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.