7 Meetings today

Plenty of racing today, but the only N.H. action is at Market Rasen, where we hope that German-bred Ostland (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) can complete a hat-trick in the handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.50 CET. The 6yo, runner-up to Kamsin in the 2008 German Derby, took a long time to find his feet in the U.K. but has won his last 2 races very easily with this jockey aboard.

This race is tougher, but we hope that he can continue to improve. Top-weight Postmaster (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) and Nostringsattaached (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) look the main dangers. Another ex-German horse we fancy is Swordsman (Charlie Gordon/ Sam Hitchcott) in the stayers´ handicap at 17.15 at Folkestone. The Acatenango gelding loves this track and has won here both on the flat and over sticks a month ago. He has slipped to a very lenient mark on the flat and we rate him a good each-way bet.

The other meeting this afternoon is at Doncaster, where the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.35 looks the best race, Top-weight Namwahjobo (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope) has won both his starts this season, both over 6 furlongs, but this extra furlong is not expected to cause any problem. He can win again, with Elusivity (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer) , runner-up three times running, the obvious threat.

Best race this evening is the listed event over 10 furlongs for fillies at 19.50 at Newcastle. Principal Role (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) won a similar race at Newbury last season and is top-rated here; she should win, although Piano (John Gosden/ William Buick) could be dangerous. The 5 furlongs handicap at 20.25 is another decnt race, in which we expect the three top-weights Ancient Cross (Mick Easterby/ Graham Gibbons), Confessional (Tim Easterby/ Robert Winston) and Silaah (David and Adrian Nicholls) to play the leading roles.

The Curragh opens its 3-day Derby meeting with a strong card, the feature of which is the Group Two International Stakes over 10 furlongs. Only 5 runners here, with Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) the obvious favourite despite giving weight away. Jan Vermeer (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), senselessly sacrificed last time at Royal Ascot, is an interesting opponent.