N.H. racing at Wincanton, Hexham and Downpatrick (Ireland)

Mainly small fields at Wincanton today, with odds-on favourites in several races. Paint the Clouds (Warren Greatrex/ Tony McCoy), is the form choice in the novice hurdle at 16.55 CET at Wincanton, but Fire and Rain (Emma Lavelle/ Sam Thomas) looks the most interesting contender here; this one-time classic hope for Aidan O´Brien has not run for 20 months, but his earlier form gives him a great chance. Best bet here is Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ McCoy) in the opening novice hurdle at 15.25; he has a great German pedigree - his dam Wurftaube was a multiple group winner, and was a very slick winner over hurdles at Musselburgh last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Flinty Bay - Vivaldi - Endeavor
2. Race: Attaglance - Hobsons Bay - Dizzy River
3. Race: Silent Cliche - City Of Doral - Final Veto
4. Race: Golfer`S Crossing - River Dragon - Rolecarr
5. Race: Lua De Itapoan - Eyre Square - Senor Alco
6. Race: Copper`S Gold - Ballymacduff - Lockstown
7. Race: Boston Bob - Plenmeller - Thirty Days Out
8. Race: Bygones Sovereign - Pudsey House - Victor Hewgo


Richards can also take the opening race at Hexham, another novice hurdle, with Flinty Bay, ridden by Fearghal Davis. The handicap hurdle here at 16.40 is more open, but we expect Golfers Crossing (Lucinda Russell/ Campbell Gillies) and River Dragon (Neil Bycroft/ Brian Toomey) to be involved in the finish. Both of them showed improved form last time to easily win the first race of their careers and should imprive further.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Waldvogel - Midnight Opera - Murdoch
2. Race: Trooper Clarence - January - Catholic Hill
3. Race: Choumakeur - Upham Atom - Marigolds Way
4. Race: Paint The Clouds - Fire And Rain - Peedeeque
5. Race: Goring One - Magic Marmalade - Ban Uisce
6. Race: The Fox`S Decree - E Street Boy - Man Of Leisure


Best event at Downpatrick is the hurdle race over 2 1/4 miles at 15.50. Newmill (James Dullea/ Andrew McNamara) is 13 years old and not getting any faster, but should still be capable of beating these opponents. He has only won once since 2007 but has been mainly racing in much better company. Top-weight Wikaala (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and Fosters Cross (Tom Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) can follow him home.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Red Sparky - Akatara - Sun Disc
2. Race: Fosters Cross - Newmill - Wikaala
3. Race: Breeze With Ease - Fascinating Paddy - Magnetic Force
4. Race: Knocklayde Euro - Hoochie Mama - Information
5. Race: Norwich Flyer - Definite Appeal - Ballyhampshire Man
6. Race: Bless N`Ject - Erins Stage - Oh So Gogo