N.H. racing at Stratford and Newcastle

The standard remains low in N.H. racing between the big meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree, but there are some big fields today at Stratford and Newcastle and some very open races. Paul Nicholls is clearly keeping his big funs for Aintree, or even later Punchestown, but has 2 runners at Stratford today, both of whom have decent chances- Rivaliste (James Cowley), who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.40, and Karinga Dancer (Daryl Jacob) in the bumper at 18.10. Rachel Hobbs sent out a couple of runners to be placed yesterday at Ludlow, and today saddles 2 runners in the handicap hurdle at 17.10 - top-weight The Antagonist (Peter Carberry) and Boosha (Aidan Coleman), runner-up at Newton Abbot last time. Cute n you Know It (Andrew Crook/ Conor O´Farrell), unlucky last time, is the danger off her light weight. Commemoration Day (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) once trained by Christian von der Recke, can follow up a recent CD victory in the handicap chase at 17. 40, where another last-time-out winner Prince des Marais (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton) looks the main threat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Falcon Island - Goodwood Starlight - Grandads Horse
2. Race: Marley Roca - Bathwick Quest - Kack Handed
3. Race: Sole Bonne Femme - Le Corvee - Leopard Hills
4. Race: Rivaliste - Dream Esteem - Tatispout
5. Race: Hurricane Electric - The Antagonist - Boosha
6. Race: Prince Des Marais - Commemoration Day - Peter Pole
7. Race: Karinga Dancer - Kowloon - Cold Knight


There are 3 German-breds running at Newcastle, all of whom have an each-way chance as long as the ground is not too soft. Katapult (Kate Walton/ Richard McGrath) should not be judged by his recent form on heavy in the novice hurdle at 16.00 - although irish raider Jammia may be hard to beat here - while Poseidon (John Wade/ John Dawson) could go well in the handicap chase at 16.30 and Oh Landino (Jim Goldie/ Paul Norton) moves up in trip for the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 18.00.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Eighteen Carat - Lovey Dovey - Jago River
2. Race: Jammia - Dancing Art - Fill The Power
3. Race: Prince Tam - The Green Hat - Braddock Island
4. Race: Spice Bar - Fightstar - Lewlaur Supreme
5. Race: Innominate - Allanard - Finlay
6. Race: Easter Vic - Wheyaye - Vallani
7. Race: Bear Dancing - Sycho Fred - Shrewd Investor
8. Race: Kai Broon - Willie Hall - Hi Dancer