3 jumps meetings today

There are huge fields today at the Irish jumps meeting at Gowran Park, and we hope to see German-bred Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) take the 3 mile hurdle race at 16.40 CET. He has not won for 18 months, but has mainly been racing in top company (including over fences) and can get back to winning ways today. The same trainer and jockey can also take the chase at 17.15 with Torphichen, who has been in good form both on the flat and over jumps. The main opposition comes from Tawaagg (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), but his team probably has better prospects with Shifa in the maiden hurdle at 15.35. This one has been placed on all 4 Irish starts - heavily backed each time- and can get his head in front now.

Gowran Park - betting forecast:
1. Race: Menwaal - Some Gem - Take A Shot
2. Race: Shifa - Jinglealltheways - Jeunopse
3. Race: Molko Jack - Mr Eko - Another Ambition
4. Race: Catch Me - On The Way Out - Allee Garde
5. Race: Torphichen - See U Bob - Tawaagg
6. Race: Doc O`Donnell - Ameretto Son - Fiery Oscar
7. Race: Folsom Blue - Jenari - Brown One
8. Race: Annus Maximus - Johannisberger - Tapaigh An Deis


The sport at the two U.K. tracks is very undistinguished with form horses few and far between. At Wetherby the two divisions of the novice hurdle at the end of the card are the most interesting events. Both Red Merlin (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who runs at 18.45, and Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Dominic Elsworth), half an hour later, were useful flat horses who have taken well to hurdling, although it must be said that Waldvogel, a member of an excellent German family, spoilt his chances last time by poor jumping when a 9-2 on favourite at Wincanton.

Wetherby - betting forecast:
1. Race: Baraathen - Solway Blue - A Stones Throw
2. Race: Border Reiver - Ponchatrain - Authentic Act
3. Race: Sous Mix - Tower - Oscar Barton
4. Race: Matmata De Tendron - Wolf Moon - Dawn Ride
5. Race: Pugnacity - Some Catch - Lady Pacha
6. Race: Othermix - Riptide - Le Commencement
7. Race: Red Merlin - Jack The Gent - Little Hercules
8. Race: Waldvogel - Archie Rice - Solis


At Stratford, Richard Johnson can follow up yesterday´s Scottish Grand National victory by landing a double on top-weight Storm of Applause for Philip Hobbs at 16.15 and Laureate des Loges for Henry Daly at 16.50.

Stratford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Rushwee - Stapleton - Black Tor Figarro
2. Race: Ashfield`S Dream - Like Ice - Job One
3. Race: Storm Of Applause - Courella - Rory Boy
4. Race: Lesanda - Empress Orchid - Illysantachristina
5. Race: Dante`S Storm - Battlecry - Seymar Lad
6. Race: Leopard Hills - Tatispout - Katchmore
7. Race: Heezagrey - Fourpointone - The Iron Giant