high class jumping at Ascot, Wetherby and Naas (Ireland)

today has the best jumping cards so far of the new N.H. season, with Wetherby´s Charlie Hall Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.55 CET taking pride of place. Only 5 runners but still a fascinating race, with our clear preference for the two bottom weights Tamarinbleu (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Ollie Magern (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan). Ollie won this race in 2006 and 2007 but has not won since; however he was a good runner-up last year, is now much better weighted and his stable is in good form. The West Yorkshire Hurdle, also a Grade Two and over the same trip, is another good race with a small field, but German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) best in at the weights. Lough Derg (Pipe/ Scu) and Pettifour (Twiston-Davies/ Brennan) are both smart, but cannot normally concede weight to Fair Along. The other big race at Wetherby is the listed mares hurdle at 15.20, in which we give the best chances to Irish challenger Serpentaria (Gordon Elliott/ Jason M aguire) and Treaty Flyer (Alison Thorpe/ Johnny Farrelly). There are also 3 listed races at Ascot, all handicaps and all looking very tricky for punters. OUr short lsusts are Seven is my Number (who has no.7!) (Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), Boychuk (Hobbs with stable jockey Richard Johnson riding here) and Just Amazing (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) in the 3 mile chase at 14.50, Classic Swain (Nicholls/ Walsh) - who has been 1/2 on his last 9 starts -, Hibiki (Hobbs, this time with promising claimer Giles Hawkins) and Michael Flips (Andrew Turnell/ Nick Scholfield) in the 2 mile hurdle at 16.00, and Medicinal (Andy Haynes/ Scholfield), Nikola (Twiston-Davies/ Tom Molloy) and Royal Wedding (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) in the 2 miles 1 furlong chase at 16.35. Medicinal is only a longshot on form, but he is the only won in the field to have run since the spring, which could give him an advantage. Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley), who contests the 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 15.10 at Naas , could be another German-bred winner; the most interesting entry here is Cheltenham winner Forpadytheplasterer in the grade 3 chase at 14.35, but trainer Tom Cooper says he will not run if the going is too heavy.

Betting forecast Wetherby:
1. Race: Nino Cochise - Mr Crystal - Lady Pilot
2. Race: Manor Park - Takween - Palmito
3. Race: Marleybow - The Rocking Dock - Lease Lend
4. Race: Treaty Flyer - Serpentaria - My Petra
5. Race: Tamarinbleu - Deep Purple - Ollie Magern
6. Race: Fair Along - Pettifour - Lough Derg
7. Race: Goldan Jess - Amalfi Coast - Ramvaswani

Godolphin winning run to continue on Newmarket´s final day

today sees the last racing of 2009 at racing´s HQ at Newmarket and it looks like another winning day for Godolphin. The stable has been in amazing form this month and the last 8 runners from Saeed bin Suroor´s yard have all won, 6 of them ridden by Frankie Dettori, who can do no wrong at the moment. However there has been some bad news for Godolphin as Kirklees, Frankie´ s intended mount in Tuesday´s Melbourne Cup, did not please Saeed on his arrival in Australia and has been scratched. At Newmarket this afternoon the stable has good prospects with debutant Perfect Note in the second division of the 2yo maiden fillies race at 13.55 CET, Anhar (Dettori) and Natural Law (Durcan) in the conditions race for 2yo´s over 10 furlongs at 13.30, Shaweel (Dettori) and City Style (Durcan) in the listed mile race at 15.35, unbeaten Bint Alamtar in the listed race for 2yo fillies at 16.10, and -the best bet of the day in our view -Prince Siegfried in the listed race over 10 furlongs at 16. 45. Godolphin could even score at this evening´s two all-weather meetings, with Samaaha (Martin Dwyer) in the 2 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 19.05 at Kempton, and debutant Naseeha (Durcan) in the maiden at 22.20 at Wolverhampton. There is also flat racing today at Ayr. where the going is very soft. Best race here is the mile handicap at 14.40, where Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) can get back to winning form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Revered - Cheerfully - Ajool
2. Race: Perfect Note - Scorn - Safina
3. Race: Anhar - Private Story - Mingun Bell
4. Race: Secrecy - Swop - Infiraad
5. Race: Shaweel - Plum Pudding - Prince Of Dance
6. Race: Marie De Medici - Blue Angel - Bint Almatar
7. Race: Prince Siegfried - Saphira`S Fire - Laaheb
8. Race: Swift Chap - Misplaced Fortune - Pegasus Again

all-weather racing this evening

There are 2 all-weather meetings this evening, Wolverthampton in England and Dundalk in Ireland, with the latter track having the better card. Johnny Murtagh can win the opening 2yo maiden on Aidan O´Brien´s Dynasty at 19.30 CET, but his rival for the Irish jockeys´ championship Pat Smullen can strike back with Haseila in the 3yo maiden at 20.00 and Dazzle Dancer at 22.00, both for Dermot Weld. Best betting race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.30, with Murtagh on Tony Martin´s Brave Falcon and Smullen on Daniel Loughnane´s Johnstown Lad, but this looks a very open race. Godolphin scored with their only runner at Wolverhampton yesterday, and can do the same this evening with Hudoo (Ted Durcan) in the 2yo maiden at 21.50, where Suranam (William Haggas/ Liam Jones), beaten a neck over this CD last time, is the obvious danger.

N.H. racing at Uttoxeter and Wetherby

Two jumps meetings today with the best sport at Wetherby, and despite the controversy surrounding the racecourse (4 fatalities at the last meeting), the fields are quite competitive with runners from many of the top stables. Main event is the listed 3yo hurdle at 16.15 CET with 8 runners, 5 of them last-time-out winners. Trumpstoo (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes) and Ravati (Chris Grant/ Lucy Horner) both won at the last meeting here, while Mohanad (Sheena West/ Jamie Goldstein) and Marsool (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) are both highly rated. This race should tell us a lot, but we have marginal preference for Trumpstoo. The handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40 also has listed status and has attracted some useful performers.

Knight Legend (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) is the class act here but has a huge weight, and we prefer the bottom weights Professor Higgins (Howard Johnson/ Hughes) and Bauhaus (Gordon Elliott/ Johnny Farrelly), while Bible Lord (Andrew Turnell/ Nick Scholfield) would be dangerous in his form of 2 years ago. The Uttoxeter card is less exciting, but if Chapel Flowers (Tim Vaughan/ Dean Coleman) turns out again, he should not be missed in the handicap chase at 16.55. He was a very easy winner yesterday at Newcastle and also won last weekend, both times at odds-on, and will again be a hot favourite if he goes for his third race in a week.

Newmarket today

Newmarket´s final meeting of 2009 starts today with a listed race for 2yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 14.50 the main feature. Clear form choice is Puff (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), 4th in the Cheveley Park here, but Amitola (David Barron/ Phillip Makin), who landed a gamble when winning on her debut at Ayr and now steps up in grade, and Conniption (Brian Meehan / Frankie Dettori) could make life difficult. Frankie should start the day well when he rides two 2yo´s for Godolphin in the first two races, Asraab at 13.40 and Quick Wit at 14.15. The way the stable´s runners are performing (5 winners yesterday!) they can almost be backed blind at the moment. The 6 furlongs race at 16.35 is an interesting event, as it is for 2- and 3yo´s only. 2yo´s have a good record and today supply 6 of the 9 runners, best of which may be Pastoral Player (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) and Hadeeth (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills), but we prefer a 3yo this time, Jeremy Noseda´s Himalya (Ryan Moore ), who has the potential to be a smart performer.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ghazwah - Asraab - Imperial Delight
2. Race: Quick Wit - Youm Jamil - Man Of Action
3. Race: Puff - Conniption - Queen`S Grace
4. Race: Qelaan - Fanditha - Featherweight
5. Race: Day Of The Eagle - Harriet`S Girl - Wood Fairy
6. Race: Pastoral Player - Himalya - Chips O`Toole
7. Race: Dazinski - Aaim To Prosper - Spirit Of Adjisa

German runners at Longchamp

Main feature at Longchamp today is the listed Criterium de Vitesse for 2yo´s over the straight 1000 metres at 14.35. Only 6 line up here, with Mario Hofer´s Silver Market (Maxim Guyon) the only foreign runner. The German runner in the following race, Sanji Danon (Waldemar Hickst/ Andreas Suborics) probably has better prospects.However the best hope of a German victory is the claiming race for 3yo´s over 1400 metres at 15.40, where 4 of the 20 runners are German-trained. Marangu (Hickst/ Subi) and Liandra (Hans Blume/Guyon) both won last time out in this grade in France, while Principe Uromonte (Hofer/ Dominique Boeuf) is also good enough; the fourth candidate Medusa (Andraes Trybuhl/ Gaetan Masure) looks the weakest of the quartet. Norbert Sauer runs Le Mari (Henk Grewe) in the 2yo claimer at 14.05, but this one is drawn 19 of 19, normally a huge disadvantage at this track.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lumineux - Tindaro - Toxeas
2. Race: Dam d`Augy - Kerno - Magnetic Storm
3. Race: Redondelle - Le Mari - Skull And Bones
4. Race: Kolokol - Around Me - Multichope
5. Race: Polytechnicien - Mary Boleyn - Serpotta
6. Race: Maille Perfect - Marangu - Zenside
7. Race: Romain des Vignes - Umiko - Gift
8. Race: Mana Glint - La Margouline - Queen Du Vivien

N.H. racing at Newcastle, Stratford and Clonmel (Ireland)

No real stars on view at today´s 3 N.H.meetings, but the best sport is at Stratford, where Star of Angels (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) looks a good thing to win the maiden hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 17.20 CET; he has not run since the Aintree Grand National meeting, but has been running against much stronger opposition than he meets today. Also at Stratford, Tony McCoy can land a double for Jonjo O´Neill with Present Sale, top-weight in the 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.50, and Get Me out of Here in the novice hurdle at 16.20. The maiden hurdle at 15.00 looks the most intersting race on a modest card at Newcastle. 16 line up, including Gala Casini Star and Grazeon Gold, both consistent handicappers on the flat making their debuts over sticks, Donny Briggs, quite a useful bumper, and Mr. Gossip, who has already run respectably over hurdles. At Clonmel, Vic Ventura (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) can take the main event, a 2 1/2 mile chase at 15.45, while Ruby Walsh can win the h andicap hurdle at 15.15 on his father´s Cantrel. German-bred Diophas would have a chance in the beginners chase at 16.45 based on his decent handicap form over hurdles, but as a son of Acatenango may not like the heavy going.

20 years of the all-weather!

All-weather racing in Britain celebrates its 20th birthday today with a strong card at Lingfield, including two valuable listed races for fillies. Newmarket trainers Saeed bin Suroor and Henry Cecil are strongly represented in both events. In the 1 mile 5 furlongs race at 15.10 CET Cecil saddles two runners, Acquisition (Jimmy Quinn) and Flame of Gibraltar (Tom Queally), but we expect Godolphin´s ex-German Baila Me (Frankie Dettori) to come out on top. Last year´s Preis von Europa winner has been well beaten on her British starts, but faces lesser company now and a return to her German form would give her an excellent chance here. Rosika (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Snoqualmie Girl (David Elsworth/ Kieren Fallon) also have possibilities here.

Half an hour later they race over a mile and Apple Charlotte (Cecil/ Queally) and Moonlife (Saeed/ Dettori) appear to stand out. The former had smart form in the spring, but has not run since finishing down the field in a top race at Hollywood Park in July while Moonlife trotted up last time in a minor event at Leicester. Lightly-raced Sirocco Breeze, having his first race for a year in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.10, and well-bred debutant Padmini (by Tiger Hill out of Irish Oaks winner Petruschka), in the 2yo maiden at 17.10, can complete a good day for Godolphin and Frankie. Godolphin also have a runner in the 2yo maiden at 19.30 at Wolverhampton´s all-weather meeting this evening - Addahab (Ted Durcan), who is clearly not one of their stars, but may still be good enough; Cojo (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) is the obvious danger.

German runners in France today

Several more German runners try their luck today at Saint-Cloud, where the main feature is the Group Three Prix de Flore for fillies over 2100 metres at 14.50. German hope here is last year´s Winterkönigin Sworn Pro (Mario Hofer/ Dominique Boeuf), but this is a very strog field and she will do well to get placed. The British challengers, the Queen´s Enticement (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Take the Hint (John Gosden/ Stephane Pasquier) probably have better prospects, as do ex-German Andrea (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) - who finished well in front of Sworn Pro in the Preis der Diana in July)- and the Aga Khan´s improving Shemilya (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Lemaire), but the one to beat could be the German-bred La Boum (Robert Collet/ Thierry Jarnet), who finished 7th in the Arc. Other German runners here are Zosime (Nina Bach/ Kathi Werning) in the lady jockeys race at 14.20, Classical Song (Christian von der Recke/ Yann Lerner) in the conditions race over 300 0 metres at 15.20, and Exotic Dream (Andreas Trybuhl/ Lerner) and La Buena (Peter Schiergen/ Johan Victoire) in the 3yo claimer over 2400 metres at 16.25. It does not look easy for any of them, but possibly La Buena has the best chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Curro Perote - Do Your Best - Twinlight
2. Race: Wareen - Belle De Jour - Divine Fantaisie
3. Race: Polyegos - Zosime - Barunner
4. Race: Celimene - Shemiyla - La Boum
5. Race: Naramix - Roatan - Classical Song
6. Race: Honor Badge - Ras Tafarii - Monique Blonde
7. Race: Silver Valny - Follow The Lead - Smart And Fun
8. Race: Lucky Number - Roselle - Despedida

N.H. racing at Haydock and Punchestown (Ireland)

Jumps racing this afternoon in England at Haydock - the first N.H. meeting there of the new season- and in Ireland at Punchestown, where several promising types will be in action. There are the usual huge fields here, the exception being the first race, a novice hurdle at 14.15 CET, where 2 above average performers have scared off most of the opposition - Some Present (Tony Mullins/ Davy Russell) and Sweeps Hill (JE Kiely/ Tony McCoy). There may not be much between them, with slight preference for McCoy´s mount, and the jockey can complete a double with Noel Meade´s Jered in the beginners chase at 16.20. Another interesting runner is Ballymak (Gordon Ellioptt/ Russell), who runs in the 2 3/4 mile novice hurdle at 14.45. He is unbeaten in 3 races, 2 point-to-points and a bumper, and is expected to be a major player this season.

The card at Haydock is less exciting, but the handicap hurdle at 16.25 looks quite a hot race. French Saulaire (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has been a bit disappointing, but has now been dropped in the weights and could have a chance here; trainer and jockey might complete a double with Bruslini in the novice hurdle at 17.30. Otherwise we expect Silver Steel (Richard Ford/ Graham Lee) and Thai Vango (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) to take the handicap chases at 14.50 and 17.00 respectively.

Musselburgh, Nottingham and Kempton (evening a.w.)

Easily the most valuable flat race in the UK today is the 2 mile handicap at 16.05 CET at Musselburgh. The 3 highest-weighted runners all ran last time in the Cesarewitch, with Dayia (Jeff Pearce/ Saleem Golam), Som Tala (Mick Channon/ Tony Culhane) and Alanbrooke (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) finishing 4th, 15th and 16th of 32 respectively. Theoretically Dayia should come out on top again, but we would not be surprised to see Som Tala, now sligfhty better off at the weights, reverse the form this time. He won the Northumberland Plate off this mark in June and his trainer is now in great form. Main interest otherwise at the Scottish track will be centred on the 2yo races and once again Godolphin have good prospects with the debutant Infanta in the fillies race at 14.30 (Tatiana Romanova is the one to beat) and Florensky in the mile race at 15.35, both with Ahmed Ajtebi in the saddle.

However the Godolphin team are more likely to be interested in the mile maiden for 2yo´s at 14.10 at Nottingham, where they have 2 runners - Burj Nahar (Frankie Dettori) and Psychic Abllity (Ted Durcan). The former is Dettori´s only ride here and is clearly the stable´s number one. They don´t come much better bred than Burj Nahar, who is by first season sensation Shamardal out of Melikah, who was not only runner-up in the Oaks but is a half-sister by Lammtara to Sea the Stars and Galileo. There is also all-weather flat racing this evening at Kempton, mainly at a very low level. Donna Elvira (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) should win the race for 2yo maiden fillies at 17.20 - no Godolphin entry here - while top-weight Giant Sequoia (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Eddie Ahern) can complete a hat-trick in the 1 1/2 mile handicap that closes proceedings at 22.20.

German runners in France today

The main French meeting today is at Lyon-Parilly, where the top event is the Group Three Prix Andre Badouin over 2000 metres at 15.40. Gris de Gris (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Franck Blondel) is the class act here, having finished second last time in the Prix Dollar, but has to give weight away all round. Capitaine Courage (Francois Doumen/ Stephane Pasquier) and Ashaaq (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla) are both improving types who have won their last 3 races but are stepping up in grade, while Runaway (Rupert Pritchard-Gordon/ Thierry Jarnet) was fourth in the Europa-Meile at Cologne last time. However if Gris de Gris runs to form, he should win. There are no German runners in the race, but several on the undercard. Waldemar Himmel saddles two runners, both with Gaetan Masure in the saddle, Azuela in a race for 3yo maidens over 2200 metres at 14.05, and Magic Artiste, who has won 3 of her last 4 French starts, in a 2000 metres handicap at 17.10. Quick Prinz Poldi (Sara Weis/ Koen Clij mans) runs in the 2000 metres handicap at 13.35, while Harry Hack has booked top jockey Arnaud Duchene for Apanal in the 4100 metres handicap chase at 16.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Roadster - Tagar Bere - Bleurose
2. Race: Kencho - Hang Ouer - Storming Spirit
3. Race: Crossbar - Khalamyr - City Of Light
4. Race: Dream`s Salsa - Zalyanka - Libaute
5. Race: Ton Jeu - Monsieur Apple`S - Like Dreams
6. Race: Gris De Gris - Starlish - Mundybash
7. Race: Kiltho - Kaitoum - Mably de Chadzeau
8. Race: Indian City - Prokopios - Chock Dee
9. Race: Magic Artiste - Soupcon - Pauillac

Irish jumps racing at Punchestown

Several major prospects for the winter have been seen in action in Ireland the last couple of days, and some more promising types are on view at Punchestown today, notably Noel Meade´s Pandorama, one of last year´s best novice hurdlers, who makes his chasing debut under Paul Carberry at 16.25 CET. This race is by no means a pushover, as he faces17 opponents, including the useful Oligarch Society (Mike O´Brien/ Ruby Walsh). Another interesting debutant is Jessica Harrington´s smart bumper Hugo De Vindecy, who has his first race over hurdles in another huge field at 15.25 with Barry Geraghty aboard.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: The Hurl - Hazeymm - Gypsy Scholar
2. Race: Psycho - Beau Michael - Deal Done
3. Race: Hugo De Vindecy - Tonto Murphy - Qualviro
4. Race: Theribtickler - Courella - Grey Area
5. Race: Pandorama - Oligarch Society - Yes Ben
6. Race: Arkendale - Clarkey - Matchbook
7. Race: Summit Meeting - Vertige Dore - Perfect Smile

Catterick, Southwell (a.w.) and Yarmouth

The flat season is drawing to a close, but there are still 3 meetings today, on turf at Catterick and Yarmouth, and on the all-weather at Southwell. The best racing, rather surprisingly, is at Yarmouth, where 5 of the 8 races are for 2yo´s. Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore can combine to win two of them, with Longliner at 14.10 CET and with London Stripe half an hour later. With Godolphin continuing to fire on all fronts (3 more winners yesterday), Landower, top-weight in th 2yo handicap at 1.10 and debutant Lion Mountain in the mile maiden at 16.10, both with Frankie Dettori aboard, must be given every chance.

Frankie is very keen to complete his century before flying to Australia at the weekend to ride Kirklees in the Melbourne Cup and jhas aothjer winning chance on Jeremy Nosda´s Racing Hero, who was an easy all-the-way winner at Doncaster on Saturday and can now defy a penaölty and top-weight to take the 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.10. Main interest at Catterick where 7 of the 8 races are large-field handicaps, is the fight between Freddie Tylicki and David Probert for the apprentice title. Freddie has a slight lead and seems to have more promising rides today, in particular Toto Skyllachy at 16.00 and Sergeant Pink half an hour later, both for trainer Steve Gollings. Grudge(Ollie Pears/ Franny Norton), unlucky a couple of times this season, looks a solid each-way bet in the final 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30. Best race on a poor card at Southwell in the 5 furlongs conditions race at 15.50. Strike up the Band (David and Adrian Nicholls) was far from disgraced last time i n the Group One Abbaye and this is obviously much easier. Turn on the Style (John Balding/ Paul Mulrennan) has been off since February but had good all-weather form last winter, looks the danger, but don´t overlook CD specialist Pawan (Ann Stokell) who might be placed at a big price

Galway and Leopardstown in Ireland

Today is a public holiday in Ireland, and there are two meetings, a jumps card at Galway and a strong flat card at Leopardstown, including the Group Three Killavullen Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 14.25. Thunder Ridge (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Keredari (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) both won their maidens very easily and are stepping up in class, while Aidan O´Brien fields 3 runners, with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh on Utrillo. Aidan O´Brien cleary wants to win the 2yo maiden half an hour later, as he has entered five here; Murtagh rides Don Carlos, Seamus Heffernan partners Amber Grey, while the well-bred debutant Chief Storm Eagle (Sean Levey) could be an interesting dark horse. Don Carlos is Grman-bred as is Dermot Weld´s Simon Bolivar (Smullen) whp runs in the 2yo handicap at 15.25. Grace O´Malley could be another winner for the Weld /Smullen team in the listed race at 16.55; she was last seen finishing 4th in the Irish Oaks. Haralan (Oxx/ Kinane) is the obvious dang er. At Galway some interesting performers make their seasonal debuts, notably the smart bumper Luska Lad (JJ Hanlon/ Ruby Walsh) in the 5yo maiden hurdle at 14.35 and Last Draw (Charlie Swan/ David Casey) in the novice hurdle half an hour later. Dermot Weld could also be on the scorecard here with Natural High (Robbie McNamara) in the bumper at 16.05.

Kempton and Lingfield (a.w.) and Leicester (turf)

Three meetings in the U.K. today, two of them on the all-weather, and Godolphin have runners at all three. It certainly seems significant that they have sent Frankie Dettori to Kempton for jiust one ride, Mutafajer in the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at 16.10 CET. This seems quite a decent maiden for the track, but obviously Mutafajer, 5th of 12 on his debut at Newbury, is the one to beat. Freddie Tylicki´s mount Silk Street looks the most dangerous opponent. Saeed bin Suroor´s runners at Lingfield are Chaperno (Ahmed Ajtebi) in the 2yo novice race over 6 furlongs at 14.20 and Treasure Tavern (Ted Durcan) in the 2yo maiden over a mile at 14.50. At Leicster, Godolphin have 2 of the 5 runners in the main event, a conditions race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.00. They are Once More Dubai (Alan Miunro) and Copperbeech (Daragh O´Donohoe). This is quite a tricky event, despite there being only 5 runners (2 of the others also Maktoum-owned) but Once More Dubai would win if he recovers his e arly season form at Nad al Sheba. The boys in blue also have a chance in the class 3 handicap for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.30 with top-weight Sovereign Remedy (O´Donohoe), but this looks a very open race.

off to Baden-Baden!

this column will spend the next 3 days at the Sales & Racing Festival at Baden-Baden, our next preview here will be on Monday
big race of the weekend is Saturday´ s Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster for 3yo´s over a mile. th last Brotosh Group One of the season. It looks a very hot race, with Aidan O´Brien´ s St. Nicholas Abbey and Godolphin´s Al Zir two of the main contenders.

Brighton and Kempton (a.w.)

the only flat racing today is this afternoon at Brighton and this evening on the all-weather at Kempton, with several jockeys riding at both meetings. Brighton in late October can be very miserable and so is the card for their last fixture of 2009. Godolphin´s 2yo´s seem to win every day and their well-bred debutant Tertiary (Ahmed Ajtebi) can keep up this record in the mile maiden at 16.35 CET, where once-raced Athenian Garden (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) could be the main danger. Tom Queally also partners bottom-weight Elusive Hawk for Barney Curley in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.05. This one has not run since winning at Southwell in July, but with Barney´s horses now running well, can score again with The Galloping Shoe (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) and Lochan Mor (Michal Bell/ Hayley Turner) the main dangers.The best races at Kempton this evening are the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.20 and the 5 furlongs handicap half an hour earlier. Both look very difficult, but our short lists include Dear Maurice (Ed Dunlop/ Jamie Spencer), Poyle Meg (Ralph Beckett/ John Fahy) and Thunderball (Jeremy Glover/ Freddie Tylicki) in the former event, and top-weight Lochstar (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) and Step it Up (James Boyle/ Andrea Atzeni) in the latter. Although Balding´s stable is not firing on all fronts at present, we make Lochstar, who has not run since the summer and is a son of the brilliant sprinter Lochsong, our best bet of the evening.

Betting forecast Brighton:
1. Race: Essexbridge - High Importance - Tahseen
2. Race: James Barrymore - Transfixed - Ginger Grey
3. Race: Lochan Mor - Elusive Hawk - The Galloping Shoe
4. Race: Tertiary - Athenian Garden - Activate
5. Race: Oronsay - Stand In Flames - Primo Dilettante
6. Race: Dichoh - Kingsgate Castle - Bosamcliff
7. Race: Ocean Countess - Dream Huntress - Kassuta
8. Race: Corrib - Sinbad The Sailor - Location

N.H. racing at Carlisle, Ludlow and Thurles (Ireland)

probably the best jumps races today are at Carlisle and trainer Howard Johnson and his stable jockey Denis O´Regan, who have a good record here, look the team to follow. River Music in the long-distance maiden hurdle at 15.10 CET and Doeslessthan me in the novice chase at 15.40, bot appear to have winning chances and in the handicaps Whisky Magic at 16.15, Blue Pois at 16.45 and Blacks Bridge at 17.15 are also in with good prospects, although we expect Toy Gun in the handicap chase at 17.45 to have to play second fiddle behind impressive last-time-winner Ballynure (Lucinda Russell/ Campbell Gillies). The best race at Ludlow is the 2 mile handicap chase at 18..00, in which the much-improved Zorro de la Vega (Mrs. S.J. Humphrey/ Charlie Huxley) can complete an October hat-trick; Phoenix Eye (Michael Mullineaux/ Barney Toomey) and New Rackheath (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) look the main dangers. There are the usual huge fields at the Irish meeting at Thurles.
The classiest event here is the 23/4 mile hurdle race at 17.55, in which Schindlers Hunt (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Bárry Geraghty) and Oscar Dan Dan (Tony Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) hold the best chances. An interesting runner here is Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry) but this top cross-country performer and multiple festival winner at Cheltenham and Punchestown is probably just warming up for his speciality discipline and will in any case find this trip too short.

Betting forecast Carlisle:
1. Race: Doc Wells - River Music - Only The Best
2. Race: Mirage Dore - Doeslessthanme - Fiendish Flame
3. Race: Another Trump - Danny Zuko - Divers
4. Race: Bleu Pois - Zitenka - The Whisperer
5. Race: Intersky Music - Goldan Jess - Rare Coincidence
6. Race: Ballynure - Viel Gluck - Finbin
7. Race: Knockaveen - One Under - Miss Nix

German runners at Deauville

no luck for the German runners in France yesterday and today also looks tough, when there are only 2 runners at Deauville trained in Germany, the debutant Poletto (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon) in a claiming race for 2yo´s at 14.55 and A Kuku (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Mikael Barzalona) in a conditions race for 3yo´s over 2900 metres at 15.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Foreteller - Messidor - A Fong
2. Race: Gotlandia - Zomorroda - Printemps D`Alsace
3. Race: Arrieta - Scandola - Campanaca
4. Race: Deliberate - Pearl Banks - Sahabah
5. Race: Le Cres - Top Of The Class - Nachos
6. Race: Great Gorge - Ainebe Crocus - Diamond Aule
7. Race: Red Berry - Theorique - Flashstar

Bath, Worcester (N.H.) and Navan (Ireland)

Godolphin have runners at all 3 flat meetings in the U.K. today and have entered Liberty Square and Database in the two divisions of the 2yo mile maiden at Bath at 15.00 CET and 15.30 respectively, both with Ahmed Ajtebi in the saddle. There are several well-bred newcomers in both races, but we expect the Godolphin runners to perform well, especially Database, whose form looks better. The 3yo handicap over an extended 2 miles here at 17.30 looks a rerun of a recent race at Warwick, won by Khayar (Mark Tompkins/ Darryll Holland) with Theologist (Amanda Perrett/ Ryan Moore) third; the latter, though still topweight, is now 3 lbs better off for 2 lengths, so there should be little in it now. There are huge fields at Navan in Ireland today, woth 17+ runners in all races. Aidan O´Brien has entered 5 in the 2yo mile maiden at 15.35, with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh on Flying Cross, the only one of them to have run so far, but in theory he is held by Akinndi (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) , who finished just in front of him here last time. Sindiyma can complete a double for the Aga Khan in the second division an hour later, while Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen have chances in the final two handicaps with Blue Ridge at 18.05 and Ransomed Bride at 18.35. Now the rain has come, there are also good-sized fields at Worcester´s N.H. meeting. Hayes Princess (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) should win the mares novice hurdle at 15.20, while Emperor Concerto (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) should go well in the maiden hurdle at 16.20; however Jonjo O´Neill´s pair Domos Boy (Noel Fehily) and Hopeful Start (Tony McCoy), both point-to-point winners in Ireland last March, look dangerous. Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh combined for a short-priced double at Exeter yesterday, and can have another odds-on winner in the novice chase at 16.50 with Pride of Dulcote, who has only 2 inferior opponents to beat. Nicholls and Walsh also have Superformen in the handicap chase at 17.50, the to p race on the card here, but this looks very tricky.

Betting forecast Bath:
1. Race: Rasmy - Liberty Square - Tayacoba
2. Race: Youm Jamil - Fine Sight - Istidlaal
3. Race: Excellent Thought - Robens Rock - Dusty Spirit
4. Race: The Name Is Frank - Desert Pride - Vanadium
5. Race: Finney Hill - Insolence - Capitelli
6. Race: Khayar - Saborido - Theologist
7. Race: Dove Cottage - Denton - Hajmah
8. Race: Averoo - Truly Asia - Magroom

all-weather racing at Southwell and Kempton

it is not often that Frankie Dettori is sent to Southwell to ride in a handicap, but that is the case today when he partners Godolphin´s Burgundy Boy in the mile race that opens the card at 15.10 CET. He was an easy winner at Kempton last week and can follow up here under top-weight. He also rides Maristar for Ger Butler in the 2yo maiden at 15.40 and Bonnelong for Ralph Beckett in the mile maiden at 17.10, both of whom also have chances. Best race at Southwell is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40 with 13 runners, which looks very open; top-weight Nightjar (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) and the last-time-out winners Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Phullip Makin) and Invincible Lad (Eric Alston/ David Allan) make up our short list. Godolphin also have a runner at this evening´s Kempton meeting, Golden Shaheen (Ted Durcan) in the 2yo maiden at 21.20. He had no chance last time in valuable sales race at Newmarket, but his previous form gives him a good chance in this company. Otherwis e the race for 3yo maiden fillies at 20.50 is the most interesting event here. Dulcote Rose (Sylvester Kirk/ Jimmy Fortune) has the best form of those that have run, but there are some well-bred debutants, including Akamon (Ed Dunlop/ Kieren Fallon), a daughter of Monsun from a good German family.

Betting forecast Southwell:
1. Race: Burgundy Ice - Silent Hero - Life`S Challenge
2. Race: Vegas Palace - Maristar - Cheyenne Chant
3. Race: Magic Doll - Karaka Jack - Stef And Stelio
4. Race: Nightjar - Invincible Lad - Ingleby Arch
5. Race: Bennelong - Ask The Oracle - Tobrata
6. Race: Inflammable - Waahej - Gaselee

German runners in France today

there were more German winners in France yesterday, and today there are runners at two tracks- Deauville and Angers. At the former track, Nelson (Andreas Trybuhl/ Dominique Boeuf), Evening Boy (Jan-Pierre Carvalho) and Arkando (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Olivier Pslier) all try their luck in the conditions race over 2400 metres PSF at 14.10, while Black Jack (Michael Trybuhl/ Sandrine Hagenbach) and Expensive Girl (Pavel Vovcenko/ Nina Wagner) run in the claimer for lady amateurs at 16.40. Main event at Deauville is the Group Three Prix des Reservoirs for 2yo fillies over a mile at 14.40 with only 6 runners, including a British raider, Mark Johnston´s Marie de Medici (Joe Fanning), an easy winner last time and now moving up in class. Main opposition should come from the locally-trained Zagora (Yves de Nicolay/ Christophe Soumillon), who is unbeaten in 2 starts, including this CD. There is also racing at Angers, where Mario Hofer has made two entries - Lovely Samantha in the 2yo rac e over 2000 metres at 13.55 with daughter Steffi in the saddle, and Trivero in the 3yo race over 2900 metres an hour later with Gaetan Masure.

Betting forecast Deauville:
1. Race: Ribadesella - Amico Fritz - Ashdeuzo
2. Race: Grandretour - Nelson - Redesignation
3. Race: Zagora - Barouda - American Nizzy
4. Race: Multichope - Shanaco - Taxi Bamako
5. Race: Djakalmi - Ciboney Moon - Quephaeton
6. Race: Antonov - Roi Bere - Shine For Me
7. Race: Expensive Girl - Atlantico - Silky Steps
8. Race: Question Of Time - Riberalta - Dear Maria

flat racing at Lingfield (a.w.) and Yarmouth

all 16 races at Lingfield (a.w.) and Yarmouth today are class 5 or 6, so that no high class runners can be expected, but the 4 2yo races at Yarmouth have entries from the top Newmarket stables of Stoute, Cecil, Gosden, Haggas et al and there could well be some interesting types among their well-bred newcomers. With the Godolphin stable, and especially their 2yo´s, carrying all before them at present, their 2 runners La Ville Lumiere at 15.50 and High Comedy half an hour later, both ridden by Ahmed Ajtebi, must obviously be considered, though several others may be preferred in the betting. Freddie Tylicki, with a double at Pontefract yesterday, now leads the race for the apprentice title and he has some good rides, notably City Vaults Girl for his boss Richard Fahey at 16.50 and Big Boom for Mick Quinn at 17.50. At Lingfield, the most interesting runner is Peter Winkworth´ s Oil Strike (Luke Morris) who runs in the 2yo maiden at 16.00. He was well supported for his debut at G oodwood´s May meeting and only lost by a head, but has not been seen since; a repetition of that form however would be good enough here. Another one who was well backed last time is German-bred Mondego, who after running without much success in Irish N.H. races, came back from a 20 months break to win a minor event very easily at Wolverhampton last week. However that was over 9 furlongs, and the 12 furlongs of today´s race at 18.00 could be too far for this son of Big Shuffle, so Admirable Duque (Derek Ffrench-Davis/ Billy Cray), also a recent Wolverhampton winner, who stays really well, is preferred. The second division of this handicap haöf an hour later can go to Jane Chapple-Hyam´s Giant Sequoia (Eddi Ahern), who ran well last time at Kempton.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: Merchant Of Medici - Cat Hunter - Louisiana Gift
2. Race: Gifted Apakay - Baby Dottie - Sunarise
3. Race: Oil Strike - Could It Be Magic - Lago Indiano
4. Race: Flamsteed - King`S Sabre - Romantic Queen
5. Race: Sister Clement - Space Station - Perfect Act
6. Race: Step It Up - Poppanan - Master Lightfoot
7. Race: Admirable Duque - Mondego - Arabian Silk
8. Race: Giant Sequoia - It`S Josr - New World Order

Exeter today

the top N.H. trainers are waking up from their summer slumbers and almost all the leading southern stables have runners today at Exeter. Leading the way is champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who has 3 entries, and the two ridden by Ruby Walsh are the most interesting runners today. Rebel du Maquis makes his British debut in the novice hurdle sat 15.40; he was runner-up three times in France last spring, including at Auteuil, but it remains to be seen how he will cope with British tracks and much faster going. Tataniano has only 4 opponents in the beginners chase over an extended 2 miles at 6.10 and will be at long odds-on. He is expected to be a leading fancy for the Arkle, in which case he must win this; on hurdles form, including a 21 lengths win at Cheltenham´s April meeting, he is far superior to today´s opponents. The same applies to Philip Hobbs´ Ballydub (Richard Johnson), who runs in the beginners chase over 3 miles at 17.10. He was last seen at the Cheltenham festival, and although well beaten there, is head and shoulders above his 3 opponents on hurdles form. The other races look quite tricky, but we would not be surprised to see Wujood (Laura Young/ Andrew Glassonbury) run well in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; an easy winner over this CD 2 weeks ago, he is moving up in grade but could have a fitness advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Oamaru Stone - Lucky Dancer - Ballyvesey
2. Race: Rebel Du Maquis - Superius - Robo
3. Race: Tataniano - Award Winner - Hereweareagain
4. Race: Referent - Winterwood - Sagalyrique
5. Race: Ballydub - Plane Painter - Kilvergan Boy
6. Race: I`M A Legend - Free World - Young Albert
7. Race: Tetlami - Skeemah - Karasenir

German runners at Clairefontaine

French action this week switches to the Atlantic coast, where the Deauville Sales are on and also racing today at Clairefontaine, with German-trained runners in 5 of the 9 races. In the 2yo fillies maiden at 14.25 Werner Baltromei runs Selena with Dominique Boeuf in the saddle, and the same trainer/ jockey combination are later represented in handicaps over 1800 metres by Sumatra Tiger at 15.55 and White Bull at 17.25. There are 4 German runners in the 2yo claimer for jeunes jockeys: Armanty (Peter Schiergen/ Romain Perruchot), Daewoo Ling (Andreas Wöhler/ Flavien Prat), Kaloschka (Mario Hofer/ Williams Saraiva) and Malta (Baltromei/ Frankie Leroy), while Mill Lady (Michael Trybuhl/ Catroline Brunaud) runs in the ladies race over 1400 metres at 16.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: J`EN Sais Rien - Backswing - Don Martino
2. Race: Cover Story - Horgana - Selena
3. Race: Miss Kamikaze - Maita - Queen Charmer
4. Race: Darwin`s Rhea - Delphes Eria - Carioca Tune
5. Race: Sumatra Tiger - Living History - Lac Majeur
6. Race: Mill Lady - Sigvati - Proci Road
7. Race: Satwa Princess - Now The Tiger - Starita
8. Race: White Bull - The Godfather - Bold Pride
9. Race: Sandy Road - Envie D`Ailleurs - Mante

Plumpton today

jumps racing at Plumpton today and Barney Curley, whose string is now in good form, has two interesting runners. In the novice handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET he saddles Zabeel Palace (Paul Moloney), who came from a long break to win easily last time out and can follow up here, while in the bumper at 18.20 Moloney is again the jockey as Barney saddles the debutant Sure Fire, who has a super German pedigree, being a 3/4 brother to Stacelita and related to many other smart winners. River Beauty (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), who has not run for 18 months, is the logical form horse here and the same team cam hope for success with Scots Dragoon in the long distance handicap hurdle at 17.20, where recent winner Orchard King (Alison Thorpe/ Richard Johnson) looks the danger. Baily Storm (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson), an easy last time out winner, should follow up in the novice hurdle at 15.50 but is unlikely to be at a decent price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Capall Eile - Fairmile - Whenever
2. Race: Baily Storm - Nur Tau - Dean`S Grange
3. Race: Shammy Buskins - Kisha King - Toni Alcala
4. Race: Zabeel Palace - Le Toto - Kashmina
5. Race: Orchard King - Rock Me - Scots Dragoon
6. Race: Particle - Russellstown Boy - Chapel Flowers
7. Race: River Beauty - Romantic Lead - Pro Pell

Pontefract and Windsor

easily the best race of the day in the U.K. is the listed Silver Tankard for 2yo´s over a mile at Pontefract at 16.40 CET. With the Godolphin stable now firing on all fronts (winners yesterday in France, Italy and Britain!) Frozen Power (Ted Durcan), Black Snowflake (Ahmed Ajtebi) and German-bred Namecheck (Daragh O´Donohoe). Jockey bookings and form suggest that Frpzn Power, who has top weight but is also top-rated, is the one to be on, while the best of the others should be Hot Prospect (Michael Jarvis/ Kieren Fallon) and Party Doctor (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote). Godolphin can also take the opening 2yo handicap with Landowner (Ajtebi). The danger here is Raleigh Quay (Micky Hammond/ Freddie Tylicki), and the jockey has several more good rides, notably Go Go Green for David Brown in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.40. There are big fields at Windsor, where
here none of the 8 races has less than 13 runners, but not much quality on offer. Best race here is the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.00, which looks very open. Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Whooshka (Alan Munro), coming off a break, looks dangerous, but we prefer the four top-weighted runners- The Fifth Member (James Boyle/ Pat Cosgrave), Dark Prospect (Michael Jarvis/ George Baker), lightly-raced Ordoney (Luca Cumani/ William Buick) and CD specialist Special Reserve (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes).

Betting forecast Pontefract:
1. Race: Landowner - Raleigh Quay - Mighty Clarets
2. Race: Kellys Eye - The Confessor - Filwa
3. Race: Hotham - Ivory Silk - King Of Swords
4. Race: Frozen Power - Hot Prospect - Party Doctor
5. Race: Ragamuffin Man - Markington - Baan
6. Race: Classically - African Cheetah - Bollin Dolly
7. Race: Fantastic Pick - Aattash - Dolphin Rock
8. Race: Gilt Edge Girl - Go Go Green - Inter Vision

German runners at Longchamp

Longchamp stages a good card today, with two group races, and plenty of international runners, including several trained in Germany. Main feature is the Group Two Prix du Conseil Municipal over 2400 metres at 16.15, with two strong challengers from the UK, Scintillo (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Traffic Guard (Paul Cole/ Ioritz Mendizibal) as well as one of the best horses in Central Europe, the Czech-trained Camill, who will be ridden by our friend Gary Hind. However Alain de Royer-Dupré appears to hold the best hand here, with the Aga Khan´s Shawardi (Christophe Lemaire) and The Bogberry (Christophe Soumillon), who we hope can recover our losses from the Arc. Main supporting feature is the Group Three Prix du Conde for 2yo´s over 1800 metres, with 3 British challengers - Circumvent (Cole/ Mendizibal), Layali al Andalus (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Zeitoper (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ahmed Ajtebi), the latter being an own brother to Eastern Anthem out of classic winner Ka zzia. German-trained runners on the undercard are Tunis (Werner Baltromei/ Johan Victoire) in the 1800 metres race for unraced 2yo fillies at 14.05, Marek (Wolfgang Sonntag sen/ Stephane Pasquier) and Lone Star (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Olivier Peslier) in the tiercé handicap over a mile at 15.08, König Bernard (Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Belango (Friedl Willenbrock/ Gaetan Masure) and Double Handful (Michael Figge/ Pasquier) in the listed race over 1800 metres at 16.55, Manaba (Baltromei/ Thierry Thulliez) - a half-brother to Manduro- in the second division of the mile handicap at 17.30 and Tresco (Figge/ Pasquier), who has top weight in the third division at 18.00. In our view, König Bernard has the best chance of these.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Irish Heroes - Rewilding - Barboullo
2. Race: Brave Power - Casta Diva - Halfcause
3. Race: Saying - Histoire - Olvia
4. Race: Le Roi Mage - Marek - Outer Continent
5. Race: Circumvent - Planteur - Anzas
6. Race: Not Just Swing - Shahwardi - Makt
7. Race: Lungwa - König Bernard - Mistaken Identity
8. Race: Loup Normand - Knowledge - Lucky Millionaire
9. Race: Shaheen Hawk - Barefoot`s Park - New Best

Irish racing today

There is a mixed meeting (5 flat races, 2 hurdles and a bumper) at Naas today and an all-jumps card at Cork. Best event is the mile listed race for fillies at 18.05 which has attracted a huge field, including two runners each from the top stables of Aidan O´Brien, Dermot Weld and John Oxx. Given the tremendous form of the Aga Khan, Oxx and stable jockey Mick Kinane, their Zaralanta is a tentative suggestion, even though she has only run once, and that when winning a minor race in March. Pat Smullen, who currenty holds a slight lead over Johnny Murtagh for the Irish jockeys´ championship, can take the 2yo handicap at 16.30, the richest race of the day, with Bygone Age for the Weld stable, but the same team´s ex- German Directa King faces a stiff task under top-weight at 18.35. At Cork, the best horse on view is the German-bred Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), one of the best Irish hurdlers of the past 3 seasons, who makes his chasing bow at 18.25. The 2 miles handi cap chase here at 17.20 is a good race. Top-weight Newmill (JJ Murphy/ EF Power) is the class act here, but Sizing Africa (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) is the selection here, in view of the impressive win of his stable companion Sizing Europe the other day.

Cork - betting forecast:
1. Race: Imperial Cascade - Brodies Dubrovnik - Sunwake
2. Race: Darceys Dancer - Huckle Buck Shoe - Teach Nua
3. Race: Daytime Dreamer - Bennys Quest - Charming Hymn
4. Race: Newmill - Keelaghan - Sizing Africa
5. Race: Happy Reunion - Windix - Renewed Challenge
6. Race: Catch Me - Fisher Bridge - Tinakellylad
7. Race: Captain Paulie - One Of A Kind - Evolution

Naas - betting forecast:
1. Race: Encompassing - Green Art - Cool Marble
2. Race: Dance Hall Girl - Dinger Belle - Macnas
3. Race: Puncher Clynch - Bewitched - Bygone Age
4. Race: Healys Bar - Silverhand - Baron De`L
5. Race: Dashing Ruby - Armaramak - Montana Slim
6. Race: Mad About You - Totally Devoted - Zaralanta
7. Race: Aristocrat - Moon Indigo - Zaralabad
8. Race: Khorun - Lucky William - Carrie Bradshaw

Kempton (N.H.), Fontwell (N.H.) and Southwell (a.w.)

Kempton stages its first jumps meeting of the winter today, but with the ground riding firm, there are small fields and only 40 horses have been entered for the 7 races. There are however some decent performers in action,, and the smart German-bred Bergo (Gary Moore/ Andrew Glassonbury) is expected to win the beginners chase at 15.50 CET, while the highly-rated Australia Day (Paul Webber/ Andrew Thornton) has another German-bred, Press the Button (James Boyle/ Richard Johnson) to beat in the listed novice hurdle at 16.25. Howard Johnson has his string in good form and sends down some raiders from his northern base, of whom Professor Higgins at 17.00 and Red Moloney at 17.35, both with Denis O´Rgan aboard, have the best chances. The fields are bigger at Fontwell, but the quality lower, but it is certainly significant that Paul Nicholls has sent two runners here - There´s no Panic in the novice hurdle at 16.00 and Tot of the Knar in the handicap chase at 16.35; both are partner ed by Christian Williams and will amost certainly start favourite. There is all-weather racing at Southwell, with some tricky handicaps, notably the class 2 race at 16.15 over a mile. Penitent (William Haggas/ Shane Kelly), never yet out of the first two, and Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allen), who has won his last 4 races, are obvious candidates, but we also like the chances of Flipando (David Barron/ Phillip Makin). Lightly-raced Feathered Crown can continue Henry Cecil´ s and Tom Queally´s good run in the stayers handicap at 15.,40, while course specialist Pawan (Ann Stokell) should be thereabouts in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.00.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Alazan - Mohanad - Strong Storm
2. Race: Bergo - Bunglasha Jake - Stumped
3. Race: Press The Button - Australia Day - Cootehill
4. Race: Professor Higgins - Green Gamble - Yawl Springs
5. Race: Treaty Flyer - Red Moloney - Alph
6. Race: Balthazar King - The Big Orse - Astral Boy
7. Race: Ibberton - Cold Mountain - Top Dressing

Rest of Newmarket

On any normal day, the Dewhurst Stakes (Group One, 2yo´s, 7 furlongs, 15.25 CET) would be the main event, and it can still be rated the top autumn 2yo race, with the winner almost certainly given the highest rating of the crop. The Irish challengers have an excellent record here, especially those trained by Jim Bolger, who has won this race for the past 3 years. Of his two runners, Chabal (Kevin Manning), now sold to Godolphin, is clearly the choice and he is our selection. Fellow Irishman Aidan O´Brien sets a problem by running 4, with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partnering Steinbeck; this one has always been rumoured to be the stable´s top 2yo, but has only run once - winning easily in May- as various setbacks have kept him off the course, but he remains a live threat here. A British winner would be a surprise here, with Buzzword (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ahmed Ajtebi) perhaps the best of the home team. The card starts with the Challenge Stakes over 7 furlongs, where we expect du stance speciaslosts Main Aim (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Arabian Gleam (Jeremy Noseda/ Johny Murtagh) to be too speedy for Ashram (bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Cuis Ghaire (Bolger/ Manning). Ex-German Baila Me (bin Suroor/ Dettori) is an interesting runner in the Pride Stakes for fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 17.50, but Ashalanda (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Lemaire) and Crystal Capella (Stoute/ Moore) may be too strong, while Richard Hills can complete a great day by taking the Rockfel Stakes (2yo fillies, 17.15) on Stoute´ s Tabassum and the concluding Jockey Club Cup (2 miles, 18.25) on John Dunlop´ s Akmal. The Cesarewitch over 2 1/4 miles at 16.40 is one of the biggest betting races of the year and with 34 runners almost impossible to predict. A German-bred Caracciola won this last year, and perhaps Sereth (Barney Curley!/ Johnny Murtagh) and Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Kieren Fallon) can be in the shake-up. Darley Sun (David Simcock/ Andrea Atzeni) is the logical favourite here, as he is several pounds well in in ratings, but 3yo´s have a poor record in ths race, which also applies to Dettori´s mount Alanbrooke (Mark Johnston- who has 3 runners, as does David Pipe) - so basically, almost anything can happen.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Main Aim - Ashram - Arabian Gleam
2. Race: Chabal - Steinbeck - Silver Grecian
3. Race: Fame And Glory - Sariska - Mawatheeq
4. Race: Darley Sun - Swingkeel - Electrolyser
5. Race: Tabassum - Distinctive - Atasari
6. Race: Crystal Capella - High Heeled - Ave
7. Race: Akmal - Blue Bajan - Urban Poet

Champions Day at Newmarket

Newmarket´s final day´s racing of 2009 is also its best - Champions Day, featuring two Group One races, four more Group races and the Cesarewitch, one of the season´s hottest and most difficult handicaps. Only Longchamp on Arc day offers a better card. Main event is indisputably the Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.00 CET, which has attracted its usual strong field, headed by two of this season´s classic winners Fame and Glory (Irish Derby) (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) and Sariska (Oaks and Irish Oaks) (Michael Bell/ Kieren Fallon). They are also the two highest rated and the likely favourites, but we have slight reservations about both, especially on this fast ground. Fame and Glory had the bad luck to be born the same year as Sea the Stars, otherwise he would be the champion, but as it is he has had a hard time of it and his rather lacklustre performance in the Arc suggests he has possibly had enough for this year. Our each-way selection therefore is Mawatheeq (Mar cus Tregoning/Richard Hills), who is relatively lightly-raced and still improving. French runners have a good record here, so we are afraid of Alpine Rose (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon) and especially Never on Sunday (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire), while it would be no surprise to see Twice Over (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), runner-up last year, to figure prominently once more.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Main Aim - Ashram - Arabian Gleam
2. Race: Chabal - Steinbeck - Silver Grecian
3. Race: Fame And Glory - Sariska - Mawatheeq
4. Race: Darley Sun - Swingkeel - Electrolyser
5. Race: Tabassum - Distinctive - Atasari
6. Race: Crystal Capella - High Heeled - Ave
7. Race: Akmal - Blue Bajan - Urban Poet

German runners in France today

it has been a very successful week for German-trained runners in France, and they have two more chances at Saint-Cloud today. In the conditions race over 2400 metres at 16.40 both Norbert Sauer´s Eminem (Henk Grewe) and Waldemar Hickst´s Isario (Johan Victoire) are engaged. Eminem is known as a soft ground specialist and will find conditions to his liking and could well start favourite, as he showed good form in Franec in the spring. However Hickst has already won 3 races this week in France and Isario could be a better bet at the likely odds.
Grewe also partners Weardi for Conny Brandstätter in the 3100 metres handicap at 17.10, but this looks tough with 20 runners.

Betting forecast Saint Cloud:
1. Race: Barakanda - Grypas - Estimate
2. Race: Mixfeeling - Back Home - Lisselan Tigress
3. Race: Sormiou - Akton City - Nevele Pride
4. Race: Anabasis - Roots Of Gold - Bavaria Rose
5. Race: Selagan - Speedy Catcher - Landora
6. Race: Djemilla - Sovietica Zurda - Agnes Champ
7. Race: Perfect Season - Indian Singer - Quartz Jem
8. Race: Cup of Tea - Bamarok - Soran

Cheltenham opens for 2009-2010

After yesterday´s good N,H. card at Punchestown, now the British jumps scene also comes to life with the first meeting of the winter at Cheltenham. All the top trainers have runners, and it will be interesting to see how the German-bred Fairyland, a half-brother to the smart Fair Along, fares in the opening race at 15.20, a handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys, who can possibly supply Nicky Hemderson with his first winner since his return from his controversial suspension. Another interesting ex-German is Akiem, who was Group One-placed last year for Andreas Löwe and makes his debut over hurdles for Jonjo O´Neill at 18.50. Tony McCoy, who would normally rides him, has however chosen to partner Rebecca Curtis´ Jigsaw, a smart bumper performer, also making his hurdles bow. The best race on the card is the handicap chase over 3 miles at 17.05, n which Phulip Hobbs saddles two runners, Boychuk with stable jockey Richard Johnson, and top-weight Parsons Legacy (Rhys Flint). The latter has not run since falling in the Grand National, but he won this event last year and can go close again. Hobbs also has a chance in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.30 with Templer, who will be partnered by 10 lbs claimer Giles Hawkins, who rode him to an easy win last time out; Irish challenger On the Other hand (Charlie Swan/ McCoy) and Iroquois Warrior (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) look the main dangers in a very open race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Weather Front - Mcmurdo Sound - Fairyland
2. Race: Snap Tie - Pigeon Island - Rippling Ring
3. Race: Kayf Aramis - Templer - Buena Vista
4. Race: Boychuk - Parsons Legacy - Maljimar
5. Race: Barizan - Riptide - Forty Thirty
6. Race: Present Gale - Skipper`S Lad - Mister Apple`S
7. Race: The Jigsaw Man - Akiem - Crystal Rock

Newmarket today

Newmarket´s final meeting of 2009 starts today, and while tomorrow´s card (with 2 Group Ones plus the Cesarewitch) is obviously much stronger, today also offers good sport and we expect Godolphin´s winning run to continue. The stable can win the main event, a Group Three over 9 furlongs at 16.10 CET, with Rio de La Plata, a top-class 2yo who had run much since but is clearly the best horse in the field, while their juveniles Judiciary in the mile maiden at 15.00 and Emirates Dream in the conditions race at 15.35 are also likely winners. They can also take the fillies listed race at 16.45, although this looks quite open. Frankie Dettori rides all these and also has a good chance in the other listed race for fillies, over 6 furlongs at 17.20, with William Haggas´ Damaniya´s Girl.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: San Jemeniano - Chaussini - Progress
2. Race: Judiciary - William Van Gogh - Nibani
3. Race: Emirates Dream - Kalypso King - Rodrigo De Torres
4. Race: Rio De La Plata - Glass Harmonium - Stotsfold
5. Race: Leocorno - Enticement - Copperbeech
6. Race: Damaniyat Girl - Bounty Box - Enact
7. Race: Bonnie Charlie - Felday - Giganticus
8. Race: Merchant Of Dubai - Rendezvous - Hevelius

German runners in France today

it has been a good week so far for German-trained runners in Germany, and there could be more winners today, especially at Strasbourg (note: early start here!), where there are no fewer than 25 German runners entered. 8 of them run in the claiming race for 3yo´s at 13.20, 7 in the claimer for older horses at 14.25 and 8 again in the 2100 metres handicap at 15.30. It is hard to say which have the best chances, although we have a slight fancy for Werner Hefter´s Franziskaner (Mathieu Sautjeau) at 1425 and also expect Miroslav Rulec´s Ian to run well over hurdles at 13.55. There are also German runners at Chantilly, where Werner Baltromei´s Freminius must have a good chance in the ladies race at 16.45 with Steffi Hofer in the saddle, while Andreas Trybuhl´s Grazilla (Gregory Benoist) also has possibilities in the fillies handicap at 17.15.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Puncho - Hasquine - Puncho
2. Race: Haizea - Cup Cake - Bellona
3. Race: Swinging Hawk - Shingara - Trampolina
4. Race: Ian - Padirac - Pic Blanc d`Huez
5. Race: Lucky Limbo - Figo - Skittle
6. Race: Risky Argentin - Queen Du Vivien - Villerin
7. Race: Pencosia - Desertub - Pineo

N.H. racing at Ludlow and Punchestown (Ireland)

easily the best racing of the day is at the Irish jumps meeting at Punchestown, with two graded races and two listed races. Donnas Palm (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), a recent winner on the flat, can take the hurdle race at 15.00 CET and the same trainer/ jockey combination an follow up with Harchibald in the novice chase at 17.15, where Sizing Europe (Henry Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) -also one of the best Irish hurdlers of recent seasons-looks a big danger. The mares hurdle at 16.45 has 16 runners, but should mainly concern Voler La Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Shane Flanagan) and Serpentaria (Gordon Elliott/ Ruby Walsh). The former should win based on their running over this CD in May, but Ruby´s mount is now 4 lbs better off. Weight could also be important in the 3 mile 1 furlong chase at 17.45. Royal County Star (Tony Martin/ Walsh) ran really well in the big handicap at Listowel, but Ponmeoath (E. McNamara/ Paddy Flood), behind him then, is now 10 lbs better off. There could also be an Irish winner at Ludlow in England, where Michael Hourigan´s Amie Magnificent (Tony McCoy) can take the mares novice hurdle at 15.20. McCoy can also score with Jonjo O´Neill´s last-time-out winner Foxesbow in the handicap chase at 16.20, while The Snail (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who won twice last week, can complete a quick hat-trick in the handicap hurdle half an hour later.

Betting forecast Ludlow:
1. Race: Amie Magnificent - Ci Vediamo - Dot`S Delight
2. Race: Genari - Rampant Ronnie - Feeling
3. Race: Foxesbow - Marked Man - Sydney Sling
4. Race: The Snail - Benmadigan - Phoenix Eye
5. Race: Brett Vale - Leulahleulahlay - Dark Oasis
6. Race: The Package - Matuhi - Oscar Royal
7. Race: Present To You - Misty Kit - The Fox`S Decree

Nottingham, Brighton and Wolverhampton (a,w. evening)

there are some big fields at Nottingham today, but we expect Godolphin´s winning run to continue with Saboteur (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) in the 2yo maiden at 15.10 CET. The best race here is the 10 furlongs handcap at 16.40, which with 16 runners looks wide open, but consistent Gala Casino Star (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki) looks a solid each-way selection. Tylicki, fighting it out for the apprentices´ title with David Probert, also has possibilities on Jeremy Glover´s La Capriosa in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.10. The sport on offer at the other two flat meetings is very low grade stuff, but Godolphin also send a 2yo to Wolverhampton, and Graymalkin (Ted Durcan) can possibly oblige in the handicap at 21.00. Also here, Ralph Beckett and Seb Sanders have good chances of landing a double with King of Windsor in the 2yo maiden at 19.30 and Penang Princess in a 4 horse race half an hour later. At Brighton, Ocean Countess (Jenny Feilden/ Cathy Gannon), an easy winer over 7 furlongs here last time, can follow up over a furlong further at 16.00, while Blue Noodles (David Evans/ Andrew Heffernan) ca complete a hat-trick in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.30. Jeremy Noseda´s only runner of the day Charger (Shane Kelly) should go close in the 1 1/2 maiden at 17.00.

Betting forecast Brighton:
1. Race: Dr Finley - Harlestone Times - Santa Margherita
2. Race: Ocean Countess - King`S Masque - Jewelled Reef
3. Race: Regal Blush - Dhania - Secret Desert
4. Race: Decorum - Charger - Nesayem
5. Race: Seasonal Cross - Blue Noodles - You`Ve Been Mowed
6. Race: Simple Rhythm - Even Bolder - Edith`S Boy

N.H. racing at Uttoxeter, Wetherby and Punchestown (Ireland)

There are massive fields at the Irish jumps meeting Punchestown today, with 25 runners in each of the 4 hurdles races. Punters are therefore advised to keep stakes small, although Ruby Walsh as so often looks the jockey to follow. His two rides for Willie Mullins, Scholars Mate in the handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET (despite being off the track for nearly 2 years) and Our Monty, top weight in the handicap hurdle at 17.20, should both be involved, while Tony Martin´s Dream Champion at 17.50 and Colm Murphy´s Prince Rico half an hour later also have chances. The teeam to follow at Wetherby, one of the best jumps tracks in the North which opens its doors for the 2009-2010 season today, is clearly trainer Howard Johnson and jockey Denis O´Regan. They have fancied runners in most of the 8 races and we are especially keen on Striking Article, top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.45, Malakai in the novice hurdle at 17.20 and Marleybow in the handicap chase at 17.55. None of the 3 has run since April, but the stable is already in good form, so that should be no problem. Tony McCoy is th man to follow at Uttoxeter, where he can win the 3yo hurdle on Addison de Witt at 15.20, the selling hurdle on Mickmackmagoole at 17.30 and the 2 mile handicap chase at 18.05 with American World. However the best bet here in our view is Civil Servant (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) in the novice hurdle at 16.25.

Betting forecast Punchestown:
1. Race: Gimli`S Rock - Putapriceonthat - Descaro
2. Race: Taking Stock - Rivage d`Or - Carrigmartin
3. Race: Scholars Mate - Piper`s Knowe - Windix
4. Race: Our Monty - Golden Moon - Appeal Denied
5. Race: Dream Champion - Strong Project - Bernabeu
6. Race: Weapon`S Amnesty - Corskeagh Royale - Indian Pace
7. Race: Lillian`S Secret - Teffia Rose - Araucaria

all-weather racing at Lingfield and Kempton

there is no flat racing on turf in the British Isles today, with 3 jumps meetings and all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton. With Godolphin still on a roll (two more winners yesterday, and the century up for this season, for the first time since 2004) their runners should be followed. Fareej is their candidate in the 2yo novice race at 15.00 CET, in which all 4 runners are unbeaten after winning their only start, while debutant Quick Wit runs in the 2yo maiden at 16.05, in which Serhaal (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Hills) looks first choice on public form; Stoute also supplies the main danger in the earlier race with Magicians Cape (/Ryan Moore). Frankie Dettori rides both Godolphin hopes and moves on to Kempton for the evening races, where he partners Dahaam (runner-up tis CD last time) in the 2yo maiden at 19.50, and Burgundy Ice in a mile handicap at 20.20 for the Saeed bin Suroor stable. Both are well-drawn and should go close.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: Amazing Tiger - In The Mood - You`Ve Been Mowed
2. Race: Fareej - Business As Usual - Magician`S Cape
3. Race: Napa Starr - El Ameen - Hawaana
4. Race: Serhaal - Quick Wit - Mass Rally
5. Race: Romantic Queen - Monashee Rock - Royal Challenge
6. Race: Dichoh - Napoletano - Dabbers Ridge
7. Race: Noble Dictator - Global Conquest - Evening Sunset
8. Race: Ingenue - Mymateeric - Ja One

German runners at Longchamp

there were two German-trained winners at Chantilly yesterday and there could well be more at Longchamp today. Indomito (Pavel Vovcenko/ Stephane Pasquier) can set the ball rolling in the 1400 metres race for 3yo´s at 14.10. Dancing Doreen (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Johan Victoire) runs in the race for 2yo fillies at 15.15 and Brusco (Andreas Wöhler (Eddie Pedroza) goes over 2700 metres at 15.45. Possibly the best chance of a German victory is in the mile claimer at 16.45, where 3 of the 20 runners are German: De La Vista (Waldemar Hickst/ Victoire), Mercator (Andras Trybuhl/ Gaetan Masure) and Festspiel (Erika Mäder/ Dominique Boeuf).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sapfo - Rengers - Aristote
2. Race: Sea Fight - Easterland - Reve de Nuit
3. Race: Raphaelus - Brigantin - Royal Bench
4. Race: Sahitas - Sesimbra - Terra Nova
5. Race: Carnac - Orzare - Benalup
6. Race: Midnight Dreamer - Fleur Enchantee - For Joy
7. Race: De La Vista - Gemo Magusta - Festspiel
8. Race: Gold Exchange - Monava - Zidino

N.H. racing at Huntingdon

there are on the whole only small fields at Huntingdon today. The biggest field and easily the most competitive race is the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 17.00 CET. This looks wide open with several possible winners, including German-bred Weststern (Gary Moore/ Eamonn Dehdashti), who has however been off the track since May. Mayor of Kilcock (Peter Bowen/ Tony McCoy) is also coming off a break, while Dark Energy (Michael and Tom Scudamore) was a narrow winner last week from Huguenot (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint), who is now 7 lbs better off and should theoretically be able to reverse the form. Our idea of the winner however is Mesbaah (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes), who is only modest on the flat but has taken well to hurdling and was an easy winner at Perth last time. We also expect Viva Colonia (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) to take the novice hurdle at 16.30 and Toby Jug (Mrs. Humphreys/ Aidan Coleman) to follow up an easy Newton Abbot win in the 3 miles novice chase at 17.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grand Bay - Phone In - Amazing Valour
2. Race: Rio Laine - It`S A Roofer - Ortega
3. Race: Penyfan Dawn - Viva Colonia - Mid Valley
4. Race: Mesbaah - Overrule - Mayor Of Kilcock
5. Race: Toby Jug - Pairc Na Gcapall - Whatever Next
6. Race: Swing State - Alwaysonthemove - Rudanphast

Leicester and Newcastle

mainly large fields of mainly moderate animals at today´s flat meetings at Leicester and Newcastle. The only exceptions are the two conditions races at Leicester with 6 runners each. It is quite likely that Saeed bin Suroor and Frankie Dettori can win them both, with Dawnbreak in the 2yo race at 16.10 CT and Moonlife in the mile race for fillies half an hour later. Moonlife has not run since a very poor effort at Royal Ascot, but the stable was way out of form then and is now firing on all cylinders; she is easily the best on ratings here and is our best bet of the day. Another possible Godolphin winner here is debutant Treasure Town in the 2yo maiden at 17.40, but Botanist (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) looks a tough nut to crack, having been beaten only a nose at Sandown last time. An interesting runner at Leicester at possibly more rewarding odds is Barney Curley´s Agapanthus (Tom Queally) in the final 10 furlongs handicap at 18.40. Although Barney´s runners are not that consistent, it should not be forgotten that this one was a Schlenderhan hope for the German classics last year and is now racing off a mark of only 71. Godolphin coud also be on the scoresheet at Newcastle, where they have well-bred newcomers Addahab and Burnett engaged in the two mile races for 2yo maidens at 14.50 and 15.20 (Woodford Belle and Pytheas look the dangers on public form). Ted Durcan rides them both, and has a further good chance with Mark Tompkins´ Astrodiva in the maiden race over 1 1/ 2 miles at 16.50.

Betting forecast Leicester:
1. Race: Official Style - Mufarrh - State Fair
2. Race: Indian Skipper - Equipe de Nuit - Cardinal
3. Race: Hafawa - Dawnbreak - Cumulus Nimbus
4. Race: Moonlife - Perfect Star - Dixey
5. Race: Tiger Flash - Mista Rossa - Sitwell
6. Race: Botanist - Treasure Town - Argaum
7. Race: King Of The Moors - Evening Sunset - Sceilin
8. Race: Tanfidh - Moonage Daydream - Veiled Applause

Chantilly today

main event at Chantilly today, where the going will be very soft, is the Group Three Prix Eclipse for 2yo´s over 1200 metres at 14.25. Godolphin, who have runners all over at the moment, depend here on Forum Magnum (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), but the two British raiders look dangerous - Absolute Music (Robert Cowell/ Ioritz Mendizabal) and Duplicity (Richard Hannon/ Thierry Thulliez),particularly the latter, who beat Hearts of Fire (winner of the Zukunfts-Rennen at Baden-Baden and yesterday of an Italian Group One) earlier in the season. Thre are several German-trained runners on the undercard. The Miss McCardle (Dr. Bolte/ Henk Grewe) and Marina (Christian von der Recke/ Gaetan Masure) both run in the opening 2yo claimer at 13.55. White Bull (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) runs in the 2100 metres handicap at 16.30, and Marangu (Waldemar Hickst/ Yannick Letondeur) in the 3yo mile claimer at 17.00. There are huge fields for these races, so winning will not be easy, but Wh ite Bull has been placed several times in similar events and should be involved in the finish again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mana Kourou - Marina - Miss Kamikaze
2. Race: Eightfold Path - Forum Magnum - Absolute Music
3. Race: Stelton - Super Kenny - Loch Etive
4. Race: Fiona Rae - Mary Boleyn - Spring Wave
5. Race: Time For Gold - Orange Pekoe - Venetian Dancer
6. Race: White Bull - Kornei - Carlix
7. Race: Delicious - Maille Perfect - Marangu
8. Race: Quick Jem - Barhill - Smoothie

large fields everywhere today

autumn is in the air and there are large fields everywhere today. Indeed at today´s 4 flat meetings in Britain and Ireland, only 2 of the 32 races have less than 11 runners. In fact at the Curragh, where there is an
additional day´s racing to make up for the many days lost in Ireland to the weather this summer, there are 4 races with 23+ runners. The maiden races here are the most intersting events, especially the 10 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 18.25 CET. Despite the huge field this can probably be narrowed down to Pittoni (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), who has not run since his debut in June when he was beaten in a photo at odds-on, Duc de Savoie (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Agricola (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry), who have both shown useful form, and Aidan O´Brien´s well-bred newcomer Majority Leader (Johnny Murtagh).O´Brien and Murtagh can in any case take the 2yo maiden at 15.15 with MidasTouch, while Weld and Smullen can counter with Hasaila in the fillies race at 17.25. In England, the best races are at Salisbury and most of the top jockeys - including Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore- will be there. Frankie is there mainly to partner Godolphin´ s Secrecy in the best race of the day, a mile handicap at 17.20. This is a very open race and one of the more interesting runners is the ex-Fabre/Ullmann runner Saldenlicht, now with James Eustace. Frankie also has a chance with Andy Haynes´ Poppets Lovein (half-sister to Overdose) in the 3yo handicap at 16.45. Godolphin, who are currently in the winners´ circle every day, can also win the mile maiden at Windsor with the debutant Rainbow Desert (Ted Durcan). German-bred Carmenero (Conor Dore/ Steven Craine) has not troubled the judge in ages, but has dropped to a very nice weight in the 6 furlongs handicap here at 16.35 and could be an interesting each-way bet. There is also all-weather racing at Kempton, where the best bet could be My Kingdom (Hughie Morrison/ George Baker) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.30; generally consistent in this grade, he looked very unlucky last time out at Chester.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dance Hall Girl - Simkana - Emulous
2. Race: Midas Touch - Encompassing - Nebula Storm
3. Race: Milvian Bridge - Lil Ella - Lyle Lady
4. Race: Thats A Fret - Orlando Dawn - Definite Opinion
5. Race: Fast Lightning - Birregurra - Wings Of Dawn
6. Race: Crystal Idea - Haseila - Screen Diva
7. Race: Shy Smile - Harriers Call - Viceroy Of India
8. Race: Pittoni - Duc De Savoie - Majority Leader

Ireland today

the best racing in the British Isles today, both on the flat and over jumps, comes from Ireland. Like Ascort and Goodwood, the Curragh is signing off for the season and stages 7 competitive races, some with huge fields. The 3 listed races are the classiest events. 17 lone up on the 6 furlongs race at 16.00 CET. Snaefell (Mike Halford/ Fran Berry) won a Group Three over this CD last time, but now has to give weight away all round, while Stewards Cup winner Genki (Roger Charlton/ Kevin Manning) is a dangerous raider from England, but for the winner we choose the Aga Khan´s Rayeni (Mick Kinane), whose team can hardly do anything wrong at present. Oxx also launches a strong challenge for the 1 1/2 mile race at 17.35 with 4 runners, the pick of them being the Aga´s Aliyfa (Kinane) but Aidan O´Brien is even more strongly represented with 6 (!) runners, headed by Trojan War (Johnny Murtagh) and Von Jawlensky (Seamus Heffernan). Jim Bolger should take the 2yo fillies race at 16.30, w here his runners Akdarena (Kevin manning) and Atasari (Danny Mullins) have the best form; O´Brien saddles Lady Lupus (Murtagh) here, but she has to improve dramatically to figure. There is also some good jumps racing at Limerick, where the Munster National over 3 miles at 17.50 is the main event. Church Island (Michael Hourigan/ Andrew McNamara) is the class act here but faces a tough task under top weight; Tony Martin´s two runners Green Mile (Ruby Walsh) and Aggies Lad (Robbie Colgan) would appear to have better prospects at these weights. The 2 miles 1 furlong chas at 18.25 is also a good race. German-bred Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ Paul Carberry) has a chance, but we prefer Archies Boy (Pat Flynn/ Davy Russell), winner of 4 of his 6 races, and British raider Cornas (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bass Rock - Bygone Age - Dinger Belle
2. Race: Rayeni - Genki - Snaefell
3. Race: Akdarena - Lady Lupus - Crystal Gal
4. Race: Theother Haaf - Our Nana Rose - Roshina
5. Race: Aliyfa - Trojan War - Roman Empress
6. Race: Shalambar - Colleoni - Fingers
7. Race: Is Feidir Linn - My Point Exactly - Dalkan

Goodwood, Lingfield (a.w.) and Ffos Las (N.H.)

The flat season is drawing to a close and after Ascot staged its last flat meeting of the year yesterday, it is today the turn of Goodwood to stage its 2009 finale. Although the fields are quite big, the card is however not very classy, and the best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET. With 15 runners, this is the usual puzzle, but We Have a Dream (Willie Muir/ Darryll Holland), first or second on all his last 5 starts, is an obvious possibility; Son of the Cat (Brian Gubby/ John Fahy) and Viking Spirit (Walter Swinburn/ Eddie Ahern) are just two of many dangers. The 2 mile race for N.H. jockeys which opens the card at 15.00 is always popular and ex-German Swordsman (Charlie Gordon/ Colin Bolger) probably has as good a chance as any. The other flat meeting is on the all-weather at Lingfield, and Seb Sanders looks the jockey to follow there. He should certainly win the 2yo maiden at 15.25 on Ralph Beckett´s Admin and also has good chances with Sir Mark Prescott´s Pres cription at 16.35, Heather Dalton´s Bee Stinger at 17.10 and Lady Herries´ Bell Island at 17.45. There is also jumps racing at Ffos Las, but with the ground still riding firm, the fields are mainly small. The handicap hurdle at 17.30 is the best race and looks very competitive. Dancewiththedevil (Chris Roberts/ Dave Devereux) holds Treaty Flyer (Alison Thorpe/ Johnny Farrelly) on earlier form, but the latter has since won twice in good style; Philip Hobbs´ pair, German-bred Oldrik (Richard Johnson) and bottom-weight Spanish Conquest (Rhys Flint) are the main dangers to this pair.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Whitcombe Spirit - No Rules - Black Or Red
2. Race: Five Cents - Pintura - Ransom Note
3. Race: We Have A Dream - Kerrys Requiem - Son Of The Cat
4. Race: Effigy - Mishrif - Avertis
5. Race: Carnaby Street - Sophie`S Beau - Bonheurs Art
6. Race: Regal Guest - Helaku - Phonic
7. Race: Cherish The Moment - Reset City - Count Of Tuscany

Paul Nicholls to hit top gear at Chepstow

Paul Nicholls has been very quiet so far this season, but looks set to hit top form at this afternoon´s N.H.meeting at Chepstow, one of his favourite tracks. He has fancied runners in 6 of the 7 races and it would come as no great surprise if he were to win them all. Ruby Walsh partners Tito Bustillo in the novice hurdle at 14.55 CET, The Gossmoor Yank under top weight in the handicap chase at 15.30, Gullible Gordon in the novice chase half an hour later, Top of the Knar in the handicap chase at 16.35 (accompanied by stable companion Hoo La Baloo, ridden by Ian Popham), Classic Swain in the handicap hurdle at 17.10 and Murrell in the bumper at 18.20. Although Chepstow stages the best jumps card today, Tony McCoy is in action at Bangor and can land a short-priced double for Jonjo O´Neill on City Theatre at 15.50 and Shadow Dancer at 17.30. There is also N.H. racing
at Hexham, where German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) should win the beginners chase at 15.10, and in Ireland at Fairyhouse, where there are maximum fields in all races and where Falcon Island (Gordon Elliott/ Barry Geraghty) in the maiden hurdle at 15.50 looks the best bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tito Bustillo - It`S A Date - Silver Point
2. Race: The Gossmoor Yank - Galaxy Rock - Mister Benedictine
3. Race: Gullible Gordon - Theatrical Moment - Carrick Oscar
4. Race: Tot Of The Knar - Hoo La Baloo - Coq Hardi
5. Race: Classic Swain - Any Given Day - First Trim
6. Race: Fongoli - Takelli - Olofi
7. Race: Murrell - Cavingdon - A Nun With A Gun

York and Wolverhampton (evening a.w.)

York´s card today includes 4 handicaps with 20 runners each and presents punters with a very difficult puzzle. Our shoirt lists include the following: Splendourinthegrass (Roger Charlton/ Seb Sanders) and Dhaular Dhar (Jim Goldie/ Gary Bartley) in the 7 furlongs race at 15.05 CET, although they might need some rain; thr 3yo´s Theola (Mark Tompkins/ Jimmy Quinn) and Mykingdomforahorse (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott) in the 2 1/4 mile race at 15.40; the two Irish-trained runners Toufan Express (Adrian McGuinness/ Chris Hayes) and Irish Heartbeat (David Myerscough/ William Buick), as well as top-weight Hogmaneigh (Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) over 6 furlongs at 16.45; and Veroon (James Given/ Royston Ffrench) and Some Sunny Day (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block) in the 3yo race over 10 furlongs at 17.55. With Brian Meehan´s 2yo´s in good form, we also expect to see Never the Waiter (Martin Dwyer) run well in the listed race at 17.10. Wolverhampton´s evening meeting is very tame by compari son; best bet here could be Sir Mark Prescott s Royal Diamond (Seb Sanders), who can defy top-weight and complete a four-timer in the 3yo handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 20.45.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Splendorinthegrass - Billy Dane - Harrison George
2. Race: Danzatrice - Murcar - Mykingdomforahorse
3. Race: Layla`S Hero - Capercaillie - Swilly Ferry
4. Race: Kaldoun Kingdom - Green Manalishi - Hitchens
5. Race: Lay Claim - Lost In The Moment - Count Bertoni
6. Race: Some Sunny Day - Sam Sharp - Veroon
7. Race: Lady Luachmhar - Bugaku - Puzzlemaster

three group races at Ascot today

an excellent card at Ascot today, with three Group Three races and some competitive handicaps. The opening Cornwallis Stakes at 15.15 CET over 5 furlongs for 2yo´s has 18 runners, with Taajub (William Haggas/ Richard Hills), never yet out of the first two, the likely favourite. However the no. 2 draw may not be ideal; main danger Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) is drawn 1, so those looking for a long-shot with an outside draw should consider Mick Channon´s Tawwaab (Ryan Moore). The Bengough Memorial over 6 furlongs at 15.55 also has a huge field. Haggas again has a fancied runner here in Triple Aspect (Liam Jones), now running over his best distance. Several of these ran last time in the Diadem Staks over this CD, where Tamagin (Jeff Pearce/ Stephen Donohoe) was second and Prime Defender (Barry and Michal Hills) fifth; we also like the chances of Palace Moon (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne). The third group race is the Autumn Stakes for 2yo´s over a mile at 17.40, in which Azizi (Haggas/ Hills) and Frozen Power (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), both winners of 3 of their 5 starts, hold the best chances. There is only a small field for the 2yo race over 7 furlongs at 17.05. Th Queen´s Quadrille (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) has won both his starts and is moving up in grade, but his runner-up last time Circumvent won a listed race in France yesterday, giving the form a timely boost. The handicaps look too difficult to call, but we expect Mark Johnston´s two runners Record Braker (Richard Hikks) and Quai d´Orsay (Joe Fanning) to run well over 1 1/2 miles at 16.30, where CD specialist Young Mick (George Margarson/ John Egan) is also respected.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Taajub - Bould Mover - Our Jonathan
2. Race: Triple Aspect - Tamagin - Palace Moon
3. Race: Class Is Class - Record Breaker - Pevensey
4. Race: Corporal Maddox - Lamh Albasser - Quadrille
5. Race: Frozen Power - Dubawi Phantom - Simenon
6. Race: Wintercast - Mutamaashi - Mountain Pride
7. Race: Mythical Blue - Whiskey Junction - Sharpened Edge

German runners in France today

The ground was firm at Longchamp last weekend, but there has been plenty of rain since and it will be soft for today´s Saint-Cloud meeting. Main event is the Group Three Prix Thomas Bryon for 2yo´s over a mile at 14.40, but this race has cut up badly and there are only 4 runners, 3 of them trained in England. Best of the Brits is clearly Godolphin´s German-bred Ameer (Olivier Peslier), who looks a smart prospect; the Monsun colt has most to fear from the Aga Khan´s Rajsaman (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Stephane Pasquier). There are also 2 listed races on the card, both with 2 German runners. In the mile race at 15.10 we prefer König Bernard (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) to Usbeke (Jan-Pierre Carvalho/ Tgierry Thullier) and in the race over 2100 metres at 15.40 we hope to see Torsten Mundry´s All the Winds (Maxime Fuyon) come out on top; Peter Schiergen´s Thanatos (Gaetan Masure) must improve to figure here. Other Grman runners here are Le Mari at 16.10 and Asterio an hour lat er, (both Norbert Sauer/ Henk Grewe) while Big Lion (Baltromei/ Boeuf) also runs in the latter race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pink Gin - Naabegha - Swingville
2. Race: Larceny - Moon Romance - Lona La Bamba
3. Race: Rajsaman - Circumvent - Rajsaman
4. Race: Skins Game - König Bernard - Ideology
5. Race: Satwa Prince - Capitaine Courage - Thanatos
6. Race: Redondelle - Le Mari - Doun Pearl
7. Race: Djemilla - Sweet Tsarina - Solaria
8. Race: Vireli - Night Winner - Big Lion

All-weather racing at Lingfield, Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland)

Planty of all-weather action today, with 8 races at Lingfield this afternoon, 8 more this evening at Woilverhampton and 7 more in Ireland at Dundalk. The last-named meeting is clearly the best, with star trainer Aidan O´Brien launching a strong challenge. He can take the main event, a listed race for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 20.30 CET with Fighting Brave (Johnny Murtagh), an easy winner here of his only start so far; Jim Bolger´s Free Judgment (Kevin Manning), also a course winner, is the obvious danger. O´Brien and Murtagh can also take the 2yo handicap at 21.00 with Purple Heart and the 1 1/2 miles conditions race at 22.00 with Trojan War, but in the 6 furlongs race at 19.30 their hope Gluteus Maximus looks held by easy last-time-out winner Fourpenny Lane (Joanna Morgan/ Wayne Lordan). At Lingfield, Sir Michael Stoute´s Verdant (Ryan Moore) should take the first division of the 2y0 maiden at 14.50; in the second division, as none of those that have run have been very convic ning, we go for the unraced Godolphin colt Sahara Kingdom (Ted Durcan). The mile handicap at 18.10 looks very tricky, but Sarah Park (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer), who was 4th in a better race at Ascot last time, should be thereabouts. At Wolverhampton, the handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 19.20 is the best race. Top-weight Rose Row (Mary Hambro/ Hayley Turner) was just touched off this CD last time and can go one better, but it will not be easy to concede weight to the improving 3yo´s Worth a KIng´s (Stoute/ Neil Callan) and German-bred Fin Vin de Leu (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning)

York and Carlisle

The only racing on turf today is at York and over jumps at Carlisle. Obviously the York card is much stronger and easily the most interesting race of the day is the conditions race over 10 furlongs at 15.45 CET. The field of 7 is almost good enough for a group race and is headed by Godolphin´s ex-German Peligroso (Frankie Dettori). He was just touched off by Saphir at Munich in early June, before running baly at Cologne 13 days later, and although the Munich form has notr worked out, it should still be good enough for him to score here. Any rain would inprive his chances. Stable companion Once More Dubai (Ahmed Ajtebi) will presumably make the running for him. Gestüt Ammerland´s Blizzard Blues (Henry Cecil/ Ian Mongan) is taking a massive jump in class, but still looks the biggest danger. He won his only race, a Newmarket maiden in July, in good style despite running all over the place, and is probably much better than his current rating; the runner-up then, Manifest, also tr ained by Cecil, has since given the form a big boost. Godolphin and Dettori can also take the first race, a 2yo handicap at 15.10, with another German-bred, the Big Shuffle colt Marine Spirit. The best races at Carlisle are the handicap chases,over 2 miles at 16.40 and over 3 miles at 17.50. In the former race, Tony McCoy is an interesting booking for Nicky Richards´ Glingerbank, but slight preference is for the easy last-time-out winners Some Touch (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) and Nudge and Nurdle (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), while Noel Chance´s Divine Gift (Richtd Johnson) could also be dangerous if fit after a 7 months lay off. Top-weight Native City (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) can complete a hat-trick in the 3 mile chase, but Sam Cruise (Tim and Robert Walford) looks a big threat off his light weight.

Jumps racing today

There is N.H. racing this afternoon at Wincanton and Worcester as well as a mixed card at Tramore in Ireland - 3 flat races, 3 over jumps and a ladies´ bumper. Richard Johnson kooks the jocky to follow at Wincanton. He shoud certainly take the opening 3yo hurdle at 15.25 on Alazan for Philip Hobbs, and he later has several promising rides for Tim Vaughan: Prince Noora at 16.00, Stoneriggs Merc at 17.35 and Doctor Robert at 18.10, though none of them are totally bombproof. He also has a chance on Keith Goldsworthy´s Alesandro Mantegna at 17.05. At Worcester, German-bred Princess Flame (Brendan Powell/ Tony McCoy) could go close in the mares handicap hurdle at 15.35, while De Bansha Man (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) at 16.45 and Get me out of Here (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) half an hour later can win their respective hurdles debuts after showing decent bumper form. At Tramore, the best bet could be Understood (Dermot Weld/ Shane Gorey) in the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 16.00.

Newbury and Kempton today

There is flat racing this afternoon at Newbury and this evening on the all-weather at Kempton. As the courses are not all that far apart, several of the leading jockeys such as Ryan Moore will be riding at both meetings. 5 of the 8 races at Newbury are for 2yo´s, all with large fields, and these are the most interesting events today. With plenty of runners from the top stables - Stoute, Hannon, Gosden etc - including well-bred newcomers, it is possible that there may be some subsequent group winners on view, but they will not be easy to pick out yet. The Godolphin youngsters continue to achieve a remarkably good strike rate, so the debutants Mutafajer at 15.10 CET and Database at 15.45 (both Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) must be respected, but on public form Noafal (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) and the Queen´s Tactician (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) respectively look the two to beat. At 17.25, Dancing David (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) and Lunar Victory (John Gosden/ J immy Fortune) are the ones with the best form, while Tamaathul (Barry and Richard Hills) is the newcomer with the best pedigree.

The card at Kempton is less interesting, but Ryan Moore is particularly dangerous when riding for his father and can take the 2yo handicap at 20.00 on top-weight Oasis Jade; this one started at 33-1 when 4th over CD last time, but will not be anywhere near that price this time. Th 3yo handicap at 21.30 can go to another top-weight, Michael Jarvis´ Tripitaka (Philip Robinson), who won his only race in good style, a maiden over 11 furlongs here, and he may well be a blot on the handicap. Top-weights can also dominate in the mile handicap at 22.00, where Farleigh House (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) and McConnell (Gary Moore/ George Baker), both last-time-out winners, can fight it out.

Jumps racing today

There is N.H. racing today at Exeter and Towcester, and although the ground is given as good to firm at both meetings, the going may well change as more rain is expected. Although we would not normally recommend a 3yo against older horses at this time of year over hurdles, we make an exception for David Pipe´s Talimas (Tom Scudamore) in the novice handicap hurdle at Exeter at 15.50 CET, as he won so easily last time out; top-weight Carey´s Road (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) looks the main danger. Jonjo and AP can in anycase take the opening race at 15.20 with Intersky Music, while we make Cool Friend (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield), runner-up in a big field at the Aintree May meeting when last seen, our bst bet of the meeting in the novice hurdle at 17.20.

The best race at Towcester is also a novice hurdle at 16.30; Pilgrim´s Lane (Milton Harris/ Warren Marston) has a double penalty, so Agento Romano (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who won in good style last time, is preferred, but the mares Dots Delight (Mark RImell/ Peter Toole) and Hayes Princess (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) look dangerous in receipt of plenty of weight. Vaughan and Johnsn also team u woth Grman-bred Daring Racer in th handocap hurdle at 17.30, which looks quite difficult with 18 runners. However Ishismart (Reg Hollinshead/Harry Skelton) won well last time and has to be the selection on recent form.

Nottingham, Navan (Ireland) and Kempton (a.w.)

Flat racing this afternoon at Nottingham, with some big fields, at Navan in Ireland with even larger fields, and this evening on the all-weather at Kempton. Although there are no high grade races on the cards, it is quite posible that we shall see some better class 2yo´s in action at Nottingham and Navan, with several top stables in action.b Godolphin have several runners at Nottingham and in view of the excellent stable form it shpuld be worthwhile to look at debutant High Comedy in the 2yo maiden over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET, the extremely well-bred Anhar in the first division of the mile maiden at 16.40 and, despite his poor initial effort, Liberty Square in the second division half an hour later, Frankie Dettori rides all three and he has another winning chance on Jeremy Noseda´s Charger in the 10 furlongs maiden for 3yo´s + at 18.10.

At Navan th most intereesting race is the 2yo mile maiden at 17.15 with runners from all the big Irish yards. Aidan O´Brien saddles 4 runners and on pedigree Flying Class (Seamus Heffernan) is obviously the one to catch the eye, being a son of Sadlers Wells out of champion Ramruna (winner of the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks in 1999), so it is significant that stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partners September Moon. Rainforest Magic (Dermit Weld/ Pat Smullen) and the Aga Khan´s Akinndi (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) are two dangers, while German-bred Shivano (Paddy Prendergast/ BA Curtis), a son of Monsun, is also of interest. However a more likely German-bred winner here is Sweet Wake (Noel Meade/ TC Carroll), a Baden-Baden Group Two winner 4 years ago, in the conditions race over 10 furlongs at 18.15, who has Chief Lone Eagle (O´Brien/ Murtagh) and Galileo´s Choice (Weld/ Smullen) to beat. Meade and Carroll also have good prospects with useful hurdler Donna´s Palm in the 2 mile maiden at 16.15.

The card at Kempton this evening is relatively boring by comparison, but we expect to see Racing Hero (Noseda/ William Buick) and Putra One (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), who have the two best draws, fight out the finish to the best race, a 10 furlongs handicap at 19.50.

German runners in France today

Obviously there can be comparison with the excellent racing on offer at Longchamp last weekend, but there is still a good card today at Chantilly with 3 listed races. Erika Mäder´s Fancy Diamond (Franck Blondel) tries her luck in the 2000 metres race for 3yo fillies at 14.10, but faces a very stiff task. There could be a British winner in the 3000 metres race at 16.20 - Sir Mark Prescott´s Braveheart Move (Jean-Bernard Eyquem), but surprisingly there are no British runners in the 1100 metres race at 15.50, which might go to John Hammond s Tayseer (Blondel). Another German runner here is Omasheriff (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) in the opening tiercé handicap over 1200 metres at 13.40, but this distance is possibly a furlong too far. There are also several German-trained runners at the provincial meeting at Lyon and we make Wellinas (Werner Hefter/ Mathieu Sautjean) in the mile conditions race at 16.05 the best German prospect of the day.

Irish jumps racing today at Tipperary

There are no problems with the fields at Tipperary, with maximum numbers in almost all of the 7 races. If there is a star on view, it can only be Sweeps Hill (John Kiely/ David Casey) one of last seasons´s top bumper horses, who is already one of the favourites for Cheltenham and now makes his hurdling debut at 15.55 CET. Financialregulartor (JA Nassh/ Ruby Waölsh( already has some decent form to his credit asnd is clearly the one to beat. The beginners chase at 17.55 is also interesting and can go to Streets of Gold (Christy Roche/ Alan Crowe), who has been runner-up the last twice and now deserves to get his head in front. The German-breds Tipolino and Azana are only outsiders here and there are several other German-breds running at the meeting, of whom Cartageno Directa (Ger Cukly/ MJ Ferris), in the maiden hurdle at 16.25, possibly has the best chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sweeps Hill - Financialregulator - Sandymount Lady
2. Race: Ballyvoile - Holy Show - Fairymount Lord
3. Race: Emerson Breeze - Cantrell - Golden Grimshaw
4. Race: Paddy Curry - Stretch The Truth - Soitoldyou
5. Race: Streets Of Gold - Hotel Hilamar - Larkwing
6. Race: Nipper John - Classic Frontier - Oran Flyer
7. Race: Flemenscall - Celia`S Express - Heron Trix

Catterick, Folkestone and Leicester

It is raining in many parts of the U.K. today, the first rain in weeks, which could cause problems with the going and there are quite likely to be several non-runners. The main event at Leicester, a handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1 /2 miles at 17.10 CET has now cut up to only 3 runners, and the Queen´s Highland Glen (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who won at Kempton last time, is likely to start at very short odds. There are only 4 runners in the main supporting race here,a conditions race for 2yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16,10 and we expect Frankie Dettori´s mount Al Ghazal to continue Godolphin´s excellent winning run. The fields are bigger. but the quality much poorer, in the other two meetings in England today. Trainer Roger Charlton has sent his stable jockey Steve Drowne to Folkestone and they can collect with Zero Money in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.50.

We Have a Dream (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer) and Squad (Simon Dow/ Louis-Philippe Beuzelin) are both in excellent form and can take the handicaps at 16.50 and 17.50 respectively. At Catterick, the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.20 looks the most interesting event. This is quite an open race and we have the consistent Air Maze (Sir Mark Prescott/ Stephen Donohoe), Saloon (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer) and African Cheetah (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) as our three against the field.

Newmarket and Dundalk today

Newmarket´s Cambridgeshire meeting continues today with two Group One races for 2yo´s the highlights. Th Cheveley Park Stakes for fillies at 15.30 CET and the Middle Park for colts at 16.05 are both run over 6 furlongs and are always two of the best juvenile races of the season. Aölthough there are nly 5 runners, th Middle Park looks a very strong renewal; Showcasing (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Poet s Voice (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) are possibly the two likeliest candidates. The fillies ace ha a larger field and could go to France via Special Duty (Criquette Head-Maarek/ Stephane Pasquier), only narrowly beaten in the Morny last time. Lady of the Desert (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) and Godolphin´ s Sand Vixen (Dettori) look best of the locals.

The Irish all-weather track at Dundalk stages its first group race this evening, the Diamond Stakes at 21.30. Conditions have been specially framed in order to attract potential Breeders Cup runners, and this tactic has been successful, as Aidan O´Brien has entered 3 runners, including Mastercraftsman (Johnny Murtagh), who will run at Santa Anita if all goes well this evening.