German runners in France today

it has been a very good week for German raiders in France and this run of success could continue today at Clairefontaine, where there are 5 flat races followed by 3 over jumps. Werner Baltromi saddles Tiger Village in a race for 3yo colts over 2400 metres at 14.25 and Solitary in the fillies equivalent an hour later, both to be partnered by Dominique Boeuf. In the mile claimer for older horses at 15.55 there are 4 German-trained runners - Wise Man (Baltromei/ Gaetan Masure), Doranda (Michael Trybuhl/ William Mongil), Festspiel (Erika Mäder/ Johan Victoire) and Herbstgold (Robin Schoof/ Gregory Benoist). If Wise Man were in the form he showed at Cagnes in early 2008 he would be a near-certainty here, but he has had problems since and is probably best treated with caution. Under the circumstances, we take his stable companion Tiger Village to be our best German thing of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: El Miesquo - Higher Ground - Une Autre Aventure
2. Race: Duc d`Alencon - Da Capo - Zack Land
3. Race: Stilla - Sahabah - Verenitsa
4. Race: Dubai Princess - Queen At Last - Nota Bene
5. Race: Karsch - Tandori - Rosarina
6. Race: Grand Bavard - Emithot - Sacre Major
7. Race: Litta - Deva du Rheu - Love Du Charmil
8. Race: Espoir De Kerbarh - Montzar - Le Monteverdi

Galway Festival: day five

the Galway meeting continues today with 7 races in the early evening, 5 of them on the flat and 2 over jumps. The most valuable race is the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 19.50 CET, in which Sesenta (Willie Mullins/ Johnny Murtagh) has top weight. Sesenta, who was runner-up over much further at Royal Ascot, is the class act here but it is not certain that she can give 16 lbs to the lightly-raced filly Casual (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), winner of a minor race at Killarney last time. Weld and Smullen, leading trainer and jockey at this meeting, also have prospects of winning the 3yo maiden at 20.25 with Sublime Talent and the 1 3/4 mile race an hour later with Universal Truth. Best race over jumps is the handicap chase at 19.15; once again there is a clear top-weight here, Jessica Harrington´s Knight Legend (Andrew Leigh), just beaten by the smart Royal County Star last time, but the weight concssion, in particular the 27lbs given to the consistent Sanglote (E.Griffin/ Paul Townend), may prove to be too much.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Media Queen - What`S New - Billy No Mates
2. Race: Cheval Rouge - Concert Piece - Paydaar
3. Race: Plaisir D`Estruval - Knight Legend - Sanglote
4. Race: Sesenta - Taralga - Casual
5. Race: Sublime Talent - Viceroy Of India - Chebona Bula
6. Race: Reflected Image - Theother Haaf - Cool Athlete
7. Race: Universal Truth - De Valira - Baracas

Glorious Goodwood: fourth day

the Glorious Goodwood meeting continues with another fine card, but after yesterday´s heavy showers (and possibly some more this afternoon) the going will be much easier. There also appears to be a clear draw bias, with low numbers (stands side) favoured strongly in sprints on the straight course and high numbers (inside) in races on the round course. Main feature today is the Group Two Richmond Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 17.00; with only 10 runners, the draw here should be less important. The only unbeaten runner, Dick Turpin (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) has an obvious chance, but our fancy is Rakaan (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer), whose third place in the Coventry at Royal Ascot is good form. Penny´s Gift (Hannon/ Hughes) can give German form a boost by winning the Group Three Oak Tree Stakes for fillies over 7 furlongs at 18.10. She finished a respectable fifth last time in the Falmouth Stakes (Group One) - San Sicharia 6th and Cosmopolitan well behind- but bef ore that had won the German 1,000 Guineas in good style. The Queen´s Golden Stream (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who won a listed race at Warwick last time, is the main danger. The group race for older horses over 1 1/2 miles that opens proceedings at 15.10 looks booked for Godolphin, with Crime Scene (Frankie Dettori) and Age of Reason (Ted Durcan) the two highest-rated runners, with Warringah (Stoute/ Moore) next best. As usual, the handicaps look ferociously difficult with huge fields and the draw a complicating factor. Our short list for the 6 furlongs race at 15.45 includes two David Nicholls runners Parisian Pyramid (son Adrian in the saddle) and Indian Trail (Dettori) and two trained by Richard Fahey, Steelcut (Royston ffrench) and Harrison George (Moore). The mile race at 16.25 is even hotter; our main hopes Lovelace (Mark Johnston/ Jamie Spencer), Dubais Touch (Johnson/ Ffrench) and Acrostic (Luca Cumani/ Christophe Lemaire) are all badly drawn, so we shall take the two drawn on the rail, Vitznau (Hannon/ Hughes) and Cloudy Start (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Crime Scene - Warringah - Drumfire
2. Race: Northern Dare - Everymanforhimself - Sunrise Safari
3. Race: Acrostic - Cloudy Start - Extraterrestrial
4. Race: Showcasing - Dick Turpin - Rakaan
5. Race: Black Snowflake - Gunner Lindley - Suffolk Punch
6. Race: Golden Stream - Penny`s Gift - Cosmopolitan
7. Race: Strictly - Green Beret - Master Of Disguise

Galway Festival: day four

the Galway Festival continues today with 8 races, 4 of them over jumps, 3 on the flat and a bumper. Most valuable event is the Galway Hurdle, a 2 miles handicap at 18.00 CET with a maximum field. This is obviously wide open, but Deutschland (despite his name, not a German-bred), representing the powerful Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh combination, looks the likely favourite after an easy win at Punchestown last time in heavy ground. Our fancy is Cuan na Grai (Paul Nolan/ Paddy Flood), who ran an excellent race last time at Tipperary when only just beaten by the smart Jumbo Rio. Sarteano (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) also looks dangerous off a light weight. Hughes and Loughran can also go close with Montero in the novice chase at 16.10, while Dermot Weld, as always the leading trainer here, can score with Anywaysmile in the 7 furlongs fillies handicap at 16.45 and Gratified, runner-up over hurdles here on Monday, in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.40, both partnered by stable jock ey Pat Smullen.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maucaillou - View Mount Prince - Shakey Scaffold
2. Race: Separate Ways - Imply - Harriers Call
3. Race: Montero - Farinelli - Quintana
4. Race: Anywaysmile - Drombeg Dawn - Miranda`s Girl
5. Race: Glenstal Abbey - Dual Gales - Carsonstown Boy
6. Race: Deutschland - Cuan Na Grai - Fingers
7. Race: Frutti Tutti - Sandymount Lady - Articilitis
8. Race: Buoy George - Ballyvoile - Oscar Shine

Glorious Goodwood: third day

today is the third day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting and there could well be a success for German breeding in the main feature, the Group Two Goodwood Cup over 2 miles at 16.25 CET. Two of the ten runners are German-bred, Schiaparelli (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Caracciola (Barry Hills/ Eddie Ahern). The former was previously trained by Peter Schiergen for Stall Blankenese, for whom he won the German Derby in 2006; since being bought by Godolphin he has only raced sporadically, but he ran a good race at Newmarket last time and although it is his first attempt at this distance, he has always given the impression that he stays well. Certainly Caracciola, running for the first time for Hills as his usual trainer Nicky Henderson is currently suspended, would be the most popular winner of the day. He would also set a new record as the first 12yo in European racing history to win a pattern race. We would love to see this happen, but strictly on ratings he should not be able to defeat Schiaparelli. There are 2 other group races on the card, the Audi Stakes over 5 furlongs at 15.45 and a Group Three for fillies over 1 3/4 miles at 17.00. This latter race looks rather substandard and should be fought out by the 3 highest-rated fiillies Cassique Lady (Lucy Wadham/ Ryan Moore), Irish raider Suailce (Dermot Weld/ Jimmy Fortune and owned by the President of Ireland) and Starfala (Paul Cole/ Frankie Dettori), but th sprint race has attracted an enormous field of 18 runners, headed by the "Greek Freak" Ialysos (Luca Cumani/ Gerald Mossé), who however must give weight away all round. At these weights consistent Borderlescott (Robin Bastimann/ Pat Cosgrave), Kingsgate Native (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) - back in training after an abortive effort at stud - and Godolphin´s Dandy Man (bin Suroor/ Dettori), dropping in grade, could prove better bets. The effect of the draw, not yet quite clear, could well prove decisive here and will be even more important in the closing 5 furlongs handicap at 18.40, in which there are no fewer than 26 runners.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mirrored - Roman Republic - Hyades
2. Race: Borderlescott - Kingsgate Native - Ialysos
3. Race: Schiaparelli - Enroller - Askar Tau
4. Race: Cassique Lady - Suailce - Princess Taylor
5. Race: Shamwari Lodge - Suruor - Brae Hill
6. Race: Laureldean Spirit - Ghazwah - Water Biscuit
7. Race: Rocker - Indian Trail - Le Toreador

Galway Festival: day three

the big Galway meeting goes into its third day and once again it seems that Dermot Weld is the trainer to follow here after 5 successes on the first two days. His runners in the 8 1/2 furlong handicaps in particular look interesting - Moving Heart at 18.05 CET and Surfer Girl at 18.40, both with stable jockey Pat Smullen aboard. A German-bred runner with chances is Isabellereine (Mervyn Torrens/ Keagan Latham), who runs in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 16.10. She won 5 races in Germany in 2007 but has been very lightly-raced since. These are all flat races, but the main emphasis today is over jumps, and the Galway Plate at 17.25, a handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles, is the big race of the day. Paul Nicholls won this last year with Oslot, and now sends over Roby de Cimbre (Ruby Walsh), who has had the same preparation. He is the only runner of the week for the British champion trainer and he is certain to start favourite. Royal County Star (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) has won his l ast 3 races but it would be a tremendous achievement to win this event off top-weight. With the ground riding very soft, it is highly likely that one of the lower weights will win this. Tony McCoy had the choice of 4 runners owned by JPMcManus and has chosen Christy Roche´s Cool Running, which must be a tip in itself; he meets his last-time-out conqueror Piano Star on 9 lbs better terms now.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tawaagg - Baily Rock - Woodland Traveller
2. Race: Corrick Bridge - Steve Capall - Armaramak
3. Race: Teach Nua - Tin Town Boy - Not Til Monday
4. Race: Blackstairmountain - Miss Chaparral - Baracas
5. Race: Roby De Cimbre - Wins Now - Royal County Star
6. Race: Moving Heart - Izagonawin - Halaziya
7. Race: Napa Starr - Young Lochinvar - Forbidden
8. Race: Maurice Utrillo - Precious Gem - Prayer Boat

Perth abandoned

this afternoon´s N.H. meeting at Perth in eastern Scotland has been abandoned following heavy rain last night.

rest of Glorious Goodwood: day two

the rest of the Goodwood card is also highly interesting. The Group Two Vintage Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.45 has several promising and lightly-raced types engaged, notably Xtension (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby), who won his maiden ovr 6 furlongs hre and was thn runner-up to Canford Cliffs,possibly the bst uropan juvenile so far seen out, at Royal Ascot. Dtreamspeed (Andrew Balding/ William Buick) also created a very positive impression whn winning hs maiden at Sandown and looks the main danger. The handicaps all have large fields and look extremely competitive, especially the opening race over 2 miles 5 furlongs with 20 runners, many of whom have been hurdling. Som Tala (Mick Channon/ Frankie Dettori) looks the class act here after winning the Northumberland Plate last time, but he has a huge weight to carry, and Channon´s other runner Aaim to Please (Darryll Holland) probably has just a good a chance. Last time out he beat several of these at Newbury. including the Ge rman-breds Absolut Power (Jonathan Geake/ Martin Dwyer) and Swordsman (Charlie Gordon/ Cathy Gannon), both sons of Acatenango who will stay the trip. Both of them are now better off at the weights, and we are quite keen on Absolut Power, who has not won for ages, but could find everything click into place here. Peter Bowen´s Markington has won his last 3 races, all with today´s jockey William Carson (grandson of the great Willie), but faces much tougher opposition now and we prefer Baddam (Ian Williams/ Richard Hughes), who is inconsistent but often runs well in these big staying handicaps and in fact won this race last year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Swingkeel - Tyrrells Wood - Markington
2. Race: Xtension - Dreamspeed - Roi De Vitesse
3. Race: Rip Van Winkle - Ghanaati - Paco Boy
4. Race: Braveheart Move - Akmal - Matraash
5. Race: Poppy Seed - Damietta - Beyond Desire
6. Race: Club Tahiti - Romany Princess - Alsace Lorraine
7. Race: Purissima - Makaamen - Axiom

Glorious Goodwood: Sussex Stakes

today is the second day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting and features the best race of the week, the Group One Sussex Stakes over a mile at 16.25 CET. This is a really strong race with 9 runners, of which 3 can be given realistic chances. Rip Van Winkle (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) is the favourite after his excellent second place to Sea the Stars in the Eclipse; he found the distance too far when favourite for the Derby, abd perhaps this mile is ideal. There was a scare yesterday, when he had a slight foot problem, but the latest news is that it has cleared up and that he is likely to run. The two he has to beat are clearly Paco Boy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and the 3yo filly Ghanaati (Barry and Richard Hills), most impressive when following up her 1,000 Guineas success in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. In Paco Boy´s case, whose stable continues in tremendous form, the jury is still out about whether the mile is his best distance, but he certainly had no pr oblems at Royal Ascot, while the 6 furlongs of the July Cup was clearly too short. Ghanaati is running for the first time against colts and also older horses, but she is still our selection in what promises to be a fantastic race. It is unlikely that any other runner has a chance, but Lord Shanakill (Jim Crowley) could run into the money after his brave victory in th Prix Jean Prat; he is now officially trained by Alan Jarvis, father-in-law of Karl Burke, who trained him until yesterday, but whose suspension starts today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Swingkeel - Tyrrells Wood - Markington
2. Race: Xtension - Dreamspeed - Roi De Vitesse
3. Race: Rip Van Winkle - Ghanaati - Paco Boy
4. Race: Braveheart Move - Akmal - Matraash
5. Race: Poppy Seed - Damietta - Beyond Desire
6. Race: Club Tahiti - Romany Princess - Alsace Lorraine
7. Race: Purissima - Makaamen - Axiom

German runners in France today

it was a good day for the German challengers at Chantilly yesterday and there are good chances of more German success today at Maisons-Laffitte, when there are German-trained runners in 7 of the 8 races. Indeed in the opening race for unraced 3yo´s at 13.50, 3 of the 5 runners come from Germany - Al Batal (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Three French Hens (Mario Hofer/ Gerald Mossé) and Silver Lady (Jean-Pierre Carvalho/ Christophe Lemaire). Baltromei has booked lightweight jockey Jerome Lermyte for his Shoshone in the 3yo fillies handicap over 1800 metres at 14.25. The next races are all over longer distances. Ralf Rohne´s Penjabi (Flavien Prat) has top weight in a conditions race for 3yo´s over 2600 metres at 14.55. Main featur is the listed race over 3100 metrs at 15.55 with only 6 runnrs. The Wildenstein stable´s Blek (Elie Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) has won his last 4 races in the style of an improving stayer, but the two German runners Shawnee Saga (Baltromei/ Boeu f) and Ruten (Andreas Löwe/ Jiri Palik) are both good enough to make a race of it. Mario Hofer´s oldtimer Kaliyan (Andreas Suborics) runs in the claiming race over 3100 metres at 16.25, while in a claimer for 3yo´s over 3000 metres for "young jockeys" Hofer runs Viva Agrippina (Jeremy Crocquevieille). Finally, in the 1400 metres claimer for older horses at 17.25 there are 4 German-trained runners: Lets Rock (Torsten Mundry/ Gerald Mosse), Malachito (Mario Hofer/ Andreas Suborics), Zaubermann (Carvalho/ Lemaire) and Mill Lady (Michael Trybuhl/ Johan Victoire). On German ratings, Malachito and Lets Rock have the best prospects here.

Betting forecast Maisons-Laffitte:
1. Race: Rushcutter - Al Batal - Rushcutter
2. Race: Zagzig - Singapore Belle - Magic Roundabout
3. Race: Kolkata - Peintre Abstrait - Le Bacardy
4. Race: Mirific - Old Way - Mirific
5. Race: Blek - Candy Gift - Saturnine
6. Race: Le Grand Medici - Natoire - So Long
7. Race: Tresmares - Posh - War Queen
8. Race: Poly Dance - Bacarrita - Mill Lady

Galway Festival: second day

the big Galway meeeting continues with some more very competitive racing, and the most valuable event today is the mile handicap at 20.00 CET with a maximum field of 18 runners. Rock and Roll Kid (Tony and Danny Mullins) is the likely favourite, especially as he goes well on the soft, but there are plenty more possibilties here, including the two British raiders Royal Power (David Nicholls/ Shane Foley) - winner of the German 2000 Guineas 3 years ago! - and Wigwam Willie (Kevin Ryan/ Willie Supple). Dermot Weld is the meeting specialist and landed a doube yesterday, so his candidate Bobs Pride also comes into the equation. However he fares, Weld has two clear winning chances with Brushed Aside in the 2yo fillies maiden at 20.35 and Qassaar in the 3yo maiden at 21.40; all his runners are partnered by Pat Smullen. The better of the two races over jumps is the 2 3/4 mile chase at 18.45, in which German-bred Noble Prize (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) has a sporting chance to m ake all the running.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: For The Staff - Bantry Commons - Glaczer Flyer
2. Race: Natal - Ross River - Noble Prize
3. Race: Mohtarres - Street Legal - Almolahek
4. Race: Rock And Roll Kid - Pires - Dedo
5. Race: Brushed Aside - Devoted To You - Akdarena
6. Race: Guitar Man - Shining Armour - Royal Intruder
7. Race: Qassaar - The Black Russian - Morethanafeeling

Glorious Goodwood: first day

this is one of the best weeks in British and Irish racing featuring the high-class and popular meetings at Glorious Goodwood, near the English south coast, and Galway, close to the Irish west coast. Goodwood starts today with an excellent card, including 3 group races. The Gordon Stakes for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET is regarded as an important St. Leger trial and Sir Michael Stoute´s lightly-raced Harbinger (Ryan Moore) is the ölikely favourite, even though he has a lot to find on ratings. Strictly on form this should go to Masterofthehorse (Debbie Mountain/ Philip Robinson), third in the Derby and fourth in the Irish Derby for Aidan O´Brien, following which he was sold to his present connections. Mark Johmnston is always to be feared at this meeting, and his Urban Poet (Greg Fairley) is an interstiung runner.moving up sharply in class after winning his maiden hard held by 9 lengths. The Betfair Cup over 7 furlongs at 16.25 features the placed horses from the July C up, Main Aim (Stoute/ Moore) who was hampered at Newmarket but still finished second, and JJ the Jet Plane (Mike de Kock/ Kevin Shea), who ran on well for third.Th extra furlong here should bother neither of them, indeed should be to their advantage. The two to beat are the two 3yo´s in the field, both owned by Hamdan al Maktoum. While stable jockey Richard Hills partners his father´s Oukba, winner at Royal Adcot last time, the other runner Marcus Tregoning´s Finjaan (Tadgh O´Shea) is our each-way selection here. Tregoning had to close his stable for 6 weeks because of a virus, but at the weekend there were clear signs that he is coming back to form and he saddled on Sunday at Ascot his first winner for 91 days. Finjaan has not run since finishing 9th in the 2000 Guineas but on his best 2yo form should go close here. Finally the Molecomb Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 17.00 features some of the speediest juveniles around. There are 11 runners, all of them previous winne rs, but the one to beat is clearly Monsieur Chevalier (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes). He has won 5 of his 6 starts and was unlucky on the other occasion (when badly hampered at Royal Ascot). He was especially impressive when winning the Super Sprint at Newbury last time, and although this track is possibly not ideal for his come from behind style, he should still score again now.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royal Destination - William Blake - Alfathaa
2. Race: Harbinger - Masterofthehorse - Firebet
3. Race: Main Aim - J J The Jet Plane - Ouqba
4. Race: Monsieur Chevalier - Iver Bridge Lad - Archers Road
5. Race: Cool Strike - Manyriverstocross - Waldvogel
6. Race: Mister Dee Bee - The Which Doctor - Wellington Square
7. Race: Red Badge - George Benjamin - Lowdown

German runners in France today

several German-trained runners today at Chantilly where the main event is a listed race for 3yo´s over 2000 metres at 15.35. 7 runners, including Falun (Andreas Trybuhl/ Terry Hellier), who is moving up in grade after winning 3 races this year. However he faces much tougher opposition this time. There are no German entries in the other listed event, a mile race for 3yo fillies at 15.00, in which English raider Riotista /Eoghan O´Neill/ Thierry Thulliez) could run well at a big price. Captain Camelot (Dr. Bolte/ Stephane Pasquier) has a difficult task under top-weight in the 2400 metres tiercé handicap at 14.25 and Samiro (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), a tierce specialist, is preferred at these weights. Michael Trybuhl has booked top jockey Olivier Peslier to partner his Black Jack in the claimer over 1800 metres at 16.20, but German-bred and Dutch-trained Irish Rock (Piet van Kempen/ Tony Piccone) looks a big danger.

Betting forecast Chantilly:
1. Race: Shahwardi - Street Runner - Wild Bride
2. Race: Bermuda Boy - Marendinio - Runtil Bere
3. Race: Picture Hat - Causa Proxima - Sweet Hearth
4. Race: War Power - Aizavoski - Three Bodies
5. Race: Head Of Steam - Cherie Bibie - Linea
6. Race: Ultime Chope - Multichope - Paschmina
7. Race: Same As Gold - Dana Spring - La Blue Hill
8. Race: Spidello - Juanito - Simple Style

Galway Festival begins

the week- long Galway festival, for many Irish racegoers the most eagerly awaited meeting of the year, gets under way this evening at the attractive Ballybrit racecourse. There are seven races on the card, two over hurdles and five on the flat, including two for amateur riders, one of which, the 2 mile handicap at 20.00 CET, is easily the most valuable event today. Trainer Charlie Swan has expressed misgivings about the very soft ground, but still holds a strong hand with Rajik (Derek O´Connor) and Zaralabad (Alan Berry), both easy last-time-out winners. However another recent winner, Jessica Harrington´s Zarinava (Pauline Ryan) is our selection. Dermot Weld always targets this meeting and has 3 good chances, Gratified (Denis O´Regan) in the opening novice hurdle at 18.10, Stunning View (Pat Smullen) in the 2yo maiden at 19.20 and Art Broker (Smullen) in the 3yo handicap at 21.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gratified - Wikaala - Tarkari
2. Race: Lady Hillingdon - No One Tells Me - Jewel Of The West
3. Race: Stunning View - Banyan Tree - Zayaan
4. Race: Rajik - Indian Pace - Equator
5. Race: Rio Cobolo - Ucanchoose - Spavento
6. Race: Art Broker - Penthesilea Eile - Badge Of Honour
7. Race: New Rules - Chip Tea - Hayabusa

4 U.K. meetings today

there are 4 meetings in the U.K. today - Yarmouth and Southwell (all-weather) this afternoon, and Windsor and Uttoxeter (N.H.) this evening, but to be honest nothing spectacular at any of them. At Yarmouth, recent maiden winner Dukes Art (Jamie Toller/ Robert Havlin) moves up into handicap company with good chances at 17.00 CET, but may find course specialist Oh So Saucy (Chris Wall/ George Baker) too strong, while top-weight Filigree (Rae Guest/ William Carson) should go well in the 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later. Best betting race at Southwell is the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15, but with Sir Mark Prescott having hit top form, it may not be necssary to look beyond his Florentia (Seb Sanders). An interesting runner here is the German-bred Sommersturm (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.45. He was 4th in the Union-Rennen two years ago and then was later often used by Schlenderhan as a pacemaker. If anywhere near his old form, he would have a great chance here, but Barney Curley´s runners have mainly been performing badly. At Windsor this evening, Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes, who always do well at these meetings, look the team to follow. They can take the two 2yo races with Red Planet at 19.10 and Chocolate Cookie an hour later, and also have chances with Sister Clement in the 6 furlongs fillies handicap at 20.45; Hughes can round off a good evening by winning the mile maiden at 21.15 on Block Party for Roger Charlton. There are mainly large fields at this evening´s jumps meeting at Uttoxeter, the exception being the beginners chase at 20.20, which can go to Paul Nicholls´ R de Rien Sivola (Harry Skelton), who receives lots of weight from the other 4 runners. Sea Cliff (Jonjo O`Neill/ Tony McCoy) could be a danger, but will have to jump much better than he did last time.

Betting forecast Uttoxeter:
1. Race: Souixsanna Vic - Rhinestone Ruby - Ragdollianna
2. Race: Paradise Expected - Changing Lanes - Skipper`S Lad
3. Race: R De Rien Sivola - Western Gale - Sea Cliff
4. Race: Magnifico - Quedillac - Brousse En Feux
5. Race: Brave Bugsy - Plenty Of Chat - Diktatorship
6. Race: Danimix - Jon Paul The Third - Call Me Mulligan

two Group Two races at Maisons-Laffitte

Maisons-Laffitte stages one of its biggest days of the year this afternoon, featuring two Group Two races, the Prix Robert Papin for 2yo´s over 1100 metres at 15.50 and the Prix Eugene Adam for 3yo´s over 2000 metres at 16.20. The former event looks booked for the Aga Khan´s unbeaten Siyouni (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon); the stable is not noted for precocious juveniles but this one looks the real deal. The danger, if any, coms from the two Italian entries Orpeen Shadow and Golden Ramon, both trained by Bruno Grizetti. German-trained Italian Oaks winner Night of Magic (Horst Steinmetz/ Mirco Demuro) is an interesting runner in the Eugene Adam, The only filly in the field she faces 8 opponents, best of whom could be Cashelgar (Royer-Dupré/ Gerald Mossé) and Prince Siegfried (Saeed bin Suroor/ Christophe Lemaire), but André Fabre has won this race 13 times already and his improving Ideology (Maxime Guyon) must be feared as well. The listed Prix de La Pepiniere o ver 2100 metres for 4yo and older fillies and mares has attracted an international field, including three German fillies, but La Tournesol (Peter Schiergen/ Dominique Boeuf), Lunduv (Christian von der Recke/ Mirco Demuro) and Stella di Quattro (Uwe Ostmann/ Rene Piechulek) face tough opposition, headed by Albisola (Robert Collet/ Johan Victoire).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dreamt - Almoradi - Bellinissimo
2. Race: Crumpett - Naramix - Doudyla
3. Race: Midnight Dreamer - Peachmelba - Synergy
4. Race: Siyouni - Special Duty - Wonderfilly
5. Race: Vesuve - Prince Siegfried - Allybar
6. Race: Toxeas - Le Pitalugue - Kokouchu
7. Race: Pink Candie - Amico Fritz - Los Gigantes
8. Race: Buttes Chaumont - Shippawa - Reve d`Ailleur

Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh

2yo´s take centre stage at the Curragh today, where the going is expected to be very soft. Main event is the Group One Phoenix Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.40 CET. Aidan O´Brien has monopolised this event in recent years,m winning 9 of the last 11 runnings, and has 4 of the 8 runners in his attempt to score for the 10th time. Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partners his best chance Alfred Nobel, but he may meet his match here in the shape of the smart unbeaten filly Walk on Bye (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan). The listed race over 5 furlongs at 15.40 is also for 2yo´s and this could also go to a filly - Velvet Flicker (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), who is dropping in class and distance. The other big race at the Curragh is the listed fillies race over 6 furlongs at 16.10. Stack and Mordan have another chance here with top-weight Aine, but our selection is the sole British runner Swiss Diva (David Elsworth/ Pat Smullen).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Master Marvel - Amana - Florimund
2. Race: Dream Deer - Velvet Flicker - Arctic
3. Race: Choose Me - Aine - Chatline
4. Race: Alfred Nobel - In Some Respect - Beethoven
5. Race: Fit The Cove - Majestic Times - Pax Soprana
6. Race: Signore Momento - Dasha - Long Wait
7. Race: Irish Reel - Runaway Rose - Strandhill

Ascot, Carlisle and Pontefract

today is the third and final day of the July meeting at Ascot, but obviously the card cannot compare to the heroic races staged yesterday. The two valuable handicaps that close the card are the best betting races but are both wide open. 15 runners go over 1 1/2 miles at 17.35 CET and 26 (!) ovr 5 furlongs at 17.10. Our short list in the former race includes Storyland (William Haggas/ Kirsty Milczorek), Spring Jim (James Fanshawe/ Michael Hills) and Hevelius (Walter Swinburn/ Shane Kelly), while in the latter one must choose between 8 Dandy Nicholls entries; Sonny Red (Richard Hughes), Mandurah (with son Adrian in the saddle) and Northern Dare (Franny Norton) are possibly the best chances for the sprint specialist. Also at Ascot, Poppets Lovein (Andy Haynes/ Stephen Donohoe) is expected to run well in the 3yo maiden fillies race over a mile at 15.50; she is a half-sister to Overdose. The listed race at Pontefract over a mile at 16.50 has attracted a good field, headed by Godol phin´s Orizaba (Ahmed Ajtebi) and the lightly-raced Racketeer (John Gosden/ Nicky Mackay). At Carlisle, two likely winning favourites are the unbeaten Saga de Tercey (Alan Swinbank/ Serena Brotherton) in the amateur lady riders handicap at 16.35 and Visit Royale (Sir Michal Stout/ Tom Eaves) in the 9 furlongs maiden at 17.45.

Betting forecast Ascot:
1. Race: - -
2. Race: In Secret - Mezenah - Sterling Sound
3. Race: Bajan Tryst - Lucky Numbers - New Leyf
4. Race: Shamali - Just Lille - Proponent
5. Race: Overrule - Sabotage - Jawaab
6. Race: Sonny Red - Northern Dare - Hamish Mcgonagall

Frankie at York

although the Godolphin stable has some runners at Ascot today, stable jockey Frankie Dettori travels north to York, primarily to partner Kirklees in the Group Two York Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.10 CET. The lightly-raced 5yo was a very easy winner of a listed race last time out and should also be up to winning in this grade. He was long under consideration for Munich´s Group One race tomorrow, and he is our best bet of the day. Main opposition should come from Curtain Call (Luca Cumani/ Neil Callan), an excellent 4th last time in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Any further rain (not expected) would help his chances, while Tazeez (John Gosden/ Tadgh O´Shea) looks next best. Big betting race at York is the 6 furlongs Sky Bet Dash at 16.45 with 22 runners. Dandy Nicholls always does well in these big sprint handicaps and now saddles 4 runners, of whom Tajneed (with son Adrian in the saddle) and CD winner Striking Spirit (Micky Fenton) could come out best. Richard Fahey is anot her trainer to watch here and it is interesting that his stable jockey Paul Hanagan prefers Kaldoun Kingdom to Knot in Wood. Roker Park (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) is another possibility in a wide open race. There is also racing this afternoon at Newcastle and Newmarket , and this evening at Lingfield and Salisbury, but all well below the standards of today´s cards at Ascot and York.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Emerald Girl - Gertmegalush - Merseyside Star
2. Race: Aromatic - Spouk - Ella
3. Race: Kirklees - Curtain Call - Tazeez
4. Race: Roker Park - Cheveton - Striking Spirit
5. Race: Loveinthesand - Key Art - L`Enchanteresse
6. Race: Hawk Mountain - Nemo Spirit - Zuwaar
7. Race: Zomerlust - Bold Marc - Glenridding

rest of Ascot

the rest of the Ascot card is also extremely interesting, with the Group Three race for 2yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 15.40 CET the next best race, This has often been won by a top filly, but this year´s field looks slightly substandard with no obvious standout star. Most of the runners are moving up in grade after easily winning their maidens and it looks a tricky betting event. Richard Hannon has his 2yo´s on top form and has 2 runners here, with preference for Full Mandate (Richard Hughes), while we also respect Godolphin´s Sand Vixen (Ted Durcan). The other 2yo race is a listed event over 7 furlongs at 15.00, in which Party Doctor (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) is the form choice after his third place at the Royal meeting here. The big betting race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50 with 22 runers, many of whom have already raced each other this season. Giganticus won over this CD at the Royal meeting but then flopped at Newmarket in the race won by Plum Pudding. Ca ptain Brilliance (Jeremy Noseda/ Johnny Murtagh) started favourite there and was an unlucky runner-up; he is likely to be favourite again, but there has also been heavy backing for Roaring Forte (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore), controversially withdrawn at the start in the Royal Hunt Cup. Others to consider include Racer Forever (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Redford (Michael Bell/ Richard Hughes), close up 5th and 6th in the Newmarket race. The mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.15 has only 11 runners but looks equally tricky, but we hope to see top-weight Sri Putra (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) run well; he was 5th in the German 2,000 Guineas last time when he found the going too tacky. The good to firm ground forecast for today should be ideal.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Desert - Secret Night - Pravda Street
2. Race: Party Doctor - Lamh Albasser - Nideeb
3. Race: Jira - Jeanie Johnston - Lady Of The Desert
4. Race: Desert Creek - Loch Linnhe - Sri Putra
5. Race: Captain Brilliance - Roaring Forte - Secret Society
6. Race: Conduit - Tartan Bearer - Golden Sword
7. Race: Solar Graphite - Stanstill - Senses

King George at Ascot

the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group One, 12 furlongs) this afternoon at 17.25 CET at Ascot is not only today´s top event, but also the best British race of the summer, roughly equivalent to the "Arc" in France. However it must be said that the race has lost some of its lustre in recent years, with many of the stars now being kept for an autumn campaign, and 3yo runners have been very rare this century. At least there are 3 runners from the classic crop today, but the cream - Sea the Stars and Fame and Glory- is missing. Still a cracking race is in prospect, and as so often it could boil down to a match between the most powerful stables in England and Ireland, i.e. Sir Michael Stoute vs Aidan O´Brien. Both of them field 3 candidates today, and while O´Brien has the best recent record here, Stoute appears to hold the whip hand this time. His stable jockey Ryan Moore had to ponder a long time before finally deciding to partner Conduit; that is also the logical choice, as he is the bookmakers´ favourite as well as the highest-rated horse in the race. However he has little in hand of stable-companion Tartan Bearer, for whom Mick Kinane, bidding for his 6th success in the race, has been booked. Both have been running this season over 10 furlongs, but this trip suits them both much better. Stoute´s third runner Ask has the assistance of Olivier Peslier in the saddle, but probably needs more cut in the ground. On Coronation Cup running he has little in hand of the filly Look Here (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders), and last year´s Oaks winner should find conditions to her liking after not handling the soft ground in Ireland last time. Of Brien´s trio, Rockhampton is clearly the pacemaker and the question - as always with this stable- is how strong a pace he will set. Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partners Golden Storm, runner-up in the Irish Derby, while Seamus Heffernan rides German-bred Frozen Fire, a lucky winner of that race last year. B est outsider is Alwaary (John Gosden/ Richard Hills), very unlucky last time at Newmarket, but Conduit sems the most likely winner; at the likely odds we also like Look Here each way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Desert - Secret Night - Pravda Street
2. Race: Party Doctor - Lamh Albasser - Nideeb
3. Race: Jira - Jeanie Johnston - Lady Of The Desert
4. Race: Desert Creek - Loch Linnhe - Sri Putra
5. Race: Captain Brilliance - Roaring Forte - Secret Society
6. Race: Conduit - Tartan Bearer - Golden Sword
7. Race: Solar Graphite - Stanstill - Senses

Chepstow, Newmarket, York and Wexford (Ireland) this evening

plenty of racing this evening and pride of place goes to York´ s listed race for fillies over 10 furlongs at 20.30 CET. High Heeled (Barry and Michael Hills) finished third in the Oaks, and a reproduction of that form would be more than enough. Short Affair (Luca Cumani/ Neil Callan) and Ave (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Mullen), both last-time-out winners in lesser company, can chase her home. Stoute probably has better chances at his home track Newmarket, and can take both the class 3 handicaps with Pumpkin over 6 furlongs at 20.40 and Kensington Oval over 1 1/2 miles, both partnered by stable jockey Ryan Moore. All the races at Chepstow are class 5 or 6; ex-German Sonnengold (Bernard Llewellyn/ Byron Moorcroft) has not run for 10 months, but won the claiming race over 2 miles at 19.50 last year and can follow up if anywhere near peak form. In Ireland there is a mixed meeting (3 flat races, 3 over hurdles, 2 bumpers) at Wexford with maximum fields of mainly moderate horses in all 8 races. Philip Rothwell has his string in good form and can take the handicap hurdle at 20.05 with Cylindar Rattler (Davy Russell).

Betting forecast York:
1. Race: Iron Out - Peter`S Gift - Harriet`S Girl
2. Race: Mandalay King - Hotham - Haajes
3. Race: Iron Velvet - Vale Of York - Hot Prospect
4. Race: High Heeled - Ave - Short Affair
5. Race: Fairmile - Invasian - Lost Soldier Three
6. Race: Secret Venue - Lenny Bee - Brierty

start of Ascot´s July meeting

the 3-day Ascot July meeting starts today, and although obviously tomorrow´s card, featuring the "King George", has the best racing, today´s card is also highly interesting. The listed mile race for fillies at 16.50 CET should go to the improving Strawberrydaiquiri (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), although top-weight Rosaleen (Brian Meehan/ Frankie Dettori), as well as Balaagha (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) and Lady Francesca (Willie Muir/ Darryll Holland) should also be involved. The Brown Jack handicap over 2 miles at 17.25 always attracts some useful stayers, and although there are only 6 runners, it looks quite open. Mark Johnston´s front-runner Alanbrooke (Greg Fairley), who made all to win over this CD last time, is stepping up in grade but should be able to hold off Hendersyde (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby), 4th in the Northumberland Cup last time. There is also racing this afternoon at Thirsk and over jumps at Southwell, where Irish raider Gordon Elliott once again looks the trainer to follow. At Thirsk, Munich punters will be hoping to see Dorn Dancer (Mark Brisbourne/ Tony Hamilton) in the 6 furlongs fillies handicap at 17.15, and Grudge (Ollie Pears/ Matthew Lawson), in the 5 furlongs apprentice handicap at 18.20, finish in the money.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Zubova - Battlemaiden - Seeking Dubai
2. Race: Sea Lord - Pounced - Gene Autry
3. Race: Strawberrydaiquiri - Lady Francesca - Damaniyat Girl
4. Race: Alanbrooke - Hendersyde - Ermine Sea
5. Race: Last Three Minutes - Fanjura - Resurge
6. Race: Credit Swap - Sarah Park - Effigy

Vichy July meeting

the Vichy meeting continues today when the main event is a listed race over a mile for older horses at 15.55. This looks very open, with last-time-out winners Porgy (Criquette Head-Maarek/ Stephane Pasquier) and Sceptre Rouge (Alain de Royer- Dupré/ Ioritz Mendizibal) just two of several possibilities. Hans-Walter Hiller´s Electric Roi runs in the tiercé handicap, also over a mile, at 14.25; he has a big weight but should run well. In the second division at 17.25 Waldemar Himmel´s Kalawa (Johan Victoire) is another German-trained runner with chances, but the stable´s form here this week has so far been disappointing.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Australian Speed - People Chop - Grand Charly
2. Race: Carimo - Chelsea Hotel - Mesa Marauder
3. Race: Redondelle - Princess Doha - Coconino
4. Race: Pool Of Knowledge - Avellino - Sire Des Aulnays
5. Race: Sceptre Rouge - Burdlaz - Eire
6. Race: Quiou - Silkenia - Starpen
7. Race: Unirossa - Rislew - Global Hero
8. Race: Chock Dee - Torronto - Free And Brave

Ireland this evening

two Irish meetings this evening, with flat racing at Leopardstown and N.H. racing from Limerick. The Leopardstown card boasts two group races, with Aidan O´Brien launching a strong challenge for both. In the Tyros Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 19.30 CET he saddles Cape Blanco (Johnny Murtagh) and Kingdom of Munster (Seamus Heffernan), both easy winners of their only start and now moving up in grade. He has 3 runners in the Meld Stakes over 10 furlongs at 21.100 with the stable jockey partnering Chief Lone Eagle, but they face strong opposition, notably from the smart Casual Conquest (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), a Group One winner last time, and Beach Bunny (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) just touched off by Dar Re Mi in the Pretty Polly last time. There are the usual maximum fields at Limerick´s jumps meeting, where the best race is the 2 3/4 miles chase at 20.15. Barna Bay (VT O´Brien/ Joe Cullen) was a 20-1 winner last time, but runner-up Toby Jug (Michael Hourigan/ R uby Walsh) can reverse those placings on 5 lbs better terms.

Betting forecast Leopardstown:
1. Race: Bobbyscot - Mark Twain - Seventh Star
2. Race: Cape Blanco - Perfect Symmetry - Miracle Match
3. Race: Roan Inish - Queen Of Troy - My Mood
4. Race: Qeyaada - White And Red - Capall An Ibre
5. Race: Casual Conquest - Beach Bunny - Chief Lone Eagle
6. Race: Raise Your Heart - Another Jayjay - Mr Pianist
7. Race: Big Game Hunter - Moon Indigo - End Of The Affair

Doncaster, Epsom and Folkestone this evening

rather surprisingly Frankie Dettori is riding this evening at Folkestone, where he partners Godolphin´s top-weight Yirga in the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 21.35 CET. He also rides newcomer Montelissima for Ed Dunlop at 20.00, Dicey Affair for Gary Moore at 20.35 and Persian Memories for John Dunlop at 21.05 and it will be disappointing if he goes home without a winner. Most of the leading jockeys will be in action at Epsom, having travelled on from the afternoon meeting at Sandown, and both Richard Hughes, on Richard Ford´s Inspirina at 21.15, and Ryan Moore, on his father´s Rocker at 19.35 and Sir Michael Stoute´s Insolence at 20.40, can complete a good day´s work. Best race at Doncaster is the 7 furlongs handicap for fillies at 20.50. With Sir Mark Prescott back in form, his top-weight Presciption (Seb Sanders) has an obvious chance on 2008 form, but she has been off the track since September. On recent form the lightly-raced 3yo´s Steel Free (Michael Bell/ Hayley Tu rner) and Sakhees Pearl (Gaye Kellaway/ Micky Fenton),both easy maiden winners last time, must be given serious respect.

Betting forecast Folkestone:
1. Race: Rafta - Bold Ring - Fyelehk
2. Race: Castano - Royal Bloom - One More Round
3. Race: Hasty - Interakt - Pollenator
4. Race: Cavendish Road - Bea Menace - Kyle Of Bute
5. Race: Persian Memories - Halfway House - Saborido
6. Race: Yirga - Sequillo - Golden Rock

Bath, Sandown and Uttoxeter (N.H.)

as is often the case, the racing in the second half of the week is of much better quality than in the first half, and this is certainly the case today, with 2 group races this evening in Ireland and a listed race this afternoon at Sandown. This latter event is a 7 furlongs race for 2yo fillies at 16.20 CET which has attracted 8 runners, all of them winners. Bahati (Johnny Portman/ Tom Queally) is the only unbeaten filly, but is taking a huge leap on class. Richard Hannon´s juveniles are carrying all before them at present and his two runners, Crown (Richard Hughes) and Middle Club (Ryan Moore), are bound to be popular. However Gallic Star (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland), a very easy maiden winner last time, could be the one to beat. An interesting runner here from the German point of view is Aviso (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally), who goes for the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.30. The Schlenderhan-bred won the German 2,000 Guineas two years ago, but seems to have lost form complete ly. However he is now racing off the ridiculously low mark of 79 and should certainly be watched for any market support. Veteran trainer Milton Bradley had a winner yesterday and today targets the 5 furlongs claiming race at 17.05 at Bath, where he saddles 3 runners. Best of them should be The Tatling (Jack Dean), who always runs well here; despite top-weight and his age of 12, he still looks easily the best horse in the field. Thre is alsoN.H. racing this afternoon at Uttoxeter, where Irish trainer Gordon Elliott should land a double with Cooksgrove Lady (Jason Maguire) in the novice hurdle at 15.00 (looks unbeatable, but will be priced accordingly) and Dirar (Seamus Durack) in the handicap hurdle at 16.45, both of them easy last-time-out winners.

Betting forecast Sandown:
1. Race: Autocracy - Thomas Baines - Tarita
2. Race: Strictly - Sharpened Edge - Chris`S Jem
3. Race: Gallic Star - Crown - Middle Club
4. Race: Altimatum - Ithinkbest - Poyle Meg
5. Race: Dancourt - Hallstatt - Summer Winds
6. Race: Lethal Glaze - King Of Wands - Clowance House

Grand Prix de Vichy this evening

the highlight of the week-long Vichy July meeting is the Group Three Grand Prix de Vichy run over 2000 metres at 21.25 this evening. German hope Zaungast (Waldemar Hickst/ Andreas Suborics) is very consistent, runs here over his best trip and comes with the recommendation of having beaten Prince Flori ie the Grosser Preis von Dortmund last time out. However that means that he must give away 2 kilos all round here, which will not be easy. The local opposition looks strong, and Dominique Boeuf´s mount Full of Gold, trained by Criquette Head-Maarek for her father Alec, looks the pick.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Theza Bere - Calina Salsa - Xaarienne
2. Race: Serasana - Happy Wedding - Driven Snow
3. Race: Charmante Grace - Minnaloushe - Comte Ryal
4. Race: Inestimable - Full Of Gold - Starlish
5. Race: Quizitca Deurie - Roxa De Faust - Rosignol Collonges
6. Race: Miss Nissac - Magic Artiste - King Lionel
7. Race: Classic Beauty - Vivalto - Asterisco

Leicester, Sandown and Naas (Ireland) this evening

Frankie Dettori is in action at Sandown this evening and his most significant ride is Godolphin´s Emirates Sports in the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 20.40 CET. The lightly-raced colt has won 2 of his 3 starts but will need to be at his best to give weight to the very consistent Star Links (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and to Crime Writer /Royston French) whose trainer Mark Johnston is always dangerous on his raids on southern racetracks. Dettori has 2 other mounts, including Godolphin´s Burgundy Ice, who is dropped sharply in grade following her listed race flop and now contests a class 4 handicap at 21.15. At Leicester, the 1 1/2 mile handicap for older horses at 20.55 can go to Luca Cumani´s Hada Men (Dane O´Neill), narrow winner of his only start in 2009, but Summer Lodge (Jeremy Glover/ Alan Munro), first or second on all recent starts, looks a big danger. At Naas, most of the top Irish stables will be in action. Aidan O´Brien saddles two interesting newcomers in the 2yo mile maiden at 20.30. Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh rides Await the Dawn, but on pedigree Banyan Tree (Seamus Heffernan), who is out of classic winner User Friendly, looks equally smart. Reiteration (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) has already shown good form and is the one to beat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jo`Burg - Ensnare - Sahara Sunshine
2. Race: Yer Woman - Drift And Dream - Point To Prove
3. Race: Cadley Road - High Twelve - Jutland
4. Race: Emirates Sports - Crime Writer - Glen Molly
5. Race: Romany Princess - Marvo - Eastern Warrior
6. Race: Hawridge King - Dakiyah - Callisto Moon

Catterick, Lingfield (a.w.) and Worcester (N.H.)

once again, very modest racing this afternoon, but at least there are 3 meetings. At Catterick, the best race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 CET, in which Le Toreador (Kevin and Amy Ryan) can complete a hat-trick. However he would not want any more rain, and Hypnosis (Tony Hamilton), whose trainer Neil Wilson is in good form, could be a big danger. The claiming race at 17.50 is also over 5 furlongs and looks a match between Obe Gold (David and Adrian Nicholls - a team in red-hot form) and Rasaman (Kevin and Amy Ryan), who is dropping in grade and goes well on the soft. Another who should appreciate the easier going is the Monsun gelding Andorn (Peter Kirby/ David Kenny), who has top-weight in the 1 1/2 miles apprentice handicap at 18.20. William Haggas can land both divisons of the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at Lingfield with Wriggle (Liam Jones) at 15.00 and the well-bred Azizi (Richard Hills) half an hour later, while Piazzo San Pietro (Andy Haynes/ Tom Queally) can co mplete a quick July hat-trick in the 6 furlongs handicap here at 16.30. Over jumps at Worcester, Jonjo O´Neill and Tony McCoy can continue their good run with Night Cru in the novice hurdle at 15.40, while the 2 miles 7 furlongs handicap chase at 16.40 looks the best betting race of the afternoon. Beehawk (Kevin Bishop/ Paddy Brennan) was a close second of 13 over this CD recently and should be involved again, but Irish raider Misty Isle (L Byrne/ Jack Doyle) looks a big threat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Makbullet - Newbury Street - Ejaab
2. Race: Alphacino - Ba Jetstream - Sassanian
3. Race: Feelin Foxy - Le Toreador - Hypnosis
4. Race: Whippers Love - Go To Dubai - Storm Hawk
5. Race: First Swallow - Future Gem - Conjecture
6. Race: Obe Gold - Rasaman - Lucky Art
7. Race: Border Tale - Promise Maker - Bert`S Memory

Bangor (N.H-.), Southwell (a.w.) and Ballinrobe (Ireland) this evening

Seb Sanders is riding at Yarmouth this afternoon but then makes his way up to Southwell, where he could be the jockey to follow at this evening´s all-weather meeting. He has 5 rides, all with chances, including 4 for his boss Sir Mark Prescott and it will be surprising if he goes home without a winner. His best chances would appear to be Uncle Brit in the mile handicap at 19.50 CET, Ponting over 6 furlongs half an hour later, and Virginia Hall in the 2yo maiden 20.50. At Bangor, Charlie Egerton and Tony McCoy look the team to follow and can land a double with Duty Free in the novice hurdle at 20.30 (has Vacario to beat) and German-bred Freeze the Flame in the handicap chase at 21.00 (has Free Gift to beat). There ar the usualmaximum fields at Balloinrobe in Irland, where ther ar 3 flat races followd by 4 races over hurdlks. The opening maiden race over 1 3/4 miles can go to the Aga Khan´s Anak (John Oxx/ Fran Berry), runner-up in a similar race last week, but 5yo Won in the Dark (Sabrina Harty/ Robbie Cleary) could be hard to beat if fully fit after a long break. The maiden hurdle at 20.40 is the most interesting N,H, event, with several runners who look due for a win, including First Smash (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan), who being by Monsun out of a Surumu mare has an excellent German pedigree.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dot`S Delight - Jafaru - Credential
2. Race: Uncle Brit - Hawkeyethenoo - Swiss Art
3. Race: Ponting - First Blade - Dancing Wave
4. Race: Virginia Hall - Mahiki - Florio Vincitore
5. Race: Fiftyfourth Street - Air Lion - Florentia
6. Race: The Last Don - Veiled - Eightdaysaweek

Ffos Las and Yarmouth

the most interesting feature of British racing today is the first flat meeting ever to be held at the new Welsh racecourse at Ffos Las. The track opened a month ago with a N.H. meeting, which was a great success, and they are expecting today´s flat start to go equally well. Unlike the ill-fated Great Leighs (whose future remains very uncertain) the officials at Ffos Las have prepared the ground properly, and today´s card, though fairly low-key, has runners from several top stables. The best race is the fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.00 CET, whch should go to John Gosden´s lightly-raced Charity Belle (Jimmy Fortune), fourth in a listed race last time. The very consistent Onemix (Barry and Michael Hills) looks the main danger, as it seems doubtful that Classic Legend (Brian Meehan/ Shane Kelly), the only 4yo in the field, can concede weight to these promising 3yo´s. Barry and Michael Hills can also take the very first flat race to be run here, a 2yo maiden at 15.30, w ith Our Dream Queen, who looks to have only Going French (Roger Curtis/ Tony Culhane) to beat. The Yarmouth card consists entirely of class 5 and 6 races, but several of the top jockeys will be in action here. Most interesting event is the 11 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.15 with 16 runners. This is wide open and our short list includes top-weight Alicante (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders), Venture Capitalist (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore) and Halfway House (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer).

Betting forecast Ffos Las:
1. Race: Our Dream Queen - Going French - Miskin Nights
2. Race: Milldown Story - Morning Queen - Majestic Lady
3. Race: Listillo - Transfixed - Duke Of Rainford
4. Race: Charity Belle - Onemix - Classic Legend
5. Race: Cape Vale - Miss Chamanda - Wotasparkler
6. Race: Black Or Red - Colourful Move - Ja One
7. Race: Sir Boss - Enlightenment - Mustajed



Betting forecast Yarmouth:
1. Race: Poppy N`Penny - Farmers Wish - Kings Bayonet
2. Race: Extracurricular - Bussell Along - King`S Masque
3. Race: Alicante - Halfway House - Hi Fling
4. Race: Surprise Party - Kassuta - Turkish Lokum
5. Race: Squander - Luc Jordan - Kessraa
6. Race: Autumn Blades - Billberry - Seneschal
7. Race: Silver Prelude - Lithaam - Chantilly Jewel
8. Race: Guto - Mr Skipiton - Outer Hebrides

Beverley, Windsor and Ballinrobe (Ireland) this evening

the best race this evening at Beverley is the mile handicap at 21.30 CET and although there are only 7 runners this looks wide open. Desire to Excel (Paul Cole/ Jimmy Quinn) has won 3 of 4 starts this season, including this CD, and is th likely favouritem, but we prefer top-weight Burns Night (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley), who lost his chance last time by hanging badly and whose stable is still churning out winners on a regular basis. The trainer is a patriotic Scot and would no doubt love to win with a horse so named. At Newbury, there are 16 runners in the 2yo maiden fillies race at 20.20, including 7 newcomers. Outshone (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and L´Enchanteress (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) both finished third first time out and seem certain future winners, but Candleshoe (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) comes from a stable in red-hot form who have a tremendous record in 2y0 races at this track. Ben´s Dream (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) won nicely at Warwick last t ime and can follow up under bottom weight in the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.50. In Ireland, there is a mixed meeting at Ballinrobe with 4 flat races, 2 chases and a bumper. Two likely winning favourites are Blue Ridge Lane (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) on the flat at 19.10 and The God of Love (Philip Rothwell/ Davy Russell) over fences at 21.20.

Beverley - betting forecast:
1. Race: Diamond Laura - Mrs Jones And Me - Menediva
2. Race: Graceful Descent - Honimiere - Coral Shores
3. Race: Violent Velocity - Rising Kheleyf - Silly Gilly
4. Race: Highland Warrior - Bahamian Ballet - Sir Nod
5. Race: Strikemaster - Kidson - Guilin
6. Race: Desire To Excel - Burns Night - Drum Dragon
7. Race: San Silvestro - Island Music - Blue Charm

Ayr and Yarmouth this afternoon

Very little to get excited about this afternoon, especially at Yarmouth where there are 8 low-level races, 7 of them class 6. Our only recommendation here is Defecator, who sporting blinkers for the first time, was only narrowly beaten last week. That was a poor race, but so is this 6 furlongs handicap at 16.45 CET and Martin Dwyer is usually worth an interest when riding for his father-in-law Willie Muir. Following last week´s disaster, all races at Ayr today will be run on the straight course, i.e. over 5 or 6 furlongs. Easily the best race is the class 2 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30 which has attracted a strong field of 17 runners. The top qwoghts Look Busy (Alan Berry/ Slad O´Hara) and Reverence (Eric Alston/ Tom McLaughlin) are both good listed class performtrs, and in fact Reverence has plenty of Group One form to his credit. Any rain would be to his advantage, while Look Busy, who can boast 10 wins and 10 places from 28 career starts, is totally game and consistent and acts on any ground. She has already won twice this CD and is the selection, although in-form Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Phillip Makin) Tyrannosaurus Rex (Derek Shaw/ Franny Norton) and Pavershooz (Neil Wilson/ Duran Fentiman) all look dangerous.

Ayr - betting forecast:
1. Race: Exceed Elegance - Pacific Bay - Go Alone
2. Race: Trinder - Yesnabay - Benrish
3. Race: Stellite - Dream Express - Paddy Bear
4. Race: Tyfos - We Have A Dream - John Keats
5. Race: Look Busy - Reverence - Pavershooz
6. Race: Twosheetstothewind - Ingleby Star - Thunder Bay
7. Race: Blackwell Nation - What A Fella - Arriva La Diva

Yarmouth - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bomber Brown - Red Oriental - Miss Sophisticat
2. Race: Bradford - Astonishment - Syrian
3. Race: Jessica Hayllar - Annia Galeria - Flashy Lover
4. Race: Memphis Man - Luminous Gold - Defector
5. Race: Native Dame - Deckchair - Dancing Welcome
6. Race: Art Value - Casablanca Minx - Chic Shanique
7. Race: Arty Crafty - Precious Secret - Bubses Boy
8. Race: Dragon Slayer - Fantasy Ride - Jelly Mo

Vichy July meeting

the Vichy July meeting dominates French flat racing this week and Waldemar Himmel has two runners there today. Swadesh (Gaetan Masure) runs in a 3yo conditions race over 1800 metres at 15.25, while the consistent Abson (Dominique Boeuf) contests the 2400 metres handicap at 16.25. Adolf Renk´s runners are always to be followed at this meeting, and Milongo, trained and ridden by daughter Brigitte, runs in the 3000 metres tierce handicap at 14.25; ex-German Courthouse Steps is also expected to run well in the second division at 17.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Madiba - Tagar Bere - Double Team
2. Race: Mont Joux - Kadabi - Pro Ken
3. Race: As Speed - Printemps D`Alsace - Exotica
4. Race: Vellane - Alava - Sarsia
5. Race: Solaria - Royal Surgeon - Botanique
6. Race: Kilmallock - Silver Crown - Abson
7. Race: Lectrice - Raise To Honor - Monsieur Paul
8. Race: Toninho - Molitor - Zickly

Irish racing today

There are 2 meetings in Ireland today, on the flat at Fairyhouse and over jumps at Tipperary. Best race at Fairyhouse is the 6 furlongs listed event at 16.25 CET, where 3 of the 9 runners met last time in a Group Three over 7 furlongs at the Curragh.On that occasion Three Rocks (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) won comfortably from Georgebernardshaw (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) with Snaefell (Mike Halford/ Fran Berry) last; however this result is not certain to be repeated as Three Rocks is now worse off at the weights and Snaefell is now racing over his best distance. Set Sail (O´Brien/ Murtagh) is entered at Munich next week and last time finished last when used as a pacemaker in the Eclipse, but the conditions race at 18.25 here is more his level and he should win. At Tipperary, the main event is the valuable hurdle race at 16.45. Ebaziyan (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) appars to have lost form, while Megans Joy (Colm Murphy/ Shane Flanagan) has not run since the Cheltenham fes tival, so it may pay to concentrate on Cuan Na Gai (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley) and Jumbo Rio (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), runner-up in a hot race at Auteuil last time. O´Grady and McNamara also have chances with the ex-German Manhattan Boy in the handicap chase at 15.45.

Fairyhouse - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bosphorus Queen - Famous Warrior - Simon Bolivar
2. Race: Bipasha - Signore Momento - Conry
3. Race: Three Rocks - Georgebernardshaw - Snaefell
4. Race: Akrisrun - Mean Lae - Panic
5. Race: Worldly Wise - Captain Henry - Hawkhill
6. Race: Le Diablo Rouge - Newmarket Story - Tradewinds
7. Race: Estrela Brage - Set Sail - Nafaath

Tipperary - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sher Why Not - Knock On The Head - Schelm
2. Race: Glenfolan - American Star - Strong Project
3. Race: Wins Now - Ballymac Beauty - Glacial Promise
4. Race: Ebaziyan - Jumbo Rio - Cuan Na Grai
5. Race: Piltown - Wine And Spirits - Doheny Bar
6. Race: Armaramak - Compelled - Return To Glory
7. Race: Older And Wiser - Grand Charisma - College Daisy
8. Race: Red Hot Poker - Carrie Bradshaw - Start Me Up

Only 2 N.H.meetings in UK today

With Redcar abandoned following the heavy rain of the last 2 days, there are only 2 meetings in the U.K. today, both over jumps. Tony McCoy showed again yesterday why he is the champion jumps jockey and should shine again today at Newton Abbot, where he has fancied rides in all 5 races over obstacles. His best chances are probably Sizing Asia at 15.30 CET and Rippling Ring at 17.0, both for Paul Nicholls, but Fongoli can win the 3yo hurdl at 15.00 for Brndan Powell, while Benetwood and Olay Olay have good prospects in the handicaps at 16.00 and 16.30. McCoy has in fact already won 7 times on Vic Dartnall´s Benetwood, while Olay Olay is traind by his principal employer Jonjo O´Neill. Paul Nicholls should also be in the winners circle at Stratford, where Classic Swain (Christian Williams), despite top weight, can outclass the opposition in the novice hurdle at 16.40. He has won 4 of his last 5 races, including this CD last time out by 10 lengths. Also at Stratford, Bathwick Man (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly) is moving up in distance but can complete a hat-trick in the opening handicap hurdle at 15.10.

Stratford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bathwick Man - Tootsie Too - Khumbu
2. Race: North Walk - Bet Noir - Feeling
3. Race: Tot Of The Knar - Just Amazing - Coq Hardi
4. Race: Classic Swain - Twill - Chalentina
5. Race: Danish Monarch - Classic Shot - Sagarich
6. Race: Black Anshan - House Of Bourbon - Otantique

Newton Abbot - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fongoli - Location - Highland River
2. Race: Sizing Asia - Right Option - Penyfan Dawn
3. Race: Choumakeur - Mr Fluffy - Olay Olay
4. Race: Benetwood - Raslan - Silmi
5. Race: Rippling Ring - Mutual Friend - Safari Journey
6. Race: M`Lady Eliza - Tuesday`S Gone - Clarksville
7. Race: Friendship Bay - Dan Breen - Dunbrody House

Rest of U.K. and Ireland

There is also a good flat card at Newmarket this afternoon, as well as Market Rasen s big N.H. meeting, backed up by lesser cards at Ripon, and this evening at Haydock and Lingfield, with Irish racing at Tipperary. At Newmarket, Godolphin s German bred Marine Saint (by Big Shuffle), the mount of Ted Durcan, can take the opening 2yo maiden at 15.00 CET. Main feature here is the listed race for fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 15.35. 5yo Barshiba (David Elsworth/ Jamie Spencer) won the Lancashire Oaks last time and has the best rating here, but may struggle to concede so much weight to the 3yo s Flame of Gibraltar (Henry Cecil/ Jimmy Quinn) and Splashdown (Luca Cumani/ Dane O Neill). Note should also be taken of Biniou (Robert Cowell/ Jamie Spencer) who finally gets the cut in the ground he needs and can defy top weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.20. Market Rasen stage their big day of the summer with some valuable handicaps. The hurdle race at 15.05 was won last year by Katie s Tuitor (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who lines up again but under a much higher weight. Danehill Willy (Evan Williams/ Tony McCoy) must have a chance and meets his Haydock conqueror Jo Jo Star (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes) on 8 lbs better terms, but the latter has won twice on the flat since. The handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.40 looks even more difficult. Postmaster (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) is in great form, while Jonjo O Neill saddles three candidates all with chances. Tony McCoy partners Nostringsattached, but the other two Keepitsecret (Dominic Elsworth) and Nelsons Spice (Noel Fehily) look equally dangerous.

Super Sprint at Newbury

The most valuable race of the day is the Weatherby´s Super Sprint for 2yo´s bought at public auction over 5 furlongs at 16.25 CET at Newbury. This is always a hot race and the trainer to follow here is Richard Hannon, who has already won the event 6 times and now saddles 5 of the 23 runners. Clear form choice is Monsieur Chevalier (Richard Hughes), who stratd 2009 by winning his first 4 racs and thn was 5th aftr being badly hampered at Royal Ascot. However it is worth bearing in mind that favourites have a poor record in this event, while the no. 2 draw is not necssarily an advantage on soft ground here. Reach for the Sky (Hannon/ Adrian McCarthy) is also drawn low, while Reignier (Karl Burke/ Andrew Elliott) and Red Avalanche (Paul Cole/ Frankie Dettori) are both drawn near the stands rail and strongly-fancied Shamandar (William Haggas/ Kirsty Milczarek) is drawn in the middle. We will have a better idea of the effect of the draw after the Group Three Shadwell Stakes over 6 furlongs at 15.20, the classiest race of the day. Ex- South African War Artist (James Eustace/ Tom Queally) is the class act here following his close third place in the 2008 July Cup, but he has not run since and needs fast ground. High Standing (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) is unbeaten this season and won the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, he can take this step up in grade, while lightly raced Palace Moon (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) could be the danger.

The other big race at Newbury is the listed vent over 10 furlongs at 16.55. The Godolphin stable, now in good form, has three chances with stable jockey Frankie Dettori aboard Covert Ambition, who just holds Tranquil Tiger (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) on Sandwn form, but the other Godolphin runners Crime Scene (Ahmed Ajtebi) and especially Prince Siegfried (Daragh O Donoghue) could also run well. Course specialist Blue Monday (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) is making his seasonal debut but would be a big danger if in top form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sabii Sands - Sir Parky - Extreme Warrior
2. Race: War Artist - High Standing - Prime Defender
3. Race: Cosmopolitan - Folly Lodge - Full Of Love
4. Race: Monsieur Chevalier - Shamandar - Above Limits
5. Race: Blue Monday - Covert Ambition - Mutajarred
6. Race: Bugaku - King Charles - Dar Es Salaam
7. Race: Cyborg - Swordsman - Isabelonabicycle

Prix Messidor at Maisons Laffitte

The Group Three Prix Messidor over a mile at 15.35 at Maisons Laffitte is the main race in France today, but the field does not look very strong and the Aga Khan s Alnadana (Alain de Royer Dupre/ Christophe Soumillon), very unlucky at Epsom, looks the clear favourite. There are several German trained runners on the undercard, and Andreas Trybuhl, who has been very successful in France this week, has good chances with Grazilla (Christophe Lemaire), who has bottom weight in the tierce handicap over 2100 metres at 14.35, although these races are always tough to win. Other German runners are Non Stop (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) in the race for 3yo maidens over the same trip at 15.05, and in the claiming race for 3yo s at 16,35 Alietto (Mario Hofer/ Lemaire) and Boulders (Doris Smith/ Fabien Lefebvre).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Queens Coach - Anzas - Toxeas
2. Race: Angel of Rain - Gentoo - Sunny Rock
3. Race: Zakatal - Stelton - Darjani
4. Race: Alnadana - Putney Bridge - Alnadana
5. Race: Kolkata - Canalside - Secret Absolu
6. Race: Sun Way - Kimcum - Honeyblood
7. Race: Le Grand Medici - High Court - Dipsomane
8. Race: Lanabablue - Neris - Sisu

Heavy rain changes going

Heavy rain in most parts of Britain and Ireland yesterday has changed the going from mainly good to firm to soft in most places and even heavy, so it is quite likely that there will be a lot of non-runners today. The rain was particularly bad in Yorkshire; Ripon has passed an early morning inspection, but tomorrow´s meeting at Redcar is under threat.

Hamilton, Newmarket, Pontefract and Kilbeggan (Irish N.H.) this evening

Plenty of racing this evening and some large fields at Newmarket´s popular Friday evening fixture which is followed by a pop concert and is bound to attract a huge crowd. The 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 20.45 CET looks quite competitive; Mark Johnston´s Yorgonnabelucky /Ryan Moore) was a very easy maiden winner last time, but has been given a high rating by the handicapper. It is not clear that he can beat fellow maiden winners Laaheb (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) and Dangerous Midge (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) on these terms. The 5 furlongs race at 21.20 also looks very open. Peace Offering (David Nicholls/ Ted Durcan) won this last year, and holds Befortyfour (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) on last year´s for, but Angus Newz (Mick Quinn/ Pat Cosgrave) and Irish raider Icelandic (Frank Sheridan/ Hayley Turner) look very threatening. Both Hamilton and Pontefract stag valuable sprint handicaps as their man event. At Pontefract the race is over 5 furlongs at 20.35 and it could be significant that Richard Fahey, whose horses are in great form, sends his stable jockey Paul Hanagan to ride Total Impact here, though he also has plenty of runners at the Scottish track. Northern Dare (David Nicholls/ Franny Norton) and Le Toreador (Kevin and Amy Ryan) are just two of many dangers. At Hamilton, the 6 furlongs race at 20.55 is even more competitive, and several of these runners have group race form to their credit, for example Knot in Wood (Richard Fahey/ Brian McHugh). Mark Johnston has runners all over today and his Thebes (Greg Fairley) looks a big danger, as is top-weight Tamagin (Jeff Pearce/ Seb Sanders), but the most interesting runner from the German viewpoint is Santiago Atitlan (Peter Monteith/ Declan Carroll). Runner-up in the Goldene Peitsche in 2007, the ex-Wöhler runner has been mainly disappointing since, especially in two runs at Nad al Sheba last winter, but now makes his debut for new connections off a very tempting mark. The on ly jumps racing today is at Kilbeggan in Ireland and top jockeys Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty are all in action. There are maximum fields in all races and winners look difficult to find.

Haydock, Newbury and Nottingham

The main feature this afternoon in the U.K. is the listed race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET at Newbury, but Haydock´s 2yo maiden at 15.20 should provide a valuable clue here. Should Cansili Star (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) win this - which sems very possible- then it would be an obvious pointer to John Gosden´s Showcasing (Ryan Moore) at Newbury, as that one beat Cansili Star very easily last time at Yarmouth. Clearly the listed race represents a steep step up in class, and Showcasing faces some useful opposition, notably Duplicity (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Walkingonthemoon (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote), runner-up at Epsom on Derby Day, but he could be good enough. Also at Newbury Ashram (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) can continue Godolphin´s good recent run by winning the 7 furlongs conditions race for 3yo´s at 17.55; he is best on ratings here and ran a good race last time when third of 16 in a Royal Ascot Group Three. At Nottingham the m ost interesting event is the 10 furlongs race for 3yo maiden fillies at 18.05. There are two well-bred newcomers here from the Godolphin and Cecil stables, but it will be a surprise of either are good enough to defeat Phillipina (Sir Michael Stoute/ Louis-Philippe Beuzelin), who was 6th in the Oaks last time out, form which gives her an outstandng chance here.

German runners at Compiegne

There are German-trained runners in 6 of the 8 races this afternoon at Compiegne, with Werner Baltromei in particular strongly represented. He saddles his first 2yo runners of the year in the filly So oder So (Dominique Boeuf) over 1400 metres at 13.50 and Sommertraum (William Mongil) in the colts´ equivalent at 15.25. He also runs the 3yo debutant Ameratasu (Boeuf) over 1800 metres at 16.25 and has two runners in the conditions race over 2400 metres for 4yo´s at 16.55: Manaba (Boeuf) and Khadar (Gaetan Masure). Uwe Stoltefuss is likewise double-handed in the concluding claiming race over 2400metres at 17.30 with Sworn Tigress (Christophe Soumillon) and No Mum (Johan Victoire). There are 18 runners here, but still all these German runners could have chances. However the best German hope today is undoubtedly Gyrona in the amateur riders handicap over 2800 metres at 14.55. Trainer Andreas Trybuhkl has his string in excellent form and has booked the top French amateur Florent G uy to ride.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gone Shopping - Stareel - So Oder So
2. Race: Seabreeze d`Ho - Blood Diamonds - Farhan
3. Race: Gyrona - Lou Lady - Montana Moon
4. Race: Karthago - Ruslan - Kavango
5. Race: Prankster - Speedy Catcher - Prankster
6. Race: Malavita - Amaterasu - High Ville
7. Race: Natural Leader - Vin Royal - Regionalista
8. Race: Figo - Elguera Noir - So Long

Irish racing today

There are 2 Irish meetings today, a mixed meeting this afternoon at Killarney (the fourth and final day of their July meeting) and flat racing this evening at Leopardstown. At the latter track, the Group Three race for 2yo fillies at 19.30 CET is the main feature. Aidan O´Brien is double-handed here with Famous (Johnny Murtagh) and Cabaret (Seamus Heffernan), both easy winners last time and now moving up in grade; Kitty Kiernan (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and the unbeaten Alshabaa (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) look the two they have to beat. The other main race at Leopardstown is the listed 1 3/4 miles event at 22.00, which looks a re-run of the Curragh Cup on Irish Derby day. On that occasion, Profound Beauty (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) was a narrow winner from Alandi (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) and Yankee Doodle (Aidan O´Brien/ Murtagh) and it could be the same result again. At Killarney, Willie Mullins, already in good form, can land a double with Dual Gales (Ruby Walsh) over hurdles at 15.35 and Havetoavit (Paul Townend) on the flat at 18.10.

Bath, Doncaster and Epsom this evening

Frankie Dettori, who rides at Leicester this afternoon, travels north to Doncaster´s evening meeting, where he can land a short-priced double for Jeremy Noseda on Summerinthecity in the 2yo novice race at 20.05 CET and Forgotten Voice in the mile conditions race at 21.20. This is a pretty hot race, with all 5 runners rated over 100, but Forgotten Voice, impressive when winning the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, should maintain his unbeaten record. George Baker looks the jockey to follow at Epsom this evening, as he has several mounts with winning chances, notably Michael Scudamore´s Gloucester at 20.15, Gary Moore´s Funday at 20.45 and Brendan Powell´s Edgeworth at 21.50. This evening´s card at Bath is not so strong, but 12yo The Tatling, who loves this track, can win the 5 1/2 furlongs handicap under top-weight at 20.25; Bateleur (Mick Channon/ Michael Geran) and Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Steven Donohoe) look the dangers. Also at Bath, Andrew Balding seems to have found a go od opportunity for Dingaan (David Probert) to end his long losing spell in the mile handicap half an hour later.

Leicester, Hamilton and Cartmel (N.H.)

Once again, very modest sport in the U.K. today with racing this afternoon at Leicester and Hamilton as well as jumping from Cartmel. The most interesting event is the 10 furlongs conditions race for 3yo´s at 16.50 CET at Leicester; only 6 runners, but they include two useful Godolphin runners Prince Siegfried (Frankie Dettori) and In Footsteps (Ted Durcan) as well as Sir Michael Stoute´s ex-French Rendezvous (Neil Callan). Prince Siegfried was runner-up in a French Group One last autumn and is the selection. Frankie also rides the frustrating Seaway for Saeed bin Suroor in the maiden race for 3- and 4yo´s over the same distance at 18.00 and he is certainly overdue for a win; Ottoman Empire (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan) and Merdaam (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills) are also knocking on the door and are the main dangers. At Hamilton the highest-rated horses run in the 5 furlongs claimer at 15.50.

Obe Gold (David and Adrian Nicholls) and High Curragh (Kevin and Amy Ryan) are dropping in grade here with good chances, but distance specialist Raccoon (Ruth Carr/ Peter Mcdonald) is very consistent and is the one to beat. There could be a German-bred winner here, as Evening Sunset (Mick Channon/ Paul Hanagan) has an obvious chance in the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.25, while another German-bred with a winning chance is Cortinas (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the novice chase at 15.30 at Cartmel. Also at Cartmel, Irish raider Sandhurst can defy top weight in the 3 1/4 mile handicap chase at 16.40 with Tony McCoy in the saddle. Getinbybutonlyjust (Dianne Sayer/ Brian Harding) stays for ever and looks the main threat.

German runners in France today

This afternoon´s card at Maisons-Laffitte obviously cannot compare to last night´s star-studded Longchamp programme, but there is the chance of another German victory in the mile claiming race for 5yo´s and up at 16.10, which is contested by Pavel Vovcenko´s Naranja (Thierry Thulliez) and Erika Mäder´s Festspiel (Johan Victoire). Both should go well, and the main danger could come from Urs Suter´s La Demoiselle, whose rider Maxime Guyon celebrated the first Group One victory of his career yesterday.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Danseur Russe - Vaziristan - Balajo
2. Race: Sainte Adresse - Lungwa - Lavetoria
3. Race: Belle Chasse - Adrar - Blue And Gold
4. Race: Lisselan Courtesan - Szerelem - Easy Target
5. Race: Karsch - Naranja - Shake Hands
6. Race: Gemo Magusta - Soriniere Du Lac - Brown Island
7. Race: To Green - Grazela - Guanaderia

Kempton (a.w.), Worcester (N.H.) and Killarney (Ireland) this evening

Killarney continues its 4-day summer festival with another mixed card, 3 N.H. races followed by 3 flat races and a bumper. Best race over jumps is the 2 3/4 mile handicap hurdle at 20.00 CET; in a very open race our short list includes top-weight Lucky at Last (P. Martin/ Andrw Thornton), Themoonandsixpence (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Church Island (Michael Hourigan/ Barry Geraghty), who last ran in the Betfred Gold Cup but appears to be better handicapped over hurdles. German-bred Gladiole (Ger Cully/ BA Curtis) has a chance off bottom-weight in the fillies handicap over 1 miles 3 furlongs on the flat at 20.30. She ran her best race in Ireland last time out with this jockey in the saddle. At Kempton this evening, Johnny Portman´s Russian Rave (Richard Kingscote) an easy winner here last time over 7 furlongs, can successfully step up in distance and take the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 21.20. The other 3yo handicap, over 7 furlongs at 21.50, looks much trickier with 14 r unners, but with the Sir Mark Prescott stable now appearing to be hitting form, his lightly-raced Florentia (Seb Sanders) looks the one to be on. Many of the jumps jockeys riding this afternoon at Uttoxeter make their way to Worcester and Tony McCoy has some good rides booked, in particular ex-German Sam Whiskey at 22.10. Blinkered for the first time, he won well last time out and if the blinkers work again for the Jonjo O´Neill trained gelding he can win again under a 3 lbs penalty.

Lingfield, Catterick and Uttoxeter (N.H.)

More modest racing this afternoon at Uttoxeter over jumps, Catterick and Lingfield, where the first 3 races are on turf and the last 3 on the all-weather. Best race here is the mile conditions event at 17.20 CET, where Film Set (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), who is best in at the weights, can continue the recent good run of the Godolphin stable. Gallantry (Paul Howling(/ Michael Geran) likes this track and looks the main danger. Beautiful Filly (David Simcock/ Richard Mullen) is in good form and can make up for her recent narrow defeat by winning the 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.50. At Catterick, the 5 furlongs handicap for 3y´s can go to Real Diamond (Allan Dickman/ Jamie Kyne), who well here last time over a furlong further but should not be troubled by the shorter trip. Bottom weight Dispol Kylie (Peter Midgley/ Peter Mcdonald) coukld be a dangern off bottom weight; After winning 3 times last year, she lost her form somewhat but has now been dropped to a very realis tic rating. At Uttoxeter, German-bred Vacario (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) has an obvious chance in the novice hurdle at 15.10; on form the Acatenango gelding has only the similarly penalised Persian Warrior to beat.

Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp

Today is a national holiday in France and the evening meeting at Longchamp has an excellent card headed by the Group One Grand Prix de Paris for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 21.20. Since the Prix du Jockey- Club´s distance was changed, this is now the best summer race over the classic distance in France and nortmally has a big barinmg on the "Arc", run over this CD on the first Sunday in October. The obvious contender here is the Aga Khan´s Beheshtam (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon), whose connections won this last year with Montmartre. Beheshtam was noted running on well from a bad draw when 4th in the Jockey- Club and is th one to beat here. Godolphin send vr Italian Drny winner Mastery (Frankie Dettopri), but his form fdos not look good enough; the Irish challenge looks more threatening with Aidan O´Brien saddling 4 runners and stable jocky Johnny Murtagh aboard Age of Aquarius.

André Fabre has an excellent record in this and his improving Cavalryman (Maxime Guyon) must not be overlooked. The main supporting feature is Group Two Prix Maurice de Neuil over 2800 metres at 19.45, in which there are runners from Italy and Spain; however Pointilliste (Elie Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) is the likeliest winner here. On the undercard, note should be taken of Tom Dascombe´s Barzan (Richard Kingscote) in the listed race for 2yo´s at 18.40; he could be the trainer´s first winner in France. The only German runner is Andreas Trybuhl´s Lady Aline (Christophe Lemaire), who runs in the 3Yo claimer over a mile at 20.50

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dance Dance - Grey Soldier - Centeo
2. Race: I`M Off See You - Savoie - Dellaside
3. Race: American Nizzy - Colonial - Ladoga
4. Race: Jakonda - Shamakiya - Liberty Chery
5. Race: Shemima - Pointilliste - Winkle
6. Race: Beheshta - Cavalryman - Mastery
7. Race: Lady Aline - Vera`s Moscou - Vrilissos
8. Race: L`Impetieuse - Rockirk - Polidina

Southwell (a.w.) Yarmouth and Killarney (Ireland) this evening

Killarney continues its 4 day mixed meeting this evening, and Aidan O´Brien can win the first 2 races with Francisco Goya and Red Rock Canyon, both with teenage son Joseph in the saddle; surprisingly for Ireland, there are only 4 runners in each race. Over jumps the best race is the novice chase over 2 3/4 miles at 21.30; German-bred Noble Prize (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) won well last time and must have good chances of following up here. The racing in Britain this evening is very poor, but Seb Sanders could be the jockey to follow at Southwell. He can score for his boss Sir Mark Prescott at 129.40 on Choral Festival and at 20.40 with Uncle Brit and also has chances with All the Nines for Mrs. Sanderson in the 6 furlongs handicap at 22.10. The runners in the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.20 at Yarmouth are mainly all-weather specialists; our fancy here is Guto (Bill Ratcliffe/ Kelly Harrison).

Beverley and Brighton in UK, Downpatrick in Ireland

Very modest sport on offer this afternoon in the U.K. at Beverley and Brighton, while in Ireland there is jumps racing from Downpatrick with 5 hurdles races and 2 bumpers. Top jockeys Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty are in action at the N. Irish track, where there are maximum fields in most races and both could be among the winners. At Beverlkey the 2 mile handicap at 17.15 CET looks the most interesting race and Yonder (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne), trying a new distance, can complete a hat-trick. The only 3yo in the field, Mark Johnston´s Longboat (Jimmy Quinn) is still a maiden but looks very dangerous off a featherweight.

Jophnston also has a promising 3yo in the mile handicap half an hour later in Atabaas Allure; Joe Fanning has been booked, but after yesterday´s fall will not be able to ride. Bottom-weight Hel´s Angel (Ann Duffield/ Silvestre de Sousa) looks the one to beat. At Brighton, Satwa Street (David Simcock/ Richard Mullen), an easy CD winner last time, can follow up in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.00. German-bred Sagunt (Sean Curran/ Jack Mitchell) has found his form and is another possible hat-trick scorer when he contests the apprentice handicap at 18.30; he could complete a double for his trainer, whose Landucci (Dane O´Neill) has good prospects in the claiming race over 7 furlongs an hour earlier.

Windsor, Wolverhampton (a.w.) and Killarney (Ireland) this evening

Three meetings this evening and surprisingly the best race is on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. This is the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.50 CET, with 10 runners. Top-weights Jack Junior (David and Adrian Nicholls) and Dixie (Michael Jarvis/ Ted Durcan) have been running without success in much better races and must have chances in this grade, but lightly-weighted Carleton (Willie Musson/ Chris Catlin) looks a big threat. The most interesting race at Windsor is the 2yo maiden over 6 furlongs at 21.00. Buzzword (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Red Badge (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) were both runners-up on their debuts, and look certain future winners. Hannon and Hughes have an excellent record in 2yo races here, but the Godolphin stable is now in good form and Buzzword, their only runner of the day and Frankie´s only ride, is the selection. Kilarney begins its 4 day mixed meeting this evening, but the card is not that strong. Best race is the 2 mile 1 furlong chase a t 20.40, in which Jessica Harrington´s Knight Legend (Andrew Leigh), who has been running in top races, must give weight to multiple winners Archie Boy (Pat Flynn/ Davy Russell) and Tony Martin´ s Royal County Star (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh).

Ayr and Newton Abbot (N.H.)

Only 2 meetings in the U.K. this afternoon, with flat racing at Ayr and N.H. racing at Newton Abbot. The 3yo mile handicap at Ayr at 17.30 CET looks quite open, but top-weight Tiger Reigns (Michael Dods/ Tony Hamilton) looks the one to beat, having won 3 of her 5 starts this year. Last-time-out winner Island Chief (Kevin and Amy Ryan) and Espero (Rod Farrant/ Graham Gibbons) may give her most to do. Several CD specialists meet in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00, notably Dorn Dancer, who is on a long losing spell but now very favourably weighted; any rain would be in her favour. Irish raider Tellelle (Liam McAteer/ Joe Fanning looks the main danger. The Irish have been cleaning up on Scotland in recent weeks and have chances of adding more success today at the opposite end of Britain, in Newton Abbot´s jumps meeting, where Cooksgrove Lady (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) and Eastern Surprise (Gavin Cromwell/ Richard Johnson) can fight out the finish to the novice hurdle at 15. 15. est race here is the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.45. El Bandindos (Davod Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) won twice in 2007 and then came back after a long layoff to score again convincingly and is the likely favourite. Mister Apples (Ian Williams/ Jason Maguire) and Dennis the Legend (Grant Cann/ Nick Scholfield), both last time out winners, look the main dangers. German-bred Olivino (Bernard Llewellyn/ Isabel Tompsett) is in good form and can take the handicap hurdle half an hour later; he runs his best races for this rider.

Mood Music at Maisons-Laffitte

German-trained runners did well yesterday at Deauville and could be in the money again today at Maisons-Laffitte, where the main fature is the Grpoup Tjhree Prix du Ris-Orangis over 1200 metres. This is the target for Mario Hofer´s Mood Music (Maxime Guyon), who has so far raced mainly over 5 furlongs, but if he gets the extra distance, he must have a good chance here. Most of the opposition are familiar names in this grade, and English raider Strike the Deal (Jeremy Noseda/ Philip Robinson) could be the best of them. Hofer also saddles Kaliyan in th claiming race for lady jockeys at 17.35 with daughter Steffi in the saddle; at his best he would win this easily but his latest form has been poor. Werner Baltromei runs track specialist Omasheriff (Domninique Boeuf) in the tiercé handicap over 1200 metres at 14.50, but this trip may not be ideal; German-owned Hot Spot and ex-German Arc de Triomphe look dangerous here. Hans Blume teams up with Johan Victoiure in two claiming race s over 2100 metres, Winterkoenigin at 15.25 and Quadraga at 17.05, both of whom could finish in the money.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ephemere - No Cattle - Estimate
2. Race: Aldaketa - Magic Box - Omasheriff
3. Race: Carvallo - Winterkönigin - Martin Alonso
4. Race: Oriosa - Olvia - Vezere
5. Race: Aiboa - Mood Music - Tiza
6. Race: Sister Arwen - Parfaite - Quadraga
7. Race: Maggiore - Happy View - High Silver
8. Race: Venado - Surething - Lumiere De Boitron

3 N.H. meetings in the U.K.

There is no flat racing today in the U.K., but 3 meetings over jumps, which seems too much of a good thing and certainly, with some large fields, stretches the jockey situation to the limit. Champion Tony McCoy solves this problem by riding at 2 meetings and after riding Barizan for Evan Williams in the first race at Stratford, a novice hurdle for 3yo´s, rushes off to Southwell for two later rides for Jonjo O´Neill. Stratford has the best racing and Ruby Walsh rides in Britain for the first time since his ankle injury more than 2 months ago. he has 2 rides for Paul Nicholls, Now Listen to Me in the novice chase at 17.40 and Quell the Storm in the novice hurdle half an hour later. Both have chances, but we hope to see two German-breds successful in these races, Donaldson (Jonjo O´Neill/ Noel Fehily) and Vacario (Charlie Mann/ Fehily) respectively. Ruby also rides top-weight Jubilant Note for Mike Murphy in the valuable handicap chase at 16.30, but this looks a really tough ra ce and we are not sure that he can concede so much weight to Master Nimbus and Mibleu. At Southwell we expect to see ex-German Early Wings (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) run well in the handicap chase at 16.55 after running placed 4 times running, while McCoy´s flying visit should also be fruitful. At the Scottish track Perth the Irish raiders have a good record and Goirdon Elliott in particular seems to have several winning chances; we would not be surprised to see him win the first 3 races on Desert Storm, Buachaill on Eirne and Backstage, all partnered by Jason Maguire.

Irish Oaks at the Curragh

The big race of the day in Europe is the Group One Irish Oaks for 3yo fillies at 16.40 CET at the Curragh. On th face of it this looks a straight rerun of the Epsom equivalent, in which Sariska (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) just held on to beat Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) by a head. Midday looked unlucky at Epsom and in fact Sariska was possibly fortunate not to disqualified as she hampered several opponents by hanging badly in the straight, but this more conventional track should be more suitable.

Once again there should be little between the two Newmarket-trained fillies, both of whom were supplemented for today´s race, but there could another problem - the weather. It rained heavily yesterday at the Curragh and the ground has turned soft. Both British fillies are believed to need good ground to produce their best form, so that the Epsom form is not certain to be confirmed. Two possible alternatives are Beauty O´Gwuan (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) and Grace O´Malley (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). The former is still unbeaten after two starts and has already shown that she can act on the going; both of these locally-trained fillies are stepping up hugely in class, but represent extremely shrewd connections. The soft ground should hold no dangers for Lady Deauville (Roger Curtis/ Hayley Turner), who contests the listed race over 9 furlongs at 15.35, in fact the more rain the better for this filly, who won a group race under this rider in Germany last autumn.

Otherwise the races for 2yo´s are the most interesting events here. The Group Three Anglesey Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.05 has runners from most of the top Irish stables, but of more significance could be the maiden race that opens the card at 15.05. The last 2 winners of the Derby, New Approach and Sea the Stars, ran in this, so that today´s runners must be followed.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fighting Brave - Black Quartz - Reiteration
2. Race: Lady Deauville - Shreyas - Luminous Eyes
3. Race: King Ledley - Beethoven - En Un Clin D`Oeil
4. Race: Sariska - Midday - Beauty O` Gwaun
5. Race: The Last Hurrah - Zarinava - Gratified
6. Race: Impossible Dream - Fol Hollow - Rain Delayed
7. Race: Osirixamix - Qeethaara - Diamond Shower
8. Race: Estephe - Art Broker - Tus Gealai

German runners at Deauville

There is an early start at Deauville today, and punters who want to back Mario Hofer´s Daisy Fay (Maxime Guyon) in the claimer for 2yo fillies should note that the race is off at 12.15. This race is run on fibresand, as is the 1500 metres event for 3yo maiden fillies at 13.45 in which Ravenel (Ralf Rohne/ Ioritz Mendizabal) and Classic Summer (Michael Trybuhl/ Olivier Peslier) are entered, and the 3yo claimer over 2400 metres for lady jockeys at 15.20 in which Unavita (Hans Blume/ Steffi Hofer) runs. Falun (Andreas Trybuhl/ Mendizabal) runs in the 1900 metres conditions race on turf at 13.15, while the main event is a listed race for 3yo fillies over 1400 metres on turf at 14.15. Peter Schiergen´ s Novita (Dominique Boeuf) is the German runner here and she has good form to her name but faces tough opposition.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Kamikaze - Ficogrande - Solarea
2. Race: People Chop - Marchand - Special Velocity
3. Race: Almoradi - History Boy - Southwold
4. Race: Picture Hat - Magic Roundabout - Ravenel
5. Race: Soneva - Novita - Peace Camp
6. Race: Kamouniac - Romain des Vignes - Pirate Bere
7. Race: Sacred Music - Drawn at Dawn - Cherubino
8. Race: Sissy So Lucky - Golden Irish - Sweet Art

Rest of U.K. racing today

Chester stages two interesting listed races today, and punters are advised to back the runners with a low number draw, which is a big advantage at this tight track. Thé 7 furlongs race at 15.25 CET should go to Balthazar´s Gift (Clive Cox/ Darryll Holland), but Clive Brittain s Nashmiah (Ahmed Ajtebi) looks dangerous off her light weight. Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Pat Cosgrave), 5th in the Kings Stand at Royal Ascot, is the obvious form choice in the 5 furlongs race at 16.30, but Captain Gerrard (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves), Hoh Hoh Hoh (Richard Price/ Steve Donohoe) and Masta Plasta, one of 3 David Nicholls entries with son Adrian in the saddle, are also in with a chance. There is also racing this afternoon at Nottingham (where CD winner Tanforan can follow up in the mile handicap at 18.05), and this evening at Salisbury, with a decent mile handicap for 3yo fillies at 22.00, and Hamilton.

2 Group Races at the Curragh

The Curragh kicks off its Irish Oaks meeting this afternoon with a good card, featuring two group races. The Minstrel Stakes over 7 furlongs at 17.00 CET has surprisingly no 3yo´s in the field and the 4yo´s Mad About You (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Three Roses (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) should fight out the finish. Some heavy rain is expected, and if it materialises Jumbajukiba (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) despite top weight would certainly come into the reckoning. Weld and Smullen also have good chances in the International Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.30 with Famous Name. British challenger Staying On (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby) could go close, while Aidan O´Brien saddles 2 runners, Red Rock Canyon (Colm O´Donoghue) and Rockhampton (Seamus Heffernan), both of whom are usually used as pacemakers for the stable stars.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Devoted To You - Brushed Aside - Della`Alba
2. Race: Golan Girl - Azana - Roll Over Rover
3. Race: Bipasha - Mt Weather - Qeyaada
4. Race: Mad About You - Jumbajukiba - Dohasa
5. Race: Famous Name - Staying On - Chintz
6. Race: Good Time Sue - Ballivor - Optimal Power
7. Race: Boxing Day - Reggae Dancer - Rigid Rock

John Smith´s Cup at York

Despite the group races at Ascot and the Curragh, the most valuable race of the day is the John Smith´s Cup at York at 16.10 CET, a 10 furlongs handicap which is being run for the 50th time. With 20 runners, this looks very difficult indeed, but Luca Cumani, who has an excellent record in ths big handicaps, has an obvious chance with Goodwood winner Riggins (Neil Callan). With the Godolphin stable back in form, Moonquake (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) muist be feared, but the outside draw could be a disadvantage for this front-runner. The Queen´s Kingdom of Fife (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is another leading fancy, while Seeking the Fuck (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) could also go close. Sirvino (David Barron/ Neil Brown) is undefeated in 4 starts this year, while Richard Fahey - another trainer in great form and who has won this race for the past 2 seasons, saddles 3 runners, of which we prefer Unbreak my Heart, the mount of Freddie Tylicki. The John Smith´s Silver Cup over 1 3/4 miles, another valuable handicap at 16.45, is a listed race and should mainly concern the 3 top-weights Furmigadelagiusta (Karl Burke/ Neil Callan), Friston Forest (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Drill Sergeant (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kingdom Of Light - Vilnius - Mon Brav
2. Race: Osteopathic Remedy - The Osteopath - City Of The Kings
3. Race: Riggins - Kingdom Of Fife - Sirvino
4. Race: Furmigadelagiusta - Warringah - Friston Forest
5. Race: Chaperno - Paradise Spectre - Olympic Ceremony
6. Race: Barynya - Shaws Diamond - Pete`S Passion
7. Race: Pavershooz - Tabaret - Harrison George