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.