Wolverhampton and Kempton the only meetings left today

Once again, very poor sport on the all-weather today and nothing at all over jumps. This afternoon´s Wolvethampton meeting starts off with a claiming race over 5 furlongs at 14.45 CET. Milton Bradley has entered 3 here, but it is a shame to see his oldtimer The Tatling (Russell Kennemore), a winner at Royal Ascot many moons ago, running in this grade. Of course no-one is likely to claim a 13yo, and we would love to see the old boy win again, but on recent form top-weight Ebraam (Ron Harris/ Andrea Atzeni) must be preferred. The 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 1620 looks quite tricky; Royal Island (Mick Quinlan/ Jamie Spencer) won at Lingfield last week from Shared Moment (Jeff Gallagher/ Amy Ryan) and can possibly repeat this result on the same terms. Three other recent winners who can score again are Sky Diamond (James Given/ Micky Fenton) in the 2yo handicap at 15.15, Loyalty (Derek Shaw/ Pat Mathers) at 16.50 and Mush Mir (James Boyle/ Steven Craine) at 17.20.

The best race this evening at Kempton is the 2 mile handicap at 19.00. Spring Jim (James Fanshawe/ George Baker), also a useful hurdler, ran a good race on turf at Doncaster last time, but the one to beat is surely Morar (Laura and Ian Mongan); this ex-French 4yo came right back to his best form after 3 very bad races when winning over this CD last time and can follow up. The 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later is also quite open. Stratton Banker (Steve Williams/ William Carson) is very consistent and won last week at Lingfield over 5 furlongs but also gets this trip. Top-weight Loujanie (Dean Ivory/ Adam Kirby) was just touched off last time, also at Lingfield, and looks the main danger. Kirby has another good chance on top-weight Aurora Sky in the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.20, but Negotiation (Mick Quinn/ Frannie Norton) was only just behind him last time and should be close again.