Bank Holiday action

Today is a bank holiday in the U.K., which means lots of racing in the afternoon, but much more quantity than quality. However there is quite a decent card at Goodwood, headed by the listed Festival Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 16.10 CET. Laheeb (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) is the likely favourite here; he was third in a group race on his only start this season, while he finished 2009 by winning 4 of his last 5 races.

However his in-form trainer has warned that he might not be suited by this track, and Palavicini (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern), from stable that always does well here and with very similar form, can be preferred. Drunken Sailor (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Traffic Guard (Paul Cole/ Jamie Spencer) are also not out of it. The big betting race here is the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.20 which looks wide open. 4 of the 14 runners met in the Victoria Cup recently at Ascot, where Huzzah (Barry Hills/ Jimmy Quinn) finished 6th, Thebes (Mark Johnston/ Frankie Dettori) 7th, Bravo Echo (Mike Attwater/ Neil Callan) 16th and Signor Peltro (Henry Candy/ Fergus Sweeney) 24th of 29. The weights are only minimally changed, and we hope to see Thebes come out on top this time, but Cyflymder (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) could well beat the lot of them.

Main event at Redcar is the Zetland Gold Cup, a well-established 10 furlongs handicap. This is another very open race, and Luca Cumani could be on the scorecard here as well with Forte dei Matrni (Jean-Pierre Guillambert); last-time-out winners Cairnsmore, Sweet Lightning and Oneofapear are obvious dangers. The 3yo handicap over the same distance at 16.35 is also an interesting race, in which we expect Judiciary (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ted Durcan) to get the better of Shimmering Moment (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Omaruru (Mark Johnston/ Joe
Fanning).

In other action, it could be interesting that John Gosden sends his stable jockey William Buick to Chepstow to partner Radio Wave in the 3yo maiden at 16.05; Buick´s other rides, Scarcity for Ed Dunlop at 17.50 and Bateleur for Mick Channon at 18.55 also have chances. At Leicester we like the prospects of top-weight Poppet´s Lovein (Andy Haynes/ Robert Havlin) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50; this half-brother to Overdose runs his best races for today´s jockey. At Carlisle, ex-German Wind Shuffle (Jim Goldie/ Freddie Tylicki) runs in the 9 furlongs handicap at 16.30. He is a recent winner over hurdles, but his flat form is bad, however he runs here over a very low mark. Also in the field is Royal Power, winner of the German 2,000 Guineas in 2006, but he appears to have lost form completely. The logical winner here is last-time-out winner Bollin Dolly (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) and the same team can double up 35 minutes later with the consistent Jonny Lesters Hair.

There is also racing today over jumps at Cartmel and Towcester as well as a mixed meeting at Ballinrobe (Ireland)

Top class jumps card at Auteuil

Today´s card at Auteuil is one of the best of the entire year, featuring two group one races. The Grand Steeple-chase de Paris over 5800 metres at 15.12 CET is the French equivalent of the Gold Cup, and is the second most valuable jumps race of the year in Europe (after the Grand National). There are 14 runners but the race should mainly concern the two previous winners Remember Rose (Jean-Paul Gallorini/ Christophe Pieux) and Princesse d´Anjou (Francois Cottin/ Philip Carberry). Both have been given a typical French preparation, so that their latest performances must not be taken too seriously, but at their best they should outclass this opposition. The Prix Ferdinand Dufaure at 16.35 is for 4yo chasers and all eyes will be on the promising Kauto Stone (Jean-Bertrand de Balanda/ Pieux), a half-brother to the champion British chaser Kauto Star. Another top event is the Prix la Barka, a hurdle race over 4300 metres at 17.45. There is a German runner here, Cornelia Schmock´ s S upervisor (Bertrand Bourez) but it will be a huge surprise if he can figure here, despite his winning run at home. More likely candidates are the two Irish runners Deutschland (Paul Townend) and Thousand Stars (Katie Walsh), both trained by Willie Mullins, whose father Paddy won this race in 1984 with the great Dawn Run, ridden by brother Tony. However last year´s winner Portal´s Toy (David Windrif/ Adam Kondrat) is probably the one to beat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Le Bazin - Bonnet Jaune - Rennais
2. Race: King Tune - Le Jonchet - Magic Mambo
3. Race: Remember Rose - Louping D`Ainay - Princesse D`Anjou
4. Race: Grand Charly - Twinlight - Tout Rouge
5. Race: Kauto Stone - Saint Du Chenet - Ole Companero
6. Race: Prince Oui Oui - Solix - Salder Roque
7. Race: Young Poli - Mandali - Grande Haya
8. Race: Elixir du Berlais - Presidentiable - Question De Chance
9. Race: Rhumerie - Titan War - Esprit de Loi

Leopardstown and Newmarket

only two flat meetings today in Britain and Ireland, with the better racing at Leopardstown, where the Group Three Ballycorus Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.45 CET is the main event. Duff (Eddie Lynam/ Fran Berry) won this last year and may be able to double up; however he has to give weight to King Jock (Tracy Collins/ Pat Shanahan), who finished in front of him last time. That race was over a mile, but today´s distance is Duff´s best, so he is fancied to reverse the form. Of equal interest is the listed Saval Beg Stakes over 1 3/4 miles at 17.15. Connections hope that they have a successor to their champion stayer Yeats in Age of Aquarius (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), in which case he should take this en route to the Ascot Gold Cup. However CD specialist Profound Beauty (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), and easy CD handicap winner Haralan (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) will ensure that he has to show his best form to score. O´Brien - still very cagey about his plans for next week´s Der by - also unveils two of his more interesting juveniles in the 2yo maiden at 16.10 - Treasure Beach (Murtagh) and Rudolf Valentino (Seamus Heffernan), both extremely well-bred newcomers.

Two class 2 handicaps top the card at Newmarket. The 3yo race over 10 furlongs at 16.30 looks very hot, and we may be seeing some of these runners in much better events by the end of the season. Caldercruix (Topm Tate/ Jamie Spencer) is much improved, and has won both his 2010 starts in great style. However we prefer top-weight Monterosso (Mark Johnston / Frankie Dettori), who has already shown smart form and was last time runner-up to Green Moon, a listed winner here yesterday. The 6 furlongs race at 17.05 is for older horses and most of them are exposed, but it is still a very open race. The rain that fell yesterday should improve the chances of Angus Newz (Mick Quinn/ Franny Norton), who has 13 career wins to his credit but is now on a long losing run. However he has come down a lot in the weights as a result and may be able to hold off Noverre to Go (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote)and Shifting Star (Walter Swinburn/ Shane Kelly), both placed in similar events last time o ut. On the undercard, trainer Richard Hannon, still in red-hot form, and jockey Ryan Moore (likewise) can combine to land a double with Bunce in the 2yo maiden at 15.55 and Plume in the 3yo fillies handicap at 18.15.

Newmarket, Beverley and Catterick

As usual Newmarket offers a high-class Saturday card, and some of the top jockeys -notably Frankie Dettori, who had 3 winners here yesterday, are riding here. There are two listed races on the card, both for 3yo´ s , over 10 furlongs at 15.15 CET and over 7 at 16.55. The most interesting runner from the German point of view is Kinky Afro (Stan Moore/ Liam Keniry) in the former event. There are only 6 runners here, but it still looks very tricky.

However Kinky Afro, whose fifth place in the German 1,000 Guineas, is unlikely to be taken seriously by British punters, could well spring a surprise at a decent price. There are only 5 runners in the later event, but this again looks difficult. Red Jazz (Barry and Michael Hills), who was not disgraced when 8th of 18 in the 2,000 Guineas here, is the selection, with Rodrigo de Torres (Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern) rated the main danger. The big betting race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20 with 19 runners. Almost anything could happen here, but Pastoral Player (Hughie Morrison/ William Buick), Confessional (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) and Gene Autry (Richard Hannon/ Frankie McDonald) are our three against the field.

The two main events at Beverley are both over 5 furlongs. The race for older horses at 17.15 should go to Alan Berry´s 5yo mare Look Busy (Tom Eaves), who has won on both her previous trips to Beverley and is also best in at the weights. The 2yo race at 16.40 has only 5 runners, all winners already, with the form very difficult to weigh up. Possibly On the High Tops (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton), who won well at Newcastle on his debut, could be the one.

At Catterick, the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.25 is the best race. CD winner Turn me On (Tim Walford/ Luke Strong) and Cheviot (Michael Jarvis/ Jack Mitchell), runner-up at Brighton despite hanging badly, have obvious claims, but we prefer Beckermet (Ruth Carr/ Peter Mcdonald), whose trainer is in good form.

There is also flat racing at Navan in Ireland this evening, as well as N.H. racing in the U.K. at Stratford and Cartmel.

One group and three listed races at Haydock

Haydock Park stages the main meeting today. with three listed races at the beginning of the card and then the Group Three John of Gaunt Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.30 CET. That race was won last year by Main Aim (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), and , even though he has not scored again in the interim, he can take it again. On form, the toughest opponent is Lord Shanakill (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), third to Paco Boy in the Lockinge last time.

If the rain stays away, then Dream Eater (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) could also be involved. Rain however is forecast, and if it falls, would give the chances of Les Fazzani (Kvon Ryan/ Paul Hanagan) a boost in the 1 1/2 mile race for 4yo and older fillies and mares at 16.00. Barshiba (David Elsworth/ Hayley Turner) also has a chance here, as does ex-French Becqu Adoree (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), but the one we like best is Polly´s Mark (Clive Cox/ Richard Hughes), whose fourth place in the John Porter reads very well.

The card begins with a 5 furlongs race at 15.00, in which High Standing (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) and Inxile (David and Adrian Nicholls) stand out on form. As Inxile has already shown decent form this season, while High Standing - being aimed at Royal Ascot- has not run since September, the former is preferred. Haggas and Moore also team up with Quarrel in the 6 furlongs race for 3yo´s half an hour later, who has also not run for 8 months.In this case Angel´s Pursuit, respresenting the in-form team of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes- is the selection, although Reignier (John Weymes/ Hanagan) could be an interesting each-way alternative; he had no luck at all last time when 4th in a similar event at Ascot.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: High Standing - Rose Blossom - Inxile
2. Race: Quarrel - Angel`S Pursuit - Mister Manannan
3. Race: Becqu Adoree - Barshiba - Les Fazzani
4. Race: Main Aim - Lord Shanakill - Dream Eater
5. Race: Royal Exchange - Ballista - Countrywide Flame
6. Race: Crackentorp - Cosmic Sun - Urban Poet
7. Race: Eton Forever - Fireback - Quiet

Today´s flat racing

Plenty of racing today, but mainly at a low level. The best sport comes from Newmarket, where the 3yo maiden over 10 furlongs at 16.30 CET has some interesting runners, notably Mata Keranjang (Paul Cole/ Jamie Spencer) is the likely favourite, having been campaigned so far exclusively in listed and group races. He has easily the best rating here, but there are several well-bred debutants from big stables in the line-up, while All Action (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) has shaped well on both his starts and is our main fancy. Cecil and Queally can also take the handicap over the same trip at 15.55 with Feathered Crown, an easy winner at Leicester last time. In this event the two top weights, Ouster (David Elsworth/ Kieren Fallon) and Raptor (Mark Rimmer/ Michael Murphy), are both German-bred. They were both well beaten in the same race over this CD last time, but we would not be surprised to see the former run much better this time. The best betting race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.05, with 16 runners and every one of them with a chance. St.Moritz (Mark Johnston/ Frankie Dettori) is clearly on for the short list; he was 5th in last year´s Dr. Busch-Memorial, following which he was gelded. He was beaten on his only race since but definitely has prospects here.

The Newcastle card is not inspiring, but we expect consistent Lisbon Lion (Jimmy Moffatt/ Freddie Tylicki) to be placed in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 16.20. He is still a maiden after 15 starts, so is not necessarily a good thing, but should certainly be in the money.

At Brighton, we consider that Sir Mark Prescott can land a double with his two runners - the well-bred debutant Cafe Elektric in the 2yo maiden at 15.30, and Aestival in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.40, both partnered by Seb Sanders. Prescott traditionally starts the season very slowly. but his horses have been running well this week and he had winner here yesterday.

Best race at this evening´s two flat meetings is the 2yo conditions race at 20.30 at Pontefract. 6 runners, all winners, 3 of them unbeaten. It is hard to choose between them, but with Richard Hannon´s juveniles carrying all before them, we have chosen My Son Max (Pat Dobbs), runner-up at a neck to the useful Klammer last time.
There are some small fields at Haydock, and Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Graham Gibbons) has only 3 opponents in the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 20.40. He was heavily backed when winning at York last time, and although he has gone up a lot in the weights for that success, should complete a May hat-trick here.

Excellent evening card at Sandown

Plenty of racing today, but easily the best racing is at Sandown´s evening fixture, with two group and two listed races. The Henry II Stakes over 2 miles at 20.10 CET is a trial for the Ascot Gold Cup and looks a very open affair. Godolphin field two runners, German-bred Darley Sun - running for the first time in the blue colours and since his impressive Cesarewitch win last October- and Sabotage (Ted Durcan), runner-up in a similar event last time, while Opinion Poll (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), lso a very easy winner last time, only runs if the going is not too firm. Nicky Henderson´s Eradicate (Jamie Spencer) is an interesting runner; he won a valuable hurdle race at the beginning of the month, but has not raced on the flat for 21 months. Saptapadi (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is taking a huge leap in class after easily winning a maiden last time; however he is bred for the job, and his trainer is a past master at improving older horses, so it would be no surpris e to see him score here.

The Brigadier Gerard Stakes over 10 furlongs at 20.45 also has a good field, with mostly the same trainers involved. Once again Godolphin have two runners, the ex-German Peligroso (Dettori) and Prince Siegfried (Durcan), who both would probably prefer softer going, while Stoute and Moore are represented by the improving Glass Harmonium, and Jarvis/ Robinson by Sri Putra, both winnners of similar events last time.

The National Stakes over 5 furlongs at 19.35 looks like the best 2yo race of the season so far. Richard Hannon has his juveniles, as so often, in tremendous form and has won this event repeatedly. He can keep up this record by winning with Cape to Rio (Richard Hughes), who has won both his starts so far in great style.

The Heron Stakes for 3yo´s over a mile at 21.20 could see another colt keep up his unbeaten record - John Gosden´s Fallen Idol (William Buick), who is moving up in grade but certainly seems capable of holding his own at a higher level.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Laudatory - Make Amends - Mannlichen
2. Race: Cape To Rio - Chilworth Lad - Scarlet Rocks
3. Race: Opinion Poll - Darley Sun - Sabotage
4. Race: Glass Harmonium - Sri Putra - Peligroso
5. Race: Fallen Idol - No Hubris - Lord Zenith
6. Race: Invisible Man - Docofthebay - Dunn`O

Flat racing at Ayr, Ffos Las and Beverley

Kieren Fallon could be the star of the show at this afternoon´s Ayr fixture. He has winning chances on Tillietudlum for Jim Goldie in the staying handicap at 16.50 CET (German-bred Los Nadis could be an each-way alternative), top-weight Five Star Junior for Lydia Stubbs in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.25, who has been running in better company, and Vilnius for Mick Channon in the 3yo handicap half an hour later; however the last-named may struggle to get the better of top-weight Timeless Elegance (Howard Johnson/ Freddie Tylicki), a most impressive winner last time out.

There are small fields at Ffos Las; it is a long way from Mark Johnston´s North Yorkshire base to South Wales, but the trainer - who has runners at all 3 flat meetings today - sends 4 runners on the journey and could be rewarded with a couple of winners. Joe Fanning rides all four, and we give Electioneer in the 3yo 5 furlongs handicap at 16.40, despite being off the track for 9 months, and Opus Maximus in the mile handicap at 17.15 the best chances.

Most valuable race of the day is the listed Hilary Needler Trophy for 2yo fillies at Beverley at 20.30 this evening. This is also Beverley´s biggest race of the year, and the winner usually goes on to the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. With 14 runners (there are 2 non-runners) this is quite an open race, and most of the runners already have winning form. Tom Dascombe won this last year and now has 2 runners, of whom Malpas Millie, with stable jockey Richard Kingscote, looks the more likely, But she faces strong opposition, among others, from Inagh River, from the powerful Richard Hannon stable with Pat Dobbs in the saddle, Geesala (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) and Dress Up (Silvester Kirk/ William Buick). As always the draw is important here, and horses drawn high have a definite advantage.

N.H. racing this evening

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has an excellent strike rate with his British runners, and we expect this to improve after this evening´ s Hexham meeting, where all three of his runners, all partnered by Tony McCoy, hold winning chances: Symphonica in the maiden hurdle at 20.05 CET, Ballyanigan in the novice chase at 20.35 (Midnight Chase is possibly the better horse here, but would prefer softer going and has to concede 7 lb as well), and King Roonah in the handicap hurdle at 21.05; the last-named looked like winning easily at Perth on Sunday when falling at the last. At Huntingdon, Roodolph (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Jimmy McCarthy) is our best bet of the evening in the novice hurdle at 20.50. Since being switched from the flat, he has shown great aptitude over sticks, finishing 1/2 in all his 3 starts and despite giving weight away all round, should easily cope with this evening´s opposition. There are only 4 runners in the novice chase at 20.20; Noble Request (Philip Hobbs/ Rich ard Johnson) and Songe (Charlie Longsdon/ Tom Scudamore) are both useful hurdlers and one of them should win, probably the former.

Ripon, Chepstow and Lingfield (a.w.)

After the feast of top class racing over the long weekend, today´s cards are a real anti-climax. By far the best race of the day is the class 3 mile handicap at 16.40 CET at Ripon. Tim Easterby has his string in good form and his consistent filly Off Chance (Duran Fentiman) could take this; she was third last time at Ascot against arguably stronger opposition, and 2 of her 4 career victories have come at this track. Osteopathic Remedy (Michael Dods/ Phillip Makin) has come back to form this year and looks the main danger. The 3yo handicap here half an hour earlier should mainly concern the two colts who have won their only starts this season: Mighty Clarets (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) and Music of the Moor (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton), but Yashrid (Michel Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), although a long way from being one of the stars in the Jarvis stable, could well be a big danger on his first effort in a handicap.

Another 3yo running for the first time in a handicap is Helaku (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) over 1 1/2 miles at 17.50 at Chepstow. He has shown absolutely nothing so far, but is moving up drarnatically in trip; despite the large field, the opposition looks very feeble, and with the stable in such fantastic form, he is the suggestion. On the same card, we expect Andrew Balding´s Advertise to win the mile handicap at 16.50; he has been a beaten favourite on both his starts this year with an apprentice board, but now has the assistance of senior jockey Jimmy Fortune.

Balding could also be on the scorecard at Lingfield´s all-weather fixture with Yarra River (David Probert) in the 3yo handicap at 17.00. However we prefer Redden (William Haggas/ Darryll Holland) who was heavily backed when just beaten at Haydock on Saturday and can now recover those losses.

Two Group Ones at Longchamp

There is also a first-class card at Longchamp today, headed by two Group One events, the Prix Saint-Alary for 3yo fillies over 2000 metres at 14.35 and the Prix d´Ispahan over 1850 metres at 15.45. The latter event, for older horses, has attracted some top performers, including last year´s German Derby winner Wiener Walzer (Jens Hirschberger/ Adrie de Vries), who will be accompanied by a pacemaker.

The trip seems on the short side, but the fast going will be ideal. The star in the line-up however is undoubtedly Goldikova (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier), who is moving up in trip after proving herself to be the world´s best miler over the past two seasons. However it should not be forgotten that she flopped badly on her first outing of 2009, and may need the race today; however on ratings, she has nothing to fear, as she is in fact the highest-rated horse in the world. Stacelita (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Soumillon) is the other top filly in the field; she has a German pedigree but possibly needs softer ground than she will find today.

Stacelita won last year´s Saint-Alary and went on to take the Prix de Diane. Whether there any fillies in today´s field of similar quality remains to be seen, but all the top stables are represented, including Khaled Abdullah´s Deluxe (Andre Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), the Aga Khan s Sarafina (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Gerald Mossé) and Godolphin´ s Hibaayeb (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Drole De Dame - Kasari - Hopespringshere
2. Race: Air Trooper - Lancelot - Kaage
3. Race: Sarafina - Deluxe - Dariole
4. Race: Monserrat - Aristote - At A Great Rate
5. Race: Goldikova - Stacelita - Byword
6. Race: Blek - Kasbah Bliss - Los Cristianos
7. Race: Hard Way - Day Spy - Montana Moon
8. Race: Filoudor - Pertuis - Counterbid

Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh

Racing in the U.K. today, as so often on a Sunday, is very modest, but as compensation there is an excellent card at the Curragh, highlighted by the Irish 1,000 Guineas. Yesterday was pretty disastrous for the home team, as British stables took all the main events, and it would be no huge surprise were there to be similar results today.

There are 19 runners in the classic, due to go off at 17.15 CET, but the two favourites are both trained in Britain - Music Show (Mick Channon/ Ryan Moore) and Anna Salai (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi). Music Show was only 6th in the equivalent race at Newmarket, but she was beaten by the draw, "winning" the race on the far side, while Anna Salai had smart form in France before being transferred recently from Andre Fabre´s stable to Newmarket. The local hopes are headed by Aidan O´Brien´s team of 5, with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partnering seasonal debutante Lillie Langtry, while Gile na Greine (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and the unbeaten pair of Lolly for Dolly (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) and Termagant (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) will also have their supporters.

The Tattersalls Gold Cup at 16.40 is also a Group One race and sees several candidates for top honours this season in the small line-up. They include Fame and Glory (O´Brien/ Murtagh), who spent much of last year chasing Sea the Stars, but did win the Irish Derby here, and the unbeaten Cutlass Bay (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ajtebi), also recently transferred from the Fabre yard in Chantilly. Dermot Weld also has high hopes for Chinese White (Pat Smullen) the only female in the field.

The Gallinule Stakes for 3yo´s at 15.40 is over 10 furlongs and some Derby candidates run here, notably Jan Vermeer (O´Brien/ Murtagh), not seen out since winning a French Group One last November on very heavy ground - the going will be very different today. He can be opposed by Shintoh (Bolger/ Manning), an easy winner at Naas last time, who looks a decent each way bet at the likely odds.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: High Ruler - Master Of Hounds - Heir To The Mint
2. Race: An Tadh - Polar Explorer - Lough Mist
3. Race: Jan Vermeer - Icon Dream - Zayaan
4. Race: Book Of Numbers - Galileo`S Choice - Vivacious Vivienne
5. Race: Fame And Glory - Cutlass Bay - Chinese White
6. Race: Music Show - Anna Salai - Lolly For Dolly
7. Race: Raqiyah - Nokomys - Theoretically
8. Race: Alburj - Green Art - Bright Horizon

Today´s U.K. racing

There is also plenty of high class racing in the U.K., with the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock at 16.00 CET the best event. This 5 furlongs race has become one of the best sprints of the year and has assembled a high-class field. Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Neil Callan) has been runner-up here for the past two years and can perhaps make it third time lucky. He is held by Equiano (Barry amd Michael Hills) on their latest running in Newmarket, but he could well reverse that running, and also take revenge on 2009 winner Look Busy (Alan Berry/ Daniel Tudhope), but Benbaun (Kevin Ryan/ Paul Hanagan), just touched off last week at Longchamp, and Kingsgate Native (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), now gelding after an abortive spell at stud, both look very dangerous. Also at Haydock, we like Balducci (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) in the 3yo mile handicap at 15.30 and Beyond Desire (Michael Jarvis/ Callan) in the listed race for 3yo fillies at 16.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gomrath - Rawnaq - Beat The Rush
2. Race: Our Joe Mac - Balducci - Hacienda
3. Race: Equiano - Borderlescott - Kingsgate Native
4. Race: Beyond Desire - Anglezarke - Ishiadancer
5. Race: Novellen Lad - Fathsta - Lucky Numbers
6. Race: Peponi - Sir George - Harriet`S Girl
7. Race: Redden - Whitechapel - Sapperton




At Goodwood, the two Godolphin runners Skysurfers (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) and Storm Ultralight (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Tom Queally) should dominate the listed race at 16.30, with slight preference for the latter, an Uruguayan import who won impressively on his British debut. In the handicaps here it should pay to concentrate on CD specialists, and we expect Mac Gillie Eion (Jeff Gallagher/ Seb Sanders) in the 6 furlongs race at 15.15 and Classic Vintage (Amanda Perrett/ Philip Robinson) over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 to run well.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rileyskeepingfaith - Jarrow - Spitfire
2. Race: Sohcahtoa - Perpetually - Final Victory
3. Race: Skysurfers - Storm Ultralight - King Of Dixie
4. Race: Numeral - Beacon Hill - Sylas Ings
5. Race: Boogie Waltzer - Vilnius - Admirable Duchess
6. Race: Gordon Flash - Beat Route - Halyard
7. Race: Mainstay - Mujood - South Cape




Despite the big races elsewhere, Frankie Dettori is riding at York. He partners Age of Reason, one of 3 Godolphin entries in the listed race over 1 3/4 miles at 16.10, but we would love to see 13yo Caracciola (Nicky Henderson/ David Allan) repeat his 2009 win here. The fast going is ideal for the Lando gelding, a splendid advertisement for German breeding. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.40 looks wide open. Hamish McGonagall (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) was runner-up in a similar race at Chester, with several of these behind, while top-weight Johannnes /Richard Fahey/ Lee Topliss) scored in excellent style over this CD at the last meeting, with River Falcon (Jim Goldie/ Jimmy Quinn) a close 4th. Luck in running will decide this, but we fancy River Falcon each way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royal Straight - Trip The Light - Mull Of Dubai
2. Race: Sirocco Breeze - Harrison George - City Style
3. Race: Age Of Reason - Aajel - Munsef
4. Race: Hamish Mcgonagall - Johannes - Ziggy Lee
5. Race: Nicola`S Dream - Singapore Lilly - Paper Dreams
6. Race: William Morgan - Dherghaam - Tatiana Romanova
7. Race: Mr Freddy - Red Kestrel - Jeer

Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh

An excellent day´s racing, but pride of place goes clearly to the Irish 2,000 Guineas at 16.45 CET on the Curragh.13 3yo´s line up, 6 of them trained by Aidan O´Brien, who has a good record here, but whose stable is still not really firing on all cylinders. Steinbeck is the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh, and he could well be the best horse in the field, but he is awfully inexperienced for a classic contender, having only run twice.

After an easy debut win, he finished a good 4th in the Dewhurst last October and has not been seen since. He can certainly score here, but does not appeal as a good bet at the likely odds. O´Brien´s second jockey, Seamus Heffernan, rather surprisingly partners Dynasty, while Colm O´Donoghue rides Fencing Master, 7th in the English 2,000, where stable companion Viscount Nelson was 11th. They finished behind Canford Cliffs (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Xtension (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) in 3rd and 4th. On that form, they are the most likely winners, especially the former, who has long been regarded as a star in the Hannon stable; however there is still a nagging doubt regarding his stamina. He showed tremendous speed to win last year at Royal Ascot, but that does not mean he does not get a mile, and he is our selection. Free Judgement (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), Noll Wallop (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) and Keredari (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) also come into the equation.

The Group Three Greenlands Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.10 is the main supporting feature, and Aidan O´Brien has two runners here, both promising 3yo´s - Alfred Nobel (Murtagh) and Air Chief Marshal (Heffernan), while Kevin Prendergast´s Velvet Fucker (Declan McDonough) has won his last 3 races and looks a big danger, as is British raider Markab (Henry Candy/ Pat Cosgrave). The Equestrian Stakes for older fillies and mares at 17.20 is another group race, but the field does not look too strong, and the two British fillies Shamwari Lodge (Hannon/ Hughes) and Annabelle´s Charm (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) could well prove too strong for their Irish rivals.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Art Broker - Tovaria - Righteous Man
2. Race: Bangalore Gold - Lord Kenmare - Across The Rhine
3. Race: Moment Of Weakness - Samuel Morse - Lightening Thief
4. Race: Alfred Nobel - Air Chief Marshal - Rain Delayed
5. Race: Canford Cliffs - Steinbeck - Fencing Master
6. Race: Shamwari Lodge - Choose Me - Latin Love
7. Race: Aghadoe - Legendary Lad - Enjoy Your Life

This evening at Haydock, Musselburgh, Towcester (N.H.) and Wexford (Ireland)

Ed Dunlop has booked Kieren Fallon to partner Red Gulch in the conditions race for 3y´s over 6 furlongs at 20.30 CET at Haydock, and the combination could be a winning one, judged by the style of his earlier Wolverhampton success. Half an hour later, Mark Johnston, with runners all over today, can win the 3yo mile handicap with Secretive (Joe Fanning), though reliable top-weight King of Reason (David Simcock/ Shane Kelly) looks a big threat.

At 21.30 Tuscan Gold looks a typical Sir Mark Prescott handicap debutant; he ran unplaced in all 3 starts last year and is now moved up in distance. At Musselburgh, Jigajig (Kevin and Amy Ryan) can win his third race of the season in the apprentice handicap for 3yo´s over 5 furlongs at 19.40. He was defeated by Lees Anthem (Colin Teague/ Lance Betts) over this CD earlier, but has improved again since. Another improver is Tracy Waggott´s Nufoudh (Freddie Tylicki), who can complete a quick CD hat-trick here at 20.40. Top-weight Camerooney (Brian Ellison/ Barry McHugh) is the danger.

The only N.H. racing today is at Towcester where Cool Touch, who was listed class on the flat, should not be troubled to win the novice hurdle at 19.50 for Nigel Twiston-Davis and Paddy Brennan. Hereweareagain (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) should win the maiden chase at 20.20, but on this fast ground Bushwacker (Seamus Mullins/ Jimmy Derham) could be a real threat.

In Ireland, there are 5 flat races and 3 bumpers at Wexford. With the big Guineas meeting at the Curragh starting tomorrow, no fireworks can be expected here, but Aidan O´Brien and Johnny Murtagh can warm up for the weekend by taking the 3yo maiden at 19.15 with Bridge Mountain.

Chepstow, Catterick and Yarmouth

Three flat meetings this afternoon in the U.K. but no real highlights. Chepstow has the best racing, and Frankie Dettori is there for four mounts, three of them trained by Mark Johnston. Hajoum in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET has an obvious chance on last season´s form, but has not run since November; Captain Carey and Our Piccadilly have good recent form and are the dangers. An hour later their candidate in the 10 furlongs handicap is top-weight Cairnsmore, a close fourth at Chester last time, and he is possibly their best chance. But Lowdown, in the 3y handovap over 6 furlongs at 17.40 should not be ignored, despite a poorish effort last time at Chester. Dettori´s final mount is top-weight Satwa Laird for Ed Dunlop in the mile handicap at 18.10; he has not shown much so far this year, but definitely has good prospects if back to his 2009 form.

Mark Johnston could also score at Catterick, much closer to home, where his best chance is possibly Alcalde (Greg Fairley), top-weight in the 11/2 handicap at 17.20. Half an hour later, Nicky Richards, better known as a N.H. trainer, can take another handicap over the same trip with That´ll do Nicely (Tom Eaves), who came back from a long break to win a similar race easily at Thirsk.

At Yarmouth, top-weight Wake up Call (Chris Wall/ George Baker), who ran well all 2009 starts, can begin the new season by winning the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30. The 5 furlongs handicap here at 17.00 looks very tricky, but the two top-weights Love you Louis (John Jenkins/ Philip Robinson) and Whiskey Junction (Mick Quinn/ Jamie Spencer) should be involved; as the fomer seems best these days on the all-weather, our preference is for the latter.

This evening at Sandown, Salisbury and Tipperary (Ireland)

The most interesting race this evening at Sandown is the 1 3/4 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 19.20 CET. Any number of form horses, but they are all running over a new distance, so it is by no means certain how the form will work out. Possibly the three to concentrate on are Rock a Doodle Do (William Jarvis/ Frankie Dettori), Sir Pitt (John Gosden/ Ryan Moore) and Deauville Post (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes).

Frankie teams up again with Jarvis on Oriental Slot in a mile handicap for 3yo´s half an hour later, but Sir Michael Stoute´ s Treble Jig (Moore) could be the one to beat here. He has not been seen since winning at Newmarket last August, but is quite possibly much better than a handicapper. Another lightly-raced type Marie de Guise could be another Stoute/ Moore winner in the fillies handicap at 21.35.

Best race at Salisbury is the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.05. Pat Cosgrave´s mount Sarah´s Art is our fancy here; he is trained by Stef Higgins, better known under her previous married name of Liddiard. Andrew Balding´s Rapid Water, out of the great Lochsong, is an obvious danger, but the trainer will have to find a new jockey as Martin Dwyer broke his ankle yesterday.

At Tipperary there are likely to be hot favourites in the maiden races, all of whom could oblige. Johnny Murtagh could take the 2yo maiden at 18.40 on Aidan O´Brien´s Eskimo, and the other 2yo maiden at 19.40 on David Wachman´s Meow, while the John Oxx/ Fran Berry team can counter with Bass Rock at 19.19 and Alaia at 21.50.

Haydock, Southwell (a.w.) and Wetherby (N.H.) this afternoon

Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are in unstoppable form at the moment and can continue their winning ways at Haydock with Gene Autry, who has top-weight in the 3yo handicap over 7 furlongs at 17.00 CET. Jeremy Noseda´s High Importance (Paul Hanagan) is still a maiden, but looks the main danger. Hanagan also has a chance on Richard Fahey´s Gala Casino Star in the mile handicap at 16.25, but this looks a very tricky race.

Just Bond (Geoff Oldroyd/ Barry McHugh), a CD winner in April who has run another good race since, and Jordaura (JR Holt/ Jerry O´Dwyer), runner-up last time at Ascot, are possibly the most solid options here. The two best events at Southwell are the 3yo handicaps at 16.55 and 17.25 over 5 furlongs and a mile respectively. Both look quite open. The former may go to Dancing Freddie (James Given/ Franny Norton), third at Chester last time over 6 furlongs and better suited by this trip, while the two unbeaten runners Capponi (Mark Johnston/ Jor Fanning) and Nazreef (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block) might fight out the finish of the latter.

Tony McCoy travels up to Yorkshire for three rides at Wetherby´s N.H. fixture and it is quite possible that he will win on all of them - Evan Williams´ King of Castile in the selling hurdle at 15.00, Mark Tompkins´ Astrolibra in the mares maiden hurdle half an hour later, and Tim Vaughan´s Quo Video, who can complete a hat-rick in the novice hurdle at 18.15.

4 jumps meetings today

There is N.H. racing this afternoon at Kelso, and this evening at Worcester and Sedgefield, as well as an Irish meeting at Sligo, where there are 5 races over hurdles and two bumpers with the usual huge fields. Most interesting runner here could be Dilshaan´s Prize (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), a useful handicapper on the flat, who makes his hurdles debut at 19.10 CET.

At Kelso Mick Easterby´s Diavoleria (Denis O´Regan) can make the most of the weight she receives from her main rivals and take the novice chase at 15.45. A very interesting newcomer here is Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Sam Thomas), out of the top German mare Wurftaube. Trained on the flat by Luca Cumani, she did not really come up to expectations, but could win at the first of time of asking over the sticks at 17.30.

At Worcester, we hope to see Baddam (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello)bring about a change of luck for his owner and win the beginners chase at 19.50. A Royal Ascot winner on the flat (quite a long time ago) he has won twice here over hurdles.

At Sedgefield, Barrel of Fun (Jim Best/ Johnny Farrelly) has a double penalty to carry in the opening novice hurdle at 19.30 but could still be good enough, while another penalised runner My Condor (Donald McCain/ John Kington) can defy top weight in the handicap chase at 21.30.

Goodwood and Lingfield this afternoon

two flat meetings this afternoon, and easily the best racing is at Goodwood with two listed events for 3yo´s. The fillies race over 10 furlongs at 15.35 CET and the colts over a furlong further at 16.45. Godolphin seem well placed to win both races. In the former event, they run Wedding March (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), not seen out since finishing a close fourth in the Prix Marcel Boussac on "Arc" day at Longchamp.

This form should be sufficient for her to defeat Thaahira (Michael Jarvis/ Tagdh O´Shea), an easy maiden winner at Chester, who should be better suited by the fast going than the Pivotal filly Pipette (Andrew Balding/ Richard Hughes), well below form in the 1,000 Guineas. Godolphin have two runners in the colts´ race, both trained by Mahmoud al Zarooni. Eavesdropping (Ahmed Ajtebi) has won his only race, a minor event at Lingfield, and the stable´s first string is clearly Frankie Dettori´s mount Rewilding, who like Wedding March, has been transferred from André Fabre´s stable. Rewilding, a Tiger Hill half-brother to Dar re Mi, was third in the Prix Noailles, and again the French form looks good enough. Simenon (Balding/ LIam Keniry) and Waseet (John Dunlop/ Ted Durcan) were both beaten in the Sandown Derby Trial, and Kalypso King (Richard Hannon/ Hughes) could be the main danger, even though he has been off the track since October. Whenever Dettori teams up with John Gosden, punters are advised to sit up and take notice and we therefore expect That´s My Style, despite having shown very little in her 3 starts so far, to play a leading role in the maiden race for 3yo fillies at 17.20.

At Lingfield, the first 4 races are run on turf and the last 3 on polytrack. We expect the two divisions of the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 14.50 and 16.00 to go to the last-time-out winners Mediterranean Sea (John Jenkins/ Ryan Moore) and Galliotto (Chris Wall/ George Baker) respectively. The two jockeys can go on to further success with Goose Green at 16.35 (Baker) and Mishrif (Moore) for Jenkins again at 18.20.

Carlisle, Towcester and Punchestown this evening

Mick Easterby has a fair chance of landing the two top handicaps at Carlisle this evening with Blue Spinnaker (James Sullivan) over 9 furlongs at 20.30 CET and seasonal debutant Ancient Cross (Graham Gibbons) over 7 furlongs half an hour later. In each case Paul Hanagan rides the main danger, Richard Fahey´s High Office in the former event and Kevin Ryan´s Nightjar in the latter, although My Gacho (Mark Johnston/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) could also be dangerous here if back to the form he showed when winning 4 times running last summer.

There is also jumps racing this evening at Towcester in England and Punchestown in Ireland. asiöy th bst race is the 2 1/4 mil chase at th Irish track at 18.50. Only 8 runners here, but some useful performers, inlcuding Group One winner In Compliance (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), although he possibly needs much softer going. Coolcashin (Michael Bowe/ Tom Doyle) won here at the big meeting, but this race is almost a mile shorter. German-bred Schelm has a chance, but our main hope is Justified (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell). Otherwise there are enormous fields and winners very hard to find.

At Towcester, two last-time-out winners at Fontwell can score again - Lord Gunnerslake (Tim Vaughan/ Tony McCoy) at 20.10 and Alldunandusted (Seamus Mullins/ Jimmy Derham) at 20.40.

Nottingham, Musselburgh and Brighton

Once again, pretty poor fare this afternoon and only one of the 20 races at these 3 fixtures is better than class 5 - and that is the class 4 handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.00 CET at Nottingham. This is quite a tricky race although Godolphin´s Hudoo (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) is quite possibly much better than suggested by the form of her only start - a narrow win on the all-weather last October- would suggest.

Babycakes (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner), also a Wolverhampton winner last time, and Wulfrida (James Fanshawe/ Eddie Ahern), runner-up at Beverley, are the main dangers. Godolphin usually do well at this track and can also take the 2yo maiden at 15.30 with well-bred debutant Roayh.

At Brighton Decency (Ed Dunlop/ George Baker) can defy top-weight in the 3yo handicap at 17.20. He seems much improved this year, and after winning at Kempton was only beaten a short head last time at Folkestone. Those were not great races, but the opposition does not look strong.

At Musselburgh, 10yo Fremen, who has been well-placed by Dandy Nicholls to win all his 4 races this year, can complete a five-timer in the 9 furlongs seller at 15.10, with the trainer´s son Adrian in the saddle. He has to concede weoght all round, but should have plenty in hand. The 7 furlongs handicap at 16.40 looks quite open. Nufoudh (Tracy Waggott/ Freddie Tylicki) was a CD winner last time from Jonny Lesters Hair (Tim Easterby/ Graham Gibbons), but there should not be much between them at the revised weights.

German runners in France today

German-trained runners are doing well on their foreign raids, and Andreas Wöhler with his stable jockey Eddie Pedroza had a Group One winner in Rome yesterday. Today they are in Paris, where their Govinda is one of 4 German runners in the 5th race, a "course B" over 1100 metres at 15.40, at Maisons-Laffitte. The others are Murcielago (Matthias Keller/ Jiri Palik), Golden Whip (Waldemar Hickst/ Dominique Boeuf) and Sapphire (Mario Hofer/ Gerald Mossé). Golden Whip, a winner at Frankfurt last time, and Govinda, runner-up in a good sales race at Bremen, clearly have the best chances of these and could both finish in the money.

Dominique Boeuf also has 3 rides for Werner Baltromei - Omasheriff in the opening 1000 metres handicap at 13.35, ansd the colt Lord Howe and the filly Königstreue in the racs for unraced 3yo´s t 14.35 nd 15.05. There is strong competition in all these events, but Omasheriff has run a couple of good races this season and could be placed. The other German runner here today is Godfreyson (Andreas Trybuhl/ Steffi Hofer) in the claiming race over 2100 metres for lady jockeys, and he could also be involved in the finish.

Leicester, Windsor and Roscommon (Ireland) this evening

Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are easily the most successful trainer/ jockey combination at Windsor, and with them both in top form, they can land a double there this evening with Cape to Rio in the 2yo conditions race over 5 furlongs at 19.40 CET (the best race of the day, with all 6 runners being previous winners) and Belgique in the fillies maiden at 21.10. Hughes can possibly make it a hat-trick with Ralph Beckett´s Admin in the 3yo handicap at 20.40. At Leicester, German-bred Gay Mirage (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) has an each-way chance in the 3yo handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 21.30. Other fancies here are Buddy Holly (Pat Eddery/ Steven Craine) at 20.30, penalised for winning a probably better race at Newmarket last time, and Vanilla Rum (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill) at 21.00.

There is a mixed card at the Irish fixture at Roscommon, woth 5 flat races, 2 chases and a bumper. Adajal (Charlie Swan) is much improved and has already won twice this month; he can complete a quick hat-trick in the 2 mile handicap chase at 21.20.

Bath, Wolverhampton and Newton Abbot (N.H.) this afternoon

Flat racing this afternoon at Bath and Wolverhampton (all-weather) but nothing to get too excited about. At Bath, where the fields are on the small side, Blackdown Boy (Rod and James Millman) and Dungannon(Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) reopposes in the 5 furlongs maiden at 15.30 CET. Last time out they finished runner-up and fifth respectively at Salisbury, but Dungannon was favourite that day and can take his revenge.

However Visual Element (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) - whose owner Khaled Abdullah is having a fantastic season- can possibly beat them both. Chrltpon and Drowne can also score with Golden Rock in the mil handoap at 17.00. Otherwise at Bath, we hope that course specialist Where´s Susie (Michael Madgwick/ Robert Havlin) can repeat last year´s success in the fillies staying handicap at 16.00.

The fields are bigger at Wolverhampton, and winners even harder to find. Kevin Ryan has booked Paul Hanagen to ride Nellie Ellis in the 2yo maiden at 15.40 and Jigajig in the 3yo handicap an hour later, and both should go well. Most of the races here are over sprint distances, and the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.10 has 13 runners, almost all of them CD winners. Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Freddie Tylicki) is one of them; he lost form completely, but showed a glimmer of improvement last time and is now racing off a very low mark.
Oedipe (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), a very useful chaser, is still a maiden over hurdles and tries again to score in this discipline in the opening race at 15.20 at Newton Abbot, where Zakatar (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) is th obvious danger. The same teams are in opposition in the handicap hurdle at 16.20, in which we just prefer Henderson´s Working Title to Hobbs´ Shalamiyr. Our best bet here is Foreign King (Seamus Mullins/ Jimmy Derham); he was a very easy winner last week and a 7 lbs penalty should not stop him scoring again at 16.50.

classic card at Longchamp

today´s Longchamp card features four group races, including the two classics, the Poule d´Essai des Pouliches at 14.35 and the Poulains at 15.50, the French equivalents of the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas. The Poulains has attracted a huge field of 16 runners, only 6 of which are trained in France. Their best chances of keeping the race at home are the Aga Khan´s Siyouni (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Lemaire), who should certainly beat his stable-companion and pacemaker Rajsaman Gerald Mossé) this time, and the German-owned Lope de Vega (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon). They face a strong foreign challenge, headed by Godolphin runner Poet´s Voice (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Dick Turpin (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), runner-up in the English equivalent two weeks ago. If he has recovered from that hard race, he is the choice here. The German runner Zazou (Mario Hofer/ Olivier Peslier) should not be overlooked; he won the Dr. Busch in excellent style, and although this race is much tougher, it would not be a total surprise to see him finish in the frame.
The Pouliches looks much more straightforward. 9 of the 10 fillies are French-trained and the British runner Lady of the Desert (Brian Meehan/ Kieren Fallon), a daughter of the super-speedy Queen´s Logic, is by no means certain to stay a mile. Special Duty (Criquette Head-Maarek) won the English Guineas on an objection and is attempting a rare double - last achieved by the same trainer 22 years ago with Ravinella. She was well behind Joanna (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Soumillon) on her seasonal debut, but that form on very bad ground can be ignored. However the Aga Khan has another strong entry here and can take this with Rosanara (Royer-Dupre´/ Lemaire), who was also beaten first time out this year.
The Prix Hocquart for 3yo´ s over 2200 metres at 16.25 is an important Derby trial, but the field this year looks substandard. Godolphin have a good chance here with two runners, Emirate´s Dream (bin Suroor/ Dettori) and the supplemented Lion Mountain (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi), while German-bred Makani (Jonathan Pease/ Lemaire) looks best of the French.
The Prix de Saint-Georges over 1000 metres at 14.05 has a strong field including two German runners - Mood Music (Hofer/ Guyon) and Best Joking (Werner Hefter/ Ioritz Mendizibal). Both are very fast, but still look up against it. Mood Music won this race last year (on an objection), but the opposition looks stronger this time, and he has been off the track for a long time. Two ex-champion sprinters, Benbaun (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) and Marchand d´Or, both previous "Abbaye" winners, are the main dangers. Marchand d´Or would win this at anything near best form; he was a big disappointment last year, but has been switched from Freddie Head´s stable to Mikel Delzangles, although he will be ridden as usual by Davy Bonilla.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maria Royal - Seeking Solace - Plume Rose
2. Race: Mister Manannan - Sorciere - Bluster
3. Race: Joanna - Barouda - Special Duty
4. Race: Catalina Sunrise - Dear Maria - Johanan
5. Race: Dick Turpin - Royal Bench - Lope De Vega
6. Race: Celtic Celeb - Silver Pond - Emirates Dream
7. Race: Dardor - Advalta - A Fong
8. Race: Karanga - Shanna Bere - Ransom Demand

Sunday racing in Britain and Ireland

we are used to low-level racing in the U.K.on Sundays, as is the case again today, but even Ireland offers very little decent sport today. None of today´s 5 meetings (flat racing at Ripon and Navan, over jumps at Market Rasen, Stratford and Limerick) has a single good quality event. There are of course some good betting opportunities.
One could start by following AP McCoy at Stratford, where he has mounts in 6 of the 7 races, and should certainly score on Paul Nicholls´ Classic Swain in the novice chase at 15.50 CET- off since October, but the best horse in the small field- and Nicky Henderson´s Super Kenny in the novice hurdle at 17.20 - no chance in a group race at Aintree, but this looks far easier. It would be no surprise were McCoy to win some of the other races as well.
The team to follow at Market Rasen could be trainer Donald McCain and stable jockey Jason Maguire, who can currently do no wrong. They can take the opening maiden hurdle at 15.00 with Al Qeddaaf, and also the handicap chase at 16.30 with Our Jim, although this is a very open event.
There are the usual huge fields at the Irish N.H. meeting at Limerick. The smallest field is for the best race - the 2 1/2 mile hurdle race at 16.25. Cuan Na Grai (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley) won over fences at the big Punchestown meeting, but is also good enough over sticks to win this.
On the flat, we expect Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan to continue on their winning ways with Elusive Sue and Sunnyside Tom in the two best handicaps at 16.10 and 16.40 at Ripon, while Bachelor Knight at 15.40 and Jack o´Lantern at 17.40 are also possible winners for the duo.
With Aidan O´Brien coming back into form, as it seems, he can land a double at Navan, courtesy of well-bred newcomer Scottish Reel in the 3yo maiden at 16.15 and Encompassing in the mile race at 18.15, both partnered by stable jockey Johnny Murtagh. There are no problems with Dermot Weld´s stable form and he can also land a double with Catalpa Sail at 15.45 and Crazy Days at 17.45 with Pat Smullen in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Clerk`S Choice - Roodolph - Flying Squad
2. Race: Classic Swain - Otage De Brion - Mumbles Pier
3. Race: Casual Style - Bet Noir - Bonzeno Queen
4. Race: Ethiopia - Hampton Court - Alfadora
5. Race: Super Kenny - Ask Archer - Esprit De Fer
6. Race: Miss Sarenne - Kikos - Huguenot
7. Race: Point Blank - Poungach - Call Me Friday

rest of the U.K. and Ireland today

Obviousy Newbury has all the headlines today, but Newmarket and Thirsk both stage some decent flat racing this afternoon, while there is evening racing at Doncaster, as well over jumps at Bangor (afternoon) and Uttoxeter and Kilbeggan in the evening.
Thirsk´s two best races are both sprint handicaps. They go over 5 furlongs at 18.00 CET, and 4 of the 7 runners ran in similar race at York two days ago. Jaconet (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons) came out best then, being caught only close home, with Tabaret (Richard Whitaker/ Michael Stainton) third and Fol Hollow (David and Adrian Nicholls) well behind. Jaconet should come out best again, but he may struggle against his old rival, top-weight Arganil (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), who had no chance in a group race last time but is pretty useful in this grade at this distance. The 6 furlongs event at 17.25 looks trickier. Discanti (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) was an easy winner of similar event at Ripon, but now meets runner-up Pearly Wey (Ian McInnes/ Daniel Tudhope) on 8 lbs worse terms, so the placings could well be reversed.
At Newmarket, St Moritz (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is an interesting runner in the mile handicap at 15.15. He ha not been sen nout since running fifth to Irian in the Dr. Busch-Memorial in April last year, but at his best has a clear chance here. Top-weight Invisible Man (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) could be the main threat. Godolphin has another good chance in the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 15.45, where they field two candidates Navy List (Ahmed Ajtebi) and Next Move /Durcan). This race was won last year by Chiberta King (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), who has not won since but runs his best races here and has good prospects of taking the following 1 3/4 mile handicap at 16.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Yarooh - Dolly Parton - Belle Royale
2. Race: Royal Swain - Suyoof - Bollin Alan
3. Race: Killing Moon - Magic Millie - Take My Hand
4. Race: Cape Quarter - Come And Go - Handsome Falcon
5. Race: Discanti - Orpenindeed - Green Park
6. Race: Jaconet - Captain Dunne - Tabaret
7. Race: Igoyougo - Peak District - Absa Lutte

Lockinge Stakes at Newbury

this afternoon´s Lockinge Stakes over a mile at 16.05 CET at Newbury is the first British Group One of the season for older horses and looks likely to go to the all-conquering team of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes. Their candidate Paco Boy is probably the best 7 furlongs horse in Europe, but is almost equally effective over a mile, e.g. when winning the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot last year. He is also extremely consistent, his only poor run last year coming in this race, when the ground was softer than he likes. Conditions today are perfect and it is hard to see him getting beaten. Lightly-raced Zacinto (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) looks the only conceivable danger. He was well beaten last time in the Breeders Cup Mile, but his other performances were good enough. The other runners, with all due respect, do not look up to Group One standard; Lord Shanakill (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Pipedreamer (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) are both having their first run for new tra iners, but need to improve to figure here, while the others will do well to get placed.
The main supporting race is the listed race over 1 mile 5 furlongs at 15.00. Ex-German Bergo is an interesting runner here. Now trained by Gary Moore and ridden by son Ryan, he has been campaigned exclusively over jumps since coming to England, winning 6 of his 9 starts. His last run on the flat was when runner-up in the Betty Barclay Rennen in 2007. The main opposition comes from Sabotage (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), one of two Godolphin runners, and Blizzard Blues (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), not disgraced last time here behind Harbinger in a race that is working out very well.
The handicaps look very difficult as usual, but lightly-raced Verdant (Stoute/ Moore) has an obvious chance of defeating his 14 opponents in the 10 furlongs London Gold Cup for 3yo´s at 15.30. Green Moon (Harry Dunlop/ Jamie Spencer) could be the danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lunar Victory - Bay Willow - In Your Time
2. Race: Sabotage - Claremont - Heliodor
3. Race: Verdant - Monterosso - Right Step
4. Race: Paco Boy - Zacinto - Pipedreamer
5. Race: Wildcat Wizard - Striking Spirit - Shifting Star
6. Race: Plume - Alice Alleyne - Sard
7. Race: Engulf - Startle - Ertikaan
8. Race: Lean Machine - En Fuego - Flambeau

Rest of the U.K. and Ireland today

Despite York, several of the leading jockeys are at Newbury, notably Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes. Moore is there mainly to partner Sir Michael Stoute´s Hymnsheet in the listed race for 3yo fillies over 10 furlongs at 15.55. Hymnsheet won her only race so far in good style, but this is quite a step up in class and she faces strong opposition from Pollenator (Richard Hannon/ Hughes), who disappointed in the 1,000 Guineas and now moves up in distance, and Principal Role (Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern) and the Godolphin hope Wedding March (Alan Munro). Another Guineas flop was Inmer (John Best/ Tony Culhane), who never figured in the 2,000 and now drops back to 6 furlongs in the listed race here at 15.20. Angels Pursuit (Hannon/ Hughes) is more exposed, but still looks the one to beat.

There are also two listed races at Hamilton this evening, and Mark Johnston is always the trainer to follow here. He has won the Glasgow Stakes for the last 3 years and has good chances of taking it again with Corsica (Joe Fanning) at 20.25. Layali al Andalus (Saeed bin Suroor and Frankie Dettori travelling up from York) is the obvious danger. Johnston is double-handed in the listed handicap at 21.00 with Lady Jane Digby (Greg Fairley) and Yes Mr. President (Fanning) and once again Dettori rides the principal opponent, Ger Butler´s Tinaar.

There is also racing this afternoon at Newmarket, with Gerald Mossé riding Without Prejudice for Jeremy Noseda in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.35, and in the evening flat racing at Newcastle and Dundalk in Ireland (all-weather), well as N.H. racing at Cork (Ireland) and Aintree. At the last-named track, ex-German Double Handful, who led the field for a long way in last year´s German Derby, could be an each-way bet in the novice hurdle at 19.30, as long as he has forgotten his last unpleasant experience at this track, when he tried to run out and unseated his jockey.

York May meeting: final day

a huge programme today, with 8 tracks staging racing in the U.K. and Ireland, but pride of place goes clearly to the third and final day of the York May meeting, with the Group Two Yorkshire Cup over 1 3/4 miles at 15.40 CET as the main feature. This is the first of a series of "cup races", but over a slightly shorter distance than the others, so out-and-out stayers are not required here. Godolphin, who have an excellent record in long distance races, are strongly represented here with Kite Wood (Frankie Dettori) and Wajir (Ted Durcan). Clearly Kite Wood, last time a beaten favourite for the St. Leger when last seen, is the stable´s first string, but it should not be forgotten that Ted Durcan rode the winner of that race (stable-companion Mastery) and the ex-Wildenstein runner Wajir is actually officially the highest-rated runner. A big danger is Manifest (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who ran on well when runner-up to the smart Harbinger at Newbury (Purple Moon well behind, but also a threat on his best form).

The main feature is supported by two listed races for fillies - for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.40 and for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.10. In the former race 5 of the 8 runners are winners, but we prefer Clive Brittain´s Breedj (Seb Sanders), who was a very promising third on her debut. In the latter event, the well-bred Sweet Sonnet (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) can round off a good day for Godolphin, although the unbeaten decorative (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Muwakaba (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Mullen) are obvious dangers, as well as Carioca (Marco Botti/ Kieren Fallon), who has already won twice this season.

The handicaps are as tricky as ever, but we like the look of Thin Red Line (Michael Dods/ Tom Eaves), who carries only a 6lbs fixed penalty for an easy win at Chester last week and can follow up to 15.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Turn The Tide - Fifth Ave - Primo Lady
2. Race: Dangerous Midge - Class Is Class - Fortuni
3. Race: Kite Wood - Manifest - Purple Moon
4. Race: Muwakaba - Sweet Sonnet - Snow Fairy
5. Race: Diman Waters - Hoof It - Trade Secret
6. Race: Sunrise Safari - Himalya - Buachaill Dona
7. Race: Judiciary - Dancing Dude - Sunny Game

York May meeting: second day

Today´s card is the best of the 3 day York meeting, and even though there are very small fields in the two main features - 4 runners in the Group Two Middleton Stakes for older fillies and mares at 15.10 CET, and 5 runners in the Group Two Dante Stakes for 3yo´s - both over 10 furlongs - at 15.40 - in terms of quality both at excellent races. The Dante has a deserved reputation as the top Derby trial, and 3 of the last 6 winners went to to Epsom victory. Whatever happens today will almost certainly result in a change in the Derby odds, as the field includes 4 of the favourites (after St. Nicholas Abbey) for the classic. St. Nick is trained by Aidan O´Brien, who will no doubt be hoping that the unbeaten Cape Blanco (Johnny Murtagh) scores today to reinforce the position of his number one hope, but the O´Brien horses remain below form, as we saw again yesterday. Sir Michael Stoute´s Workforce (Ryan Moore) is 8-1 for Epsom, and this price will certainly contract sharply if he wi ns well today.

He has been the hyped-up Newmarket horse of the spring, but on form he needs to show much more than his easy victory in a Goodwood in a Goodwood maiden last September, his only race so far. On the other hand his trainer knows what is requited and has his string in top form. On ratings, he is well behind Chabal (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), bought out of Jim Bolger´s stable before running poorly in the Dewhurst, but an easy winner of the Sandown Classic Trial last month, which looks smart form. It is years since Godolphin had a credible Derby candidate, but this could well be the one. Coordinated Cut (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) is the big hope of the yard that sent out Motivator to win this race and then the Derby in 2005. He won a valuable sales race at Newmarket last time, despite being badly hampered.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Russian Spirit - Fathom Five - Fol Hollow
2. Race: Sariska - Midday - Flying Cloud
3. Race: Chabal - Workforce - Coordinated Cut
4. Race: Rainbow Peak - Acrostic - Balcarce Nov
5. Race: Tawaabb - Duchess Dora - Tomintoul Singer
6. Race: Juliet Capulet - Elzaam - Windward Islands
7. Race: Twist Again - Jeer - Dan Buoy

Rest of the U.K. and Ireland today

Very sensibly, there is no other flat racing in the U.K. this afternoon, just a very modest meeting in the evening at Bath, where we expect Kojak (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) to make up for his Ascot mishap and win the 2yo maiden at 19.30 CET. There is much better racing at Naas this evening, including the Group Three Blue Wind Stakes for 3yo and older fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 20.10 CET. This is course an absurd clash with the Musidora at York and it is interesting that Aidan O´Brien has left Cabaret in both (although she runs at York). I´Brien has also g´ven Jihnny Murtagh as his jockey in the two 2yo races that start the programme, although it must be doubtful that he can get back from York in time. Despite O´Brien´s entries Murtagh is due to partner David Wachman´s Unite in the Blue Wind and she is the most likely winner.

There is also N.H. racing this afternoon at Exeter and Fontwell and this evening at Perth in Scotland. Tony McCoy looks the jockey to follow at Exeter and Richard Johnson at Fontwell, although Paul Nicholls´ Elusive Dream (Harry Skelton) looks the best bet of the day in the beginners chase at 16.35 at Fontwell.

York May meeting: first day

York consistently stages some of the best racing in the British Isles, and the May meeting, which starts today, is one of their best fixtures. Today´s main features are the Group Two Duke of York Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET and the Group Three Musidora Stakes, a top trial for the Oaks, at 15.40. The latter event, with 8 runners, looks very tricky, as the two favourites Aviate (Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern) and Cabaret (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) are by no means bombproof. The O´Brien 3yo´s are still not totally convincing, while Aviate, who is unbeaten so far, steps up in trip and on pedigree is not certain to get this distance.

Alternatives are Bikini Babe (Mark Johnston/Joe Fanning), well beaten by colts last time, but who ran well in Dubai, Red Fantasy (Barry and Michael Hills) and especially the other Irish raider, Jim Bolger´s Gold Bubbles (Kevin Manning). Although her form does not read well on paper, we expect this move up in trip on better ground will suit her.

The Duke of York is possibly the better race, with several aspirants to the top sprint events later in the season, notably ex-Australian star Starspangledbanner (O´Brien/ Murtagh). He was transferred to the O´Brien stable in the spring after winning two Group Ones at home, and we know from experience just how strong the Aussies are over this distance. However we are not sure that he can concede weight to the British hopes, who are headed by two runners in the colours of Khaled Abdullah - Main Aim (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Showcasing (John Gosden/ William Buick). The latter is in the second colours and is the only 3yo in the field; he won the Gimcrack over this CD last August and is a definite contender for the title of champion sprinter this year, and we make him our selection.

The handicaps are as difficult as always, but we expect Forte dei Marmi (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) to defy a 12 lbs rise in the weights and win the opening 10 furlongs race, while Veloso (Jeremy Glover/ Freddie Tylicki) is an interesting runner over 1 1/2 miles at 16.45. This lightly-raced 8yo has been first or second on 10 of his 11 career starts so far, and although these have been almost all on the all-weather, he still seems well handicapped here. The 3yo race over 7 furlongs at 15.40 is a very hot race and almost impossible to call; the winner will probably have to be group class to score here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Forte Dei Marmi - Imposing - Tartan Gunna
2. Race: Summerinthecity - Rainfall - Business As Usual
3. Race: Aviate - Cabaret - Eleanora Duse
4. Race: Main Aim - Showcasing - Starspangledbanner
5. Race: Itlaaq - The Fonz - Deauville Flyer
6. Race: Bahceli - Majestic Myles - Cocktail Charlie
7. Race: Official Style - Rigidity - Contract Caterer

Newton Abbot and Killarney (Ireland) this evening

Killarney stages the third and final day of its May meeting with a mixed card - three chases and four flat races. Best bet over jumps could be Woodbine Willie (Philip Fenton/ Brian O´Connell) in the novice chase at 19.40 CET. This one ran really well at the Punchestown festival and the extra distance today should be in his favour. Tracy Collins has her string in good form and can take the 3yo maiden at 20.10 with Prince Jock (Pat Shanahan), where the Aga Khan´s Shareen (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) looks the obvious danger, while Dermot Weld´s Natural High (Pat Smullen) appears to have little to beat in the 1 3/4 mile race at 21.40.

At Newton Abbot, Tony McCoy can win the mares novice hurdle at 19.50 on Nicky Henderson´s Synthe Davis. She was still in with a chance when falling at the last on her most recent outing, and was placed 4 tims before that. The novice chase at 20.00 is the best race here, even with only 4 runners. Lady an Co (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), Lavirco mare who has won 3 of her last 4 races, is taken to defeat Cockney Trucker (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson),an odds-on favourite when falling at Ascot last time.

Beverley, Warwick, Yarmouth and Southwell ( a.w. evening meeting)

very modest racing at today´s four flat meetings. Frankie Dettori is a rare visitor to Beverley and goes there today for just one ride - Jeremy Noseda´s filly Dance East in the 3yo maiden at 17.30 CET. She has much better form than any of the colts in the field and will probably start at very short odds. The only conceivable danger is Mark Johnston´ s well-bred newcomer Rule Breaker (Greg Fairley). The 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 17.00 is much more open, but we hope to see Kevin Ryan´s Fujin Dancer, with daughter Amy in the saddle, follow up his recent Hamilton win; CD winner Danehillsundance (David Brown/ Peter Mcdonald) looks the main danger.

Kevin Ryan can also score at Warwick, where he has booked Kieren Fallon to ride Sharp Eclipse in the 3yo 6 furlongs handicap at 15.40. The best race here is the mile handicap at 16.40. Fibs and Flannel (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) is fast improving and has won his last 2 races in good style; he can complete a quick hat-trick, although Subtefuge (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), Gold Rules (Luca Cumani/ Fallon) and Invincible Soul (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) will all have their supporters. Easterby and Allan can also take the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.10 with easy last-time-out winner Lost in Paris.

Local trainer Chrstine Dunnett is also dangerous at Yarmouth, and we expect December (Darryll Holland), one of two runners from her stable in the second division of the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20, to go well. The first division at 15.20 can go to Fuzzy Cat (David Barron/ Dean Heslop). Ryan Moore is at Yarmouth, principally to ride Astral Flower for Sir Michael Stoute in the 3yo maiden at 16.50, but Eshtyaaq (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills), very green when runner-up on his recent debut at Kempton, looks a major threat. Moore´s best chance is probably Mark Tompkins´ Locum, top-weight in the 11 furlongs handicap at 17.50. Locum has only ever won two races, but they were both here and Ryan was in the saddle both times.

Several of the jockeys move on to the evening meeting at Southwell, where Dettori can possibly take the 3yo seller at 19.20 on Stef and Stelio for Ger Butler, while Fallon can win the mile handicap at 20.50 on Cumani´s Major Phil. CD specialist Saleroso (Ann Duffield/ Jimmy Quinn) could be a problem here.

N.H. racing this evening

The jumps racing this evening - at Towcester in England and Killarney in Ireland - is also very low grade. At Killarney there are the usual maximum fields, the exception being the conditions hurdle race at 19.50 CET, in which Sweeps Hill (John Kiely/ David Casey) should outclass the opposition. Casey can also take the handicap chase an hour later on Charlie Swan´s Oodachee, although this is a much more open event.

Two German-breds who could run well at Towcester are Vacario (Charlie Mann/ Richard Johnson) in the selling hurdle at 19.30, dropping in grade and best in at the weights, and Early Wings (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 20.00. However the latter, despite several places, has never won in the U:K. and keeps going up in the weights; a better win proposition is probably Yonder (Hughie Morrison/ Tom Scudamore) in the maiden hurdle at 19.00.

Listed race at Windsor

As so often on a Monday, very poor racing today, with the listed race at 19.40 CET at Windsor´s evening meeting easily the best event of the day. However this is also not a great race, with only 5 runners. Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) was 5th to the smart Paco Boy at Sandown last time and this form should be good enough. Richard Hannon´s pair Ordnance Row (Richard Hughes) last year´s winner, and Vitznau (Ryan Moor) are next best.

Best betting race at Windsor is the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s half an hour later. This looks wide open; High on a Hill (Silvester Kirk/ William Buick) won a similar race over this CD last time with some of these behind and can confirm the form, but Visualize (Sir Michael Stoute/ Moore) won his only start and looks capable of running well in much better company.

An interesting feature of the afternoon racing is that Barney Curley sends out two of his ex-Schlenderhan runners - Sommersturm (D. Queally) in an amateur riders handicap at 18.30 at Wolverhampton and Agapanthus (Tom Queally) in a handicap at 17.10 at Brighton. Both these two are now on a very low handicap mark, lthough backing runners from this stable is always a tricky business. Ar Brighton we also like course specialist Ocean Countess (Julia Feilden/ Cathy Gannon) in the mile handicap at 17.40, moving up in grade but still well treated, while Understory (Joe Fanning) looks the better of two Mark Johnston runners in the 3yo handicap at 17.50 at Redcar.

3 N.H. meetings today

There is no flat racing in the U.K. today, just 3 low-level N.H. meetings, with several hot favourites., most of whom could oblige. At Plumpton we expect Nicky Henderson´s Onemix (Richard Killoran) and Paul Nicholls´ Al Amann (Ian Popham) to take the two divisions of the maiden hurdle at 15.10 and 15.40 CET, while front-runner Marodima (Jamie Snowden/ Tom O´Brien) should run clean away from poor opposition in the selling hurdle at 17.10.

At Uttoxeter, Robert Thornton can complete a double on Dai Burchell´ s Gremlin in the novice hurdle at 15.00 and Alan King s Masked Man in the novice chase an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Identity Parade - Supreme Plan - Woodmore
2. Race: Gremlin - Hannicean - John Potts
3. Race: Aberdale - Pairc Na Gcapall - Ballyoliver
4. Race: Masked Man - Tisfreetdream - Lord Larsson
5. Race: Lady Pilot - House Of Bourbon - King Of Castile
6. Race: Nono Le Sage - Spate River - Marino Prince
7. Race: Power Pack Jack - Petroupetrov - Basoda
8. Race: Natural Spring - Bellaboosh - Pure Anticipation




At Worcester, the races look more open. Along the Nile (Keith and James Reveley) attempts to complete a fourtimer in the handicap hurdle at 16.50, but meets better this opposition this time and we prefer Alazan (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Phare Isle - Rifleman - Rien A Perdre
2. Race: Flexi Time - Fresh Air And Fun - Comprimario
3. Race: Coach Lane - Benefit Game - Quel Bruere
4. Race: Cast Cada - Hell`S Bay - Mont Present
5. Race: Alazan - Pascha Bere - Cool Touch
6. Race: Prince Des Marais - Warpath - Nikos Extra
7. Race: Kells Belle - O Malley`S Oscar - Thomas Wild
8. Race: Islamouth - Journeyman - Tocatchaprince




There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Killarney, with the usual maximum fields in most of the 7 races.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Northern Rocker - Marlos Moment - Charging Indian
2. Race: Far Away So Close - Spanish Auriga - Kealigolane
3. Race: Alpine Eagle - Eagle`S Pass - Grey Soldier
4. Race: Lascalahall - Save My Blushes - Dream Champion
5. Race: Let Yourself Go - Jubilant Note - Natal
6. Race: Pallasmore - Whosaidso - Courella
7. Race: Aneyeforaneye - Darwins Fox - All For Free

Classic trials at Leopardstown

Two more classic trials today, both sponsored by Derrinstown Stud (Hamdan al Maktoum) at Leopardstown. Aidan O´Brien has saddled 6 of the last 10 winners of the Derby Trial at 17.05 CET, but after this week´s results must be wondering if he has any top 3yo´s in the yard. However he has an obvious chance of winning this, as he saddles half the field- 2 out of the 4 runners. Stable jockey Johnny Murtagh has chosen Midas Touch, while Seamus Heffernan is on At First Sight, just touched off here 3 weeks ago. On that occasion Address Unknown (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) was a close 5th after not getting a clear run, while the field is completed by Reiteration (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who has already won twice this year but is taking a huge leap in class, Midas Touch lookad promising last year, and could be O´Brien´s last chance of finding a successor to Fame & Glory, who won this last year.

O´Brien saddles two fillies in the 1,000 Guineas Trial at 17.35, but Murtagh has jumped ship to partner David Wachman´s Picture Perfect, also owned by Coolmore. She was an easy maiden winner last time, as was Dermot Weld´s Betharah (Smullen). Bolger´s Atasari (Manning) is top-rated here, but that may not mean too much. However Weld and Smullen get on in the classic trials, they should certainly take the Group Three mile race at 18.35 with Famous Name, who stands out by a mile in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Catalpa Sail - Purple Glow - Hope Of An Angel
2. Race: Carraiglawn - Be My Storm - Bold Quest
3. Race: Bravely Fought - Precious Gem - Curling Bird
4. Race: Midas Touch - At First Sight - Address Unknown
5. Race: Atasari - Picture Perfect - Bethrah
6. Race: Northgate - Award Ceremony - Tarrsille
7. Race: Famous Name - Duff - King Jock

Classic trials at Lingfield

Lingfield stages its most important turf meeting of the year today, with the two classic trials as the main focus of interest. Henry Cecil won the Oaks Trial (1 mile 3 1/2 furlongs, 15.40 CET) last year with subsequent Oaks runner-up Midday, and has good chances of following up with Timepiece (Tom Queally). She was a disappointment at Newmarket´s Craven meeting last time, as was John Gosden´s Dyna Waltz (Ryan Moore), but the two of them can fight out the finish here.

The Derby Trial over the same trip half an hour later was won in 2009 by Aidan O´Brien, who now saddles two of the 7 runners - Captain James Cook (Johnny Murtagh) and German-bred Don Carlos (Richard Hills). Jockey bookings make it clear that the former is the stable´s main hope, but the O´Brien 3yo´s have not been firing this week, and we prefer Desert Myth (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). He was due to run at Chester yesterday before it started raining, but the switch to here may prove to be the right decision. Hot Prospect (Philip Robinson) from the in-form Michael Jarvis stable, could be the alternative.

The Group Three fillies race over 7 furlongs at 15.10 should go to France, via the German-owned Reggane (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gerald Mosse´); she was runner-up in last season´s Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, easily the best form on offer. Pennys Gift (Richard Hannon/ Michael Hills) has been a bit disappointing since winning last years German 1,000 Guineas, but could still prove second-best. Ex-German Peligroso (Saeed bin Suroor/ Alan Munro) runs in the 10 furlongs conditions race at 16.45, but probably needs more cut in the ground. Alainmaar (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) was so impressive at Epsom last time that he should win this before going on to better things.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Reggane - Mosqueras Romance - Golden Stream
2. Race: Timepiece - Ceilidh House - Dyna Waltz
3. Race: Desert Myth - Hot Prospect - Captain James Cook
4. Race: Alainmaar - Tranquil Tiger - Peligroso
5. Race: Super Collider - Direct Answer - Whitby Jack
6. Race: Alice Alleyne - Atlaal - Desert Auction
7. Race: My Learned Friend - Alqaahir - Straight Face

Mixed card at Haydock

Haydock has one of the best mixed cards of the season this afternoon, with 4 flat races and 3 over jumps. Main event is the valuable Swinton handicap hurdle over an extended 2 miles at 14.35 CET. With 24 runners, 15 of them first or second last time out, this is wide open. Overturn (Donld McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Ciceron (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) have both won their last 3 races, but have shot up the ratings as a result. Ex-German Acambo (David Pipe/ Graham Lee) also seems too high in the weights, and has been off the track for almost a year. In any case we prefer Hunterview of the Pipe stable´s 4 runners. Paul Nicholls´ ex-French Toubab (Paul Townend) is unexposed but has got in the race with a very light weight. However we prefer horses with experience in these tough handicaps; top-weight Dee ee Williams (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) was a narrow winner from Issaquah (Malcolm Jefferson/ James Halliday) in a similar event with 21 runners on Grand National day at Aintree, and at these weights Issaquah is our suggestion.

The other handovap hurdle, over 3 miles 1 furlog t 16.00, has 22 runners and looks equally difficult. The very lightly-raced Penylan Star (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) must be considered, as well as last-time-out winners Al Co (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Picture This (Nicholls/ Harry Skelton) but our main hope is Mous of Men (Tommy Murphy) from the in-form Pipe stable, raised just 7 lbs for an easy win at Sandown last time.

Best race on the flat here is the opening listed race over 7 furlongs at 15.00. Veteran Welsh Emperor (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton) would have a good chance if it rained non-stop, but that seems unlikely, so we make this between Godolphin´ s Marching (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ted Durcan), and Ordnance Row (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lovelace - Marching - Mia`S Boy
2. Race: Plea - Clarke Lane - Ahtoug
3. Race: Picture This - Al Co - Mous Of Men
4. Race: Overturn - Toubab - Hunterview
5. Race: Mahonia - Bluegun - Earth Magic
6. Race: Elnawin - Evens And Odds - Prime Defender
7. Race: Sam Sharp - Lady Luachmhar - Tropical Blue

Victoria Cup at Ascot

a typical Saturday card at Ascot this afternoon, with ferociously difficult handicaps, headed by the Victoria Cup over 7 furlongs at 16.25 CET. This valuable event has attracted no fewer than 29 runners, and the first problem will be to decide which side (if any) has an advantage. Perhaps the previous race over the straight mile will give us some clues. The likely favourite is Mabait (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), who has won his last 4 races, all with Fallon aboard; he has gone up 10 lbs for his latest easy victory, but more of a problem could be his number 16 draw, as the middle of the track is possibly the wrong place to be. If you feel that the stands side is favoured, then Flipando (David Barron/ Jamie Spencer, drawn right on the rail, Irish challenger Dandy Boy (David Marnane/ Colm O´Donoghue) or lightly-raced Oratory (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) could be the three to go for. If there is a bias towards the far side, then Advanced (Kevin and Amy Ryan), Signor Peltro ( Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill), 4th in this last year, or Marajaa (Willie Musson/ Jamie Mackay) could be on the short list. We are shooting in the dark here, but make course specialists Advanced and Signor Peltro as well as the unexposed Oratory our three against the field, but almost anything is possible.

There is a similar problem with the fillies handicap over the straight mile at 15.50, although there are only 16 runners here. Our three in this event are consistent Alsace Lorraine (James Fanshawe/ Jamie Spencer), drawn on the outside, Badiat Alzaman (Ed Dunlop/ Kieren Fallon), drawn 1, and Blue Angel (Hannon/ Hughes), drawn in the middle and runner-up this CD last time.

Th classiest race on the card is the opening listed event over 1 1/2 miles at 15.20. Ex-German Bergo has won 6 of his 9 races over jumps in the U.K., but has not run on the flat for almost 3 years and is probably best watched. Clear favourite here should be Duncan (John Gosden/ Hughes), who was a close 4th in the Coronation Cup last year; he subsequently ran a couple of poor races, but if anywhere that form, should win this. David Elsworth´s mare Barshiba (Hayley Turner) looks next best.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Duncan - Barshiba - Traffic Guard
2. Race: Blue Angel - Alsace Lorraine - Clairvoyance
3. Race: Mabait - Castles In The Air - Prime Exhibit
4. Race: Kojak - Magic Stella - Chilworth Lad
5. Race: Aaim To Prosper - Satwa Gold - Theola
6. Race: Getcarter - We Have A Dream - New Leyf

N.H. racing and Irish racing this evening

Aintree stages quite an attractive card this evening, while there is also Irish jumps racing at Downpatrick, and an Irish flat meeting (including 3 bumpers) at Wexford. The 2 mile handicap chase at 20.40 CET at Aintree is a very open race, but we give slight preference to top-weight Stan (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who appears to be coming back to form, and was only narrowly beaten last time at Ffos Las.

The 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 21.40 looks even more difficult with 18 runners (one of the favourites Willandrich has dropped out) - Still at Lunch (Kate Walton/ Richard McGrath) and Forget It (Gary and Jamie Moore) are our two against the field. The last-named landed a gamble at Fontwell last week, his first ever win; he probably needs to improve further to win this, but this does not seem impossible. In Ireland, we expect Anaverna (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), runner-up to a smart type last time, to win the 3yo fillies maiden at Wexford at 18.40.

Rest of today´s U.K. flat racing

There is also flat racing this afternoon at Nottingham and Lingfield (where the first 5 races are on turf, the last 3 on the all-weather) and this evening at Ripon and Hamilton, but mainly at a very low level. The best race at Nottingham is the 1 3/4 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 15.25 CET; John Dunlop is always to be feared in these events and we expect his Dream Spinner (Eddie Ahern) to take this.

With the Godolphin horses running well, we expect Mutafajer (Ted Durcan) to take the 3yo maiden at 14.35 at Lingfield, where the tough German-bred sprinter Misaro (Ron Harris/ David Probert) goes for the 21st win of his career in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45. He is running for the 11 th time this year, but always shows his form, and has bottom-weight Rocker (Gary Moore/ Shane Kelly) to beat. Probert can also take the conditions race for 3yo´s at 17.55 on Andrew Balding´s Opera Gal.

At Ripon this evening, the 10 furlongs handicap at 2.30 looks quite tricky. Granston (James Bethell/ Robert Winston) won this last year, and made a good seasonal debut, while Bullet Man (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) - weakened quickly at Epsom last time- and Russian George (Steve Gollings/ John Fahy) - slowly away- are better than their latest form suggests.

Kieren Fallon looks the jockey to follow at Hamilton, although most of his mounts will start at short odds, including Mick Channon´s pair Saucy Buck and Mister Hughie, who look good things to take the first two races at 19.15 and 19.45. One ride of Fallons that could pay well is the German-bred Wind Shuffle in the 9 furlongs handicap at 20.50; his recent flat form is poor, but he ran better over hurdles recently, and was runner-up off a higher mark in this race last year.

Chester Cup meeting: third and final day

The Chester meeting ends today with another good card including two traditional Group Three races. The Dee Stakes over 10 furlongs at 15.15 CET is another Derby trial, but like yesterday´s race is unlikely to have much bearing on the Derby itself, especially as the expected favourite, Sir Michael Stoute´s Desert Myth, has been pulled out because of the soft ground and runs instead at Lingfield tomorrow.

In his absense, the race should mainly concern the nicely-named Dancing David (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer), Prompter (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) and Azmeel (John Gosden/ William Buick). The Ormonde Stakes for older horses over 1 mile 5 furlongs at 15.45 has 6 runners, but in theory only two of them have a serious winning chance: Harbinger (Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Age of Aquarius (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh). Age of Aquarius was last seen running-up to the top-class Cavalryman in the Grand Prix de Paris in July, and a repetition of that form would certainly be good enough, especially in receipt of 3 lbs. However the O´Brien runners have performed poorly this week, so we have a clear preference for Stoute´s runner, an easy winner of the John Porter at Newbury last time.

Stoute and Moore can also go on to take the 7 furlongs race for 3yo maiden fillies with Safina, a close 4th in a Newmarket Group Three last time, while the handicaps look as tricky as always. For those who must have a bet, we recommend a small each-way investment on Dunn´o (Clive Cox/ John Fahy) at 14.45 and Fathsta (David Simcock/ Martin Dwyer) at 17.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Academy Blues - Dunn`O - Guilded Warrior
2. Race: Dancing David - Azmeel - Party Doctor
3. Race: Harbinger - Age Of Aquarius - Once More Dubai
4. Race: Falasteen - Duchess Dora - Confessional
5. Race: Safina - Nimue - Qudwah
6. Race: Last Sovereign - Lucky Numbers - Mr Macattack
7. Race: Interdiamonds - Hindu Kush - Embsay Crag

N.H. racing today

plenty of jumps racing today, with Newton Abbot this afternoon, Wincanton and Wetherby this evening as well as a mixed meeting (3 flat races and 4 over jumps) at Clonmel in Ireland. With the David Pipe stable in great form- both on the flat and over jumps - we expect more winners for the stable at Newton Abbot and Wincanton. At the former track, Armenian Boy, despite being off the track since November, has a chance in the handicap hurdle at 16.45 CET for Tom Scudamore, who moves on to to the evening racing at the latter track, where Brandy Butter at 18.30, Sir Bathwick at 19.05 and Casual Style at 21.15 should all run well. Among the opposition in the last race is his stable companion the ex-German Loom (Greg Supple).

Another jockey who could score at both meetings is Tony McCoy, who partners two hot favourites for Jim Best - Skye but N Ben at 17.20 and Barrel of Fun at 19.35. At Wetherby, the much improved Mardood (Chris Grant/ Denis O´Regan) can complete a fourtimer in the handicap hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 19.50, while Ballysimon (James Ewart/ Harry Haynes) can follow up a recent easy CD victory at 21.25.

Flat racing at Goodwood and Ffos Las

Despite the attractions of Chester, some of the leading jockys are at Goodwood, notably Frankie Dettori, who should be in for a good afternoon. He has two rides for Godolphin, the debutant Signs in the Sand (by Cape Cross out of the German mare Gonfilia) in th 2yo maiden at 15.30 CET, and Nafura, who has top-weight in the handicap for 3yo fillies at 18.20, and both of them can score. He also partners Squall at 14.55 and Theology at 18.50 in maiden races for trainer Jeremy Noseda, and they also have good prospects. His other rides are Elliptical (Gerld Butler) in the conditions race at 16.00 and the German-bred Swordsman, who has top weight in the 2 mile handicap at 17.45. He is one of two ex-Christian von der Recke runners in this event, the other being Commemoration Day (Gary Moore/ George Baker); both could run well, however it is a tricky race, but we would surprised of Frankie does not go home without at least 3 winners to his name.

The card at Ffos Las this evening is less inspiring, but Mark Johnston sends two runners on the long journey from N. Yorkshire and both should run well - Opus Maximus at 20.30 and Skyfire (whose last run was too bad to be true) at 21.05; both are partnered by Greg Fairley.

Chester Cup meeting: second day

The Chester meeting continues today with two group races on the card. The Chester Vase for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET is the main feature and is regarded as an important Derby trial, although it is a long time since subsequent Derby winners like Shergar ran here. Aidan O´Brien has an excellent record in this event, but rarely sends his main Epsom candidate, and this is probably also the case with Rocket Man (Johnny Murtagh), who comes her fresh from winning a Curragh maiden. I can Dream (David Wachman/ Jamie Spencer) is possibly a more likely Irish winner, but Critical Moment (Barry and Michael Hills) or Morana (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro), respectively 3rd and 5th in the Craven Stakes and now moving up in distance, can keep this race in England.

Barry Hills always does well at this meeting and also has good prospects of taking the other group race, the Huxley Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 15.15. This 4yo, fancied for last year´s Derby before being injured in the Dante, made an excellent comeback at Sandown and can now get the better of Stotsfold (Walter Swinburn/ Adam Kirby), South Easter (William Haggas/ Murtagh) and the filly Les Fazzani (Kevin Ryan/ Paul Hanagan). Barry Hills and his son Michael can round off a good day by also taking the 2yo maiden at 16.55 with Diamond Geezah.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Almiqdaad - Last Three Minutes - Leceile
2. Race: Redwood - South Easter - Les Fazzani
3. Race: Critical Moment - Morana - Rocket Man
4. Race: Bullwhip - Niran - Yaa Wayl
5. Race: Diamond Geezah - Just For Leo - Shafgaan
6. Race: Rule Of Nature - Horseradish - Johannesgray
7. Race: Bugaku - Luc Jordan - Hollow Green

Today´s N.H. racing

There is jumps racing this afternoon at Kelso and this evening at Cheltenham and Huntingdon. Two German-breds that have each-way chances at Kelso are Solis (Peter Monteith/ Ryan Mania) in the novices handicap hurdle at 15.35 CET and Safin (Sue Bradburne/ Tom Messenger), who has bottom weight in the handicap hurdle at 18.25. Ryan Mania also has a good chance with Samidzat for Dianne Sawyer at 16.40.

Cheltenham stages an all hunter chase fixture this evening, with some large fields.The so-called champion hunters chase over 3 1/4 miles at 19.10 should mainly concern Templer and Theatre Diva; they met here recently when the latter came out on top, but the former can reverse the placings on these terms. On his old form Take the Stand would win this easily; he was runner-up in the Gold Cup here in 2005 and has put up many excellent performances at this track; however he is now 14 and his recent form is not so hot.

At Huntingdon, we expect Diablo (Nigel Twiston-Davis/ Paddy Brennan) to make the most of the weight he receives from Samurai Way (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and take the novice chase at 18.55. Grenoli (John and Joe Cornwall) won in such staggering style at Southwell last week (the winning distance was 36 lengths!) that a 7 lbs penalty should not stop him from following up in the handicap chase at 20.40.

Rest of today´s U.K. flat racing

The rest of the Chester card is also good and features the listed Cheshire Oaks at 15.15 CET. Aidan O´Brien has an excellent record here, but the stable is not really in top form yet, and his runner Dance on By (Johnny Murtagh) cannot be fancied on the form she has shown so far. We prefer Gertrude Bell (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Myplacelater (David Elsworth/ Dane O´Neill), both winners at Newbury last time out, while Champagne Lifestyle (Barry and Michael Hills) is another interesting candidate. She is out of the good German mare White Rose and Barry Hills is another trainer who likes to target this meeting.

The meeting starts with the Lily Agnes Stakes over 5 furlongs at14.45, one of the most significant early season 2yo races. David Evans won this last year and has juveniles in top form; he saddles 3 of the 8 runners, with clear preference for dual winner Bathwick Bear (Jimmy Fortune). The 5 furlongs handicap here at 16.15 is almost as difficult to solve as the Chester Cup. Sprint specialist David Nicholls saddles 3 runners, while top-weíght Look Busy (Alan Berry/ Mark Coumbe) would have a great chance if at her best. However our main fancies are Sohraab (Hughie Morrison/ Travis Block), the 2009 winner, and course specialist Green Manalishi (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan).

There is also flat racing on the all weather at Southwell, where the card includes two above average handicaps (for this track). Academy Blues (David Nicholls/ Paul Quinn) is going for a fourtimer in the 7 furlongs race at 15.25. However he has gone up a lot in the weights, and in a very open race we prefer consistent Lochan Mor (Michael Bell/ Steve Drowne), course specialist Elusive Fame (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench) and bottom-weight Flores Sea (Ruth Carr/ Paul Pickard), up only 5 lbs for an easy CD win l3 days ago. The 1 1/2 mile race at 17.10 is equally tricky. Ella (Alan Swinbank/ Robert Winston) and Lucky Unt (Brendan Powell/ Fergus Sweeney) were both runners-up last time, while Veloso (Jeremy Glover/ Simon Pearce) has been first or second on 9 of his 10 career starts. However we like Bothy (Brian Ellison/ Tom Eaves) best; he is very lightly raced on the flat but won 3 times over hurdles in the winter and his handicap rating could be a gift.