N.H. racing at Ascot, Exeter and Kelso

Some quite good jumps racing today, particularly at Ascot and Exeter. At the former track we expect Barney Curley´s Zabeel Palace (Paul Moloney) to get bak on the winning trail in the handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET. After 3 easy wins, he was far from disgraced when runner-up last time to Harry Trucker, who ran an excellent race at Cheltenham last weekend. German-bred Oldrik (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be the main danger. Hobbs and Johnson can already be on the scorecard thanks to Prince Taime, a faller last time, but still the form choice in the beginners chase at 14.30, and the stable also has chances in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.15 with top-weight Out the Black, with good claimer Giles Hawkins aboard.

Best bet at Ascot should be Manyriverstocross (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) in the introductory hurdle at 15.05, although CD bumper winner Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore) is an interesting opponent. Despite the attractions of Ascot, top jockeys Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh are in action at Exeter. Ruby has two rides for Paul Nicholls, There´s no Panic in the novice hurdle at 14.05, and Forest Pennant in the novice chase at 14.40 (only 4 runners but quite a decent race), and has winning prospects on both. AP can counter with Jonjo O´Neill´s Signatory (making his comeback after 2 years) at 15.50 and Charlie Longsdon´s Tara Taylor at 16.25. At Kelso, Donald McCain and Jason Maguire can land a double with Wymott at 13.15 and Fabalu at 14,45, while Denis O´Regan can win his first race since returning from injury on Howard Johnson´ s Percussionist in the handicap hurdle at 15.25. German-bred Le Platino (Brian Storey/ Brian Hughes) was a surprise winner last week, but can follow up i n the handicap hurdle at 16.35.