Today´s N.H. racing

Obviously the jumps racing today in Britain and IrelandTom O´Brien) and Kornati Kid (Richard Johnson) comes as an anti-climax following the Cheltenham Festival, which ended in a bloodbath for punters and a bonanza for the bookies. The big race this afternoon is the Midlands Grand National over almost 4 1/4 miles at Uttoxeter at 16.15 CET. Any further rain will clearly help the chances of Le Beau Bai (Richard Lee/ Oliver Grenall) and Synchronised (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who both need soft ground to show their best form. Indeed, Synchronised was pulled out of an easier race at Cheltenham on Wednesday because of the fast going there. This lightly-raced type is moving up in distance here, but is still our selection. Other dangers are Badgerlaw (Jessica Harrington/ Andrew Leigh), who has twice run well in this event, and the Philip Hobbs pair of Ballydub (Tom O´Brien) and Kornati Kid (Richard Johnson).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Action Impact - American Cricket - Miss Ladybird
2. Race: Carrickmines - Summery Justice - Junior
3. Race: Have You Seen Me - Volador - Helpston
4. Race: Le Beau Bai - Giles Cross - Synchronised
5. Race: Just For Jean - Jaunty Dove - Victoria State
6. Race: Five Star Wilsham - Mic`S Delight - Islamouth
7. Race: Kinkeel - Tanners Court - Porta Vogie
8. Race: Off Gallivanting - Dragon`S Roost - Raya Star




It has certainly rained heavily in Ffos Las and there are several non-runners there and some small fields. Most interesting runner here could be The Snail (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who has a break since winning his last 5 races. He has gone up a lot in the weights but can still score again in the handicap hurdle at 16.40.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Captive Audience - J`Adhere - Oursininlaw
2. Race: Adams Island - Hopeful Start - Universal Soldier
3. Race: The Snail - Mous Of Men - Michigan Assassin
4. Race: Wheels Up - Herons Well - Almaydan
5. Race: Wind Instrument - Buck Mulligan - Bubble Boy
6. Race: Backfromthecongo - Plenty Of Chat - Montana Gold
7. Race: Thanks For Coming - Character Actor - Lucky Mix




At Newcastle, Howard Johnson and Denis O´Regan, who had a disappointing Cheltenham, can gain some compensation with Akilak, reverting to hurdling at 17.00 and Nine Stories at 18.10, who has not run for a year but is very well treated off this handicap mark.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Turbo Island - Solis - Checklow
2. Race: Mister Pete - Basford Lass - Ballymacduff
3. Race: Farne Island - Prince Tam - Justtheoneforyou
4. Race: Bold Ransom - Mister Marker - Watercolours
5. Race: Seeking Power - Ocarina - Windy Hills
6. Race: Cassius - L`Eau Du Nil - Glingerbank
7. Race: Liz`S Dream - Nightboat To Cairo - What`S Occurrin




Another team who failed to shine at Cheltenham was Edward O´Grady and Andrew McNamara; they have a couple of good chances at the Irish meeting at Gowran Park today with German-bred Manhattan Boy at 16.20 and Mubrook in the novice hurdle at 16.55.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jim Bowie - King Of The Refs - Fearless Warrior
2. Race: Fennis Boy - Lady Roberta - Playboy Luke
3. Race: Plaisir D`Estruval - Farringdon - Grange Alainn
4. Race: Gates Of Rome - Cass Bligh - Some Slam
5. Race: Andlau - Galloping Gander - Bran Castle
6. Race: Prince Roco - Grab A Grand - Brave Betsy
7. Race: Leney Dow Jones - Artic Island - Alfa Beat