The lull before the storm

Royal Ascot starts tomorrow, so clearly today´s U.K. racing is very low level. Best race this afternoon at Carlisle is the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 16.45 CET. Timeless Elegance (Howard Johnson/ Ian Brennan) has won both her starts this year in good style and although she has gone up in the weights she can take this at the main expense of consistent Emerald Girl (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan).

There is a listed race at Warwick this evening, the grandly-named Warwickshire Oaks over 11 furlongs at 20.55. Cassique Lady (Lucy Wadham/ Eddie Ahern) won this last year with Lady Jane Digby (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) third, but the latter was very unlucky that day and can take her revenge. The lady has won twice in the meantime, including a group race in Germany. Bequ Adoree (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) looks next best.

Another one hoping to repeat last year´s win is Memphis Man (David Evans/ Kevin Lundie) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.40 at Windsor. After some poor performances he came back to form last week by winning at Nottingham, the same day that Requisite (Ian Wood/ Richard Hughes) scored at Yarmouth, and that one looks the main danger, although German-bred Gwilym (Derek Haydn Jones/ Jim Crowley) ran well at Sandown on Saturday and could be in the frame again.

There is also N.H. racing this afternoon at Sedgefield and a mixed meeting (3 flat races, 4 over hurdles) at Roscommon in Ireland. The best event here is the hurdles race at 20.20 with some useful types entered; our selection is Grey Soldier (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry)