N.H. racing today at Southwell

Southwell is better known for its mainly low grade all-weather racing, but today they go over jumps at the Nottinghamshire track and there are some smart prospects engaged. Nicky Henderson sends a team of three potential stars, with Tony McCoy booked to ride- German-bred Bellvano in the novice chase at 13.40 CET, Be There in Five in the beginners chase at 14.10 and Problema Tic, unbeaten in two bumpers, who makes his hurdling debut at 16.10. All three could win, but the most interesting is certainly Bellvano, who is expected to make grade over fences. The Silvano gelding was a smart novice hurdler, but has not run since finishing down the field at the Cheltenham Festival. The other possible star on view is Knight Pass (Warren Greatrex/ Wayne Hutchinson), who runs in the bumper at 16.40. He was a most impressive winner of his only start so far and is already quoted at a short price for the Champion Bumper.

The two all-weather meetings today, at Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening are of very little interest. 13 of the 14 races are class 5 or 6, the exception being the 6 furlongs conditions race at 18.35 at Kempton. 3 of the 6 runners met recently at Lingfield with Silaah (David Nicholls/ Matt O´Connell) finishing runner-up, Five Star Junior (Lydia Stubbs/ James Sullivan) 3rd and Piscean (Tim Keddy/ George Baker) a close fifth. We would not be at all surprised to see Piscaen, who did not get a clear run, come out best this time, but he may not be able to handle top-weight Brave Prospector (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer), who has been running in better races. Spencer can also win the 3yo maiden at 17.05 on Jeremy Noseda´s newcomer Defer.

At Lingfield we hope that all-weather specialist Orchard Supreme (Jon Akehurst/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) can improve his good CD record by taking the seller at 13.55, while Woop Woop (Stef Higgins/ Adam Kirby), who is moving up in trip, can win the 3yo claimer half an hour later.