Hereford only jumps meeting today

With flat racing now moving centre stage, there is only one fixture today with N.H. races - Hereford, where local trainer Venetia Williams can usually be relied upon to saddle a winner or two. Her best chance today is probably Quartz de Thaix (Aidan Coleman) in the novice chase over an extended 3 miles at 16.10 CET. He had no chance in top company at Cheltenham last time, but had won his two previous races. including here over a shorter trip, and can get back on the winning trail today. Ex-German Reginaldinho in the maiden hurdle at 16.40 also has possibilties, but here we just prefer Sizing Ireland (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), whose team can also win the opening novice hurdle with Dubai Crest at 15.10 as well as the concluding bumper with Little Fritz at 18.10. Another ex-German running here is Speedy Directa (Milton Harris/ Jimmy Derham) who goes for the handicap hurdle at 15.40. His recent form looks awful, but he has been dropped to a very low rating and could well run into the money at a decent price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dubai Crest - Swift Lord - Raya Star
2. Race: Chicago Alley - Only Hope - Classic Fly
3. Race: Quartz De Thaix - Balthazar King - Cottage Flyer
4. Race: Sizing Ireland - Reginaldinho - Thingathong
5. Race: E Street Boy - The Composer - Monty`S Moon
6. Race: Bertenbar - Rince Donn - Papradon
7. Race: Little Fritz - Franklin Roosevelt - Real Milan