Exeter, Kempton and Southwell

More low level racing today, with Kempton staging jumps racing for a change. Most interesting race here is the handicap hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.50 CET. With 13 runners, this looks very open, but we are inclined to giv another chance to Ostland (Charlie Longsdon/ Kielan Woods). The son of Lando finished runner-up on the 2008 German Derby, but has so far been very disappointing since being sold to his British connections. However the faster going today should improve his chances. Dangers include Gee Dee Nen (Gary and Josh Moore), who finished in front of him last time, Pere Blanc (David Arbuthnot/ Aidan Coleman - if fit to ride after yesterday´s fall), going for a hat-track but bumped up in the weights, and consistent Royales Charter (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) off bottom weight. Another German-bred with chances is Cortina (Charlotte Dyson/ Ian Popham) in the handicap chase at 17.25, but the two to beat here are the top-welght, the remarkably consistent Bet abob (Nick Mitchell/ Mr RG Henderson) and Rileyev (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman??), who has won 3 of his last 4 starts, all within the last month.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shuil Royale - Raya Star - Smart Catch
2. Race: Ratify - Psi - Lordsbridge
3. Race: Henry King - Basford Bob - Romulus D`Artaix
4. Race: Pere Blanc - Royale`S Charter - Sparrow Hills
5. Race: Rileyev - Betabob - Clouseau
6. Race: Decision - Rare Symphony - Souter Point
7. Race: I Have Dreamed - Silver Adonis - Jurado Express


Charlie Longsdon could also be on the scoreboard at Exeter, where he runs Hidden Keel (Felix de Giles) in the novice chase at 16.35. However he has little in hand of Pascha Bere (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) and the latter´s team could also take the following novices handicap chase with top-weight Theophrastus, who came back to form with an easy win at Folkestone last week.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marino Prince - Ask The Oracle - Leopard Hills
2. Race: Laustra Bad - J`Adhere - Call To Arms
3. Race: Hidden Keel - Pascha Bere - Our Bomber Harris
4. Race: Theophrastus - Tarabela - Take A Mile
5. Race: Keenan`S Future - Kornati Kid - Over The Creek
6. Race: Mauricetheathlete - Flying Award - Torran Sound


The usual poor card at Southwell, where the best race is the 3yo handicap over 5 furlongs at 17.40. Only 6 runners here, but still quite tricky. Monsieur Jamie (John Jenkins/ Greg Fairley) has been in good form this year, winning 3 of his last 5 starts, all over this CD, but Even Stevens (David Nicholls/ Billy Cray) beat him easily before Christmas; he is coming off a break but also has an excellent CD record, while bottom weight Mazovian (M Chapman/ J Rogers), a CD maiden winner last time, could well improve past the pair of them.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Take Your Partner - Ridgeway Hawk - Elusive Love
2. Race: Kishanda - Long Live Love - X Rated
3. Race: Beau Fighter - Kingaroo - Ilie Nastase
4. Race: Kipchak - Eton Fable - My Mate Mal
5. Race: Monsieur Jamie - Mazovian - Liberty Green
6. Race: Kheley - Lets Move It - Simple Rhythm
7. Race: Surprise - Goal - Apple Dumpling