N.H. racing at Doncaster, Fontwell and Gowran Park (Ireland)

The best race of the day is the Grade Two Galmoy Hurdle over 3 miles at 14.45 at Gowran Park, in which Mourad (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) is top-rated. Last time out he defeated Powerstation (E O´Connell/ Barry Geraghty) in a similar race at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, and we expect him to confirm that form on 2 lbs worse terms. Jumbo Rio (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) is another one who will relish the heavy ground, but he has never raced over this trip. The big betting race here is the Thyestes Chase, a valuable handicap over 3 miles at 15.55, with 18 runners, including the first 3 from last year- Whinston Boy (JJ Mangan/ SW Flngn), Hangovr (Conor O´Dwyer/ drin Heskin) nd top-wight Sirgemaster (Dessi Hughes/ Dby Tussell) in that order. Of these we prefer Hangover this time, but Pomme Tiepy (Mullins/ Townend) and Alpha Ridge (Paul Nolan/ Geraghty) look the two to beat on recent form. Tony McCoy travels to Fontwell for just two rides, Straw Bear (Nick Gifford) i n the beginners chase at 14.00 and Manshoor (Lucy Wadham) in the handicap hurdle at 16.50 and it would be no surprise to see them both win.

At Doncaster, the 4yo hurdle at 16.05 should lie between Empire Levant (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), 3rd in a good race at Newbury, and Franklino (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) runner-up to the smart Local Hero over this CD. Ncholls can also take the handicap chase at 16.40 with Font (Skelton), who jumped badly last time after a break but was consistent enough before that. There are two useful flat handicappers making their hurdling debut at 14.55- Brunston (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) and Yorgunnabelucky (King/ Hutchinson) and one of them will probably win.