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.