German chances at Deauville today

The Deauville summer meeting hits hot gear today with the Group One Prix Rothschild over a mile for fillies and mares at 15.40 CET. This event looks taylor-made for the great Goldikova (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier), who has won he race for the past 3 years and looks almost unbeatable again. No horse has ever won a French Group One 4 years running, but Goldikova thrives on setting up new records.

She is opposed by Timepiece (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), Sahpresa (Rodolphe Collet/ Christophe Lemaire) and First City (David Slimcock/ Christophe Soumillon), who took the first 3 places in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket´s July meeting. With the Cecil stable in great form, Timepiece might come out on top again, but Goldikova would have to underperform if she is not to take this for the 4th time. Vanjura (Roland Dzubasz/ Alexander Pietsch) is the best German filly over this trip, but will do well to get placed in this company.

There is also an international field in the Group Three Prix de Cabourg for 2yo s over 1200 metres at 14.30. Three are two British runners, but German interests are represented by Baden-Baden winner Chica Loca (Michael Figge/ Maxime Guyon) and Dabirsim (Christophe Ferland/ Philippe Sogorb), a very easy winner of both his races in the French provinces. He is owned by the boss, so we are all crossing our fingers for him!

One group and three listed races today

The group race is in Ireland, at Cork, and is over 1 1/2 miles at 17.10 CET. 8 of the 12 runners are 3yo´s and we expect one of this age group to win. Aidan O´Brien saddles three runners here, with Spin (Seamus Heffernan) possibly the best of them. John Oxx has rwo runners, with Haziyna (Niall McCullough) the pick. There is a similar picture in the listed race over a mile at 16.40. This time Colm O´Donoghue could be on the best of O´Brien´s three, the German-bred Wild Wind, while McCullough partners Oxx´ Alanza.

The other Irish meeting is the final day at Galway, where the main event is a valuable handicap chase at 17.25. Scotsirish (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) is the class act here, but has to concede lumps of weight; he finished 5th of 22 in the Galway Plate, a much better race, here on Wednesday. If he has got over the exertions of that race, he should still win in this lesser company. Dermot Weld has established new record by saddling 16 winners at the meeting so far; he and his jockey Pat Smullen will be in Munich today, but the stable can still win some more races, with claimer Leigh Roche partnering El Toreros at 16.55, Force of Habit an hour later and Comedic Art at 18.25.

In the U.K., there are listed races at Chester and Newbury. At the first-named track the race is over 6 furlongs at 16.30; Rock Jock (Tracy Collins/ Pat Shanahan) has solid form at home in Ireland and can take this. At Newbury the fillies´ race over 1 1/2 miles at 17.30 looks quite open.Zain al Boldan (Mick Channon/ Richard Hughes) was an easy winner of the Lingfied Oaks trial but has disappointed on three outings since. Polygon (John Gosden/ William Buick) looks the more likely 3yo winner, after scoring very easily over 10 furlongs here last time and represents a stable in top form. However the one to beat is surely Sea of Heartbreak (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne), who was last time only half a length behind Timepiece, whe runs in the Group One at Deauville today.

Friday at Goodwood

The Glorious Goodwood meeting goes into its fourth day today, when the main event is the Group Two Richmond Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.45 CET. The race has been monopolised by Richard Hannon in recent years and he can score again with Habour Watch (Richard Hughes). He is unbeaten after two starts and although there is some tough opposition here, he can defeat 9 previous winners.

From the German point of view, the Group Three Oak Tree Stakes for fillies over 7 furlongs at 17.50 is the most interesting race, as there are two German fillies in the line-up, Rockatella (Werner Hefter/ Paul Hanagan) and Magic Eye (Andreas Löwe/ Hugh Bowman), who is to stay on in England after the race, having been sold to a British owner/breeder. They finished second and third, in that order, at Bremen last time out but of course this is a stronger race. Tropical Paradise (Peter Winkworth/ Ian Mongan) won it last year, but we do not fancy her this time. Maqaasid (John Gosden/ Richard Hills) and Rimth (Paul Cole/ Olivier Peslier) ran respectably in the English and French 1,000 Guineas, but we will take a chance on Memory (Hannon and Hughes again!), who has blotted her copybook by twice refusing to race, but has an excellent chance if she gets off on level terms.

The card opens with the Group Three Glorious Stakes over 1 1/ 2 miles, in which two previous German Group One runners are engaged - Campanologist (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Jukebox Jury (Mark Johnston/ Neil Callan), who will probably make the running. However our choice is Redwood (Barry and Michael Hills) who won this last year and has run well in some tough races since.

The big betting race is the totesport Mile at 16.10 which is always one of the toughest handicaps of the entire season. Green Destiny (William Haggas/ Adam Beschizza) is the clear favourite here after his impressive win in the John Smiths Cup at York. With only a token 3 lbs penalty he is officially 10 lbs well in here, but that race was over 1 1/4 miles and it is not certain that he is equally effective over this trip.

Rest of Goodwood

Although the Sussex Stakes will take most of the headlines, the rest of the Goodwood card is also classy, and Richard Hannon, quite apart from Canford Cliffs, will be hopeful of taking the Group Two Vintage Stakes for 2yo´s at 15.35 CET, in which he saddles 4 of the 7 runners. Jockey bookings suggest that Chandlery (Richard Hughes) is his number one, and this one can reverse Newmarket placings with Red Duke (John Quinn/ Kieren Fallon) on 3 lbs better terms for a neck. However Elkhart (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa), though moving up sharply in grade, could be a big danger after his easy win at Beverley.

The remaining races look very competitive. The opening Goodwood Stakes at 15.00 is a handicap over 2 miles 5 furlongs - one of the longest races in the calendar- and is often won by a N.H. horse, who make up most of the field today. Liberate (Philip Hobbs/ Jamie Spencer) and Spirit of Adjisa (Tim Vaughan/ Ryan Moore) have not run on the flat for ages, but are both in winning form over jumps, but our fancy is Raslan (David Pipe/ Adam Beschizza).

Johnston and de Sousa also have a chance here with Exemplary, but the stable has much better prospects in the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s, where Johnston saddles 4 runners. Sadlers Risk (Neil Callan) is the best of them and his Chester form looks really strong, but he has a huge weight as a result, and we prefer Halifax (Kieren Fallon) and specially Greyfriars Drummer (De Sousa), whose jockey is currently Johnston´s favourite- and with good reason.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Spirit Of Adjisa - Liberate - Bow To No One
2. Race: Chandlery - Red Duke - Rockinante
3. Race: Frankel - Canford Cliffs - Rajsaman
4. Race: Tanfeeth - Halifax - Whiplash Willie
5. Race: Sunday Times - Diamond Finesse - Rakasa
6. Race: Common Touch - Shavansky - Lutine Bell
7. Race: Miss Diagnosis - Blessed Biata - Apache Glory

Canford Cliffs v Frankel at Goodwood

It has variously been described as the race of the century or the duel on the downs - the Sussex Stakes over a mile at 16.10 CET at Goodwood this afternoon. Only four runners, but they include arguably the two best milers in the world - the 4yo Canford Cliffs (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally). Both are right out of the top drawer - Canford Cliffs, who has won 7 of his 10 starts, including the last five, among them this race last year and most recently a defeat of the mighty Goldikova at Royal Ascot. And Frankel, unbeaten in 7 starts and hugely impressive in most of them, especially when winning the 2,000 Guineas in breathtaking style. Frankel´s problem is that he is very headstrong, which means that race tactics will be all important. However it is likely that he will be in the lead two furlongs out, with Richard Hughes riding a stalking race on Canford Cliffs. This worked at Ascot against Goldikova, but it remains to be seen if it wi ll work again. Both tams w r confdent that their runners are in top form, we give slight preference to the younger horse who receives 8 lbs from his older rival- and last weekend´s results suggest that the 3yo´s are favoured by the weight-for-age scale at present.

Of course the other two runners cannot be totally disregarded, especially the French challenger Rajsaman (Freddie Head/ Thierry Jarnet), out to avenge her stable companion´s defeat by Canford Cliffs last time. He was himself only just over length behind Goldikova in May and any improvement puts him in with a chance. He can certainly be preferred to Rio de la Plata (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), himself a multiple Group One winner but probably destined for a lucrative last place here, especially in view of the poor stable form. It is possble that Frankie may try to make the running, but certainly not flat out and a sprint in the straight seems the likeliest scenario.

Start of Glorious Goodwood

The Glorious Goodwood meeting, one of the best of the entire year, starts today with an excellent card, featuring three group races. The Lennox Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.10 CET looks quite open, but Delegator (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), desit 3 lbs penakty, looks the on to bat. Dettori returns here after his horrible fall at scot on Saturday, but more of a worry could be the continuing poor form of the trainer, as we saw again at Hoppegarten on Sunday. Richard hannon has two runners here, both 3yo´s, Libranno (Ryan Moore) - who actually finished just in front of Delegator in the July Cup - and Strong Suit (Richard Hughes), who won at Royal Ascot. But a bigger threat could be Red Jazz (Barry and Michael Hills), who is running over his best trip.

The Hills family has another good chance with Slumber in the Gordon Stakes over 1 1/2 miles at 1535. There is very little between him and the Monsun colt Fiorente (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who looks certain to start favourite. Not only has Stoute an excellent record in this event, but Fiorente´s second place at Royal Ascot to Nathaniel has been boosted by the latter´s big race win on Saturday. At the forecast prices Slumber could be the value bet.

The final group race is the Molecomb Stakes for speedy 2yo´s at 16.45. There is a strong Irish challenge here wih Boris Grigoriev (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) and Requinto (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), both owned by Coolmore; Moore wears the first colours, but Lordan´s colt has arguably the better form, although his outside draw is a problem. Crown Depedency (Hannon/ Hughes) looks the best of the Brits.

The other 2yo race, over 6 furlongs for maidens at 17.20, could go the debutant Warcrown (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), described by the trainer as his best chance of the week and also his best juvenile. The handicaps look as tricky as ever but Modun (Stoute/ Moore) looks a place banker at least in the opening race over 10 furlongs and Moore can score again on Amanda Perrett´s Truism pver a mile at 17.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Modun - All Action - Our Joe Mac
2. Race: Fiorente - Slumber - Namibian
3. Race: Strong Suit - Delegator - Libranno
4. Race: Crown Dependency - Requinto - Charles The Great
5. Race: Moustache - Sequoia - Warcrown
6. Race: Truism - Master Mylo - Munsarim
7. Race: Noodles Blue Boy - Sutton Veny - Admirable Duchess

Galway meeting starts today

This week features two of the best meetings of the summer - in England Glorious Goodwood, which starts tomorrow, and in Ireland Galway, which goes on all week. The Galway meeting starts this evening with two hurdle races, four flat races and a bumper, and there is a simple recipe for betting at this meeting - back everything trained by Dermot Weld. The Rosewell House trainer has an incredible record here, but this of cozrs no grt scret and there is not always much value in backing his runners. He has fned runners in the first si rcs racs this evening, and it will be amazing if he has no winners. In our view Sulwaan (Paul Townend) in the opening novice hurdle at 18.05 CET, Force of Habit (Paul Carberry) in the handicap hurdle at 17.25, Riviera Post (Pat Smullen) in the 2yo maiden at 18.10 and Natural High (Robbie McNamara) in the day´s main fature at 19.45 - a 2 mile flat handicap for amateur riders- are his best chances.

The 4 meetings in the U.K. today are all very low key. At Ayr this afternoon, the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.00 looks the most interesting race and could lie between Questionnaire (Nicky Vaughan/ Luke Morris), who has won both his 2011 starts but meets better opposition now, and Royal Blade, whose trainer Alan Berry has struck form after a long period in the doldrums and has the talented Julie Burke in the saddle.

At Yarmouth, Ursula (Elaine Burke/ Andrew Ellliott) can recover losses incurred when he was a beaten favourite at Ayr last time by taking the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.15, while course specialist Rough Rock (Chris Dwyer/ Hayley Turner) goes for a quick CD hat-trick over 7 furlongs half an hour later; however at these weights we prefer Amoya (Charlie McBride/ Adam Beschizza) whose dam was a German clasic winner.

The maiden races look the best events at Windsor´s evening meeting. In the opening 3yo maiden at 19.10, Not Bad for a Boy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) has easily the best public form, having been beaten by a short head at Haydock last time, but there are several interesting newcomers, notably Sir Michael Stoute´ s well-bred Duke of Firenze (Ryan Moore).

The card at this evening´s N.H. meeting at Uttoxeter is very weak. German-bred Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Edmund Lineham) has an each-way chance in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 21.30 after running up in a similar event at Southwell last time.

final day of Ascot July meeting

today is the third and final day of Ascot´s big July meeting and the best race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.10 CET. This looks a really tough event in which none of the 13 runners is without a chance. Top-weight Medicean Man (Jeremy Gask/ Harry Bentley) is very consistent and has won twice over CD, including a fortnight ago, when he beat Sohraab (Hughie Morrison / Kieren O´Neill) by half a length; the latter is 4 lbs better off and there is little between them. Duchess Dora (John Quinn/ Ryan Moore) is much improved and has won her last two races, but now meets Lost in Paris (Tim Easterby/ Hayley Turner), who she defeated at Chester a month ago, on13 lbs worse terms. David Elsworth saddled two winners yesterday and can follow up with Swiss Franc (Jamie Spencer), a Newmarket winner last time, with Judge ´n Jury (Ron Harris/ Luke Morris) third, who won this 2 years ago; he has not won since but has dropped a long way in the weights since. Spencer rides the well-bred Blue Ti ger for Godolphin in the opening 2yo maiden, a race which is invariably won by a top-notcher, and Saeed bin Suroor can follow up with Burj Nahar (Richard Mullen) in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 16.25; this one has only ever run twice, winning both times, and scored well at Newmarket a month ago after nearly 20 months off. He has a great pedigree and is almost certainly much better than a handicapper.
Although there are only 5 runners, the listed race over a mile at 16.50 at Pontefract is a fascinating event. Saeed bin Suroor saddles Emerald Commander (Ted Durcan) here, who came close to beating Alianthus a week ago at Düsseldorf. However the one to beat is clearly Cityscape /Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) - if he lines up. The trainer has repeatedly withdrawn him at the last moment because of the fast ground. He will probably walk the track before making a final decision today.
There was a decent handicap for lady riders at Ascot yesterday and there is another one, but over a longer distance, at 16.00 at Carlisle today, with many of the same jockeys travelling north to take part. We lost our money yesterday on Alyson Deniel (fifth!) but might be able to get it back when she partners Mark Johnston´s Solicitor.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Blue Tiger - Zumbi - Regal Gold
2. Race: King Ferdinand - Blanche Dubawi - Foxtrot Hotel
3. Race: Burj Nahar - Kiama Bay - Warlu Way
4. Race: Gatewood - Grumeti - Groomed
5. Race: Regal Heiress - Nabah - Indian Mist
6. Race: Medicean Man - Duchess Dora - Sohraab

York and Newmarket

as happened last week, there is a plethora of good racing on the Saturday following a week without any highlights. Both York and Newmarket have strong cards, while there is also racing at Newcastle, this evening at Salisbury and Lingfield, as well as huge fields at the Irish N.H. meeting at Wexford.
Top feature at York is the Group Two York Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.05 CET. Twice Over (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) has a Group One penalty here but is clearly the best horse in the field. However his latest form is uninspiring, and we will take chance on the only 3yo in the field Dominant (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan), easy winner a of valuable sales race at Newmarket last time. Michael Stoute´s pair Class is Class(Paul Hanagan) and Eleanora Dusa (Silvestre de Sousa) could also run into the places. The big betting race here is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40 with 20 runners. Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Kieren Fallon) is a CD specialist and has an obvious chance, but will not find it easy under top weight. Fathsta (David Simcock/ Tom Queally) ran a good race last time over 7 furlongs at Newmarket and will find this trip more to his liking. However it is possible that the high numbers will have an advantage here, in which case Entitled (Stoute/ Louis-Philippe Beuzelin) and Irish Heartbeat (Richard Fahey/ Hanagan) come into the reckoning.
There are also some pretty hot handicaps on the card at Newmarket. We think that trainer David Elsworth could have good day here and expect his Classic Punch (Dane O´Neill) to repeat last year´s victory in the 10 furlongs race at 15.15. The same team also has a chance with Bonnie Brae in the fillies handicaap half an hour later - although the lightly-raced 3yo Instance (Jeremy Noseda/ Johnny Murtagh) could be hard to beat here - and Nicky Mackay rides the stable´ s Swiss Dream in the most valuable event here, a 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.20. This however is another wide open race, in which Dane O´Neill, now riding for Henry Candy, has another good chance on Seal Rock.

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot

the "King George", named after the parents of the present Queen, is always a high class event and that is the case again, even though there only 5 runners in the 1 1/2 mile Group One race at 17.30 CET. Debussy (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi) is presumably in the race as a pacemaker for his more fancied stable companion Rewilding (Frankie Dettori), but even he is a Group One winner and can be backed at 100-1(!). Still if Godolphin are to win this race again, it can only be with Rewilding, who beat So You Think after a titanic battle at Royal Ascot and before that won the Sheema Classic in Meydan in March. Sir Michael Stoute has won this race for the past two years and now relies on Workforce (Ryan Moore); the winner of last year´s Derby and Arc is the logical form choice, but the fact that he flopped in this race year ago is a slight problem. The recent rain is to his advantage, although it seems that the track is now drying out again. Any more rain would certainly help th e supplemented Nathaniel (John Gosden/ William Buick), the only 3yo in the field. He is moving up in grade after an impressive win at Royal Ascot, but 3yo´s have a poor record in this race, which in recent years has almost always gone to a 4yo. That age group is also represented by St. Nicholas Abbey (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), a top 2yo who was a major flop last season but is now coming back to his best and won the Coronation Cup last time. The trainer raised plenty of eyebrows by putting up his teenage son, but Joseph won the Irish 2,000 for the stable this year and certainly knows what is required. With such a small field, this is bound to be a tactical affair and much will depend on the fractions set by the camel driver on Debussy. We would love to see Rewilding win, which would be a boost for German breeding, as his sire the Grman-bred Tiger Hill stands at Fährhof, but logic dictates that Workforce is the likeliest winner. It is still not clear what went wrong last year , and his trainer has - rightly or wrongly- taken the blame for that poor performance, but Stoute is unlikely to get it wrong again.
The rest of the Ascot card is also classy but very tricky, especially the 24-runner International Stakes, a 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50, in which almost anything could win; Excellent Guest (George Margarson/ Philip Robinson), a consistent perfomer in such races, is our each-way selection.
The Princess Margaret Stakes, a Group Three race for 2yo fillies at 15.40 is always won by a topnotch filly and Stoute and Moore can also take this with Russelliana, while the lady riders handicap that traditionally opens the card at 14.30 is another tough handicap. We go for longshot Fishforcomliments (Richard Fahey/ Alyson Deniel), a notoriously difficult character who might possibly put his best foot forwards for this talented rider.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lightning Cloud - First Cat - Divine Call
2. Race: Pearl Charm - Talwar - Trumpet Major
3. Race: Russelliana - Regal Realm - Angels Will Fall
4. Race: Albaasil - Rave - My Freedom
5. Race: Hawkeyethenoo - Excellent Guest - The Confessor
6. Race: Workforce - St Nicholas Abbey - Rewilding
7. Race: Aiken - Masaraat - Parlour Games

Listed races at Ascot and York

obviously the top events are tomorrow, but Ascot and York both warm up today with some nice racing and a listed race at each track. Main event at Ascot is the mile race for fillies at 16.20 CET. To be honest, this looks a weak field for a listed race here, and the result should be decided between Primevere (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) and Winters Night (Clive Cox/ Luke Morris), both 3yo´s.

Best of the older horses is Soorah (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore), but we shall go with the consistent Primevere, one of the few runners of genuine listed class. Charlton and Drowne can follow up with Keys in the 2 mile handicap at 16.55; this smart bumper horse was a very easy winner last time and still seems well handicapped; he is out of the German mare Freni and thus a half-brother to the group winner Clowance.

York´s main event is also a listed race for fillies at 20.30, this time over 10 furlongs. Rainbow Springs (John Gosden/ William Buick) is clearly the better of the two 3yo´s but we expect the older horses to come out on top. Both Contredanse (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Sajjhaa (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) are entered in the Yorkshire Oaks and they stand out here. This could be a great weekend for Frankie and he can start off by winning this.

Incidentally, Buick will be at Thirsk this afternoon to ride Godolphin´s Hellenistic in the 2yo fillies maiden at 16.10 and the tip should be taken. Otherwise Michael Hills looks the jockey to follow here. At Newmarket this evening, we like the chances of ex-German group winner Aspectus (Jamie Osborne/ Sophie Doyle) in the mile handicap at 20.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ivor`S Princess - Hello Glory - Rain Dance
2. Race: Mehdi - Caledonian Spring - Strident Force
3. Race: Primevere - Winter`S Night - Sooraah
4. Race: Keys - Mountain Hiker - Colour Vision
5. Race: Troopingthecolour - Oceanway - Point North
6. Race: Cono Zur - First Post - Islesman

Two group races at Leopardstown this evening

8 meetings today, two of which come from Ireland and that is where the best racing is staged, with two group races at Leopardstown´s evening meeting. The Tyros Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 19.25 CET has been won by many top horses over the years and looks to lie between the stables of Aidan O´Brien and Jim Bolger, both of whom saddle two runners. We give slight preference to the former´ s Tenth Star, who will be partnered by the trainer´s son Joseph. The Meld Stakes at 20.30 is for 3yo´s and up over 9 furlongs, and Kevin Prendergast´s Dunboyne Express (Declan McDonogh) is an interesting runner here, having finished fifth in both the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Irish Derby,. However the one to beat is surely Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), an absolute course specialist who has won 8 times here, including in this race last year. He has a penalty today, but looks unbeatable in this grade and is our best bet of the day.

In England, Sandown this afternoon has the best card with a listed race for 2yo fillies at 16.20 the main event. This looks wide open and any of the 8 runners could win; we make a tentative choice of Ed Dunlop´ s Arsaadi (Frankie Dettori) but it is not really a race to bet on. More interesting could be Barney Curley´s ex-Schlenderhan runner Allanit (Tom Queally) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.55.

Please note that all races this afternoon are run over sprint distances, following the problems with the bend at the last meeting. Our best bet here is bottom-weight Dreams of Glory (Ron Hodges/ Simon Pearce) in the 5 furlongs hendicap at 16.10.

At Epsom this evening there are only 4 runners in the fillies maiden over 10 furlongs at 20.45. Henry Cecil has two German-bred entries and Neumark (Tom Queally), running in the colours of Hoppegarten boss Gerhard Schöningh, looks a good thing here.

There is jumpíng at Uttoxeter, where we expect Oasis Knight (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) to defy top weight and defeat three other last-time-out winners in the novice hurdle at 15.20.

Listed race at Naas

More moderate racing in the U.K. today and easily the best event of the day is the listed race for fillies over 6 furlongs at 20.30 CET this evening in Naas. No British runners here, but most of the top Irish trainers are represented. Invincible Ash (Mike Halford/ Gary Carroll) looks best of the older horses, but we expect the 3yo´s to dominate. Empowering (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) had no chance in the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas, but this is of course much easier. Alanza (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh), who was not given a hard race when third last time at Leopardstown, looks the main danger. We also expect the 3yo´s to take the following conditions race at 21.05 over a mile. Cocozza (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) and Muthadee (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) have not run since the autumn, but both looked very promising then. However the one to beat is Teo´s Sister (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), a full-sister to Teofilio and an easy winner on her debut who looks destined for much bett er things.

In England, the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.40 looks the best race at Catterick. This is very open, but top-weight Foxy Music (Eric Alston/ Graham Gibbons) is coming back into form and any further rain will boost his chances. There is all-weather racing at Lingfield, where the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 17.00 looks the most interesting event, with runners from several top stables. Blaise Chorus (Barry and Michael Hills) ran in the Oaks, and this is much easier, but Unex Renoir (John Gosden/ William Buick), out of an Acatenango mare, and Jamr (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), out of a Monsun mare, both look threatening. They go over jumps at Worcester, and German-bred All the Winds (Shaun Lycett/ Tony McCoy), shoud win the novice hurdle at 16.20 despite gving weight away all round; he is a decent handicapper on the flat and made an excellent hurdling debut. Another German-bred with a chance here is Sadler´s Star (Michael Blake/ Dominic Elsworth) in the handicap chase at 17.20; he has b een dropped in the weights, but is moving up in trip.

5 bad meetings today

Tuesday is often the worst day of the week as regards the standard of racing in Britain and today is no exception. 4 meetings in the U.K. and all of them very weak, and with mainly small fields, not at all punter-friendly. At Yarmouth, Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore team up with two runners that should both start favourite: Complexion in the fillies handicap at 15.45 and Chieftain Prince in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15.

With the Stoute stable now in better form, we expect them both to win, but neither is exactly bombproof and at the likely odds they represent no great value. At Musselburgh, Mark Johnston introduces an interesting newcomer Courtesy Call (Silvestre de Sousa) in the 2yo maiden at 16.00; the Manduro colt cost 80,000 euros as a yearling and would not have to be anything special to beat today´s opponents. Best bet here is Pokfulham (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope), beaten favourite at Ayr last time, but very unlucky. He has been in good form this year, both on the flat and over hurdles (3 wins so far in 2011) and can win the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 17.00. At Southwell, we expect top-weight Captain Bellamy (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) to win the 2 mile handicap at 21.00. He finished last at Newbury last time, but that was a much better race and the opposition looks very weak here. He won over 11 furlongs at this track earlier, and is now stepping up in trip, but in fact none of these runners have form at this distance.

There is N.H. racing this evening at Bangor, where our tip is Rawaaj (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke), who has top-weight in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 21.40. His stable generally does well here and he has the best form in the race; any rain (as is forecast) would also be an advantage. There are much bigger fields at the Irish all-hurdles meeting at Ballinrobe, but not much more quality. In a Nutshell (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) and Seader (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) can land a short-priced double here in the two maiden races which open the card at 18.20 and 18.50

5 meetings today

Racing all over the place today, but of very low quality. At Ayr, Wicked Wilma (Alan Berry/ Pat Mathers), who ended a long losing run last week at Hamilton, reappears under a 6 lbs penalty in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30 CET. Now that she has remembered what it is like to win, she can score again, although top-weight Chosen One (Ruth Carr/ Peter Mcdonald), who won 4 races last year at this trip, is now back on a winning mark and could go close. Carr and Mcdonald have another chance with the consistent 9yo Beckermet in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.00, but here we prefer the improving Monel (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope), who can complete a quick CD hat-trick.

The best race at Yarmouth is the 3yo handicap over the straight mile at 16.15. Only 6 runners, but most of them look likely improvers. Arabian Heights (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) and Set Me Free (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) are both recent winners moving up in grade, but with the Stoute stable now in form, we prefer Switchback (Ryan Moore), runner-up at Doncaster last time.

Windsor stages its usual Monday evening fixture and it is significant that Frankie Dettori, fresh from his Irish Oaks success, comes here for just one ride, Godolphin´s Anatolian in the 10 furlongs maiden at 21.10. Word Power (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally)looks the main danger. Otherwise it usually pays to follow Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes here, and they can land a double with the Queen´s Free Verse in the 2yo fillies maiden at 20.10 and the consistent Palais Glide in the 3yo handicap half an hour later.

Ruth Carr, who has runners at Ayr this afternoon, also has winning possibilities this evening at Beverley with Amazing Blue Sky, top weight in the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.00, and Galpin Junior in the 5 furlongs handicap at 22.00, both partnered by James Sullivan.

There is also a mixed meeting in Ireland, with 4 flat races followed by 3 races over hurdles at Ballinrobe. Best bet here is Cinderella Story (Patrick Martin/ Andrew Thornton) in the mares maiden hurdle at 20.50.

Irish Oaks at the Curragh

There are three meetings in the U.K. today, plus an all Arab card at Newbury, but the top events are in Ireland, with the Irish Oaks at 16.45 CET taking pride of place. 9 runners here, including the winner Dancing Rain (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh), runner-up Wonder of Wonders (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) and beaten favourite and 4th-placed Blue Bunting (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) from the Oaks at Epsom.

Dancing Rain made all the running then, but at a false pace, so it would be no surprise to see this result reversed today. Haggas, of course, does not agree, but he is in a minority and Wonder of Wonders is hot favourite to go one better this time. O´Brien has two more runners - Gemstone (Colm O´Donoghue) and Amazing Beauty, partnered by his son Joseph, who will probably make the running, so Dancing Rain will have no easy lead this time. In addition Godolphin have supplemented German-bred Rumh (Saeed bin Suroor/ Pat Smullen), presumably also to ensure a proper pace, so there will be no hanging about today. In addition the shrewd Jim Bolger has a pacemaker in the race for his main hope Banimpire (Kevin Manning), a really tough filly who has won 5 of her 7 starts this season, including the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. Laughing Lashes (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) was third in the Irish 1,000 and is also not out of it. But basically it all comes down to the Epsom form. Aidan O ´Brien has a fantastic record in the Irish classics and his stable is enjoying a real purple patch, but Blue Bunting looked like a very smarl filly when winning the 1,000 Guineas and had everything against her at Epsom - including an unusually poor ride by Dettori- and we hope that she can out the record right this time.

Also at the Curragh this afternoon are two Group Three races, the Anglesey Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.40, and the Kilboy Estate Stakes for fillies and mares over 9 furlongs at 16.10. The latter has a relatively weak field; Seta (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) looks best of the older fillies, but we expect the 3yo´s to come out on top, notably Wild Wind (O´Brien/ Moore) and Claiomh Solais (Bolger/ Manning). The 2yo race looks more open, but the Coolmore team, with 3 runners trained by O´Brien and another one from the David Wachman stable, hold a strong hand. British raider Fulbright (Mark Johnston/ Dettori) is the obvious threat.

As far as the future is concerned, the opening 2yo maiden at 15.10 could be of even greater interest, and this race is almost always won by a subsequent Group race winner. With well-bred runners from the O´Brien,Weld, Lyons and Harrington camps, this is not a race to bet on, but certainly one to watch and the winner must be followed. The best jumps race today also comes from Ireland, and that is the Grade Three hurdle at 16.35 at Tipperary, which has attracted a very strong field for the time of year. Jumbo Rio (Edward O`Grady/ Andrew McNamara) won this in 2009 and has chances of repeating this victory, while Captain Cee Bee (Eddie Harty/ Tony McCoy) is a top-notch chaser. However our selection is Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), who is not far behind the very best 2 mile hurdlers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Newbury Hall - Apollo - Hit The Jackpot
2. Race: Fire Lily - Fulbright - After
3. Race: Seta - Claiomh Solais - Wild Wind
4. Race: Wonder Of Wonders - Dancing Rain - Blue Bunting
5. Race: Dimona - Bondage - Scottish Boogie
6. Race: Confessional - Celerina - Cheviot
7. Race: Gold Mirage - Solar Sail - Late Day Sun
8. Race: Allegra Tak - Fiddle Player - Foot Perfect

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

There could be a German winner at Newmarket today as Gestüt Röttgen´s Wild Coco (Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern) looked really impressive when winning her maiden by 8 lengths at Haydock and can successfully take the leap in class when she contests the listed Aphrodite Stakes at 15.35 CET. Meeznah (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan), disqualified after finishing second in last year´s Oaks, and Imperial Pippin (John Goden/ Martin Dwyer) look the most dangerous opponents.

Betting forecast for the races at Newmarket:
1. Race: Diamondhead - Grizzle - Money Never Sleeps
2. Race: Meeznah - Wild Coco - Sea Of Heartbreak
3. Race: Give Your Verdict - Viva Ronaldo - Desert Romance
4. Race: Guided Missile - Desert Poppy - Dubai Media
5. Race: Danehill Dante - Raymbek Batyr - Lay Time
6. Race: Kirthill - Tahaamah - Trojan Nights
7. Race: Hazelrigg - Judge `N Jury - Novellen Lad


There is also flat racing at Ripon, but there is a much better card in Ireland at the Curragh, on the first day of the Irish Oaks meeting. Main feature here is the Group Three Minstrel Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.40. The Cheka (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Tom Queally) is the sole English challenger and must have a good chance, but we just prefer the 3yo filly Seeharn (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh).

Betting forecast for the races at Curragh:
1. Race: An Ghalanta - Redoutable - Sophies Echo
2. Race: Madeira Classic - Arminta - Sixty Eight Guns
3. Race: Sunset Beauty - Midnight Music - Simla Sunset
4. Race: The Cheka - Six Of Hearts - Duff
5. Race: Cherokee Brave - Fountain Of Honour - Harangue
6. Race: Compelling - Erins Gal - Olfa
7. Race: Greek Canyon - Tarcisio - Bahama Spirit


The best N.H. fixture of the summer is on at Market Rasen today, and we fancy ex-German Ostland (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) in the main event, a valuble handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.45. Since being switched to fences he had shown tremendously improved form, and though he has also shot up the weights and is now meeting much tougher opposition, he could still be able to record his fourth win in succession.

Betting forecast for the races at Market Rasen:
1. Race: Street Entertainer - Rajnagan - Fair Gale
2. Race: Arctic Reach - Cool Newport - Arizona High
3. Race: Strumble Head - King`S Forest - Life Of A Luso
4. Race: Schindler`S Gold - Classic Swain - North Island
5. Race: Paddy The Hare - King Olav - Champagne Style
6. Race: Princely Hero - I`M The Decider - French Ties
7. Race: Exulto - Stagecoach Amber - Kikos

German winners in France?

With Longchamp new closed for the summer, and Chantilly closed while a new all-weather track is being built, the action in France will soon switch to the Normandy coast, and there will be very little racing in Paris in the coming weeks. However Maisons-Laffitte stages a strong card today with two group races and German runners in each. The Prix Messidor at 15.40 CET is run over the straight mile and Sir Oscar (Toni Potters/ Andreas Suborics) is the German hope. Much as we would like to see him score for his adorable owner, we fear that the winner will come from England, as Roger Charlton has described Cityscape (Maxime Guyon) as one of the best horses he has ever trained, in which case he should win this easily.

The tiercé handicap at 15.08 is also run over the straight mile, and Layer Cake (Christian Sprengel/ Suborics) has top weight here, but certainly has an each way chance, and the same goes for Electric Roi (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Dominique Boeuf) in the second and easier division. However the best German chance of the day is in our view Smooth Operator (Mario Hofer/ Terry Hellier) in the Prix de Ris Orangis over 1200 metres at 16.10. He was beaten by the draw last time at Hamburg, but a repetition of his Baden-Baden form would give him a great chance here. The top Italian sprinter Blu Constellation (Vincente Caruso/ Mirco Demuro) is the obvious danger, especially as he goes well at this track. If the locals have a chance of winning this, it can only be with Spectacle de Mars (Xavier Nakkachdji/ Gregoire Benoist).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Concealing - Newcastle - Flying Scotsman
2. Race: Manjakani - Intercepteur - Aussiwave
3. Race: Miss Lago - Famous Lilly - Vapour
4. Race: Stelrock - Issacar - Ball Prince
5. Race: Cityscape - Polytechnicien - Sandagiyr
6. Race: Blu Constellation - Spectacle Du Mars - Smooth Operator
7. Race: Hallssio - American Ganster - The Nought Man
8. Race: Electric Roi - Quirinus - Sumatra Tiger

Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury

The Weatherbys Super Sprint, run this afternoon at 16.30 CET for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at Newbury, is always of the most hotly-contested 2yo races of the season. With total prize-money of 200,000 GBP this is not suprising and today 25 juveniles will be running for a slice of that fat cake. Richard Hannon has a good record in this but it is not easy to choose between his 4 runners; Eureka (Richard Hughes) and Redact (Ryan Moore) would appear to have the best chances, and both are unbeaten after 2 starts. Tim Easterby also does well in this, and as he has only one runner, the lightly-weighted Ponty Acclaim (Duran Fentiman) the choice is easier. Richard Fahey also has 4 runners here, with stable jockey Paul Hanagan riding Lily´s Angel, who has already won 4 races including a listed event at Newmarket. With a large weight range and uncertainty about the draw, this is tricky, but we think that Ponty Acclaim is a decent bet at the likely odds.

Also at Newbury, the Group Three Hackwood Stakes over 6 furlongs is another hot sprint, although this time with only 10 runners. The 3yo´s Cape to Rio (Jamie Spencer) and Retainer (Jimmy Fortune), both trained by Hannon, cannot be ignored but we prefer the older horses. Regal Parade (David and Adrian Nicholls) won this last year and is always a factor in these big sprints, while Markab (Henry Candy/Dane O´Neill) was the beaten favourite in this a year ago and then beat Regal Parade in the Haydock Group One; with the stable doing well, he just gets our vote.
The listed race over 10 furlongs here at 17.05 is another tough race, but whenever Alain de Royer-Dupré sends a runner to England he should always be followed. In this case it is the Aga Khan´ s Shimraan (Gerald Mosse´), winner of last year´s Prix Eugene Adam, form which should suffice here, even though he has not run since October.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Coupe De Ville - Leqqaa - Letsgoroundagain
2. Race: Deacon Blues - Markab - Regal Parade
3. Race: Heavenly Dawn - Belle Royale - Byrony
4. Race: Eureka - Lily`S Angel - Redact
5. Race: Shimraan - Elusive Pimpernel - Dux Scholar
6. Race: Fury - King Of Jazz - Eucharist
7. Race: Keys - Taikoo - Cosimo De Medici

4 meetings this evening

The best race this evening, and probably of the whole day, is the sprint handicap at Hamilton at 20.45 with 15 runners. All the usual suspects are well represented here, with Richard Fahey, who has often won this race, saddling 3 runners, the best of which is possibly Quest for Success, the mount of stable jockey Paul Hanagan. We prefer top-weight Tajneed (Andrew Mullen) of David Nicholls´ two runners; he was 8th of 28 in a very hot handicap at the Curragh last time, where Colonel Mak (David Barron/ Lee Newman) finished in 10th. Roker Park (David O´Meara/ Derek Nolan) was an easy winner at Chester, but our choice is Everymanforhimself (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin), runner-up at Newcastle last time.

At Newmarket´s evening meeting Elusivity (Brian Meehan/ Frankie Dettori) is bound to be popular for the 3yo handicap at 19.55 after finishing runner-up 5 times running and now partnered for the first time by Frankie. He has never been beaten by much but has gone up a lot in the handicap as a result, so we give slight preference to the consistent Romantic Wish (Robert Mills/ Jim Crowley). Sprint king Henry Candy can take the 5 furlongs race here half an hour later with Dinkum Diamond (William Buick), runner-up in a listed race at Sandown last time.

At Pontefract we think that Secret Asset (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Silvestre de Sousa) could run a big race under top weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.35, with Albany Close (Rae Guest/ Ted Durcan) and Duchess Dora (John Quinn/ Dale Swift) the two main dangers.

There are the usual huge fields in the Irish N.H. meeting at Kilbeggan, where the top event is a valuable handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 21.25. Harolds Cross (Christy Roche/ Alan Crowe) has won his last 3 races and is the obvious choice, but at these weights we just prefer Future All Star (Colm Murphy/ Jon Cullen). Novarov (JF O´Shea/ SG McDermott), last seen winning at Dortmund in December, makes his hurdling debut here at 18.45.

3 flat meetings this afternoon

Plenty of runners today with 6 flat meetings plus an Irish N.H. fixture and some big fields all over. Newbury´s card this afternoon features a listed race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.40 CET. 3 of the runners are unbeaten - Wise Venture (Alan Jarvis/ Jim Crowley), Factory Time (Mick Channon/ Hugh Bowman) and Saigon (Jamie Toller/ Kirsty Milzcarek) and obviously they are respected, but the winner is more likely to come from those who have been contesting better grade events. B Fifty Two (John Hills/ Seb Sanders) and North Star Boy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) both ran in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The former did better there, but the latter has since run a big race in the July Stakes at Newmarket last week and is the selection. The 10 furlongs handicap here at 18.20 is a very tricky race. Hamdan al Maktoum owns the two top weights, Taqleed (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and the consistent Udabaa (Marcus Tregoning/ Richard Hills) and both could go well, especially the latter in the owner´s first colours, but we prefer the only 3yo in the field Sud Pacifique (Jeremy Noseda/ Richard Hughes), 6th behind Brown Panther at Ascot last time.

The most interesting race at Haydock is the conditions event over 7 furlongs at 17.00. Norville (David Evans/Cathy Gannon) has already won 6 times in 2011, but is hard to place now, while Mahubo (Tom Tate/ Jamie Spencer) has not run since February at Meydan.The safest options would appear to be Katakosi (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), who has been running in group races, and Shamandar (William Haggas/ Silvestre de Sousa), who is very well treated by the race conditions; he was a smart 2yo in 2009, but missed all of 2010. He has shown very little since his comeback this season, but a return to anywhere near his best form would give him a great chance here and of course he is partnered by the hot jockey of the moment.

The mile handicap at 16.50 at Nottingham could go to one of the bottom weigts, Cono Zur (Ruth Carr/ James Sullivan) or High Five Society (Roy Bowring/ Charles Eddery), who is chasing a hat-trick but now faces better opposition.

5 bad meetings today

The week starts off on a low note, with very moderate sport at all 4 British meetings. At Ayr this afternoon there are mainly small fields, short on both quantity and quality. The fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.30 CET should mainly concern Timeless Elegance (Howard Johnson/ Dale Swift), in th money all starts this season, and bottom weight Eternal Instinct (Jim Goldie/ Gary Bartley), back to form with an easy win here over 5 furlongs last week. Should the latter run well, that would be an obvious pointer to the chances of Arriva la Diva (Linda Perratt/ Paul Hanagan) in the next race, who was runner-up to her last week.

Two short-priced favourites could oblige at Ffos Las, the Queen´s Straight Walk (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) in the fillies maiden over 1 1/2 miles at 15.20, and Dream of Dawn (MIck Channon/ Hugh Bowman) in the 6 furlongs maiden at 16.20. Both ran well enough last time against better opposition to score here. Crocus Rose (Harry Dunlop/ Jimmy Quinn) also ran well in better class last time and must have a leading chance in the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 17.20, but we prefer Praxiteles (Rebecca Curtis/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who has a 6 lbs penalty for a very easy win over 2 miles at Bath 5 days ago.

Sir Mark Prescott and his stable jockey Seb Sanders might land a double at Wolverhampton this evening with Final Liberation in the 3yo handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 20.20 and Arabian Heights in the 9 1/2 furlongs maiden at 21.50, both beaten favourites last time out who could recover losses here.

At Windsor this evening, the fillies mile handicap at 21.10 looks the best race. Hurricane Lady (Walter Swinburn/ Eddie Ahern) can complete a hat-trick here; she still looks quite leniently handicapped. Unexposed Totheendsofthearth (Sylvester Kirk/ Ryan Moore), third on all 3 career starts, looks the main danger; it is interesting that Ryan rides this one rather than partner his father´s top-weight Red Yarn, who will now be partnered by George Baker.

If there are classy horses running today, they can only be found at the Irish meeting at Killarney, where there is a mixed card of 4 flat races, and one hurdle race, one chase and one bumper. Our best bet here is the ex-German Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ Paul Carberry), who attempts to repeat his 2010 victory in the 2 mile 1 furlong chase at 21.00. He has to concede weight to all the others here, but he is a reliable performer in this grade and can win this for the second time.

Ireland today

At least there is flat racing at Fairyhouse in Ireland, although well below the usual Sunday standard. Main event is the listed event over 6 furlongs at 16.05 CET. This looks quite tricky, and the field includes the winner Croisultan (Liam McAteer/ Niall McCullagh), runner-up Rock Jock (Tracy Collins/ Pat Shanahan) and fifth Santo Padre (David Marnane/ Colm O´Donoghue) from the 2010 running.

Of these the last-named has easily the best recent form. The first two seem to have lost form and the same goes for Duff (Eddie Lynam/ Kevin Manning), who has not won for almost two years. With doubts about the older horses, this could go to a 3yo, and the filly Rose Bonheur (Kevin Prenderfast/ Declan McDonough) certainly fits the bill, having won 3 times already this year. She was third to the smart Emulous over 7 furlongs here last time, form which gives her an obvious chance. Moonlit Garden (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) was miles behind her at Naas, but showed better form next time and could be the danger.

There are some decent performers entered in the 10 furlongs conditions race an hour later, but here again we think that the 3yo´s can come out on top, and expect Sharestan (John Oxx/ McCullagh) and Freedom (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) to fight out the finish.

There is also Irish N.H. racing at Sligo, with the usual large fields. The main event, a novice hurdle at 16.15, has however only 7 runners. Princeton Plans (Eddie Harty/ Niall Madden) and Tavern Times (Tom Mullins/ Davy Russell) have already shown a decent level of form, but they have to concede a lot of weight to the 4yo debutant Sulwaan (Dermot Weld/ Ruby Walsh) and he could score over hurdles at the first time of asking.

Only jumping today

The idiotic race planning in the U.K. is once again apparent today, as after a Saturday with 7 flat meetings, including three top fixtures, we now have a Sunday with only 3 modest N.H. fixtures. Champion jockey Tony McCoy travels to Southwell where he has winning chances on all 4 mounts. His best prospect is undoubtedly Jonjo O´Neill´s Chesapeake in the novice chase at 15.50 CET.

He was easily the best of these over hurdles and got off to a good start over fences by winning well at Worcester. McCoy can also score on Donald McCain´s Cygnet in the selling hurdle at 16.50, John Jenkins´Hi Tide half an hour later and in the concluding bumper at 18.50 on Keith Goldsworthy´s Kanturk.

The latter´s task is made easier by the fact that forecast favourite Jive Master (Tim Vaughan/Michael Byrne) runs instead at 18.10 at Perth. This one looks a very promising recruit judging by the way he won at Newton Abbot and can run up a sequence. He should certainly win today, when Incas Article (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) looks the only danger, Otherwise Elliott and Maguire can clean up here with 5 fancied runners in the other 6 races and it would be a big disappointment if the trainer travels back to Ireland without at least a couple of winners in the bag.

Paul Nicholls is always very quiet in the summer months, but his two runners at Stratford, Spock (Daryl Jacob) at 15.30 and Hoo la Baloo (James Cowley) at 16.30 could both win again, even though their last-time-out success were not particularly impressive. The handicap hurdle here at 16.00 can go to top-weight Brunston (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), a useful flat horse who is also making a name for himself over sticks. Best bet here is Smart Freddy (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) in the opening novice hurdle at 15.00, who showed much improved form to win last time and has nothing much to beat today.

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

In an absolutely crazy piece of race planning, there are also top-class cards at York and Ascot today, as well as racing at Chester, as well as Tipperary in Ireland and racing this evening at Salisbury and Hamilton. Many of the top jockeys are in action at York, where the John Smith´s Cup, a valuable handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.15, is the main event. It is certainly significant that Sir Michael Stoute sends Ryan Moore here to partner Modun, who was a disappointing favourite over further at Royal Ascot. With the stable now in much better form, he looks very dangerous. The lightly-raced Pekan Star (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) missed Ascot to wait for this and could easily complete a hat-trick here, while Beachfire (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Lost in the Moment (Saeed bin Suroor/ Mikael Barzalona), first and second at Royal Ascot, are also dangerous in a wide-open event. The handicaps at 15.40, over 1 3/4 miles, and 16.55, over a mile, also have 20 runners and look equa lly difficult. Our tentative choices here are Theology (Jeremy Noseda/ William Buick) in the former and Georgebernardshaw (John Quinn/ Micky Fenton) in the latter, but almost anything is possible. The listed race over 5 furlongs that opens the card at 15.05 looks more straightforward and we expect CD specialists Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Callan) and Hamish McGonagal (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) to dominate the finish.

Big race at Ascot is the Group Two Summer Mile at 16.45; only 6 runners here, and one of them Cityscape (Roger Charlton/Pat Cosgrave) is doubtful because of the fast ground. Dick Turpin (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) looks the likeliest winner here, athough Red Jazz (Barry and Michael Hills) and Side Glance (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) could be dangerous. Balding and Probert have another chance with Dungannon in the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.30, another very tricky race. Our preference here is for Ritual (Noseda/ John Fahy), going for a five-timer, and bottom weight L´ami Louis (Henry Candy/ Frankie McDonald).

Main event at Chester is the listed race over 7 furlongs at 17.35. Awzaan (Mark Johnston/Liam Jones) was a very smart 2yo but has struggled a bit since; however he should still be good enough to win in this company.

There is also an Irish listed race for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 16.40 at Tipperary. Only 5 runners, and David Wachman has two of them, Experience (Willie Lee) and Requinto (Wayne Lordan), who could well take the first two places.

July Cup at Newmarket

the Group One July Cup over 6 furlongs at 16.35 CET at Newmarket is the third top class sprint in the last month in England, and many of the runners today ran either in the King´s Stand Stakes or the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot The Australian hope Star Witness (Danny O´Brien/ Steven Arnold) ran in both of them and was placed both times, which gives him an obvious chance here, especially if the rain stays away and the ground remains on the fast side. Two more that will like fast ground are Delegator (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) - who was withdrawn at Ascot after it started raining - and the German challenger War Artist (Markus Klug/ Olivier Peslier), who has plenty of smart form at this level. He won Baden-Baden´s Goldene Peitsche in 2009, a race that went a year later to Amico Fritz (Henri-Alex Pantall/ Maxime Guyon). If the ground turns soft, then the 3yo Dream Ahead (David Simcock/ Hayley Turner) could be the one; he looked very smart last season, and although he h ad no chance against Frankel at Ascot, that was over a mile and he has always looked more of a sprinter. However much we would like Hayley to win a Group One (and she would be only the second female jockey to triumph at this level) we do not believe it, especially as her no. 2 draw looks a disadvantage based on yesterdays results. Star Witness is drawn in the middle and Delegator and War Artist on the far, i.e favourable, side and we expect one of these to win but a look at the weather is essential first.

The other group race at Newmarket is the Group Two Superlative Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.20. Fort Bastion (Richard Hannon/ Peslier), runner-up at Royal Ascot, and John Lightbody (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) are our two against the field in a tricky race, but even trickier is the 20-runner Bunbury Cup over 7 furlongs at 15.55, always one of the hottest handicaps of the year. King of Jazz (Hannon/ Jimmy Fortune) is a lightly-raced 3yo with plenty of improvement to come; he may well be a blot on the handicap, but this age group find it hard to win in tough company at this time of year. We will look elsewhere and again discard runners with a low draw, including our old friend Docofthebay in 7. We ar left with Manassas (Brian Mehan/ Dettori), drawn 20, and Excellent Guest (George Margarson/ Philip Robinson), drawn 18, first and second in a similar handicap at Royal Ascot, but of course there are plenty of possible winners here.

rest of Newmarket

the rest of the Newmarket card is also pretty strong, with the next best race also reserved for fillies, this time 2yo´s.This is the Cherry Hinton Stakes over 6 furlongs at 15.25 CET and also has a very strong field, although all British-trained. 9 of the 11 runners are winners and even the two maidens are not without their chances: Gamilati (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) was only beaten by a short head over this CD last time, while Caledonia Lady (J.Hughes/ Darryll Holland) just failed at Royal Ascot in 3-way photo finish with favourite Shumoos (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer) inches in front of her in second. Inetrobil (Kevn Ryan/ Phillip Makin) also ran a great race at Royal Ascot, while Miss Work of Art (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) is unbeaten in 3 starts.

Russelliana (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and My Propeller (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer) are easy maiden winners moving up in grade. This is not really a race to bet on, but certainly one to watch. If we are forced to make a selection, it would be Russelliana with the Stoute stable coming back to top form.
The big betting race here is the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 14.50 with 19 runners. Lexi´s Hero (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) finished in front of no fewer than 7 of these opponents when winning a similar race at York. Swiss Dream, (David Elsworth/ Ryan Moore) was a close fourth, while Forjatt (Roger Varian/ Dettori) and favourite Desert Law (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) were well back but expected to run much better this time. Of the lower weights St Augustine (John Best/ Luke Morris) looks dangerous after winning last time at Goodwood.
In some crazy race planning, today also sees top cards at Ascot and York- and tomorrow even more - with the top jockeys all over the place. Main race at York is the fillies´ Group Three over 6 furlongs at 16.35, but the race which interests us most is the 1 1/2 miles handicap here at 16.45 in which Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Tom Eaves), a winner over hurdles, runs on the flat for the first time in 18 months. Close relations Waldpark and Masked Marvel have already won big races this week, and possibly Waldvogel can complete a hat-trick for the Waldrun family.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Instance - Psychic`S Dream - Tuscania
2. Race: Steps - Lexi`S Hero - Forjatt
3. Race: Shumoos - Miss Work Of Art - Inetrobil
4. Race: Antara - Lily Of The Valley - Sahpresa
5. Race: Right Regal - Net Whizz - Sports Section
6. Race: Thimaar - Eagles Peak - Dick Doughtywylie
7. Race: Marajaa - My Freedom - Divine Call

Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket

Main feature of the second day of Newmarket´s July Festival is the Falmouth Stakes, a Group One race for fillies and mares over a mile at 16.00 CET. This has attracted an extremely strong international field and we would quite surprised if an English-trained filly wins. Best of the home contingent could be Godolphin´s ex-German Antara (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori - returning from a long suspension).

However we are not sure that she is capable of winning in this company, although she holds First City (David Simcock/ Paul Hanagan) on Epsom form; that one is any case probably inferior to stable companion I´m a Dreamer (Jamie Spencer). Maqaasid (John Gosden/ Richard Hills) was third in the 1,000 Guineas, but well beaten in the French version, where she was handicapped by a bad draw. Memory (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) would have a chance on last season´s form, but she blotted her copybook by refusing to race in the 1,000 Guineas, was beaten at Royal Ascot and does not seem too reliable.

We expect the prize-money to cross the channel as the French runners Sahpresa (Rodolphe Collet/ Christophe Lemaire) and Lily of the Valley (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Soumillon) have the best form credentials. The former has already won the Sun Chariot twice here, a similar race but run on the Rowley Mile rather than the July Course and started her 2011 campaign with an easy win. However we prefer the latter, who was unbeaten last season, including an impressive win in the Prix de l´Opera (over 10 furlongs), and although beaten on her seasonal debut, that should not be taken too seriously. The drop back to a mile could be more of a problem, and that also applies to South African hope River Jetez (Mike de Kock/ Pat Cosgrave), who has top international form at such big meetings as Meydan and Singapore. However our main hope here is Lilly of the Valley.

Rest of Newmarket

The other Group Two at Newmarket today is the July Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 14.50 CET. All 7 runners have shown ability, but Royal Ascot form is usually the most reliable here, so we make Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) our selection. He was only run out of it in the final 100 yards by the smart Power in the Coventry Stakes, and could be good enough. Frederick Engels (David Brown/ Eddie Ahern) won in good style at Royal Ascot, but it could be that he is a 5 furlongs specialist and this tougher track and extra furlong could find him out. In our opinion the once-raced Church Music (Kevin Ryan/ Richard Mullen) could be the danger; he won very easily on his debut at York and was heavily backed to do so.

The card opens with the Group Three Bahrain Trophy for 3yo´s over 1 mile and 5 furlongs, an early St.Leger trial. Masked Marvel (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), 8th in the Derby and before that a Goodwood winner, looks the likely winner here. He is a close relation to last Sunday´s German Derby winner Waldpark. Census (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore), runner up at Ascot to Brown Panther, 5th at Hamburg, and Solar Sky (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), also a Royal Ascot runner-up, look the main dangers.

The big betting race of the day is the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´ s at 15.25. With 19 runners, almost anything is possible here. Mijhaar (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) looks certain to start favourite here after a good performance at Group 2 level in Royal Ascot, but favourites rarely win this, and our three against the field are top-weight Malthouse (Mark Johnston/ Sivestre de Sousa), a half-brother to German champion miler Martillo, Tullius (Peter Winkworth/ Luke Morris) and the improving Halfsin (Marco Botti/ Andrea Atzeni).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Masked Marvel - Zain Al Boldan - Solar Sky
2. Race: Roman Soldier - Frederick Engels - Church Music
3. Race: Mijhaar - Labarinto - Club Oceanic
4. Race: Redwood - Crystal Capella - Afsare
5. Race: Burwaaz - Harbour Watch - Hadaj
6. Race: Fury - Cai Shen - Bridgefield
7. Race: Apace - Jamesway - La Fortunata

July Festival starts at Newmarket

The July meeting at Newmarket, one of the best summer meetings in the U.K., starts today with a strong card, headed by two Group 2 races. Much will depend on the going, which is currently good to firm; however heavy showers are forecast, and there may well be quite a lot of cut later on. The Princess of Wales´s Stakes over one a half miles at 16.00 CET is the main event, and Redwood (Barry and Michael Hills) looks the logical selection, but he is definitely one of those who do not want any rain. He has not run since finishing second to Rewilding at Meydan in March, and last year won Canada´s Northern Dancer Stakes as well as running-up in the Hong Kong Vase. A repetition of any of that form would see him win here, but there must be a slight doubt in view of the weather and the long break since his last race. However he is extremely consistent and finished runner-up in this a year ago and it is hard to imagine that he will not be placed at least.

Main danger could be Campanologist (Saeed bin Suroor/ Mikael Barzalona), who won two Hroip OIns in Gemny last ummer. He has not won since, but has been campaigned in tough races and certainly has chances at this level. The filly Crystal Capella (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and the front-runner Laaheb (Roger Varian/ Richard Hills) look next best, but the two 3yo´s in the field face a tough task in a race where that age group has been very unsuccessful over the years. There have been only 2 3yo winners in the past 18 years and they were both trained by Mark Johnston, who now saddles Dordogne (Silvestre de Sousa), another front-runner who needs fast ground. His best form was when winning the Lingfield Derby trial, but we would be surprised if he is strong enough to hold off the older horses here.

German-breds to score today?

Six low-level meetings today, but there could be value in backing some German-breds running at four different tracks. At Bath in the 2 mile+ handicap at 17.10 CET, Salontyre (Bernard Llewellyn/ David Probert), from a good Wittekindshof family, can go one better after being beaten a short head last time at Chepstow. Half an hour later, Aviso (David and Richard Evans), winner of the German 2000 Guineas back in 2007, has a good each-way chance despite top weight in a handicap over 10 furlongs.

At Catterick the main event is also a 2 mile handicap at 16.20 and the Fährhof-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Lee Newman) has an obvious chance after winning easily at Musselburgh last week. Northern Flyer /John Quinn/ Declan Carroll) could also run well in the tricky 7 furlongs handicap and an hour later, while earlier the lightly-raced In Babylon (Anne Duffield/ Dale Swift) should go well in the 3yo handicap over the same trip at 15.50.

Our best bet of the day is another German-bred running over hurdles at Worcester this evening. Geneva Geyser (Lady Herries/ Leighton Aspell) was quite a decent flat handicapper and won nicely on his debut over sticks. He can win again at 19.10, where the other penalised runner Cerabinier (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) looks the main danger. McCoy can land a double later on with `Declan Carroll´s much improved Spice Bar in the handicap hurdle at 21.10 and Rebecca Curtis´ Black Jack Blues in the novice chase half an hour later.

Andrew Balding has his string in great form and has chances of a double at Kempton´s all-weather meeting this evening with King Ferdinand (David Probert) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.20 and Frances Stuart (Jimmy Fortune) over a mile at 21.50.

Listed race at Pontefract

The only event of real interest today is the listed race at 17.00 CET at Pontefract for older fillies and mares over one mile. This has attracted quite a decent field with Dark Promise (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) and Folly Bridge (Roger Charlton) the likeliest candidates. Off Chance (Tim Easterby/ Duran Fentiman) won this last year and Law of the Range (Marco Botti/ Silvestre de Sousa) has won her last two races and is much improved.

However we shall give another chance to Kinky Afro (Stan Moore/ Luke Morris), who has been running in much better races and could well run well at a big price. The best betting race here is the 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later. Dickie le Davoir Richard Guest/ Robert Lucey-Butler), Cornus (Alan McCabe/ Martin Harley) and Mr. Wolf (John Quinn/ Amy Ryan) are all CD specialist but are getting a bit long in the tooth. Thunderball (David Nicholls/ Leonna Mayor) is a strong front-runner who will test them all, but we have a slight preference for Klynch (Ruth Carr/ James Sullivan), who has been in great form this year and has already won 4 times in 2011.

The all-weather meetings - this afternoon at Wolverhampton and this evening at Southwell - are very poor. At the former track, William Buick could land a short-priced double on Ed Dunlop´s Lemon Drop Red at 16.15, a very easy Brighton winner last time, and John Gosden´s Trumpington Street in the maiden race an hour later, while Gosden can double up with Banksy (Royston Ffrench) in the 2yo maiden which opens the Southwell card at 19.40.
The two N.H. meetings this evening are also very low on quality. Zhukov (K. Tork/ Mr. Matthew Hampton) has been in excellent form recently and won last time out with this jockey on board. He can take the novices handicap chase at 20.50 at Uttoxeter, where we also hope to see the consistent Laureate des Loges (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson) win the mares handicap hurdle at 21.50. There is an all-hurdles card at the Irish meeting at Roscommon, where we fancy Alfa Beat (Shark Hanlon/ Barry Geraghty) to win the handicap hurdle at 20.00. He was only 6th (of 24) when favourite last time out at Punchestown, but the opposition looks weaker this time.