N.H. racing at Hexham, Wincanton and Downpatrick (Ireland)

Jumps racing takes a back seat now until the Grand National Meeting begins, and today´s 3 meetings are not inspiring. Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at Wincanton, nd his Rebel du Maquis (Ryan Mahon) is epected to biunce back from rcnt reverses in the novice hurdl over 2 3/4 miles at 17.00. However Triggerman (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) never runs a bad race and his second place in a hot Newbury handicap reads well. Earlier we expect Peut Etre Sivola (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) to defy top weight in the staying handicap chase at 16.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rougham - Nice One Eric - Shoegazer
2. Race: Wise Men Say - Mon Chevalier - Quick Fix
3. Race: Whitewater Dash - Peut Etre Sivola - Babe Heffron
4. Race: Triggerman - Rebel Du Maquis - Red Mile
5. Race: Holmwood Legend - Sole Agent - Lidjo De Rouge
6. Race: Kahsabelle - Another Miracle - Mix N Match




The handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.15 at Hexham is one of the best betting races of the afternoon. German-bred Federstar (Milton Harris/ Charlie Poste) must have a fair chance here after his good second place at Ffos Las. However it should not be overlooked that he has a very poor win strike rate -in fact. his last success was in 2005! The two bottom-weights, last-time-out winner Thatlldoforme (Alistair Whillans/ Peter Buchanan) and Mini Minster (P. Atkinson/ Phil Kinsella), who likes this track look dangerous, as is also Terenzium (Micky Hammond/ Fearghal Davis), who is very consistent in this grade.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: King O`The Gypsies - Master Fong - Hippolytus
2. Race: Political Paddy - Solway Bay - Quality Control
3. Race: Currahee - Thatlldoforme - Federstar
4. Race: Milans Man - Only The Best - Club Class
5. Race: Its Teescomponents - Doc Row - Boris The Blade
6. Race: Kensix Star - Fightstar - Sunnyside




Ruby Walsh is in action at Downpatrick this afternoon and can land a double for Willie Mullins with Final Approach, a useful flat handicapper, in the maiden hurdle at 15.15, and Hampshire Express, who unseated his jockey in a tough race at the Cheltenham Festival, in the hurdles race at 16.55. The McNiffs´ Ilikeyou won over this CD last time and can follow up against slightly better opposition in the handicap hurdle at 16.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Final Approach - Fearnwood Girl - Tara Warrior
2. Race: Shernaz - Topo Gigio - Spring Wine
3. Race: Ilikeyou - Supreme All Star - Lock Mor Lad
4. Race: Hampshire Express - Roi du Mee - Sciatin
5. Race: Blaze Trailer - The Man From Slatt - Rakamasi
6. Race: Harps Counsel - Leaders Mate - The Snuffler
7. Race: Foildubh - Clonard Lad - Sir Loujay