Newmarket Guineas meeting

This column is now away until Monday, but first we shall have a quick look at the Newmarket Guineas meeting, with the first two classics of the British season, the 2,000 Guineas at 16.05 CET on Saturday and the 1,000 Guineas at 16.20 on Sunday. 9 were declared on Friday for the colts classic, and the clear favourite is St. Nicholas Abbey (Johnny Murtagh), one of 3 Aidan O´Brien entries.

On 2yo form he is obviously the best horse in the field after his impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy. The problem is that he has not run since. Of coursplenty of horses have on th Guinas withour a orep race- Sea the Strs last year the moist rcent- but it is always a gamble, specally after the very long and cold winter we have all had. The O´Brien horses that have run in Ireland have for the most part given the impression that they were behind schedule and badly needed the race. Nobody will be surprised if St. Nicholas Abbey wins, and then goes on to win the Derby, for which he is also favourite, but personally, we would rather go against him.

Th alternatives are headed by Elusive Pimpernel (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) and Al Zir (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), second and third to him in the Racing Post Trophy. Logically he should beat them again, but both have ben well backed to reverse the form, and Elusive Pimpernel has an easy win in the Craven Stakes, usually the best trial, to support his case.

Then we have the two runners trained by Richard Hannon, Canford Cliffs (Richard Hughes) and Dick Turpin (Ryan Moore), first and second in the Newbury trial. Canford Cliffs, also a smart 2yo, looked like winning this easily, until throwing his chance away by hanging badly. Many racegoers regarded this as proof that he does not stay a mile and can be discounted for that reason. We are not so sure and believe that he will certainly take revenge on his stable companion and, with different tactics being employed, can still play a major role here. Two others to be considered are Hearts of Fire (Pat Eddery/ Stephane Pasquier) and Awzaan (Mark Johnston/ Richard Hills). Hearts of Fire had an amazing season last year, starting off by winning the Brocklesbury on the opening day of the season. No Brocklesbury winner has gone on to take the following years Guineas since the 19th century, but few of them developed the way that this colt did, and he finished the year by winning a Group Two at Baden-Baden and then Group One in Italy. Awzaan was on the other hand smart from the very start, and is unbeaten after 4 starts.He has never raced beyond 6 furlongs, but there is no reason to imagine that he will not stay a mile. He is also making his seasonal debut, but we rate him the best bet at the likely odds.

At the time of writing the final field for the 1,000 Guineas is not available, but the French raider Special Duty (Criquette Head-Maarek/ Stephane Pasquier) seems certain to start favourite. The problem with her is clearly the distance, that she has class enough was seen last year. The fact that she flopped on her seasonal reapparance is of no great importance- the ground was desperate, she was still not fully wound up. Aidan O´Brien is expected to have only one runner, Devoted to You (Murtagh), but she does not look good enough. The three to concentrate on, in our view, are Music Show (Mick Channon/ Ryan Moore), Seta (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and especially the superby-bred Rumoush (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills), a half-sister to last year´s winner Ghanaati.

German runners in France today

some large fields at Longchamp this afternoon and plenty of German-trained runners. Sascha Smcrzek kicks off with Sina (Henk Grewe) in the tiercé handicap over 2000 metres at 13.35, but as always, this is a very difficult race. Werner Baltromei follows up with two runners in the 3yo maidens at 14.05 and 14.35, Ustilago and Glady Romana, both partnered by Dominique Boeuf. Their day will come, but probably later in the season.

The best German chance of the day is Jens Hirschberger´s Next Vision (Christophe Soumillon) in the conditions race for 4yo´s over 2000 metres at 16.10. Next Vision was a very easy winner of a minor event at Düsseldorf a month ago, his first race after finishing fifth in last year´s Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen. He is reckoned be up to group race class, but will need to be as the opposition is also pretty hot.

There are no fewer than 7 German-trained runners in the claiming race over a mile at 16.40. The race is for apprentice jockeys, and possibly Owentuo (Stefan Wegner/ Cedric Gueunde), Electric Roi (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Romain Briard) and Daudet (Hans Blume/ Romain Perruchot) have the best prospects in a huge field. Finally Heinz Hesse saddles Perfect Courtesy (Mathieu Sautjeu) in the second divison of the 2000 metres handicap at 18.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marendinio - Crumpett - Touching Kings
2. Race: Flagstaff - Selwyn - Platinum
3. Race: Satwa Tune - Painting - Skia
4. Race: Talissa - Daisy Fay - Turtle Of My Heart
5. Race: Maitre Lagrange - Surely A Rock - Malinoise
6. Race: Ashaaq - Next Vision - Darjani
7. Race: Grand Nordique - Owentuo - Daudet
8. Race: Kersimon - Minikos - San Real

N.H. racing at Hereford, Huntingdon and Tipperary (Ireland)

There are some small fields at Hereford this afternoon, and we expect Prince des Marais (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) to complete a hat-trick by beating his 4 opponents in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.50 CET. He is at his best on the fast ground he will encounter here. Otherwise the Hereford meeting can belong to Tony McCoy who has started the new season in great style.

He has winning chances on Victory Surge at 15.50, Badger Foot at 16.20, I can Run can You at 17.20 and Chit Chat at 17.50, all for Jonjo O´Neill, and can also take the bumper at 18.20 on Scoter Fontaine for Rebecca Curtis, who has an excellent strike rate here. There are some German-breds with chances at the evening meeting at Huntingdon. In particular we expect Kristallo (Paul Webber/ Wayne Kennedy) to run well in the handicap hurdle at 20.10; he flopped when last seen over sticks, but has since won twice on the flat (both times at Kempton) and as a son of Lando, will appreciate the fast going. Wiesenfürst (Gary and Jamie Moore) and Königsbote (Mrs.Leech/ Paul Moloney) also have prospects at 19.40 and 21.10, but in their cases the last-time-out winners Bid Art and Wor Rom respectively can be preferred.

There are the usual huge fields at the Irish jumps meeting at Tipperary. Here again a couple of German-breds catch the eye- Grantsville (Tom McCourt/ Paul Townend) in the handicap hurdle at 18.15 and Diophas (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) in the beginners chase at 19.50.

Folkestone, Redcar and Brighton (evening)

Three flat meetings in the U.K. today, but all of very poor quality. The best bet at Redcar is Always Dazzling (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) in the 3yo maiden at 16.00 CET. After an excellent debut in July, he was off the track with an injury, but should certainly be able to take care of today´s opposition. Best betting race here is the 6 furlongs handicap an hour later.

The lightly-raced Haigh Hall (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) is taken to continue the winning run of trainer and jockey, but Tangerine Trees( Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) and Favourite Girl (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) look dangerous, and we also like Methaaly (Michael Mullineaux/ Ted Durcan). However Durcan´s best hope is probably David Lanigan´ s Sparkling Smile, who has top-weight in the 3yo handicap at 18.05 and was a very easy winner last time of a similar event at Beverley.

Alan McCabe and Declan Cannon could be the team to follow at Folkestone. They can take the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 with Cornus, who has really struck form since being switched back to turf after a winter campaign on the all-weather, and can complete a quick hat-trick, despite moving up in grade here. Follow the Flag is another similar type for the pair and has an obvious chance in a small field in the 10 furlongs handicap at 18.10, but consistent Charlie Smirke (Gary Moore/ Richard Hughes) could be the one to beat here.

The card at Brighton this evening is, if anything, even worse, but Blue Tango (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley), beaten a head over this CD last time, can defy top-weight in the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.00. German-bred Tiger Trail (Norma Smith/ Luke Morris) is still a maiden, but still has a chance in the 5 furlongs handicap an hour later.

N.H. racing at Southwell and Kelso

Today´s two jumps meetings are very uninspiring, but it is interesting that Tony McCoy travels up to Southwell for just two rides - Irish-trained Martha Elizabeth in the mares maiden hurdle at 16.40 and Jonjo O`Neill´s Purrfect Hero in the bumper at 18.25. At Kelso´s evening meeting, the 3 miles 1 furlong handicap chase at 20.55 looks the most interesting race. 13 runners here with no standouts, but we expect bottom weight Something Silver (Jim Goldie/ Richard McGrath) to go well; he is moving up in distance and in grade, but is in good form. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire are enjoying a real purple patch at present and can have another winner with Al Qeddaaf in the maiden hurdle at 18.50; Devil Water (Jams Ewart/ Harry Haynes) and Saveiro (Alan Swinbank/ Brian Hughes) look on form to be the only dangers.

Ascot, Pontefract and Kempton

Easily the best racing of the day is at Ascot which stages its first flat meeting of the year. As this fixture is part of a new initiative to promote racing, there is free entry today, while as an experiment some bookmakers will be betting to decimal odds, although we cannot see that this will make much difference. Main event is the Group Three Sagaro Stakes over 2 miles at 16.55 CET.

With Yeats retired, the staying division looks very open and several pretenders to his crown line up here, among them German-bred Askau Tau (Ryan Moore), one of 3 Marcus Tregoning entries. This late developer has won 7 of his last 11 races, including the Doncaster Cup, but as a result must give away at least 5 lbs all round. We still think he can do it, with Akmal (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills), who won 7 races last year, the main danger, followed by Yes Mr. President (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Mojave Moon (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi). The two listed races are also of interest. Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) is another penalised runner, having won a French group race last autumn, and he may not be able to give the weight to Mon Cadeaux (Andrew Balding(/ William Buick) in the 6 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 17.30. The mile race for older horses at 16.20 looks tricky, as some of the 5 runners are coming off long breaks, such as Abbeyside (Paul Cole/ Frankie Det tori) and Minor Vamp (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), both smart 2yo´s who missed all of last season. So did Roger Charlton´ s Cityscape (Moore), but he made a good comeback when 4th of 23 at Newbury 11 days ago, and he is the selection.

Mahmoud al Zarooni, who trains for Godolphin, has a better chance of saddling his first British winner at Pontefract, where Lion Mountain (Ted Durcan) can win the 3yo maiden at 15.55. The Tiger Hill colt was only beaten a short head on his only start last year and that form should be good enough here. The fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.05 is the best betting race here. Aphrodisia (Ian Williams/ Steven Donohoe) won recently, with Bollin Dolly (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) a close 4th and Antigua Sunrise (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) further back; but at these weights the result could well be different this time, while seasonal debutant Some Sunny Day (Hughie Morrison( Travis Block) looks a big danger.

Most of the jockeys riding at Ascot move on to Kempton´s evening meeting, where Richard Hills and Frankie Dettori can win the two divisions of the fillies maiden at 19.35 and 20.05 with Tregoning´s Wajanaat and Michael Jarvis´ Towbaat respectively.

N.H. racing at Wincanton and Sedgefield

With the ground firming up, and the top stables winding down for the summer, there are some very small fields at today´s jumps meetings at Wincanton in the afternoon and Sedgefield this evening. Paul Nicholls has several runners at Wincanton, his local track, but these are far from being the leading lights in the yard, which in any case is hardly firing on all fronts at present. Nicky Henderson, on the other hand, is still churning out the winners, and we expect his Osric (Tony McCoy) to master Nicholls´ Marc Aurele (Ryan Mahon)- owned by Sir Alex Ferguson- in the novice hurdle at 17.50 CET. The two German-breds Weststern (Gary and Jamie Moore) - last year´s winner- and Crazy Bold (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) both have chances in the handicap hurdle at 17.20, but neither seem very well handicapped, while we expect the Moores´ Or Jaune to take the handicap chase at 16.20.

By far the most valuable race of the day is the Durham National over 3 1/2 miles at 20.20 at Sedgefield. Two trainers supply half the field- Paul Murphy with the two top-weights Cerium (Graham Lee) and Mr. Pointment (AP Lane), while Sue Smith saddles 3 runners, including recent winner Leac an Scail (Anthony Voy). Of these Cerium is the most interesting; he ran fifth in last year´s Grand National, and was 11th in the most recent running. His only race in between was the Cheltenham Gold Cup! Obviously he had no chance whatsoever there, but today´s opposition certainly looks beatable. Lucky Nellerie (Ferdy Murphy/ Keith Mercer) is a course specialist and won this last year, but the ground may be too firm today.Two runners at Sedgefield that look overdue for a win are Mr. Syntax (Tim Fitzgerald/ Brian Hughes) - placed in all 7 career starts- in the maiden hurdle at 18.50, and Knockavilla (Howard Johnson/ Hughes again) in the novice chase an hour later.

Yarmouth, Lingfield (a.w.) and Nottingham (evening)

Local trainer Christine Dunnett is always one to watch at Yarmouth, and she has two runners in each of two 3yo handicaps this afternoon - Danzoe (Tom McLaughlin) and Southwark Newshawk (Kieren Fox) in the 5 furlongs race at 15.40 CET and Speedyfix (Adrian McCarthy) and Avec Moi (Fox) over 6 furlongs half an hour later. On form Danzoe has the best chance of these but all four should be considered, although we think that Mark Johnston´s Aqua Vitae (Frankie Dettori) is the most likely winner of the later event. Sir Michael Stoute sends his well-bred debutant Loyalty to contest the 10 furlongs maiden for 3yo´s under Ryan Moore at 17.10, and although the stable´s runners usually come on a lot for their first run, he does not appear to have much to beat here.

Lingfield´s all-weather card this afternoon is very undistinguished, the most interesting event being the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.00. Top-weight Mount Juliet (Marco Botti/ Martin Dwyer) has a chance, but we prefer Mary´s Pet (Jon Akehurst/ Seb Sanders), who made all to win easily last time at Wolverhampton and can defy the 6 lbs extra weight she has been given for that success.

At Nottingham this evening, the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.05 is easily the most interesting race. With the stable in red-hot form, Sohcanhtoa (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) is likely to start favourite after his good second place in a similar event at Doncaster, but the lightly-raced Perpetually (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Cygnet (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) both look very dangerous. Perpetually, who has top-weight, was below form on the all-weather, but is unbeaten in two starts on turf and is possibly better than a handicapper, while Cygnet won here as a 2yo, but has only run once since. another danger is the ex-Aidan O´Brien Sirgarfieldsobers (named after the world´s greatest cricketer), who is now trained by Brian Rothwell

N.H. racing at Ffos Las and Towcester

Tim Vaughan has prospects of an across-the-card double at today´s two N.H. meetings. At Towcester his The Ferbane Man (Dean Coleman) has an obvious chance in the beginners chase at 15.50 CET. He has been placed on all his British starts and previously had decent form in Irish point-to-points. Alan King probably prefers to forget the 2009-10 season altogether, as nothing went right for the stable, but he can start the new season on a winning note with Lidar (Robert Thornton), who has little to beat in the novice hurdle at 17.20. Also at Towcester, ex-German Early Wings (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) has an each-way chance in the handicap chase at 16.50.

Tim Vaughan´s chance at Ffos Las in the evening is Coq Hardi (Tom O´Brien) in the handicap chase at 20.50. The one he has to beat is Heron´s Well (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) who has won 3 of his last 4 races. McCoy has an excellent strike rate when teaming up with Curtis and has two more promising rides for the stable in Native Taipan at 18.20 and debutant Maniken Eros in the bumper at 21.05. The champion can also take the mares handicap hurdle at 20.30 on Nicky Henderson´s Madame Mado.

Newcastle, Wolverhampton and Windsor

Flat racing this afternoon at Newcastle and Wolverhampton (a.w.) and this evening at Windsor. Despite the small field, the conditions race over 7 furlongs at Newcastle at 15.40 CET looks quite interesting, with Dream Lodge (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) and Lovelace (David and Adrian Nicholls) in opposition. Although the Fahey/ Hanafan team are in great form, we would be surprised if Dream Lodge can give 4 lbs to Lovelace, who put up numerous good performances when trained by Mark Johnston, including an easy win in the Oettingen-Rennen at Baden-Baden in 2008. The Fahey and Nicholls stables are again up against each other in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.10, and again we expect the Nicholls team to come out on top with Buachaill Dona.

The maiden race at Wolverhampton at 17.00 is contested by 3yo´s only, although it is open to older horses, and on juvenile form Party Doctor (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) looks a near certainty; at York´s August meeting, he was only beaten about 2 lengths in the Acomb Stakes behind Elusive Pimpernel, who is now second favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. The 3yo handicap over a mile at 16.00 looks quite open, but Frankie Dettori travels to Wolverhampton for just one ride, Mark Johnston´s Call to Arms in this event, and the hint should be taken.

Frankie then moves on to Windsor´s evening meeting, where he rides three 3yo´s for Barry Hills - Bebopaluna in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.40, Grey Bunting in the maiden at 20.10 and Dream on Buddy in the mile handicap at 20.40, and all three have a chance.

Bath, Ludlow and Wetherby

After last week´s classy action at Punchestown, Sandown and elsewhere, today´s action comes as a definite anti-climax. Bath stages the best race of the day in the U.K., a listed race for fillies over 5 furlongs at 17.25 CET. 3 of the 8 runners are 3yo´s and the best of the trio is almost certainly Henry Cecil´s Toumintoul Singer (Jimmy Quinn), who had some quite decent form last year, but the clear choice on form is Angelzarke, having her first race for Richard Fahey. She has been off the track since July, but that should be no problem, with Fahey nd his stable jockey Paul Hanagan both enjoying a purple streak. Anglezarke was third in the Kings Stand at Royal Ascot last year and a repetition of that form would be more than good enough to take this event. The other interesting race here is the 1 mile 5 furlongs handicap at 16.50. Sherman McCoy (Rod and James Millman), a recent Kempton winner, is the only one of the 7 runners to have raced this year, which gives him an a dvantage. but we prefer top-weight Cool Strike (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry), whis stable always does well here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barking - Alfraamsey - Classic Gem
2. Race: Belgique - Yarra River - High Importance
3. Race: Magroom - Spinning Ridge - Hobson
4. Race: Cool Strike - Sherman McCoy - Brett Vale
5. Race: Anglezarke - Tomintoul Singer - Golden Destiny
6. Race: Felsham - Dusty Spirit - Leleyf
7. Race: Kyllachy Storm - Riflessione - Green Velvet




The other two fixtures offer relatively low-level jumps racing. It is rather surprising to see irish trainer Michael Hourigan and his excellent conditional Adrian Heskin follow up their big win at Sandown yesterday by travelling up to Yorkshire to run Thyne for Deploy in the maiden hurdle at 15.20 at Wetherby, so it must be assumed that they expect to win; Teenage Kicks (Pam Sly/ Warren Marston) is the obvious danger. The handicap chase here at 17.00 looks tricky, with question marks hanging over all 6 runners. Top-weight Killard Point (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) won well over this CD last time, but would not want the going too firm, and our choice is Water Taxi (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Thyne For Deploy - Teenage Kicks - Orkney
2. Race: Pistol Basc - Ginger`S Lad - Nothingbutthetruth
3. Race: Dobravany - More Like It - Mister Fizzbomb
4. Race: Killard Point - Chorizo - Hold The Bid
5. Race: Daarth - Miss Cruisecontrol - Hazy Oaks
6. Race: Baren De Doc - Greenbelt - Aurifex
7. Race: Chief Bucaneer - Hooked On Line - Minnis Bay




At Ludlow, the best betting race is the handicap hurdle at 16.05. Taraban (Alison Thorpe/ Oliver Dayman) is in great form and is going for a hat-trick, but meets better opposition now, and we give slight preference to top-weight Key Cutter (Paul Webber/ Wayne Kennedy), runner-up this CD last time, and especially Singapore Reef (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob), who ran well at Ascot last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marodima - Blacktoft - Slip
2. Race: West With The Wind - Sunsetten - Remember Bampi
3. Race: Tabaran - Singapore Reef - Parlesotho
4. Race: Sarika - Honorary Title - Golden Button
5. Race: Sou`Wester - Warpath - Gleann An Sagart
6. Race: Good Company - Emotional Article - Cheeky Lad
7. Race: Barthelemy - Definite Dawn - Verde Goodwood

Three classic trials at Longchamp

Three Group Three races, all for 3yo´s, are the main events at Longchamp this afternoon and should supply some clues to the French classics. The Prix de Fontainebleau at 14.35 and the Prix de la Grotte at 15.40, for colts and fillies respectively, are both over a mile and could go to the team of the Aga Khan, trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré and jockey Gerald Mossé. Their candidate in the former event is Siyouni, winner of the Prix Lagardere on Arc day lst October, and the main dangers are Gestüt Ammerland´s Lope de Vega (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) and the Niarchos-owned Makani (Jonathan Pease/ Christophe Lemaire), while in the latter Rosanara, also a Group One winner on Arc day, should be able to defeat Robert Collet´s Dolled Up (Ioritz Mendizibal).

The Aga Khan also has chance of winning the Prix la Force over 2000 metres at 16.10 with the unbeaten Darizi (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Mossé), but this looks less easy; Godolphin´s Simon de Montfort (Fabre/ Mikael Barzalona). War Monger (Elie Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) and English raider Circumvent (Paul Cole/ Mendizibal) all look threatening.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maria Royal - Airline Hostess - Galaxidi
2. Race: Le Larron - Deux Etoiles - Jo All The Way
3. Race: Siyouni - Lope De Vega - Makani
4. Race: Jacdan - Chakacha - Huangdi
5. Race: Rosanara - Barouda - Aruna
6. Race: War Monger - Celtic Celeb - Simon de Montfort
7. Race: Advalta - Passing Chop - Don Fanucci
8. Race: Ice Flower - Shanna Bere - Ransom Demand

Irish racing today

Two flat meetings in Ireland, with pride of place going to Navan with two listed races. The race over 1 mile 5 furlongs at 17.05 looks booked for Roses for the Lady (John Oxx/ Fran Berry), who has not been seen out since finishing second in the Irish Oaks last July. On that form she clearly holds Grace o´Malley (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and the only danger would appear to be British raider Merchant of Dubai (Alan Swinbank/ Robert Winston), a game winner at Doncaster´s Lincoln meeting. Oxx also holds a strong hand in the listed race for 3yo fillies at 17.40, in which he has two runners, the Aga Khan´s Hazarafa (Berry) and What a Charm (Keagan Latham). On official ratings, the latter is best in at the weights, but clear preference is for the former, who won in good style on her seasonal debut and could well go on to better things.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sampers - Empirico - Slapper
2. Race: Royal Intruder - Miss Gorica - Kristal Xenia
3. Race: Catherineofaragon - Brookley Lady - So Stylish
4. Race: Capulet Monteque - Airspace - Oscillate
5. Race: Roses For The Lady - Merchant Of Dubai - Grace O`Malley
6. Race: Hazarafa - Akdarena - What A Charm
7. Race: Minsky Mine - Changeisgonacome - Rain Forest
8. Race: His Way - Mianach - Lyle Lady




The Aga Khan and John Oxx can also strike at Gowran, where Lingapour (BA Curtis) should win the opening 3yo race over 7 furlongs at 15.15 from the penalised Baglioni (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonough). The latter team have another chance with Brazilian Beauty in the maiden race for 3yo fillies at 16.55, but Aidan O´Brien´s Ice Empress (Seamus Heffernan) looks a big threat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Baglioni - Lingapour - Flameoftheforest
2. Race: Hepburn - Great Realief - Macnas
3. Race: Is Feidir Linn - Top Spin - Hot Sand
4. Race: Brazilian Beauty - Ice Empress - Bea Remembered
5. Race: Banna Boirche - Copper Dock - Toraidhe
6. Race: Ceannline - Pittori - Dawn To Dance
7. Race: Giant Slalom - Haaf Ok - Screen Diva
8. Race: Mrs Batt - Chaparro - Metropolis

Top flat racing as well at Sandown

The main event on the flat at Sandown is the Group Two Bet365 Mile at 16.40, which was won last year by Paco Boy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), who is the highest-rated horse in the field and could well double up. However the improving Confront (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) could well frustrate him today. Pressing (Michael Jarvis/ Neil Callan) is another smart performer, but he has to give weight away all round as a result of his Group One win in Munich last year. He is being again aimed at Munich and Istanbul (where he also won last year) and may need this race.

Jarvis probably has a better chance with Laaheb (Richard Hills) in the Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes over 10 furlongs at 17.15. He won 4 of his last 5 starts last season and looks capable of scoring at this level. Dangers are Steele Tango (Ron Teal/ Liam Keniry) and Tranquil Tiger (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who met at Newmarket recently and especially Crowded House (Brian Meehan/ Kieren Fallon). The latter was a top 2yo in 2008, but last season was virually a washout; however he ran a couple of good races in Dubai and if anywhere near his old best form, should win this.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Twilight Star - Striding Edge - Halsion Chancer
2. Race: Petit Robin - Ashkazar - Apartman
3. Race: Sangfroid - Indian Groom - Tritonville Lodge
4. Race: Twist Magic - Oh Crick - Fix The Rib
5. Race: Fairoak Lad - Just Amazing - The Package
6. Race: Paco Boy - Confront - Border Patrol
7. Race: Crowded House - Glass Harmonium - Laaheb
8. Race: Mabait - Dunn`O - Chapter And Verse

Top N.H. racing at Sandown

Today´s Sandown fixture is officially the last meeting of the British N.H. season, featuring the valuable Bet365 Gold Cup (better known as the Whitbread), a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 16.05 CET, but it is also the best mixed meeting of the year, with 4 races each over jumps and on the flat. One unusual feature of today´s card is that almost every race has the winner from last year (or earlier) lining up. As Sandown is very much a course for specialists, these horses are automatically on the short list.

The first race is a flat race, a mile handicap, for flat jockeys and N.H. jockeys (6 of each) and was won last year by Twilight Star, who will be partnered this time by Kieren Fallon. Racing off the same weight, he clearly has a good chance, but we also like Directorship (Paul Chamings/ Timmy Murphy), whose only career win came over this CD.

This is followed by the listed hurdle race over 2 miles at 14.30, in which Alsadaa (Lucy Mongan/ Colin Bolger) attempts to follow up last year´s success. His opponents are Ashkazar /David Pipe/ Murphy) and Petit Robin ((Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), who however has been mainly running over fences this season.

The handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.00 looks very open with 16 runners, but last year´s winner Sangfroid (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) is very consistent and should be in the shake-up again. The Celebration Chase (Grade Two) has the German-bred Twist Magic (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas) as clear favourite, despite his mulish behaviour a few days ago at Punchestown, where he refused to race. Before that he ran another stinker at Cheltenham, but he is easily the best horse in the field and is a CD specialist - winning this last year. If Thomas can get him to jump off and then into a racing rhythm, he should win this easily.

The Bet365 Gold Cup is of course the big betting race of the day and gives punters plenty of problems. Several of the field ran last time out in the Grand National, with Hello Bud (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) finishing fifth, and Piraya (Pip/ Johnny Farrelly) last of the 13 finishers, while My Will (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield), Nozic (Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), The Package (Pipe/ Murphy) and Irish Raptor (Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) all failed to complete. The National is such a tough event that we would be inclined to discard all of these for betting purposes.

Philip Hobbs, who is in any case in terrific form, is the trainer with the best recent record here and fields 3 candidates, of whom two top-weight Monkerhostin (Mr. M. Griffiths) (2008) and Lacdoudal (Tom O´Brien) (2006) hv already won this. While they must be respected again, they are not getting any younger, and Fairoak Lad (/Richard Johnson), who has won 3 of his 5 starts this season) looks the stable´s best chance. Paul Nicholls saddles 4 runners, and although he regards Just Amazing (Christian Williams) as his main hope, we would also expect Hoo la Baloo (Ian Popham), third in this in 2008 and now racing off a much lowr mark, to run well. However our big hope is German-bred Air Force One (Charlie Mann/ Graham Lee), who will like the ground, and after failing to win for 2 years, has now dropped to a very reasonable mark.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Twilight Star - Striding Edge - Halsion Chancer
2. Race: Petit Robin - Ashkazar - Apartman
3. Race: Sangfroid - Indian Groom - Tritonville Lodge
4. Race: Twist Magic - Oh Crick - Fix The Rib
5. Race: Fairoak Lad - Just Amazing - The Package
6. Race: Paco Boy - Confront - Border Patrol
7. Race: Crowded House - Glass Harmonium - Laaheb
8. Race: Mabait - Dunn`O - Chapter And Verse

Punchestown Festival, fifth and final day

The Punchestown festival has so far been a benefit show for trainer Willie Mullins, and all his runners today must therefore be treated with respect. In the main event, a Grade One hurdle race for 4yo´s at 17.25 CET, he is represented by the lightly-raced Sweet my Lord (Paul Townend), an easy winner on heavy ground at Cork last time, but he takes a huge leap in class here and needs to improve significantly to play a leading role. The same goes for the filly Fingal Rock (Peter Casey/ Barry Geraghty), an easy winner on the heavy last time. Despite heavy watering (much criticised in some quarters) the ground will be good today, possibly even on the fast side of good. The 3 logical contenders are are front-runner Barizan (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), Carlito Brigante (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) and Orsippus (Michael Smith/ Davy Condon). The last-named came with a late run to catch Barizan at Aintree, while the latter was also runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham with Carlito fourth. There is little between them. While Barizan seems certain to be placed again, his aggressive style of racing leaves him vulnerable to a strong finisher; this could even be Fingal Rock, whose pedigree suggsts that she will be well suited by today´s going.

Mullins and Townend probably have better propspeczs with the ex-French Tarla in the Grade Three mares hurdle at 16.10, although La Sarrazine (James Fanshawe/ Paul Carberry) looks a big danger here, and by Themoonandsixpence in the novice chase at 16.45, although this one is racing over a much shorter trip than usual.

There are huge fields in the two valuable handicaps on the card. In the hurdle race at 18.35 Mullins saddles no fewer than 6 runners, with Townend partnering C´est Ca, presumably the pick of them; we also like here the lightly-aaced German-bred Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ David Casey). In the chase at 18.00 Mullins relies on Ballytrim (Townend), but this looks the most difficult race of the day with 25 runners. Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Mar Walsh) has been mainly disappointing this season, has dropped to a nice weight as a result, and could run well at a big price. The meeting ends with a charity flat race over 15 furlongs. This is definitely not rac to bet on; Dessie Hughes has put up his daughter on 13yo ex-Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace, but he has not run on the flat for ages and has theoretically ben retired. He is thr bst hors in the large field on his old form, but we prefer Dermot Weld´s Force of Habit, a recent winner at Dundalk.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Freneys Well - Drombeag - Merry Cowboy
2. Race: Tarla - La Sarrazine - Serpentaria
3. Race: Themoonandsixpence - You`Re The Top - Agglestone Rock
4. Race: Carlito Brigante - Barizan - Orsippus
5. Race: Lochan Lacha - Offshore Account - Golden Kite
6. Race: Radium - Beroni - C`Est Ca
7. Race: Very Vite - Howth - Nicene Creed
8. Race: Hardy Eustace - Force Of Habit - Ten Fires

U.K. racing today

There is plenty of racing in the U.K. today, with Sandown staging a good flat card, rather lower grade flat racing at Wolverhampton, and N.H. racing this afternoon at Perth (the last day of their meeting), and this evening at Bangor, Chepstow and Newton Abbot. Main event is the Group Three Classic Trial over 10 furlongs at Sandown at 14.45 CT. Only 7 runners, but this could be quite informative.

John Dunlop clearly has some smart 3yo´s in his Arundel yard and can take this with Waseet (Richard Hills), although Goidolphin´s Chabal (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) had the better 2yo form. Azmeel (John Gosden/ William Buick) also looks very dangerous. The 3yo handicap over a mile here at 14.10 also has some useful types engaged. Huygens (Denis Coakley/ Eddie Ahern) won in good style last time, but it is not sure that he can give weight to Duellist (Mark Johnston/ Dettori) or Invincible Soul (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore), while Fallen Idol looks another likely improver for the Gosden/ Buick team and is a tentative selection.
Nigel Twiston-Davies usually targets this Perth meeting and has several fancied runners today- we expect to see Rory Boy, top weight in the novice chase at 15.40 and Petite Margot, in the Highland National at 16.45, both partnered by stable jockey Paddy Brennan, run well, as well as Viking Blond, ridden by the trainer´s son Sam, in the staying handicap hurdle at 16.15.

Punchestown Festival, fourth day

Willie Mullins has dominated the Punchestown meeting so far; he won12 races here last year and is on course to do even better this time. He has won four of the Grade One events so far decided and can add to that total today with Hurricane Fly (Paul Townend) in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at 18.30 CET. Hurricane Föy has had problems since he was last seen, when beaten by Solwhit in November, but if back to his best (which seems hugely likely in view of the stable form and the optimistic noises made by Mullins) is a top class hurdler who will be hard to beat. Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) won this race last year by a nose from 2008 winner Punjabi (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and both are in the line-up again. Both of them ran disappointly in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, finishing behind Medermit (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), but we expect Punjabi, back on his favourite course, to do best of these now. Dunguib (Philip Fenton/ Barrie O´Connell) was another Ch eltenham flop- although in fact he ran OK, but not well enough to justify odds-on favouritism, in the Supreme Novices. he is undoubtedly a crack novice, but is taking on more experienced runners here. Another interesting runner is Ronaldo des Mottes (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), a top handicapper moving up in grade, while Mullkins´ second runner Thousand Stars (Katie Walsh) cannot be entirely ignored. However we make Hurricane Fly a confident choice to win from Punjabi, with Ronaldo des Mottes the best outsider.

The other big race at Punchestown today is the Grade One Champion Novices Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 19.05. Mullins has another good chance with Fionnegas (Townend), who was badly hampered last time at Cheltenham. British raider Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) is very consistent and has been first or second on all his starts this season. Luska Lad (Shark Hanlon/ Geraghty) could start favourite, having won his lst 3 starts, but he also prefers cut in the ground, which looks very unlikely today. Quantitativeeasing (Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Duke of Lucca (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) are two other British entries with chances in a very open race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Special Account - Shin A Vee - Glenark
2. Race: Hold The Pin - Rock Diplomat - A New Story
3. Race: Copper Bleu - Shakervilz - Quiscover Fontaine
4. Race: Dunguib - Hurricane Fly - Solwhit
5. Race: Luska Lad - Reve De Sivola - Fionnegas
6. Race: Arvika Ligeonniere - Mr Cracker - Cass Bligh
7. Race: High Benefit - Another Cliche - Lonesome Dove
8. Race: Allee Garde - Spill The Beans - Frisco Depot

U.K. racing today

Epsom opens its gates for 2010 today, with its traditional Derby trial over 10 furlongs at 16.30 CET. This is no longer such an important event as used to be the case, and there are only 4 runners today, the pick of which is undoubtedly Prompter (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner). Dreamspeed (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) looks the main danger. Balding has several fancied runners today, including Final Victory (Liam Keniry) in the Great Metropolitan handicap at 15.55 (also now just a shadow of its previous self), while course specialist Holbeck Ghyll (Fortune) is another interesting runner for the yard in the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.20; he has an excellent record here, but has been off the track for a year. Richard Fahey continues in blinding form and sends several runners, including 3 in the City & Suburban Handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.05. Bullet Man, the choice of stable jockey Paul Hanagan, is presumably the yard´s main hope, but Alainmaar /Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) is regarded as better than a handicapper and can take this under top weight.

There is also a Derby trial at Catterick, over 1 1/2 miles at 16.45 with 5 runners. Gomrath (Mick Channon/ Kieren Fallon) and Tajaarub (Barry Hills/ Tagdh O´Shea) both won a Lingfield maiden last time, but the form of the latter´s race looks much better and he is the selection.

The other flat racing is on the all-weather at Kempton this evening, where the main event is a mile handicap for 3yo´s at 21.20. This looks quite open, but the two seasonal debutants Hypnotisd (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) and Wallet Square (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) look the two to concentrate on.

There is N.H. racing this afternoon at Perth and this evening at Southwell. Ngel Twiston-Davis is always dangerous at these Scottish meetings, and he can take the novice chase at 16,20 with Diablo (Paddy Brennan), who can make the most of the weight he receives from form choice Latanier. German-bred Quicuyo (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania), a brother to Quijano, has been expensive to follow this year, but seems to have found a suitable opportunity in the handicap chase at 17.30 and is given one last chance. Sam Thomas returns from a long injury break at Southwell and can win the opener on Tom George´s Overlaw at 17.45.

Rest of Punchestown

with Willie Mullins in such great form, it can be expected that there be more winners for the stable today, and he has 2 runners, both with chances, in the 4yo hurdle at 17.20 CET- Doctor Deejay (Paul Townend) and the unbeaten Final Approach (David Casey). The danger is Dermot Weld´s Sublime Talent, a winner on the flat last week, who is making his debut over sticks but is certain to be well schooled.

Mullins also has two runners in the novice hurdle over 3 miles at 17.55, Rhyl Accord (Davy Condon) and Definitive Edge (Townend), but last time they finished well behind Magnanimity (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) and Rigour Back Bob (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McManara); the last-named now has a nice pull in the weights and can win this time.

The other big race on the card is the Champion I.N.H. Flat Race at 19.05, in which the Mullins family could also end up in the winners enclosure with Tavern Times (Tom and Patrick Mullins), who was 4th in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham with several of these behind. Shot from the HIp (O´Grady/ JP Magnier) was one of them; the Monsun 6yo was very heavily backed at Cheltenham, but failed to give his running after being far too keen in the early stages; he is worth another chance today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rahan De Marcigny - Sivota - Coliseum
2. Race: Final Approach - Son Amix - Doctor Deejay
3. Race: Magnanimity - Rhyl Accord - Rigour Back Bob
4. Race: Denman - Cooldine - Joncol
5. Race: Hidden Universe - Shot From The Hip - Tavern Times
6. Race: Jayo - Stewarts House - Four Chimneys
7. Race: Dun Doire - Kilty Storm - Beantown

Punchestown Festival, second day with Denman

The Punchestown Festival continues today, when the main feature is the Guinness Gold Cup over 3 miles 1 furlong at 18.30 CET. This would be the top race of the week in any case but has been given added interest by the fact that Denman (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), runner-up last time in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (and winner there in 2008) is due to run. Clearly if he runs to form, he should win here as on ratings he has about 20 lbs in hand.

The only problems are the good ground (he is better on soft) and his preference for left-handed tracks. He is certain to start a short-priced favourite, and may not be a good bet at the expected odds. There are two more British raiders in the field, Barber Shop (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Planet of Sound (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). Barber Shop, believed to be the first ever irish jumps runner for the Queen, has repeatedly threatened to win a top race, but has just as often failed to do so; the ground is right, but the distance may be too far. Planet of Sound represents a stable in red hot form; on form he has a lot to find, but could be a nice each-way bet at long odds.

Best of the local hopes is undoubtedly Cooldine, whose trainer Willie Mullins won all three Grade One races here yesterday. He was well behind Denman at Cheltenham, but could finish much closer today. War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) is another previous Cheltenham winner in the field, but that was in 2006, and his recent form, which is mainly over hurdles would not be enough for this; he is likely to be retired after the race. Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) won this race last year, but the field today is much stronger and he is another one whose recent form is not inspiring. Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley) is in better form, but probably needs softer going. Logically Denman has to win this, but Cooldine looks a major threat, while we regard Planet of Sound as the best outsider.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rahan De Marcigny - Sivota - Coliseum
2. Race: Final Approach - Son Amix - Doctor Deejay
3. Race: Magnanimity - Rhyl Accord - Rigour Back Bob
4. Race: Denman - Cooldine - Joncol
5. Race: Hidden Universe - Shot From The Hip - Tavern Times
6. Race: Jayo - Stewarts House - Four Chimneys
7. Race: Dun Doire - Kilty Storm - Beantown

Punchestown Festival, first day

The Punchestown Festival, which starts today and goes on until Saturday, is the biggest Irish N.H. meeting of the year, and comparable to Cheltenham and Aintree in the quality of sport on offer. There are 3 Grade One races on today´s card, easily the most intersting of which is the Champion Chase over 2 miles at 19.05 CET. Several of these ran at the either or both of the two big British meetings, including Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), winner of the Arkle, and Forpadydeplasterer (Tom Cooper/ Barry Geraghty), Kalahari King (Ferdy Murphy/ Davy Russell replacing injured Graham Lee) and Twist Magic (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), who all ran in Cheltenham´s Champion Chase. Forpady fnished second there, with Kalahari third and the German-bred Twist Magic, who never goes well at Cheltenham, pulled up. Twist Magic goes well enough here however, and won this race in 2008. Sizing Europe is unbeaten over fences, winning his last 5 races, 3 of them here, but all of them were in novice events and he now moves up into the top grade for the first time. Forpady followed his second place with another runner-up spot at Aintree, and has in fact been runner-up on all his 5 starts this season, all in top company. His overall record reads one fourth place from 15 starts, 9 second places and 5 wins. He appears to hold Kalahari KIng on their last two runnings, but the latter is also very dangerous. We hope to see Sizing Europe maintain his 100% record at the main expense of Forpadytheplasterer and Twist Magic.

The Champion Novice Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 19.40 is trickier as there are question marks over several of the runners, notably Zaarito (Colm Murphy/ Davy Condon), who is probably the best horse in the field, but whose jumping often lets him down - he has in fact fallen on 5 of his last 9 starts. He is also tackling this distance for the first time, but if he stays, and if he stays on his feet (two big ifs!) he should win. Last time out he fell, when looking the likely winner, in the Powers Gold Cup on desperate ground at Easter. That race went to 25-1 shot Jadanli (Paul Gilligan/ Andrew Lynch), but we shall be surprised if he scores this time. Willie Mullins´ pair Kempes (McCoy) and The Midnight Club (Emmet Mullins) could be dangerous, as is also Saddlers Star (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), who fell last time when favourite for the Irish Grand National, but is now moving up in grade.

The other Grade One race is the Champion Novice Hurdle at 17.20. Willie Mullins is again doubly represented here, by Flat Out (Emmet) and Blackstairmountain (Paul Townend), who both ran in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham. Flat Out finished in front of his stable companion then, but we expect those places to be reversed today. Also in the line up is General Miller (Nicky Henderson/ Geraghty), who fell at the first in that race, but finished strongly to defeat Menorah, the Cheltenham winner, 11 days ago at Aintree. If he has recovered from those extertions, he should go well, but Blackstairmountain is our choice. Sweeps Hill (John Kiely/ McCoy), a course specialist, is another danger.

The opening cross-country at 16.40 should go to Ted Walsh´s Wedger Party, with daughter Katie in the saddle, who can complete a hat-trick in this event. He has been off since June, and has to concede weight all round, but can still win again, with Enda Bolger´s four runners the obvious threats.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Outlaw Pete - Wedger Pardy - Zest For Life
2. Race: General Miller - Blackstairmountain - Sweeps Hill
3. Race: Tarkari - Colleoni - Alpine Eagle
4. Race: Sizing Ireland - Double Double - Earls Quarter
5. Race: Kalahari King - Sizing Europe - Twist Magic
6. Race: Zaarito - The Midnight Club - China Rock
7. Race: Laganbank - Corrib Princess - Noosa

N.H. racing at Hexham, Kempton and Plumpton

German-bred Tora Bora (Brendan Powell/ Jimmy McCarthy) had been in the doldrums for a long time before coming back to form with an easy win at Southwell last week and can follow up in the handicap chase at 15.30 CET over 3 miles 1 furlong at Hexham. The best race here is the handicap chase over the same trip at 17.00. Bay Cherry (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) has been in good form on soft ground, but the going today will be very different.

Mr. Pointment, previously with Paul Nicholls and before that with Charlie Egerton, is now trained by Paul Murphy, who prompty ran him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which he was not surprisingly tailed off. Obviously this is much easier, and even with top weight he must have a good chance. However our fancy is Reel Charmer (Alistair Charlton/ Mr. A.J. Findlay), who goes well for this jockey and won well at Kelso 8 days ago. Malcolm Jefferson has his string in good form, and his Overbranch (James Halliday), who made all to win over this CD last time, has good prospects of following up in the mares handicap hurdle at 17.30; Heavenly Chorus (Keith and James Reveley), who goes well on fast ground, looks the danger.

At Plumpton, Ray Mond (Sean Curran/ Alan Freeman) goes for his fifth successive win in the conditional jockeys handicap chase at 15.50. However all these wins have been on soft ground, so he can be opposed today by Shanahan (Luke Corcoran/ Peter Toole), who certainly goes on the ground. Tony McCoy is at Plumpton to partner Bangkok Pete for Brendan Powell in the novice hurdle at 16.20, who appears to have a simple task.

That is the only ride at Plumpton for McCoy, who then rushes off to Kempton´s evening meeting. He has prospects here on Jonjo O´Neill´s Rapid Increase in the 3 mile handicap chase at 18.55; this one has been first or second on his last 4 starts, but is another who might prefer more ease in the ground. Sea Cadet (Lucy Mongan/ Rhys Flint), who goes well on fast going, and bottom-weight Thedreamstillalive (Jim Old/ Timmy Murphy) could both prove troublesome.

Flat racing at Pontefract and Windsor (evening)

Main feature this afternoon at Pontefract is the class 2 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET. With 14 runners this looks very open. David Nicholls is a specialist for these races and has 3 runners, of which top-weight Sonny Red, with Kieren Fallon an interesting jockey booking, could be the best. He was not beaten far last time when 8th of 18 at Doncaster. Frankie Dettori rides Thebes, now back to his best trip, for Mark Johnston, while the in-form team of Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan are represented by Castles in the Air, not seen out since running 6th in a huge field at Ascot´s September meeting. Another to consider is Marine Boy (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote). The Pontefract Marathon handicap an hour later is one of the longest races to be run on the flat at 2 miles 5 furlongs.Bsoclly thse ar all öploidfdrs, andf the quszion is who will last home over a trip non hve before attempted. Top-weight Dan Buoy (Richard Guest/ Billy Cray) made all to win here last week ov er 2 1/4 miles, but these tactics are not certain to succeed again. Born to Perform (Alan Swinbank/ Fallon) is the likely favourite, having run well when stepped up to 2 miles last time, but our selection is Amir Pasha, one of 3 runners for trainer Micky Hammond, who took this race last year. Amir Pasha is still a maiden on the flat, but has quite useful hurdles form and has the assistance of Paul Hanagan in the saddle.

Windsor begins its traditional programme of Monday evening racing today. These meetings are always popular, even if the quality of racing is not high. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes have a great record here, and they have started the season in great form. Their 2yo debutant Sir Rocky is therefore certain to be one of the favourites for the opening maiden at 18.40, although on pedigree (he is by German Derby winner Shirocco out of a Sadlers Wells mare) the distance of 5 furlongs seems rather sharp. A more likely winner for the duo, in our view, is Calpyso Star in the 3yo handicap at 20.40. They are also represented by Half Sister in the 3yo fillies maiden at 19.40, but this looks a very open race, with well-bred runners from several leading stables, including Akamon (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore), a daughter of Monsun, Circus Girl (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), Desert Liaison (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Eden Nights (John Gosden/ William Buick).

Auteuil today

the leading Paris jumps track stages one of its top meetings today, with the Prix du President de la Republique, handicap chase over 4700 metres at 15.08, the big betting race of the afternoon. With 20 runners, this looks almost as difficult to solve as the Aintree Grand National, with which it is often compared (although it is over a much shorter distance). Moscantino (Michel Rolland/ Regis Schmidlin) is a very tentative suggestion.
The Prix Murat over 4400 metres at 15.40 is the most prestigious event. Mail de Bievre (Bertrand de Balanda/ Christophe Pieux) beat several of these opponents easily enough in the Prix Toytown last time, and can follow up here. From the German point of view, the concluding listed hurdle race over 3900 metres at 17.10 is the most interesting event, with Mario Hofer´s Atamane (Xavier Hondier) facing 8 opponents. He ran much better than the placing suggests last time and should certainly run into the money. Zaiyad ( Christo Aubert/ Pieux) looks the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Las Ventas - Russian Taiga - Mick Opale
2. Race: Sulon - Santo Conti - Slow Game
3. Race: Santalisa - Sans Histoire - Gheisha
4. Race: Deus Ex Machina - Mystere Du Turf - Oscar des Pictons
5. Race: Mail De Bievre - Doumaja - Or Noir De Somoza
6. Race: Katenko - Sable des Dunes - Surfing
7. Race: Raphy De La Roche - Rika d`Airy - Rock And Co
8. Race: Zaiyad - Nono Des Ongrais - Sable Des Ongrais

Irish racing today

the big race in Irelad today is the Group Three Ballysax Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 17.10 CET. Aidan O´Brien often uses this race as a prep for his Derby candidates, and his winners include Galileo, Yeats and last year, Fame and Glory. His stable is now coming into form after a slow start to the season, so his two runners Mikhail Glinka (Johnny Murtagh) and At First Sight (Seamus Heffernan) have to be on the short list, but it looks quite an open race with recent CD winner Mister Carter (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) and Famous Warrior (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonagh) also respected. The listed mile race at 16.35 looks likely to be won by Dermot Weld´s Famous Name (Pat Smullen), but Gan Amhras (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who ran very badly last week on heavy ground, would be a big danger at this best. The undercard could well be dominated by O´Brien, who has fancied runners in several races, including African Cat and Andantino in the two 3yo handicaps at 15.30 and 16.00, both with stable jockey Murtagh in the saddle.
There is also jumps racing today at Tramore. Obviously with the big Punchestown meeting starting on Tuesday, no fireworks can be expected here, but Willie Mullins and his son Paddy can land a first and last race double with Drive on Regardless in the maiden hurdle at 15.15 and Clonard Lad in the bumper at 18.35.

Betting forecast at Leopardstown:
1. Race: Zoffany - Heir To The Mint - Gold Post
2. Race: African Cat - Rudi Valentino - Brushed Aside
3. Race: Andantino - Sacred Sovereign - Book Of Numbers
4. Race: Famous Name - Recharge - Gan Amhras
5. Race: Mikhail Glinka - Famous Warrior - At First Sight
6. Race: Duaiseoir - Daisy Buchanan - Cloud Fire
7. Race: Askeria - September Morn - Faranadooney
8. Race: Haralan - Bashkirov - Colleoni

three N.H. meetings today

no flat racing in the U.K. today, but jumps racing at Ascot, Stratford and Wincanton, with good to firm going at all 3 tracks. The classiest racing comes from Ascot, where the 4yo handicap hurdle at 16.10 CET looks especially tricky. Rougham (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has the best form, but faces a tough task under top weight, while German-bred Fin Vin de Leu (Charlie Mann/ Denis O´Regan - if he is fit to ride after a fall yesterday) should appreciate this better going, but the interesting one here is Souter Point (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), whose team remains in tremendous form (3 winners at Ayr yesterday) and was quite useful on the flat; he has not shown much over sticks so far, but is nicely handicapped and is another one who should go well on the ground. The going could also decide the outcome of the veterans handicap chase at 17.20; Boweleaze (Sue Alner/ Daryl Jacob) likes it fast, but so does the German-bred Pretty Star (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), a son of Lando, who had now dropped to a very nice weight after some poor performances on unsuitable ground.
Tony McCoy, out of luck yesterday, is still hoping to reach 200 winners for the season, which ends on Saturday. He is currently on 194, but will miss most of next week, as he is riding in Ireland. He should pick up some points at Stratford today, where Black Jack Blues, in the novice hurdle at 15.20, and Stir on the Sea in the mares handicap hurdle at 17.05, both trained by Rebecca Curtis, have good chances, as do Andy Turnell´s Kew Jumper at 16.30 and Peter Bowen´s Mumbles Pier at 18.15. The latter has been off since October, but was a CD winner with McCoy up in September on fast ground.
Paul Nicholls rarely leaves his local track at Wincanton without a winner, and his 3 runners today all have good prospects: Rebel du Maquis (Ryan Mahon), in the novice hurdle at 15.10, Al Amaan in the novice hurdle at 17.30, and Watergate at 18.05, the last two partnered by Nock Scholfield. The most interesting race here is the handicap chase at 16.55. Top-weight King Brex (Charlie Mann/ Robert Thornton) is in good form, but may be pushed to concede the weight to last-time-out CD winner Chilbury Hill (Kevin Bishop/ Johnny Farrelly). However the one we really like is Kervriou (Andrew Balding/ Felix de Giles); Balding does well with his few N.H. runners, and this one, who missed the whole of the winter, is at his best at this time of year.

Betting forecast Ascot:
1. Race: Theologist - Hellfire Club - Don`T Tell Nina
2. Race: You`Re The Top - King Edmund - I Have Dreamed
3. Race: Rougham - Souter Point - Blazing Buck
4. Race: Fresh Air And Fun - Soulard - Ouste
5. Race: Knowhere - Bowleaze - Magic Sky
6. Race: Mith Hill - Volador - Busker Royal
7. Race: Bob Hall - Tikram - Loita Hills

three group races at Newbury

there is also excellent flat racing at Newbury today, with 3 group races, including two significant classic trials. The Fred Darling, for fillies over 7 furlongs at 16.05 features four fillies who ran behind Special Duty in last year´s Cheveley Park. Misheer (Clive Brittain/ Neil Callan), was runner-up, only inches in front of Lady of the Desert (Brian Meehan/ Kieren Fallon- not certain to be riding today after being kicked yesterday), with Puff (Ralph Beckett) fourth and Habaayib (Ed Dunlop/ Richard Hills) well behind. Lady of the Desert, out of the top-class Queen´s Logic, may come out best of these, but Deirdre (John Gosden/ William Buick) could be an interesting alternative at a better price. She was an impressive winner of a Newcastle maiden last October, and although this is far tougher, she could well be up to this grade.
Gosden and Buick team up with a similar sort in the Greenham Stakes for colts at 16.40, also over 7 furlongs, in which there are only 5 runners. This is Bullwhip, an easy Doncaster winner last month. In theiry the finish hr should only concern Arcano (Meehan/ Richard Hills) and Canford Cliffs (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), winner and third respectively in the Prix Morny last August, and both unraced since. It would be no surprise to se Canford Cliffs, a most impressive Royal Ascot, winner, to take his revenge now.
The other big race at Newbury is the John Porter Stakes over 1 1/2 miles, which has attracted a huge field of 16 runners. Purple Moon (Luca Cumni/ Fallon?) has not run for 13 months, but is very smart, while top-weight Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Alan Munro) ran some good races at the Meydan meeting. Buxted (Robert Mills/ Steven Donohoe) is unbeaten, but all his starts so far have been on the all-weather and he has never yet encountered opposition as strong as this. The two we like best here are Harbinger (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Clowance (Roger Charlton/ Frankie Dettori), two lightly-raced sorts who look as if they will improve a lot this season.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tenessee - Latansaa - Advertisement
2. Race: Purple Moon - Harbinger - Clowance
3. Race: Irish Heartbeat - Mull Of Killough - Desert Creek
4. Race: Lady Of The Desert - Misheer - Habaayib
5. Race: Canford Cliffs - Arcano - Dick Turpin
6. Race: Total Command - Tactician - All Action
7. Race: Fair Trade - William Van Gogh - Point North
8. Race: Forte Dei Marmi - Itlaaq - Putra One

Scottish Grand National at Ayr

Ayr stages its biggest jumps fixture of the year today, with a high class card headed by the Scottish Grand National, over an extended 4 miles at 16.20 CET. While the Aintree version last week had 40 runners, the Scottish one has "only" 30 and looks equally difficult. The ability to stay the distance will be decisive, but many of the runners have never attempted this trip, so a lot of guesswork is involved. We do not expect the 3 horses who have to carry over 11 stone to figure, even though the going will be perfect, while these tough handicaps usually require lots of experience, so that the strongly-fancied 7yo´s Poker de Sivola (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) and Meanus Dandy (Paul Nicholls/ Paddy Brennan) are also discarded despite the excellent records of their trainers.
Two horses certain to stay the distance are Gone to Lunch (Jeremy Scott/ Barry Geraghty), second in this last year, and Himalayan Trail (Sue Smith/ Tom Messenger), winner of the 2009 Midlands Grand National; However jockey bookings suggest that Aurora´s Encore (Tjade Collier) is Sue Smith´s main candidate, while Gone to Lunch has been below form this season, but has now dropped 8 lbs in the ratings. Thtrical Moment reprsnts ast wk´s winning team of Jonjo O´Neill and Tony McCoy and cannot be left out, while the lightly-weighted Scots Dragoon (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) and Dom d´Orgeval (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) are others for the short list.
Henderson and Bass so have prospects in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, despite the name a handicap at 15.45, with German-bred First Point; the stable´s other runner Eradicate (Geraghty) also has a chance, while Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who has won his last two races, both over this CD, very easily, is moving up in grade but certainly in with a chance.
The Champion Novices Chase at 15.15 is another tricky event, even though there are only 5 runners. The penalised French Opera (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Tschico Polos (Nicholls/ McCoy) will have their supporters, but at these weights we prefer Kangaroo Court (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle). The N.H. season officially ends next Saturday, and Tony McCoy has made it clear that he would like to reach 200 winners for the season again. He is currently on 194, and apart from those already mentioned, has good chances with Advisor in the 4yo hurdle at 14.45, Red Harbour at 16.55 and Takeroc at 17.30, all for Paul Nicholls. He needs some winners today, as he will be in Ireland for most of next week for the big Punchestown meeting.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Advisor - Hunterview - Ascendant
2. Race: French Opera - Tchico Polos - Kangaroo Court
3. Race: Arcalis - Tito Bustillo - Overturn
4. Race: Poker De Sivola - Meanus Dandy - Gone To Lunch
5. Race: Red Harbour - Riptide - Federstar
6. Race: Chaninbar - I`M Delilah - Takeroc
7. Race: Middleton Dene - Mont Present - Eyre Square
8. Race: Sprinter Sacre - Habbie Simpson - Yes Tom

Four evening meetings

We shall shortly have the doubtful pleasure of having evening racing every weekday, and today is a foretaste of this with N.H. racing at Cheltenham and Uttoxeter, and flat racing on the all-weather at Kempton and Dundalk in Ireland. The Cheltenham card is the best, although there are some small fields. Paul Nicholls is no doubt more interesting in today´s events at Ayr, but he can also pick up two races here with Pendower (Paddy Brennan) in the novice hurdle at 18.35 CET and Woolcombe Folly in the novice chase at 19.10. Pendower won his only start over hurdles in good style, although Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Henry Oliver) ran well at the big meeting here before falling at the last and is an obvious danger. Woolcombe Folly, who missed all of 2009, was a flop at the Festival, but won his previous 5 races and meets much lesser opposition now.

The best race at Uttoxeter is the 2 3/4 mile handicap hurdle at 19.25. Award Winner (Brendan Powell/ Richard McLernon) may be able to complete a hat-trick here, at the main expense of Al Co (Jonjo O´Neill/ Dougie Costello) and Elusive Muse (Alison Thorpe/ Oliver Dayman).

The interesting feature at Kempton is that Frankie Dettori is here to take 3 mounts for John Jenkins, who has started the season in good style. It would be no surprise to see Papageno in the 5 furlongs maiden at 19.25, Caramelita over 6 furlongs at 20.30 and Trachonitis over 1 1/2 miles at 21,00 all come home as winners.
At Dundalk, we expect to see the Aga Khan´s colours carried twice to victory, by top-weight Daliyra in the 3yo handicap at 20.25 and by Behtarini in the 3yo maiden at 22.25. They are rrained by Mike Halford and John Oxx respctively, but both will be ridden by Fran Berry.

Newbury, Ayr and Thirsk this afternoon

The best racing today comes from Newbury, where there will be some interesting 3yo´s in actiopn.. The 10 furlongs conditions race at 16.15 CET has frequently been won by subsequent group race winners, and this could be the case again. Bullet Train (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Admission (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) both won their only start so far at Yarmouth, the former last October and the latter11 days ago.

Bullet Train in particular looks destined for better things and has been supplemented for the Derby.Gardening Leave (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) and Rasmy (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills) are also contenders in what could be a very informative race; with the Tregoning horses all running well, we go for Rasmy here. There could also be some decent 3yo´s in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.10, in which Rebel Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/ Jimmy Fortune), an impressive winner of his only start, two months ago at Lingfield, and Rjeef (Clive Brittain /Neil Callan), winner of both his 2010 starts, stand out. Best bet at Newbury is Gertrude Bell (John Gosden/ William Buick) in the second division of the 10 furlongs maiden for 3yo fillies at 18.30. She ran really well on all 3 sarts in 2009.

There is also flat racing at Thirsk, but at a miuch lower level. Paul Midgley looks the trainer to follow here and has fancied runners in 3 races. Dispol Grand (Joe Fanning) won over today´s distance of 5 furlongs at Catterick last time and can follow up at 17.15. On the second division of this sprint handicap, Midgley has 2 runners, Time Medicean (Tony Culhane), who has been off since August, and the 11yo Highland Warrior (Paul Pickard), an easy winner last time at Musselburgh and still capable of scoring in this grade, while Dispol Kylie (Fanning) can complete a good afternoon for the stable by taking the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.20.

Ayr begins its biggest N.H. meeting of the year today, with the Scottish Grand National tomorrow as the top event. Here we like the chances of another veteran 13yo Mister McGoldrick (Sue Smith/ Barry Geraghty) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.25. Chaninbar (Milton Harris/ Sean Quinlan), an easy winner at Aintree last week, is an obvious threat. There are some useful types in the novices handocap chase at 15.20, where all eyes will be on Kauto the Kid (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), a half-brother to Kauto Star, who is having his first race in the U.K.

Cheltenham today

Cheltenham´s April meeting continues today with another good card, large fields and very competitive racing. The main event is the listed mares handicap hurdle at 16.20 CET, whch looks very tricky. Both Nicky Henderson and Nigel Twiston-Davies saddle two runners with chances here, and although her recent form figures do not inspire confidence, we shall take a chance with My Petra (Henderson/ Tony McCoy).

The staying handicap hurdle at 16.55 is another very open race, also with 17 runners, and German-bred Fredo (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello), although he flopped at the big meeting, could go well here. Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), Galaxy Rock, from the Grand National winning team of Jonjo O´Neill and McCoy, and consistent Triggerman (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) look very dangerous. Hobbs and Johnson should in any case take the opening novice hurdle with the very promising Captain Chris, who has won both his starts in impressive style. The German-bred Salden Licht (Alan King/ Robrt Thornton) would be a big danger here, but the stable form continues to be extremely frustrating.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Captain Chris - Pepe Simo - Spring Jim
2. Race: Bormo - Sound Stage - Wheels Up
3. Race: Amber Brook - Easter Legend - Kerada
4. Race: Triggerman - Grands Crus - Galaxy Rock
5. Race: Templer - Breaking Silence - Theatre Diva
6. Race: Line Freedom - Valbuena - Aneyeforaneye
7. Race: Semi Colon - Sudden Beat - Sparky May

Newmarket Craven meeting - second day

There were plenty of classic clues at Newmarket yesterday, and there should be more today, when the main event is the Group Three Craven Stakes for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.35 CET. As always at this time of year. fitness will be important, and Edinburgh Knight (Paul d´Arcy/ Tony Culhane), who has won both his starts this year - both on the all-weather- has a clear advantage here, as he is the only one of the 10 runners to have run in 2010.

Obviously he is meeting far better opponents today, so he needs further improvement, but that is by no means impossible. On 2yo form Elusive Pimpernel (John Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) is clearly the one to beat after his excellent second place in the Racing Post Trophy, when Dancing David (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) and Morana (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) were 4th and 5th. In theory he should confirm that form, although Dunlop has not yet had a winner this season. One trainer already in good form is Richard Hannon, so his Lucky General (Richard Hughes) must also be considered.

The other group race on the card is the Earl of Sefton Stakes for older horses over 9 furlongs at 17.10. If Elusive Pimpernel runs well, that would be a clear pointer to the chances of his half-brother Palavicini (Dunlop/ Jimmy Fortune). Likely favourite here is Tranquil Tiger (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who has won his last 3 races, all at Lingfield, and must now transfer that form to turf. Steele Tango (Roger Teal/ Liam Keniry) was second in this last year and could run into the money again, while the Queen´s consistent Kingdom of Fife (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) also has a chance. The interesting one here is Sans Frontieres (Jeremy Noseda/ Frankie Dettori) who has not run since finishing 3rd in last year´s Dante Stakes. The distance seems a bit on the short side, but if he is back to his best, he could win this.

The listed bernant Staks over 6 furlongs at 16.00 looks quite tricky. quiano (Barry nd Michael Hills) wpon th King´s Stand in 2008, but was well below form all last year; at his best, he would win, but we prefer Doncaster Rover (David Brown/ Freddie Tylicki), who likes fast ground, and Mullionmileanhour (John Best/ Steve Drowne), who missed all last year, but is now back in good form. Another one who will appreciate the going is German-bred Diam Queen (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), a daughter of Lando, who runs in the 3yo handicap at 18.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Shine - Penny`S Pearl - Yarooh
2. Race: Squall - Chiefdom Prince - Seyaaq
3. Race: Equiano - Golden Stream - Mullionmileanhour
4. Race: Elusive Pimpernel - Markazzi - Dancing David
5. Race: Tranquil Tiger - Sans Frontieres - Kingdom Of Fife
6. Race: Faithful One - Spicewood - Eldalil
7. Race: Tamaathul - Official Style - Diam Queen

Rest of the U.K. and Ireland today

There is a good jumping card a Cheltenham today, with the top event a limited handicap over 2 miles 5 furlongs at16.55 CET. Voy por Ustedes (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) is the class act here, having in the past won two championship races at the Festival here. However, in common with many of his stable companions, he has below par so far this season. But if anywhere near his best form, he should be able to give weight to today´s rivals, the best of whom are Gwanako (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), Duc de Regniere (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and last week´s easy Aintree winner From Dawn to Dusk (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). However the Duc fares, the Henderson/ Geraghty team could be in for a successful afternoon, as they also have good chances with Monetary Fund in the 4yo hurdle at 15.10 and Lord Ragnar in the handicap hurdle at 16.20.

There is also jumps racing at Gowran Park in Ireland where Willie Mullins looks the trainer to follow. He has to do without his regular jockey Ruby Walsh (now not expected to be back before June at the earliest), and his son Paddy and Paul Townend share the mounts.

Today´s other flat racing is at Beverley in the afternoon and at Kempton´s all-weather track in the evening. Some of the top jockeys move on from Newmarket to ride at Kempton, including Kieren Fallon, Frankie Dettori and Jamie Spencer. While the big name jockeys are there, and earlier at Newmarket, Paul Hanagan, who is making the running in the jockeys´ championship, could clean up at Beverley, where he has a full book of 8 rides, including several who are strongly fancied.

Newmarket Craven meeting

For purists, the flat season proper begins with the Newmarket Craven meeting, which begins today. Some serious classic prospects are on view today - not only in the races themselves but also in some racecourse gallops featuring such as Awzaan. 7 of the 8 races are restricted to 3yo´s, while the other event is a 2yo race at 15.25 CET, which will probably be won as usual by Richard Hannon.

Hannon also has a good chance of winning the listed European Free Handicap over 7 furlongs at 16.35, indeed he could well take the first two places with Quadille (Richard Hughes), owned by the Queen, and Fremont (Ryan Moore), in the colours of one of his biggest owners Julie Wood.

Main event today is the Nell Gwyn Stakes for 3yo fillies at 17.10, also over 7 furlongs, always one of the most informative guides to the 1,000 Guineas. 9 of the 11 fillies were winners last year, the exceptions being Srda (Clive Brittain( Ahmed Ajtebi), who has made up for last time by winning both her 2010 starts, and Safina (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who is the most interesting runner, having already been well backed for the Guineas, even though she only ran once so far, finishing third in a maiden here. She is certainly bred for the job, as her dam Russian Rhythm won the 1,000 Guineas and also the Nassau Stakes for the same connections. Despite her lack of experience, and the fact that Stoute is as so often slow to get of the mark, she has to run well here to justify her position in the betting on the classic .

Another filly expected to pay a major role this season is Henry Cecil´s Timepiece (Tom Queally), but in her case the Oaks is the target. She is one of 3 fillies in a field of 9 for the listed Feilden Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.45, and it would come as no surprise were they to take the first 3 places, as Rumoush (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills) is also well regarded, while Marie de Medici (Mark Johnston/ Frankie Dettori) is actually best in on official ratings.

The most valuable race of the day is the Tattersalls Timeform 3yo Trophy over 10 furlongs at 16.00, which was run for the first time last year. John Gosden scored then and he may follow up today with High Twelve (William Buick), who flopped in the Dewhurst but whose earlier form was good enough. Another Group One flop last time was German-bred Don Carlos (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh); O´Brien´s runners in Ireland have all seemed to need their first run, but this one, whose dam Dapprima was runner-up in the German 1,000 Guineas, could be an exception. In a very open race, the unbeaten Doctor Zhivago (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), Coordinated Cat (Jamie Spencer), having his first race for Michael Bell, Hot Prospect (Michael Jarvis/ Kieren Fallon) and Ameer (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), Godolphin´s first British runner of the year, also merit close consideration.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Esaar - Harvest Dancer - Balducci
2. Race: Retainer - Early Applause - Bilko Pak
3. Race: High Twelve - Coordinated Cut - Ameer
4. Race: Mata Keranjang - Red Jazz - Audacity Of Hope
5. Race: Music Show - Safina - Atasari
6. Race: Timepiece - Prizefighting - Gallic Star
7. Race: Lunar Victory - Deauville Post - Desert Myth
8. Race: Racy - Comedy Hall - Edgewater

N.H. racing at Exeter

The only jumps racing today takes place at Exeter, where the ground is firming up rapidly. It should therefore pay to concentrate on those horses that act in the conditions, which will be much faster than the going most of the runners have encountered so far this year. One example is Ibberton (Sue Alner/ Daryl Jacob), who contests the staying handicap chase at 16.10 CET. He won this race last year, when the going was also fast, and is still on a very reasonable mark. An interesting jockey booking here is Christian Williams for Alan King´s Trigger the Light, as stable jockey Robert Thornton partners Oliver Sherwood´ s Ballygally Bob; in any case we prefer bottom-weight Boomerang (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler), who fell last time but seems well handicapped. Ashley Brook (Kevin Bishop/ Colin Bolger) is entering the veteran stage, but also looks leniently handicapped in the handicap hurdle at 16.40, although the trip is further than he usually runs; in younger days he was at home i n much better company. The opening novice hurdle, also over 3 miles, should mainly concern Express Leader (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) and penalised Whenever (Richard Phillips/ Tony McCoy).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: French Leave - Saltagioo - Celtic Spirit
2. Race: Express Leader - Whenever - Penylan Star
3. Race: Trigger The Light - Dancing Mist - Boomerang
4. Race: Dr Hart - Estates Recovery - Orchard King
5. Race: King Ar Aghaidh - Another Brother - Alaghiraar
6. Race: Gentle George - Ask Again - Thirtytwo Red
7. Race: Dunraven Storm - Shrewd Investment - Counttoten
8. Race: Midnight Prayer - Thomas Wild - Morcambe

Flat racing at Pontefract, Yarmouth and Limerick (Ireland)

The most interesting races today are the 3yo maidens. The opening mile race at Yarmouth for maiden fillies at 15.30 CET is actually for 3yo´s and older, but all 16 declared to run are 3yo´s and include several well-bred candidates from top stables, such as Top Tigress (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) Towbaat (Michael Jarvis/ Frankie Dettori) Alsufooh (Mark Johnston/ Richard Hills) or Nadinska (Mick Channon/ Kieren Fallon).

This is a race to watch rather than to bet on. A better betting opportunity is the 3yo handicap over 5 furlongs at 17.00. Fair Passion (Derek Shaw/ Jimmy Quinn) has won both her starts this season, but they were on the all-weather and this looks a stronger race. Silver Linnet (Mick Quinlan/ William Buick) has also won her last 2 races, but now meets Ffos Las runner-up Leleyf (Channon/ Fallon) on 6lbs worse terms. Top-weight Monsieur Joe (Walter Swinburn/ Ryan Moore) also comes into the equation, but has not run since the autumn. Our suggestion here is Leleyf. The 10 furlongs handicap at 17.30 is also an open affair. Ex-German Raptor (Mark Rimmer/ Jamie Mackay) won over this CD last week, but this looks a better race, and we prefer bottom weight Hollow Green (David Evans/ Andrew Heffernan) and Alcalde (Johnston/ Dettori).

The card at Pontefract is also opened by a 3yo maiden - this time over 10 furlongs. The two German-breds Zuider Zee (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) and Gay Mirage (Michael Jarvis/ Michael Hills) both showed promise on their only starts and should go well. The best race here is the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.20, which looks quite a high-class event. Top-weight Distant Memories (Tom Tate/ Jamie Spencer) is also entered in a group race at Cologne this Sunday, but this looks more realistic. However it will not be easy to give weight to such as Tartan Gigha (Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Albaqaa (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), while the German-breds here Ouster (David Elsworth/Dane O´Neill) -very lightly raced- and Full Speed (Alan Swinbank/ Peter Mcdonald) are also of interest. Royal Power (David and Adrian Nicholls) won the German 2,000 Guineas back in 2006; he now contests the mile handicap here at 16.20 off a very low rating of 81 and must go close if anywhere near his best form. Ano ther who has dropped a lot in the weights is course specialist Mr.Wolf (John Quinn/ Ian Brennan), who runs in the second division of the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.20.

In Ireland, there is a twilight meeting at Limerick, where the extremely well-bred Encompassing (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), beaten favourite on all his 3 starts so far, can make up for those defeats by winning the mile maiden for 3yo´s at 19.25.

All 6 races for amateur riders at Sedgefield

All 6 races at Sedgefield this afternoon are for amateur riders, including 3 hunter chases. The safest system here is to support the best jockeys and they are undoubtedly Nina Carberry and Oliver Greenall, even though most of their opponents have a 7lbs allowance. Greenall should take the opening race, a novice hurdle at 15.10 CET, on Micky Hammond´s Hollins, who was beaten only 14 lengths by Menorah at the Cheltenham.

If this form is taken seriously, he can hardly lose against today´s opposition, but Carberry´s mount, Ferdy Murphy´s Sumak is obviously a threat. She rides again for Murphy in the handicap chase half an hour later on the nicely-named Viel Gluck - still a maiden after 14 starts, but the rest are not much good either. Greenall, on Mike Todhunter´s Manoubi, as well as top-weight Mutual Respect (Evan Williams/ J. England) and Lawaaheb (TD and M. Walford)- both coming off a long break- could be the dangers. In the selling hurdle at 16.40 Greenall teams up again with Todhunter on Prioryjo, but may have to give best to his younger brothr Jake on Ann Duffield´s Dr. Valentine.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Coastley - Agente Romano - Sumak
2. Race: Manoubi - Viel Gluck - Cloudier
3. Race: Crashtown Hall - Racing Ace - Seaview Lass
4. Race: Dr Valentine - Samizdat - Ajman
5. Race: Dix Villez - Nadover - Senora Moss
6. Race: Belem Ranger - Brize Norton - Kinfayre Boy

Flat racing at Folkestone and Windsor

if it´s Monday it must be Windsor - this will be the standard theme for the next 5 months, as Windsor´s Monday meetings (especially later on in the evenings) are a regular fixture. The most interesting race there today is the 3yo maiden over 10 furlongs at 17.50 CET; this race was won last year by Popmurphy, who finished in front of Fame and Glory yesterday at the Curragh. There are 14 runners, none of whom has run more than twice, and they include several promising types from the big stables, such as Kronful (Michael Jarvis/ Frankie Dettori), Protaras (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), Nibani (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Bombadero (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) among others. It is difficult to make a choice here in view of the lack of recent form, but all the above-mentioned are expected to pay their way this season.

There are better betting opportunities in the two divisions of the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.50 and 17.20. In the former race, Luscivious (Jeremy Glover/ Freddie Tylicki), an easy winner last week Musselburgh, can score again under a 6lbs penalty; however Efistorm, who has won this race twice before and shows his best form in the spring and early summer, looks a big danger. There are two recent scorers in the second division, Love you Louis (John Jenkins/ Richatrd Hughes) and Master Lightfoot (Walter Swinburn/ Shane Kelly). The former has gone up 10 lbs for winning on very heavy ground (conditions today will be much different), so we prefer the latter, even though he is more of an all-weather specialist.

The opening race for 2yo maidens has 15 runners, only one of which has already run; this is Scarlet Rocks (David Evans/ Jamie Spencer), who has already twice finished runner-up. He sets a good standard and can get off the mark today. Evans has his juveniles in good form and can also take the 2yo maiden at Folkestone with Bajan Bullet (Andrew Heffernan), who has also run two good races. The 6 furlongs handicap here at16.00 is quite open, but German-bred Quasi Congaree (Ian Wood/ Seb Sanders) and top-weight Halsion Chancer (John Best/ Robert Winston) look the two likeliest candidates, although both of them have so far shown their best form at Lingfield; however they are better handicapped on turf and should go well.

Classic trials at Longchamp

Races for 3yo´s dominate the card at Longchamp today, with 5 of the 8 races reserved for horses of this age group. Most important is the Group Two Prix Noailles at 15.40 over 2100 metres, where 4 of the 10 runners are still unbeaten. One of them is the Aga Khan´s Laristan (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire), who looks smart, but Rewilding (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) - a half-brother to top class Dar Re Mi, and Planteur (Elie Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) and Ivory Land (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gerald Mosse), one of two sons of Lando in the field, are also worth serious consideration. The listed Prix Finlande for fillies over 1800 metres at 14.35 also has some interesting contestants, but on 2yo form should go to On Verra (Francois Doumen/ Thierry Thulliez), runner-up in the Marcel Boussac last October. The two "courses B" over 2200 metres which open the card at 13.35 and 14.05 also have some well-bred runners; the two German-breds Emblazon in the fillies race and Kayef (colts ), both Maktoum-owned, should run well.

Easily the best race for older horses is the Group Two Prix d´Harcourt over 2000 metres at 16.10. Starlish (Lellouche/ Crastus) holds La Boum (Robert Collet/ Thierry Jarnet) on their running in the Prix Exbury, but the really interesting on is Godolphin´s Cutlass Bay (Fabre/ Guyon), who is still unbeaten, but has been off the track since defeating the top-class Cavalryman in the Prix Greffulhe last May.

There are two German runners in the tierce handicap over 2400 metres at 15.08, Nelson (Andreas Löwe/ Ioritz Mendizabal) and Lasse (Pavel Vovcenko/ Delphine Santiago), but this is a really tough race and they will do well to be placed.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Emblazon - Spirit Ditty - Pearl Away
2. Race: Lawspeaker - Handsome Devil - Ice Blue
3. Race: On Verra - American Nizzy - Gold Harvest
4. Race: Doudyla - Nelson - Broncoli
5. Race: Planteur - Rewilding - Paris Vegas
6. Race: Cutlass Bay - Starlish - La Boum
7. Race: Miss Pump Pump - La Triste Condesa - Redtrio
8. Race: Buttes Chaumont - Spidello - Almaguer

Irish racing today

The Curragh stages a good flat meeting today with a group race and two listed events.Aidan O´Brien had a winner on Friday evening at Dundalk, but most of his runners so far have been a bit disappointing and one should be careful of backing them at very short odds, This applies to Irish Derby winner Fame and Glory (Johnny Murtagh), who runs with a Group One penalty in the listed race over 10 furlongs at 17.15. He is clearly the best horse in the field, but not really a betting proposition. Gan Amhras (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) could be a dangerous opponent . He was after all 3rd to Sea the Stars in the 2,000 Guineas last year. while CD specialist Baron de´L (Eddie Harty/ Fran Berry) could be an interesting each-way bet at a big price. The same doubts apply to Alfred Nobel (O´Brien/ Murtagh) in the listed race for 3yo´s at 15.45, who also has a Group One penalty for winning the Phoenix Stakes last July. Foolish Ambition (David Wachman/ Seamus Heffernan) and the Aga Khan ´s Keredari (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) are preferred here. Jumbajukiba (Jessica Harrington/ Willie Supple) is a specialist for 7 furlongs here on heavy ground and has conditions to his liking in the Gladness Stakes at 16.45. Libano (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smulln) holds Rayeni (Oxx/ Berry) on their form last autumn and looks the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Oracle - Radharcnafarraige - Samuel Morse
2. Race: Alfred Nobel - Keredari - Song Of My Heart
3. Race: Harrington - Celtic Soprano - Silent Decision
4. Race: Rayeni - Libano - Vocalised
5. Race: Fame And Glory - Gan Amhras - Dixie Music
6. Race: Bean Uasal - Enigma Code - Liberty Island
7. Race: Is Feidir Linn - Captainofthefleet - Princeton Plains




There is also N.H. racing at Limerick, were the main event is the Grade Two novice chase at 17.25. Jagoes Mills (Tom O´Leary/ Davy Russell) fell earlier in the week at Fairyhouse, but if he is none the worse for that, can score here. Willie Mullins has good chances of taking the hurdle race at 15.55 with Knockabooly (despite a very long absence) and the mares hurdle an hour later with Killultagh Queen; Ruby Walsh is down to ride them both, but a new jockey will now have to be found, as Ruby broke his arm in a fall at Aintree yesterday and will be out of action for several weeks.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: The Cockney Squire - Force Of Habit - King Eloi
2. Race: Uncle Tom Cobley - Wilde Wit Pleasure - Knocknabooly
3. Race: Judge Roy Bean - Kusadasi - Hellyhunter
4. Race: Killultagh Queen - Guzzle An Go - Maryiver
5. Race: Jagoes Mills - Across The Bay - Caim Hill
6. Race: Hidden Universe - Under The Arch - Si C`Etait Vrai
7. Race: Jack Absolute - Good Decision - Money Belt

3 N.H. meetings today

Today´s racing in the U.K. obviously comes as a anti-climax after the super Grand National meeting, but there are still some interesting races and it could be significant that Grand National hero Tony McCoy - and several other top jockeys - is in action at Southwell, where he has 3 rides for Jonjo O´Neill: Not a Bob and Aberdale in the two divisions of the maiden hurdle at 16.10 CET and 16.40, and Pine Rock, top weight in the handicap hurdle over 3 miles an hour later. Best race here is the novice chase at 15.40, in which Prince Taime (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) can take advantage of the weight he receives from the two penalised runners Buck Mulligan (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Pheidas (Pam Sly/ David England).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Patchoulie Conti - Rash Moment - Sir Bumble
2. Race: Darina`S Boy - Tanners Court - Stop The Show
3. Race: Prince Taime - Buck Mulligan - Greenbelt
4. Race: Horseshoe Reef - Nulato - Everyman
5. Race: Aberdale - Mr Moonshine - Killobee
6. Race: Plunkett - Grand Zouki - Cave Hill
7. Race: Pinerock - Captain Smoothy - Aint She The Lady
8. Race: Yukon Quest - Theredballoon - Mawsem



At Kelso the two class 3 handicaps look very tricky, with large fields. In the chase at 16.50 we expect top-weight Rambling Minster (Keith and James Reveley) to go well, with Texas Holdem (Michael Smith/ Davy Condon) an interesting outsider. In the novice handicap hurdle at 17.20, top-weight Premier Sagas (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) is very consistent, while Si Bien (James Ewart/ Harry Haynes) is due for a win after running up the last twice, while German-bred Solis (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania) also has a chance off a low weight.

Howard Johnson has some runners with chances at Kelso, but he sends his stable jockey Denis O´Regan to Market Rasen, where he can score with Key Time in the handicap hurdle at 16.30. With two late withdrawals, there are now only 3 runners in the novice chase at 17.00, which looks at the mercy of Latanier (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman). The best horse on view in the U.K. today could well be Conquisto (Steve Gollings/ Keith Mercer), who runs in the novice hurdle here at 16.00. Quite a useful performer on the flat for Clive Cox, he was a most impressive winner last time at Fakenham and could well prove a valuable recruit to N.H. racing.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bishops Heir - Quatro Pierji - Pyracantha
2. Race: St Killian`S Run - Paddys Unyoke - Bob`S Dream
3. Race: Caerlaverock - Soft Spoken Guy - Little Promise
4. Race: Drever Route - Nelson Du Ronceray - Waterski
5. Race: Si Bien - Premier Sagas - Patriot
6. Race: Pangbourne - Ossmoses - What Of It
7. Race: Nuts N Bolts - Freddie Brown - Djarouda

Rest of Aintree

The rest of the Aintree card is also extremely interesting, as befits their biggest fixture of the year. The card opens with the Grade Two Mersey Novices Hurdle at 14.45 CET, in which the unbeaten Peddlers Cross (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) looks the day´s best bet. He looks to be a horse with tremendous potential, and although favourites have a poor record here, he should be able to buck this trend. The Maghull Novices chase over 2 miles follows at 15.15 and looks much more open. There are 3 German-breds in this, and all of them have a chance. Bergo (Gary Moore/ Tony McCoy) has won his last 5 races and is still on the upgrade, while Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) is also a multiple winner - in lesser grade races- and Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ David Casey) also has form at this level. The one to beat is Osana (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), third in the Arkle at Cheltenham, which is the best form on offer here.

The Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle, a Grade One event over 2 1/2 miles at 15.50, sees the 2nd, 3rd amd 4th from the Champion Hurdle resume rivalry- Khyber Kim (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), Zaynar (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Celestial Halo (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh). With the Henderson stable stlll in great form we prefer Zaynar, who is running over his idaal distance. Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) could run well here at a big price. The handicaps look very tricky with big fields (tho´ obviously not as big or as tricky as the National itself!). Our 3 against the field are: Seven is my Number, Wogan and From Dawn to Dusk in the chase at 16.25, and the 3 top-weights Dee Ee Williams, Ghizao (German-bred!) and Issaquah in the hurdle race for conditional jockeys and amateurs at 18.00. The final race is a Grade Two bumper with 20 runners, 12 of them last-time-out winners, and looks almost impossible.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Peddlers Cross - Najaf - Bygones Of Brid
2. Race: Osana - Tataniano - Bergo
3. Race: Zaynar - Khyber Kim - Celestial Halo
4. Race: From Dawn To Dusk - Wogan - Au Courant
5. Race: Big Fella Thanks - Mon Mome - Arbor Supreme
6. Race: Dee Ee Williams - Issaquah - Zanir
7. Race: Don`T Turn Bach - Megastar - Dare Me

John Smith`s Grand National, part two

The race is so difficult that one could name 30 horses without getting one placed, but the best form is usually the previous year´s running, so we shall start there. The first six from 2009 are all in the line-up again, headed by Mon Mome (Vanetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who started at 100-1 last year; however his win was no fluke and he will be one of the favourites this time, especially after his excellent third place - beaten a long way- in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Runner-up was Comply or Die (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), who also won in 2008, so is a real Aintree specialist; however on this occasion we think that Murphy may have made the wrong choice, and we prefer his owner´s other runner The Package (Graham Lee), who finished fast but too late at Cheltenham. Third in 2009 was My Will (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) but jockey bookings suggest that he is not the main hope of his powerul stable. Fourth was State of Play (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), whose trainer has be en making extremely bullish noises, especially considering that he has only run once since; he will like the ground and has been heavily backed this week. Fifth and sixth were Cerium (Paul Murphy/ Davy Russell) and Big Fella Thanks, likely to be favourite now because of his powerful connections. Looking back to 2008, the winner was Comply or Die with King John´s Castle (Arthur Moore/ Paul Carberry - Nina´s brother), while Cloudy Lane (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) started favourite but fell; his trainer is the son of the legendary Ginger, who won this race 4 times, including 3 times with Red Rum.
King Johns Castle is one of the main Irish hopes and 6 of the last 11 winners have been trained in Eire. In our veiw, Dessie Hughes has the best chance of leading in an Irish winner; he has two runners, Black Apalachi (Denis O´Regan) and Vic Venturi (Roger Loughran), who have both won the Bechers Chase over these jumps. The former was going well in the lead when he unseated his rider last year and definitely has a chance to atone for that mistake. Backstage (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and Arbor Supreme (Paul Townend), one of two Willie Mullins´ runners, are other leading Irish hopes.

Of the rest, we would like to mention Royal Rosa (Howard Johnson/ Keith Renwick), who only scraped into the race yesterday after this trainer pulled out his other runner, but this is such an opn rac that anything can hppen. We feel obliged to make a selection, so we make Black Appalachi, State of Play our two against the field, with Royal Rosa the best outsider.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Peddlers Cross - Najaf - Bygones Of Brid
2. Race: Osana - Tataniano - Bergo
3. Race: Zaynar - Khyber Kim - Celestial Halo
4. Race: From Dawn To Dusk - Wogan - Au Courant
5. Race: Big Fella Thanks - Mon Mome - Arbor Supreme
6. Race: Dee Ee Williams - Issaquah - Zanir
7. Race: Don`T Turn Bach - Megastar - Dare Me