N.H. racing at Southwell, Taunton and Fairyhouse (Ireland)

Southwell is best known as an all-weather track for flat racing, but today it stages its best jumps race of the year, a 20,000 GBP handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 17.00 CET. With 15 runners, this looks wide open. Top-weight Echo Point (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) appears badly handicapped, and our choice is the improving 5yo and the youngest horse in the field, Bruslini (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson).

Consistent Good Old Thyme (Dr. Newland/ Giles Hawkins) and Sir Tantallus Hawk (Alan Swinbank/ Oliver Greenall) look the main dangers. The mares novice hurdle at 16.30 is another interesting event. Banjaxed Girl (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) has won 4 of her 5 starts, including here, but she has a double penalty which could life difficult; Shayaza (Steve Gollings/ Johnson) has run some decent races, but is still a maiden and as a result gets a stone, which could swing things her way.

Paul Nicholls introduces an interesting newcomer at Taunton- Sanctuaire (Ruby Walsh), who makes his British debut in the novice hurdle at 16.20 after twice running well at Auteuil. He can make the most of his weght concession from last-time-out winner Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore). Nicholls also rins two in th novi ces handoap hurdle at 17.20, top-weoght Royal Collongs (Walsh) and Hifghst Start (Ian Popham). The latter makes greater appal at thes weights, but the one to bat sis surely th unbaten Bothy (Brian llison/ Koth Mercr), who is being aimed at Cheltenham after this race. German-bred L´Homme de Nuit (Gary Moore/ Philip Hide), by Samum, should also run well. Finally Canni Thinkaar (Jim Best/ Scudamore), in the form of his life at the age of 9, can complete a four-timer in the 3 miles handicap hurdle at 18.20.

While Ruby Walsh flies today to England, Tony McCoy goes in the opposite direction and has two rides at the Irish meeting at Fairyhouse for his main employer JP McManus - Dr. Whizz for Tom Mullins at 15.45 and Donoughmore for Tommy Carberry half an hour later. However the maiden hurdle at 17.15 looks the most intersting race here. Both Cottage Star and Glenlo Abby are unbeaten bumper winners, while Edward O´Grady´s pair The Book Thief and Una Duce look dangerous, as does Mary´s Little Vic, caught on the line here last time out.