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.