Deauville winter meeting starts today

The Deauville winter meeting starts today and certainly the standard of French racing on the all-weather is far higher than it is in the U.K. There are big fields for all of today´s 9 races, including 16 in the main event, a listed race for fillies and mares over 2400 metres at 14.40 CET. Two German fillies line up here, La Poesie (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) and Salontänzerin (Waldemar Hickst/ Mikael Barzalona), but both face a very tough task. The two top-weights German-bred La Boum and Fleur Enchantee both boast good form in group races and one of them will probably win. A more likely German winner is Esprit des Jours (Baltromei/ Boeuf) in the 1900 metres handicap at 15.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: La Pernelle - Cartaya - Amelia`s Field
2. Race: Uldiko - Rudyard - Lachlan Bridge
3. Race: Voxna - Mockingbird - Ball Prince
4. Race: Forever Mine - Gavriel - Trebetherick
5. Race: Fleur Enchantee - La Boum - Skia
6. Race: Sargasses - Witty - Lady Hartwood
7. Race: Aden Gulf - Social Butterfly - Sina
8. Race: Style de Lois - Solaria - Pivoina
9. Race: Indran - Sir Dolois - Berenice Pancrisia

All-weather racing today

Poor racing is better than no racing at all, and that is the situation today (and probably for the rest of the week). No race at today´s two all-weather meetings at Southwell or Lingfield is likely to make the heart beat faster, but evry race is a new betting opportunity. At Lingfield, the best event is the mile handicap at 15.15 CET. John Best holds a strong hand with two runners, Halsion Chancer (Kieren Fox) and Elspeth´s Boy (Luke Morris); we prefer the latter, who was runner-up here last time over 7 furlongs after not getting a clear run. Final Verse (John Ryan/ Kirsty Milczarek), who is going for a CD hat-trick, is the obvious danger, but moving up in class. Ther are only 5 runnrs in th 10 furlongs handovp for 3yo´s at 15.40. Dark Promise (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) is the favourite here, but we just prefer Flag of Glory (Chris Wall/ George Baker). The two German-breds in the opening amateur riders handicap over 2 miles at 13.45 - Olivino (Bernard Llewellyn ( Isabe l Tompsett) and Defence of Realm (George Baker/ Simon Walker) could both be involved in the finish; both the trainer Baker and his namesake the jockey are currently in good form.

Grim outlook for N.H. racing

With no improvement in the weather expected before the end of the week, the outlook for N.H. racing in Britain and Ireland looks grim. Today´s fixtures at Hereford and Southwell have been called off - although Southwell has quickly organised an all-weather meeting in place of its jumps fixture. Tomorrow, Ayr, Catterick and Navan (Ireland) have already been abandoned, while Plumpton looks very doubtful.

There are inspections for all 3 Thursday meetings in the U.K., at Leicester, Market Rasen and Wincanton, while the big meeting at Fairyhouse must be doubtful.There are serious worries about the big weekend meeting at Sandown, and indeed, unless there is a rapid and unexpected improvement in the weather, it seems likely that there will be no racing on turf at all this week.

Folkestone and Wolverhampton

Folkestone has survived as the only N.H. meeting today and has runners from some of the top stables - Nicholls, Henderson, O´Neill, Hobbs etc. Paul Nicholls continues in unstoppable form and his two runners both have good chances - American Trilogy (Tony McCoy), who makes his debut over fences in the beginners chase at 13.55 CET, and Water Garden (Timmy Murphy) in the novice hurdle at 14.25; he was heavily backed on his bumper debut, but ran well enough in second place, and now goes over the sticks for the first time. Invictus (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), winner of an Irish point-to-point, looks the main danger. while American Trilogy faces strong opposition from Pascha Bere (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) and the 4yo Rougham (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The 3 miles 1 furlong handicap chase at 16.10 is also an interesting race despite the small field. Whataboutya (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) has top weight but may still be strong enough to hold off Pacco (Olover Sherwood/ Le ighton Aspell).

One cannot imagine that there will be many racegoers at Wolverhampton this afternoon-miserable weather and a miserable card. The "best" race is the class 5 handicap over 2 miles at 18.20. Dart (Jim Mackie/ George Baker) and Master at Arms (Daniel Loughnane/ Jamie Spencer) were first and second over this CD last time and may fight out the finish again. There is also an in-form trainer named George Baker and he saddles Humor me Rene (Matthew Davies), the only 3yo in the line-up; he won here over 1 1/2 miles and if he gets this longer trip could also be dangerous. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 is the most open betting race, with all 13 runners holding a chance. We shall be especially interested to see how our favourite veterans run, The Tatling (13 years old, 145 starts) and Cape Royal (10 years old, 152 starts, including 3 already this month), both trained by Milton Bradley.

Weather outlook

Today´s N.H. meeting at Ffos Las has been cancelled, but Folkestone goes ahead after an early inspection; the all-weather meeting at Wolverhampton is also subject to an inspection, but no big problems are expected.
However there are certainly more big problems on the way, as the current frosty spell is expect to last all week, with more snow in many areas as well.

Tomorrow´s Hereford meeting has already been called off, and there is already some anxiety regarding the big meetings later in the week, e.g. Fairyhouse on Thursday and Sandown Park´s Tingle Creek meeting on Friday/ Saturday.

All-weather racing today

Kempton´s all-weather this afternoon is now the only fixture in Britain and Ireland, but interesting features are hard to find. The 3 races for 2yo maidens are possibly the most interesting events. In the fillies´ race at 15.45 CET, Fairy Familiar (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Palais Glide (Richard Hannon/ Jimmy Fortune) have both shown a certain mount of talent, but possibly the well-bred debuntants Encore View (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) and Echo Ridge (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) can prove better. In the first division of the mile race at 16.20, For What (David Lanigan/ Chris Catlin), Frederick William (Peter Makin/ Steve Drown) and Top Diktat (Sir Michael Stoute/ Fallon) are the likeliest candidates, while in the second division, half an hour later, Sinfonico (Hannon/ Fortune) and Groomed (William Haggas/ Eddie Ahern) are the obvious form pick, while debutant Towering Storm (Ger Butler/ Steve Donohoe), from a stable in good form, could be a danger.

The handicaps are all very low grade with the exception of the 1 1/2 mile race at 17.50. Alsadaa, ridden by Ian Mongan for his mother, has won his last 2 starts here, but they were both over 2 miles last winter, since when he has been well beaten over jumps. Spensley (James Fanshawe/ Fallon) looks far more dangerous; he has also won his last 2 races, but they were both recently and over this CD. However the only 3yo in the field, Iron Condor (James Eustace/ Luke Morris) , also a CD specialist, could be a huge threat off a very light weight.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cheery Cat - Song Of Praise - Braddock
2. Race: Fairy Familiar - Palais Glide - Echo Ridge
3. Race: For What - Sylas Ings - Frederick William
4. Race: Sinfonico - Groomed - Dunhoy
5. Race: Final Drive - Serious Drinking - Bubbly Braveheart
6. Race: Spensley - Alsadaa - Iron Condor
7. Race: Annes Rocket - Sonny G - Delaware Dancer
8. Race: The Happy Hammer - Emiratesdotcom - Kipchak

Bleak outlook for N.H. racing

With the U.K. and Ireland totally in the grip of wintry weather, the outlook for N.H. racing remains bleak. All jumps racing today has been abandoned - Carlisle and Leicester in England and a top meeting at Fairyhouse in Ireland with 3 Grade One races. Fairyhouse now plan to stage a big meeting this coming Thursday with 8 races, 7 of them graded events including all of the weekend´s main features, with free entry. Further cancellations can be expected in the next few days.

The only racing in Britain and Ireland today is the low-level all-weather meeting at Kempton.

Binocular and Big Bucks star on Newbury undercard

The British authorities made a shrewd move in transferring the Grade One Fighting Fifth hurdle from the abandoned Newcastle meeting to today´s Newbury card and this 5 horse affair at 13.25 CET, starring Champion Hurdler Binocular (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) adds further lustre to a great card. It is no walkover either as the unbeaten Peddlers Cross (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) looks a worthy challenger, while Starluck (lan Fleming/ Timmy Murphy), although well held when 4th in the Champion Hurdle, is also not totally out of it.

Although Champion Hurdler, Binocular is not the highest-rated hurdler in training. That honour goes to the staying hurdler Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), who since being switched back to hurdling, is unbeaten in 8 starts, including all the top events. In the Long Distance Hurdle at 15.30 he has to concede 8 lbs to his 5 opponents, but as he has 20 lbs in hand on official ratings that should be no problem and he looks the banker of the day. Duc de Regniere (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Kayf Arab (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) should follow him home.

Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

The Hennessy Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.05 CET, is not only the big betting race of the day, it is also generally regarded as the second best handicap chase of the season (with the sole exception of the Grand National) and today´s field of 18 satisfies the highest expectations. Today´s race revolves round top-weight Denman (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), clearly the class act in the field, past winner of the Gold Cup at Cheltenham - and runner-up this year- but, more importantly, twice winner of this race too, including under a huge weight a year ago. In fact he is an absolute Newbury specialist, having 5 of his 6 starts here. He has however been set an enormous task by the handicapper, conceding 18 lbs+ all round, and 26 lbs to most of the field. He is certain to start favourite and a victory would be very popular as well as being the handicap performance of the decade; however in our view he represents no value and we prefer to look elsewhere for the win ner.

The first place to look is in his own stable, as Nicholls saddles 4 more runners, including the two next in the weights - Neptune Collonges (Tony McCoy) and Taranis (Nick Scholfield), both of whom are coming off a long break. We fancy that The Tother One (Ryan Mahon), runner-up in the Charlie Hall, is possibly the likeliest of the Nicholls runners.

Nicky Henderson saddles two runners with stable jockey Barry Geraghty on Burton Point- first or second on his last 8 starts, but he is not only out of the handicap but will undoubtedly have to carry overweight, while the Queen´s Barbers Shop (Andrew Tinkler) has been very disappointing on his recent starts.

The Irish fancy Pandorama (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry - back from injury), who has won 8 of his 9 starts and is very smart -but he has never run in a race like this. Big Fella Thanks (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) and Hey Big Spender (Colin Tizzard/ Aidan Coleman) are in our view more likely; there is little between them on their latest form, and the former would of course be a noteworthy winner, as he is owned by Harry Findlay, previously half-owner of Denman.

However our two main fancies are Madison du Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Weird Al (Ian Williams/ Paddy Brennan). The latter ran on really well when forcing a dead-heat last time with Little Josh, who has since run away with the Paddy Power, while the latter is also a past winner of this race (2008) and looks primed to run a huge race.

We would love to see Denman make history and win this race for the third time, but at the likely odds and at these weights, our 4 against the field are Madison du Berlais, Weird Al, Big Fella Thanks and The Tother One.

All-weather racing today

Plenty of all-weather action today, with Lingfield this afternoon, Wolverhampton this evening and Dundalk in Ireland, also in the evening. At the Irish meeting one should follow the fortunes of Joseph O´Brien, who has rides in all 8 races and is still hoping to be crowned champion apprentice in Ireland. His best chances are probably Diogenes and Imperator Augustus in the 2yo maidens at 18.55 and 21.00 respectively, both trained by his father Aidan.

At Lingfield, the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.05 looks wide open. Lutine Bell( Mike Murphy/ George Baker) and Lowther (Alan Bailey/ Robert Winston) were both easy CD winners last time, but we prefer the latter´s stable companion Autumn Blades (David Probert), just touched off here last Saturday. John Oxx rarely has runners here, but now saddles Flash McGahon( Jamie Spencer) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.35, but the form choice here is top-weight Anne of Kiev (Jeremy Gask/ Luke Morris).

Most interesting runner at Wolverhampton is Axiom (Ed Walker/ Jack Mitchell) who has top-weight in the handicap at 19.35; he is the first runner of his new trainer, who used to work for Luca Cumani. Two runners here who have often come close without winning can get off the mark this evening - Its You Again (Mick Quinlan/ Tom Queally) in the 2yo maiden at 18.00 and Fashionable Gal (Sir Mark Prescott/ Steve Donohoe) half an hour later.

N.H. racing at Newbury and Musselburgh

Obviously the best N.H. racing today is at Newbury, where the second day of the Hennessy meeting is staged, with the Grade Two novice chase at 15.10 CET the main feature. Yesterday´s racing was dominated by the powerful stables of Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson, and today should be no different, with Celestial Halo (Noel Fehily) and Spirit Level (Barry Geraghty) their candidates here.

Celestial Halo was much the better over hurdles and finished fourth in the Champion Hurdle, but has fallen on both his starts since, so is not bombproof, while Spirit Level has been since since winning a valuable handicap over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival. Nicholls can take the opening 3yo hurdle with ex-French Dolatulo (Fehily), who can defy a 10lbs penalty after an impressive success on his British debut at Sandown, while the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.35 should go to Barafundle (Jennie Candlish/ Alan O´Keeffe), runner-up in a similar race at Haydock last week. The handicap chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 15.45 looks very open, and 3 of the 10 runners are German-breds - top-weight First Stream (Henderson/ Geraghty), Passato (Jo Davis/ Ian Popham) and Suntini (Emma Lavelle/ Sam Thomas). The first-named may be the most likely of these, but none of them look well handicapped, and we prefer Mahuti (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) or Call me a Legend (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchin son).

At Musselburgh, Jago River (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) would probably have finished second had he not tipped over at the last last time, and can gain recompense in the maiden hurdle at 14.50. Mini Beck (AM Thomas/ Anton Voy) is still a maiden at the age of 11, but looks the main danger, having been runner-up on numerous occasions. German-bred Bocciani (Dianne Sayer/ Johnny O´Farrell) has similar form figures but still has an each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.25.

Weather woes

With frost and snow all over NW Europe now, there are major problems for racing this weekend in the UK and Ireland. Today´s two N.H. meetings are safe - Musselburgh has passed an inspection and there seem to be few problems at Newbury, while the other 3 meetings today are all on the all-weather. However tomorrow looks very bad, with Newcastle and Towcester in England and Fairyhouse in Ireland already called off.

Attempts are being made to find a new home for Newcastle´s important Fighting Fifth Hurdle, while the Fairyhouse meeting will now be staged next Thursday. It is hoped that Sunday´s big meeting at Fairyhouse, with 3 Grade One races, can be saved, while (touch wood!) Newbury tomorrow, with the Hennessy Gold Cup as the main feature, seems likely to be staged as scheduled.

5 meetings today

5 meetings today, but easily the best sport comes from Newbury, where it is the first day of their 3 day Hennessy fixture. Main feature is the Grade Two novice chase over 3 miles at 16.15 CET, where all 5 runners can boast good form. Tell Massini (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) has won 5 of his last 6 starts, and is the pick. Be There in Five (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) holds Aiteen Thirtythree (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) on their running over hurdles over this CD in March and looks next best. Otherwise we expect Alverstone (Lawney Hill/ Tony McCoy) and Finian´s Rainbow (Henderson/ Geraghty), both highly regarded in their stables, to win their races at 14.00 and 14.35 respectively. Paul Nicholls possibly has better prospects, but at a lower level, at Taunton, where he saddles 3 runners, all with winning chances:That´ll Do (Ryan Mahon) in the novice hurdle at 14.10, and Organisateur and Prince Tom, both partnered by Ian Popham, in the handicap hurdles at 15.20 and 15.55.

Kim Bailey and Sean Quinlan are enjoying great run and can keep on the winning trail with Silver Gypsy in the maiden hurdle at 13.20 at Uttoxeter; she was beaten a neck over this CD last time by a horse that has gone on to win again. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, another team doing really well, can land a double here with Predictive at 13.50 and Bled at 14.35.

"If its Thursday, it´s Thurles" is the saying, and German-bred Catch Me in the 3 mile chase at 13.35 looks the best bet at the Irish track. Willie Mullins has suffered some expensive reverses recently, but we shall be surprised if his Uncle Junior (Paul Townend) does not win the beginners chase an hour later.

There is flat racing on the all-weather this evening at Wolverhampton, where the much improved Jack Smudge (James Given/ Tom Eaves) can complete a five-timer in the 2yo handicap at 18.10.

Uttoxeter o.k. but doubts about Newcastle (Saturday)

Winter is on the way and there look likely to be several abandonments in the next few days because of snow and frost. Today´s meeting at Uttoxeter goes ahead after an early inspection, but there are serious doubts about Saturday´s big Newcastle meeting, featuring the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, as the track is currently under quite a bit of snow.

All-weather racing today

There is flat racing on the all-weather this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton, but the cards are very modest. The main interest is in the 2yo maidens (two divisions at each meeting). At Lingfield, those that have run have not shown much, so it should pay to follow the well-bred debutants, in particular Atraaf at 14.30 CET and Hawaafez at 15.05. They are both trained by Marcus Tregoning for Hamdan al Maktoum, and it could be significant that stable jockey Richard Hills has flown back from Dubai to ride. The dangers are probably the two runners in Khaled Abdullah´s colours, Monopolize (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Implication (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) respectively.

Gosden and Havlin could well take both the 2yo maidens at Kempton, which look much easier, with Follow my Dream at 18.35 and Prince of Burma half an hour later. The handicaps at these meetings are probably best left alone, but we have a sneaking fancy for Duster (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) in the mile race at 15.40 and Vhujon (David Evans/ Cathy Gannon) in the 5 furlongs sprint at 18.05.

N.H. racing at Chepstow, Wetherby and Naas (Ireland)

Three jumps meeting today, with the best card at the Irish fixture at Naas. The main event here is the listed hurdle for 4yo´s at 14.25 CET, where Alaivan (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) attempts to give 3 lbs to his 5 opponents. He had no chance in a top race at Auteuil when last seen in May, but his previous form, including his third place in the Triumph Hurdle, entitles him to win today.

The 2 miles 3 furlongs chase at 13.55 has only 5 runners, but looks much more tricky. O´Grady and McNamara have another good chance here with Osana (once runner-up in the Champion Hurdle), while Psycho (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) is another smart performer, but the really interesting one is River Liane (Tom and BJ Cooper), who has been off since December, but is unbeaten at this track. With the powerul Willie Mullins stable coming back into form, we expect Skorcher, in the maiden hurdle at 13.25 and C´Est Ca in the beginners chase at 14.55, both ridden by Paul Townend, to land a double for the yard.

In England, we note that Tony McCoy travels up to Yorkshire to partner Aberdale for Jonjo O´Neill in the beginners chase at 16.00 at Wetherby. Placed in both his starts over fences so far, he faces weak opposition here and should win, while McCoy has another interesting mount in the German-bred Local Hero (Steve Gollings), who makes his hurdles debut at 15.25. The brother to German classic winner Liquido was a recent winner on the flat, and can also make his mark over sticks.

At Chepstow, Anak (Jim Best/ Tom Scudamore) is an interesting runner in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.15.The only 4yo in the field, the ex-Aga Khan runner ran some good races last season, but has been off since February; he is moving up sharply in distance here, but if he is fit enough, can successfully concede weight to Saintly Lady (Peter Bowen/ Donal Devereux), who has been in good form but is moving up in grade. The penalised Educated Evans (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) won at 66-1 last time but won´t be at that price in the novice hurdle at 15.50. There was no fluke about that success, but he may have to give second best today to Cap Elorn (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), whose team is winning everything in sight at present.

German runners in France today

the German-trained runners were all an embarrassing flop yesterday in Fontainebleau, but generally they have been very successful this month in France and could well carry on the good work at Saint-Cloud today. There are
3 listed races on the card, all with 2 German runners declared. The best chance of a German victory in our view is in the 2yo mile race at 14.10 in which Eigelstein (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) and Stark Danon (Waldemar Hickst/ Dominique Boeuf) face 6 French opponents as well as Barista (Mick Channon/ Olivier Peslier) from the UK. Both German juveniles are well above average and we would not be at all surprised to see them finish first and second. The 7 furlongs race for 3yo fillies at 14.40, in which Mountain Rose (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon) and Diatribe (Werner Baltromei/ Boeuf) are engaged, and more so, the 2000 metres race also for 3yo fillies at 15.10 with Good Hope (Schiergen/ Alexis Badel) and Amazing Beauty (Michael Figge/ Mikael Barzalona), look much more difficult, and the German fillies will do well to be placed here.

Betting forecast Saint Cloud:
1. Race: Landscape - Black Sheep - Nice Association
2. Race: Angolaner - Backswing - Distingue Lovers
3. Race: Stark Danon - Nova Hawk - Whip And Win
4. Race: Love Queen - So Long Malpic - Mountain Rose
5. Race: Sarah Lynx - Jardaa - It`S So You
6. Race: Quitte Et Passe - Toscane - Terreur
7. Race: Round Midnight - Jeu De Memoire - African Story
8. Race: Fannon Blue - The Divine - Tenor Du Maine

Lingfield, Sedgefield and Southwell (a.w.)

Tuesday is often the worst day of the week in British racing and today is no exception, with low grade racing at all 3 tracks.
At Lingfield L´Accordioniste (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) looks the best thing of the day in the mares novice hurdle at 14.20 CET. She is not one of the stars in her powerful and in-form yard, but has won both her starts; they were modest affairs, but so is this. The beginners chase at 14.50 should lie between Lord Singer (Gary and Jamie Moore) and Pascha Bere (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell), who were both placed in better company last time; we prefer the first-named, who should be better suited by the conditions today. The handicap chase over 3 miles at 15.50 has only 5 runners, but still looks quite open. Kim Bailey is in great form and his Supreme Plan (Sean Quinlan) has an obvious chance to defy top weight, but faces strong opposition from the two last-time-out winners Aztec Treasure (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Digger Gets Lucy (Gifford/ Treadwell).
Best bet at Sedgefield is Chamirey (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who can make a winning debut over fences in the beginners chase at 14.20. He was pulled up when last seen in April, but that was a Grade One race, and his overall hurdles form is far superior to that of his rivals now. Amos/ James Reveley), in the handicap chase at 16.00, and Spice Bar (Declan Carroll/ Barry Keniry) half an hour later were both last-time-out winners expected to follow up today. However in both cases it was their first ever win after a long dry spell, and we would certainly not go overboard at the expected short prices.
At Southwell, the well-bred ABBA runner Miniyamba (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) could finally get off the mark in the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 14.10. Shouda (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) has an excellent German pedigree, but runners from this stable are always difficult to predict. Another well-bred runner is Affinity (James Given/ Tom Eaves), who has a good chance in the handicap over the same trip at 15.40.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: Nautical Approach - Jeczmien - Sumdancer
2. Race: L`Accordioniste - Ragdollianna - Setter`S Princess
3. Race: Lord Singer - Pascha Bere - Mohayer
4. Race: Recession Proof - Latin America - Brackloon High
5. Race: Aztec Treasure - Digger Gets Lucky - Supreme Plan
6. Race: Slew Charm - Alph - Sun Quest
7. Race: Keys - Pearl Mountain - Teutonic Knight

Rest of today´s action

The remainder of the Aintree card is also interesting, especially the 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 15.35, also over the National fences. This is another open race with 16 runners, but there could be a German-bred winner, as both Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) and Victoria´s Groom (Lucy Wadham/ Jason Maguire) have a chance, as does ex-German Commemoration Day (Gary and Josh Moore), running off an extremely light weight and in our view an interesting each-way bet. The opening maiden hurdle at 13.05 also has German elements, as both Fight Club (Bernard Llellewyn/ Isabel Tompsett) and Swinging Hawk (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello) meke their debut over sticks. The latter is out of the group winner Saldenschwinge, while the former, starting a new career at the age of 9 (!) was a group winner in Germany as a 3yo. This is quite a tricky race, although ex-French Current Event, representing the all-conquering Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily combination, looks certain to start a warm favourite; however he is a 3yo and we are not keen on that age group against their elders over hurdles.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Current Event - Midnight Opera - Bollin Felix
2. Race: Magic Sky - Stormin Exit - Private Be
3. Race: Keki Buku - Son Of Flicka - Washington Irving
4. Race: Meanus Dandy - Maljimar - Merigo
5. Race: Fine Parchment - Made In Japan - Categorical
6. Race: Devotion To Duty - Don`T Rush It - Strumble Head
7. Race: With Grace - Inthesettlement - Piggy Back




Another German-bred we like today is Quijano´s own-brother Quicuyo (Peter Monteith/ Paddy Aspell) in the handicap hurdle at 15.30 at Kelso. He has not run for a while, was out of form when last seen, and has never shone at this track; but he has dropped to a very lenient weight and could well surprise at a decent price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lady Bluesky - Scarvagh Rose - Glaced Over
2. Race: Alfie Flits - Blackpool Billy - Ashammar
3. Race: Ballymacduff - Glingerbank - Role On
4. Race: Quinder Spring - More Equity - Club Class
5. Race: Livvy Inn - Toshi - Best Prospect
6. Race: Diamond D`Amour - Identity Parade - What A Dream
7. Race: Colorado Kid - Drum Bustible - Trucking Along




The card at Towcester is modest - Malindi Bay (Kim Bailey/ Sean Quinlan) in the mares novice hurdle at 13.25 is our best bet there - but there are some decent races in Ireland at Navan. The big betting race at the Irish track is the Troytown Chase, a 3 mile handicap at 15.45 with 18 runners. Almost anything could win this, our fancy is bottom-weight Glenquest(T O´Brien/ Adrian Leigh).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Malindi Bay - Kaituna - My Viking Bay
2. Race: Abbey Dore - Ballymorn - Flying Squad
3. Race: Big Talk - Antoella - Royal Torbo
4. Race: Woodlands Genpower - Kilvergan Boy - Doctor Disny
5. Race: Miss Saffron - Topflight Wildbird - What`S Occurrin
6. Race: Handtheprizeover - Beauchamp Viking - Thievery
7. Race: Stanley`S Choice - Don`T Hang About - Tech Zinne

Becher Chase at Aintree

An unusually strong card for a Sunday this afternoon at Aintree, where the main feature is the Becher Chase, a handicap over 3 1/4 miles of the Grand National course with17 runners at 14.45 CET. This is wide open but the place to start is with in-form trainers Paul Nicholls and Nigel Twiston-Davies, both on the crest of a wave following yesterday´s results and both with 2 fancied runners here. Nicholls saddles Gullible Gordon (Ryan Mahon) and Meanus Dandy (Ian Popham), both with good claimers aboard and both last-time-out winners at Wincanton, while Twiston-Davies has Hello Bud with his son Sam and Irish Raptor (Paddy Brennan). We prefer the latter pair, who both have experience of thes fences, and especially Hello Bud, who ran a great race in the Grand National to finish 5th.

Maljimar (Nick Wiliams/ Daryl Jacob) was in the process of running a good race in the National when falling at Bechers second time around, while Royal Rosa (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) also failed to complete. Merigo (Andrew Parker/ Timmy Murphy) won the Scottish National in April and is fancied today, while Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), one of 2 Irish runners, is the class act in the field but has a huge weight. With so many imponderables, this is not a good betting race, but our tentative suggestion is Hello Bud each way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Current Event - Midnight Opera - Bollin Felix
2. Race: Magic Sky - Stormin Exit - Private Be
3. Race: Keki Buku - Son Of Flicka - Washington Irving
4. Race: Meanus Dandy - Maljimar - Merigo
5. Race: Fine Parchment - Made In Japan - Categorical
6. Race: Devotion To Duty - Don`T Rush It - Strumble Head
7. Race: With Grace - Inthesettlement - Piggy Back

Master Minded and Zaynar at Ascot!

if anything, the card at Ascot is even stronger than at Haydock, with two top features and the supporting races also very competitive. Main event is the Amlin 1965 Chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 15.05 CET which sees the return of Master Minded (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), who has not been seen since his odds-on flop in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Even if he is excused that defeat, he is possibly still vulnerable over a trip which could be too far, and Alberta ´s Run (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) is certainly a tough opponent, and racing over his best distance; he won this last year and prefers this race to the Betfair Chase at Haydock. I´msingingtheblues (David Pipe/ Danny Cook) was beaten here in February by Panjo Bere (Gary and Josh Moore), but is much better off at the weights this time and can prove the main danger to the two favourites.

The other main feature is the Coral Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.35, and here again we have a hot favourite who has blotted his copybook - and also won the corresponding race last year. Zaynar (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) - who can forget his defeat at 14-1 on last spring at Kelso?- has otherwise done little wrong. Connections are aiming him at the World Hurdle, although he is unproven over that distance, but obviously today´s trip is ideal. When he won last year he had Karabak (Alan King/ Tony McCoy) 6 lengths back in second, but the latter is now 6 lbs better off and could be little in it today. CD specialist Lough Derg (Pipe/ Hadden Frost) is running in this race for the 5th time, but seems well held on form, but the unbeaten Silviniaco Conti (Nicholls/ Fehily) is clearly a tough opponent, although he has never yet raced against such strong opposition.

The other races look very tricky, but we hope that German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding), can win the handicap chase at 16.10. Once again the Nicholls/ Fehily team supply the main danger in Woolconbe Folly , who has won 7 of his 13 starts but has been off since April.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rebel Rebellion - Jurisdiction - Representingceltic
2. Race: Royal Collonges - Arturo Uno - Victory Parade
3. Race: Naughty Naughty - Detroit Red - Am I Blue
4. Race: Master Minded - Albertas Run - I`Msingingtheblues
5. Race: Zaynar - Silviniaco Conti - Karabak
6. Race: Noble Alan - Woolcombe Folly - Cockney Trucker
7. Race: Ericht - Lord Liath - Twentyfourcarat

Imperial Commander at Haydock!

An excellent day´s racing is in store, with the highlights at Haydock and Ascot. Most valuable race of the day is the Betfair Chase over 3 miles at 16.25 CET at Haydock. This event has been won 3 times by champion Kauto Star, but he only won by a whisker last year from Imperial Commander, who went on to win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. If he can reproduce those pieces of form, Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) would be a near-certainty this afternoon. However he has run the occasional bad race, notably at the Aintree Grand National meeting, where he was pulled up in the race won by What a Friend (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), who looks the main danger now. Obviously Nicholls, whose stable is in great form, would like to win this again -as would Sir Alex Ferguson, part-owner of What a Friend, but stable vibes are very positive about Imperial Commander, and we expect him to come out on top. Nacarat (Tom George/ Paul Moloney), recent winner of the Charlie Hal l Chase, and Planet of Sound (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who has not run since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April, are both smart but are probably only going to fight it out for the minor places.

Hobbs and Johnson can in any case pick up the opening novice hurdle at 13.40 with Dunraven Storm, recent runner-up to supersmart Cue Card, while we expect Carlito Brigante (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) to reverse Punchestown form with Barizan (Evan Williams/ Moloney) and win the hurdle race at 14.50; Clerks Choice (Michael Banks/ Tom Molloy) has top rating here after winning his last 4 races but we are not yet convinced that he is up to this grade. The big betting race here is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.50 with 18 runners. Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) won with a great deal in hand last Sunday at Cheltenham and should be able to defy a 6 lbs penalty. German-bred Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) and James de Vassy (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) are the main dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dunraven Storm - Toubab - Drill Sergeant
2. Race: Tara Royal - Stagecoach Pearl - Gringo
3. Race: Clerk`S Choice - Carlito Brigante - Barizan
4. Race: Wogan - King Fontaine - Etxalar
5. Race: Grands Crus - James De Vassy - Peveril
6. Race: Imperial Commander - What A Friend - Nacarat
7. Race: Herdsman - Charminster - Flaygray

All-weather racing this evening

There is racing on the all-weather at Dundalk (Ireland) and Wolverhampton this evening, with the Irish track having maximum fields (14) in almost all races. Veteran trainer Kevin Prendergast and his stable jockey Declan McDonogh look the team to follow and they have chances in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 19.00 CET and 19.30 with Giants Serapis and Brown Butterfly respectively, while their Sahaayeb can take the 3yo maiden half an hour later. Aidan O´Brien has also entered some interesting runners, and Greatwallofchina, with his son Joseph in the saddle, can win the 6 furlongs handicap at 21.00

The best race at Wolverhampton is the 1 1/2 mile handicap t 20.15, in which Tony Martin´s Pires (Kieren Fallon) is almost certain to start a warm favourite after running on strongly to finish 3rd of 35 in the Cambridgeshire. He is now moving up in trip, while top-weight Mystery Star (Mark Tompkins/ Tom Queally), a winner here last time over further, is coming down but still looks a big danger, as does bottom-weight Tominator (Reg Hollinshead/ Graham Gibbons), the only 3yo in the field. David Nicholls and Ian Mongan had a double here last night and can score again with the nastily-named Opus Dei in the 6 furlongs at 19.15.

Ascot, Exeter and Musselburgh

3 jumps meetings this afternoon in the U.K., wth the Ascot fixture offering the best sport, with most of the top trainers and jockeys in action. Quite a few high class performers have been entered and we are especially interested in the hurdles debut of smart bumper horse Megastar (Gary and Jamie Moore) at 15.10 CET. This is no pushover, and useful flat handicapper (Mark Tompkins/Colin Bolger)- who won the Lincoln in 2008 and is owned by Oscar winning actor Judi Dench - as well as Koup de Kanon (Emma Lavelle/ Sam Thomas both look dangerous. Lavelle amd Thomas also have a good chance in the beginners chase at 14.35, but this looks quite open, despite the small field, and Fredo (Ian Williams/ Tom Scudamore), with his German pedigree, and the highly-rated Master of the Hall (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) must both be taken seriously. The handicap hurdle which closes proceedings at 16.50 looks at the mercy of Aegean Dawn (Henderson/ David Bass). The still unbeaten gelding trot ted up last week at Cheltenham, and as that was a conditional riders event (same jockey as today up), he has no penalty, although the handicapper has put him up by 6 lbs for future races. The also lightly-raced Mille Chief (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) should run well, as should top-weight Afsoun (Neil King/ Alex Merriam), who in his younger days was placed in the Champion Hurdle.

At Exeter, where the ground is expected to be heavy after yesterday´s deluge, we like the prospects of German-bred Sullumo (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.15. Below form when last seen, he should be raring to go now after a break of 8 months. Fehily can complete a double with Paul Nicholls´ Watamu Bay in the novice chase at 14.50, a race which the stable has won for the past 3 years.

Irish-trained runners usually do well when they raid the Scottish tracks, and we expect Almayan (Adrian McGuinness/ Keith Donoghue) in the handicap hurdle at 13.55, and Michelle´s Express (Tony Martin/ Johnny Farrelly) in the novice hurdle at 15.35, both to run well, even though neither is exactly thrown in at the weights.

5 meetings today

There are 5 meetings today - 3 over jumps in the U.K., one in Ireland and in the evening flat racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, but none of them is very inspiring. The only race of interest this evening is the maiden race over 7 furlongs at 19.40 CET, which should go to Red Rhythm (Luca Cumani/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who pulled too hard on his debut. If he settles better, he should prove too strong for Mr. Emirati (Bryan Smart/ Paul Mulrennan) and well-bred debutant American Smooth (Jeremy Noseda/ George Baker). In Ireland it seems that top trainer Willie Mullins is coming into form and we expect him to land a treble at Thurles with Morning Supreme, a smart novice hurdler making his debut over fences at 13.45, Ballyhaunis in the 2 mile hurdle at 15.15, both partnered by Paul Townend, and Popcorn, ridden by son Paddy in the bumper at 16.45.

At Hereford the most interesting race is the 3yo hurdle at 14.00, which could be very informative. Franklino (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) has already been backed for the Triumph Hurdle; he was odds-on for his debut at Aintree but could only finish third. He must do better today to live up to his reputation, but may find the debutants Rock of Deauville (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), - also a flat winner in the French provinces - and Admission (Sue Leech/ Paul Moloney), tough nuts to crack. Paul Nicholls´ Robinson Collonges (Fehily) was going like a winner when he fell in a good race last time and should certainly beat 2 moderate opponents in the novice chase at 16.30 (if he stands up!) but will start at an unbackable price.

There could be a German-bred winner at Market Rasen, as Dear Sam (Steve Gollings/ Tony McCoy), who runs in the novice hurdle at 13.40, was runner-up to the supersmart Cue Card last time and meets nothing of that calibre today. Descaro (Dean O´Meara/ Graham Lee) has a good chance in the handicap hurdle here at 15.40; he is handicapped on his modest form of last season, but has been much improved on the flat this autumn.
Paul Nicholls rarely leaves his local track Wincanton without a winner; Vico (Ryan Mahon) in the novice hurdle at 15.20 is his only runner here today and the tip should be taken.

Hexham Warwick and Limerick (Ireland)

The best jumps racing today comes from Warwick, where several of the top trainers have runners, notably Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Alan King. They clash in the novice hurdle at 14.00 CET, in which the penalised Habbie Simpson (King/ Wayne Hutchinson) must give weight to the Queen´s Morcambe (Henderson/ Felix de Giles) and Don´t Turn Bach (Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), well-beaten last time in the big bumper at Aintree. They clash again in the best race on the card, a novice chase for 4yo´s at 15.30. Henderson and Nicholls depend on the French imports Nadiya de la Vega (Andrew Tinkler) and Sir du Bearn (Noel Fehily) respectively, while King saddles Gilded Age (Hutchinson), 6th in the Triumph Hurdle, although well beaten later.

The going will be heavy at Hexham, and the Northumberland National over 4 miles at 15.40 will be a real slog. None of the runners are really convincing over this trip, and our tentative suggestion is top-weight Belon Gale (Howard Johnson( Keith Renwick). This jockey could have a nice each-way chance on ex-German Euro American (Rose Dobbin) in the handicap hurdle at 15.10. He has not won for 3 1/2 years but has dropped to a very lenient mark and goes well on the ground.

The Irish meeting at Limerick (a replacement for last week´s abandoned fixture) has some large fields. The final beginners chase at 16.55 has two smart hurdlers making their debut over fences - Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Torphichen (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), and if they jump round safely, they should dominate this opposition. Best bet here is Paul Nolan´s Zagman (Davy Russell) in the maiden hurdle at 14.55, who is highly rated by his shrewd trainer.

Fakenham, Folkestone and Southwell

Once again very poor sport at today´s 3 British meetings - over jumps at Fakenham and Folkestone and on the all-weather at Southwell. Fakenham has survived two inspections (because of overnight frost), but the ground there will be very bad. There are small fields at both N.H. meetings, with no race with more thn 8 runners. Jennie Candlish has her string in good form and can land a double at Folkestone with dual bumper winner Vesey Lodge in the novice hurdle at 14.10 CET and Princess Rainbow in the mares handicap hurdle at 15.10, both partnered by Alan O´Keeffe. The latter must however beware of Just Beware (Zoe and Gemma Davison) in receipt of 20 lbs. Our best bet here is General Kutozov (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) in the novice chase at 14.40, despite having been off the track since January.

At Fakenham, the novice chase at 15.30 should lie between Film Festival (Brian Ellison/ Fearghal Davies) and Robo (Renee Robeson/ Tom O´Brien), both last time winners stepping up in trip.

The card at Southwell is pretty grim, with all 8 races being class 5 or 6. If there is a good horse in action there today, it can only be Godolphin´ s well-bred newcomer Ibn Bajjah (Ted Durcan) in the 2yo maiden at 14.20.

Leicester, Plumpton and Wolverhampton

After the highlights at Cheltenham, today´s racing is very much an anti-climax. There are mainly small fields at the two N.H. meetings, not a single double figure field et either Leicester or Plumpton, and several events with 6 or fewer runners. At Plumpton, the novice chase at 14.30 CET could be the most interesting event. Bouggler (Emma Lavelle/ Sam Thomas) has easily the highest rating here, having run in some top races, but he usually came up short and could go down today to Have You Seen Me (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Tom Molloy), who won in good style last time. Twiston-Davies has another decent chance with Frontier Spirit (Paddy Brennan) in the novice hurdle half an hour later, but here we just prefer the other penalised runner Paint the Clouds (Warren Greatrex/ Leighton Aspell). In fact it could pay to follow Aspell today, as he also has good prospects on German-bred Aviador (Lucy Wadham) in the opening novice hurdle at 14.00, Mister Pink for Richard Rowe in the 3 1/4 mi le handicap chase at 15.30 and also two runners for Oliver Sherwood, Abey m´Boy in the handicap chase at 15.30 and Global Power in the concluding bumper.

At Leicester, Williams Wishes (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who won nicely on his fencing debut, can follow up in the novice chase at 15.20, while the handicap hurdle at 15.50 looks quite tricky. Numide (Rod Millmann/ Tom Scudamore) has often disappointed, but surely must be able to get involved at this level, while we also like Karky Schultz (James Eustace/ Felix de Giles), whose dam won the German 1,000 Guineas.

At Wolverhampton, the best race is the 5 furlongs handicap 17.10. Piscaen (Tommy Keddy/ Adam Kirby) is in great form and has won his last 2 races, but is not certain to give weight away all round. We prefer Lenny Bee (David Brown/ Jim Crowley), third to him last time and now 4 lbs better off, and Lost in Paris (Tim Easterby/ Graham Gibbons), just touched off in a similar race at Southwell last time. One top weight we do expect to win is Red Kestrel (Kevin Ryan/ Julie Burke) in the 2 miles handicap at 16.40. He just failed to make all this CD last time, but can score this time.

Quinindo goes for Group One glory at Saint-Cloud

the Criterium de Saint-Cloud at 14.05 CET is the last Group One of the European season and is a race for 2yo´s over the long distance of 2000 metres. Stamina will be especially important today as the going will be very heavy. German runners have a good record here and Quinindo (Andreas Wöhler/ Eduardo Pedroza) could well be involved if he acts on the ground. He is already ante-post favourite for the 2011 German Derby after winning on his debut at Bremen by 10 lengths. He faces strong international opposition here, with 3 runners from Ireland (all trained by Aidan O´Brien), 2 from Italy and one from the U.K. - Mick Channon´ s Rigolleto (Olivier Peslier). The Italians are difficult to assess, while Rigolleto does not look good enough, but the O´ Brien runners look very dangerous, especíally in view of the stable´s fine record in such events. Johnny Murtagh is still the number one jockey (but not for much longer!) so we assume that his mount Recital, who won his only start easil y, but like Quinindo is taking a huge leap in class here, is the best of the trio. Prairie Star (Elie Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) is the best of the locals.
There is also a strong German challenge for the listed race over 3100 metres at 14.35, with Shawnee Saga (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Dwilano (Norbert Sauer/ Theo Bachelot) and Cabimas (Peter Schiergen/ Mikael Barzalona) all entered. Cabimas could be the best of them, but the French should win this with the lightly-raced Babyla (Andre´Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) and Shalanger (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gregory Benoist) holding the best chances. Again, the British runners do not look good enough.
Mrs. Summersby (Heinz Hesse/ Pedroza) and Gyrona (Andreas Trybuhl/ Benoist), in the two divisions of the 2500 metres handicap for fillies and mares at 15.08 and 16.40 respectively, are the other German runners at Saint-Cloud today; both could be in the money, but they are very tricky races.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tea Party - Swedish - Heure d`Hiver
2. Race: Gatinello - Cayman Islands - Tanawob
3. Race: Kreem - Prairie Star - Quinindo
4. Race: Shalangar - Babyla - Plume Rose
5. Race: Prima Porta - Croix Madame - Belle Masquee
6. Race: Solenne Du Clos - Soft Drink - Royce des Mottes
7. Race: Sybelio - Elegant Dancer - West Wing
8. Race: Elhofa - Doukanane - Monyaar

Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

today is the second day of Cheltenham´ s Open Meeting and handicaps are the most interesting events, notably the Paddy Power Gold Cup at 15.35 CET, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles and always one of the hottest races of the season. With 19 runners this afternoon, this looks as difficult as ever, although there is a clear favourite in the field in the shape of Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen). The ex-French chaser, partnered as usual by the owner´s son, posted some smart performances last season and is expected to be good enough to win such races as the King George VI at Kempton. In that case, he must win here, but there are still doubts, in particular his sketchy jumping, which could be a major problem at this track. Stable companion Mad Max (Barry Geraghty) is clearly a danger, as is Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), from a stable that has won this race many times. Of the 2 German-breds we prefer the Irish-trained Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNama ra) to Passato (Jo Davis/ Jamie Moore), but there are other Irish runners to consider, especially Finger onthe Pulse (Tom Taaffe/ Tony McCoy) and Dancing Tornado (Michael Hourigan/ Adrian Heskin), while Paul Nicholls, in great form this week, has 3 runners. Nothing can be ruled out here, but at the likely odds we shall go for Dancing Tornado (e.w.)
The other handicaps look equally difficult, our tentative suggestions are Junior (Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) in the 3 1/2 mile chase at 14.55, Is It Me (Sue Leech/ Richie McLernon) in the 3 1/4 mile hurdle at 16.10 and at 16 .40 Nodforms Violet (Karen McLintock/ Graham Lee), who should all start at decent prices for an each-way bet.
The opening Grade Two hurdle race for 3yo´s at 13.50 is equally tricky. Architrave (Tim Vaughan( Richard Johnson) sets the standard, having already won all 3 of his starts, but he is likely to be overtaken by some of the less-exposed candidates, especially the ex-French Grandouet (McCoy) and Titan de Sarti (Geraghty), both trained by Henderson and Sam Winner (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily). Titan de Sarti has never yet jumped a hurdle in public, but has a tall reputation and is already one of the favourites for the Triumph here in March. However we shall go for Palawi (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello), who made a most impressive debut at Haydock.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Titan De Sarti - Architrave - Sam Winner
2. Race: Wayward Prince - Chicago Grey - Berties Dream
3. Race: Midnight Chase - Junior - Any Currency
4. Race: Long Run - Great Endeavour - Catch Me
5. Race: Ackertac - Viking Blond - Supercede
6. Race: Robain - Bold Addition - Crystal Rock

Cheltenham Open Meeting starts today

For many jumping fans, the N.H. season proper begins today with the Cheltenham Open Meeting. An excellent card with 6 competitive races, headed by the Grade Two novices hurdle at 14.50 CET, in which the potential champion Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) attempts to maintain his unbeaten record. After an impressive win in the Champion Bumper here, he was a very easy winner on his hurdles debut at Aintree, and although the opposition is very strong, we hope that he is up to the task. The top stables provide the dangers - Dunraven Storm (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) - well behind Cue Card in the bumper here, but unbeaten in 3 starts since - Owen Glendower (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and German-bred King of the Night (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), an easy winner over this CD a month ago but taking a leap in class today. But Cue Card is probably the most exciting novice round and should score.

The cross-country race at 16.00 sees last year´s winner Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry) return to the scene of many triumphs - he is 5 from 8 here- and he can win again. Bolger´s second string Heads on the Ground (JT McNamara) looks well held, while another Irish raider Sizing Australia (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) was 3rd here a year ago, but meets the favourite on worse terms now. Our suggestion for the forecast is course specialist Joe Lively (Colin and Joe Tizzard), making his debut in this discipline.

The novice chase at 18.05 is another strong event, with several contenders who could well be seen here at the Festival, among them Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Wayne Kennedy), runner-up to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle here, Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob), 1/2 in all starts last season, which he finished by winning a Grade One at Punchestown, and Quantitativeeasing (Henderson/ Tony McCoy), well behind in that race, but with a good chance on earlier form.

There is also N.H. racing today at Newcastle, obviously at a much lower level. The opening novice hurdle novice hurdle at 13.35 is the most interesting event. Howard Johnson and Ryan Mania won this last year and are now represented by Warrior One; he was an easy winner last time, for which he is penalised, but sets the standard here. Crackentorp (Tim Easterby/ Richard McGrath) a useful handicapper on the flat makes his debut over sticks and looks the main danger.

Rock my Soul at Toulouse

It´s a long way from Mülheim to Toulouse, but that is the journey made today by Uwe Ostmann´s Rock my Soul (Gaetan Masure), who contests the Group Three Prix Fille de l´Air at 14.40 CET. Rock my Soul has won 4 listed races in her career, but has never made an impact at group level and, despite the good stable form, this looks a very tough assignment. The obvious choice here is Robert Collet´s La Boum (Ioritz Mendizibal), who won the race in 2008 and has easily the highest rating.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gris D`Honneur - Last Song - Swing Danceur
2. Race: Galeo Des Flandres - God`s County - Homme de Fer
3. Race: Va - Ixgan - Volcanico
4. Race: Valasyra - La Boum - Ma Preference
5. Race: Lobolito - Flyer Chope - Marcatore
6. Race: Entre Deux Eaux - Risquillo - Willywell
7. Race: Reine Lauteix - Cherco - L`Espionne
8. Race: Dingdong - Hugui - New Angkor

N.H. racing at Ludlow, Taunton and Clonmel (Ireland)

The best racing in Britain and Ireland today comes from Clonmel, with two top races on the card. The Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET has several of the top Irish middle distance chasers in the line up. Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) is a reliable performer in this grade and is our selection. His stable is in good form, while Willie Mullins, who saddles Scotsirish (Paul Townend) has not yet hit form.

For the same reason we oppose Mullins´ Apt Manor in the novice hurdle at 14.25 and go for recent CD winner Our Victoria (Colin Bowe/ Barry O´Neill). The Grade Three Mares Chase at 15.55 can be won by Our Bill (M. Winters/ Davy Russell), who has won 6 of her 7 starts and looks destined to go to the top; she loves heavy ground. Two German-breds who could run well at this meeting are Quartetto (Mervyn Torrens/ M Darcy) in the handicap hurdle at 13.55 and Diaphas (O´Grady/ McNamara) at 16.25.

Tnton is Paul Nicholls´ locl rck and hus runnrs thre ar always worth following. Today he sddles four, ll woth winnin g chaces: the penalised Rebel du Maquis in the novice chase at 14.40, the German-bred Dark Lovermking his hurdles debut half an hour later, Pennellis in the handicap hurdle at 16.10 and Billy Merriott in the bumper at 17.10. All four will be partnered by Noel Fehily. With Ruby Walsh out of action for the next 12 weeks or so, Fehily is expected to come in for plenty of rides from the champion trainer, but Nicholls has made it clear that this is not a permanent arrangement, amd no jockey plans have been made for example for Kauto Star.

Nicholls could also have a winner at Ludlow, where the penalised Spock (Ian Popham) contests the introductory hurdle at 15.30. However here we prefer Nicky Henderson´s promising Cavite Beta (Barry Geraghy). Another trainer in good form is Philip Hobbs and his Rougham (Richard Johnson), who fell when still in contention last time, can make up for that mishap in the beginners chase at 16.00.

All-weather racing today

The usual poor fare at today´s two all-weather meetings, especially at Southwell this afternoon, where all 8 races are class 5 or 6. The best betting race here is the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.50 CET, with 14 runnrs, many of them CD specialists. The 10yo´s Pawan (Ann Stokell) and Cape Royal (Milton Bradley/ Richard Kingscote) are not the most reliable candidates these days, but both are very well handicapped and always capable of winning if in the right mood. Last week Pawan finished behind Colorus (3rd), La Capriosa (5th), and Equileus Pictor (8th) in a similar race here, but it was a very close finish and all of them coud be involved again .

At Wolverhampton this evening the card is slightly stronger; at least there are 2 class 4 handicaps. The race over 1 3/4 miles at 18.20 could go to Beggars Opera (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin), who threw away his chance last time by a violent swerve. Camps Bay (Brian Ellison/ Neil Callan), who ran on well when third here over 1 1/2 miles, and consistent Valid Reason (Dean Ivory/ Jim Crowley), having his first run for his new trainer, are the dangers. The 7 furlongs race half an hour later looks much more triicky, with 11 runners. The recent runners-up Breathless Kiss (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin) and Lutine Bell (Mike Murphy/ Callan) are two of the likelier winners.

N.H. racing at Bangor, Huntingdon and Naas (Ireland)

Some interesting runners over jumps at all 3 meetings today. The most valuable event (but not the best!) is the graduation chase over an extended 2 miles at 14.40 CET at Bangor, with only 4 runners. Calgary Bay (Henrietta Knight/ Hadden Frost) has the top rating here, having run respectably when 6th in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and 6th again more recently in the Charlie Hall. However this distance looks totally inappropriate, so we prefer Rock Noir (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who won well at Exeter last week, and Fiendish Flame (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), third at Ascot last time.

There are also only 4 runners in the main event at Huntingdon, a 2 miles novice chase at 14.40. Despite much lower prize-money, this looks a stronger race and features Medermit (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), a top hurdler last season and expected to go to the top over fences. He is an early fancy for the Arkle, in which case he should win this easily; Harry Tricker (Gary and Jamie Moore) looks the only conceivable danger. Otherwise it could pay to follow Barney Curley´s runners here. He won the novice hurdle at the start of the card last year, and could follow up with ex-German Agapanthus (Paul Moloney), and the same jockey is on another ex-Schlenderhan runner Sommersturm in the handicap hurdle at 15.20.

However the German-bred with the best chance of winning today is undoubtedly Shot from the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), a Monsun gelding who runs in the maiden hurdle at 14.45 at the Irish N.H. meeting at Naas. He was a top bumper horse last season, actually starting favourite for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. Although he flopped there, he certainly ought to be good enough for today´s opposition as long as he can jump. The same goes for Staying Alive (same trainer and jockey) who runs in another maiden hurdle half an hour later.

All-weather racing today

There is all-weather racing this afternoon at Southwell and this evening at Kempton. The card at Southwell, where the first 5 races are all for 2yo´s, is very poor and all 8 races are class 5 or 6. Best bet here could be Queen of Cash (Hughie Morrison/ Robert Winston) in the 2yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.00 CET. After running up here, she was a good winner of a similar race at Kempton last week and should be able to defy a 6 lbs penalty.

The sport on offer at Kempton is better and Morrison can complete an acoss-the-card double with Valencha (Steve Drowne) in the 3yo handicap at 19.50. However the more intersting races come earlier. Godolphin won the 10 furlongs conditions race last year, and this time they have 2 of the 4 runners at 17.20. Ex-German Peligroso (Ted Durcan) has to give weight away all round, but should be up to the task, while stable companion Chock a Block (Richard Mullen) can follow him home. The two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 17.50 and 18.20 should be worth watching, with entries from several of the top stables, We hope that Godolphin can complete a double in the seond division with the well-bred debutant Jameel (bin Suroor/ Durcan), a colt by Monsun out of a classic-placed mare. Saeed bin Suroor has a 50% strike rate with his juvenile runners here this year.

Carlisle (N.H.), Southwell (N.H.) and Wolverhampton (a.w.)

Today´s 3 British meetings are not punter-friendly - with very low-level sport, some small fields and extremes of going at Carlisle (heavy) and Southwell (firm). Easily the best race is the Graduation Chase over an extended 3 miles at Carlisle at 16.00 CET. Only 5 runners, but all of them useful, including Big Fella Thanks owned by big bettor Harry Findlay. He was trained by Paul Nicholls when 4th in the Grand National in April, but following the changes in Harry´s stable, is now with Ferdy Murphy and will be ridden by Graham Lee. Hey Big Spender (Colin and Joe Tizzard) is an obvious danger, but the other 3 runners are also in with a chance, including Nicholls´own Massasoit (Nick Scholfield), who receives weight from all the others. Ferdy Murphy has not really hit top form yet, but his Le Roi Rouge (Lee), who loves this ground, must have a chance in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.25, and his performance could give some indication of Big Fella Thanks´ prospects.

Trainer Charlie Mann and jockey Noel Fehily combined to win a handicap chase at Ffos Las yesterday with German-bred Moon over Miami, and we hope that they can repeat the trick today at Southwell, where Cortinas bids to repeat his 2009 victory at 13.40. The other one we like here is Kasdabali (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell), runner-up to the useful Dare Me at Exeter last time, who could one better in the novice hurdle at 16.20.

The card at Wolverhamptn is uninspiring. Gentleman is Back (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) won a maiden over this CD in September and the form of that race is working out well; he can take the 2yo handicap at 16.10 under top weight. The 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 17.45 is probably the best race here. Norwegian Dancer (Ed McMahon/ Graham Gibbons) finished in front of Lastkingofscotland (Conor Dore/ Hayley Turner) last time and meets him on better terms today, but we prefer Veroon (James Given/ Tom Eaves), while Spectait (Jonjo O´Neill/ George Baker) could be dangerous despite top weight and poor form; he was a CD specialist in younger days and is very nicely handicapped now

5 N.H. meetings today

Jumping now takes over in the U.K. and Ireland, with no flat racing on turf for the next 5 months. There are 5 meetings today, two in England, one in Wales and two in Ireland, where Navan stages easily the best racing of the day. Main feature is the Grade Two Fortria Chase over 2 miles at 16.00 CET, which sees the reppearance of Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Barry Geraghty), who won this race last year and went on to win the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, beating Forpadytheplasterer, who then finished second again to Golden Silver at Punchestown. Golden Silver is then the obvious danger, although trainer Willie Mullins has not really top form so far this season. He booked Paul Townend for the ride before knowing about poor Ruby Walsh´s injury at Down Royal yesterday. Ruby broke his leg in two places and will be out of action for several weeks. He misses several good rides at Navan today, including Mullins´ smart Mourad in the Grade Two hurdle at 14.25. However our selection here is Ju mbo Rio (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara, while German-bred Aitmatov, an easy winner last time, faces much stronger opposition now.

Another German-bred who could run well in Ireland today is Belord (JJ Walsh/ Keith Coleman) who goes for the maiden hurdle at 14.35 at Limerick.

At Ffos Las in Wales, German-bred Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) could be an interesting bet in the 2 mile handicap chase at 15.45. He has top weight here and has not won for 3 years, but has been running in much better company.

At Hereford, the handicap hurdle at 16.05 looks the most interesting event. Ruthenoise (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), who made a satisfactory comeback from a long layoff recently, is our selection, but faces strong opposition from top-weight Asturienne and bottom-weight Babilu.

Tony McCoy is riding at Market Rasen and can win the novice chase at 15.55 on Diaco for Jonjo O´Neill. He rides Whaboutya for the same stable at 16.30; this one is a bit of a dodgy jumper, but if he gets round safely, can win.

Goldikova, Zenyatta and Workforce the stars tonight

A wonderful evening´s racing is in store at the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs, when the 3 best horses in the world will all be in action in different races - but none of them is certain to win! The European runners suffered a whitewash yesterday, but today they heve much better chances, particularly in the two races that they have repeatedly won over the years- the Mile at 21.40 CET and the Turf at 23.00.

The Mile could be the best race on the card, with the magnificient Goldikova (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) attempting to win this race for an unprecedented third time. She is not well drawn, but we hope to see her win again. She meets her old rival Paco Boy (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) for the fith time; the score stands 4-0 for the mare, and despite Paco Boy being much better drawn this time, we expect to see her improve this to 5-0. There are other opponents too who must be taken seriously - the front-runner Sidney´s Candy for example, or the ex-French Proviso (also drawn on the outside) and especially Gio Ponti, the best American turf horse, who runs here in preference to the BC Classic.

Workforce (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is the big question mark in the Turf. His team have won this race for the past 2 years, and as the winner of the Derby and the Arc, he is obviously the best horse in the field. However connections are reportedly unhappy with the going, and he is at the time of writing not certain to run. In any case we will take him on with the Aga Khan´s Behkebad (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire), who was not far behind him in the Arc despite being hampered. Dangerous Midge (Brian Meehan/ Frankie Dettori) and Debussy (john Gosden/ William Buick) are the other European runners, while Winchester (Christophe Clement/ Cornelio Velasquez) looks best of the Yanks.

The final superstar on show tonight is Zenyatta (John Shirreffs/ Mike Smith) in the Breeders Cup Classic at 0.45. She won the race last year with a devastating turn of foot and will be hot favourite again to defend her perfect 19/19 record. However we feel that Lookin at Lucky (Bob Baffert/ Martin Garcia) could spoil the party.

Kauto Star at Down Royal

Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) makes his debut for the new season in the jwines Champion Chase, a 3 mile race at 15.25 CET this afternoon at Down Royal in N. Ireland. The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner won this in 2008 and in theory should win easily again. However we think that an each-way bet on China Rock (Mouse Morris/ Barry Geraghty) may be a decent alternative, as he has a clear fitness advantage and holds Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead ( Andrew Lynch) on their latest running. Nicholls and Walsh also have The Nightingale running in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.00, but here we prefer Pandorama (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Falcon Island - Monastrell - Baily Green
2. Race: Golan Guy - Fool`s Wildcat - Lead Kindly Light
3. Race: Doctor Deejay - Asigh Pearl - Natal
4. Race: Kauto Star - Sizing Europe - China Rock
5. Race: Pandorama - The Nightingale - Osana
6. Race: Corrick Bridge - South Liberties - Sang Bleu
7. Race: Serein - Sobrando Lodge - Soul Of Aran

End of British flat racing for 2010

This Doncaster meeting traditionally marks the end of the flat racing season in the U.K. (although there is plenty of all-weather racing still to come). Thr ar huge fiels, with no fewer than 17 runners dclared fr the 8 ras ad winners will be hard to find. This is also true for Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes, so that the former is still favourite to hang on to his narrow lead, even though Hughes has possibly the better rides today.

Both of them ride in all 7 races open to them. Of course, if Hughes were to win the two divisions of the 2yo maiden that start the card, on Richard Hannon´s Ceffyl Gwell at 13.15 CET and Jeremy Noseda´s Fettuccine at 13.50, then we would have a new situation; both should start favourite, but there is plenty of opposition to both of them.

There are 2 listed races on the card, and we hope that the Godolphin filly Modeyra (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) can remain unbeaten in the 10 furlongs race for fillies at 15.35. The tough mare Les Fazzani (Kevin Ryan/ Hanagan) should be thereabouts - she won this race in 2008- while Hughes´ mount Middle Club could also be involved, as well as the ex-German All Analena (Lucy Wadham/ Dane O´Neill). The other listed race, over 6 furlongs at 16.40, can go to Inler (Brian Meehan/ Kieren Fallon).

The big betting race is the November Handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.10, which looks as wide open as ever with 23 runners. John Gosden has an excellent record here, and his Senate (Hughes) is one for the short list. The Godolphin runner Willing Foe (Durcan) is relatively unexposed and has won all 3 starts this year, but this is a much tougher race. Hanagan also has a chance on Tepmokea, but the two we like best are another ex-German Salden Licht (Alan King/ Martin Harley) and the lightly-weighted Simenon (Andrew Balding/ David Probert).

Non-stop action today!

Today is the busiest day of the year with high class racing at several different racecourses. Obviously the highlight is the Breeders Cup this evening from Churchill Downs, but punters need not get bored with the 40/45 minutes intervals betwen races there, as there is also all-weather racing from Dundalk (Ireland) and evening racing in France from Le Croise´-Laroche (with quite a few German runners).

In England we have the last day of the flat season at Doncaster, with the battle between Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes for the jockeys championship still undecided; They both rode 3 winners yesterday, and Hanagan leads by 191-189. However Hughes has arguably the better rides this afternoon, so there is still everything to play for.

There is also a strong N.H. programme with Kauto Star making his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal (N. Ireland), but also some good jumping racing at Wincanton, Kelso and Sandown.

Breeders Cup -day one

The Breeders Cup starts this evening at Churchill Downs, Kentucky, with the so-called Ladies Day, when 5 of the 6 races are confined to fillies. The exception is the first race of the series, the B.C. Marathon at 21.10 CET, won for the two years at has been run by European runners, as the Americans are not usually much good over this distance. Bright Horizon (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) and Precision Break (Paul Cole/ Jamie Spencer) are the two European runners here, with the former easily preferred. The Juvenile Fillies Turf at 21.50 has 4 European runners, with the O´Brien/ Murtagh team represented by Together, who has arguably the best form but is badly drawn. Tale Untold (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore), Quiet Oasis (Brian Meehan/ Frankie Dettori) and Flood Plain (John Gosden/ William Buick) are the others, while the unbeaten Winter Memories (Jonas Toner/ Jose Lazcano) looks best of the locals.

Sara Louise (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) is the only "European" in the Filly & Mares Sprint at 22.30, but she has in fact been racing only in the States and looks held on form. Thyskens Theory (Meehan/ Dettori) is fancied in the Juvenile Fillies (on dírt) at 23.10, where Bob Baffert´ s AZ Warrior (Martin Garcia) could be the one to beat. The Filly & Mare Turf over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 23.50 is the race of the evening as far as the Europeans are concerned and sees Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) attempt to repeat her 2009 victory at Santa Anita. She holds the other Europeans - Plumania (André Fabre/ Olivier Peslier) and Hibaayeb (bin Suroor/ Dettori) -a flop in the Preis der Diana at Düsseldorf - but the Japanese challenger Red Desire looks very dangerous. It would also be nice to see German-bred Eclair de Lune run well.

Fnally, the Ladies Classic at 0.30 should lie between Blind Luck (Jerry Hollendorfer/ Joel Rosario) and Life at Ten (Todd Pletcher/ John Velazquez)

All-weather racing today

Obviously the racing at today´s two all-weather meetings, Southwell this afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening, pales into significance compared to the sport on offer across the pond tonight. The continuing struggle between Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes for the jockeys championship (which ends tomorrow) will again be the most interesting aspect and we hope that Hanagan can wrap things up today.

He has 6 rides at Southwell and 3 at Wolverhampton, while Hughes is only riding at the latter meeting, where he has 3 rides. Hanagan´s best chances at Southwell are probably Jeremy Glover´s Suddenly Susan in the 2yo handicap at 14.00 CET and Mick Easterby´s We´ ll Deal Again in the 6 furlongs maiden at 16.00. The best races here are the mile event for 2yo maidens at 14.30, in which Godolphin´s German-bred Raw Spirit (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) comes up against Encore une Annee (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), as well as the 5 furlongs conditions race at 16.30, which should go to Noble Storm (Ed McMahon/ Graham Gibbons)

At Wolverhampton Hughes can possibly keep his chances laive by winning the last race at 20.40 on Brian Meehan´s Colour Scheme. Hanagan can take the 2yo maiden at 19.10 on Mark Johnston´s Home Office but must beware of Godolphin´s well-bred newcomer Al Biruni (bin Suroor/ Durcan).

N.H. racing at Fontwell, Hexham and Down Royal (N. Ireland)

The two British jumps meetings today are very low profile, with some small fields and few serious betting opportunities. This is especially true of Hexham, where it has been raining all week and the ground is very heavy. The novice chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.40 CET could be the most intersting event. Only the Best (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) and Milans Man (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) make their fencing debuts here.

They met over hurdles over this CD in March, when Only the Best won by 25 lengths, so in theory he should win again, but with the Howard Johnson stable in good form, it is possible that the result will be reversed. At Fontwell, the mares befinners chase at 14.50 should go to another debutant, Emma Lavelle´s Easter Legend (Jack Doyle), who ran in good company over hurdles. There could be a German-bred winner in the handicap hurdle over 3 miles 3 furlongs at 15.20. Top-weight Panzer (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke) has won his last 2 races with this claimer in the saddle; he stays for ever and should score again; Vacario is moving up in distance, but has been running well enough and is nicely handicapped.

The card at Down Royal is much better and if there is a star on view today it can only be Araucaria (John Kiely/ Ruby Walsh) in the mares novice hurdle at 14.35. She was very impressive last time and is expected to go right to the top. Walsh also partners Willie Mullins´ smart Blackstairmountain in the Grade Two hurdle at 15.05; however he is held by Luska Lad (Shark Hanlon/ Davy Russell) and a more likely winner for the stable is Glenlo Abbey in the maiden hurdle at 15.35.

N.H. racing at Haydock, Towcester and Thurles (Ireland)

there are very few highlights at today´s 3 jumps meetings, but it is good to see Jason Maguire make his comeback from injury at Haydock . In our opinion he has three winning chances, on Al Qeddaaf in the opening novice hurdle at 14.30 CET, Ernst Blofeld in the handicap chase at 15.05, and Lively Baron in another novice hurdle at 16.50, all of them trained by Donald McCain.

Tony McCoy and trainer Jonjo O´Neill could be the team to follow at Towcester, and they can score with Fiddlededee in the novice hurdle at 14.10, Aztec Treasure in the handicap chase at 15.20, and Mister Hyde in the handicap hurdle at 15.55.

The best race of the day is the Thurles Chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.40. There are only 5 runners, but 4 of them good form in top races. At these weights we prefer Glencove Marina (Eion Griffin/ Barry Geraghty). Two more possible winners at the Irish track are Bob Lingo (Tom Mullins/ Mark Walsh) in the beginners chase at 14.05, and Style of Campile (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), both of whom ran very well against strong opposition last time out.

Paul Hanagan vs Richard Hughes - more twists

Paul Hanagan now leads Richard Hughes by 186-184 after yesterday´s results, so this race could go down to the wire. Hughes missed his rides at Kempton last night as his helicopter was grounded because of the bad weather, but this could be a blessing in disguise - as none of his rides won, and he is now able to ride on Friday according to the rules. However the declarations to run have already been made for Friday´s meetings and all the runners are jocked up, so a good reason mist be found for a change of jockeys.

Both jockeys are riding at Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening. Hughes has more rides -12 to 10, but Hanagan has arguably the better prospects. Hughes´ best chances at Lingfield are War Painter at 13.45 CET and Hulcote Rise at 1455, both trained by his brother-in-law Sylvester Kirk, but Hanagan can counter with Jeremy Noseda´s Ritual at 15.30 and John Jenkins´ Papageno at 16.40.

This evening they go head-to-head in the 6 furlongs seller at 20.00, with Hughes riding Andrew Balding´s Dingaan and Hanagan on David Evans´ Vhujon. Dingaan is possibly the better performer, but he is a bit tricky and Vhujon, a CD specialist, can be preferred. Their other rides, mainly in low-level handicaps, all face tough tasks.
Best bet at Kempton should be Enititled (Sir Michael Stoute/ Kieren Fallon) in the 7 furlongs maiden at 18.00. This well-bred filly has started favourite for all her 3 starts, but finished runner-up each time, but she meets very weak opposition this time. Talking of pedigrees, the best-bred runner of all today is Godolphin´s Almaasah (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), who makes her debut in division one of the maiden fillies race at 18.30; she is an own sister to Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. The same team can also take the second division half an hour later with Alareen, who however needs to improve a bit.

German runners in France today

German-trained runners have been doing very well in France recently and can collect more prize-money at today´s Compiegne meeting. Main feature is the listed Prix Isola Bella for fillies over a mile at 13.25, in which 4 of the 11 runners are trained in Germany: Rubiana (Walemar Hickst/ Olivier Peslier), Masquenada (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Baiadera (Toni Potters/ Antony Crastus) and Audrey (Erika Mäder/ Gaetan Masure).

Rubiana is easily the best of these and has an obvious winning chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Green China - Dancing Doreen - Jeu De Memoire
2. Race: Isle Of Pearl - Fooladha - Asmaa
3. Race: Out Of Nothing - Rubiana - Entre Deux Eaux
4. Race: Sequoia - Birthday Lion - Tigron
5. Race: Blood Diamonds - Doudyla - Party Animal
6. Race: Pegmalion - Tumultueux - Indran
7. Race: Satwa Lady - Nortune - Slick The Dreamer
8. Race: Akfaras - Pivon - Mariners Doll

N.H. racing at Chepstow, Warwick and Fairyhouse (Ireland)

After riding a double at Exeter yesterday for Paul Nicholls, Ruby Walsh has stayed on in the U.K., and has 3 more rides for the champion trainer at Chepstow this afternoon. Sonofvic, last seen winning a point to point in March, and Teshali, who won 3 races on the flat in France for the Aga Khan, have obvious claims in the maiden hurdles races at 14.05 and 15.10 CET, but the interesting one is Nodforms Paula (despite the feminine name, a gelding), who runs in the handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 16.20. He was a very promising novice 3 years ago, but has not run since, and it may be more prudent to stick with runners with more recent form, such as last-time-out winners Young Albert (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles), Go Amwell (John Jenkins/ Timmy Murphy) and Rhum (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), or even better Pavillon Bleu (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson).

The best race at Warwick is the 2 mile novice chase at 15.35, which should go to the useful hurdler Dan Breen (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), with Shadow Dancer (Jonjo O´Neill/ RP McLernon) the main danger. The latter´s team can in any case take the novice hurdle at 16.10 with Hear My Song, who was staying on strongly when runner-up last time and should have no problems with the longer trip here.

Most of the top jockeys are at Chepstow, so it is surprising to see Barry Geraghty riding at a low-level meeting at Fairyhouse. He can win the maiden hurdle at 15.25 on Colm Murphy´s Got Options, while we expect First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) to take the novice hurdle at 14.50.

Paul Hanagan vs Richard Hughes - new twists

The Hanagan- Hughes battle for the jockeys´championship continues today with Richard Hughes very much back in the reckoning after winning twice yesterday and reducing Hanagan´s lead to just 3. It also seems that Hughes has decided to pass up the chance of riding Paco Boy in the Breeders Cup Mile on Saturday in order to ride in the U.K. He will not be allowed to ride on Friday as according to British rules, jockeys are limited to 9 meetings in a week, and for the same reason Hanagan is only riding this evening at Kempton, while Hughes will be in action both at Nottingham this afternoon and Kempton this evening. It is therefore quite possible that Hughes will reduce Hanagan´s lead even further today, although neither of the duo has any stand-out rides.

Hughes has also received some help from an unexpected quarter, as he rides two Godolphin runners for Mahmoud al Zarooni in the 2yo maidens at Nottingham at 14.15 CET and half an hour later. However he does not partner the Godolphin runners trained by Saeed bin Suroor, who we expect to dominate the main events both this afternoon at Nottingham and this evening at Kempton. Caymans (Ted Durcan)- last seen running in an Australian Group One in March 2009-, and Sahara Kingdom (Daragh O´Donohoe) are their runners this afternoon in a conditions race over a mile at 15.20 and on official ratings they should finish well clear of the opposition, while this evening Mastery (Durcan), Age of Reason (O´Donohoe) and Once More Dubai (Darryll Holland) are all entered in the day´s top feature, a listed race over 1 1/2 miles. Once More Dubai took this race last year, but Mastery won the St. Leger and if anywhere near that form this evening should win easily.

Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

Easily the best race of the day is the Haldon Gold Cup, a limited handicap chase over 2 miles 1 furlongs at 15.35 at Exeter. This valuable event is a race for specialists, and 4 of the 9 runners ran here last year. Cornas (Nick Williams/ Barry Geraghty) did best, finishing runner-up, with German-bred Twist Magic (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) third, Mahogany Blaze (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) 4th and I´msingingtheblues (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) 6th. Cornas is already in good form this season, having won a Grade Three in Ireland, and is the logical selection. Twist Magic is the class act here, but he seems to be rather moody these days and reserves his best form for Sandown. He is in any case burdened with a huge weight, so it is no surprise that Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Tchico Polos, even though he is out of the handicap. The super-consistent Somersby (Henrietta Knight/ Hadden Frost) is the likely favourite; he was first or second on all his starts last season, including top events at Cheltenham and Aintree, but today we prefer Cornas.

Madison du Berlais (Pipe/ Scu) is a fascinating runner in the opening novice hurdle at 14.35. He has not run over hurdles for years, but is a top chaser - running up to Kauto Star in the King George at Kempton last year for instance. However we are not sure that he has the speed to win this, and Mr. Hudson (Nicholls/ Walsh), an easy bumper winner here in May, is preferred. Nicholls and Walsh can also take the second division at 17.35 with Join Together, and they also have good chances in the novice chase at 16.05 wth Qosak and the handicap hurdle an hour later with joint top-weight Prince Tom. Best bet of the day however is Dare Me (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a smart bumper horse who made an excellent start over the sticks by winning over this CD a fortnight ago, and who should be able to defy a 6tb penalty in the novice hurdle at 15.05.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mr Hudson - George Nympton - Madison Du Berlais
2. Race: Dare Me - Silver Roque - Eddie Boy
3. Race: Somersby - Cornas - Tchico Polos
4. Race: Phidippides - Qozak - Rock Noir
5. Race: Swing Bill - Vamizi - Victory Parade
6. Race: Prince Tom - Omix D`Or - John`S Gift
7. Race: Join Together - Court In Motion - Oscar Papa

Paul Hanagan vs Richard Hughes- next round

Paul Hanagan may have sewn up victory in his quest for the jockeys championship by winning twice at Wolverhampton yesterday, but he is leaving nothing to chance and both he and challenger Richard Hughes, now 5 behind, ride in all 5 races open to them at Kempton this afternoon. The card is the usual modest mixture, with the best race a class 2 handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.25 CET. Hanagan partners Richard Fahey´s Changing the Guard here and Hughes Paul Cole´s Seradim, but the one to beat is probably Ottoman Empire (David Lanigan/ Richard Mullen), who is lightly-raced but has a good record here. Hanagan´s best chance is probably CD specialist Lord of the Reins (James Given) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.25, while Hughes can counter on Silvester Kirk´s Lady Lam, another with a good course record, half an hour later.

There is also flat racing at Catterick, where the card is even worse. The most interesting event is the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 16.15, with entries from such leading trainers as Stoute, Cecil and Gosden. However the ones that most interest us are the German-breds Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Darryll Holland) and Gay Mirage (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), both of whom have shown some flashes of ability. The latter stays well, while Local Hero is stepping up in distance; however he is an own-brother to triple St. Leger winner Liquido, so that should not be a problem.

N.H. racing at Kempton and Plumpton

Two jumps meetings this afternoon, with by far the best racing on offer at Kempton. The opening novice hurdle at 14.00 CET is a really hot race. Nicky Henderson saddles two runners, with stable jockey Barry Geraghty riding the highly-rated but so far disappointing) According. King Olav (Tany Carroll/ Tom Scudamore) has already shown ability over the sticks, while Mark Tompkins´ Smokey Oakey (Colin Bolger), who won the Lincoln 2 years ago for Oscar winner Judy Dench, marks his debut over hurdles. Of great interest also is Alan King´s German-bred Iolith, who was listed class on the flat when trained by André Fabre for Baron Ullmann.

Another German-bred with chances is Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) in the 2 miles 5 furlongs handicap hurdle at 15.50. Nicky Henderson supplies the main danger in Working Title (Geraghty), a very easy winner last time. Henderson can also score with the course specialist (3 from 3 here) Riverside Theatre (Geraghty) in the graduation chase at 16.10 and Crystal Rock (David Bass), who has top-weight in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 17.20.

While Kempton´s card is strong for a Monday, Plumpton´s is frankly awful. Frosted Grape (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly) fell last time, but has already won 4 times this season and should outclass feeble opposition in the mares novice hurdle at 14.20. Red Current (Michael Scudamore/ Sam Jones) is still a maiden over jumps, but ran respectably last time over this CD, and must have an each-way chance in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 14.55, while 13yo Spider Boy (Zoe Davison/ Gemma Gracey-Davison) runs his best races here and should be placed in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 17.10.

Paul Hanagan vs Richard Hughes- next round

The battle for the jockeys´ championship in the U.K. is now getting really exciting, with Hanagan leading Hughes by 184-181 - his solid lead of a fortnight ago having been whittled away to just 3. Both have 7 rides (from 8 races) at Wolverhampton this afternoon, and we feel that Hanagan has a definite advantage. He has good prospects in the first 3 races- on Crystallus and Insolenceofoffice, both trained by Anne Duffield, in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 14.10 CET and 14.40, and Stanley Rigby, having his first run for Richard Fahey, in the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 15.15. He can also take the 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 17.20 on Jeremy Glover´ s Slikback Jack. Hughes can win the 3yo handicap at 16.50 on the much-improved Inpursuitofhappiness (Charlie McBride), who has won twice in the last few days, and also Knockdolian (Roger Charlton) in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.00.

The card is on the whole pretty feeble, and the only race in which there could be some decent runners is the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at 16.20. Hughes has a chance here on Brian Meehan´s Elusivity, but the one in which we are most interested is Godolphin´s newcomer Moonlight Dash (Ted Durcan), a son of Monsun. Lord of Persia (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), just beaten this CD last time, is the obvious danger.