-money this is one of tne richest all-weather races of the year and the winner is guaranteed a place in the Kentucky Derby field on May 2nd.

Three trainers go double-handed into this event, John Gosden with Mafaaz (Richard Hills) and Close Alliance (Jimmy Fortune), Mark Johnston with Haashev (Jamie Spencer) and Mastery (Joe Fannig) and Richard Hannon with Sohcahtoa (Ryan Moore) and Weald Park (Richard Hughes), but with most runners coming off a break, it is hard to tell which is their stables´ major hope, let alone forecast the winner. The card at Lingfield is relatively weak by comparison, but the most popular winner of the day would be the consistent Desert Dreamer, trained by Tom Dascombe; in the 7 furlongs seller as 15.30, as this will be the last ride in public for jockey Alan Daly, who is handing up his boots and apparently is going to become a fireman.

German runners at Saint-Cloud

Peter Schiergen´s Emporio has already won twice at Saint-Cloud and returns to the Paris track today to contest the claiming race over 2100 metres at 14.20. He is rated the best horse in the field but has a huge weight, and for that reason French claimer Jerome Claudic has been booked. The opposition includes two ex-German runners, Girofolo and Ardbeg, both winners last-time-out, and they look the main dangers. Another ex-German runner is Australian Fighter, still owned by Stall Australia, who runs in the opening 3100 metres tiercé handicap at 13.50 with Davy Bonilla in the saddle. Although he has been a bit disappointing on his recent starts, he must have good each-way chances in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Frosted Aclaim - Kirov - Australian Fighter
2. Race: Girofolo - Ardbeg - Emporio
3. Race: Tryanon - Chope Story - Source Antique
4. Race: Soumayar - Nimara - King`S Salute
5. Race: Sainte Adresse - Celestina Agostino - Vellane
6. Race: Light Green - Saturnine - Antiquities
7. Race: Kyrnos - Elegant Dancer - Saugere
8. Race: Poincon de France - Bamarok - Toninho

Ireland today

Two Irish N.H.meetings today, and Ruby Walsh, who can do no wrong at present, heads to Wexford, where he can enjoy another profitable day. Tawaag, in the maiden hurdle for 5yo´s at 16.05 CET, and Fiveforthree in the main event, a 2 mile hurdle race at 16.35, are both trained by Willie Mullins and will start hot favourites. Fiveforthree is the most interesting runner on the card, having won at the 2008 Cheltenham festival, and although he is running over a much shorter trip now and is coming off an11 months break, he should have too many guns for Salford City (Gordon Elliott/ SP McCann). Walsh also has winning chances on Holly Tree for Dusty Sheehan at 17.45 and Monte Cinto for Martin Brassil at 18.15. Jessica Harrington has runners here, but her best chances would seem to be at Down Royal, where Dundrum (Andrew Leigh) can take the maiden hurdle at 15.15 and Turtle Time Lucky (Tommy Treacy) the beginners chase at 16.25; in the latter event, ex-German Dalian makes his chasing debut for Arthur Moore and SG Carey and is an interesting outsider. One Cool Cookie (Charlie Swan/ Davy Russell) can concede 10 lbs to Arbor Supreme (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) in the best race here, a 3 1/4 mile chase at 16.55.

Exeter, Kempton and Southwell (a.w.)

Jumps racing today at Exeter and Kempton ad all-wearher racing from Southwellm were there is free engtry to the racecourse. Even so, one cannot expect there will be many racegoers, as the fields are mainly small (4 od the 6 races have 5 runners or less) and uninspiring. This will probably not worry trainer Mark Johnston, who could easily take the best 3 races with Nightjar (Greg Fairley) at 15.55 CET, the unbeaten Boscage (Joe Fanning) at 17.05 and he has two chances in the 17.40 race, a handicap for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs, with Fesko (Fairley) and Takeover Bid (Fanning). At Exeter the fields are much bigger, but hardly more exciting. Or Jaune (Gary and Jamie Moore) was an easy winner last time out from Oracle des Mottes (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams) and despite the distance being much shorter and the fact that he is now 4 lbs worse off, can repeat this performance in the novice chase at 16.15, where Oscar Bay (Jimmy Frost/ Seamus Durack) is the only other danger.

Easily the best racing comes from Kempton. Conflictofinterest (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) is far from the best novice hurdler in his powerful stable, but should certainly account for today´s opposition at 15.00. The novice handicap chase half an hour later looks more open, but German-bred Soprano (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) should be involved, as well as two other last-time-out winners Shake the Barley (Tom George/ Sam THomas) and Funny Fellow (Richard Rowe/ Marcus Foley). Another ex-German horse with chances is Laredo Sound (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; Royaleety (Nicky Henderson/ McCoy) and Mendo (Noel Chance/ Rhys Flint) look the main dangers. Dominican Monk (David Arbuthnot/ Timmy Murphy) was an easy winner at Sandown last time and can follow up unde a penalty in the handicap chase at 17.15.

German runners at Compiegne

Dortmund trainer Norbert Sauer has already been successful at Compiegne this year and returns to the north French track today with two runners, both of whom have good chances of being placed at least. Santero (Jerome Lermyte), last seen when finishing down the track in the German Derby more than 8 months ago, runs in a conditions race for "jeunes jockeys" for 4yo´s over 2400 metres at 14.20. Hopever he faces some tough opposition here, notably Baron Ullmann´s unbeaten Eye of the Tiger (André Fabre/ Mickael Barzalona) and the Wildenstein stable´s Pouvoir Absolu (Elie Lellouche/ Brice Rabillard). French Kiss, who put up some useful performances last year in France, runs in the claiming race for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.20 with Henk Grewe in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Blek - Rebel Dancer - Natural Leader
2. Race: Eye Of The Tiger - Broncoli - Pouvoir Absolu
3. Race: Belle Et Brave - Sand River - Celimene
4. Race: Parlement - Hermoun - Diyadin
5. Race: Second Dancer - Saboone - Pierino
6. Race: French Kiss - Liddal - Enlil
7. Race: Dianeva - Allee Centrale - Savoie
8. Race: Fairspiel - Briolo - Diagora

Hereford, Taunton and Kempton (a.w.)

Three meetings in the U.K. today but generally low-level sport. The most interesting race at the Kempton all-weather fixture is the mile event for 3yo maiden fillies at 16.30 CET, in which some well-bred fillies from top stables are engaged, notably Bishaara (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin), the first runner in weeks from the powerful Gosden stable and a promising fourth last July on her only start so far, and Renata Jacobs´ Mosquera Romance (Marco Botti/ John Egan), who also made a positive impression on her only start so far, this time 3 weeks ago at Wolverhampton. From the German point of view, there will be interest in the performance of Barney Curley´s two ex-Schlenderhan runners Sommersturm, in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.00 and Aviso in the mile handicap an hour later, both with Tom Queally in the saddle. Both have been beaten out of sight on their British starts so far, but are now extremely leniently handicapped compared to their German ratings. Another ex-Ullman star who has been a big disappointent is Persian Storm (Gary and Jamie Moore), who runs in the novice hurdle at 15.50 at Taunton. The best betting race here is the handicap hurdle at 16.50, where top-weight Royal Rationale (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) has an obvious chance after his good second at Haydock last time. However our fancy is Overstrand (Dr. Newland/ Sam Jones), who was certainly not disgraced when 9th of 19 in the Imperial Cup last time and could run well at a big price. The ground is drying oujt rapidly and is expected to be fast at Hereford, where 10 line up for the main event, a staying handicap chase at 16.40. Top-weight Chiaro (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) is the best horse in the line-ip, but has not won for ages and has never yet run beyond 3 miles; if he gets the extra 7 furlongs now, he should be in with a good chance, but we prefer Chabrimal Minster (Richard Ford/ Timmy Murphy), who after two poor efforts on bad ground should be better suited by today´s go ing and distance.

Irish racing today

Plenty of jumps racing today, with the best sport coming from Ireland. Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins continue in unbeatable form and can have another highly successful afternoon at Navan, where Lilywhitedancer in the maiden hurdle at 15.00 CET, Palace Merano in the novice hurdle an hour later and Barker on the npovice chase at 18.05 all have winning chances. Walsh also rides the likely favourite Oscar Time for trainer MM Lynch in the most valuable race on the card, a novice handicap chase over 3 miles at 17.35.

At Limerick., the two best races are reserved for mares. There are 17 runners in the listed mares novice hurdle at 16.20; the latest form of Oligarch Society (Mike O´Brien/ Davy Russell), when she was 4th, beazen only 5 lengths by subsequent Cheltenham winner Go Native, should be good enough here. The Grade Three mares novice chase at at 17.50 can go to Brotenstown (Pat Cashman/ JM Allen), who holds Go Sandy Go (JJ Mangan/ Tom Doyle) on earlier form.

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Lilywhitedancer - Cayo Levantado - Porticcio
2. Race: Archiestown - Glenview Leader - Grand Opera
3. Race: Hello Kitty - Across The Bay - Palace Merano
4. Race: Hotterthanjuly - Silver Birch - Royal Paradise
5. Race: Midtown Boy - Buoy George - Inside Shadow
6. Race: Oscar Time - Island Life - Will Jamie Run
7. Race: Barker - Chiraaz - Jak Dream
8. Race: The Phantom Piper - Laura`s Light - Waterville

Limerick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Pontiac - Panzer Chief - Howryafeelin
2. Race: Itsallaracket - Oligarch Society - Tramp Stamp
3. Race: Go Sandy Go - Moskova - Brotenstown
4. Race: Colmanstown Hope - Sportivo - Four Chimneys
5. Race: Jack Absolute - Tiamo - Moving On
6. Race: Marhaba Million - Garryowen Star - Indifference Curve
7. Race: Skorcher - Western Leader - Plan Of Action

N.H. racing at Carlisle, Fontwell and Southwell

No flat racing today in Britain, even Southwell is staging one its rare N.H.meetings. Champion Jockey Tony McCoy is in action here woith two rides for Jonjo O´Neill, Twilight Eagle in the handicap chase at 15.10 CET and Galaxy Rock in the handicap hurdle at 16.45, both of them with winning prospects. McCoy also rides Fifty Sheets for Charlie Egerton in the maiden hiurdlke at 16.15; he has been off the track since November, b ut so has his main rival on form Ikorudo Road (Matthew Sheppard/ Noel Fehily).

At Fontwell, trainer Alan King and jockey Robert Thorntzon can get favourite bettors off to a good start by taking the first two races on Santia at 15.20 CET and Greenbridge at 15.55. The 3 1/2 mile handicap chase here at 17.00 looks very open withall 8 runners having a chance. Veteran Hazeljack (Tony Whiting/ Charlie Huxley) is 14 but always runs well here and looks a solid each-way bet.

At Carlisle, the fields are mainly small and only 4 turn our for the novice chase at 16.05.Le Beau Bal (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste) has the best rating, but had a hgard race only on Wednesday at Cheltenham, and our preference is for Tastes like More (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), an easy winner last time and moving uo in grade. Bottom-weight La Pantera Rosa (Micky Hammond/ Fran Keniry) was an easy CD winner last time out and can score again in the novices handicap chase at 17.10 CET.

Southwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Ross Leader - Killfinnan Castle - Barton Sun
2. Race: Sharajan - Twilight Eagle - Nous Voila
3. Race: Jokers Legacy - Dunkelly Castle - Alora Money
4. Race: Fifty Sheets - Ikorodu Road - Kack Handed
5. Race: Galaxy Rock - Alfloramoor - Pelo Du Bief
6. Race: Hayes Princess - Miss Overdrive - Moscow Jewel
7. Race: Flora`S Pride - Give A Lot - Bouncing Bean

Fontwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Santia - Balnahinch - King Edmund
2. Race: Greenbridge - Just Amazing - Premier Des Marais
3. Race: Nawamees - Stance - Silver Sister
4. Race: Hazeljack - Push The Port - Enroblim Trop
5. Race: Swainson - Spider Boy - L`Homme De Nuit
6. Race: Bearneen Boy - Lord Gunnerslake - Wild Power
7. Race: You Know Bridie - Bundle Up - Major Upset

Carlisle - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hockenheim - Pass The Class - Aston Lad
2. Race: Wee George - Frith - Work Boy
3. Race: Le Beau Bai - Mount Sandel - Tastes Like More
4. Race: Minster Abbi - Sabreflight - Polobury
5. Race: Fiftyfive Degrees - Banoge - Mister Potter
6. Race: Superrollercoaster - The Maystone - Stormont Dawn

First group race of 2009

The first European group race of the season will be run today at 16.05 at Saint-Cloud, the Prix Exbury over 2000 metres. As many of the Paris stables are not yet in top form, this race looks quite open, although Indian Daffodil (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire) and Chinchon (Carlos Laffon-Parias/ Christophe Soumillon - who flies off to Hong Kong after the race to partner Good Ba Ba) are expected to start as the two favourites. English-trained Lady Deauville (Roger Curtis/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) is the only foreign runner; when trained last year by Paul Blockley she gave Hayley Turner her first group race winner when scoring at Hanover. She will be a big price today, but certainly acts on the ground.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Stacelita - Tassara - Divine Comedy
2. Race: Magnetic Storm - Star Val - Miss Denmark
3. Race: Sunshine Rheinberg - Tonalite - Red Wolf
4. Race: Nizamabad - Martial Law - Nizamabad
5. Race: Indian Daffodil - Wingstar - Trincot
6. Race: Card In Hand - Patagonian Dream - Talon Bleu
7. Race: Vesuve - Palermo Viejo - Melisos
8. Race: Samala - Barefoot`s Park - Pasada

Irish racing today

Two N.H. fixtures in Ireland, including the rescheduled Leinster National at 16.45 CET at Naas, the best race of the day. Ruby Walsh, the hero of Cheltenham, can continue his wining ways here on his father´s Southern Vic, although Aintree hopefuls Chelsea Harbour (Tom Mullins/ Davy Russell) and Preists Leap (Tom O´Leary/ Philip Enright) look dangerous. Ruby Walsh also has winning chances on Sports Line for Willie Mullins in the novice hurdle at 15.10 and Joncol for Paul Nolan in the novice chase at 15.40. The racing at Limerick is less exciting, but Grange Alainn (Willie Burke/ Kevin Coleman) should win the maiden hurdle at 16.55.

Naas - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tooman Lane - Bootlegger - Halfback
2. Race: Corskeagh Royale - Sports Line - Sam Adams
3. Race: Joncol - Top Of The Rock - Travino
4. Race: Robin Du Bois - Prudent Honour - In The Haven
5. Race: Preists Leap - Florida Express - Chelsea Harbour
6. Race: Ten Fires - Danderry - Master Cullen
7. Race: Carra Coranna - Galactic Warrior - Logan`S Manor

Limerick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Whiskey And Rye - Ach Aye Surely - Rouvres Girl
2. Race: Meadows Thyne - Knocklayde Euro - Baladiva
3. Race: Emotional Melody - Morereadythanilook - Social Society
4. Race: Grange Alainn - Immediate Response - Stradbally
5. Race: Aerlite Rooler - My Light - Chasers Chance
6. Race: Liss Na Tintri - Sainte Baronne - Bincas Beauty

Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter

after the wonderful Cheltenham meeting and the brilliant victory of Kauto Star yesterday, today´s meetings in Britain and Ireland are very much an anti-climax. The best racing comes from Uttoxeter, where the Midlands Grand National over 4 miles 1 1/2 furlongs at 16.10 CET tops the card. 17 runners and hardly any of them can be discarded, but proven stamina is important here, as few of the runners have form at this distance. For example, two of the most fancied horses are Kilcrea Asia (Tom George/ Tony McCoy) and Appleaday (Brendan Powell/ Dominic Elsworth), both easy winners last time out 3 miles, but never tested much beyond that trip. One will definitely stay is Badgerlaw (Jessia Harrington/ Andrew Leigh) runner-up on this last year, so he has to be on the short list, together with Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas) - despite top weight - front-runner Naunton Brook (Nogel Twiston-Davoes/ David England) and bottom-weight Hold the Pin (Tony Martin/ Robbie Colgan). The ha ndicap hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 15.35 is another very open affair. German-bred Victorias Groom (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) is an improving sort and despite his big weight should run well. Ex-New Zealander The Shoe (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) runs for the first time in a handicap and considerong the excellet performances by the stable´s hurdlers this week, must be considered, but or main fancy is for Bulwark (Ian Williams/ Tom Scudamore), who won the Chester Cup on the flat last year and looks very fairly treated. Williams and Scu also have good prospects with German-bred Fredo in another handicap hurdle at 16.40.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dream Garden - Bundle Of Fun - Just Smudge
2. Race: Heraldry - Another Brother - Victorias Groom
3. Race: Kilcrea Asla - Badgerlaw - Operation Houdini
4. Race: Fiendish Flame - Hohlethelonely - Snake Hips
5. Race: Ogee - Acordeon - Bormo
6. Race: Rash Moment - Marufo - Chigorin
7. Race: Secret Stash - Bonadventure - Aberdale

Newcastle, Wetherby and Lingfield (a.w.)

the remaining British meetings are well below the normal Saturday standard, but that is a result of the Cheltenham meeting, where most of the best horses in training were engaged. At Wetherby, the handicap chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.55 CET can go to top-weight Brooklyn Brownie (Malcolm Jefferson/ Dougie Costello), who has not been out since November because he cannot act on the wintet ground, but should find conditions to his liking now. The best race at Newcastle is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.50. Two lightly-raced and improving typrs here are Lie Forrit (Wilf Amos/ Campbell Gillies) and Grand Theatre (Nicky Richatrds/ Davy Condon), but Richards´ other runner Gunner Jack (Brian Harding) should also be considered, providing he jumps better this time. Richards and Condon can also take the handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 17.55 with Houston Dynimo, who has been runner-up on all four starts so far, including to the smart Red Moloney last time. The most interesting ra ce at Lingfield´s all-weather meetimg is the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.30. Four of the 8 runners are last -time-out winners - all at Wolverhampton- Dubai Storming (Ed Dunlop/ Jamie Spencer), Gaily Noble (Tony Haynes/ Fergus Sweeney), Badge of Honour (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) and bottom-weight High Cross (Sir Mark Prescott/ Chris Catlin) and one of them will probably win, but we would not like to forecast which.

Newcastle - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sir Tantallus Hawk - Legion D`Honneur - Leo`S Quest
2. Race: Aviation - Ardesia - Waldo Winchester
3. Race: Za Beau - It`S Bertie - Mr Floppy
4. Race: Grand Theatre - Magical Legend - Mortimers Cross
5. Race: Orang Outan - Wizards Dust - Trisons Star
6. Race: Houston Dynimo - Black Beauty - Hazeldene
7. Race: Francesco - Another Charmer - Pay On




Wetherby - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sadler`S Star - Sacrilege - Always Bold
2. Race: Pheidias - Mud Monkey - Youngstown
3. Race: Brooklyn Brownie - Top Dressing - One Sniff
4. Race: Moscow Catch - Option Money - Presenting Forever
5. Race: Shining Gale - Striking Article - Mill Side
6. Race: In Vino - Dancing Dik - Whispering Death
7. Race: Sir Mulberry Hawk - Mr Syntax - Kealshore Lass




Lingfield - betting forecast:
1. Race: Gasat - Bernabeu - Sunset Boulevard
2. Race: Hold The Bucks - Flying Lady - Fantastic Fred
3. Race: Dubai Storming - High Cross - Badge Of Honour
4. Race: Forbidden - Bee Stinger - Lopinot
5. Race: Robin The Till - Volito - Christmascametwice
6. Race: Stonecrabstomorrow - Qadar - Musical Script
7. Race: Shaded Edge - Ever Cheerful - Ugenius

Cheltenham: filial duty for Pipe and Henderson?

The last two races of the N.H. festival meeting are named after those well-known Cheltenham characters Martin Pipe and Johnny Henderson, and it is clear that their sons David and Nicky would very much like to win those races. David Pipe in particular is lauching a large-scale assault on the Martin Pipe condotional jockeys handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 17.40 CET (a new event) with no fewer than 8 runners. Mamlook (Hadden Frost) and Big eared Fran (Johnny Farrelly) look the most likely of them to score, but German-bred oldtimer Caracciola (Nicky Henderson/ Richie Killoran) could be dangerous if the ground dries out. The Johnny Hemnderson Grand Annual chase over 2 miles at 18.15 is another big handicap with a huge field. Surprisingly Henderson´s stable joclkey Barry Geraghty partners My Petra, while the stable´s more fancied runner French Opera is ridden by Marcus Foley. There are dangers galore, including Palarshan (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler), Tiger Cry (Artur Moore/ D av Russell) -last year´s winner, Paul Nicholls´pair Pasco (Sam Thomas) and Poquelin (Ruby Walsh) and German-bred Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann( Noel Fehily). All we can say is - good luck!

Cheltenham: County Hurdle, Foxhunters and Albert Bartlett

The Vincent O´Brien handicap hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong is one of the biggest betting races of the meeting and used to be run as the lastrace, but today it is being staged as the second race at 15.05 CET with 28 runners. Nocky Hemnderson´s Dave´s Dream (Barry Geraghty) is almost certain to start favourite wfter winninmg te Imperial Cup last saturday, which puts him in line for a big bonus should he score today. As he has been raised 13 lbs for that win a today must only carry a 5 lbs penalty he is officially 8lbs "well in", but the race bristles with dangers, among them Sunnyhillby (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who has won his last 3 races, Aachen (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas) -still unbeaten- Group captain (Hugh Collingridge/ Richie Killoran) and Cockney Trucker (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The Albert Bartlett hurdle 35 minutes later is for novices over 3 miles. Preode of Dulcote (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) could start favourite, but strangely enough he has never comp leted in 3 starts with Walsh in the saddle. This could be coincidence but it sill reduces confidence. Cape Triubulation (Malcome Jefferson/ Phil Kinsella) has won 4 of his 5 starts and left several of these opponents behind him when winning last time at Concaster., However it is worth remembering that On Raglan Road (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) was hot favourite then and still in contention when falling 3 out. The Foxhunters Chase over the Gold Cup course at is another race frequently won by outsiders. Todays field of 24 includes two past winners in Kingscliff in 2003 (!) and German-bred Amicelli last year, but our main ancy is Juveigneur (E O´Sullivan/ John McNamara), a smart handicapper when trained by Henderson and now a leading point-to-pointer in Ireland.

Cheltenham: Triumph Hurdle

The Triumph Hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.30 CET, is the traditional opening race of Cheltenham´s final day and is the unofficial championship for 4yo hurdlers. It is also a race that has often thrown up surpising result and favourites have a poor record here, so punters should be cautious. The four faviurites are all trained in Britasin: the unbeaten Starluck (Alan Fleming/ Timmy Murphy), Master of Arts (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), Zaynar (Nicy Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Alan King´s Walkon (Robert Thornton), wose only defeat came at the hands of Zaynar, whom he now meets on better terms. In view of his trainer´s excellent recrd in thius event, Walkon is iur tentative choice, but almost anything is possible here, and the strong Irish challenge, headed by Ebadiyan (Oliver Brady/ John Cullen) and Lethal Weapon (Christy Roche/ Tony McCoy) - another unbeaten runner- cannot be lightly discarded.

Cheltenham: fourth and final day

The Gold Cup, run over 3 1/4 miles + at 16.20 CET, is not only today´s main feature but in the eyes of all N.H. fas the most important jumps race of the year. Today´s field of 16 runners is one of the best in recent memory, and includes the last two winners Kauto Star (Ruby Walsh) and Denman (Sam Thomas), both of them trained by Paul Nicholls, as are Neptune Collonges (Christian Williams), third last year, Star de Mohaison (Timmy Murphy) and My Will (Nick Scholfield). It is quite possible that Nicholls can repeat his 200 result of saddling the first three, although we doubt that he can emulate the feat of Michael Dickinson and saddle the first five. However the stable looks nailed on to win again, probably with Kauto Star, back to his best when winning the King George at Christmas last time out, with several of these behind. Of course Denman in his 2008 form would be hard to beat, but his heart problems and a lacklustre effort on his only start this season, plus the likely f aster going, are not in his favour. Exotic Dancer (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) was runner-up to kauto Star here in 2007, but has never beaten that horse in several attemtpts, but could still run on into a place. Trainer Charlie Mann is optomistic abot the chances of German-bred Air Force One (Noel Fehily), but this smart handicapper needs to improve to figure here, as does the Queen´s Barber Shop (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). He would prably be the most popular winner, especially as the owner is expected to be present. Madison du Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) beat Denman easily enough last time, but the latter was clearly not at his best that day and we expect that form to be reversed. Everything seems to be in favour of Kauto Star today who is by far the most likely winner.

Cheltenham: four handicaps with 20+ runners

the four handicaps at Cheltenham all look extremely difficult, with several horses clearly "laid out" for each event and the latest form may not always be the most reliable, especially as the going today will be much better than it has been for the past 3 months. Our short list for these tough races is as follows: 14.30 CET, novices handicap chase, 2 miles 5 furlongs: Northern Alliance, Chapoturgeon, Naiad de Misselet and Kia Kaha. 15.05, 3 mile handicap hurdle: Don´t Push It, P´tit Fute, Galient, Synchronised. 17.00, handicap chase, 2 miles 5 furlongs: Clarified, Akilak, Finger on the Pulse, Notable d´Estruval. 17.40, amateur riders handiap chase, 3 miles 1 furlong: Poker de Sivola (Nina!) Pretty Star (by Lando), Shouldhavehadthat and Le Duc - but anything is possible in all four of these races and it is more than possible that none of our selections will be placed!

Cheltenham: World Hurdle

the World Hurdle, previously known as the Stayers Hurdle and now sponsored by bookmakers Ladbrokes, is today´s top feature at Cheltenham. The 3 mile race at 16.20 has attracted 14 runners, but only four of them can be given a serious chance, headed by French raider Kasbah Bliss (Francois Doumen/ Christophe Pieux). Doumen knows what is required to win here, having sent Baracouda to win this twice and Kasbah Bliss, runner-up last year to the top-class Inglis Drever and a group winner on the flat since, looks every bit as good. He was most impressive when winning last time at Haydock and is clearly the one to beat here.In the dress rehearsal for this event, Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) ran out a convincing winner from Punchestowns (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) with German-bred Fair Along third and Tazbah fifth. POunchestwns is now 8 lbs better off and can finished in front of Big Bucks this time, while the other two can also be involved in the fight for the places. It would be a major surprise if anything else gets involved.

Cheltenham: Ryanair Chase

the Ryanair Chase, the successor to the old Cathcart Chase, has quickly established itself as a major event in its own right. The race run today over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.40 CET is aimed at horses for whom the distance of the Queen Mother (2 miles) is too short and of the Gold Cup (3 1/4 miles) too far. Voy por Ustedes (Alan King/ Robert Thornton - if fit- otherwise Tony McCoy) fits into this category, although he might have run in yesterday´s Queen Mother, which he won in 2007, had not Master Minded been going there. At Christmas Voy por Ustedes found the 3 miles of the King George too far, although he still finished well ahead of Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), while Our Vic (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) was pulled up. With both those stables now in better form, they can be expected to make more of a fight of it, especially course specialist Our Vic, who won this last year. The only other one in the feld of 10 with a serious chance is Tidal Bay (H oward Johnson/ Denis O´Regan), who won the Arkle last year over 2 miles but has been searching for his best trip ever since.