German runners in France today

German-trained runners have been mainly out of luck in France the past few days, but this could change today, when there are several German hopes running at Maisons-Laffitte. In the opening tierce´handicap over 2000 metres at 13.50, Werner Baltromei´s Naxon (Dominique Boeuf) must have a chance, while Ravenel (Ralf Rohne/ Ioritz Mendizibal) runs in the mile race for 3yo fillies at 15.20. Captain Camelot (Dr. Bolte/ Olivier Peslier), Thanatos (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) and Daveron (Andreas Trybuhl/ William Mongil) all run in the 2100 metres conditions race at 16.30, and Trybuhl also has Grazilla (Christophe Lemaire) engaged under top weight in the handicap at 17.30, while Far Lord (Bolte/ Stephane Pasquier) runs in the 2600 metres race at 17.00, where ex-German Emporio is one of his opponents. With the Schiergen stable in great form, we fancy Thanatos is the best chance of a German winner today.

U.K. racing today

The 5 meetings in the U.K. today, Folkestone, Redcar and Hereford (N.H.) this afternoon, and Huntingdon (N.H.) and Yarmouth this evening, offer very little in the way of quality racing and there are some very small fields as well. Annabelles Charm (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill) has already run well at the track this year and can make her fitness advantage tell over seasonal debutants Special Reserve and Constant Cheers in the 10 furlongs handicap at 18.05 CET at Folkestone, while at Redcar we fancy Rising Kheleyf (Alan Swinbank/ Peter Mcdonald) to get the better of hat-trick-seeking Cornish Castle in the 3yo mile handicap at 16.40. However two recent winners who can follow up here despite top weight are Jaconet (David Barron/ Phillip Makin) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.15 and Topolski (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench) in th 3yo 10 furlongs handicap at 18.20. Yarmouht usually offers miserable prize-money, but the track benefits from its proximity to Newmarket and there are ru nners from some of the top stables there this evening.

It could be significant that Frankie Dettori goes there for just one ride, Godolphin´s Mutheeb in the conditions race over 7 furlongs at 19.00. Mutheeb cost $ 825,000 as a yearling and won his only start last year, but will need to be sharp to win against this evening´s opposition. On the jumping front, Venetia Williams is usually the trainer to follow at her local track Hereford; she saddles just two runners today, Kahsabelle (Liam Treadwell) in the mares novice hurdle at 15.20 and Naxox (Walter Biddick) in the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.05. At Huntingdon, German-bred L´Homme de Nuit (Gary and Jamie Moore) has a chance in the novice hurdle at 19.20, but being by Samum, possibly needs more cut in the ground.

Punchestown: day three

After more rain, the going will be testing on the third day of the big Irish N.H. meeting at Punchestown. Main fatitr today is the Grade One 3 mile hurdle at 18.30 CET, where stamina will definitely be an issue. Likely favourite Fiveforthree (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) has never run over this far before, which could be a disadvantage, though trainer and jockey remain in almost unbeatable form. The same goes for Brave Inca (Colm Murphy/ Tony McCoy), while the 3 British hopes, best of whom are probably Duc de Regnieres (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) are at least proven over the trip.

The Grade One novice chase over 2 miles at 19.50 should go to "Arkle" winner Forpadydeplasterer (Tom Cooper/ Geraghty) if he can run up to his Cheltneham form. Paul Nicholls runs Tatenen, very disappointing lately and now partnered for the first time by McCoy, while Walsh prefers to ride Willie Mullins´ Deutschland. The other big feature is the La Touche Cup at 17.55, a cross country over 4 1/4 miles which has been dominated in recent years by Enda Bolger. he runs 3 now, all in the JP McManus colours, of whom Garde Champetre (Nona Carberry) is clearly the best. However he has a huge weight, and it is not clear that he can give away so much weight to Silver Birch (Gordon Elliott/ Robbie Power), winner of the 2008 Grand National, and A New Story (Michael Hourigan/ Andrew McNamara), third in the Irish version where Garde Champtere was pulled up.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ainama - Jessies Dream - Uimhiraceathair
2. Race: Valain - Reisk Superman - Freds Benefit
3. Race: Garde Champetre - Silver Birch - A New Story
4. Race: Fiveforthree - Powerstation - Fair Along
5. Race: Candy Girl - Aggie`S Lad - Sonnium
6. Race: Forpadydeplasterer - Tatenen - Deutschland
7. Race: Quel Esprit - Katmai - Skorcher

Ascot opens doors for 2009 flat season

Ascot stages its first flat meeting of 2009 this afternoon, with a good card headed by the Group Three Sagaro Stakes over 2 miles at 16.55 CET. This should go to Sir Michael Stoute´s Patkai (Ryan Moore), who looked a smart young stayer when winning the Queen´s Vase at the Royal meeting last year. Although he disappointed afterwards, he should really win this, with front-runner Tungsten Strike (Amanda Perrett/ Darryll Holland) the main danger. There are also two listed races here, with the mile race at 16.20 featuring Laa Rayb (Royston Ffrnch), from Mark Johnston´s in-form stable. Hopelessly outclassed at Hong Kong behind Good Ba Ba and co, Laa Rayb is certainly good enough to win this on his previous form; he was an excellent runner-up to Precious Boy in Cologne in September. Ordnance Row (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and General Elliott (Paul Cole/ Frankie Dettori) can take the minor places. The 6 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 17.30 looks very tricky, but top-weight Elnawin (Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) and Damien (Barry and Michael Hills), second and fourth in a similar event on the all-weather last time, should be involved. Many of the 20 runners in the mile handicap at 18.05 are fit from the all-weather, including German-bred Grey Boy (Tony Carroll/ Shane Kelly), an easy winner at Kempton last time and he could go well again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Red Jazz - Archers Road - Walkingonthemoon
2. Race: Rose Diamond - Uvinza - Honest Quality
3. Race: Laa Rayb - Ordnance Row - General Eliott
4. Race: Patkai - Tungsten Strike - Young Mick
5. Race: Elnawin - Marine Boy - Damien
6. Race: Brouhaha - Marajaa - Grey Boy

Punchestown: day two

The Irish N.H. festival at Punchestown continues today with another two Grade One races, the most important of which is the Guinness Gold Cup chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 19.05 CET, Ireland´s answer to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Three of th field from that race (though none of the principals) run here, and German-bred Air Force One (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), below form at Cheltenham, could come out best of them this time. However War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), a previous Gold Cup winner, and Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), winner of the Welsh Grand National, could prove much stronger, while Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), the Ryanair Chase winner, can beat the lot of them if he stays the extra half mile here.

The Champion IHH Flat Race at 17.55 looks more straightforward, as Dunguib (Philip Fenton/ BT O´Connell) seems certain to start a hot favourite after his impressive win at Cheltenham. However he faces some strong opposition, notably the unbeaten Universal Truth (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) and Luska Lad (JJ Hanlon/ Nina Carberry), winner of 4 of his last 5 starts. Ruby Walsh, riding mainly for Willie Mullins, has several fancied rides and is likely to maintain his position as leading jockey at the meeting following his 2 wins yesterday.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jewel Of The West - Keki Buku - Back Of The Pack
2. Race: Coffee Tea Or Me - Manor Park - Moville
3. Race: Palace Merano - Caim Hill - Merrydown
4. Race: Dunguib - Universal Truth - Quadrillon
5. Race: Imperial Commander - Notre Pere - War Of Attrition
6. Race: De Boitron - Arc En Ciel - Sky`S The Limit
7. Race: Jayo - Rock Street - Melon Delta

German runners in France today

There is a strong German challenge at Chantilly today, where the main feature is the Group Three Prix Allez France for 4yo and older fillies and mares over 2000 metres at 15.25. The German runners here are Stella di Quattro (Uwe Ostmann/ Olivier Peslier) and Salve Germania (Waldemar Hickst/ Andreas Suborics), while ex-Peter Schiergen Goose Bay (Davy Bonilla) is still German-owned but now trained by Freddie Head. Hickst and Subi also team up with Vaccaria in the 1800 metres claimer at 17.00, where Sumatra Tiger (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) also runs, and Baltromei and Boeuf are also represnted in both divisions of the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 13.50 with König Benard and 17.30 with Ecargot. These are all quite tough races, and the best chance of a German winner is probably in the 1600 metres race for lady jockeys at 16.35, where no fewer than 5 of the 12 runners are German-trained.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dellaside - Chombo - König Bernard
2. Race: Finest Cape - Sinologie - Zibeling
3. Race: Estoril City - Bluster - Aiboa
4. Race: Danse Grecque - Diyakalanie - Albisola
5. Race: Coconino - Tryanon - Samrisk
6. Race: Rockette - Star Rose - Wunderkind
7. Race: Shalamara - My Call - Pur Sucre
8. Race: Key To The Stars - Benveniste - Muhtablue

U.K. racing today

Plenty of racing in the U.K. today, but nothing that remotely compares to the action in Ireland. Best race in Britain is the fillies listed race over 5 furlongs at 18.05 CET at Bath. 17 fillies line up and it will not be easy to find the winner, although Look Busy (Alan Berry/ Slade O´Hara) is just about best on ratings. Others for the short list are Starlit Sands (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders), Sirens Song (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) and Speed Song (William Haggas/ Michael Hills). Two German-breds now dropping in grade into selling company are Corriolanus (Balding/ Probert) here at 15.45 and Polish Power (Stan Moore/ Liam Keniry) at 16.40 at his favourite track Lingfield, and both of them should be able to make a positive impression in this grade.

Rest of Punchestown

The other two Grade One races at Punchestown today also have very string fields, but should see the locals beat off the British challenge. In the champion novice hurdle at 17.20, Cheltenham winner Go Native (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) faces a stiff task against Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who holds him on earlier form. Both Mullins and Meade have other runners here, but the main opposition should come from the two British hopes, German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) and Riverside Theatre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), with the former preferred on Aintree form. Ruby Walsh could well complete a clean sweep of the three top races on today´s card with Willie Mullins´ Cooldine, who was so impressive at Cheltenham and will be a hot favourite to win the champion novice chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 19.40. Gone to Lunch (runner-up in the Scottish Grand National) and Rare Bob (fourth in the Irish version) could follow him home, but probably at a re spectable distance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Freneys Well - Loggan Lass - Wedger Pardy
2. Race: Hurricane Fly - Go Native - El Dancer
3. Race: Robin Du Bois - Native Clan - Jewel Of The West
4. Race: The Kings Sword - Sparkling Tara - Mister Wall Street
5. Race: Master Minded - Big Zeb - Mansony
6. Race: Cooldine - Joncol - Horner Woods
7. Race: Quantitativeeasing - Icade - St Devote

Master Minded at Punchestown

The big Punchestown N.H. meeting, which starts today and runs through to Saturday, now rivals Cheltenham´s festival in its prize-money and the quality of racing. That is certainly the case today, when the three top races are all contested by Cheltenham winners. Star of the show is undoubtedly Master Minded (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), officially rated the best N.H. horse in training and in fact the best since Arkle; he runs in the Grade One Kerrygold Gold Cup over 2 miles at 19.05 CET. Nicholls won the race last year with Twist Magic and it seems that nothing will stop the stable completing the double today, even though the opposition includes two previous runners of the race in Newmill (2006) and Mansony (2007).

On recent form however they cannot live with Master Minded, who will start at long odds-on. The obvious candidate for second place is Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Barry Geraghty), who fell in Cheltenham´s Champion Chase, won easily by Master Minded, but has since won over hurdles. The meeting starts on a sour note with the decision to start all racing later than normal, usually at 16.45 CET. This controversial decision, greeted in some quarters but mainly heavily criticised, means that these are basically evening meetings.

Werner Baltromei at Maisons-Laffitte

Mülheim trainer Werner Baltromei has been much less successful in France so far this season than in the two previous years, but he can make a move in a positive direction today, when he saddles two runners in the tierce handicap over 2400 metres at 13.50 at Maisons-Laffitte, Adelar with Dominique Boeuf and Night Heart with Gaetan Masure. This is as usual a really tough race, but Adelar in particular must have a chance after his good performance in strong company last time out.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Highest Start - Il Maestro - Cabaretune
2. Race: Montevees - Mojave Moon - Special Galileo
3. Race: Ultime Chope - La Fleur D`Arthus - Silent Shoda
4. Race: Quintalina - Nienafing - Hiporoi
5. Race: Ladyholme - Burlada - Irish Queen
6. Race: Gingerbread Boy - Sea Rhythm - Valse De La Tour
7. Race: Polish Rings - Tashan - Winner Spirit
8. Race: Dhauvaneli - Lamire - Sucre Brun
9. Race: Spidello - Royal Bere - Mappa

Southwell (a.w.) and Windsor this evening

The evening racing in the U.K. is mainly poor quality, and the best race is probably the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 19.25 CET at Windsor. Red Merlin (Clive Cox/ Philip Robinson) is the choice here on recent form, but Relative Strength (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) could be a big danger, even though he has been off the track since June. However he won first time out in both his previous seasons, and his stable is in good form. Ryan Moore enjoyed a successful weekend, winning top races at Sandown on Saturday and Hong Kong on Sunday, and h can continu th good work here on Richard Hannon´s Orange Pip in th 6 furlongs handicap at 19.55. At Southwell, the whol card is instantly forgettable. The horses with the highest ratings run in the claiming race over 5 furlongs at 19.10; both Fyodor (Conor Dore/ Seb Sanders) and Peak District (Mick Easterby/ Dale Gibson) are useful performers at their best, but there is no guarantee they will show their best form this evening.

Newcastle, Plumpton (N.H.) and Towcester (N.H.)

An average Monday today, with 3 meetings this afternoon. Mark Johnston, who contonus ijn trmndous formn, looks the trainer to follow at Newcastle. Touchdown (Joe Fanning) and Box Office (Royston Ffrench) can both win on their seasonal debuts at 15.50 CET and 16.50 respectively,whil Thebes (Ffrench) also has prospects in the class 2 handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.20. This is the best race of the day and looks quite open with 11 runners. We like the look of Excusez-Moi (Ruth Carr/ Andrew Elliott) here, who won well last time out at Musselburgh and is moving up in grade now. Johnston also has the form choice Gilded Ag (Ffrench) in the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 18.20, but Alan Swinbank s bumper winner Caerlavarock (Peter Mcdonald) is expectd to win this.

There are also 2 N.H. meetings this afternoon, and Jonjo O´Neill´s ex-German Donaldson (Tony McCoy) is our best bet of the day in the opening novice chase at 15.10 at Towcester. This is his first attempt over fences, but he is easily the classiest runner in the small field. McCoy can cmplete a double with Oliver Sherwood´s Superrollercoaster, who has top weight in the 3 mile handicap chase at 17.40. Last time out he was a close second over this CD to Caroline Keevil´s Deep Pockets; that one runs today in the 3 1/4 mile handicap chase at 17.30 at Plumpton, so could give the form a timely boost. From the German point of view, the most interesting runner at Plumpton is Erika Mäder´s Zuckerpuppe, who runs in the maiden hurdle at 15.30 with Andrew Thornton in the saddle. She was quite a decent 3yo in Germany in 2007, running 4th in the Schwarzgold-Rennen,although she afterwards rather lost her way. However this is a very modest race, and if she is in form and can jump, she must ha ve a fair chance.

3 Derby winners in the Prix Ganay

best race in Europe today is the Group One Prix Ganay over 2100 metres at 15.50 at Longchamp, in which no fewer than 3 Derby winners line up, Vision d´Etat (Eric Libaud/ Ioritz Mendizibal), Cima de Triomph (Luca Cumani/ Christophe Lemaire) and Adlerflug (Jens Hirschberger/ Adrie de Vries), winners in France, Italy and Germany respectively. All of them are hoping for the forecast rain to arrive, none more so than Adlerflug, all of whose best form has come on soft or heavy ground. Aidan O´Brien has won this race for the past 2 seasons and now saddles Thewayyouare (Johnny Murtagh), a new addition to his stable, but possibly not up to the standard of Dylan Thomas and Duke of Marmalade, his last 2 winners. This is a very open race, and the German runner has as good a chance as any- as long as the rain comes in time. Another German hope at Longchamp is Le Miracle (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) who runs in the Prix d Barbeville at 16.20, but he prefers better going and probabl y needs the start in any case. Caudillo (Dr.Bolte/ Stephane Pasquier) is also entered here, as well as German-bred La Boum (Robert Collet/ Thierry Thulliez).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Inside Man - Galateo - World Heritage
2. Race: Ainebe Crocus - Sweet Orientfawn - Naramix
3. Race: Celebra - Tassara - Becomes You
4. Race: Loup Breton - Vision D`Etat - The Bogberry
5. Race: Americain - Kasbah Bliss - Pointilliste
6. Race: Trojan Queen - Perido Key - Vologda
7. Race: Penny - Also Risky - Documento Fiscal
8. Race: Bamarok - Schomir - Shippawa

Vintage Crop and Yeats

Vintage Crop was one of the best Irish-trained stayers of all time and was sent by Dermot Weld to Australia to become the first ever European winner of the Melbourne Cup. His place in the history book is secure, and so will Yeats´ be if he wins the race named after him at Navan today and then goes on to take the Ascot Gold Cup for the fourth time. Yeats (Aidan O´Brien/ Samus Hffernan) has taken the Vintag Crop twice on his way to Ascot and it will be a big surprise if he fails to win this afternoon at 18.00 CET. One possible danger is "dark horse" Alandi (John Oxx/ Mick Kinan), who has won his only start - but that was a humbl maidn at th Curragh ad this isa diffrnt kttl of fish. Th other big rac at Navan is the listd rac ovr 6 furlongs at 16.20. David Nicholls is a real specialist for these events and saddles two runners, Abraham Lincoln (son Adrian) and Masta Plasta (Chris Hayes). With th othr Irish mting, at Gowran Park, abandoned because of heavy rain, and only modest fa re on offer at 3 U.K. tracks this afternoon, Navan has the scene to itself as far as British and Irish racing is concerned.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Morrigan - Tabaahi - Faynita
2. Race: Mourinho - Andrea Palladio - Cihangir
3. Race: Masta Plasta - Le Cadre Noir - Jumbajukiba
4. Race: Gypsy Rose - Wealdmore Wave - Moran Gra
5. Race: Call Me Alice - Spring Horizon - Popspeed
6. Race: Yeats - The Betchworth Kid - Alandi
7. Race: The Bull Hayes - Crowfoot - Pittoni
8. Race: Force Of Habit - Daggers Bond - Golan Heights

rest of Britain and Ireland today

outside of Sandown, today´s best race is the 7 furlongs listed race at 16.40 CET at Leicester, but there are question marks over several of the runners, especially Peter Chapple-Hyam´s pair Winker Watson (Jamie Spencer) and Shallal (Robert Winston). "WW" was a top 2yo, but has run miserably ever since, while Shallal has not run since finishing last at Royal Ascot. Asset (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) has a chance at this best, but often horses returning from Dubai need time to acclimatise. Vitznau (Richard Hannon) is fairly consistent, but preference is for Racer Forever (John Gosden/ Richard Mullen), who can continue the stable´s excellent run. Mullen and Spencer then make their way to the evening meeting at Haydock, where they can dominate the 3yo maiden at 20.40 with Gosden´s Invisible Man and Brian Meehan´s African Art respectively. Spencer has an interesting mount here for Venetia Williams, Dansimar in the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 19.40; this one has not run on the flat f or 17 months, but is much improved over hurldes, winning 4 times in the meantime, and could be very favourably handicapped now. A staying handicap is also the top race at Ripon, and Wells Lyrical (Brian Smart/ Tom Eaves) can possibly get the better of John Dunlop´s Downhiller (Eddie Ahern) at 16.30 here. Over jumps recent CD winner Tarabaloo (Richard Guest/ Richard McLernon) can follow up in the novices handicap chase at 15.45 at Market Rasen, while ex-German Gladiole could run well at a big price in the maiden hurdle at Irish Kilbeggan at 18.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Filligree - Kipchak - Dancing Maite
2. Race: King`S Approach - Farmer Giles - Royal Desert
3. Race: Holberg - Lively Fling - Orbitor
4. Race: Asset - Racer Forever - Regal Parade
5. Race: Flying Applause - King Of The Moors - Penang Cinta
6. Race: Cosimo - Tiger Flash - Qelaan
7. Race: Mutually Mine - Divinatore - Wunder Strike

2 group races at Sandown

the flat races at Sandown today are also of great interest, especially the two group races. The Bet365 mile (Group Two) at 16.45 CET has a clear favourite in Paco Boy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), who is easily the best on ratings, but he has never won over this distance and seems more of a 7 furlongs specialist. German challenger Forthemillionkiss (Uwe Ostmann/ William Mongil) probably has no chance in this company, but Lovelace (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench), a Baden-Baden winner last year, and Virtual (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), who finished 2008 with 3 wins, are from stables in top form and should go well. Dream Eater (Andrew Balding/ Franny Norton) is previously a difficult ride and ran all over the place last time, but if he keeps straight also has a chance. The Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes over 10 furlongs at 17.15 should go to Tartan Bearer (/Sir Michal Stoute/ Ryan Moore), if he is anywhere near the form which saw him placed in the English and Irish Der by last year. However John Gosden could once again be a spoilsport here with Pipedreamer (Jimmy Fortune), who should be ideally suited by the conditions of the race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nisaal - Spotty Muldoon - Collateral Damage
2. Race: American Trilogy - Sporazene - Songe
3. Race: Distiller - Tasheba - Spanish Conquest
4. Race: Kalahari King - Twist Magic - Mahogany Blaze
5. Race: Hoo La Baloo - Lacdoudal - Oodachee
6. Race: Paco Boy - Virtual - Stotsfold
7. Race: Tartan Bearer - Pipedreamer - Buccellati
8. Race: Light From Mars - Decameron - Isphahan

Betfred Gold Cup day at Sandown

the Betfred Gold Cup at 16.10 CET this afternoon at Sandown is the main feature of an excellent card, which also marks the official end of the British N.H. season. It is a mixed meeting which offers something for everyone, with 4 N.H. and 4 flat races, including 2 group races. The Gold Cup itself is a valuable 3 3/4 miles handicap chase with 15 runners and is wide open, although arguably it is not as high class as in the old days, when it was known as the Whitbread. Trainer Philip Hobbs is in great form and has a good record here, so his Lacdoudal (Richard Johnson ), who won this in 2006 must be respected, even though his recent form is less exciting. Others for the short list are Hoo La Baloo (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) - third last year and targeted at this ever since - Oodachee (Charlie Swan/ David Casey), runner-up in the Topham Trophy last time, another Irish raider Church Island (Michael Hourigan/ Denis O´Regan), runner-up in the Irish Grand National last week, and bot tom-weight Zacharova (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman). The other big jumping race today is the Celebration Chase over 2 miles at 15.35. Although Paul Nicholls is now sending his star 2-miler Master Minded to Punchestown, he is still strongly represented with 3 runners here, of whom ex- German Twist Magic (Ruby Walsh) looks the best. However the top novice Kalahari King (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) looks the one to beat after his brilliant Aintree win. Nicholls also has a strong hand in the listed hurdle at 14.35 with American Trilogy (Walsh) and Sporazene (Harry Skelton), but we feel that oldtimer Alph (Ron Teal/ Tony McCoy), runner-up here last year and last time out down the field in the Champion hurdle, could provide a turn-up. The handicap hurdle at 15.05 looks very tricky, with Spanish Conquest (Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) going for his fourth win in a row, and Tasheba (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and bottom-weight Dantari (Evan Williams(/ Paul Moloney) both chasing a hat-tr ick. They are all moving up in grade, and possibly Altihar (Gary And Jamie Moore) can run a big race at a long price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nisaal - Spotty Muldoon - Collateral Damage
2. Race: American Trilogy - Sporazene - Songe
3. Race: Distiller - Tasheba - Spanish Conquest
4. Race: Kalahari King - Twist Magic - Mahogany Blaze
5. Race: Hoo La Baloo - Lacdoudal - Oodachee
6. Race: Paco Boy - Virtual - Stotsfold
7. Race: Tartan Bearer - Pipedreamer - Buccellati
8. Race: Light From Mars - Decameron - Isphahan

5 N.H. meetings today

Plenty of action for N.H, fans today, with racing this afternoon at Perth and this evening at Chepstow, Bangor, Newton Abbot and Cork in Ireland. The best racing comes from Perth, where it is the final day of their spring meeting, and the Highland National over 3 miles 7 furlongs at 17.30 CET is the main event. The Gangerman (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) is the possible favourite, especially in view of his trainer´s record here, but he has a big weight and we fancy could come from lower down the weights, with Kells Castle (Gordon Elliott/ Brian Hughes) and Scarvagh Diamond (Nicky Richards/ Fearghal Davis) making our short list, while Ballgalley Bob (Oliver Sherwood/ Sam Jones) was very unlucky last time and also has a chance. Racing at the other tracks is modest and it is suprising to see Ruby Walsh in action at Chepstow.

Where he has 3 rides for Paul Nicholls and might well score on all 3. Nicholls can also be on the scoreboard at Newton Abbot with Roby de Cindre (Harry Skelton) in the novice chase at 20.05, but Hold Em (Keith Goldsworthy/ Jamie Moore) would be a big threat if turning out again after his easy win yesterday. Best bet here could be Safari Journey (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) in the handicap hurdle at 19.30, a very easy winner last Sunday off this mark. Venetia Williams has been a trainer to follow this season, and the fact that she sends just one runner to Bangor - Tuskar Rock (Aidan Coleman) in the maiden hurdle at 19.40 - is a hint that should be taken. Tony McCoy is in action in Cork and can land a double with Dancing Tornado for Michael Hourigan at 19.05 and An Innocent Man for Noel Meade at 20.40, both in the JP McManus colours.

Classic Trial and other 3yo races at Sandown

All 6 races at Sandown this afternoon are restricted to 3yo´s and it is highly likely that some stars of the future will be on view, notably in the Classic Trial at 15.00 CET over 10 furlongs, in which 6 hopefuls, all from top stables, put their Derby credentials to the test. Taameer (Marcus Tregoning/ Ricard Hills) is quoted at 20-1 for the Derby and is the likely favourite here, but obviously Aidan O´Brien´s unbeaten Malibu Bay (Johnny Murtagh) is a big danger-. However he is taking a huge leap in class compared to the race he won last October at Navan, and the Hamdan runner, about whom there are positive reports, is preferred. The lightly-weighted Racketeer (John Gosden/ Nicky Mackay) and Thief of Time (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) can fight out the finish of the Esher Cup over a mile at 14.25, while the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.35 looks very tricky; Roger Charlton´s Affluent (Steve Drowne) is only a hopeful choice.

The other flat racing today is on the all-weather, this afternoon at Wolverhampton and this evening at Dundalk in Ireland. Best race at the former track is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.10. Wotashirtfull (James Boyle/ Pat Cosgrave) is very consistnt and ran a good race at Epsom on Wednesday, but is running for the first time at this track, so course specialist Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Darryll Holland), who came back to form last time, can score his 11th CD win. At Dundalk, the 3yo handicap over 11 furlongs at 22.00 is the main feature; Cochlear (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) has already won 5 times here, including twice this season, but will find it hard to give weight to the last-time-out winners Designated Decoy (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Shaimaa (JJ Hanlon/ Martin Harley).

German runners in France today

Plenty of German runners in France today, especially at Nancy, where there is an early start. There are no fewer than 8 German-trained entries in the opening race for 3yo´s over 1950 metres at 12.35 (!), of which the best is probably French Kiss (Norbert Sauer/ Henk Grewe). There are also 3 German runners over hurdles at 13.35, Mario Hofer´s pair Viper (Julian Marinov) and Something Stupid (Paul Johnson) as well as Christian von der Recke´s Il Grand Ardone (Jan Korpas). The main meeting in France today is at Chantilly, where there are 2 listed races. The 3yo race over 2000 metres at 15.20 has only 4 runners, but the 1200 metres race half an hour later is much more competitive, with German hopes Earl of Fire (Werner Baltromei/ Jerome Lermyte) and Best Joking (Werner Hefter/ Johan Victoire) facing some tough opposition.

Southwell (a.w.), Uttoxeter (N.H.) and Tipperary (N.H.) this evening

Generally low grade racing at all 3 meetings this evening, but there could be some German-bred winners. Sam Whisky (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) has an obvious chance in the novice hurdle at 18.30 CET at Uttoxeter, where the best race of the evening is the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 20.00. Rockiteer (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler) and Petrosian (Dai Burchill/ Byron Moorcroft) are both chasing hat-tricks, while Oceana Gold (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) is in excellent form, but the choice has to be the much-improved top-weight Izita Star (Marie King/ Tom Scudamore), who has won her last 3 races in great style and appears to be still ahead of the handicapper. At Tipperary in Ireland, Quartetto (Mervyn Torrens/ Andrew Thornton), out of his depth last time at Cheltenham, is an interesting candidate in the handicap hurdle at 18.40, but the fascinating ex-German is surely Sommersturm (Barny Curley/ Tom Queally) in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 19.20 at Southwell. This one time group race perfo rmer for Schlenderhan has now dropped to an insulting rating, and has top-weight They all Laughed (Paul Hiatt/ Chris Catlin) and Elk Trail (Pam Sly/ Micky Fenton) to beat.

Beverly, Fontwell (N.H.) and Perth (N.H.) this afternoon

The best racing today comes from Perth, whre the second day of their big spring meeting is staged. Although it is debatable whether any "future champions" will be on view, as the race title implies, the novice chase over 3 miles at 16.10 CET has attracted some above-average performers, notably Zemsky (Nicky Henderson/ B arry Geraghty) and Steady Tiger (Nicky Richards/ Davy Condon). There are also some smart performers in th 3 miles chase at 16.40, but Nicky Richards´ pair Money Trix (Condon) and Faasel (Fearghal Davis) would both prefer softer ground, so our choice is front-runner Ollie Magern (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), who fell early on in the Grand National, but whose trainer has a great record at this meeting. Another trainer who does well here is Irishman Gordon Elliott (2 winners yesterday!) and his Wikaala (Richard Johnson) looks dangerous off bottom weight in a tricky hurdle handicap at 17.40. James Lambe is another Irish trainer whose raids on the U.K. usu ally bring success, and he sends 3 runners on the long journey to Fontwell on the south coast.

Inner Voice (Robert Thornton) in the novice hurdle at 16.20 has the best chance, despite giving away a lot of weight, but 13yo Balakar (Sam Thomas) in the 3 miles 3 furlongs handicap hurdle at 17.20 and CD winner High Gales (Thornton) in the bumper at 18.25 also have good prospects. The only flat racing this afternoon comes from Beverly, but is mainly low level. Most interesting race could be the 8 1/2 furlongs maiden at 17.30. It is significant that both Sir Michael Stoute and Amanda Perrett send just one runner to the Yorkshire track to run in this race, The Fonz (Ryan Moore) and Wilfrid Pickles (Seb Sanders) respectively - and they are the only rides on the card for their top jockeys - but on form they have little in hand of local hope Dr. Jameson (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan).

Rest of Epsom

The rest of the Epsom card is also highly interesting, with 4 very competitive handicaps and a well-contested maiden over the extended mile at 17.50 CET, which could involve mainly Bothy (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) and Lady Francesca (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer). The handicaps, all with large fields, look extremely difficult, but we expect course specialist Lake Poet (Clive Brittain/ Seb Sanders) to run well in the "City & Suburban" over 10 furlongs at 17.15, despite finishing behind Ladies Best and Hawaass at Pontefract last time out. Lake Poet runs his best races here and won this in 2007. Our short list for the Great Metropolitan at 16.05, once a long distance race, but now run over 1 1/2 miles, includes Dream Desert (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland), Aureate (Brian Ellison/ Ryan Moore) and Group Captain (Hugh Collingridge/ Richard Hughes), and for the 5 furlongs sprint at 15.30, in which a high number draw is probably an advantage, Rebel Duke (David Barker/ Paul Hanagan), W otashirtfull (James Boyle/ Martin Dwyer) and Little Pete (Andrew Balding/ Franny Norton).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Little Pete - Van Bossed - Wotashirtfull
2. Race: Dream Desert - Mezzanisi - Hatton Flight
3. Race: Debussy - Ouster - Mustaqer
4. Race: Hawaass - Ladies Best - Unbreak My Heart
5. Race: Bothy - Mehendi - Lady Francesca
6. Race: Roar Of Applause - Pride Of Kings - The Winged Assasin

new grandstand and Derby trial at Epsom

Today sees the opening of the new grandstand at Epsom, where there is racing for the first time since the 2008 Derby. The stand, which cost over 27 million GBP, is to be opened by the Duchess of Cornwall (aka Camilla Parker-Bowles) and there is an excellent card, well worthy of the occasion. Main feature is the Blue Riband Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.40 CET, an established Derby trial, although those 4 of the 7 runners with Derby entries are all outsiders in the betting on the big race. Most likely winners would appear to be Debussy (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), in the Princess Haya colours, Popmurphy (Karl Burke/ Fergal Sweeney) and German-bred Ouster (David Elsworth/ George Baker). Karl Burke is making very optimistic noises about Popmurphy, who won his only start in good style at Windsor, and he has to make a good show here to justify the trainer´s high opinion.

Bath, Limerick (Ireland) and Towcester (N.H.) this evening

The best race at this evening´s modest Bath meeting is the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.50 CET. Top-weight Whisky Junction (Mick Quinn/ Franny Norton) is a CD specialist and can reverse Brighton form with Magical Speedfit (George Margarson/ William Buick) at this track, but Street Power (Jeremy Gask/ Steve Drowne) is a danger to all if he can transfer his good all-weather form to turf. Earlier, the mile handicap for fillies can lie between the two seasonal debutants Lady Brora (Andrew Balding/ William Buick) and Supaverdi (Hughie Morrison/ Drowne), as those that have run this season have shown very little. At Towcester´s jumps fixture, the mares novice hurdle at 20.00 is the most interesting event. Calusa Crystal (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) is the class horse here, having won 3 of her last 4 starts, but has to concede lumps of weight all round and the Queen´s Midsummer Magic (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) is preferred, with ex-French Itea du Fau (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) an obv ious danger.

At Limerick, there are suprisingly small fields in the main features.Only 6 run in the 7 furlongs conditons race for 3yo´s at 20.10. German-bred Liebermann (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) has shown little in better class races, and Blas Coeil (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), whos stable continues in top form, looks the likelier winner, but Lastkingofscotland, who is moving up in class after easily winning his only start, could win this for trainer Charles O´Brien and his father Vincent, who owns the horse, who will be partnered by Fran Berry. The 3yo handicap at 21.10 should go to the Aga Khan´s Aliyfa (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), who has only 3 opponents.

Folkestone, Kempton and Southwell

3 flat fixtures this afternoon, of which 2, Kempton and Southwell, are on the all-weather. The racing at Southwell is very modest with most of the races class 6, so it is surprising that Jamie Spencer rides there and he can land a double for trainer Michael Bell with Eddie Boy at 17.10 CET and Bubses Boy half an hour later. At Kempton, the best race is the mile handicap at 17.20, which looks wide open with 12 runners. The two top-weights Checklow (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Samarinda (Pam Sly/ Micky Fenton) met in a similar race this CD recently, when they finished close up second and fourth respectively and they can perhaps go one or two places better now. Several in-form performers meet in the 2 mile handicap that closes the card at 18.20; Kavaloti loves this track and has won his last 2 races, both this CD, for Gary and Ryan Moore. He can win again at the main expense of Sir Mark Prescott´s Phoenix Flight (Seb Sanders), first or second his last 5 starts, and hat-trick seeking Bell Island (Lady Herries/ Richard Hughes), both of whose wins came over shorter at Lingfield. At Folkestone, Efistorm (Conor Dore/ Liam Keniry) and Our Piccadilly (Wilf Kittow/ Fergal Sweeny) renew rivalry in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.00; they finished first and second at Windsor recently and the former can confirm the form on similar terms. Keniry also has two promising rides for Andrw Balding later, Isabellaonabicycle at 17.30 and Final Victory half an hour later.

German runners at Longchamp

An average card at Longchamp this afternoon, with German-trained runners in two races. El Vettori (Christian Sprengel/ Dominique Boeuf) runs in a conditions race over a mile at 15.50, but faces some tough opponents, notably Proviso (Andre Fabre/ Johan Victoire). Song of Tiger (Werner Baltromei/ Boeuf) and Daudet (Hans Blume/ Victoire) both run in the claiming race over 1700 metres half an hour later, but this is also a difficult race with 20 runners.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cloudor - Hekatompylos - Sunrise Spirit
2. Race: Dreamt - Western Isle - Jakonda
3. Race: Eastern Promise - Massicotier - Cirrus des Aigles
4. Race: French Charm - So Gold - Reine Des Mers
5. Race: Staraco - Prince Fasliyev - Proviso
6. Race: Cru Du Clos - Panache Blanc - Aubrac
7. Race: Torronto - Reve D`Ailleur - Song Of Tiger
8. Race: Pateese - Gamedor - Aljiwaar

Kempton (N.H.), Tramore (N.H.) and Windsor this evening

Windsor begins its series of Monday evening meetings today, which always attact big crowds. A large field of 16 lines up for the 10 furlongs maiden race at 20.20 CET, but on public form the issue lies between Souter Point (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) and Dubai Echo (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). There is a modest jumping card at Tramore in Ireland, where Ruby Walsh can possibly land a double for local trainer Henry de Bromhead with Echo Bob at 18.20 and Quiros Bleu at 19.25. The N.H.meeting at Kempton is much more interesting. The opening novice hurdle over 2 miles at 17.25 is a fascinating event. Proper (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in unbeaten after 2 starts and obviously very useful, but has a double penalty and may not be able te concede such a lot of weight to Factotum (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), while You´re the Top (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) was an easy CD winner last time. Cossack Dancer is a strong front-runner, which may be to the advantage of ex-German group winner Persian Storm (Gary and Jamie Moore), who can possibly make up for many recent disappointments. Later on, Henrietta Knight and Sam Thomas can land a double with Muhtenbar in the novice chase at 18.30 and Ice Bucket in the handicap chase at 19.05.

Hexham (N.H.), Pontefract and Wolverhampton (a.w.) this afternoon

Plenty of racing today, but nothing likely to take the breath away. At Pontefract this afternoon the best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET. If top-weight Advanced (Kevin Ryan( Neil Callan) can run up to his latest form at Doncaster (2nd of 20) he must go close, but Obe Gold (David and Adrian Nicholls) as well as Mark Johnston´s pair Thebes (Royston Ffrench) and Nightjar (Robert Winston), both dropping in distance, could prove dangerous. Winston´s best chance of riding a winner is probably Sir Michael Stoute´s Standpoint in the maiden at 17.10, also over 6 furlongs. Over a radically different distance of almost 2 3/4 miles is the handicap at 16.40. Daraiym (Paul Green/ Franny Norton) kept on well to win here over 2 1/4 miles last time, with Yonder (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block) third and now 5 lbs better off. Top-weight Mr. Crystal (Micky Hammond/ Freddie Tylicki) has chances as has Hasanpour (Karl Burke/ Callan), if he can recover some of his old form. Jord (Alan McCabe/ Andrew Elliott), off bottom weight, can take the fillies handicap at 16.20 at Wolverhampton after running several good races at the track. At Hexham, the most interesting race is the novice hurdle at 16.00. Touch of irish (Alan Swinbank /Brian Hughes) and Lord Larsson (Malcolm Jefferson/ Phil Kinsella) were fighting it out last time at Kelso, when the latter fell two out, leaving the former to win easily. If he stays on his feet, Lord Larsson can gain revenge here on 6lbs better terms, but Glencree (Howard Johnson/ Dougie Costello) is another danger.

Lingfield (a.w.), Stratford (N.H.) and Wincanton (N.H.)

No flat racing on turf in Britain today, with Lingfield staging an uninspiring all-weather meeting. Kammaan (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) is expected to win the 6 furlongs fillies maiden at 15.40 CT after showing promise on her only start in 2008, while German-bred Polish Power, coming off a 3 months break, could run well at his favourite track with top-weight in the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.10. The 2 mile handicap at 17.40 looks tricky. Ryan Moore partners CD specialist Wine ´n Dine for his father Gary, but Jagger (Ger Butler/ Eddie Ahern), Keenes Day (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffench) and Sevenna (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) are all seasonal debutants expected to show improvment this year. Top jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has had a quiet month so far, but it could be different today as he has several fancied runners, both at his local track Wincanton and at Stratford. At Wincanton, Nosler at 15.20 and Classic Swain at 17.50 should both score over hurldes, while Pertinent at 16.50 and Alfreds Tower at 17.20 both have solid chances in very tough handicaps. All four will be partnered by young Harry Skelton, while the trainer uses several different jockeys at Stratford. The Nightingale (Christian Williams) at 15.30, What a Friend (Sam Thomas) at 16.00, Ofarel d´Airy (Olivr Greenall) in th hunter chase at 17.30 and Indian Blood (Timmy Murphy) at 18.00 all have clear chances, while our best bet of the day is Andrew Turnell´s Kew Jumper (Tony McCoy) in the handicap chase at 16.30, whose last-time-out win from Pepsyrock was givenea big boost yesterday.

Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown

The most significant race in Britain and Ireland today is the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.55 CET at Leopardstown. This is a major Derby trial, and Aidan O´Brien won it 4 times running at th beginning of this century, including with subsequent Epsom scorers High Chaparall and Galileo as well as triple Gold Cup winner Yeats. He now runs 4 candidates, and on jockey bookings Fame and Glory (Johnny Murtagh) looks the stable´s number one.

He won a Group One in France last autumn, but now carries a 5 lbs penalty, which makes his task no easier, while the stable has yet to strike top form. Of the remaining 6 runners, half are trained by John Oxx, another trainer who always targets this race, with stable jockey Mick Kinane on board the Aga Khan´s Mourayan, who won twice over this track last season and is regarded as a serious Derby prospect. In the unlikely event that another trainer wins here, it could only be with Fergus McIver (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) or Grace O´Mally (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen)- the only filly in the field- both of whom are taking a huge leap in class. The other main event at Leopardstown is the listed mile race at 16.25. Jumbajukiba (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) will love the soft going and has a good record in such races, but it is not clear that he can concede weight to such as Kargali (Oxx/ Kinane), Poet (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and especially Three Rocks (Bolger/ Manning), who has already won 3 races very easily this spring. There is also N.H. racing in Ireland from Tramore. Top race is the 2 3/4 mile chase at 17.15, which can go to Dooneys Gate (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Xtraxtra - Air Chief Marshal - Market Puzzle
2. Race: Intimate Secret - Zero Point Seven - Rantavan Wood
3. Race: Three Rocks - Kargali - Jumbajukiba
4. Race: Mourayan - Fame And Glory - Vitruvian Man
5. Race: Barrel Of Fun - Stately Home - Silent Decision
6. Race: Ludwigshafen - Silver Tide - Maximo
7. Race: Deputy Consort - Gay Sloane - Apt To Run

Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown

The most significant race in Britain and Ireland today is the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.55 CET at Leopardstown. This is a major Derby trial, and Aidan O´Brien won it 4 times running at th beginning of this century, including with subsequent Epsom scorers High Chaparall and Galileo as well as triple Gold Cup winner Yeats. He now runs 4 candidates, and on jockey bookings Fame and Glory (Johnny Murtagh) looks the stable´s number one. He won a Group One in France last autumn, but now carries a 5 lbs penalty, which makes his task no easier, while the stable has yet to strike top form.

Of the remaining 6 runners, half are trained by John Oxx, another trainer who always targets this race, with stable jockey Mick Kinane on board the Aga Khan´s Mourayan, who won twice over this track last season and is regarded as a serious Derby prospect. In the unlikely event that another trainer wins here, it could only be with Fergus McIver (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) or Grace O´Mally (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen)- the only filly in the field- both of whom are taking a huge leap in class. The other main event at Leopardstown is the listed mile race at 16.25. Jumbajukiba (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) will love the soft going and has a good record in such races, but it is not clear that he can concede weight to such as Kargali (Oxx/ Kinane), Poet (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and especially Three Rocks (Bolger/ Manning), who has already won 3 races very easily this spring. There is also N.H. racing in Ireland from Tramore. Top race is the 2 3/4 mile chase at 17.15, which can go to Doo neys Gate (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Xtraxtra - Air Chief Marshal - Market Puzzle
2. Race: Intimate Secret - Zero Point Seven - Rantavan Wood
3. Race: Three Rocks - Kargali - Jumbajukiba
4. Race: Mourayan - Fame And Glory - Vitruvian Man
5. Race: Barrel Of Fun - Stately Home - Silent Decision
6. Race: Ludwigshafen - Silver Tide - Maximo
7. Race: Deputy Consort - Gay Sloane - Apt To Run

Rest of Britain and Ireland

There are also 2 listed races today, a 5 furlongs race at Naas at 17.20 CET and a mile event at Doncaster at 19.15. The Irish race is much the better and has attrracted a good field, including Benbaum, the Abbaye winner of 2007. He is one of 4 British raiders and is having his first race for new trainer Kevin Ryan. However the Irish defence may be strong enough and is hadd by Le Carre Noir (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Snaefell (Mike Halford/ Robbie Cleary). Ar Doncastr, King of Dixi (Wioöf Knight/ Jim Crowly), an imprssiv winnr on th all-wrathjr last tim, can now follow upon turf. At Bangor, Milton Harris runs 2 Ex-German runners Federstar at 15.40 and Speedy Directa at 15.50 with Charlie Poste in the saddle, and they could repay each-way interest. The 6 furlongs conditions race at 16.35 at Thirsk has only 4 runners but still looks tricky. Knot in Wood ran a good race at Newmarket on Wednesday, but may not be able to give the weight to Wi Dud and Hitchens. At Nottingham´s e vening meeting, Mt Kintyre (Mark Tompkins/ Saleem Golam) can make up for his bad luck last time at Pontefract and defeat Henry Cecil´s At a Great Rate (Tom Queally).

3 group races at Newbury

An excellent card at Newbury with 3 group races, two of them classic trials, while the other is for older horses over 11/2 miles at 15.05 CET. This latter event was won last year by Royal and Regal (Michael Jarvis/ Neil Callan) and he can double up today. Ex-German Sereth probably has no chance, with Barney Curley´s stable totally out of form, so Centennial and all-weather specialist Scintillo look the main dangers.

Jim Bolger has started the season in tremendous form, and he can take both the classic trials with Maoineach in the fillies event at 16.10 and Vocalised in the colts´ equivalent at 16.45. Both will be ridden by son-in-law Kevin Manning and have already scored in good style in Ireland this year. Th Spring Cup over a mile at 15.35 is the big betting race here, and several runners coming from a good performance in the Lincoln Hamndicap, including Zaahid (2nd), Mias Boy (4th) and Charm School (8th), but our fancy is Benandonner (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), who was noted running in strongly on the all-weather last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Border Patrol - Ebiayn - Reportage
2. Race: Centennial - Royal And Regal - Tastahil
3. Race: Zaahid - Manassas - Charm School
4. Race: Maoineach - Sariska - Lahaleeb
5. Race: Shaweel - Cityscape - Vocalised
6. Race: Bennelong - Arabian Flame - Clockmaker
7. Race: Squadron - Swingkeel - Kiribati King
8. Race: Foolin Myself - Liberally - Angel Rock

Scottish Grand National at Ayr

The Scottish Grand National, a handicap chase over 4 miles at 16.25 CET at Ayr, is easily the most valuable race of the day and with 21 runners very tricky to predict, especially as the ground, despite watering all night, is riding fast. Chief Dan George (Jimmy Moffatt/ Paddy Aspell) is relatively inexprienced but still seems to have the best credentials. West End Rocker (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who changed hands earlier this week, is one obvious danger. It is hard to fancy a horse that is still a maiden in a race like this, but Nine de Sivola (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) ran third here in 2007 and has a clear chance on form. There has been no Scottsh winner for a long time, and the main local hope Merigo (Andrew Parker/ Timmy Murphy) apparently needs it softer. The Scottish Champion Hurdle at 15.50 is, despite its name, a handicap, but the field of 15 includes 2 that ran in the real thing at Cheltenham, Snap Tie (7th) and Sentry Duty (14th).

However they have a lot of weight, and preference is for Medermit (King/ Choc), who ran a great race in the novices event at Cheltenham, Emmpat (Charlie Swan/ David Casey), who won this in 2007, and consistent Ski Sunday (Tim Vaughan/ Seamus Durack). Our old friend Caracciola (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) loves this fast ground und should go well in the 2 3/4 miles handicap hurdle at 17.00. even though the Lando gelding is now 12 years old. Pepysrock can complete a double for trainer and jockey in the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.35.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saticon - Marc Aurele - Giorgio Quercus
2. Race: I`Msingingtheblues - Deep Purple - Turkish Surprise
3. Race: Medermit - Ski Sunday - Secret Tune
4. Race: Chief Dan George - Tricky Trickster - Nine De Sivola
5. Race: Echo Point - Risk Runner - Warsaw Pact
6. Race: Leslingtaylor - Dominican Monk - Pepsyrock
7. Race: Fresh Air And Fun - Valley Ride - Rustarix
8. Race: Gilbarry - Rollwiththepunches - Witherspoon

German runners in France today

There are German-trained runners in both French meetings this afternoon. At Maisons-Laffitte Emporio (Peter Schiergen / Anne-Sophie Pacault) and Lord John (Werner Baltromei/ Timo Degel) both contest the 2600 metres claiming race for amateur riders at 16.50. The opposition is headed by the ex-Germans Loup de Mer and Girofolo, but on ratings Emporio must have a good chance. There is also a mixed meeting at Chateaubriant, where Ralf Rohne´s front-runner Orway runs over 1800 metres at 16.05; he could be placed, but will find Valentino hard to beat. Australian Airline and Neander are now trained in France by Yannick Fertillet, but still owned by Stall Australia. They run here at 14.05 in a 3yo handicap over 1950 metres, and 17.35 in a hurdle race over 4100 metres, respectively.

Ayr (N.H.), Newbury and Thirsk

Ayr stages the Scottish Grand National, its best jumps race of the season, tomorrow but today´s card is also of great interest, with the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 17.00 CET the main feature. All 9 runners have chances, with Watch my Back (Ferdy Murphy/ Jason Maguire) and Tell Henry (Mike Todhunter/ James Reveley), who has been off sibnce December, the likely favourites; Nigel Twiston-Davies has a great record in Scotland, so his Patman du Carmil (Paddy Brennan) should not be overlooked, despite his awful form figures.

The mares handicap hurdle at 17.35 is also very tricky; David Pipe has 2 runners here, with preference for Soliya (Tom Scudamore), but Paul Nicholls´ Smuglin (Harry Skelton) also looks dangerous. Best race at Thirsk is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.15, which should go to trainer Richard Fahey, who saddles two candidates Steelcut (Paul Hanagan) and Bo McGinty (Freddie Tylicki). The best racing this afternoon comes from Newbury , but 4 maiden races for 3yo´s, all with large fields of mainly unraced but well-bred types these are a minefield for punters. Best betting race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.40, where the field of 14 includes two previous winners Oldjoesaid (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill) and Green Manalishi (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan).

Four evening meetings

evening racing starts today for the summer, and apart from the usual all-weather fixtures at Kempton and Dundalk (Ireland), we also have jumps racing this evening from Cheltenham and Sedgefield. Easily the best sport is on offer at Cheltenham, where the most interesting race is the 3 mile hurdle at 19.45 CET. POnly 5 lin up, nbut thy are all smart. Front-runner Hills of SAran (Kith Goldswporthy/ Richard Johnson) always gives his running and may be hard to catch, but Alan King´s pair Blazing Bailey (Robert Thornton) and Franchoek (Tony McCoy) are both better than their latest form implies, while Tazbar (Keith Revely/ Andrew Thornton) also has to atone for a below-par effort. The fly in the ointment could be the unbeaten Definity (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), who has won both his starts at odds-on with great ease, but takes a huge leap in class here.

Trainer Howard Johnson and jockey Denis O´Regan look the team to follow at Sedgefield, where they have fancied runners in 5 of the 6 races. Caravel at 18.25 and Striking Article half an hour later are possibly their best chances. The 6 furlongs handicap at 21.50 is the best race at Kempton; Al Gillani (James Boyle/ Pat Cosgrave) has won his last 4 races.including two this CD, but now faces tougher opposition. Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn) never seems to get a rest, but keeps his form well and should be in the frame again. At Dundalk Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning can continue their winning run with Coolcullen Times in the 3yo handicap mile handicap at 21.55; he won in a canter here last week, and although he has been put up 13 lbs and races over a different distance, he can score again, while Pirate Ship (David Wachman/ Johnny Murtagh) can take the 3yo conditions race over a mile at 21.25.

German runners at Longchamp

Some decent racing at Longchamp today, with German-trained runners contesting 5 of the 8 races, easily the most interesting of them being König Turf (Christian Sprengel/ Stephane Pasquier), who is making a comeback after more than a year off the track. First he was injured, and then sold as a stallion, but the purchase had to be cancelled when the buyer could not come up with the cash. He is extremely well treated by the conditions of today´s race over 1400 metres at 16.50 and, if anywhere near his best form, should win comfortably. There could even be a German forecast, as Balios (Friedl Willenbrock/ Jerome Lermyte) could also run into the places here. The other German runners face much tougher tasks: Atlantic Racer (Horst Steinmetz/ Davy Bonilla) in the mile race at 13.50, Rednex Tiger (Werner Baltromei/ Frederic Spanu) in the race for unraced 3yo´s at 15.20, Adelar in the conditions race over 2400 metres at 16.20 and Balboa in the mile handicap at 17.20 all face stiff opp osition., Th last two named are trained by Werner Baltromei and ridden by Dominique Boeuf.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dubai Queen - Gibor - Galixi
2. Race: Politeo - Augusto - Almail
3. Race: Foresta - Tituchop - Tryanon
4. Race: Teshali - Three Bodies - Ideology
5. Race: Majesty Davis - Cloudspotter - Sand River
6. Race: Pearly Wells - Venetian Rhapsody - Adelar
7. Race: Blue Cayenne - Trajano - Aurore
8. Race: Conti Jet - Balboa - Icy Major

Craven Stakes at Newmarket

The Craven Stakes over a mile for 3yo´s at 16.35 CET at Newmarkt this afternoon is usually a reliable
trial for the 2,000 Guineas, and Brian Meehan´s Delegator (Jamie Spenser) looks certain to start a warm favourit. He has been well backed for the first classic, has the highest rating here and his fifth place in the Dewhurst last October is the best form on offer. However it will be no cakewalk, and the opposition is headed by Godolphin´s City Style (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), a winner twice at Nad al Sheba, while the unnbatn Sans Frontiers (Jeremy Noseda/ Johnny Murtagh) should not be overlooked; Sir Michael Stoute´s Glass Harmonium (Ryan Moore) is another to be considered, while the Hills family had a great day here yesterday and are represented by the smart Alyarf. Delegator must win this to maintain his position in the Guineas betting, but will have to run up to his best form to do so.

Rest of today´s flat racing

The rest of today´s Newmarket card is also very decent. The listed Abernant Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.00 CET has attracted 14 runners,including Equiano (Barry and Michael Hills), winner of the King´s Stand at Royal Ascot last year. He is best on ratings, but is possibly more suited by 5 furlongs, as is the consistent Tax Free (David Nicholls/ Franny Norton). Godolphin´s Hatta Fort (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) is a smart performer and ran really well at the Dubai meeting, but has to give weight away all round, while last year´s winner Zidane (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spenser) is inconsistent and needs everything to fall right. Under the circumstances Edge Closer (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) looks the safest option.

The Group 3 Earl of Sefton Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.10 should go to the smart Twice Over (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) who never runs a bad race and has an excellent record here; he has won 3 of his 4 starts at Newmarket and on the other occasion finished runner-up in the Champion Stakes. John Gosden´s pair Virtual (Jimmy Fortune) and Tazeez (Richard Hills), who won the Cambridgeshire over this CD, both finished last season in winning form and can chase him home. At Ripon Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott) stands out in the 10 furlongs conditions race at 16.10, while unbeaten Mutamaashi (Willie Haggas/ Tadge O´Shea) is expected to run well in the 3yo mile handicap at 16.45. Best race at this evening´s all-weather fixture at Wolverhampton is the 9 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 20.15. Although it is only a class 3 race, several of the runners look better grade than this, and the two unbeaten fillies Cascata (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill) and Stagecoach Jade (Mar k Johnston/ Jimmy Quinn) are both expected to make their mark at a higher level.

Cheltenham today

Another good card at Cheltenham with some really competitive racing. Th Queen´s Gold Award (Nicky Hmdrson/ Barry Geraghty) is one of several possibles in the opening novice hurdle at 15.10 CET. The listed mares handicap hurdle at 16.20 looks wide on. Top-wight Hora (Henderson/ Geraghty) has good form but faces a stiff task, while Argento Luna (Oliver Sherwood/ Tony McCoy), Caoba (Vic Dartnall/ Rhys Flint) and Markila (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler) are super-consistent and all last-time-out winners. The 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.55 is even trickier. Several of the 24 runners ran in the Pertemps Final at the big meeting here, where Kayf Aramis (Ventia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) was a narrow winner, with Pennek (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) a close third. Galient (Henderson/ Geraghty) was below form then but could run better today. Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson had 2 winners here yesterday and their candidate Oscatello is a big danger, while Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh scored here with a lightly-raced handicap debutant and can possibly repeat the trick with The Gossmoor Yank.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tataniano - Aachen - Enfant De Lune
2. Race: Fire And Rain - Ordre De Bataille - Tarotino
3. Race: Hora - Over Sixty - Argento Luna
4. Race: The Gossmoor Yank - Pennek - The Old Pretender
5. Race: Royal Auclair - Baby Run - Amicelli
6. Race: Knar Mardy - Girly Whirly - Basford Lady
7. Race: Moscow Jewel - Anadama - Line Freedom

N.H. racing at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse

There are some huge fields today for the fourth and final day of Fairyhouse´s Easter meeting, but much less quality than on the previous days, and the top jockeys Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty will all be in action at Cheltenham, where the card is much better. The opening 4yo hurdle at 15.10 lies between Torpichen (David Pipe/ McCoy), well beaten but not diegraced at the festival here, and Tasheba (Nicky Henderson/ Geraghty), while He´s the Gaffer (representing the Irish Grand National winning team of Bob Buckley/ Harry Skelton) is worth a small punt in the handicap chase at 15.45, despite the presence of Alxanderthegreat (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Le Duc (Paul Nicholls/ Walsh), who have won the last 2 runnings of this race. The two German-breds in the handicap hurdle at 16.20, Eleazar (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) and Amore Mio (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) both have possibilities, although this is a really tough race, as is the 2 miles 5 handicap chase at 16.55. Ouzbeck (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) looked smart when winning this CD last October, but has been disappointing since; he runs in first-time blinkers today. Top-weight Oslot /Nicholls/ Walsh) and consistent Nikola (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) are others to consider. At Fairyhouse, the best race is the mares chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.00. Carrigeen Kalmia (Dick and Liz Lalor) won this last year, but on recent form consistent Moskova (Paul Nolan/ Davy Russell) is preferred.

Beverly and Kempton

Today´s other two flat fixtures are very modest by comparison with Newmarket. Easily the best race at Beverly is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET. We should know by the time the race is run how the effect of the draw will be, but normally high numbers have a huge advantage here, especially in large fields over this trip. In this case, punters should be wary of backing any runner drawn lower than 10. David Nicholls has 4 runners here, of whom Manzila (Andrew Mullen, drawn 12) could prove best, while the bottom-weights Bo McGinty (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan, drawn 14) and Timber Treasure (Paul Green/ Frannie Norton, drawn 17 of 17) are both well-drawn CD winners who should go well.

Betting forecast Beverley:
1. Race: Jack My Boy - Sharp Eclipse - Strange Fiction
2. Race: Herbert Crescent - Prince Noel - Bajan Pride
3. Race: Mr Smithson - Tom Folan - Masked Dance
4. Race: Obe Gold - Supermassive Muse - Whiskey Creek
5. Race: Sirvino - New Beginning - Snow Dancer
6. Race: Gaily Noble - Diamond Twister - Dubai Crest
7. Race: Labisa - Special Cuvee - Embsay Crag
8. Race: Good Buy Dubai - Dispol Diva - Troubletimestwo



At Kempton´s evening all-weather meeting, the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 20.20 looks to lie between the two top-weights Set the Trend (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) and Antinori (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby). Dancer in Demand (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) should win the 1 1/2 maiden race an hour later; his dam Sought Out won Baden-Baden´s Betty Barclay-Rennen, so stamina should not be a problem, while half-brother North Light won the Derby.

Betting forecast Kempton:
1. Race: Scartozz - Fremen - Tous Les Deux
2. Race: Set The Trend - Antinori - Herschel
3. Race: Compton Classic - Cape Of Storms - Garstang
4. Race: Dancer In Demand - Favours Brave - Khan Tengri
5. Race: Prince Charlemagne - Rose Row - Murcar
6. Race: Taqdeyr - Kilburn - Woodcote Place

Rest of Newmarket

The most valuable race today at Newmarket is the 400,000 Tattersalls Timeform Trophy for 3yos bought at auction at Tattersalls over 10 furlongs at 16.00 CET. With a huge pot, there is a strong field with quite possibly some Derby runners in the field. Richard Hannon has an excellent record in these sales races, and possibly Weald Park (Ric hard Hughes) is his best chance. Rockhampton (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) is an interesting Irish runner, and while his stable is not yet in form, this one has already won easily this year, while Liberation (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) is the first British starter of 2009 for Godolphin. If his running at Nad al Sheba is any guide, he must go close here, while Popmurphy (Karl Burke/ Jim Crowley) could go well at a big price.

The Feilden Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.45 has only 5 runners, but could also provide some classic clues. Henry Cecil has a good record here and his On Our Way (Tom Queally) is a decent prospect; he has Drumbeat (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and the unbeaten Redwood (Barry and Michal Hills) to beat. The listed European Free Handicap over 7 furlongs at 16.35 is no longer such a good race as used to be the case. Art Connoisseur (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) has top-weight and on the basis of his Royal Ascot win looks better class than the opposition, though the distance may be his maximum. All 10 runners in this event are seasonal debutants, which makes the race difficult to sum up, but Courageous (Brian Smart/ Richard Mullen) and Awinnersgame (Jeremy Noseda/ Murtagh) look the major threats.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Calypso Bay - Uniquely Poised - Sopranist
2. Race: Monsieur Chevalier - Captain Cool - Hearts Of Fire
3. Race: Liberation - Rockhampton - Monitor Closely
4. Race: Art Connoisseur - Awinnersgame - Ouqba
5. Race: Fantasia - Summer Fete - Wajaha
6. Race: Drumbeat - On Our Way - Derbaas
7. Race: Espiritu - Infiraad - Invincible Heart
8. Race: Green Beret - Enact - Definightly

Start of Newmarket Craven Meeting with Nell Gwyn Stakes

For many fans, the flat season proper does not begin until the start of Newmarket´s Craven meeting and today´s card of 8 races (7 for 3yo´s and one for 2yo´s) fulfils all expectations. The main feature is the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 17.10 CET, in which Fantasia (Luca Cumani/ Frankie Dettori) is likely to start a hot favourite. She won her first two starts last season in excellent style before running up to the ultrasmart Rainbow View, who is expected to work on the track before racing today. After that race Fantasia was bought by Rainbow View´s owner George Strawbridge and it seems she is to be aimed at the French 1,000 Guineas rather than the Newmarket version, for which Rainbow View is clear ante-post favourite. On form and ratings Fantasia should win this easily, with Wajaina (John Gosden/ Richard Hills) possibly next best, but Kaabari (Clive Brittain/ Jimmy Fortune) could be an interesting each-way bet; Brittain has his string in good f orm and likes nothing better than to take aim at the top favourites in races like this, and Kaabari´s dam won this at 33-1.

final day of Fairyhouse Easter meeting

today is the third and final day of the Fairyhouse Easter meeting with another good card, which opens with a Grade Two hurdle race for 4yo´s at 15.25 CET. Ebadiyan (Oliver Brady/ John Cullen) would have ben a hot favourite here but is a non-runner, which leaves the race wide open. Although a maiden, Timari (S Donoho/ Favy Russell), whose dam won a Munich Group One for the Aga Khan, could be a good each-way bet. The Grade Two novice hurdle half an hour later is also an open affair. Roberto Goldback (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) could start favourite after running-up to the smart Go Native last time, but Clan Tara looks a big danger. He won well at Naas last time, with several of these behind him, notably multiple winners Quiscover Fontain and Caim Hill. There follow to very valuable handicaps, which both look very tricky. Our fancies are Perce Rock (Tommy Stack/ Tony McCoy) in the chase at 16.25 and Sesenta (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) in the hurdle race at 17.00.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ebadiyan - Manor Park - Coffee Tea Or Me
2. Race: Quiscover Fontaine - Head Of The Posse - Oscar Looby
3. Race: Perce Rock - Conna Castle - Tiger Cry
4. Race: Psycho - Sesenta - Time Electric
5. Race: Lucky At Last - Prudent Honour - Lurgan
6. Race: Old Si - Heartansoul - Davids Day
7. Race: Fionn Tra - Gormanstown Cuckoo - Accord Aris

N.H. racing at Exeter and Market Rasen

the two jumps meetings in the U.K. today offer only modest sport, but the 3 mile handicap hurdle at Exeter at 16.40 CET looks very open. Top-weight Raslan (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) has only raced once in the past year, but if anywhere near his 2007 form, when he was a CD winner, would have a good chance now. Ex-German Swordsman (Chris Gordon/ Colin Bolger) has also not won since 2007, but could be dangerous on his latest Ascot running, while Haar and Might as Well, both of whose trainers are doubly reprsented, are obvious threats on current form. The 3 3/4 mile handicap chase at 16.10 looks between Present M´Lord (Sue Alner/ Daryl Jacob), runner-up this CD last time, and Presenting Express (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle). At Market Rasen, Alan King and Robert Thornton can win the first two races with Sassanias at 15.00 and Pagano half an hour later; the latter has been very frustrating this season and fell at the first last time as favourite last time. The 2 1/2 mile handicap cha se at 16.30 can go to Mizen Raven (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson), runner-up at Ascot last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Beverly Hill Billy - Moon Bear - Freddy`S Star
2. Race: Vodka Brook - Gentle Ranger - Bushwacker
3. Race: Mister Apple`S - Presenting Express - Present M`Lord
4. Race: Might As Well - Haar - Bugsy`S Boy
5. Race: Jigsaw Dancer - Fit To Drive - Sea Saffron
6. Race: Oopsmylord - Shillingstone - Coombe Hill
7. Race: Russian Song - Willofhisown - Doctor Foxtrot

fog at Yarmouth

it is currently foggy at Yarmouth, where the only flat racing in Britain and Ireland today takes place. Should racing go ahead, the most interesting event is probably the opening mile maiden for fillies at 15.20 CET. Although not restricted to this age group, all 12 runners ar 3yo´s and the best public form has been shown by Wadaat (Clive Brittain/ Neil Callan), who has two good performances on the all-weather to her credit. However some interesting well-bred newcomers add spice to the race, in particular Sana Abel (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills), who is a half-sister and also daughter to Oaks winners. Jarvis and Hills also have good prospects in the 5 furlongs 3yo handicap at 16.50 with Aakof, who like top-weight Bouvardia (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) has not raced for some time but won at this track over 6 furlongs last year. On current form, Captain Carey (Malcolm Saunders/ Tom McLaughlin) and Theatre Street (Jeremy Noseda/ Neil Callan) must also be considered.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Wadaat - Sana Abel - Hisaronu
2. Race: Special Cuvee - Dead Cat Bounce - Wabi Sabi
3. Race: Lovely Thought - Billy Beetroot - King Of Defence
4. Race: Captain Carey - Aakef - Bouvardia
5. Race: Blockley - Kokkokila - Dart
6. Race: Bullet Man - Dark Prospect - Eton Fable

late news: Notre Pere out of Irish Grand National

as forecast earlier, trainer Jim Dreaper has now confirmed that top-weight Notre Pere will not run in this afternoon´s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. The weights will now be raised in accordance with the Irish rules.

Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse

at the time of writing it is still not clear if top-weight Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) will be allowed to take his chance in today´s Irish Grand National over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 16.55 CET at Fairyhouse. Connections have made it clear that he will only run if the ground is suitable, i.e. soft enough (which despite watering last night seems unlikely). Second top weight Wichita Lineman (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) is also not a certain runner in these conditions, so that the shape of the race could change significantly, as there will be a big rise in the weights for the other 28 runners should these two be pulled out, a very unsatisfactory situation. This is in any case a very tricky race, with several top trainers having more than one runner. Our short list includes Newbay Prop (Tony Martin/ Robbie Colgan), Arbor Supreme (Willie Mullins/ Niall Madden) and Casey Jones (Noel Madden/ Paul Carberry). The latter´s sister Nina rides Garde Champetre for Enda Bolger and th is one too would be very dangerous if he can transfer his good cross-country form to normal fences. The Group Three Ladbroke Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.10 is also a top race. German-bred Aitmatov (Meade/ Carberry) goes well on this ground and has a chance, but at the weights faces a stiff task against Powerstation (Eamonn O´Connell/ Andrew McNamara), while the much-improved Ninetieth Minute (Tom Taaffe/ Paddy Flood) is also not out of it.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Serpentaria - Teach Nua - Baily View
2. Race: Big Zeb - Psycho - Dancing Tornado
3. Race: Powerstation - River Liane - Ninetieth Minute
4. Race: Wichita Lineman - Pomme Tiepy - Emma Jane
5. Race: Arabella Boy - Tofino Bay - Pay The Bounty
6. Race: Taipan`S Way - Rock Street - Fantoche
7. Race: Lochan Lacha - Stewarts House - L`Acajou
8. Race: Rudi Trucker - Wedger Pardy - Freneys Well

4 jumps meetings in the U.K.

on the whole, today´s 4 jumps meetings in the U.K. offer very little quality racing, and in many cases there are very small fields as well, with numerous races having 5 or fewer runners. German-bred Gauvain (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) ran badly at Aintree but on his overall form he should certainly get the better of Predateur (Paul Nicholls/ Christian Williams) in the novice chase at 17.15 at Plumpton. The novice chase at 16.20 at Huntingdon also looks a virtual match, with Kervriou (Andrew Balding/ Mattie Batchelor) hoping to reverse earlier form with Silver Adonis (Dr. Newland/ Daryl Jacob) on 4 lbs better terms. The novice chase at Chepstow at 16.35 also has a very small field, and should lie between Russian Around (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) and Mark the Book (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The handicap hurdle there at 17.10 is probably the best betting race today in Britain, and top-weight Forty Five (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richard McLernon) is taken to complete a four-time r at the main expense of Paul Nicholls´ French import Harouet (Sam Thomas) and last-time-out winner Yetholm (Hobbs/ Johnson).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fistral Beach - Ffos Las Diamond - Mr Logistics
2. Race: Roganstown - Quick Fix - Prince Geeno
3. Race: Redemption - Celticello - Quizzene
4. Race: Russian Around - Mark The Book - Pangbourne
5. Race: Forty Five - Harouet - Yetholm
6. Race: Ballyvaden - Mr Big - Iris`S Prince
7. Race: Double Pride - Qroktou - Aiteen Thirtythree
8. Race: Bonadventure - Shacklesborough - Mail De Bievre

9 meetings on Easter Monday

lots of racing today, but with the exception of the Irish Grand National fixture at Fairyhouse, most of it is at a very low level. There is flat racing in the U.K. at Redcar, Warwick and Redcar. By far the most interesting race is the 7 furlongs conditions race at 17.05 CET at Warwick, where Dream Eater (Andrew Balding(/ Frannie Norton), fifth in the 2008 2,000 Guineas and not seen out since running third in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, clashes with Winker Watson (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro), a top 2yo of 2007 and last time out unplaced behind Ravens Pass in an Ascot Group One. Both have obviously had problems so this is not a race to bet on, but certainly one to watch. Elsewhere, note should be made of Sir Michael Stoute´s runners in 2 maidens at Yarmouth, Dream Win at 15.15 and Holyrood at 18.10, both with Ryan Moore in the saddle. Barney Curley has had a terrible run with his German imports and tries again today with Andorn (Micky Fenton) in a selling race at 16. 10 at Redcar, and Agapanthus (Joe Fanning) in a handicap at 18.45 at Yarmouth. On their old German form, both would be virtually unbeatable, but in view of the disastrous performances of their stable companions, there can be very little confidenc today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Music Box Express - War And Peace - Sarah`S Art
2. Race: Vaduz - Secret Rose - Kaspirit
3. Race: George Thisby - Arctic Freedom - Danies Boy
4. Race: Winker Watson - Dream Eater - Regal Parade
5. Race: African Cheetah - Maxwell Hawke - Fortunate Bid
6. Race: Location - Miss Mojito - Everaard
7. Race: Noah Jameel - The Graig - Jackie Kiely

Irish racing today

the big Easter meeting at Fairyhouse begins today with a strong card, featuring 3 graded races. Main event is the Powers Gold Cup, a novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET. Willie Mullins launches a strong challenge, with 4 of the 10 runners, of whom Ruby Walsh´s mount Golden Silver is presumably the pick. However he faces tough opposition from Trafford lad (Dusty Sheehy/ Tom Doyle), third to Cooldine last time, Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Paddy Flood), winner of 5 of his last 6 races, and the lightly-raced but highly-rated Aran Concerto (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry). Th mares novice hurdle at 15.45 has 16 runners, but on form should lie between Oligarch Society (Mike O´Brien/ Davy Russell) and Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Ruby Walsh), while the novice hurdle half an hour later should mainly concern Donnas Palm (Meade/ Carberry) and Kempes (Mullins/ Walsh). At Cork there is a mixed card with 3 flat races, 3 over jumps and a bumper, with huge fields in all the N.H. events. As Wil lie Mullins has engaged Ruby Walsh at Fairyhouse, he uses sister Katie here to partner Fred´s Benefit, top-weight in the main event, a valuable handicap hurdle at 16.55, but the most interesting jockey booking is surely for Tony McCoy, who rides here in preference to the much richer races at Fairyhouse. His 3 rides for JP McManus, Line Ball at 16.55, Marhaba Million at 17.25 and Lismakeery at 17.55 are all on the short list.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Any Bets - Blood Diamond - In The Haven
2. Race: Oligarch Society - Voler La Vedette - Itsallaracket
3. Race: Kempes - Fisher Bridge - Puyol
4. Race: Trafford Lad - Golden Silver - Joncol
5. Race: Corskeagh Royale - Uimhiraceathair - Bit Of A Devil
6. Race: Aggie`S Lad - Peplum - Golden Empire
7. Race: Corkonian - Luska Lad - Spencer`S Hill

classic trials at Longchamp

today´s strong card at Longchamp features three classic trials, all at Group 3 level. The hottest favourite of the day will be Criquette Head-Maarek´s Proportional (Stephane Pasquier), an impressive winner of last October´s Prix Marcel Boussac, who looks almost unbeatable in the Prix de la Grotte for fillies over a mile at 15.50. The equivalent race for colts, the Prix de Fontainebleau at 16.20 is more open. Aidan O´Brien has made a slow start to the season, but Westphalia (Johnny Murtagh), runner-up in the Breeders Cup Juvenile) must have a good chance here, with the unbeaten Sand Tiger (Andre Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) and Oiseau de Feu (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire), who has won his last 4 races, possibly the best of the locals. O´Brien´s main interest could be Black Bear Island (Murtagh), regarded as a major Derby prospect, in the Prix la Force over 2000 metres at 16.50. Mülheim trainer Werner Baltromei has two runners on the undercard - Naxon (Frederic Spanu) in the tierce´ handicap over 1950 metres at 14.50, and Shawnee Saga (Dominique Boeuf) in the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 15.20, in which German-owned Tempelstern (Mikael Delzangles/ Olivier Peslier) is an interesting opponent.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saliyna - Milford Sound - Illegale
2. Race: Carimo - Naxon - Aragog
3. Race: Magadan - Fully Funded - Mondovino
4. Race: Soneva - Tamazirte - Homebound
5. Race: Oiseau De Feu - Westphalia - Silver Frost
6. Race: War Power - On Est Bien - Black Bear Island
7. Race: Smart And Fun - Benaojan - Mel Royal
8. Race: Deja Super - Peintre Modern - Malneyev

Irish racing today

the big Easter meeting at Fairyhouse begins today with a strong card, featuring 3 graded races.Main event is the Powers Gold Cup, a novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET. Willie Mullins launches a strong challenge, with 4 of the 10 runners, of whom Ruby Walsh´s mount Golden Silver is presumably the pick. However he faces tough opposition from Traffoprd lad (Dusrty Shehy/ Tom Doyl), thgird to Cooldin last tim, Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Paddy Flood), winner of 5 of his last 6 races, and the lightly-raced but highly-rated Aran Concerto (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry). Th mares novice hurdle at 15.45 has 16 runners, but on form should lie between Oligarch Society (Mike O´Brien/ Davy Russell) and Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Ruby Walsh), while the novice hurdle half an hour later should mainly concern Donnas Palm (Meade/ Carberry) and Kempes (Mullins/ Walsh). At Cork there is a mixed card with 3 flat races, 3 over jumps and a bumper, with huge fields in all the N.H. events. As Willi e Mullins has engaged Ruby Walsh at Fairyhouse, he uses sister Katie here to partner Fred´s Benefit, top-weight in the main event, a valuable handicap hurdle at 16.55, but the most interesting jockey booking is surely for Tony McCoy, who rides here in preference to the much richer races at Fairyhouse. His 3 rides for JP McManus, Line Ball at 16.55, Marhaba Million at 17.25 and Lismakeery at 17.55 are all on the short list.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Any Bets - Blood Diamond - In The Haven
2. Race: Oligarch Society - Voler La Vedette - Itsallaracket
3. Race: Kempes - Fisher Bridge - Puyol
4. Race: Trafford Lad - Golden Silver - Joncol
5. Race: Corskeagh Royale - Uimhiraceathair - Bit Of A Devil
6. Race: Aggie`S Lad - Peplum - Golden Empire
7. Race: Corkonian - Luska Lad - Spencer`S Hill

Musselburgh, Plumpton and Towcester

very poor racing in the U.K. today with not a single one of the 21 races scheduled better than class 4. The flat meeting at Musselburgh has arguably the best card, the grandly-named Mussleburgh Gold Cup at 17.20 CET however is only a class 4 handicap over 1 3/4 miles. Phoenix Flight (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) is the likely favourite here and comes with good all-weather form to his credit, while the 2 German-breds Raucous (Rebecca Carr/ Paul Mulrnnan), a rcnrt winnr her ovr a shortr trip, and Los Nadis (Ptr Montith/ Phillip Makin) hav chamncs of being placed. Rebecca Carr also has fair prospects in the 7 furlongs handicap with top-weight Excusez-Moi, whose form is much better than the figures suggest. At Towcester, top trainer Nicky Henderson, who has trained 99 winners so far this season, should get the century up with either Horsford Hill at 15.10 or Busker Royal an hour later, both with Felix de Giles in the saddle. If they fail, then the Queen´s Pipe Banner can do the trick in the bumper at 18.10. The card at Plumpton is very feeble; two German-breds who could go well here are Safin (Roger Curtis/ Paul O´Neill), who has won on the flat and over hurdles this spring and can now score over fences at 15.30, and Carmond (Brendan Powell/ Tom O´Brien), whose form is poor but meets very weak opposition in the novice handicap chase an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lucayan Dancer - Keisha Kayleigh - Masterofceremonies
2. Race: Jaconet - Rothesay Dancer - Sandwith
3. Race: Striker Torres - Toujours Souriante - Kersivay
4. Race: Stonecrabstomorrow - Just Bond - Golden Penny
5. Race: Phoenix Flight - Danzatrice - Gordonsville
6. Race: Longboat Key - Dazzling Light - Saga De Tercey
7. Race: Dispol Grand - Titus Andronicus - Hysterical Lady

German runners at Le Croise-Laroche

German runners in France this week have enjoyed mixed fortunes, but there could be more winners today at Le Croise´-Laroche, where there is a late start at 16.20 and where German-trained runners contest 6 of the 8 races, Penjabi (Erturk and Emrah Kurdu), Lapao (Werner Hefter/ Andreas Suborics) and Dunaden (Doris Smith/ Fabien Lefbvre) contest the 3yo maiden over 2100 metres at 16.50, while Personal Power (Christian von der Recke/ Sarah Leutwiler) and Sarkando (Kurdu/ Lyeia Lammers) run in the ladies race at 17.20, White Bull (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Foxfire Delight (Kurdu/ Subi) and Talina (von der Recke/ Maxime Guyon) go for the claimer at 17.50, and Ebulobo (Dr. Bolte/ Subi) runs in the handicap at 18.20, all over the same distance. Zobel Davis (Stefan Buchner/ Subi) and Roque (Sascha Smcrzek/ Boeuf) are engaged in the 1100 metres claimer at 18.50, where the ex-Germans Arc de Triomphe and Lips Lion may be tough to beat, while Goldanera (Kurdu/ Subi) is the final German runner of the fixture in the 1800 metres handicap at 19.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Euro Flash - Absent Mind - Trentini
2. Race: Ballistas - Irish Shave - Media Giant
3. Race: Organisateur - Petit Glaive - Soledad
4. Race: Tartesos - Low Budget - Atilano
5. Race: Ankhor Vat - Festivaliere - L`Albatros
6. Race: Tonalite - Lips Lion - Hucking Hope
7. Race: Goldanera - Pauillac - Cournot
8. Race: Winner Spirit - Lester Quercus - Global Hero
9. Race: Sissy So Lucky - Grazela - Brown Island

Four jumps meetings today

There is N.H. racing today at Haydock, Newton Abbot and Carlisle in the UK and Cork in Ireland, but for a holiday Saturday the quality is very poor. The feeblest racing is in fact at Newton Abbot, so it is surprising that champion Tony McCoy goes there for just 2 rides, Opatja for Irish trainer Gordon Elliott in the mares maiden hurdle at 15.10 CT, and Galaxy Rock for Jonjo O´Nill in thr handicap hurdle at 16.50. Galaxy Rock is on a hat-trick and will probably start at short odds; an interesting alternative at a big price could be German-bred Federstar (Milton Harris/ Charlie Poste), very unlucky last time, and the same team has another German-bred with each-way chances in Speedy Directa at 17.55. Other German-breds are in action at Haydock, where Acambo (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) and Stellino (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) are the two top-weights in the handicap hurdle at 16.30. Both have had their problems however and might need softer going, so hat-trick seeking Izita S tar (Marie King/ Tom Scudamore) is the safer option. Fredo (Ian Williams/ Tom Scudamore) is Irish-bred but has a German pedigree and can take the novice handicap hurdle at 15.55, but recent CD winner Danny Zuko (Donald McCain/ Paul Benson) looks very dangerous getting tons of weight all round. Best race at Carlisle is the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.25, where our fancy is Noir et Vert (Ferdy Murpohy/ Keith Mercer), a CD winner who has been out of form but is now nicely treated. Bottom-weight Royal Mackintosh (A Mactaggart/ Brian Harding), a real CD specialist, would be dangerous if the ground softens, which looks unlikely. Later on Jonjo O´Neill could land a double with Isn´t That Lucky in the novice chase at 16.55 and German-bred Soprano in the handicap chase at 18.05. There are more German-breds at Cork, and Der Spieler in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.30 probablöy has the best chance of them.

Listed races at Kempton and Dundalk

The only two flat meetings today in Britain and Ireland are on the all-weather tracks at Kempton and Dundalk, both featuring listed races. At Kempton two of them, the Snowdrop Stakes for 4yo and older fillies and mares at 15.40 CET and the Easter Stakes for 3yo colts half an hour later, both over a mile. The latter race has attracted some smart performers, notably Captain Ramius (Simon Callaghan/ Jamie Spencer) and Saint Arch (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning, both unbeaten after 3 starts, as well as Sohcahtoa (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) and Shampagne (Paul Cole/ Martin Dwyer), close 3rd and 5th over a furlong further here in the Kentucky Derby trial 24 days ago, with Markyg 10th. Hannon has an excellent record in this event, but our preference is for Saint Arch, and it is virtually certain that the winner will have to be group class to win this. The fillies race is quite tricky, as the runners have little all-weather experience. The exception is Smokey Rye (George Baker/ Dane O´ Neill), who has been on the go all winter, winning 3 of her last 5 races, and is the only runner to have been out this year; this gives her a clear fitness advantage, but on ratings she has a mountain to climb. Lightly-raced Tactful (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) and Scuffle (Roger Charlton/ Ryan Moore) both look capable of improvement, while German-bred Born Tobouggie (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Perfect Star (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) are also dangerous. Th main fatur at Dundalk is thr listd rfac for 3yo and up fillis and mafs at 18.00. This is run over 1 mile 3 furlongs, quit a big ask for the 3yo´s , but the winner may still come from this age-group, with the Aga Khan´s Timabiyra (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) the likely favourite. Aidan O´Brien, not yet in top form, saddles Perfect Truth (Colm O´Donoghue), but it could be significant that stable jockey Johnnie Murtagh partners David Wachman´s well-bred Always Beautiful. Sh cost half a million dollars as a yearling and has been di sappointing so far, but obviously black type would be valuable.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Extraterrestrial - Saltagioo - Titan Triumph
2. Race: Born Tobouggie - Perfect Star - Scuffle
3. Race: Sohcahtoa - Captain Ramius - Shampagne
4. Race: Al Muheer - Red Somerset - Pravda Street
5. Race: Royal Dignitary - Alfresco - Prince Of Thebes
6. Race: Mr Willis - Cyflymder - Efficiency
7. Race: Kavaloti - Wabbraan - Salute
8. Race: Formation - Viva Vettori - Casilda

Dundalk - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sioduil - Spring Horizon - Primalova
2. Race: Lilly Be - Cihangir - Liberty Island
3. Race: Romeo`S On Fire - Empirical Power - Soap Wars
4. Race: Daly - Imco Spirit - Lista Lightning
5. Race: Cochlear - Grand Admiral - Adare Manor
6. Race: Indiana Gal - Timabiyra - Perfect Truth
7. Race: Ain Jalout - Law Officer - Coolcullen Times
8. Race: Francisco Goya - Zarinski - Zafferana

Classic trials at Maisons-Laffitte

The most important French classic trials of the season so far take place today at Maisons-Laffitte, the Prix Djebel for colts at 15.05 and the Prix Imprudence for fillies half an hour later, both over 1400 metres. Naaqoos (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla) was the top-rated French juvenile in 2008 following his smart performance in the Grand Criterium, and on that form should win the Djebel easily - which he needs to do to maintain his position as second favourite for the 2,000 Guineas, his intended target. If there is a danger, it is probably Le Havre (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire). Head and Rouget are also the trainers to consider in the Imprudence, but this time Rouget has the favourite in Elusive Wave (Lemaire), winner of her first 3 starts in 2008 and then runner-up in the Boussac. Head´s filly Only Green (Olivier Peslier) has alreeady won this sason, as has Peach Pearl (de Nicolay/ Stephane Pasquier), which could give them a fitness edge, while Stefer (David Samaga/ Dominique Boeuf), a CD specialist, and Entre deux Eaux (Robert Collet/ Ioritz Mendizibal) are others with a chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ultime Chope - Molesne Bay - Ghisonaccia
2. Race: Royal Surgeon - Rex Regina - Dovil Boy
3. Race: Le Havre - Naaqoos - Stricke
4. Race: Peach Pearl - Elusive Wave - Only Green
5. Race: Monava - The Quarterback - Star of the Green
6. Race: Dehradoun - Salut Thomas - Sea Rhythm
7. Race: Alde Gott - Milongo - Harbore
8. Race: Polish Rings - Antonov - Viens Diner

No racing on Good Friday

There is no racing in Britain and Ireland today, Good Friday.

German runners in France today

today´s Longchamp card is rather low key but very interesting from the German point of view. Werner Baltromei, who has not has much luck so far in France this year, saddles runners in 3 races- Part of Pentir (Dominique Boeuf) in the 3yo maiden over 1700 metres at 14.20, Night Haert (Flavien Prat) in the 4- and 5yo mares race over 2000 metres at 16.25, and Titan War (Kati Werning) in the lady jockeys race at 16.55, in which Horst Steinmetz´ Zauberstar (Celine Lauday) is also entered, as well as German -owned Crossbill. Flavien Prat also rides Waldemar Hickst´s Vaccaria, who has good form in France but now has to carry top weight in the 1950 metres handicap at 17.25. In our opinion Zauberstar has the best chance of these, although he is coming off a long break.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dance Dance - Singapore Quest - Senor Monk
2. Race: In The Mist - Diyadin - Therefore
3. Race: Becqu Adoree - Qertaas - Becqu Adoree
4. Race: Gallilei - Effervescent - Vesuve
5. Race: Eraquery - Malegria - Agnes Champ
6. Race: Burn The Breeze - Mahaatheer - Calissee
7. Race: Narmer - Lasos - Titan War
8. Race: Sisu - Feather Bedding - Cibicotti

flat racing at Folkestone and Tipperary

Folkestone is not a racecourse normally associated with high-class performers, but there is an interesting field for this afternoon´s maiden race for 3yo fillies at 16.10 CET. Both Three Moons (Harry Dunlop/ Ryan Moore)and Polly´s Mark (Clive Cox/ Philip Robinson) showed enough last season to suggest that they are well up to winning decnt races, but the field also contains well-bred newcomers from the top Newmarket stables of Henry Cecil, John Gosden and Clive Brittain. The races this evening at Tipperary in Ireland have much better prize-money, and Jim Bolger and son-in-law Kevin Manning, who have made such a good start to the season, can land a double with Three Rocks at 18.45 and Buiochas Mor half an hour later, both over 7 1/2 furlongs. At 19.45 it could be the turn of Dermot Weld and Pat Smuleln, whose Suailce, owned by the Irish president, stands out in the conditions race over 1 3/4 miles.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Monsieur Chevalier - Musiara - Little Perc
2. Race: Battle - Rare Art - Riflessione
3. Race: Artistic License - Resplendent Alpha - Buxton
4. Race: Three Moons - Towanda - Polly`S Mark
5. Race: Prince Rossi - Felicia - Mick Is Back
6. Race: Shanafarahan - Sir Haydn - Compton Charlie

jumps racing at Ludlow and Wincanton

jumping today at Ludlow and Wincanton and some quite competitive racing. Paul Nicholls rarely leaves Wincanton, his local track, without a winner and Earth Dream (Harry Skelton) can defy a 10 lbs penalty for an easy win at Kempton and take the handicap hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 15.50 CET. Earlier, German-bred Weststern, who ran his best race for some time at Southwell recently, looks a good each-way bet off bottom-weight in the novice handicap hurdle at 14.50. The 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.20 looks very open. Collg Ac (Paula Robson/ Sam Jonws) has won 3 of his last 4 races, but faces tough opposition from Very Cool (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly), Presenting Express (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) and course specialist Tom Sayers (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien). Hobbs´ stable jockey Richard Johnson is at Ludlow and can win the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase on the in-form Supreme Duke at 16.00 (obvious danger here is Blac k Hills) as well as the 3 mile novice hurdle at 16.30 on Jim Best´s Gee Dee Nen, who stands out on form but has to fear Baddam (Ian Williams/ David Dennis), a smart flat horse and Royal Ascot specialist, who however flopped on his only outing over sticks.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fade To Grey - Capo Di Capi - Petrosian
2. Race: Mount Benger - William Bonney - Beherayn
3. Race: Gee Dee Nen - Aqualung - Shenanigan
4. Race: Kilrogan - Supreme Duke - Prestbury Knight
5. Race: King Brex - Smoothly Does It - Nothing Is Forever
6. Race: Quarl Ego - Cootehill - Key Cutter
7. Race: O`Toole - Nyrche - Marblehead

Brighton, Kempton and Nottingham

there is flat racing this afternoon at Brighton and Nottingham, and this evening on the all-weather at Kempton. Easily the best racing comes from Nottingham, where the main feature is the listed race over 1 3/4 miles at 16.30 CET. Fiulin (Marco Botti/ John Egan), a close third to the smart Veracity when last seen, is hoped to be a cup horse this year, in which case he ought to win here, but he faces strong opposition, notably from the German-owned Unleashed, one of two Henry Cecil entries, the smart handicapper Betchworth Kid and Hindu Kush (David Nicholls/ Jim Crowley), who is best on ratings. Ex-German Sereth would also have a chance, but his trainr Barney Curley seems to be totally out of form. The 5 furlongs conditions race at 15.30 is also an interesting event. Once again David Nicholls has the top-rated runner in Strike up the Band, but he was disappointing in Dubai, and preference is for Judd Street (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Steve Carson), runner-up to the useful Arganil in a Lingfield listed race, and Revaulx World (Kevin Ryan/ Paul Hanagan), the only 3yo in the field and a close fourth last time out in a Group Two at Glorious Goodwood. Little can be said about the sport on offer at Brighton and Kempton, but Ed Dunlop and Richard Hills can combine to score an across-the-card double with Riqaab at 16.50 at Brighton and Silaah at 21.50 at Kempton.

Betting forecast Nottingham:
1. Race: Star Rover - Royal Desert - Gillburg
2. Race: Judd Street - Rievaulx World - Strike Up The Band
3. Race: Billy Beetroot - Impressible - The Cuckoo
4. Race: Fiulin - Unleashed - The Betchworth Kid
5. Race: Apotheosis - Gala Sunday - King`S Revenge
6. Race: Labisa - Cool Hand Jake - Spinners End
7. Race: Dancing Storm - James Pollard - Djalalabad