Ripon, Newton Abbot, Windsor and Carlisle

Very little to get excited about at today´s four meetings in the U.K. Arguably the best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.45 CET at Ripon, which should go to Tim Easterby´s Midnight Martini (David Allan), winner of a valuable sales race last autumn and seemingly well handicapped against mainly exposed rivals, of whom oldtimer Eccusez Moi (Ruth Carr/ Peter McDonald) is possibly the most dangerous.

Most interesting event at Newton Abbot´s N.H. meeting is the novice handicap hurdle at 16.30. Four of the 8 runners are last-time-out winners, but we prefer Marc Aurele (Paul Nicholls/ Ryan Mahon), runner-upat Bangor last time. An hour later, two German-breds run in the handicap hurdle, but while top-weight Vacario (Marc Gillard/ Tom Phelan) seems to be out of form, Olivino (Bernard Llewellyn/ Isabel Tompsett) is consistent and should be in the money.
Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are usually the team to follow at Windsor´s Monday evening meetings, and with their 2yo´s continuing to carry all before them, Native Picture should win the fillies maiden at 19.10. They also have chances with Our Boy Barrington at 20.10 and Bold Tie an hour later.

Mark Johnston continues to fire in winners all over the country and can take the 3yo handicap over 7 furlongs at 20.55 at Carlisle with top-weight Skyfire (Royston Ffrench), who is in good form and was runner up last time in better company at Nedwmarket over a furlong shorter.