Sedgefield, Southwell (a.w.) and Naas (Ireland)

The best racing in Britain and Ireland today comes from Naas, where 3 Grade Two races are staged, all of whom could provide more Cheltenham clues. The novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.10 CET looks at the mercy of An Cathaoir Mor (Harry de Bromhead/ David Casey), who won a Grade One race last time and despite a 7 lbs penalty for that should outclass this opposition. The novice hurdle at 16.45 looks more open and it is certainly interesting to see the unbeaten 4yo Pittoni (Charlie Byrnes/ Paul Townend) line up here. Morning Supreme (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) looks best of the older brigade, but we would not be surprised to see Grey Soldier (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) run well; he is moving up in class after an easy CD maiden win last time. There are only 6 runners in the 2 mile chase at 17.15, in which we expect to see Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) defeat Scotsirish (Mullins/ Walsh), though oldtimer Mansony (Arthur Moore/ Paddy Flood) could be a danger if at his best.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Some Slam - Seeability - Blue Phase
2. Race: Take It Easee - Fen Game - Show Blessed
3. Race: An Cathaoir Mor - Tally Em Up - Taravada
4. Race: Morning Supreme - Pittoni - Coole River
5. Race: Tranquil Sea - Scotsirish - Made In Taipan
6. Race: Dolly Hall - The Flying Dustman - A New Story
7. Race: Araucaria - Shot From The Hip - Tavern Times




By comparison, the N.H. racing at Sedgefield (which must still survive an inspection if racing is to go ahead) looks very low grade. Howard Johnson and his stable jockey Denis O´Regan look the team to follow here and they have fancied runners in almost every race. Double Espresso in the novice hurdle at 15.00, Gringo in the beginners chase at 15.30, Cosmetic in the handicap hurdle at 16.00, Bay Cherry, top-weight in the stayers handicap hurdle at 17.05 and Senor Alco in the bumper at 18.10 could all win for the stable. There are only 3 runners in the novice chase at 16.35, in which the stable´s Silk Drum faces Riguez Dancer (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) and Thumbs Up (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire). 3-horse-races over jumps are notoriously tricky, and we can easily imagine seeing Thumbs Up, who receives weight from the others and hails from a stable in great form, defy his lower rating and win this.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Double Expresso - Pyracantha - Kellystown Lad
2. Race: Gringo - Son Of Flicka - El Presidente
3. Race: Mister Fizzbomb - Cosmetic - Nightboat To Cairo
4. Race: Riguez Dancer - Silk Drum - Thumbs Up
5. Race: Sphinx - Only The Best - Magnifico
6. Race: Go On Be A Lady - Rosie All Over - Work Boy
7. Race: Nelson`S Chief - Senor Alco - Kossakstan




The all-weather card at Southwell is not inspiring, but the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 16.20 could see Calculating (Mark Usher/ Lee Newnes) and Dart (Sue Lamyman/ Robert Winston), both runners-up last time over this CD, fight out the finish.The 7 furlongs handicap at 16.55 looks more open. Joint top weights Ishiadancer (Eric Alston/ Shane Kelly) and Bel Cantor (Bill Ratcliffe/ Paul Pickard) are both last-time-out winners, but we are not sure that they can concede a stone to Mozayada (Mel Brittain/ Frannie Norton), runner-up over a mile here last time. Most interesting runner at Southwell is Mark Johnston´s 3yo filly Floridata (Joe Fanning) who makes her debut in the maiden race at 17.25. If the race were decided on pedigree she would be a certainty - she is by Fusaishi Pegasus out of German classic winner Rose of Zollern.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Clear Ice - Il Forno - Flow Chart
2. Race: Resplendent Ace - Miss Christophene - My Friend Fritz
3. Race: Calculating - Dart - Eseej
4. Race: Ishiadancer - Mozayada - Bel Cantor
5. Race: Floridita - Ceto - Tomintoul Star
6. Race: Positivity - Almahaza - Special Cuvee

» Southwell abandoned!