Fairyhouse (Ireland) and Lingfield (a.w.)

Fairyhouse stages two Grade Two events today which could have a bearing on the big races to come this spring. The Bobbyjo Chase at 16.40 is named after an Irish-trained Grand National winner and today´s field has several Aintree entries, notably Dessie Hughes´ pair Black Apalachi (Roger Loughran) and Vic Venturi (Paddy Flood). However our preference is for Jim Dreaper´s smart stayer Notre Pere (Andrew Lynch), who has an Aintree entry but seems more likely to go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. There are some smart prospects running in the 4yo hurdle at 15.35. Ailavan (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) was turned over at long odds-on last time, but his conqueror Carlito Brigante has certainly boosted the form since. Politeo (Paul Nolan/ Davy Russell) won his only start in good style and looks the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Johnnyofcourse - Slippers Percy - Empire Theatre
2. Race: Alaivan - Politeo - Big Game Hunter
3. Race: Dorset Square - Rubi Light - Conclave
4. Race: Notre Pere - Black Apalachi - Vic Venturi
5. Race: Browns Baily - Corskeagh Royale - Deal Done
6. Race: Having A Cut - Nedzer`S Return - Twice The Craic
7. Race: Day Of A Lifetime - Ross Na Righ - The Dagda




Best race on an average all-weather card at Lingfield is the mile handicap at 15.50. This looks fiercely competitive with 12 runners, most of them with good CD form. Autumn Blades (Alan Bailey/ Franny Norton) was a narrow winner here last week from Benandonner (Mike Murphy/ Barry McHugh) but the form could be reversed on these terms. The most interesting runner is top-weight Mahadee (Clive Brittain/ Neil Callan), who has been off the track since September, but who ran in several top handicaps last season and has a good a.w. record. The Clive Brittain stable has had a couple of winners this week and he could run well at a decent price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kirsty`S Boy - Sunrise Lyric - Tuscan King
2. Race: Banks And Braes - Blues Music - Rebel Soldier
3. Race: Benandonner - Autumn Blades - Mr Willis
4. Race: Gargano - Quinsman - Kames Park
5. Race: Officer In Command - Cupid`S Glory - December Draw
6. Race: Pippbrook Ministar - Takajan - Penrod Ballantyne
7. Race: Ivory Silk - Le Toreador - Hoh Hoh Hoh