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.