N.H. racing at Ayr, Chepstow and Ludlow

There is plenty of rain about and there could be problems at Chepstow where an inspection has been called. The ground will in any case be heavy there, but that should not bother Star Galaxy (JL and Rhys Flint) who loves this ground and can win his 4th race of the season in the handicap chase at 17.00 CET. The fields here are quite small and there could be non-runners as well if racing goes ahead.

The 3 mile handicap hurdle at 17.35 could go to Philip Hobbs´ Lord Crewe (Tom O´Brien), a CD winner last time out; the obvious danger is Paul Nicholls´ lightly-raced Picture This (Harry Skelton), who has been off the track since October.

Nicky Henderson is always the trainer to follow at Ludlow and he can score another double there today with German-bred First Point (Tony McCoy) in the novice chase at 15.30 and Moghaayer (Andrew Tinkler) in the handicap hurdle at 16.00. The former is a smart hurdle handicapper and won both his races over sticks at this track; he appears to have little to beat today. Bobble Hat Bob (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) is the obvious danger to Moghaayer. The ground should not be too bad here, in which case Isabelonabicycle (O´Neill/ MCoy) could take the mares novice hurdle at 1710; she got bogged down in the mud on her hurdles debut.

Three likely winning favourites at Ayr today are Meridian City (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) in the novice hurdle at 15.10 - off since December but clear best on form- German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) in the novice chase half an hour later and Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice hurdle at 16.15. Noble Alan won a farcical race last week, in which he was the only one to finish, but is still the obvious choice here, while Overturn was a very easy CD winner at the last meeting.

Later: Chepstow has passed an inspection, racing goes ahead