Bank Holiday today

Today is a bank holiday in the U.K., which means lots of racing, but almost all at a very low level. The best race in theory is the listed event over a mile at 16.10 CET at Goodwood, with only 6 runners. The favourite here is Rainfall (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), last seen when third in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket in October, when trained by Mark Johnston, That form - and also her earlier form when winning th Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, gives her an obvious chance in this company. The only danger on ratings is course specialist Tropical Paradise (Peter Winkworth/ Ian Mongan), who won three races, including two listed events, here last year - but all at 7 furlongs.

The best betting race of the day is the Zetland Gold Cup, a 10 furlongs handicap at 17.10 at Redcar. This looks a very competitive renewal with 15 runners. Saeed bin Suroor saddles here the lightly-raced Sarrsar (Tony Culhane), expected to improve on his seasonal debut when he finished 6th. However Jutland (Mark Johnston/ Adrian Nicholls) is an obvious danger, as is Prince of Johanne (Tom Tate/ Robert Winston), who has won his last 4 races, but gone up in the ratings accordingly and faces much tougher opposition this time. The handicapper has given a chance to Sirvino (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons) and especially to the smart Halicarnassus (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley), who has mainly racing over longer distances but should be ideally suited by a strongly-run race over this trip.

The most interesting race at the 3 N.H. meetings is the novice chase at 16.25 at Towcester. Only 4 runners, but all looking quite useful. German-bred Ostland, runner-up in the German Derby 3 years ago, failed to win over hurdles but was a very easy winner on his debut over fences at Fontwell and gets our vote here.

The only evening racing is in Ireland at Ballinrobe, with 3 flat races, 3 over sticks and a bumper. Best bet here is Malayan Mist (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who scored last time in promising style at Gowran Park and should take this slight rise in class in her stride.