Carlisle, Chepstow and Thurles

3 jumps meetings today, but while there are some small fields at the two British meetings, there are the usual large fields at the Irish fixture at Thurles. Willie Mullins, fresh from an excellent winning run at Cheltenham, looks the trainer to follow here. Killultagh Queen and For the Staff, in the two beginners chases at 14.55 CET and 15.25 and Up the Beat in the maiden hurdle at 16.55 are all partnered by Paul Townend and all have good prospects, while the trainer´s son Paddy rides Popcorn, another likely winner for the yard, in the maiden hurdle at 16.25. Paddy also rides the debutant Anonis for his aunt Margaret in the bumper at 18.35; obviously he is an unknown quantity, but he has a very good German pedigree.

There are only 3 runners in the novice chase at Carlisle at 15.50, but they are all quite useful. However The Knoxs (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) looks the most promising and, if he can iron out his jumping, can win this and go on to better things. Also at Carlisle, we expect Samizdat, trained by Dianne Sayer and with her daughter in the saddle, to complete a quick hat-trick in the handicap hurdle at 16.25, and Lucinda Russell to land a double with Against the Wind at 17.00 and Quinder Spring at 17.35, both ridden by Peter Buchanan.

Alan King has his string in great form (4 winners yesterday) and can take the opening mares novice hurdle at 15.10 with American Ladie, with stable jockey Robert Thornton aboard. Their only other runner here ís Gospel Preacher in the bumper at 18.30, and although he is less obvious, he probably also holds a decent chance. Bernard Llewellyn usually does well here and saddles 2 of the 5 runners in the handicap hurdle at 15.40 - Form and Beauty (Mick Quinlan) and Lightening Fire (Isabell Tompsett), both of whom scored at the last meeting here. It would be no great surprise were they to take the first two places this time, with slight preference for the latter.

Betting forecast - Carlisle:
1. Race: Ouest Eclair - Lady Bluesky - Lago Verde
2. Race: The Knoxs - Sam Lord - Si Bien
3. Race: Samizdat - Classic Henri - See The Legend
4. Race: Against The Wind - Blackpool Billy - Bene Lad
5. Race: Quinder Spring - Ballycarron Lad - Baltic Pathfinder
6. Race: Ice Image - Wee George - Banoge


Betting forecast - Chepstow:
1. Race: American Ladie - Sara`S Smile - Bow To No One
2. Race: Form And Beauty - Lightening Fire - Won More Night
3. Race: Strongbows Legend - Victory Gunner - Silver Story
4. Race: Roudoudou Ville - Ready Or Not - Bushwacker
5. Race: Prince Of Denial - Bishophill Jack - Gilwen Glory
6. Race: Oca De Thaix - Back To Bid - Ultimate Limit
7. Race: Mike Towey - Black Thunder - Gospel Preacher


Betting forecast - Thurles:
1. Race: Killultagh Queen - Kilflora - Shane Rock
2. Race: Mr Nosie - For The Staff - Our Gar
3. Race: Launchpad - Ainm Spartacus - One For Joules
4. Race: Popcorn - Academy Rose - Funatfuntasia
5. Race: Jack Bene - Portrait King - Saved By John
6. Race: Harbour View - Burnfort Girl - Caffeine Craze
7. Race: Mr Pernickety - Fiery Oscar - Kings Army
8. Race: Streets Of Newyork - Anonis - Really Unique