8 meetings today

Lots of racing today, especially in the evening with 3 meetings in the U.K. and two in Ireland. With the days getting shorter, evening racing on turf will be finished for 2011 by the middle of next week. Newmarket starts off with 4 races for 2yo´s, 3 of them for maidens, and it is likely that there will be smart horses engaged here, although there is very little form to go on. Godolphin have several well-bred debutants entered, and are likely to have some winners, and it is significant that Mikael Barzalona comes over from France to ride. However in our view his best chance is on Mark Johnston´ s Moon Trip in the 2yo handicap at 15.20 CET, who is penalised just 6 lbs for a very easy win last time at Leicester.

Ffos Las stages a mixed meeting today, with 4 flat races followed by 4 over jumps. The 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40 is the best flat race; this looks very tricky, but we would not be suprised to see top-weight Norville (David Evans/ Cathy Gannon) run well at a decent price. Over júmps, the best event is the handicap chase over 3 miles+ at 17.50 and trainer Peter Bowen obviously wants to keep the prize-money in Wales, as he saddles 4 runners. Jockey bookings suggest that Sun Tzu (Tom O´Brien) might be the best of them.

Two German-breds, both trained by Jim Goldie, could go well at Thirsk this afternoon - Soprano (Danny Tudhope), who has won his last 3 races and is in the form of his life at the age of 9, and Daring Dream (Gary Bartley), top-weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50.

Best race this evening is the historic Lanark Silver Bell, a handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 20.35 at Hamilton (the racecourse at Lanark is long gone). Easy Terms (Edwin Tuer/ James Sullivan) has been in tremendous form this summer and has won his last 4 races, all for this jockey. He has shot up the weights but can still complete a fivetimer.

Killarney best again

Once again, the Irish meeting at Killarney provides the day´s best sport, as the British meetings are all very poor. Killarney has an all-jumping card today and the best race is a valuable handicap hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 18.50 CET. With 16 runners, this looks wide open, but our fancy is Sarteano (Dessie Hughes/ Ben Cooper), who won over fences at the Galway festival and seems very well handicapped over sticks.

Blazing Beacon (Frank McGuinness/ Paul Carberry) won well at Naas last time and is one of many dangers. There is also jumping today at Ffos Las and Cartmel, both with very small fields. At Ffos Las the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.50 is the best race. Top weight West with the Wind (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who has a German pedigree, is a smart performer and loves this track, having won 4 of 5 starts here. He has to concede weight to some useful chasers, notably irish challenger Echo Bob (Harry de Bromhead/ Tony McCoy), but we hope that he is up to the task. At Cartmel, Executives Hall (Ben Haslam/Andrew Tinkler) comes with some impressive form figures to the handicap chase at 20.00, but at the weights we just prefer Soul Magic (Heather Graham/ Gary Rutherford), a narrow winner over this CD last time.

There is all-weather flat racing today at Lingfield this afternoon, where the first 3 races are on turf and the rest on polytrack, and Wolverhampton this evening. Michael Bell has his string in great form, and his Correct (Tom Queally), who ran much than the placings suggest whn 7th at Newmarket last time, has a good each-way chance in the 2yo handicap at Lingfield at 16.30. while at Wolverhampton Sir Mark Prescott can land a short-priced double with Keplers Law (Seb Sanders) at 20.45 and Final Liberation (Steve Donohoe) half an hour later.

There are plenty of runners at Carlisle, but no quality at all. German-bred Northern Flyer (John Quinn/ Shane B Kelly) seems to be coming back to form and has a chance in the 7 furlongs handicap at 18.10.

More low level racing

Once again, only low level racing in the U.K. today, and easily the best sport is at the Killarney meeting, which continues until Friday and is one of the most pleasant Irish fixtures. There is mixed racing today, with 3 flat races, three over fences and a bumper. The best race is a valuable flat handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 19.00 CET, with runners from most of the top stables. Gimli´ s Rock (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) won over 1 1/2 miles at the Curragh last time and should also get this trip. The Aga Khan´ s Dimona (John Oxx/ Niall McCullough) is an obvious danger after winning over 2 miles at Leopardstown last time; stable jockey Johnny Murtagh cannot do the weight and rides Charlie Swan´s Zaralabad instead, who won at Bellewstown last week. Dermot Weld´s Celebrity Sevi, off a very light weight, is also up in trip but cannot be ignored, but we will stick to Gilmi´ s Rock.

In Britain, we expect to see Hayley Turner have another good day at Chepstow. She can win the 2yo maiden at 15.30 on Cvaleiro and the 2 mile handicap at 17.30, both for Marcus Tregoning, as well as the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.00 on John O´Shea´s Swendab.

North Central (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope) is our selection for the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.20 at Catterick; he was runner-up in a simlar race this CD 3 weeks ago. Otherwise Silvestre de Sousa, still fighting it out for the jockeys´ championship. looks the jockey to follow here.

Jumps racing this afternoon comes from Worcester, where there are mainly small fields. Nearby (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a smart hurdler, can win on his fencing debut in the novice chase at 16.40.

5 bad meetings today

A typical Tuesday, and it is shaming that only 5 races at the 4 British meetings have more than 2,500 GBP to the winner. At Sedgefield they go over jumps and the weirdly-named Schinken Otto (Malcolm Jefferson/ James Halliday) should not be missed in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.15 CET. He has already won 4 times over this CD and as long as the rain, which has hit southern England, stays away, he can make it no.

5 today. Andorn (Peter Kirby/ Kyle James), an ex-Schlenderhan runner, could go close in the handicap hurdle half an hour later. Top weight Bandanaman (Alan Swinbank/ Barry Keniry) is the obvious danger, as he won last two races over sticks- a year ago- and has been in good form on the flat, but we are not sure that he can concede a stone to Andorn.

Another ex-Schlenderhan runner is Agapanthus (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) who runs in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 17.00 at Leicester. Rain here would be a help, but he is so inconsistent that it is difficult to know what to expect. In any case we think that Barney has better prospects with Sir Mozart half an hour later; George Baker, which is the name of the horse, trainer and jockey, is the likely favourite here, having won 3 of his last 4 races, but he is up on the weights and does not seem to like this track too much.

The evening meetings at Yarmouth and Warwick are also pretty poor, although Mundana (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) looks promising type and should win the fillies handicap at 19.20 at Yarmouth. while at Warwick, Signifer (Mick Channon/ Jack Doyle) can defy top-weight and a penalty for winning at Sandown on Friday and take the 2yo handicap at 20.00. Our best bet here is Noverre to Go (Tom Dascombe/ Neil Callan) dropped to selling class at 18.30. He has been out of form this season, but at anywhere near his old form would be a certainty in this company.
The racing (and also the prize-money) is much better in Ireland and the main feature at Killarney is a listed race over an extended mile at 19.40. Aidan O´Brien won this last year and score again with Wild Wind (Colm O´Conoghue); she has not won in 8 starts this season, but her form when third in the French 1,000 Guineas would be good enough to win this. Stunning View (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), winner of a valuable handicap at the big Galway meeting last month, is the obvious danger.

5 meetings today

Very little to get excited about at today´s 5 meetings. It is certainly significant that William Haggas has sent Quails Hollow (Paul Hanagan) on the long journey to Scotland to try and get rid of his maiden tag at 17.00 at Hamilton, but he will start at prohibitive odds. At the odds, Wicked Wilma (Alan Berry/Julie Burke) looks a better bet in the following 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30. The mare has really found her form this season, winning 3 times, twice over CD, and despite top weight is in with a good chance here. The very consistent Blown It (Keith Dalgleish/ Hanagan), first or second the last six times, all in the last 4 weeks, is the obvious danger.

There is racing on the all-weather at Kempton this afternoon, where the 7 furlongs handicap at 18.15 CET looks the best race. Kawssaj (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan), after two second places. won in a canter at Lingfield last time and can take this en route to better things. Cape Rambler (Henry Candy/ Fergus Sweeney) also won at Lingfield last time - but less easily and looks the main danger.

Candy sends his main jockey Dane O´Neill to ride Byton in the 2yo maiden at Windsor at 18.20 this evening (the last Monday evening meeting there of 2011) but this looks a very tough race with entries from several top stables. The same goes for the maiden for older horses at 20.20: Durante Alighieri (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and The Mongoose (Michael Stoute/ Kieren Fallon) both looked useful last year but have not run in 2011, so possibly Almagest (John Gosden/ Richard Hughes) and Cairncross (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) can be preferred
Jumping today comes from Hereford, where Tony McCoy - as so often-looks the jockey to follow. Two Kisses (Brendan Powell) reverts to hurdling after a mulish performance over fences last time, and can defy top weight in the handicap hurdle at 19.30.

There is also Irish racing at Cork, where we expect Cocozza (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh), dropped in grade, to win the conditions race at 19.10. The 5 furlongs handicap at 18.40 has several runners in the field who met in a similar affair at Tipperary a few days ago; Roicead ( Brendan Duke/ Willie Supple) won then, and although worse off at the weights, can follow up. Best bet here is David Wachman´s Limetree Lady in the 2yo maiden at 18.10, but she will be at very short odds.

Deauville today

Easily the best racing in Europe comes from Deauville today, where there are two Group One races and a strong supporting card. Main interest will be focussed on the Prix Morny for 2yo´s over 1200 metres at 14.40, a race monopolised by British and Irish runners in recent years. However the British challengers, Frederik Engels (David Murtagh) and Gatepost (Mick Channon/ Jamie Spencer) -both well beaten at the Curragh last time- do not seem as strong as usual, although the former was badly hampered on that occasion, while there are no Irish runners at all. Champagne corks will be popping all over Munich if Dabirsim (Christophe Ferland/ Frankie Dettori) wins for the boss Simon Springer, and it is certainly not impossible; the colt is unbeaten in 3 starts and looked very smart when winning over this CD last time. Family One (Yves Barberot/ Ioritz Mendizibal), already winner of 4 races this season, looks the best of the other French runners, but Sofast (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslie r), whose stable has such a fantastic record at this meeting, cannot be ignored.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lady Ascot - Safirana - Nice Chief
2. Race: Military Bowl - Fort Ticonderoga - Purple Davis
3. Race: Americain - Ley Hunter - Terre Du Vent
4. Race: Spectacle Du Mars - Calbuco - Vasiliev
5. Race: Dabirsim - Family One - Sofast
6. Race: Lily Of The Valley - Divine Music - Timepiece
7. Race: New Order - Arrivederla - Barefoot`s Park
8. Race: Ikiasi - Hippy - Inarco

U.K. and Ireland today

After last week´s excellent racing at York, the sport on offer today is very feeble. The only flat racing comes from Folkestone, where the best race is the fillies handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 18.15 CET. Likely favourite here is the bottom weight Medaille d´Or (Roger Varian/ Jack Mitchell), an easy CD winner exactly a month ago and now 6 lbs higher. Top-weight Captivator (James Fanshawe/ Hayley Turner), winner of 2 from 3 this year, and consistent Sacred Shield (Henry Cecil/ Ian Mongan), in the money all 2011 starts and 4th against better opposition last time at Sandown, look the main dangers.

They go over jumps at Newton Abbot and Ballinrobe in Ireland, and the 2 3/4 mile listed handicap chase at 16.00 at the former track looks a pretty hot race with 15 runners. Sir Ian (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) put up a spectacular performance last time when winning by 35 lengths, but he seems best suited by fast ground at Worcester, and this slower going and tougher track make it difficult for him to follow up. We prefer Mamlook (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), a classy and versatile type, who has not been out since being well beaten on the flat in the Chester Cup, a race he won last year. Paul Nicholls runs three here, and we would not be surprised to see Hoo la Baloo run well, with the useful 10 lbs claimer James Cowley aboard.

Best race at Ballinrobe is the handicap hurdle for 4yo´s at 16.20. Acapulco Gold (Paul Nolan/ Andrew McNamara) was an easy CD winner here last time and still seems well handicapped, and the same goes for Kristal Komet (Tracy Collins/ Alan Crowe), a winner on the flat last week. However our selection is top-weight Magical Memoir (Jessica Harrington/ Martin Bolger), who had no chance against the smart Muirhead last time, but has been generally acquitting himself well in better company than this.

York Ebor Meeting: rest of final card

The rest of the York card is also very tricky, although the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup over 2 miles at 16.05 has the most logical winner. Opinion Poll (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) won this race last year and also boasts the best 2011 form, having won the Goodwood up and before that running up in the Gold Cup at Ascot, with several of these runners behind. Two of his opponents have run in Germany - Allied Powers (Michael Bell/ Paul Hanagan) and Dandino (James Given/ Tom Queally), who ran much better than the placing suggests last time at Hoppegarten. Both are moving up in trip here and hold solid place chances.

The card opens with a listed race over 7 furlongs, won last year by Yaa Waal (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori). However this time we prefer Dream Eater (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) and Regal Parade (David and Adrian Nicholls), both of whom have good form in better company to their credit.

The Melrose Handicap over 1 3/4 miles for 3yo´s at 15.30 is another wide open handicap, and Balding and Probert have another chance here with Whiplash Willie, who has won his last 2 races. The lightly-raced Kinyras (Stoute/ Hughes) and Western Prize (Ralph Beckett/ Nicky Mackay) are also possibles, but we shall stick with the in-form Michael Bell, who has two runners Communicator (Hayley Turner) and the Queen´s Wayward Glance (Wayne Lordan)

Our other fancy at York is Holy Roman Warrior /Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) in the 2yo handicap at 17.50. There is also a group race at Sandown, the Solario Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.45, but this has a very poor turnout with only 4 runners. The unbeaten Eastern Sun (John Gosden/ Martin Dwyer) looks the answer here. Also at Sandown, the fillies listed race at 16.20 has attracted a large field, even allowing for the non-runners, and ex-German Magic Eye (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) makes her first appearance for her new trainer here. She ran well enough at Goodwood last time to suggest that she has an each-way chance here.

Barry Hills retires today after 32 years as a trainer. Obviously he would like to bow out with a winner, and we hope that Na Zdorovie (Robert Winston), his only runner at his favourite track Chester, can oblige for him in the 2yo maiden at 16.00.

York Ebor Meeting: Ebor Handicap

Today´s card at York is one of the toughest of the year for punters and anyone who gets the placepot up must be congratulated and should pick up a hefty dividend as well. The main event is the Ebor Handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 16.40 CET, the most valuable handicap of the entire season and also the most difficult, as all 20 runners can claim chances here. The first problem to be solved is how form in group races will work out in top handicaps. For example, Lost in the Moment /Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) was only beaten a head in the Goodwood Cup last time, with today´s top-weight Fox Hunt (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) a close fourth. In theory this gives the Godolphin runner a great chance here, and a further clue may be provided by the Goodwood winner Opinion Poll, who is favourite for the Group Two Lonsdale Cup 35 minutes earlier. Saptapadi (Brian Ellison/ Kieren Fallon) was fifth in the York Stakes (10 furlongs) to Twice Over, form which now looks pretty smart, and is also officially well-in on that form.

We are a bit sceptical about the way this form will work out and prefer to stick to handicap form. Of particular interest are the two Irish runners, as challengers from Ireland have a good record here. Salute Him (Tony Martin/George Baker) was fifth last year and has been dropped in the weights, having shown little since; however this does not mean much as he seems to have been laid out for this race and his trainer is always dangerous in these big staying handicaps. The form of Mount Athos (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) is easier to read and his victory last year in the Melrose Handicap at this meeting clearly puts him in the picture.

Sir Michael Stoute has a strong hand with two runners, Modun (Richard Hughes) and Blissful Moment (T0m Queally), both runners-up the last twice, of whom we prefer the former, who should be better suited by this trip than the 10 furlongs he has been running over recently. He is a half-brother to Saptapadi so should have no problems with the distance.

Two more Newmarket runners we like are Ted Spread (Mark Tompkins/ Paul Hanagan), who has a big weight but is also classy, and especially Tactician (Michael Bell/ Joseph O´Brien). This one is owned by the Queen, who has already enjoyed a big winner at the meeting, and was an impressive winner of a similar race over this CD 7 weeks ago; he has 6 lbs more but this good claimer takes off 3lbs. The stable could hardly be in better form, having won the Nunthorpe here yesterday, amd Tactician is our selection is this very tricky race.

York Ebor Meeting: third day

The Group One Nunthorpe Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.40 CET is today´s main feature at York and despite the late withdrawal of 2010 winner Sole Power and another Irish challenger Invincible Ash it is still a very strong field. Sole Power was taken out because of the soft ground, which could well cause problems for several runners. The only Irish runner now left in is Requinto (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), who is also the only 2yo and on receipt of lots of weight this speedy type is definitely one for the short list. The most interesting runner is the much-improved handicapper Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Kieren Fallon), owned by golfer Lee Westwood, whose winning performance in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood under top weight last time was spectacular. This is his attempt at a group race, but he is fact top-rated as a result of his Goodwood win, but the problem could be the distance, as he seems best at 6 furlongs. He seems certain to start a warm favourite and we think better value can be found with Prohibit
(Robert Cowell/ Jim Crowley) who has not been seen since winning the Kings Stand at Royal Ascot and is an absolute specialist for this trip.

The main supporting feature is the prestigious Gumctack Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 15.30, which looks very open. Lilbourne Lad (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) has just about the best form here and represents a team who is extremely successful in these juvenile events, but he has to give weight away, and we have slight preference for Justineo (William Haggas/ Jamie Spencer), who is moving up in grade after an easy win at Newmarket.

Haggas also has good prospects of taking the Group Three Strensall Stakes over 9 furlongs at 16.05, where he saddles two runners, Green Destiny (Fallon) and Penitent (Silvestre de Sousa). We prefer the latter who shoud be ideally suited by this distance, but Dux Scholar (Sir Michael Stoute/ Hughes) could be tough to beat here. Stoute can also win the opening handicap with The Fonz (Fallon), who won the race last year, while German-bred Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Tom Eaves), half-brother to German Derby Waldpark is another runner with chances in a very tricky event.

A race to watch, but not to bet on, is the 2yo maiden at 17.15, which is invariably won by a top performer. With newcomers from several top stables - O´Brien, Cecil, Hannon, Godolphin etc - this field is well up to standard and the winner will have to be smart.

York Ebor Meeting: second day

The Group One Yorkshire Oaks at 16.40 is the main feature at York today and looks just about the best race of the whole week. Even after the late withdrawal of Snow Fairy because of the softish ground, it is still an extremely strong field, with 3 older fillies/ mares opposed by 5 3yo fillies, all of whom ran in the Irish Oaks. Blue Bunting (Mahoood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) finished fast to get up on the line at the Curragh and win by a short head from Banimpire (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Mannning), with Wonder of Wonders (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan) third, Laughing Lashes (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) 4th and the German-bred Rumh (Saeed bin Suroor/ William Buick) seventh. Earlier Blue Bunting had flopped as favourite in the Oaks, when everything went against her, but had also shown tremendous speed when winning the 1,000 Guineas. She is very narrowly the form choice, but clearly has little in hand of the tough Baninmpire, who has won 6 out of 9 starts this season (!). Of the older horses, Crystal Capella (Sir Michael Stoute/ Kieren Fallon) is easily the best and we would not be surprised to see her crush the younger fillies as this trip and going should be ideal; her form when only 5th in the Nassau Stakes can probably be ignored. Vitaa Nova (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) was beaten even further at Goodwood and despite the excellent stable form seems to have little chance here. From the German point of view, one must hope that the Irish Oaks form holds up, as Dancing Rain, winner of the Preis der Diana at Düsseldorf 10 days ago, was a close 5th in that race, but we make Crystal Capella our selection.

Another filly who ran below form at Goodwood but should be much better suited by conditions here is Gestüt Röttgen´ s Wild Coco (Cecil/ Queally), who runs in the listed race for fillies and mares over 1 1/2 miles at 17.15. Previously she had won in ´good style from Meeznah, who went on to win the Goodwood event with Pollys Mark (Clive Cox/ Richard Hughes) 4th and Field of Miracles (John Gosden/ Buick) ninth. Set to Music (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) is owned by the Queen and has won her last 3 races, but this looks much tougher.

The main supporting feature is the Group Two Lowther Stakes for 2yo fillies at 15.30, one of the best juvenile races of the season. Angels will Fall (Barry and Michael Hills) would be a highly popular winner, with the trainer retiring at the end of the week, but Godolphin´ s Gamilati ( Zarooni/ Dettori) possibly just has the edge, while Best Terms (Richard Hannon/ Hughes) is unbeaten and another big danger. In any event we expect Hannon and Hughes to take the valuable 2yo sales race that opens the card at 15.00 with Crown Dependency. The handicaps, as always, look ferociously difficult; our very tentative suggstions are Harrison George (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) at 16.05 and Deauville Flyer (Tim Easterby/ Kieren Fallon) at 17.50.

listed race at Newbury

best race today is the listed event for 2yo fillies over 5 furlongs at 16.45 CET at Newbury. 13 runners, all of them winners and 6 unbeaten. Cockney Fire (David Evans/ Cathy Gannon) has won both her starts, but they were nothing special, so we prefer the chances of those who have run and won once only. With hardly any collateral form to go on, it is pure guesswork. but the ones we like best are the Queen´s filly Free Verse (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), Artistic Jewel (Ed McMahon/ Graham Gibbons) -whose trainer won this last year, and Kyanight (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby), an easy Sandown winner. A good race to watch, but not necessarily to bet on.
Another interesting race confined to fillies is the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.05 at Nottingham. Here we make Neumark (Henry Cecil( Tom Queally) a confident selection. Cecil does not rush his fillies, and this one, who is owned by Hoppegarten boss Gerhard Schöningh. created an excellent impression when winning last time. She can go on to better things.
Kemtpon Park stage onof theor populr mil hndpvüps 21.50 with 14 runrs. Tjhs re usully very trickyffairs md it bst t stik to CD winners. There are several in today´s field but we will go with Red Gulch (Ed Walker/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) and Benandonner (Mike Murphy/ Martin Haarley). Neither have actually won over this CD, but have run well at the track and are currently in good form.
Best bet at Newmarket´s evening meeting is German-bred Quasi Congaree (Ian Wood/ Jack Doyle) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.00. He hit form with a vengeance in a similar race here a week ago, and a 6 lbs penalty should not stop him going in again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Firdaws - The Nile - Tales Of Grimm
2. Race: Tidy Affair - Pulverize - Unex Michelangelo
3. Race: Zomerlust - Corporal Maddox - Avon River
4. Race: Bullet Man - Spice Fair - Samsons Son
5. Race: Artistic Jewel - Free Verse - Kohala
6. Race: Farlow - Palais Glide - Volcanic Dust
7. Race: Whispered - Kahraba - Ekhraaj
8. Race: Only You Maggie - Penchesco - Come On Safari

group races at Salisbury and Leopardstown

lots of racing today, with 8 meetings in all, 5 of them in the evening, and highlighted by group races at Salisbury and Leopardstown. The Sovereign Stakes over a mile at 17.15 CET is the Salisbury feature and there are 12 runners, 4 of whom should be known to German punters. Premio Loco(Chris Wall/ George Baker) won at Baden-Baden and Cologne in 2009 and has been running in top races since. He needs fast ground (which is likely) and strong pace, which is not so certain. Godolphin field 3 runners, with Emerald Commander (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) in the first colours; he won the same Baden-Baden race last year and was recently runner-up to Alianthus at Düsseldorf. Secrecy(Richie Mullen) flopped at Hoppegarten last time, while Frozen Power (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi) won the German 2000 Guineas last year but has not run up to that form since. The penalised Fanunalter (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) and Side Glance (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) must also be considered, but Premio Loco gets our vote.
Strangely enough, there are no 3yo´s in the Salisbury field, but we expect this age group to dominate Leopardstown´s Desmond Stakes, also over a mile, at 20.05. The Aga Khan´s Emiyna (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) is our choice to win from Future Generation (Ger Lyons/ Keagan Latham).

Betting forecast at Leopardstown:
1. Race: Ahimsa - Lady Wingshot - Pearl In The Sand
2. Race: Still Point - Seeharn - Bold Thady Quill
3. Race: Mannheim - Canaille - Handazan
4. Race: Emiyna - Future Generation - Hujaylea
5. Race: Crystal Morning - Toufan Express - Barrow Island
6. Race: Sadler`S Mark - Badger Or Bust - Hot Sand
7. Race: Diamond Daze - Jolie Jioconde - Burn The Floor

two listed races today

two listed races today, both for fillies and mares and both over almost the same distance - poor planning! In the U.K. the race is over ten furlongs at 17.05 CET at Salisbury. Seta (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) is the form choice here but has top-weight and has also never run over this trip. Last time out she finished down the field at Royal Ascot in company with Anna Salai (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori). There could be little in it today, while Primavere (Roger Charlton/ Hayley Turner) also has possibilities.
In Ireland, the race at Gowran Park at 21.10 this evening is over just 100 yards shorter. Top-rated here is Kissable (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), but she has been off the track since last August. Under the circumstances we prefer Bible Belt (Jessica Harrington/ Shane Foley), who started 2011 in fine style. Sapphire (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) looks next best.

Betting forecast at Salisbury:
1. Race: Bewilder - Jacob Cats - Performing Pocket
2. Race: That`S Dangerous - Bu Naaji - Tudor Empire
3. Race: Terdaad - Electra Star - Aciano
4. Race: Seta - Anna Salai - Primevere
5. Race: Sciampin - Present Story - Oriental Girl
6. Race: Arctic Mirage - George Thisby - Ivory Lace

4 meetings today

typical Tuesday cards today with few highlights. At Ayr this afternoon, the mile handicap at 16.00 CET looks quite tricky, but top-weight Marjury Daw (James Given/ Freddie Tylicki), who won 4 races last summer and has raced in mainly better company without much success since, could well be good enough. The same trainer/ jockey combination have another chance in the following 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs with Sistine, but we prefer Purkab (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope), who ran well over CD last time.
There is jumping today at Newton Abbot, with quite a valuable prize in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.45. Paul Nicholls took this last year and has another go with Hoo la Baloo (James Cowley), but he looks held on latest running by Bushwhacker (Ron Hodges/ Mr. J. Best). However our choice is the consistent Exulto (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), beaten a short head over this CD last week. Best bet here is Alla Svelta (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who has been off since April but looked very promising when taking his last two races and should win the novice hurdle at 16.15.
Frankie Dettori travels to Nottingham this evening for just one ride, Godolphin´s Gold City in the 2yo novice stakes at 19.15. All 5 runners here are winners, and Gold City possibly did not beat much when he scored at Leicester on his only outing so far, but he won in good style that day and should be able to score in this better grade. The 5 furlongs conditions race at 20.45 also has a small field. but some decent performers in the line-up. Tiddliwinks (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin) is the clear form choice here, having run well in group races, but beware of Masta Plasta (David and Adrian Nicholls), whose stable is in great form and who won this last year.
At Ffos Las, Caledonia Lady (Jo Hughes/ Luke Morris), who ran so well at Royal Ascot, seems to have a simple task in the 2yo fillies maiden at 19.00, while we expect the easy CD winner Sulis Minerva (Jeremy Gask/ Raul da Silva) to follow up in the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.30. Top-weight Judge´n Jury (Ron Harris/ Luke Morris) would take this is anywhere near his best form, but appears to have lost his enthusiasm for racing and has not won for 2 years.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Spic `N Span - Bateleur - Just For Mary
2. Race: Caledonia Lady - Miss Azeza - Show Flower
3. Race: Tidal Way - Montaser - Hearts And Minds
4. Race: Diamond Vine - Highland Colori - Yellow Dandy
5. Race: Thats A Fret - Wooden King - Sulis Minerva
6. Race: Dancing Primo - Dark Spirit - Lady Of Burgundy
7. Race: Like A Boy - Crabbies Gold - Yourinthewill

5 bad meetings today

after another big weekend, an anti-climax Monday with poor racing all round. The U.K. racing this afternoon is almost all on the all-weather, with 8 races from Wolverhampton and 3 at Lingfield, where the first 4 (all instantly forgettable) are on turf. Best bet at the latter track is Kawssaj (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) in the 3yo maiden at 17.30 CET but he will be at very short odds. Callan can follow up in the next race with Tony Carroll´s Valmina who landed a gamble here on Friday and can score again under a 6 lbs penalty.
There are some quite big fields this evening at Windsor and Thirsk, but again very little quality. Kieren Fallon, who gave an exhibition of race-riding at Düsseldorf yesterday, is still hoping to become champion jockey in Britain this year and has several good chances at Windsor. To our mind the most interesting could be Willie Musson´s Novellen Lad in the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.40; he had no chance in the Stewards Cup last time, but this is more his level. Top-weight Zero Money (Roger Charlton/ Jimmy Fortune) is an obvious danger.
Andrew Balding does not have many runners at Thirsk, so his Benzanno (David Probert) must be noted in the opening 2yo maiden at 20.00 after his good debut at Leicester. 9yo German-bred Soprano (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope), out of a Surumu mare, is in the form of his life and has won on the flat and over hurdles in the last fortnight. He can take the 2 mile handicap at 21.30 as he is still on a very lenient mark.
There is a mixed meeting (3 flat races, 4 over hurdles) at the Irish evening fixture at Ballinrobe. The 2 1/2 mile hurdle race at 20.50 is the best race with some decent types entered, but Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) stands out in this grade.

Betting forecast at Windsor:
1. Race: Elusive Flame - Charitable Act - Amazing Storm
2. Race: Bling King - North Star Boy - Compton
3. Race: Zero Money - New Leyf - Victorian Bounty
4. Race: Viva Vettori - Starwatch - Rustic Deacon
5. Race: Aerial Acclaim - Lucky Legs - Ffajir
6. Race: Pullyourfingerout - Snow Hill - One Lucky Lady

Strong card at the Curragh

With only modest racing on offer today at the two British meetings, we shall concentrate on the much stronger fare at the Curragh and Deauville. Main event at the Curragh is the Group One Phoenix Stakes at 17.05 CET, always one of the best Irish 2yo races of the season. This race has been an Aidan O´Brien benefit so far this century; he has won it an amazing 11 times in the last 13 years and we expect him to win again today, when he saddles three runners. The unbeaten Power (Seamus Heffernan) is possibly the best of them, although After (Colm O´Donoghue) and Reply, ridden by his son Joseph, cannot be ignored. British raiders Lilbourne Lad (Richard Hughes/Richard Hannon) and Frederick Engels (David Brown/ Johnny Murtagh) look next best. We shall have a better idea of the chances of the filly La Collina (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh) after the previous race, the Group Two Debutante Stakes for 2yo fillies, where Maybe (O´Brien/ Joseph) is one of the likelier sorts, as tha t one just beat La Colline last time. But the one to beat here could be Remember Alexander (Jessica Harrington/ Hughes), whose trainer won it last year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Was - Purple - Shamooda
2. Race: Banimpire - Dunboyne Express - Mutahadee
3. Race: Jigalo - Silver Shuffle - Danehill Tapdancer
4. Race: Maybe - Remember Alexander - Teolane
5. Race: Power - Frederick Engels - Lilbourne Lad
6. Race: Allegra Tak - Foot Perfect - Queenie Keen
7. Race: Deacon Blues - Hitchens - Empowering
8. Race: Star Links - Jambalaya - Independent Girl

Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville

The Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest run today at 15.45 CET at Deauville over 1300m metres is today´s big feature in France and has attracted runners from 4 countries: 6 from the U.K., 5 from the host country and one each from Ireland and Germany. The German representative is Mario Hofer´s Smooth Operator (Maxime Guyon), who was fourth in this last year but will do well to equalise this placing in this strong field. The British have the strongest hand and Dream Ahead (David Simcock/ William Buick) looks the most likely winner after his excellent win in the July Cup. Irish hope Zoffany (Aidan O´Brien/ Christophe Soumillon) could be the biggest danger now bróught back in distance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Amourette - Louve Rouge - Darayya
2. Race: Salto - Lady Meydan - Rudyard
3. Race: Garmerita - Welmark - Ideology
4. Race: Zoffany - Dream Ahead - Moonlight Cloud
5. Race: Un Air De Salsa - Persiste Et Signe - Greylady
6. Race: Catanzaro - Totune - Giantrio
7. Race: Darling Pearl - Up and Coming - Mount Berry
8. Race: Minikos - El Puerto - Enrisy

Rest of today´s racing

Despite the attractions of the Shergar Cup, the best race of the day is the Group Three Rose of Lancaster Stakes over 10 furlongs at Haydock at 15.45 CET. This looks very open with Godolphin fielding two strong candidates, Simon de Montfort (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona) - who had good form in France for Fabre last year but has not run since Meydan in the winter)- and Sajjhaa (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), trained by Michael Jarvis last year. Main opposition comes from Class is Class (Sir Michael Stoute/ Kieren Fallon) and Hot Prospect (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan). The fillies listed race over a mile at 16.20 is another decent race, in which the improving Heavenly Dawn (Stoute/ William Buick) and Submission (Cumani/ Fallon) move up in grade after easy handicap wins.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Last Bid - O`gorman - Guru Girl
2. Race: Naqshabban - Jutland - Burj Nahar
3. Race: Sajjhaa - Hot Prospect - Class Is Class
4. Race: Heavenly Dawn - Submission - Off Chance
5. Race: Green Park - Cruise Tothelimit - Ursula
6. Race: Pavershooz - Pelmanism - Ballinargh Girl
7. Race: Northern Bolt - Kings `N Dreams - Downhill Skier
8. Race: Markazzi - Karaka Jack - Norman Orpen


There is another good card at Newmarket, where the first 4 races are all sponsored by German racing organisations. Main event here is the Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes for 2yo fillies over 7 furlongs. Godolphin won this last year, and go double-handed into the race again with Desert Gazelle (Saeed bin Suroor/ Jamie Spencer) and Discourse (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori). Both have won their only start, with Discourse just getting home from a subsequent group race winner, while Desert Gazelle was most impressive when winning her maiden here over 6 furlongs. Kinetica (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) is an obvious threat from a trainer who has an excellent record with fillies.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pekan Star - Kirthill - Tiger Reigns
2. Race: Unex El Greco - Masked Dance - Primaeval
3. Race: Kinetica - Discourse - Illaunglass
4. Race: Al Andaleeb - Maria Letizia - Mugazala
5. Race: Cops And Robbers - Monopolize - Asaid
6. Race: Zakatal - Baltimore Clipper - Danvilla
7. Race: Complexion - Bakoura - Hurricane Lady

Shergar Cup in Ascot

The Shergar Cup, staged today at Ascot, has become a popular fixture in the English calendar and regularly attracts crowds of 20,000+. The format is simple: four teams, each with three jockeys, six races - all very open handicaps with 10 runners and with 30,000 GBP prize-money, with points given to the winning and placed jockeys. But of course they are all normal races and to be bet normally. As far as betting is concerned, they are all very tricky events but a possible betting strategy is to avoid jockeys who are well-known to the British punters - Hughes, Hayley & so, and stick to the more exotic jockeys. Take, Demuro and co are great jockeys, but their names are not so familiar in the U.K. and as a result their mounts may start at longer odds than justified.

The 4 teams are as follows:
England: Paul Hanagan (captain), Hayley Turner, Jim Crowley
Ireland: Richard Hughes (captain), Fran Berry, Colm O´Donoghue
Europe: Olivier Peslier (captain), Christophe Lemaire, Mirco Demuro
Rest of world: Douglas Whyte (captain), Yutaka Take, Hugh Bowman

There are no Germans taking part this year, although both Andrasch Starke and Andreas Suborics have been in the line-up in previous years. The Irish have won the team prize for the past 2 years, but this of coursehas no bearing on today´s results and our very tentative tips are as follows: 13.50 CET: Wannabe King (Demuro), 14.25 CET: La Vecchia Scuola (Bowman), 15.00 CET: Duchess Dora (Berry), 15.30 CET: Swift Alhaarth (Whyte), 16.00 CET: Rock a Doodle Do (Take) and 16.35 CET: Desert Law (O´Donoghue). We have deliberately taken some of the lesser-known (at least in the U.K.) jockeys - but don´t be surprised if Hanagan and Hughes win all the races. Please note: (1.) there are 2 non-runners in the second race, whose places will be taken by the reserves and (2.) jockeys will not be wearing their normal owners colours, but special team colours (which will make life difficult for the course commentator)

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Snow Bay - Sarrsar - Dubai Dynamo
2. Race: Ermyn Lodge - Hawk Mountain - Ile de Re
3. Race: Medicean Man - Duchess Dora - Addictive Dream
4. Race: Ithoughtitwasover - Pivotman - Ivan Vasilevich
5. Race: Rock A Doodle Doo - Zuider Zee - Averroes
6. Race: Firebeam - Desert Law - Kingscroft

two listed races in Ireland

more low level racing at the fiv U,.K. meetings today, but at least we have two listed races at Tipperary. The first one is over 5 furlongs at 19.15 CET and features many familiar names. Inxiile (David and Adrian Nicholls) is a specialist for such events, but we prefer Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Wayne Lordan), who is not far off the best sprinters around. The 2yo event at 20.20 should go to Aidan O´Brien, who saddles 3 of the 8 runners. They all met here last month, with Furners Green (Joseph O´Brien) winning comfortably, and he can probably follow up here.
Today is the third and final day of Brighton´s August meeting and the top event is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.30. Lady Florence (DCGriffiths/ Adrian McCarthy) won here yesterday and Clear Ice (Gay Kelleway/ Chris Catlin) on Wednesday; if they turn out again, thy must both have a good chance of following up.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: An Ghalanta - Angels Art - Homecoming Queen
2. Race: The Reaper - Roicead - Moonlit Garden
3. Race: Sole Power - Group Therapy - Inxile
4. Race: Gold Mirage - Lady Bennett - Enchanted Forest
5. Race: Furner`s Green - Somasach - Dragon Pulse
6. Race: Naked Cowboy - Acushladear - Cinnin Oir
7. Race: Cool Athlete - Chaparro - Gagnant
8. Race: Eirnin - Simla Sunset - Deire Na Sli

8 meetings today

lots of racing today with 3 meetings this afternoon and 5 this evening (2 in Ireland)
Brighton continues its August fixture and the main event is a handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.30 CET. The top-weight won yesterday´s feature and that could happen again, as Hawaana (Gay Kelleway/Robert Winston) could complete a hat-trick here. He won the same race last year but is still on the same rating.
Philip Robinson could be the jockey to follow at Yarmouth and we would not be surprised to see him win the last two races on Jon Spearing´ s Equuleus Pictor at 17.50 and Mark Tompkins´ Astrovenus half an hour later.

Betting forecast at Yarmouth:
1. Race: Fa`iz - My Body Is A Cage - Daraa
2. Race: Starbound - Celestyna - Empress Charlotte
3. Race: Janet`S Pearl - Chilledtothebone - Crown Ridge
4. Race: Avec Moi - Cathcart Castle - I Got You Babe
5. Race: Flame Of Hestia - Negotiation - Alioonagh
6. Race: Equuleus Pictor - Miss Polly Plum - Midnight Rider
7. Race: Mina`S Boy - Astrovenus - Miss Whippy

6 flat meetings today

6 meetings today but it is again very difficult to get excited about any of them and once again there are some small fields.
The best race at Pontefract is the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.40 CET. Top-weight Berling (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern) is owned by Benny Andersson (ABBA) is not the most reliable, but has been racing in better company and should be able to take this. The obvious danger is the very lightly-weighted Cluain Dara (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton). Also at Pintefract. Roger Charlton´s Camberley Two (Kieren O´Neill) can complete a quick five-timer in the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.10.
Two unbeaten horses are the most interesting runners at Newcastle. Little Jimmy Odso (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) has won both his starts in good style and can take the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.20. It looks trickier for Present Danger (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) in the 7 furlongs handicap half an hour later. The filly is owned by Michael Owen, but has not been seen since winning a maiden in September.
The mile handicap at 16.30 at Brighton is a valuable race by the standards of this track and with 16 runners look very open. Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ Patrick Hills) was a good runner-up at Goodwood on Saturday and a repetition of that form would give her a solid each-way chance here.
Easily the best race this evening, and the most valuable race of the day, is the fillies and mares event at 19.50 at Sligo. Grandly named the Connacht Oaks, it is in fact a handicap but has attracted some decent performers. Our selection is German-bred Glamorous (Jessica Harrington/ Shane Foley).

Betting forecast at Pontefract:
1. Race: Amazing Blue Sky - James Pollard - Reason To Believe
2. Race: Heeraat - Zakreet - Sabore
3. Race: Camberley Two - Youhavecontrol - Jade
4. Race: Berling - The Caped Crusader - Cluain Dara
5. Race: Mr Wolf - Port Ronan - Desert Strike
6. Race: Elijah Pepper - Violent Velocity - Sir George
7. Race: Lizzie - Brave Dream - Showboating

5 bad meetings today

as so often, the cards on Tuesday are all very poor and in addition there are very small fields at all 4 U.K. meetings so that very few races are punter-friendly. Normal each-way betting is possible only at a tiny handful of today´s races. It is significant that Sir Mark Prescott and his stable jockey Seb Sanders are in Catterick for just one runner- Code Cracker in the 2yo maiden that opens the card at 15.00 CET. Her dam won the Prix de Diane, so a win - even in this modest company- would be of huge benefit to her stud value. Mark Johnston can win the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 16.30 with Cat o´Nine Tails; jockey Silvestre de Sousa is now level with Paul Hanagan in the jockeys´ table and could go into the lead today.
Johnston could also have a winner at Bath, where the ground will be rock hard. His runner here is Mariners Lodge (Antioco Murgia) in the apprentice handicap at 15.15. An old friend in action here is 14yo The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Liam Keniry) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.15. When he won at Yarmouth a month ago, it was widely expected that the old boy would be retired, and frankly, that is also what we would prefer, but it seems he just enjoys his racing too much. He is not so well handicapped now following that win, but usually goes well here and certainly has a chance.
Jamie Spencer took a couple of days off following his fall at Goodwood on Saturday (which left Ryan Moore in hospital and likely be out for several weeks) but returns this evening at Ffos Las with 4 rides. Michael Bell´s Gabrial the King at 18.30, Evan Williams´ West with the Wind at 20.05 and Pat Morris´ Cruise to the Limit at 20.40 all have good prospects, so he should not go home without a winner.
Several of the jockeys riding at Catterick this afternoon make their way to Southwell´s all-weather fixture this evening, and Silvestre de Sousa could be among the winners here as well. Daaweitza at 20.30, and Amtired at 21.35, both trained by Brian Ellison, look his best chances here.
There are big fields at the Irish N.H. meeting at Roscommon, but Undertheboardwalk (Tony Martin/ Barry Geraghty) and Minella King (WJ Austin/ Adrian Leigh) were both runners-up last time and can go one better in the two divisions of the maiden hurdle at 18.40 and 19.10 respectively.

Betting forecast at Bath:
1. Race: Mariners Lodge - Covert Decree - Tegan
2. Race: Dancing Primo - Boa - Laverre
3. Race: Watered Silk - Highlife Dancer - Princess Gail
4. Race: Beauty Pageant - Kinigi - Athwaab
5. Race: Tinzapeas - Colourful Event - Nude
6. Race: Orbital Orchid - Dark Energy - Lucky Diva
7. Race: Sulis Minerva - The Tatling - Spic `N Span

6 meetings today

6 meetings today with plenty of runners but little quality. An interesting innovation can be seen at Carlisle this evening, where all seven races are contested by female jockeys (amateur and professional). Most of the races are pretty poor, but with the exception of Hayley Turner, all the top females will be there, such as Cathy Gannon, and we expect her to win the staying handicap at 20.25 CET on Alan Berry´s frontrunner Rare Coincidence, with German-bred Soprano (Jim Goldie/ Carol Bartley) the main danger. Best bet here is Camerooney (Brian Ellison/ Harriet Bethell) in the 9 furlongs claimer at 19.55.
The racing this afternoon at Ripon and Newton Abbot (N.H.) is not very inspiring. At Ripon the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.45 is the best race and looks wide open. Pepper Lane (David O´Meara/ Silvestre de Sousa), from a team in top form, was a CD winner last time and can perhaps score again. An hour later, Sir Henry Cecil´s well-bred Millennium Star (Tom Queally) may be good enough to win the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 17.45 on her debut; she cost 210,000 guineas as a yearling and can get back a tiny fraction of that amount this afternoon. At Newon Abbot we hope to see Two Kisses (Brendan Powell/ Wayne Kennedy) follow up his recent course win in the novice chase at 16.30 and King Olav (Tony Carroll/ Wayne Hutchinson) take the next race, a handicap hurdle.
In Ireland, there is an all-hurdles card at Cork, with some big fields but only 5 runners in the main event at 17.05 Oneeightofamile (Jon Kiely/ DE Splaine) won here last time, with Won in the Dark (Sabrina Harty/ Davy Russell) third, but the latter was a hot favourite on that occasion and may be able to recover those losses today. At Naas there are also a couple of races over sticks- we expect Royal Reveille (Ted and Mark Walsh) to complete a hat-trick at 16.50- but the most interesting events are the 2yo maidens with runners from most of the top stables - O´Brien, Weld, Oxx and co.

Betting forecast Carlisle:
1. Race: Sea Salt - Simple Rhythm - Rio`S Girl
2. Race: Camerooney - Opus Maximus - Worth A King`S
3. Race: Sendali - Neptune Equester - Soprano
4. Race: Hot Rod Mamma - Motafarred - Sunnyside Tom
5. Race: Muftarres - Boy The Bell - Come On Safari
6. Race: Dane Cottage - Cool Baranca - Tropical Duke