Newbury, Newton Abbot and Sligo this evening

The two best races this evening at Newbury are both reserved for fillies - the maiden race over 1 1/2 miles at 20.55 CET and a 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 21.20. Both have fairly small fields, but have attracted runners from top stables. In the former event, Lady Artemesia (Eddie Ahern) can continue trainer Michael Bell´s good run, but Henry Cecil ´s Ramora (Tom Queally) looks a big danger. In the latter, top weight Coming Back (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) has Faldal (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) and Onemix (Barry and Michael Hills) to beat. At Newton Abbot´s jumps meeting, the novice chase at 20.35 is the most interesting race.

It is difficult to assss the form of the 2 Irish victories of Archie Boy (Paul Flynn/ Tony McCoy), but he is probably capable of giving the weight to Predateur (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton) and Beherayn (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson), both of whom failed to complete last time and look rather difficult characters. There is a mixed meeting this evening in Ireland at Sligo - 3 flat races, 3 over hurdles and one bumper, all except one with maximum fields. The exception is the main event, a 10 furlongs handicap, which could go to Sonnium (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who has not run on the flat for 20 months, but has been in good form over jumps. He was a CD winner on his last flat appearance, beating todays top-weight Silver Tide, whom he now meets on much more favourable terms and should win again.