Ryan Moore at Ascot today

The good news today is that Ryan Moore returns after his long injury break. He has 2 rides for Sir Michael Stoute at Ascot this afternoon. Although he is in our opinion one of the 2 best jockeys ridings in the U.K. at the moment (together with Frankie), we won´t be betting on his mounts, as it often happens that jockeys need a few days to get back to form after a bad injury. In addition the Stoute stable form remains poor.

Our selections for these races are: Dimension (James Fnashawe/ Kieren Fallon) at 15.20 CET and The Bells O Poever (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) at 16.30. Main event at Ascot is the listed race for 3yo´s over 1 3/4 miles at 17.05. Highland Castle (David Elsworth/Jamie Spencer) is top-rated here, but we prefer Solar Sky (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), a highly promising young stayer who could be well up to group class.

The rest of the afternoon racing in the U.K. and Ireland is all over jumps - and mainly a very low level- but there is a good card at this evening´s all-weather meeting at Dundalk. Main feature is the Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 10 1 /2 furlongs at 22.00, with runners from some of the top Irish stables, including 2 each from Aidan O´Brien and John Oxx. Of these we prefer the Aga Khan´s Zanughan (Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh), but Bob le Beau (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) looks a big danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dimension - Azameera - Tuscania
2. Race: Mundana - Classic Colori - Primaeval
3. Race: Midnight Oil - The Bells O Peover - Kinyras
4. Race: Highland Castle - Barbican - Buthelezi
5. Race: Cunning Act - Colloquial - Bow To No One
6. Race: Louis The Pious - Sirius Prospect - Elusivity

4 low-level meetings today

Racing continues at an extremely low level in the U.K. today, with four very modest meetings. German-bred Northern Flyer (John Quinn/ Brian Toomey) runs in the 9 furlongs handicap at 16.30 CET at Wolverhampton. He is very inconsistent, and not much good at the best of times, but he often runs well here and has a definite each-way chance at a decent price. The same goes for Garstang (Bruce Hellier/ Saleem Golam) over 6 furlongs half an hour later. Our old friend Bruce has just about the worst strike rate in Britain, but this horse should be thereabouts today. With Saeed bin Suroor now finally hitting top form, we would not be surprised to see him saddle the winners of both divisions of the 2yo maiden Warwick -Asifa (Jimmy Fortune) at 16.10 and Famous Poet (Richard Hills) an hour later. A German-bred we like here is Double Handful (Venetia Williams/ Adam Kirby) in the 1 mile 7 furlongs handicap at 18.10; Final Liberation (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders), going for a four-timer , is the obvious danger.

Local trainer Donald McCain is often the man to follow at Bangor, and he can wln the first two races this afternoon with hurdling debutant Hollow Tree (Timmy Murphy) at 15.20 and novice chaser Dunowen Point (Tony McCoy) half an hour later. Waldsee (Jo Davies/ Tom Cannon), who runs in the novice hurdle at 16.20 has a superb German pedigree - he is a half-brother to Derby winner Waldpark and to the dam of Arc fancy Masked Marvel, but has very little of their ability. However he could go well in this weak company, although Nicky Henderson´s hurdling newcomer Mush Mir (McCoy) is obviously going to be hard to beat.

Richard Hughes won 3 races at Kempton´s evening meeting yesterday and can follow up with Mishrif (John Jenkins) in the last race at 22.10; he was an easy CD winner a fortnight ago and today´s opposition looks no better.

3 meetings today

Tuesday is almost always the worst day of the week as far as quality racing is concerned, and today is no exception. At Chepstow the mile handicap at 17.00 CET looks the most interesting race and Encore un Fois (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), just touched off last time at Brighton by Ancient Greece (George Baker/ Dane O´Neill), tries to take revenge for that defeat, but there could again be little in it.

However there are plenty more with chances here and we prefer the in-form Mr. Udawaga (Bernard Llewellyn/ Martin Lane), going for a CD hat-trick, and top-weight Mr. Osgood (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley). The "best" race of the day is probably the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.40 at Ayr, in which Dare to Dance (Jeremy Noseda/ Paul Hanagan) will start a red-hot favourite. Winner of the last two of his three starts, he was ante-post favourite for last week´ s Cambridgeshire until Noseda pulled him out because of the fast ground. The going will be much softer today and he is the most likely winner, but he is no value at the likely odds; perhaps Tres Coronas (David Barron/ Lee Newman) or Calaf (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) are better each-way alternatives. Top-weight Waldvogel (Nicky Richards/ Tom Eaves) ie a horse we like and has a great German pedigree - he is a half-brother to Deutsches Derby winner Waldpark - but this is the wrong trip for him and we are not sure that he will l ike ground as soft as this.

Sedgefield stages N.H. racing this afternoon and we expect Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and Tony McCoy to team up to land a double with Russian War in the beginners chase at 15.50 and the novice hurdle with Mngr Hangment in the novice hurdle at 17.20. Russian Waar jumped badly last time at Listowel and finally fell, but the ground was very bad that day; he was easily the best of these over hurdles and on this better ground can get back on the winning trail. Hanger Managment has won his last 4 races, including two here, and can continue his winning run at the main expense of Shifting Gold (Kevin Ryan/ Brian Toomey).

4 meetings today

A typical Monday with mainly very low grade racing. The best horse running in the U.K. today could be Icebuster (Rod and James Millman) who has top weight in the 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET at Ffos Las. He won so easily at Sandown last time that even an 11 lbs penalty may not stop him scoring again. Of course the 4 runners in the conditions race over a mile at 16.40 are all higher rated, but these reces are very tricky for the punter. With the Godolphin stable in great form, we select Secrecy /Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), but from the betting point of view the race is best left alone. A better bet here could be course specialist Botham (Jim Goldie/ Jason Hart), who has top weight in the apprentice handicap at 17.10.

At Bath we fancy two recent CD winners to follow up- Enjoying (Richard Hannon/ Kieren O´Neill) in the 2yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.00, and Ginzan (Malcolm Saunders/ Jake Payne) in the apprentice handicap over 6 furlongs at 18.00.

There is a mixed meeting in Ireland at Roscommon, where the first 4 races are on the flat and the last 4 over jumps. Foot Soldier (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) iscleary not one of the top juveniles in his powerful yard, but could still be good enough to win the 2yo maiden at 16.05. The grade 3 novice chase over 2 miles at 18.05 is the race of the day. Ex-French Cathodine Cayras, as a 4yo filly, gets all the allowances and could be dangerous off her low weight, but we prefer the proven form of Dr. Whizz (Tom Mullins/ Mark Walsh), who had no chance in the Kerry National last time but has obvious claims in this grade.

2 group races at the Curragh

The card at the Curragh, as is often the case on a Sunday, is much stronger than the British cards today, with two group races. Main feature is the Beresford Stakes for 2yo´s over a mile at 17.20 CET, a race in which John Oxx often runs his best juvenile. This time he relies on Akeed Mofeed (Johnny Murtagh), most impressive when defeating Athens (Aidan O´Brien/ Colm O´Donoghue) at Leopardstown last time. Athns has since won, but his stable companions Furners Green (Joseph O´Brien) and David Livingston (Seamus Heffernan) are probably more of a danger. However Akeed Mofeed looks a solid favourite. The C.L.Weld Park Stakes at 16.10 is for 2yo fillies over 7 furlongs, and O´Brien, Jessica Harrington and Dermot Weld each saddle two runners, whole Newmarket raider Kinetica (Sir Mark Prescott/ Colin Hayes) is also a threat. Obviously Weld would love to win the race named after his father and we make Madhmoonah (Pat Smullen) the selection.

Epsom stages its final meeting of 2011 today with a card mainly comprised of handicaps. Two trainers who are in good form at the moment are Brian Meehan and Roger Varian, and we expect them to score with Colour Scheme (Shane Kelly) at 16.35 and Dubawi Sound (Neil Callan) at 16.00 respectively.

Mark Johnston is usually the trainer to follow at Musselburgh and he has several chances today; but he has no runners in the main event, a mile handicap for fillies at 17.30, which could go to Metropolitain Miss (Mick Channon/ Franny Norton).

There is also N.H. racing from Clonmel in Ireland today, with the usual large fields. But there are only 6 runners in the main event, a novice chase over 3 miles at 17.35, which looks wide open. At these weights we just prefer Action Master (Dessie Hughes/ Ben Cooper).

Curragh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Lanett Lady - Nephrite - Mississippi
2. Race: Murura - Bonnie Acclamation - Blue Dahlia
3. Race: Princess Sinead - Remember Alexander - Coral Wave
4. Race: Hujaylea - Bancnuanaheireann - Defining Year
5. Race: Akeed Mofeed - Furner`s Green - David Livingston
6. Race: Sun Disc - Boulay - Melodie D`Amour
7. Race: Ansaab - Eva`S Time - Ansgar

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

The other cards are dominated by handicaps, but there is an interesting Group Three for fillies over 9 1 /2 furlongs at 16.30 CET at Gowran Park in Ireland. Here we like best two very lightly-raced 3yo fillies who have not run since May - Handassa (Kevin Prendergast/ Daclan McDonough) and Zaminast (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), one of 3 runners from the Weld stable. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 at Haydock could go for the second year running to Cheveton (Richard Price/ Dale Swift), who won at Ayr last week; he brought off the same double in 2010. The stayers handicap here at 16.55 could go to Motivado, an easy winner over CD last time, but up 9 lbs in the weights. A sprint handicap with runners from the big Ayr meeting is also the main feature at Ripon, this time over 6 furlongs at 17.15. CD specialist Pepper Lane (David O´Meara/ David Nolan) has topweight here, but we are not sure that he can concede the pounds to Advanced (Kevin and Amy Ryan), 3rd in the Ayr Silver Cup, or Tajneed (David Nicholls/ Matt O´Connell), 9th in the Gold Cup. The 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.10 at Chester looks very tricky. We do not like betting horses racing out of the handicap, but bottom weight Spanish Plume (Reg Hollinshead/ Jamie Mackay), who showed improvement to win over this CD a fortnight ago, could well spring a surprise here. Finally, we hope that the German-breds Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) and Ostland (Charlie Longdon/ Felix de Giles) run well in the listed handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 15.50 at Market Rasen.

Gowran - betting forecast:
1. Race: Glor Na Mara - Fred Fenster - Eagle Canyon
2. Race: Manaaqeb - Balladiene - Beauty Express
3. Race: Hadrian`S Waltz - Mamma Rosa - Sceal Nua
4. Race: Look At Me - Handassa - Zaminast
5. Race: Afraz - Outback - Dark Passion
6. Race: Ted Dolly - Bold Thady Quill - Buy Back Bob
7. Race: Rigoletta - Noah Webster - Call To Battle
8. Race: Tibet - Amhrasach - Zalantoun

2 Group Ones and Cambridgeshire at Newmarket

Newmarket stages one of its best days of the year today with two Group Ones and the Cambridgeshire, one of the toughest handicaps of the year with 32 runners (after 3 withdrawals). The 9 furlongs race will be run at 16.50 CET and features two German runners, both trained by Mario Hofer: Combat Zone (Terry Hellier) and Ideology (Tom Queally). Combat Zone meets Ideology on much better terms than at Baden-Baden, but is drawn very wide, which may not be ideal. We would like to see the Germans run well, but it is a big ask. The race is of course wide open, with long-time ante-post favourite Dare to Dance (Jeremy Noseda/ Jamie Spencer) a late withdrawal because of the fast ground. The short list includes Red Gulch (Ed Walker/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), Questioning (John Gosden/ William Buick), Cry Fury (Roger Charlton/ Richard Hughes) and Man o´Action (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), but almost anything can happen here.

The Group One Cheveley Park Stakes for 2yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 15.35 is always won by a top-notcher and the clear favourite here is Best Terms (Richard Hannon/ Hughes), who is unbeaten in 4 starts including the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and the Lowther at York. Irish supplementary entry Lightening Pearl (Ger Lyons/ Johnny Murtagh) looks the main danger. Murtagh also partners an Irish supplementary in the Group One Sun Chariot for fillies and mares over a mile at 16.10. This is the Aga Khan´s Alanza, winner of her last 3 races and a big improver. However she still has a lot to find to beat the favourite here, the French hope Sahpresa (Rodolphe Collet/ Christophe Lemaire), who has won the race for the last 2 years and and is going for an unprecented hat-trick.

The Royal Lodge Stakes (Group Two, 2yo´s, one mile) at 15.05 is another race with a big influence on future events; it is run here for the first time (previously: Ascot) and was won in 2010 by Frankel. His likeliest successor in our view is Wrote (one of 3 runners saddled by Aidan O´Brien and ridden by William Buick). Richard Fahey has runners all over today, but in his newspaper column he nominates the unbeaten Nemushka (Paul Hanagan) in the handicap for 2yo fillies at 17.25 his best bet of the day, so she should be watched carefully.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Farhaan - Daddy Long Legs - Wrote
2. Race: Best Terms - Lightening Pearl - Shumoos
3. Race: Sahpresa - Alanza - Timepiece
4. Race: Questioning - Cry Fury - Man Of Action
5. Race: Pimpernel - Responsive - Nemushka
6. Race: Lutine Bell - Golden Delicious - Woodcote Place
7. Race: Anatolian - Tmaam - Haylaman

3 group races at Newmarket

The Cambridgeshire meeting at Newmarket goes into its second day with a very strong card including 3 group races and two listed. Main feature is the Group One Shadwell Fillies Mile for 2yo´s at 16.00. Godolphin won this last year, when it was run at Ascot, and with the stable now in red-hot form can follow up with the unbeaten Lyric of Light (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori); but she has little in hand of Fallen for You (John Gosden/ William Buick), a neck behind her last time after being hampered. Firdaws (Roger Varian/ Richard Hills), whose dam won the Oaks and who is owned by the sponsor, would be an appropiate winner, especially after the death of Michael Jarvis earlier this week. Albarama (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) is another well-bred and highly promising filly.

The Group 2 Joel Stakes over a mile at 15.25 looks between Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ Gaorge Baker), who won a similar race at Doncaster last week and for whom the ground has come right, and Godolphin´s Poet´ s Voice (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori), who finished last on his recent comeback at Goodwood but is easily the form choice on his victory in the QEII last year.

Another one well beaten on his recent comeback is Dangerous Midge (Brian Meehan/ Martin Dwyer), winner of the Breeders Cup Turf lst year. A return to that form would see him win the listed race over 1 1/ miles at 17.10. We are not 100% convinced that he is back to top form and prefer Myplacelater (David Elsworth/ William Buick), who won this a year ago.

The opening Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes for 2yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 14.15 is another open race, but Godolphin have 3 runners here and we would not be surprised to see them take the first 3 places. Seta (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) is top-rated in the mile listed for fillies and mares at 14.50 but our main fancy here is Sooraah (William Haggas/ Richard Hughes).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rakasa - Questing - Minidress
2. Race: Dark Promise - Seta - Sooraah
3. Race: Poet`S Voice - Tazahum - Premio Loco
4. Race: Lyric Of Light - Fallen For You - Firdaws
5. Race: Ellaal - Bayan - Cayuga
6. Race: Dangerous Midge - Myplacelater - Mahbooba
7. Race: Galiando - Capaill Liath - Paramour
8. Race: Vita Lika - Fujin Dancer - Ambala

Newmarket Cambridgeshire meeting starts today

The Newmarket Cambridgeshire meeting begins today, and although the cards on Friday and Saturday are stronger, today´s is also pretty good with a group race and 2 listed races. Main event is the Somerville Tattersall Stakes for 2yo colt and geldings over 7 furlongs at 16.55 CET. Farraaj (Roger Varian/ Frankie Dettori) is the obvious favourite here, after winning his last 2 races in good style, and the form has been boosted since. The main dangers come from Ireland in the shape of Crusade (Aidan O´Brien/ Colm O´Donoghue) and Zip Top (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning).

O´Brien and O´Donoghue also have a chance in the listed race for fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.20 with Spin, who failed to stay 2 miles time at Doncaster. She is the best of the 3yo´s here but the 6yo Cill Rialiag (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne), unlucky at St. Cloud last time, could be a big threat. The other listed race is a 2 mile event which used to be run at Ascot and was won last year by Fictional Account (Vincent Ward/ Fran Berry), who is in the line-up again; both she and her stable companion End of the Affair (Kevin Manning) are expected to be retired to stud after this race. Times Up (John Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern), a smart handicapper last year but a listed winner this, and Nehaam (John Gosden/ William Buick) look the best of the Brits.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Almaas - Rye House - Imperial Order
2. Race: Ghostwriting - Chil The Kite - Magic City
3. Race: Spin - Cill Rialaig - Mohedian Lady
4. Race: Farraaj - Crius - Crusade
5. Race: Times Up - Nehaam - Fictional Account
6. Race: Fair Value - Dreamacha - Swiss Dream
7. Race: Boogie Shoes - Polish World - Chapter And Verse

Frankie Dettori at Goodwood today

Frankie Dettori, expected to be riding Campanologist at Cologne on Sunday, will be in action at Goodwood today and we think he has excellent prospects of riding several winners for Godolphin. In the main event, a listed race over 10 furlongs at 16.45 CET he partners Debussy (Mahmood al Zarooni), winner of the 2010 Arlington Million, and back to form with an easy win at Chester last time.

Fellow Godolphin runners Prince Siegfried (Kieren Fallon) and Hunters Light (Ted Durcan), both trained by Saeed bin Duroor) could well fill the minor places. Frankie can also score on Genius Step at 15.00, Estourah at 17.20 and Tahaamah at 17.55, all owned by Godolphin. In the 2yo maiden at 15.35 his intended mount Sadma is a non-runner, but he may switch to one of the other Godolphin entries here.

There is also flat racing at Redcar - large fields, but all quantity and no quality - and N.H. racing in Scotland at Perth and Downpatrick in N. Ireland. The Irish always do well at Perth and any more rain would certainly improve the chances of Supreme Builder (Shark Hanlon/ Paddy Brennan) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 17.45; he has been off the track for half a year but the stable is in great form.

3 meetings today

A typical Tuesday programme with poor racing from Beverley and Folkestone as well as jumps racing at Newton Abbot. At Beverley, Peter Midgley can land a double with Internationaldebut (Freddie Tylicki), going for a hat-trick in the 6 furlongs conditions race at 17.00 CET, and Lady Sledmere (Paul Hanagan) moving into handicap company for the first time after an easy maiden win half an hour later.

German group winner Aspectus (Jamie Osborne/Sophie Doyle) has been very frustrating since moving to the U.K. and has not won in 15 starts, but is now on a very low rating and must have some sort of chance in the 7 1/2 furlongs handicap at 16.00.

Frankie Dettori is at Folkestone and can win the opening 2yo handicap on George Baker´s Billyrayvalentine as well as the final maiden at 17.50 on Godolphin´s Kahraba, placed on both starts so far. An interesting runner here is Sure Fire (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) in the 1 mile 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50. This is a very poor race and Sure Fire, who has an excellent German pedigree but has been seen since finishing last on the all-weather in April, is surely capable of winning off this rating.

Another German-bred we like today is Lancteto in the 2 mile novice chase at 15.40 at Newton Abbot. Nearby (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) is the obvious danger here, but has been beaten twice at odds-on and does not seem to be a good enough jumper. Hobbs can however take the 3 1/4 mile handicap chase at 16.40, where he has 2 runners, top-weight Estates Recovery (Mr. JA Best), who has won his last 3 races, including twice this CD, and Templer (Matt Griffiths). When they met before, the former won easily but the latter can take his revenge at these weights.

4 meetings today

4 meetings today, all at a fairly low level, and it is interesting that almost all the best races are over sprint distances. At Hamilton, the 6 furlongs conditions race at 16.10 CET has cut up badly. Atlntic Sport (Mick Channon/ Matthew Davies), who was trained last year by Peter Schiergen, could win this if at his best. Nasri (David Nicholls/ Matt O´Connell), a non-runner in the Ayr Silver Cup on Saturday, and Kaldoun Kindom (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), well beaten in the Gold Cup at Ayr, are next best. The 5 furlongs handicap at 17.40 looks very tricky. Ingleby Star (Ian McInnes/ Justin Newman) is going for a hat-trick but is not certain to confirm the form with Wicked Wilma (Alan Berry/ Julie Burke) at these weights, while The Nifty Fox (Tim Easterby/ Tony Eaves) and last year´s winner Captain Scooby (Richard Whitaker/ Amy Ryan) are also dangerous.

The 5 furlongs handicap at Leicester at 16.50 is even more difficult with 17 runners. Out 3 against the ield are Le Toreador (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin), Sohraab (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) and especially Judge ´n Jury (Ron Harris/ Luke Morris). who has been running well in better company.

Most of the top jockeys are in action at Kempton´s all-weather track this afternoon, and the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00 is another tricky event. Dimension (James Fanshawe/ Kieren Fallon), from a stable whose sprinters are in great form, is our narrow selection here. Kepler´s Law (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) can complete a five-timer in the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s half an hour later.

There is jumps racing at Ballinrobe in Ireland, with the usual large fields. The exception is the 2 3/4 mile chase at 18.35. German-bred Ten Fires (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) is the best horse in this small field, but we do not believe that he can concede so much weight to Traffic Article (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) and Ainama (Boots and Slippers Madden).

4 low-level meetings today

After yesterday´s high class racing at several tracks today´s cards are very much an anti-climax. Hamilton, in Scotland, stages the only flat racing in the U.K. and the best race is the fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.40 CET. Coolminx (Tony Hamilton) and Jeannie Galloway (Paul Hanagan) both trained by Richard Fahey, finished first and second in the Bronze Cup at Ayr two days ago so are not certain to run, while top-weight Amitola (David Barron/ Phillip Makin) was a non-runner in yesterday´s Silver Cup. If Amitola runs today she must have good prospects, although the 3yo Lady Paris (Bryan Smart/ Justin Newman) could be a danger. She failed to stay 7 furlongs last time, but this trip is ideal.

The two jumps meetings at Plumpton and Uttoxeter are of very little interest. At the former track Tim Vaughan can land a double with the top-weights Saute (Johnny Farrelly) in the handicap hurdle at 16.30 and Tae Kwon Do (Richard Killoran) in the handicap chase half an hour later. At Uttoxeter the best race is the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.50, which should lie between the two last-time-out winners Tahiti Pearl (Sue Smith/ Shane Byrne) and Fine Lace (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney).

There are huge fields at today´s Irish flat meeting at Fairyhouse, where the valuable sales race for 2yo´s at 16.45 is the main feature. The prize-money for this race is more than for all the rest of today´s British and Irish races put together. Richard Hannon has an amazing record in these events, as we saw again yesterday, so his two candidates Three a.m.Tour (Richard Hughes) and City Dazzler (Niall McCullough) must be respected, but strictly on form Tough as Nails (Michael Mulvany/ Gary Carroll) and Gatepost (Mick Channon/ Pat Smullen), who have both been running respectably in good company, should be preferred.

3 group races at Newbury

although the Ayr Gold Cup, one of the biggest betting races of the year, grabs the headlines today, there is in fact a much classier card at Newbury, with 3 group races. The grandly -named Arc trlal at 15.00 CET is nothing of the sort, but is still quite an open-looking event, in which we go for the sole 3yo in the field, Al Kazeem (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne).
The Mill Reef Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 15.30 is always one of the top juvenile races, and Gimcrack winner Caspar Netscher (Alan McCabe/ Kieren Fallon) is the likely favourite here, despite having to give away weight. Although he ran badly last time, we hope to see Redact (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) come back to form here. The stable continues in tremendous form and that Ripon blip can be forgiven.
Frankie Dettori is here to ride the well-bred debutant Mighty Ambition for Godolphin in the 2yo maiden at 14.25, but we also expect him to win the 5 furlongs sprint at 16.40 on James Fanshawe´s Deacon Blue, who has won his last 3 races and is one of the fastest horses around. His form is all at 6 furlongs, over which trip he was most impressive in Ireland last time, but this distance should pose no problem, especially as the race is sure to be run at a furious pace.
Newbury also stages a tough handicap, this time over 10 furlongs at 16.05 with 20 runners. Mark Johnston saddles 4 runners here and we hope to see his German-bred Malthouse (Tony Eaves) come out best of them.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mighty Ambition - Aazif - Firestarter
2. Race: Green Destiny - Sri Putra - Dangerous Midge
3. Race: Caspar Netscher - Saigon - B Fifty Two
4. Race: Labarinto - Dhaamer - Kirthill
5. Race: Deacon Blues - Night Carnation - Medicean Man
6. Race: Golden Jubilee - Moidore - Miblish
7. Race: Democretes - Shere Khan - Ortac Rock
8. Race: Mrs Greeley - Ellie In The Pink - Loving Thought

Ayr Gold Cup

the Ayr Gold Cup (6 furlongs handicap 16.20 CET) is the highlight of the Western Meeting, Scotland´s top flat fixture, and looks almost impossible race to unravel. It still unclear where the best ground is, although the results of the last 2 days suggest that low numbers could have an advantage. But after more rain yesterday, the ground will be much softer and it could well ride differently today. In that case Regal Parade (David and Adrian Nicholls), drawn right against the stands rail in 27, comes into the reckoning. He goes well on the ground and in fact won this in 2008 on heavy. In the meantime he has been running well in group races - including group one wins on soft ground at Haydock and Deauville. He is the class act in this field, and if the draw is not a problem, we feel he has to go close. Others to consider are Mayson (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), possibly the choice of his stable´s 5 runners, Eton Rifles (David Elsworth/ Ted Durcan),Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/ Fra nny Norton) and Irish hope Croisultan (Liam McAteer/ Niall McCullagh), third in a group race at the Curragh last week. An indication of the problem facing the punter here is the fact that one leading bookmaker is going 14-1 the field!
The Silver Cup at 15.15, the consolation race, is equally tricky and also has 26 runners. We like a David Nicholls runner here as well,- top-weight Nasri (Matt O´Connell), a close 4th in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood. Fahey has 7 runners here, the pick of which could be Valery Borzov (Hanagan), but the trainer himself admits that his stable jockey had a very tough task to make a decision here.
The group 3 race for 2yo fillies at 15.45 looks almost as difficult as the handicaps, with nothing standing out on form, Kohala (David Barron/ Phillip Makin), top-rated but only just - and Prince of Orange (Rae Guest/ Durcan),up in grade after an easy maiden win at Lingfield, are the two we like best here,

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Risky Art - Montaser - Zakreet
2. Race: Fathsta - Parisian Pyramid - Cheveton
3. Race: Kohala - Miss Work Of Art - Misty Conquest
4. Race: Mac`S Power - Pepper Lane - Eton Rifles
5. Race: Honeymead - Mr Rainbow - Mullins Way
6. Race: Poet - Hot Prospect - Cracking Lass
7. Race: Sarrsar - Harrison George - Osteopathic Remedy
8. Race: Sharp Relief - Bollin Greta - Lexington Bay


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Listowel abandoned

today´s Irish card at Listowel, the seventh and final day of the Harvest Festival, has been abandoned following heavy rain. The track is now unraceable.

Ayr and Listowel meetings continue

The Ayr Western meeting goes into its second day today and the Listowel Harvest Festival into its sixth, but for us the most interesting races are at Newbury, where we expect the Godolphin stable to enjoy another profitable afternoon. Dubai Prince (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Kieren Fallon) was trained by Dermot Weld last year and was one of the best 2yo´s in Ireland, but has not been seen out since being transferred to Newmarket. However if he is anywhere near his old form he can hardly be beaten in the 9 furlongs conditions race at 16.10. Dettori cannot do the weight, hence Fallon in the saddle. One opponent is the Munsun mare Bolivia (Lucy Wadham/ Richard Mullen), runner-up in the Diana-Trlal in 2009, but off the track now for almost two years. However even if at her best she should not be able to trouble Dubai Prince, regarded as a major classic hope earlier in the year. The situation with Colonial (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) is similar; trained by Andre Fabre, he was unbeaten at two but was off the track for ages. However he seems to be back in form and should win the listed race over 7 furlongs at 18.30. Godollphin´s third runner is Oscan (al Zarooni/ Dettori) in the mile race for 2yo´s at 16.45, an easy winner of his only start. He also has a good chance, although the opposition here looks strong.

Main event at Ayr is the 5 furlongs listed race for 2yo´s at 17.30. Strictly speaking, Caledonia Lady (Jo Hughes/ Paul Hanagan) should win this after her excellent effort at Doncaster a week ago. However she has never yet finished in the first two in 6 starts, so we prefer the other filly in the field Ponty Acclaim (Tim Easterby/ David Allan), who is lower rated but at least knows how to win. Otherwise there are 2 sprint handicaps with huge fields. It seems possible (though not certain) that low numbers have an advantage this year, in which case we suggest Fol Hollow (David Nicholls/ Matt O´Connell) at 16.20 and Loki´s Revenge (Willie Jarvis/ Darryll Holland) as long shots with each-way prospects.

At Listowel today the best race is on the flat, a valuable handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.15. Most of the older horses look exposed, so we shall take the two 3yo´ s in the field - Gentleman Duke (Mark Halford/ Pat Smullen) and Hisaabaat (Dermot Weld/ Liam Roche) to fight this out under their low weights.

Listowel´s Harvest Festival meeting continues.

Another mixed card at Listowel today, with 4 flat races followed by 3 over jumps and a bumper. The opening mile maiden should go to Sunset Stanza (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) but generally the N.H. events look stronger. The most valuable race is the handicap hurdle at 17.55, which looks wide open. Barry Geraghty won the big race here yesterday and can follow up on top-weight, Jessica Harrington´s The Bull Hayes, an easy winner at Killarney last time. Life of Reilly (Jon Kiely/ Mark Walsh) and Burma Rock (Willie Austin/ Adrian Leigh) - no relation to Peter Schiergen´s horse of the same name- look the main dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sunset Stanza - Bancnuanaheireann - Ridayef
2. Race: Fred Fenster - Lord Windark - Gordon Lord Byron
3. Race: Darasal Wane - Independent Girl - Oh What A Kitten
4. Race: Monte Carlo - Domination - Dorset Square
5. Race: Son Amix - Mr Nosie - River d`Or
6. Race: The Bull Hayes - Princeton Plains - Tawaagg
7. Race: Bundle Of Fun - Martin Scruff - Gormanstown Cuckoo
8. Race: Sin Palo - Saint Gervais - Tahrir Square

4 U.K. meetings today

The Western Meeting at Ayr, the biggest flat meeting of the year in Scotland begins today, although the main feature the Ayr Gold Cup is on Saturday. The card today is fairly low level, although the races are worth watching to determine if there is any draw bias in the sprints, which will be important information for the big 6 furlongs races coming up. The most interesting runner today is Red Hot Momma (Dianne Sayer/ Lee Topliss), who has won her last 5 races and now goes for the class 2 handicap over 10 furlongs 17.20 CET. She has gone up 44 lbs for her winning run and has never yet raced in this grade, and we honestly cannot imagine that she can win again against this much tougher opposition. Top-weight Emirates Dream (Saeed bin Suroor/ Darryll Holland), who had decent form last season in much better races, is our choice here. German-bred Daring Dream (Jim Goldie/ Gary Bartley) ran badly last time, but has a good each-way chance in the mile handicap at 16.50.

There are also a couple of German-breds of interest at Yarmouth. Zuider Zee (John Gosden/ William Buick) is very consistent and certainly deserves to get his head in front in the 1 13/4 mile handicap at 14.40, while Double Handful (Venetia Williams/ Silvestre de Sousa) has showed very little since moving to the U.K.; however we have not forgotten his good run in the 2009 German Derby and we fancy he could run much better now against very weak opposition in the 2 miles handicap at 17.40.

The fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.00 is the best race at Pontefract. This looks very open, but we have a slight preference for Glas Burn (Jonny Portman/ Steven Craine); she has not won for almost a year, but is now on a nice weight and her stable is in good form. We also like CD specialist Dan Buoy (Richard Guest/ Billy Cray), coming off a 3 months break, in the stayers handicap here half an hour later.

Godolphin have runners all over today, but their main jockey Frankie Dettori is in action at Kempton´s evening meeting, where we expect him to win the main event on Saeed bin Suroor´s Spring of Fame at 21.10. Saeed has been upstaged by Mahmood al Zarooni so far this year, but is coming back into form and his runners should be followed from now on.

3 listed races and Kerry National

Much more classy racing today, with listed races at Sandown, Yarmouth and Listowel. Yarmouth stage one of their best cards of the year and the fillies listed race over 10 furlongs at 16.20 CET looks very competitive. Nouriya (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Mullen) won this last year, but the stable form remains poor, while Principal Role (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) is top-rated but must give weight away all round.

Best of the older fillies should be Modeyra (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), but we will take a chance with Tenby Lady (Sir Mark Prescott/ Steve Donohoe) on the grounds that 3yo´s are unduly favoured by the weight-for-age scale at the moment. The listed race at Sandown is over a mile at 17.05. We have not forgotten the way Emarald Commander (bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) won at Baden-Baden a year ago and he can possibly defeat the likely favourite King Torus (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), a smart 2yo last year and now back in form. The 3yo filly Lay Time (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) looks dangerous off a very light weight.

At Listowel, on the fourth day of the Harvest Festival, they go over 1 1/2 miles and it should pay to concentrate on the big stables. John Oxx, currently in great form, has 3 runners, with Johnny Murtagh choosing Swamp Fire, while both of Aidan O´Brien´s runners deserve respect -Freedom (Seamus Heffernan) and Amazing Beauty (Colm O´Donoghue). German-bred Glamorous (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) has a chance, but our preference is for top-weight Address Unknown (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen).

However the big betting race of the day, and also the most valuable event, is the Kerry National over 3 miles at 17.10. This looks wide open but has always been a good race for course specialists. Alfa Beat (Shark Hanlon/ Barry Geraghty) won it last year from Dancing Tornado (Michael Hourigan/ Tony McCoy), but both have up a lot in the weights, as has Blazing Tempo, Ruby Walsh´s choice from 3 Willie Mullins runners. Ponmeoath has run in this race 4 times , winning in 2007 and 2008, and although he is no spring chicken he looks nicely handicapped now and will appreciate the heavy ground.

Listowel third day

Once again, easily the best racing and the biggest prize-money comes from the Irish meeting at Listowel, now on its third day. Aidan O´Brien could well win both races for 2yo maidens at 15.25 CET with Fort Sam Houston (Seamus Heffernan) and half an hour later with Athens, ridden by his son Joseph. Most valuable race on the card is the handicap hurdle for 4yo´s at 17.55, which looks wide open.

Acapulco Gold (Paul Nolan/ Andrew McNamara) is going for a hat-trick, but has little in hand of Walden Prince (Des Cullen/ EJ O´Connell). Tony McCoy flies over to partner Pat Flynn´s Louisville Lip and he also has a chance, but our fancy is In a Nutshell (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) who was runner-up to Much Acclaimed (J.Morrison/ PF Mangan) and now meets him on better terms, though h has won nicely in the meantime. Ruby Walsh is being very cautious on his comeback from injury; his only ride is Willie Mullins´ Capisci in the maiden hurdle at 18.25, so he has to be seriously considered.

The best race in the U.K. today is the conditions event over 6 furlongs at 17.40 at Yarmouth, which has attracted some decent performers for the prize-money. Iver Bridge Lad (John Ryan/ Matt O´Connell) is a class act having run on good races in top company in Meydan in the spring, but he may need the race after last running 7th in the Kings Stand at Royal Ascot and he is set to concede a lot of weight to some decent opposition. Our preference is for Gramercy (Michael Bell/ Jsmie Spencer), runner-up in a hot handicap at Ascot last time, but Imperial Guest (George Margarson/ Philip Robinson) and Royal Rock (Chris Wall/ Ted Durcan) r alo in with a chance. Wall and Durcan have another chance with Midnight Rider in the 5 furlongs handicap half an hour later, who finally broke his maiden by winning over this CD 40 days ago and can follow up today. Otherwise we shall keep a wary eye on two ex-Germans here, Aviso (David and Richard Evans) over a mile at 16.40 and Agapanthus (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) over 1 1/2 miles at 18.40; the two Schlenderhan-breds have been totally inconsistent and unreliable so far in the U.K. but are certainly capable of running well off their current very low ratings.

4 meetings today

Very little excitement at today´ s four meetings, with the 3 British meetings in particular all at a very low level. At Musselburgh we hope to see the German-bred Los Nadis improve his good course record in the handicap over 1 3/4 miles at 16.20 CET. He keeps his form remarkably well and loves this track. Obvious danger is the 3yo Al Furat (RE Barr/ Paul Hanagan), much improved since being stepped up in distance and an easy winner last time at Redcar despite hanging badly. Th onlyother rc on intert her i th 5 ulong handovao for 2yo´ at 17.50. Rent Free (Nigel Tinkler/ Silvestre de Sousa) has won 3 of his 6 starts and is easily the best horse in the field; however he has to give away lumps of weight, including 19 lbs to recent Redcar maiden winner Rougini (Elaine Burke/ Andrew Elliott), which will not be simple.

At Brighton, Milton Bradley saddles his two veteran sprinters, the 14yo The Tatler (Cathy Gannon) and 11yo Cape Royal (Richard KIngscote) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.00. They ran against each other last week at Chepstow, where Cape Royal was runner-up in a similar race with The Tatler well back. Cape Royal should run well again, but surely it is time to retire The Tatling, who has shown niothing in his recent starts. Best bet here is Go Dutch (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) in the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at 15.00. He has run well on both starts and none of others inpire much confidence.

Callan rides in the first 2 races at Brighton and then travels up at Kempton, where he has fancied rides in the last 3 races. However the more interesting event here is the mile maiden for fillies at 15.40. Godolphin have two well-bred runners here, Wadha (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and the debutant Hairpin (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Ahmed Atjebi), while Sir Mark Prescott´s Appeal (Seb Sanders) is another newcomer with a good pedigree.

Irish racing is having it own problems, but it is worth noting that Listowel today has considerably more prize-money on offer than all 3 U.K. tracks together. The meeting here goes on all week, and today´s is a mixed card with 3 flat races, 3 over jumps and a bumper. Secretary of State (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) has top-weight in the 2yo handicap at 16.45 after finishing second four times and fourth twice in his 6 starts, but we prefer Hurricane Ridge (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry), winner of his only start so far. Eagles Pass (TJ O´Mara/ Paul Townend) and Gala Dancer (Paul Nolan/ MN Doran) have each won their last two starts and clash in the novice chase at 17.15; at these weights we prefer the latter. There are also some promising types in the novice hurdle at 17.45. Charlie Swan´s lighty-raced mare Taraval (DG Hogan) is our choice here.

handicaps in the U.K.

today´s cards at Goodwood and Ffos Las are mainly handicaps - in fact all 7 races at Goodwood come into this category, which in our view is much too much of a good thing. They all look very tricky and to be honest the much class events at the Curragh and Longchamp offer much better betting opportunities. However one trainer/ jockey combination, whose horses we will be watching closely at Goodwood, is Rod and James Millman. Mobaasher, who goes for the 2 miles event at 14.55, has not run on the flat for 5 years (!) but is a smart hurdler and could well be thrown in here. Even more attractively weighted in our view is Numide at 17.40, who has also been running over hurdles. When one considers that he was once 5th in the French Derby, his rating of 75 appears a gift. Maccabees at 15.30 and Galatian at 17.10 are two more runners for Millmans with chances.
Zafarana (Ed Dunlop/ Paul Hanagan) is the only 3yo in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 17.30; an easy winner on the all-weather last time she seems well handicapped against these mainly exposed opponents, although Classic Vintage (Amanda Perrett/ Ted Durcan), no longer very consistent, would be a big danger on a good day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tuscan Gold - Four Nations - Schism
2. Race: Blank Czech - Gold Sceptre - Tip Top Gorgeous
3. Race: Loyaliste - Grumeti - Ramona Chase
4. Race: Paramour - Sweet Child O`Mine - Starwatch
5. Race: Valencha - Galatian - Tariq Too
6. Race: Romeo Montague - Significant Move - Spice Fair
7. Race: Oneladyowner - Time Medicean - Admirable Spirit

group action in Ireland today

the best racing in the U.K. and Ireland today comes from the Curragh, on the second day of the Irish St. Leger meeting. Main event is the Group 2 Blandford Stakes for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs 16.45 CET. Eleanora Duse (Sir Michael Stoute/ Declan McDonough) won this last year and returns for a second bite at the cherry. A repeat of her 2010 form gives her a good chance, but the Stoute stable remains below form and we will look for the winner among the 8 3yo´s entered. Banimpire (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) has put up some tremendous performances this year, but was disappointing in the Yorkshire Oaks and possibly her hard season is now catching up. Bible Belt (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry) is unbeaten this year but is moving up in class. John Oxx has hit top form this week and we think that both his runners Kirinda (Johnny Murtagh) and Manieree (Niall McCullagh) could show improved form here.
Oxx can also take the listed race for 2yo fillies at 15.40 with Rubina (Murtagh), even though strictly speaking she is held on collateral form by Yellow Rosebud (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen).
Roger Charlton and Steve Drowne can land a group 3 double here with Cityscape in the Solonaway Stakes over a mile at 17.15 and Definightly in the Renaissance Stakes over 6 furlongs at 18.20. The latter was just touched off at Deauville last week and now has 2010 winner Bewitched (Charles O´Brien/ Murtagh) to beat, while he has been telling us all year that Cityscape is top class on soft ground; he has not yet proved this, but if he does not beat today´s opposition he will have no more excuses left.
There is also jumps racing in Ireland at Listowel. Most interesting feature of the card is the return of Ruby Walsh from injury. He has just one ride - Tony Martin´ s Salute Him in the 2 mile hurdle race at 16.00; he should go well but may not be able to concede the weight to Plan A (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kingdomforthebride - Pale Orchid - Dancing Sally
2. Race: Yellow Rosebud - Rubina - Coral Wave
3. Race: Shiramiyna - Topadee - Royal Intruder
4. Race: Bible Belt - Chrysanthemum - Look At Me
5. Race: Cityscape - Emiyna - Wild Wind
6. Race: Barrow Island - Cairdiuil - Cul A Dun
7. Race: Definightly - Bewitched - Rose Bonheur

rest of Doncaster

the card starts with the Group 2 Champagne Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.05 CET. Only 5 runners but still very tricky. Red Duke (John Quinn/ Kieren Fallon) looked very unlucky last time at Goodwood should be in the finish, while Irish hope Daddy Long Legs (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) won his only start - a modest event at Gowran Park; much more is required here but juveniles from this stable often show dramatic improvement on their second start. Entifaadha (William Haggas/ Richard Hills) is unbeaten after 2 starts and boasts more solid form.
The Group Two Park Stakes, for 3yo´s and up at 17.15, is also over 7 furlongs. Here there are also only 5 runners, of which Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baker) has easily the best rating. He was well beaten last week at Goodwood but the ground was against him then; today´s going looks perfect and we hope he wins. Balthazar´s Gift (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) won this last year with Premio Loco runner-up and is the obvious danger, while 2009 winner Duff appears to have lost form.
The Portland Handicap at 5.35 is always one of the toughest sprint handicaps of the season and is run over the unusual distance of 5 1/2 furlongs. Almost anything can win here but our 3 against the field are Zero Money (Roger Charlton/ Baker), Swiss Dream (David Elsworth/ Olivier Peslier) and York Glory (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin). The race over the straight mile at 16.45 is also difficult, but we excect one of the top-weights to win: Sarrsar (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), Eton Forever (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) or Casual Glimpse (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes)

Irish St. Leger at the Curragh

one of the absurdities of the fixture list is the clash between the St. Leger at Doncaster and the Irish equivalent .which will be run this afternoon at 16.50 CET at the Curragh. The big difference ie that the Irish race is open to older horses and the result is that there are no 3yo´s in the field of 6 today. Clear favourite is Fame and Glory (Aidan O´Brien/ Jamie Spencer), winner of the Gold Cup this year and boasting easily the best rating in the field. Last time out he was surprisingly beaten by Fictional Account (Vincent Ward/ Fran Berry), with yesterday´s Doncaster Cup winner Saddlers Rock a close third, but nobody seriously expects that result to be repeated today. More danger is likely to come from front-runner Jukebox Jury (Mark Johnston/ Johnny Murtagh), easy winner at Deauville last time and winner of the Preis von Europa two years ago.
Aidan O´Brien can also take the other Group One on the card, the National Stakes for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 16.15, which he has won 7 times already this century. He now saddles 4 runners, best of which is probably Power (Seamus Heffernan). Dragon Pulse (Jessica Harrington/ Berry) and Talwar (Jeremy Noseda/ Jimmy Fortune) provide the main opposition.
Most interesting runner here today could be the debutant Born to Sea (John Oxx/ Murtagh), who runs in the listed juvenile race at 15.40 against some proven opponents. He is the last foal out of Arc winner Urban Sea, and thus a half-brother to such champions as Sea the Stars and Galileo.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rigoletta - Wading - Madhmoonah
2. Race: Experience - Crusade - An Ghalanta
3. Race: Power - Talwar - Dragon Pulse
4. Race: Fame And Glory - Jukebox Jury - Duncan
5. Race: Minsk - Harrison`S Cave - Clonbur
6. Race: Monte Carlo - Dimona - Fleur De Nuit
7. Race: Olfa - Oor Jock - Moonreach
8. Race: Imperial Monarch - Heavy Weight - Wimpole Street

St. Leger at Doncaster today

The St. Leger is the oldest classic race in the world, dating back to 1776. It has always been run over a long distance, more than 1 3/4 miles, but in most other countries the race has been opened to older horses; the Doncaster race has maintained its classic purity and is restricted to 3yo´ s.
9 runners, including two fillies, face the starter today at 16.10 CET. Fillies have a poor record here, the last winner being User Friendly in 1992, but there could well be a female winner today. The two fillies are both owned by Godolphin, but while Rumh (Saeed bin Suroor/ Richard Hills) is clearly the pacemaker, Blue Bunting (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) has a great chance. She has already won the 1,000 Guineas, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, loves the likely fast ground and, if she stays the extra distance, looks certain to be involved in the finish. The third Godolphin runner is Genius Beast (al Zarooni/ Silvestre de Sousa), but he looks well held on form.
Sea Moon (Sir Michael Stoute/ Olivier Peslier) has been weak in the market this week but is still likely to start favourite, after his easy win in the Great Voltigeur at York, usually the best trial. The going was very soft that day and it is hard to say how the lightly-raced colt will handle conditions this afternoon. He is bred to get the trip and has the perfect profile, but the fact remains that the Stoute stable has not been in such excellent form as usual, and we prefer Blue Bunting at the likely prices.
John Gosden always does well in this race and saddles Masked Marvel (William Buick), who is closely related to German Derby winner Waldpark. When the latter won at Hamburg two months ago, he had Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Kieren Fallon), who started favourite, back in fifth after making the running. Brown Panther has since finished runner-up to Census (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) at Newbury, finishing fast but too late. Connections were obviously not happy with the way he was ridden on the last two occasions, and have jocked off stable jockey Richard KIngscote in favour of the more experienced Fallon. Fallon has never won the St. Leger, but has plenty of classic and group one success to his name, and we feel that Brown Panther could well be placed.
The only other one with a chance is the Irish challenger Seville (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who was 10 lengths behind Sea Moon at York but had earlier finished runner-up in the Irish Derby. That form gives him a chance, but we are not sure that Joseph can do the weight; he is reportedly considering a switch to N.H. racing.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Entifaadha - Red Duke - Daddy Long Legs
2. Race: Zero Money - York Glory - Dungannon
3. Race: Sea Moon - Blue Bunting - Census
4. Race: Sarrsar - Cry Fury - Eton Forever
5. Race: Premio Loco - The Cheka - Dafeef
6. Race: Anjaz - Grandeur - Amazing Storm
7. Race: Sud Pacifique - Prompter - Swift Alhaarth

St. Leger meeting at Doncaster: third day

The Doncaster meeting continues today with another classy card , headed by the Doncaster Cup (Group 2) over 2 1/4 miles at 15.25 CET. This is the last of the series of cup races over long distances which stretch throughout the British season. Logical favourite here is Opinion Poll (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), runner-up at Royal Ascot and then winner of the Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup at York.

German-bred Bergo (Gary Moore/ George Baker) stays well but looks well held by Opinion Poll, who however finished only fourth in this race last year, behind both Tastahil (Charlie and Richard Hills) and Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/ Paul Hanagan); of this pair we much prefer Motrice, an easy winner at Goodwood last time from Eternal Heart (who runs in the previous race). Tactician (Michael Bell/ Eddie Ahern), owned by the Queen, is a top handicapper and was runner-up in the Ebor last time, but is now stepping up in both class and distance. So is Saddlers Rock (John Oxx/ Niall McCullough), the only Irish runner and also the only 3yo, but he could be a big danger as his trainer has an excellent record in the U.K. - and indeed won here yesterday with his first British runner of 2011. He gets lot of weight today and must be taken seriously, but even so, Opinion Poll remains the obvious choice, especially as, with several front-runners in the field, the pace is likely to be very st rong which will suit him perfectly.

There are two more Group 2s on the card, the Flying Childers for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.25 and the May Hill for 2yo fillies over a mile at 16.00. The latter race the latter race should mainly concern Fallen for You (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Lyric of Light (al Zarooni/ Dettori), both winners of their only start, in well-contested Newmarket maidens in both cases, and Regal Realm (Jeremy Noseda/ Jimmy Fortune), twice a winner already and unlucky on her other start.

Irish hope Requinto (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) had no chance last time in the Nunthorpe, but back against his own age group, has an obvious chance of taking the Flying Childers. My Propeller (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer), owned by footballer Joey Barton, and penalised Lilbourne Lad (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) look the main dangers.

St. Leger meeting at Doncaster: second day

The St. Leger meeting continues today at Doncaster with a strong card and massive prize-money. This is particularly true of the 2yo sales race over 6 1/2 furlongs at 15.25 CET, with 421,500 GBP up for grabs. Not surprisingly this has attracted a large field of 21 runners, with even Aidan O´Brien sending a couple. Some trainers are making a huge effort here, Charlie Hills has 5 runners, and Hannon and Fahey 3 each.

However the logical winner has to be Bogart (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin), an easy winner of a similar race at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. The best races of the day in terms of class are the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes over 1 3/4 miles at 16.00 and the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes over 7 furlongs at 14.55, both for fillies and mares only. In the latter event Magic Eye (Marco Botti/ William Buick) makes her second appearance for her new trainer, after having previously been with Andreas Löwe at Cologne. She ran badly last time, but we hope she goes better today although she faces a tough task. The Aga Khan´s Alanza (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh), one of 3 Irish entries, look the likeliest winner here. Meeznah (David Lanigan/ Frankie Dettori) is also good enough on her day, but is not th most consistent.

Frankie could have more luck on Godolphin´s debutant Encke (Mahmood al Zarooni) in the 2yo maiden at 16.35, while we like the top-weights Besito (Willie Jarvis/ Kieren Fallon) in the 2yo handicap at 14.25 and Internationaldebut (Peter Midgeley/ Freddie Tylicki) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.10, both easy last-time-out winners and capable of following up today.

St. Leger meeting starts today at Doncaster

The four day St. Leger meeting at Doncaster starts today, with the highlight of course the St. Leger itself, the oldest and final classic, on Saturday. Today´s card is the weakest of the four days, but still offers some interesting betting opportunities. It opens with a handicap for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.00 CET. Richard Hannon continues in tremendous form with his juveniles and saddles the two top-weights here Wolfgang (Kieren O´Neill) and Magic City (Richard Hughes). It can be assumed that the latter, who has been running in some hot races, has the better chance. Hannon and Hughes also team up with with Eureka in the following race, a conditions event for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs. Eureka has a clear chance, but even with only 5 runners, this is a very tricky race and we prefer Gold City (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), just beaten at Ripon last week.

The listed Scarborough Stakes for 2yo´s and up over 5 furlongs at 16.10 is the main event and looks very competitive with 12 runners, 4 of whom met in a similar race at Beverley 11 days ago, where Duchess Dora (John Quinn/ Paul Beggy) finished second, Dinkum Diamond (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill) third, Captain Dunne (David Allan) 4th and Breathless Kiss (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin) 5th. They could all be involved again, especially Dinkum Diamond, but possibly Hughes could have another winner with the consistent Medicean Man.

The mile race at 16.45 is for ex-jockeys and veterans and as the name suggests, some of those taking part are indeed "legends", notably Julie Krone, the most successful lady jockey of all time. She rides Declan Carroll´s Invincible Hero, who has won 2 of his last 3 races and looks capable of further improvement. Charlie Swan won this last year, and now partners Ed de Giles´ Skyfire, while Gay Kelleway, trainer and rider of Conducting, should also be included in your bet. Basically this is a fun race, and fitness of the jockey will decide the result.

There is also flat racing at Carlisle this afternoon and on the all-weather at Kempton this evening, but we find the jumps racing at Uttoxeter more interesting. There are several German-breds running here, and we hope to see the Lando gelding Kristallo (Peter Bowen/ Jamie Moore) run well at 16.30, also the well-bred Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Edmond Lineham) at 17.05, and especially Geneva Geyser (Lady Herries/ Leighton Aspell), who has won his last 3 races and can continue his winning run in the handicap hurdle at 18.10.

3 meetings today

3 meetings this afternoon, on the flat at Leicester and Lingfield (where the first 4 races are on turf, the last 4 on polytrack) and over jumps at Sedgefield. Both Leicester and Lingfield stage 8 races, with 4 of them for 2yo´s and these races - especially the maidens- looks the most interesting events with well-bred runners from some of the top stables. Godolphin have runners at both meetings, but the fact that they have sent Frankie Dettori to Lingfield suggests that their runners on polytrack, Ihsas at 17.10 CET and Punita half an hour later have the best chances. We specially like Ihsos, who is an own sister to Group One winner Rio de la Plata. However our best bet at Lingfield is Sir Fredlot (Peter Winkworth/ Luke Morris) in a 2yo maiden over 6 furlongs on turf at 16.40. He has run two good races in decent company and does not appear to have much to beat here.

At Leicester there are also to divisions of a maiden for 2yo fillies, this time over a mile. Again there are well-bred debutantes from several leading stables; one that catches the eye on pedigree is Estimate (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Mullen), a Monsun filly from one of the Aga Khan´s best families owned by the Queen. This one should certainly stay as he is a half-brother to Gold Cup winner Enzeli. The best event here could be the 5 furlongs conditions race at 17.00. Two runners stand out here, Monsieur Joe (Walter Swinburn/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Humidor (George Baker/ Kieren Fallon). The latter finished 5th in the King George at Glorious Goodwood, but we just prefer the former, who showed good form earlier in the year at Meydan.

Tony McCoy, in fantastic form as always, teams up with Alan Swinbank at Sedgefield and they can land a double with Priceless Art in the novice hurdle at 15.50 and Bandaman in the handicap hurdle an hour later. The latter has most to fear from CD specialist Overbranch (Malcolm Jefferson/ Harry Haynes) and Overrule (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook), who has been running well on the flat. German-bred Floreana (Steve Waugh/ Lucy Alexander) has an obvious chance under top weight in the 3 mile 3 furlongs handicap chase at 17.50, as long as she puts in a clear round (not always the case!). The 10yo Acatenango mare fell last time, but meets very modest opposition here.