N.H. racing at Catterick, Fontwell and Fairyhouse (Ireland)

Today´s three jumps meetings have a very pre-Cheltenham look about them, and although there are some large fields, very few classy performers are in action. The most interesting race at Fontwell could be the opening maiden hurdle at 15.30 CET. German-bred Nordwind (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) ran very well in a handicap last time and being by Acatenango, should appreciate the better ground. The obvious dangers are Ermine Sea (Henrietta Knight/ Tony McCoy), group placed on the flat and who made a decent comeback when third on his hurdles debut after 26 months off the track, and Fassaroe (Oliver Sherwood/ Dominic Elsworth), who has fairly consistent hurdles form to his credit. Moloney also has a good chance of winning the novice hurdle at 16.30 on CharlieMann´s Aqualung, a very easy winner last time out. Tragic Realm (Evan Williams/ Donal Fahy) finished 16 lengths behind him then, but started favourite and could make more of a race of it now, especially with the ground drying out. Perange (Di Grissell/ Alex Merriam) is at 13 the oldest runner in the handicap chase at 16.00, but does not have many miles on the clock; in fact he has only run 24 times and his record of 5 wins and 6 places suggests that he should go close here, on a track where he usually goes well. The quality on offer at Catterick is very poor. Ferdy Murphy and Graham Lee could land a double here with Kilkenny All Star in the maiden chase at 16.20 and I´m Delilah in the mares novice hurdle half an hour later. Ruby Walsh, flying to and fro across te Irish Sea just about every day now, looks the man to follow at Fairyhouse. He should certainly take the maiden hurdle at 16.05 on Willie Mullins´ Apt Approach, and his other 3 rides - Sizing America for Harry de Bromhead at 16.35, The Corby Glenn for the Potts stable at 17.05 and Monte Cinto for Martin Brassil at 17.35 - also have winning chances.