N.H. racing at Taunton, Uttoxeter and Thurles (Ireland)

Uttoxeter and Thurles have both survived early morning inspections, but the going will be very heavy at both meetings. It often pays follow top jockeys when they are not riding at the main fixture, and we think that Richard Johnson at Taunton and Tom Scudamore at Uttoxeter could be among the winners today. Johnson´s rides with winning chances at Taunton include Serious Choice and Duke of Lucca in the maiden hurdles at 14.05 and 15.50 CET, Doctor Foxtrot in the novice hurdle at 15.15, and French Saulaie in the handicap hurdle at 16.55, all trained by his main employer Philip Hobbs. Tom Scudamore could do equally well at Taunton on David Pipe-trained runners, notably Northern Jem and Horsford in the novice hurdles at 13.15 and 13.45 , and Another Display in the beginners chase at 14.55, although Ernst Blofeld looks a tough not to crack here. In Ireland it could be Ruby Walsh´s turn to shine yet again, and he can score on Willie Mullins´ Equus Maximus at 14.00 and Otay Kawn at 1 5.40. Most interesting runner here however is Noel Meade´s one-time top hurdler Nicanor (Davy Condon), who can finally get off the mark over fences in the beginners chase at 14.35.