Lingfield (N.H.) and Wolverhampton (a.w.)

With Ayr off, all we are left with today are two extremely poor cards at Lingfield (this time over jumps) and Wolverhampton on the all-weather. Form horses are few and far between, but one who comes into that category is Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore) in the beginners chase at 15.05 CET at Lingfield. He was a decent hurdler and ran well over fences last time when runner-up at Cheltenham in a much better race than this.

He looks the day´s banker. Not Til Monday (John Jenkins/ Timmy Murphy) made all for an easy win at Plumpton last time and can follow up in the novice hurdle at 15.35; the only danger should be debutant Cresswell Crusader (Tony Honeyball/ Rachael Green). who has useful bumper form. Master d´Or (Mrs Leech/ Paul Moloney) won on heavy ground at Uttoxeter and can take the handicap chase at 16.10. Topless (Neil Mulholland/ Mick Quinlan) once again looks likely to be placed; he has been runner-up 5 times running, but has in fact never won in 22 starts over fences. Rimini (Dai Rees/ JH Mathias) was beaten a long way when 4th at Fontwell yesterday, but if he turns out again, even that form could be good enough to take the handicap hurdle at 17.45.

The card at Wolverhampton, is, if anything. even worse, with all 7 races either class 5 or 6. The opening 5 furlongs handicap is the trickiest event, with 12 runners, including our old friends 14yo The Tatling (Russell Kennemore) and 11yo Cape Royal (Richard Kingscote), both trained by Milton Bradley in the line-up. Between them they have run over 300 times and won 28 races, but both are arguably better on turf. We would love to see one of them score today, but on recent form Your Gifted (Pat Morris/ Mathew Cosham) must be preferred, while CD specialist Decider (Ron Harris/ Luke Morris) also has a chance. Orpenindeed (Frank Sheridan/ Jack Doyle), who has won 4 of his last 6 races, 3 of them here, should take the 7 furlongs seller at 16.30, while Striker Torres (Geoff Oldroyd/ Adam Kirby), never out of the first two here, can win the handicap over the same trip at 17.05.