Newbury action on New Year´s Eve

Six meetings today, and the best racing comes from Newbury, where the highlight is the Grade One Challow Hurdle for novices over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.05 CET. Only six runners, but a select field, and the clear favourite is the unbeaten Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). He has already won two Grade Two´s and is expected to take this step up in his stride and go to the very top of this category. Top of the Range (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) is also unbeaten, but in just two relatively low-key affairs at Ffos Las (the track belongs to his owner Dai Walters); he needs to improve to beat Fingal Bay but still looks the only serious danger.

The most valuable race on the card is the handicap hurdle at 16.40, which looks really tough. Celestial Halo (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is the class act here; he has been running in top company, and has twice finished close up in the Champion Hurdle. However he is rated accordingly and we are not sure that he can concede such a lot of weight to several smart and in-form handicappers. Rigidity (Tim Vaughan/ Aidan Coleman) ran a great race at Ascot last time, but he is one of three 4yo´s in the field, and we prefer to go against the younger horses here. We like Olofi (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), but he missed his last engagement, and we slightly prefer Torphichen (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), from a stable that is now coming into top form. King and Hutchinson can also win the 3yo hurdle at 13.55 with the ex-French Vendor (reported to be one of their top juveniles) and the novice chase at 15.05 with the smart Walkon.

The other meetings are of only limited interest, but we make Back Bob Back (Tom George/ Liam Heard), topweight in the 2 mile chase at 15.30, our best bet at Uttoxeter; he was a most impressive winner last time at Newbury, and his runner-up then, The Boss (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield), runs 20 minutes later at Warwick.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Night Alliance - Ben`S Folly - Way Back When
2. Race: Vendor - Tango De Juilley - Stentorian
3. Race: All The Aces - Destroyer Deployed - Douchkirk
4. Race: For Non Stop - Walkon - Cue Card
5. Race: Quotica De Poyans - Rey Nacarado - Ballyegan
6. Race: Fingal Bay - Top Of The Range - Fill The Power
7. Race: Lifestyle - Ubi Ace - Rigidity

Tony McCoy injured

Champion jockey Tony McCoy was injured in a fall at Taunton yesterday and is reported to have broken two (possibly three) ribs. He will be out of action for about two weeks. He was due to ride at Warwick this afternoon, but obviously will not now be able to do so, so please watch for jockey changes there.

4 low-level meetings today

Nothing very special at today´s 4 U.K. meetings, although the novice hurdles at Taunton are of some interest, wth several decent ex-flat horses in action. The best horse running here is Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who faces only 2 opponents in the novice chase at 14.10; it will be a shock if he is beaten, but he will be at an unbackable price. Hobbs and Johnson also have a chance with the decent bumper Talkonthestreet, who makes his hurdling debut at 13.40, but here we prefer Black Thunder (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), whose latest form has been well boosted since. Nicholls and Jacob can also score with Ted Spread at 15.20, a listed winner on the flat who made a good hurdling debut. Ex-German Home Run (David Pipe/ Mr.K. Edgar) is probably not good enough - even though he is closely related to Hurricane Run, and stable companion War Singer (Tom Scudamore), a multiple winner in France, looks much more dangerous. Enroller (William Muir/ Noel Fehily) won a group race on the flat in April last year; even though he has been disappointing since, and was well beaten on his debut over sticks, we expect him to run much better at 14.45.

After a lot of rain the ground will be heavy at Haydock, and punters should tread carefully. Three horses that are in form and handle the ground are Mr. Chippy (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the handicap chase at 13.50, Camden George (Sue Smith/ Henry Oliver) in the veterans chase at 15.00, and Knock a Hand (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste), who can defy a double penalty in the novice hurdle at 16.10. McCain should certainly win the novice hurdle at 14.25, where he saddles 3 of the 5 runners, with stable jockey Maguire on the hot favourite Cinders and Ashes.

The two all-weather meetings are as usual very low grade. At Lingfield this afternoon, we expect CD specialist Wilfred Pickles (Jo Crowley/ Ian Mongan) to run well in the mile handicap at 15.45,while at Wolverhampton this evening, Dorback (Neil Wilson/ Barry McHugh) can follow up a recent CD victory under a 6 lbs penalty at 17.40.

Taunton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Black Thunder - Mister Dillon - Captain Sunshine
2. Race: Menorah - Royale`S Charter - Suburban Bay
3. Race: Zama Zama - Carrigmorna King - Gleann Eagas
4. Race: Battlecat - Rowan Tiger - Ted Spread
5. Race: Laudatory - Drumshambo - Rob Conti
6. Race: Mr Chow - Hopeful Start - Manmoon
7. Race: Dubai Crest - Mister Chancer - Street Entertainer

4 low-level meetings today

Nothing very special at today´s 4 U.K. meetings, although the novice hurdles at Taunton are of some interest, wth several decent ex-flat horses in action. The best horse running here is Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who faces only 2 opponents in the novice chase at 14.10; it will be a shock if he is beaten, but he will be at an unbackable price. Hobbs and Johnson also have a chance with the decent bumper Talkonthestreet, who makes his hurdling debut at 13.40, but here we prefer Black Thunder (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), whose latest form has been well boosted since. Nicholls and Jacob can also score with Ted Spread at 15.20, a listed winner on the flat who made a good hurdling debut. Ex-German Home Run (David Pipe/ Mr.K. Edgar) is probably not good enough - even though he is closely related to Hurricane Run, and stable companion War Singer (Tom Scudamore), a multiple winner in France, looks much more dangerous. Enroller (William Muir/ Noel Fehily) won a group race on the flat in April last year; even though he has been disappointing since, and was well beaten on his debut over sticks, we expect him to run much better at 14.45.

Leopardstown Christmas meeting ends today

the two big Irish Christmas meetings at Leopardstown and Limerick both end today, with by far the best card at the former track, where the main event is the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at 14.55 CET. The race has lost some of its allure with the news that Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly, who won last year. will not run, but trainer Willie Mullins seems to have an excellent deputy in the shape of Thousand Stars (Ruby Walsh). The grey was an easy winner of the French champion hurdle over 3 miles but is equally effective at today´s much shorter distance. Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch) won here yesterday and we cannot imagine that she will turn out again, so the obvious danger now appears to be Unaccompanied (Dermot Weld/ Paul Townend), who as a 4yo filly receives 10 lbs from the other runners and looks a typical dual purpose horse from this high class stable. She was a listed winner on the flat and over hurdles was runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle and can give Thousand Stars plenty to think about. The rest should not really play any part, but The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) and Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) can fight it out for third place.
Walsh can also win the grade 3 mares hurdle at 14.25 on Paul Nolan´s Golden Sunbird, while the beginners chase half an hour earlier has also attracted a good field. Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ J McNamara) is the one beat here, he has won 6 of his 7 races, but the German-bred Shot from the Hip (O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) looks a dangerous opponent; both of them are running for the first time since winning a big race in the spring. Another German-bred we like here is Catch Me (O´Grady/ McNamara) in the big handicap hurdle at 15.30, but with 26 runners this is very difficult. Prince Erik (Weld/ Davy Condon) won this last year and should go close again, but there are plenty of possibilities here.
The British cards today are all of much lower standard, but we expect Willie Amos to have a good day at Kelso. He saddles Lie Forrit in the novice chase at 13.30 - only 3 runners here but all last-time-out winners- Bobs Dream in the handicap chase at 14.35 and Vivona Hill in the handicap hurdle at 15.10, all partnered by Campbell Gillies, while Eurohunter (Lucy Alexander) also has a chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.20, and it will be disappointing if he does not leave with course without a winner or two.
At Doncaster, Harry the Viking (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Graduation Night (Jamie Snowden/ Tom O´Brien) clash in the handicap chase over 3 1/ 4 miles at 14.45; they are both unbeaten in 3 starts this season, but the lightly-weighted Lively Baron (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) can upstage them both. Trainer and jockey can follow up with A Bridge too Far in the handicap hurdle at 15.20.

Betting forecast Leopardstown:
1. Race: Glam Gerry - Noble Commander - Torre Del Greco
2. Race: Hidden Cyclone - Shot From The Hip - Stonemaster
3. Race: Magen`S Star - Golden Sunbird - Oilily
4. Race: Thousand Stars - Unaccompanied - Voler La Vedette
5. Race: Sweet My Lord - Tillahow - Rourke`S Cross
6. Race: Star Neuville - Vesper Bell - Shrapnel
7. Race: Sands Cove - Mumbo Jumbo - Van Diemens Land

Happy Christmas!

this column is taking a short Christmas break and will be back on Thursday December 29th.
We wish all readers, friends, customers and colleagues a very Happy Christmas!

stars out in force on Boxing Day

the big Boxing Day (St. Stephen´s Day for our Irish friends) cards have often been spoilt by bad weather, but there appear to be no problems this year and all fixtures are expected to go ahead.
Kempton has pride of place and stages 3 Grade One races, all with exceptionally strong, but not very large, fields. At 15.00 CET the Feltham Novices Chase over 3 miles has 6 runners, 3 of them with clear claims to championship honours - Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), Bobs Worth (Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty) and Silvianico Conti (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh). Our preference is for the first named, who stays this trip well and over hurdles was only beaten by Big Bucks, but the other two are almost equally smart. Th Christma Hurdle at 15.35 has only 5 runners, but again 3 of them are serious Chletenham contenders: Binocular (Henderson/ Tony McCoy), Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Rock on Ruby (Nicholls/ Walsh). Binocular is not the most consistent, but was an easy winner of this race last year, beating the tough Overturn by 4 lengths. Although the strong front-runner Overturn reversed the form when they met at Newastle last time, we expect Binocular to com e out on top again, but the top class handicapper Rock on Ruby cannot be lightly discarded.
The King George VI Chase at 16.10 is the main event and is the best race of the season so far, with the Clive Smith-owned and Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star (Walsh) and Master Minded (Daryl Jacob) being taken on by Long Run (Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) among others. Long Run won this last year and went on to score at Cheltenham as well, but on his only race since was put in his place at Haydock by Kauto Star, who had won this previously four times in succession. Kauto Star turns 12 next week, and there must be a question over his keeping his form, and last year he appeared to be below his best, while the much younger Long Run, who jumped poorly at Haydock, can be expected to give a much better performance this time. Long Run is the reigning champ and bookmakers and punters seemed convinced that he will repeat his victory of last season, but we are not so sure. Master Minded is trying the distance of 3 miles for the first time, but if he gets it will be a danger to all, whi le Captain Chris and Somersby are others not proven over the distance. With two front-runners in the field, this will be a true test and we expect the two past winners to come out on top- but in which order??
Big race on Tuesday the 28th is the Welsh Grand National at 15.10 at Chepstow. The ground will be very testing here and not all the runners can be guaranteed to stay the trip. Jonjo O´Neill´s Synchronising won this last year, and if he turns out again (not certain as yet) will be our selection, otherwise we will go for his stable cpmpanion Galaxy Rock, but this is always a very tough race.
There is also an excellent meeting in Ireland at Leopardstown, with the main events being the Lexus Chase on Wednesday, usually the top Irish prep for the Gold Cup, and the Festival Hurdle on Thursday, in which Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly could make his seasonal debut - but this also is not yet 100% certain.

No racing for next 3 days

There is an evening meeting today at Dundalk in Ireland, but there will be no racing of any kind in the U.K. for the next 3 days, as stable staff and betting shop employees take a well-deserved Christmas break.

4 low-level meetings today

Racing continues at a very low level today, before the Christmas break beginning in the U.K. tomorrow. Easily the best race on today´s 4 cards is the listed hurdle race at 14,35 CET at Thurles, but even this has a very poor field for the money, with only 4 runners and only one of them with any worthwhile form- So Young (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh). The Lavirco gelding has to give weight away to the other 3 runners, but is in a different league and should win easily. The following mares hurdle at 15.05 also has 4 runners and should also go to the top-weight, Is Herself About (DM O´Brien/ Davy Russell). Willie Mullins has several other good chances at the Irish track, and Bundle of Fun at 14.05, Sin Palo at 15.35, both partnered by Walsh, as well as Rockyaboyo at 16.05 and the debutant Douneve in the concluding bumper, both ridden by the trainer´s son Paddy, are also possible winners.

No race at any of today´s 3 U.K. meetings is better than class 4 - and most of them are even lower grade, so that betting opportunities are few and far between. Venetia Williams is having a very moderate season, but usually does well at her local track Hereford and we think that Reginaldinho (Sam Thomas) has a decent each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.10. The best horse on view at Sedgefield is Charminster (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the beginners chase at 13.50. A promising hurdler last year, he has not been seen since winning here in January, but if he copes with the larger obstacles, should outclass these opponents. The 5 handicaps at Southwell look impossible to unravel; Bold Cuffs (Sir Mark Prescott/ Steven Donohue) and Dark Falcon (James Tate/ Kieren Fallon) appear to have the 2yo maiden at 14.30 here between them.

5 meetings today

Plenty of action today, with 5 meetings, but none of it at a very high level. The best racing comes from Ludlow, and the main event here is the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.35 CET. Leading owner JP McManus has two runners here, Made in Time (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Chesapeake (Jonjo O´Neill/ Alan Berry), and the presence of the champion jockey on the former´s back suggests that he is the number one hope.

This is an open race and German-bred and ex-Irish Ten Fires (Tor Sturgis/ Felix de Giles), having his first race for this trainer, and Time for Spring (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) are others with chances. Felix de Giles can also win the chase at 14.00 on another German-bred, Alpha Way, who has won his last two races, both at Hereford, very easily , making most of the running each time, and still on a lenient mark. McCoy can finish the afternoon by riding the last two winners for Nicky Henderson, Brave Alliance in the mares novice hurdle at 16.10 and My Tent or Yours in the bumper at 16.40; both are debutants, but the stable could hardly be in better form.

David Pipe and Tom Scudamore look the team to follow at Ffos Las. They can take the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.40 with Kazlian, the handicap chase over 3 miles+ at 15,45 with Take Over Sivola, the handicap hurdle at 16.20 with Sure Josie San own brother to the smart Grands Crus. They also have a good chance in the novice hurdle at 14.10 with another debutant Ashbrittle, out of a German mare, while Big Easy (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), out of a Monsun mare, looks the main danger. In the handicap hurdle at 15.15 we like the chances of top-weight Numide (Rod Millman/ Nick Scholfield); his recent form is uninspiring, but he is dropping in grade here. The Irish meeting at Downpatrick has nothing special on offer, but Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh can continue their winning ways with Felix Yonger and Tawaagg in the first two races.

The all-weather meetings, at Wolverhampton this afternoon and Kempton this evening, are also very ordinary. At the former meeting Woolfall Soverign (George Margarson/ Ian Mongan) may benefit from a drop in distance in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.00, while at Kempton Reach for the Bucks (Rae Guest/ Kieren Fallon), who won 3 races within a week in February, including this CD, can get back on the winning trail at 19.15.

Musselburgh and Taunton

The most interesting race at Musselburgh today could be the novice hurdle at 13.50 CET. 14 runners, several of whom were quite useful on the flat, notably Bowdlers Magic (Mark Johnston/ Richie McGrath), Ingleby Spirit (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes) and Merchant of Dubai (Jim Goldie/ James Reveley). They have all run over hurdles, and the last-named showed the best form when runner-up at Kelso, so he is the logical choice, but we would not be at all surprised to see Bowdlers Magic run much better than he did at Huntingdon, as that looked a strong race and he will know more about the game now. The best event here is the handicap hurdle at 15.20. We do not like betting 3yo´s against older horses, but Royal Opera (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) is an exception. He has looked really promising in his 3 outings over sticks, and can take advantage of the weight he receives from hat-trick-seeking Simply Ned (Nicky Richards/ Fearghal Davis).

Paul Nicholls has sent two runners on the short journey to Taunton and they both carry top weight - Doeslessthanme (Daryl Jacob) over fences at 14.30 and Prince Tom (Harry Derham) over sticks half an hour later. Both have obvious chances, although German-bred Oldrik (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and the same team´s Magic Marmalade look dangerous. One of the finds of the season is the young jockey Brendan Powell, son of the trainer with the same name, and he rode 3 winners yesterday. He can ascore again today on Wine´n Dine in the novice handicap hurdle at 14.00, where Monarch´s Way (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) looks the chief threat.

Hayley Turner returns!

One ray of light in these gloomy times is the return of one of Britain´s most popular jockeys, Hayley Turner. Easily the most successful lady jockey of all time in the U.K., Hayley was enjoying her best ever season, with two Group One wins, when she broke her ankle in August. After 4 months off, she makes her comeback today with 3 rides at Kempton´s all-weather track.

She starts with Brendan Powell´s Copper Falls in the 2yo handicap at 15.10 CET. This is very poor race and Copper Falls clearly has an each-way chance, but like her other mounts could start at an unreasonably short price because of the Hayley factor. Her other two rides are for Conor Dore, for whom she has often ridden in the past: Opus Maximus in the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.45 and Lucky Art in the second division of the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45. Again, they both have chances, especially Opus Maximus, who has been 1-2 on his last 5 starts, but has not usually shone at this track. We would love to see Hayley in the winner´s enclosure today, but she will have many better chances in the weeks to come.

Our best bet here is Perfect Act (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) in the seller at 17.15; he has been rather disappointing, but has never faced opposition as weak as this and is clear top-rated here.

4 low-level meetings today

There is not likely to be much high class racing in Britain and Ireland this week, with the big Christmas meetings coming up. The most interesting runner today, from the German point of view, is Val Mondo (Venetia Williams/ RT Dunne), who won the German St. Leger last year and runs in the maiden hurdle at 14.10 CET at Bangor.
At Plumpton, West Brit (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles), previously with Ed Dunlop, is another ex-flat horse who can make a winning debut over hurdles at 13.30, while half an hour later Cucumber Run (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) should oblige at a very short price in the novice chase.

In Ireland there is an all-hurdles card at Navan on very testing ground. Jessica Harrington could land a double here with Jenari (Robbie Power) at 13.20 and German-bred Glamorous (KC Sexton) in the handicap an hour later.

racing on at Navan

after an early morning inspection, racing goes ahead at Navan - at least for the hurdles races. There are still bad patches on the chase track, but the ground will in any case be terrible. The two main events are the first two races on the card, both graded hurdles races with only 4 runners apiece. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, both of whom continue in tremendous form, can take them both with Zaidpour at 13.35 CET and Boston Bob half an hour later.
At Carlisle there is a second inspection due at 11.00 but prospects are not great, and here also the ground will be very bad. Should racing go ahead, there will be an all-hurdles card. On this ground, and with plenty of non-runners likely, the best bet is probably no bet, but trainer Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire appear to have decent chances of winning a couple of races.
There is in any case all-weather racing at Kempton, but the standard is awful. "Best" race is the 3yo handicap at 15.10, which could go to top-weight Emma´s Gift (Julia Feilden/ Adam Beschizza), who has been runner-up on his last two starts and who was running in listed races earlier in the year. Peace Seeker (Tony and William Carson)was an easy winner this CD on Wednesday and can follow up in slightly better company at 17.45.His trainer and jockey are the son and grandson respectively of the great Willie.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Zaidpour - Prima Vista - Powerstation
2. Race: Mount Benbulben - Boston Bob - Ipsos Du Berlais
3. Race: Down Under - Toner D`Oudairies - Ghareer
4. Race: Don Cossack - Bridgets Pet - Shu Lewis
5. Race: Perfect Smile - Ninetieth Minute - Grey Soldier
6. Race: Sea Stallion - Last Time D`Albain - Leggy Lad
7. Race: Cadogan - Medical Card - Talab

rest of U.K. and Irish racing

the only race of note at Lingfield´s all-weather fixture is the listed event over 10 furlongs at 15.20, which with 13 runners looks as open as any handicap. An interesting runner here is the ex-German Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who did not really run up to expectations for Peter Schiergen, but would have a chance on ratings here. However we would prefer to wait see how he settles down in the U.K. and how he handles the track. Our preference is for Suits Me (David Barron/ Micky Fenton), who usually runs well here.
It could be significant that David Pipe has sent his main jockey Tom Scudamore on the long journey to Newcastle, and hence we expect his old warrior Madison du Berlais to run much better over hurdles at 15.05 than he did over fences at Sandown last time. Our main hope here is Afsoun in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 14.05.
Another ex-German runner today is Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Niall Madden) in the beginners chase at 15.15 at Fairyhouse, He unseated his rider at the first last time, but that was a much better race and he must have a chance in this company.
Haydock has passed its inspection and racing goes ahead, but the ground will be testing and will probably be plenty of non-runners. Two valuable handicaps are the main features, over hurdle at 15.10 and a 3 mile chase at 15.45. Our fancy in the former event is Pateese (Philip Hobs Matt Griffiths) but th cha look tricky. Wymott /Doinald McCain/ Jason Maguire) was a respectable sixth in the Hennessy, and if he has got over that tough race is the selection here, but top-weight Cape Tribulation (Malcolm Jefferson/ Paddy Brennan) is just one of many dangers.

Betting forecas Lingfieldt:
1. Race: Mr Knightley - Berlusca - Le King Beau
2. Race: Delft - Colorful Notion - Not Bad For A Boy
3. Race: Guards Chapel - Who Loves Ya Baby - Novel Dancer
4. Race: Mabait - Clockmaker - Loyalty
5. Race: Ceilidh House - Navajo Chief - Circumvent
6. Race: True To Form - Brigadoon - Where`S Susie
7. Race: Black Baccara - Triple Dream - Even Bolder

Ascot today - Big Buck´s for 14th successive win

Feature of an excellent Saturday card at Ascot is the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle over 3 miles at 15.30 CET. In theory this should be easy for Big Buck´s (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who is unbeaten since his unlucky defeat in the 2008 Hennessy and is going for his 14th successive win. He is the highest-rated hurdler in training and on official ratings has more than a stone in hand here. The only danger would appear to be the improving Dynaste (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) who won in a canter at Haydock last time and is regarded in the stable as the successor to the very smart Grands Crus. However Grand Crus could never beat Big Buck´s , so why should this one? One slight problem could be the fact that Big Buck´s has scored all his victories (including this race twice, when it was run at Newbury) on left-handed tracks, whereas Ascot is the other way round; however it is a straightforward track, and basically there should be no problem for Big Buck´s. However he is hardly wor th a bet at the likely price.
Nicholls and Walsh can also win the graduation chase at 14.55 with the promising Aerial; Hell´s Bay (Colin and Joe Tizzard) is top-rated here, but we prefer Giorgio Quercus (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) as the likeliest danger.
It could be another good day for the champion trainer, as we expect him to win the final two handicaps on the card as well. Ruby Walsh rides The Minack at 16.05 and Prospect Wells half an hour later and both are likely to atart favourite, but we would not be surprised to see Nicholls´ top-weights Neptune Collonges and Brampour, both partnered by the trainer´s teenage nephew Harry Derham, run into the places as well. However Irish hope Sailors Warn (Edward O´Grady/ Tony McCoy) looks a big danger in the last race, the most valuable event of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Foxbridge - Water Garden - Grabtheglory
2. Race: Renard - Tara Royal - Hold Fast
3. Race: Hell`S Bay - Aerial - Giorgio Quercus
4. Race: Big Buck`S - Dynaste - Restless Harry
5. Race: The Minack - Benbane Head - Massini`S Maguire
6. Race: Prospect Wells - Gibb River - Abergavenny

Stormy weather

Storms are forecast for many parts of Britain today, with high winds, heavy rain and possibly snow as well so that the ground conditions could change quickly. This is particularly true of today´s main meeting at Ascot where the going was officially good to soft this morning, but may well change before racing gets under way. The main events are Grade Two races for novices at 14.55 and 15.30. The former event, a 2 mile hurdles race, could go to Hazy Tom (Charlie Longsdon/ Richard Johnson), who is unbeaten in 5 starts and easily beat the smart Sea of Thunder last time at Wetherby. He is up in grade and meeting better opposition here, but that is also true of all the others, the best of whom could be Molotof (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty).There are 6 runners in the 2 miles 3 furlongs chase, and all of them could have a chance. In fact the one we like is Zaynar (Nick Williams/ James Reveley), the only one that did not win last time out. However his second place to Walkon was a lso a good performance, and he seems to be coming bask to his excellent earlier form. Henderson and Geraghty, who are as usual strongly represented in almost every race, have a chance here with another unbeaten runner Chablais, but his wins came in very modest company, and possibly Frascati Park (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is the bigger danger. However the Henderson team can score with Hadrian´s Approach, easy winner of an Irish point-to-point and making his U.K. debut in the maiden hurdle at 13.45. Once again, Tony McCoy misses the main meeting and he rides today at Uttoxeter, where he has several fancied rides. W eect him to win at 13.05 on David Pipe´s Wings of Icarus, and on Where´s the Hare at 13.35 and Thehillofusneach at 15.20, both for Jonjo O´Neill. Best bet here could be Tornado Bob (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice chase at 14.1o; he fell on his fencing debut, but was easily the best of these over to sticks, and if he gets round safely should win thi s.

Ascot - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hadrian`s Approach - Denali Highway - Fighting Flynn
2. Race: Drumlang - Osmosia - Celtic Wish
3. Race: Hazy Tom - Molotof - Peckhamecho
4. Race: Chablais - Kumbeshwar - Pacha Du Polder
5. Race: Dancing Dude - Sir Du Bearn - Our Father
6. Race: Josh`S Dreamway - Claret Cloak - Shutthefrontdoor

Qúinn and Milczarek banned

Jimmy Quinn has two rides booked at Southwell today and Kirsty Milczarek two at Kempton this evening, but neither will be able to ride following the BHA´s decision yesterday to ban them with immediate effect - Quinn for 6 months and Milczarek for 24. This is result of the investigation into corruption in racing, and the others concerned, including ex-jockeys Paul Doe and Greg Fairley- received much longer supensions. However these two bans seem totally unjustified and the decision against Quinn- who has ridden often in Germany- is especially outrageous, as it appears that he was found guilty of no offence.

Heavy going at Exeter

Today´s main meeting is Exeter, but the ground will be very testing there following heavy rain and strong winds. It will therefore be advisable to stick to horses that can handle the conditions, e.g. Dun See Dee (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the opening mares novice hurdle at 13.50, German-bred All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Peter Carberry) - by Samum!- at 14.20, Araucaria (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) at 15.20 or Massini Sunset /Richard Mitchell/ James Best) at 16.20. The best race on the card is the graduation chase at 14.50 with only 4 runners. Royal Charm (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks a stand-out here; he is unproven on the ground, but has won twice over this CD, and although he fell last time, that was in a much better race. Tony McCoy is at Towcester and can score on Rate of Knots (Jonjo O´Neill), and also has possibilities on the same trainer´s Vimiero at 14.10 and Deputy Dog half an hour later. His best chance however could be Nicky Henderon´s Tony Dinozzo (by Lavi rco), who looked unlucky at Folketone last time; Valid Reason (Dean Ivory/ Paul Moloney), an easy Ascot winner, looks the obvious danger.

Walsh and Geraghty at Newbury today

it is unusual to find the two top Irish jockeys Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty riding at a relatively harmless midweek meeting, but that is the case at Newbury today. Walsh has 3 rides, all for Paul Nicholls, and Geraghty two for Nicky Henderson, and we expect both to be among the winners. The y ggo head to hed in the novice hurdle at 15.00 CET, with the latter on the penalised Broadbackbob and Walsh possibly having the better chance on Polisky in receipt of 7 lbs. Geraghty´s best chance is Ericht in the maiden hurdle at 14.5, although Montbazon (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) provides stern opposition here. Walsh rides Pasco in the main event, the graduation chase over 3 miles at 15.35, but we have our doubts about his getting the trip. The Giaant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) and Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) have no stamina problems and could outstay him; we prefer Time for Rupert, who had no chance against Kauto Star and Long Run last time, but is clear top-rated here.
Not all the top jockeys are at Newbury, and Tony McCoy and Jason Maguire are at Bangor. McCoy can take the opener here on Henderson´s Skint and has another winning chance with Jonjo O´Neill´s Ballyclough at 14.45, ss well as Arbor Supreme in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.20; this one has fallen in the last 2 Grand Nationals, when trained by Willie Mullins, and the National is presumably his main target again. We also hope to see Incentivise (Richard Lee/ Jake Greenall) repeat his 2010 victory in the 3 3/4 miles chase at 14.10.

The Tatling runs his last race

Highlight of a very poor all-weather card at Wolverhampton today is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45 CET, in which the popular veteran The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Richard Kingscote) gives his farewell performance. At 14, he is the oldest horse in training on the flat in Britain and has quite a fan club. He has run 166 times, winning 17 races (including aat Royal Ascot in his heyday) and placing 49 times.

We would love to see him go out with a win today, but do not really believe it. He has a dreadful draw (11 of 13) and has been racing without his usual zest this year. Although he has been placed on numerous occasions, he has only won once in the last 2 years. With some regret we pass him over today in favour of the better-drawn Namir (Herbie Evans/ Dane O´Neill), Grand Stitch (Declan Carroll/ Danny Tudhope) and Mosa Mine (Brian Palling/ Eddie Ahern).

John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed´s bloodstock adviser, has discovered a way of passing the winter- training hurdlers, and has made an amazing start to his new career, with a strike rate of 38%. We expect him to continue in this vein today at Fakenham by winning the maiden hurdle at 14.00 with Showmanship and the novice hurdle at 16.30 with Cotton Bill; Jack Quinlan rides them both.

Graded races in Ireland

Nothing very exciting at today´s two U.K. meetings - over jumps at Hereford and on the all-weather at Southwell- but it is a different matter in Ireland, where both Cork and Punchestown stage good N.H. cards. Top race is the Grade One John Durkan Memorial, a 2 1/2 mile chase at 15.05 CET at the latter track. The field of 7 includes two previous winners - Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Paul Carberry), who scored in 2009, and last year´s winner Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty). We definitely prefer Joncol, who will love the heavy ground, and make him a confident selection. He slammed the useful Cooldine (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) last time, and the main danger could be the up-and-coming Rubi Light (Robbie Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch). This could be the second leg of a black-type double for Carberry as we also expect him to win the listed novice hurdle at 14.05 on Noel Meade´s Dylan Ross.

Punchestown - betting forecast:
1. Race: Not For Converting - A Fine Young Man - Please Talk
2. Race: Dylan Ross - Laganbank - Ballysteen
3. Race: That`ll Do Me - Would You Do That - Bonifacio
4. Race: Rubi Light - Joncol - Tranquil Sea
5. Race: Paddysparks - Miss Brownstown - Crash
6. Race: Conem - Seabass - Hidden Crack
7. Race: Morning Royalty - Pat Garrett - Star Of Massini


At Cork there are 3 graded races and the outstanding runner is Golden Silver (Willie and Emmet Mullins), who will be at long odds-on to win the Hilly Way Chase over 2 miles at 14.50; he has won this race before and is one of Ireland´s top 2-milers. On ratings he has nothing to fear today. Davy Russell could win the other two big races on Michael Hourigan´s Best Served Cold at 14.20 and Charlie Byrnes´ Knockfierna an hour later.

Cork - betting forecast:
1. Race: Trifolium - King Malik - Plato
2. Race: Corbally Ghost - Days Of Glory - Florida Express
3. Race: Golden Silver - Uncle Tom Cobley - Hughies Grey
4. Race: Shop Dj - Streamtown - Our Victoria
5. Race: Madame Mado - Norah Starr - Goidelic
6. Race: Edmundo - Mirador Del Conde - Really Unique
7. Race: Hasty Times - The Rattler Obrien - Think Alive


At Hereford, we would not be surprised to see the top-weights Moleskin (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) and Cross the Flags (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) triumph at 15.15 and 15.45 respectively, while German-bred Alpha Way (Tom Symonds/ Felix de Giles) showed greatly improved form to win here last time over 2 miles and can follow up over three furlongs further at 16.15.

Hereford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Milborne - Tarbeck - Saint Roque
2. Race: One Term - High On A Hill - Off The Ground
3. Race: Ascendant - King Fingal - Sahrati
4. Race: Epee Celeste - Western Whisky - Sea Saffron
5. Race: Kateal - Cross The Flags - Annimation
6. Race: Alpha Way - Sawpit Supreme - Brimham Boy
7. Race: Tip Of My Tongue - Derwen Pryde - Border Lad


It is hard to recommend anything at Southwell, but Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons), a course specialist at 6 furlongs, can take the claiming race over seven at 15.30 if he gets the extra furlong. He is the oldest horse in the field, but at his peak was far better than these opponents, and it is just a question of the distance.

Southwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bivouac - Overrule - Lifetime
2. Race: Sistine - Sky High Diver - Thank You Joy
3. Race: Sky Crossing - Availed Speaker - Bold Cuffs
4. Race: Adranian - Fouracres - Rio Grande
5. Race: Jobe - Autumn Blades - Ingleby Arch
6. Race: Il Battista - Beautiful Day - Absolute Princess
7. Race: Michael`S Nook - Greenhead High - Gracie`S Gift

Cheltenham International meeting: second day

The second and most important day of Cheltenham´s International Meeting features some very competitive racing, headed by the big handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 1.30. This event now sponsored by leading owner Andy Stewart (Big Bucks) and in aid of his charity for spinal research, is almost a re-run of the Paddy Power Chase over this CD 4 weeks ago. Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) was an easy winner of that race, with Quantitativeeasing (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Divers (Ferdy Murphy/ Keith Mercer) taking the places. Great Endeavour has gone up 10 lbs for that success, and more significantly has had another hard race in the meantime, when 4th in the Hennessy over a distance that was too far; under these circumstances we opposo him today. From a handicapping point of view, Divers should come out best of these today, but the stable is not really firing while Henderson is going great guns, so we prefer Quantitativeeasing; but he is owned by JP McMa nus, who has two other runners here and his jockey Tony McCoy prefers to get down to his lowest weight to partner Jonjo O´Neill´s Sunnyhillboy, third here a year ago and an eye-catching 7th over hurdles last time. German-bred Ghizao (Ruby Walsh) looks the better of Paul Nicholls two runners, while Roudoudou Ville (Vic Dartnall/ Andrew Glassonbury) won nicely at Sandown despite making several mistakes. He can´t afford to jump sloppily here and our 3 against the field are Ghizao, Quantitativeeasing and Sunnyhillboy.

Main supporting feature is the Grade Two International Hurdle at 16.05. Another strong field but we have no hesitation in making Menorah Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) a confident selection. He unseated his jockey on his first attempt over fences, but is a top hurdler, finishing fifth in the Champion Hurdle and is otherwise unbeaten in 3 starts over this CD, including this race last year. Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is a strong front-runner and in top form, but he finished behind Menorah in the Champion- as did Clerk´s Choice (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell), and we see no reason why it should turn out differently today. Grandouet (Nicky Henderson/ Geraghty) looks a bigger threat, but it is not easy for 4yo´s against older horses. Nicholls also has 2 runners here, another 4yo Brampour (Harry Derham) and Sanctuaire (Walsh) but we shall be surprised if any of them can trouble Menorah.

As usual, Nicholls and Henderson look to dominate the card, and we expect the former to take the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.10 with the very promising -French performer Hinterland, while Henderson can counter with Mossley at 13.45. They each have 2 runners in the handicap chase at 14.20, but here we have a slight preference for Oh Crick (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), whose stable seems to be coming back to top form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hinterland - Highly Efficient - Canna
2. Race: Champion Court - Mossley - Join Together
3. Race: Astracad - Havingotascoobydo - Tanks For That
4. Race: Halley - Deireadh Re - Rev It Up
5. Race: Quantitativeeasing - Ghizao - Great Endeavour
6. Race: Grandouet - Menorah - Overturn
7. Race: Oscar Whisky - Any Given Day - The Knoxs

Later: Lingfield off

Lingfield has been called off following a second inspection, while Doncaster have called for a third inpection, but time is running short before the first race.

Inspections at Doncaster and Lingfield

Both Doncaster and Lingfield have called for second inspections today following overnight frost. Navan however goes ahead, while there should be no problems at today´s main meeting Cheltenham.

Cheltenham International meeting

Cheltenham´s two-day International Meeting starts today with a strong card. Main event is the Grade Three handicap chase over an extended 3 miles at 14.45 CET; only 6 runners but quite tricky for punters. Mon Parrain (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) has top weight, but is the likely favourite. However he was a bit disappointing here last time when second favourite for the Paddy Power and we feel that he is still a bit high in the weights for what he has actually achieved. Philip Hobbs has two chances here with German-bred Fair Along (Rhys Flint) and bottom-weight Mostly Bob /Richard Johnson), both of whom could finish in the money; we especially like Fair Along, who has run many good races at this track and finished really well when third in the Hennessy last time.
Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is an obvious danger, but has not run since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Nicholls and Henderson could once again dominate racing and between them they have the fancied runners in almost every race. They can start by taking the novice chase at 13.00, where Solix (Henderson/ Geraghty) is our choice to defeat Sam Winner (Nicholls/ Walsh). Nicholls´ best chance is probably Oscargo (Walsh) in the handicap hurdle at 15.55; he is still inexperienced but looks likely to make the grade; German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) could be placed here, as he has had a great year and is still well handicapped. Henderson should certainly take the final novice hurdle at 16.30with the unbeaten Darlan (Tony McCoy), who will be at long odds-on.

The cross country chase over just short of 4 miles at 15.20 is always a popular event and is run this time as a handicap. An Irish winner look highly likely, but they have more than half the field, so the question is always - which one? Top weight Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ JT McNamara) is a CD specialist and always runs well here, but his stable companion Chamirey (Nina Carberry) could be a dark horse under a much lighter weight. Willie Mullins saddles Uncle Junior (Emmet Mullins), who beat Garde Champetre here last time, and Scotsirish (Paddy Mullins) an easy winner at Punchestown but racing for the first time beyond 3 miles.

Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon

Huntingdon has its best card of the year today, with the Grade Two Peterborough Chase at 15.00 CET the main feature. The race over 2 1/2 miles has been won by many top-notchers and trainer Henrietta Knight has an excellent record here. Her CD specialist Ederdon Blue won it four years running not so long ago, and she can improve her record here with Somersby (Dominic Elsworth) today.

Although Knight has expressed reservations regarding the tight track, conditions seem ideal for Somersby today and his second place to Master Minded last time is clearly the best form in the field. The Nightingale (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks the main danger; he ran a good race in Down Royal on ground that was too testing and over a distance that was too far. Tartak (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan),who won the race last year when it was run at Newbury, but was very disappointing last time at Autueil, and German-bred Gauvain (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily), who fell early in the Tingle Creek on Saturday, could fight it out for the minor placings.

The other race of interest here is the novice hurdle at 16.00. Bedouin Bay (ln McCab/ Conor O´Frrll) and Grman-.bred Dwn ommndr (Chli Lomgdpn/ Fhily) lrdy sgown decnt form, but the only wunnr ver stick in th field h to cincde 7 lb all round. Italian Master (Nicholls/ Jacob) and Hit the Headlines (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), representing top stables, must obviously be respected, while Tuscan Gold (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Bowdler´ s Magic (Mark Johnson/ Richie McGrath) are two good flat handicappers making their N.H. debut. It is very unusual for Mark Johnston, one of the very best trainers on the flat, to have a runner over jumps so we make his runner a very speculative selection.

The most interesting runner at today´s other meetings is Blackstairmountain (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) who runs over fences for the first time in the beginners chase at 15.05 at Clonmel. He was easily the best of these over hurdles and if he jumps round safely should win this by a wide margin. German-bred and -owned Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Davy Russell) could run into a place here.

2 N.H. and 2 all-weather flat meetings

More poor level racing at today´s 4 meetings, but still some interesting betting opportunities. The opening race at Leicester, a novice hurdle at 14.00 CET, has several runners from big stables - Henderson & co- but we are quite keen on the German-bred Salomo (Rebecca Curtis/ Kielan Woods). The Monsun gelding showed definite improvement last time and we think he could run a big race at decent odds.

The best race at Leicester is the handicap hurdle at 16.00. Fiendish Flame (/Jennie Candlish/Alan O´Keeffe) will probably start favourite here after a very easy CD success last week, for which he carries a 7 lb penalty, However this field looks much stronger. Dhaafer (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) from a stable back in form, is an obvious danger, as are JP McManus´ two runners; Tony McCoy has chosen to ride the very lightly-raced Christopher Wren (Nick Gifford) over the more exposed City Theater (RP McLernon), but we are not sure he has made the right decision. We shall take a chance on Afsoun (Neil King/ Alex Merriam), who is clearly no longer the force he was in 2007, when he was third in the Champion Hurdle, but if anywhere near his best form would laugh at this opposition.

The ground will be very testing at Hexham, so stakes should be kept to a minimum and punters should stick to runners who go well on the ground. One such is Le Roi Rouge (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee), who has top weight in the handicap chase at 14.20.

Of the two all-weather meetings, this evening´s Kempton fixture is the more interesting from the point of view of German pedigrees. Night Flash (James Given/ Jim Crowley) attempts a quick course hat-trick in the 2yo handicap at 18.50. He has shot up the weights, but we think he is up to the task - he is after all a half-brother to Night Magic . There are two German-breds in the 1 1/2 mile handicap half an hour later, both last time-out-winners. Sovento (Steve and Martin Harley) scored only on Monday at Lingfield, but we prefer Valdan (David Evans/ Matthew Cosham), who won over CD 13 days ago and is none other than a half-brother to Danedream!

3 poor meetings today

As is usually the case on a Tuesday, today´s cards are for the most part very poor. The most interesting race could be the beginners chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.10 CET at Fontwell, where the ground will be quite testing. Kauto The Roc (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) made a good debut over fences when runner-up to a useful performer at Huntingdon , while his main rivals are making their chase debut now.

Brackloon High (Noel Chance/ Richard Johnson) missed most of last year, biut had looked potentially smart earlier and made a satisfactory comeback when fifth at Cheltenham last month. State Benefit (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Real Treasure (Kim Bailey/ Sean Quinkan) are both running for the first time this season but are expected to go well. A tricky race, bur we give slight preference to Brackloon High. The novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles half an hour later is equally tricky. Fox Appeal (Emma Lavelle/ Stephen O´Donovan) looked useful when winning over this CD last time, but has to give away 7 lbs here, which will not be easy. Let´s Get Serious (Henderson/ McCoy) and Medinas (King/ Choc), both bumper winners when last seen, look dangerous, as is Duke of Monmouth (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), runner-up over this CD last time on heavy going. King and Thornton have another winning chance with Secret Edge in the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.40, who ran well in better company at Cheltenham last time; But Colebrooke (Pauline Robeson/ Tom O´Brien), a very easy CD winner last time and Hi Note (Sheena West/ Marc Goldstein), getting weight from this pair, are both dangerous.

The best betting race at Sedgefield is the handicap hurdle at 14.50. Top-weight Mickmacmagoole (Evan Williams/ Mr JE Tudor) is obviously the best horse in the field and came back to form with an easy win at Ffos Las last week. However he must give away a lot of weight here, and on these terms we prefer Bob´s Dream (Willie Amos/ Campbell Gillies), who has been runner-up on his last 3 starts, and whose stable is coming into form. Amos and Gillies can follow up with Ravensbill in the handicap chase half an hour later.

The best races on a very poor card on the all-weather track at Southwell are the two divisions of the 5 furlongs sprint at 14.00 and 14.30. These sprints always very tricky here, but in the first division we hope to see CD specialist Monsieur Jamie (John Jenkins/ Joe Fanning) score his 5th CD win; if he runs well, that would be an obvious pointer to top-weight Lenny Bee (Mrs. Sanderson/ Silvestre de Sousa) in the second division, who was runner-up to him not long ago; he was ridden then by an apprentice and now has a top jockey in the saddle.

3 meetings today

Very little to get excited about in today´s 3 U.K. meetings. Possibly the "best" race is the novice chase at 14.10 CET at Plumpton. Only 5 runners, but 4 of them could meke their way, and it is significant that Irish trainer Tony Martin , successful in a Grade One yesterday, sends over Gift of Dgab (Davy Russell) to contest this. He won by 17 lengths Limerick last time and looks the one to beat, but Invictus (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) was also an easy winner over fences last time, while Indian Daudaie (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), making his debut over fences, gets a stone from those two and had roughly the same ability over sticks. Also at Plumpton the German-bred Kruzhlinin (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), an Irish point to point winner, is an interesting runner in the bumper at 16.40.

There are also German-breds with possibilities at the other two meetings. Soprano (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) is in good form and should win the opener at 13.20 at Musselburgh, while at Lingfield´s all-weather fixture, the 3 top-wights in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.00 are all German-bred. On recent form Querido (P Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler), by Acatenango, has the best chance, but it should not be forgotten that Sommersturm (Barney Curley/ Micky Fenton) was once fourth in the Union -Rennen. However like many Schlenderhan-breds in this yard, he has lost form completely since coming to England.

Stamina required at Kelso

Of the two British racecourses staging racing today, Kelso has by far the bettr card, with the Scottish Borders National over 4 miles at 15.30 CET the main feature. Obviously stamina will be at a premium here, and the three that make most appeal are Ballyfitz (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England), Eyre Square (Keith and James Reveley) and Beamazed (Malcolm Jefferson/ Brian Harding), all of whom were noted staying on atrongly last time out over slightly shorter distances. The 2 3/4 mile handicap chase half an hour earlier is arguably a better race. Always Right (John Wade/ Reveley) was third in this year´s Scottish National, while Merigo (Andrew Parker/ Timmy Murphy) won that race last year, while Nicky Richard´s pair Skippers Brig (Brian Harding) and Premier Sagas (Dougie Costello) also deserve respect. However the likeliest winner is Take the Breeze, a rare runner here for champion Paul Nicholls with the trainer´s nephew Harry Derham aboard. Local trainer Willie Amos has ent ered his one time smart staying hurdler in the novice chase at 14.00, and if he is anywhere near his old form he can score on his chasing debut in receipt of a stone from the in-form The Panama Kid (Jefferson/ Harry Haynes), who has won his last 3 races, two of them over this CD.

At Warwick, El Mondo (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), a dual winner in France but coming off a break of two years, can take the beginners chase at 14.10. Tony McCoy can also take the maiden hurdle at 15.10 on the same trainer´s Tour d´Argent, and also has a chance on Jonjo O´Neill´s Factotum in the handicap hurdle at 16.10. who has been out of form but has been dropped significantly in the weights.

3 Grade One races at Fairyhouse

Today´s Fairyhouse card is one of the strongest of the season in Ireland and features 3 Grade One races. All have small fields but are nonetheless highly competitive. The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 13.50 CET could go to the smart Galileo´s Choice (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara), whose shrewd trainer considered a crack at the Melbourne Cup with him after his debut victory at Galway. Galileo´s Choice has won twice on the flat since Galway, but did not go to Australia; however Weld is brilliant at handling these dual-purpose performers and he is an exciting prospect. Sous les Cieux /Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Il Fenomeno (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) - who was group class on the flat in France - are obvious dangers.

Three of the 6 runners in the Drinmore Novice Chase at 14.20 run in the colours of Michael O´Leary´s Gigginstown Stud - Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh), First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) and Rivage d´Or (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Townend); they could well dominate the finish, and as Russell is the number one Gigginstown jockey, he looks the one to beat. Paul Nolan´s two runners Alpha Ridge (Paul Carberry) and Shinrock Paddy (Barry Geraghty) must also be considered.

Willie Mullins has 3 of the 5 entries in the Hatton´s Grace Hurdle at 14.50, but Mikael d´Haguenet, a winner here yesterday, is most unlikely to run. Mourad, fourth here last year to brilliant stable companion Hurricane Fly, is clearly the main hope, but he has very little in hand of Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch), while The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) is also in top form and another close finish is probable.

With the ground riding very heavy, the 3 miles 5 furlongs handicap chase at 15.50 will be a real test of stamina. The race looks wide open, but Sang Bleu (Mrs. Gavin/ David Casey), who does not win very often but is consistent, stays well and loves the ground, could be a solid each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sam Bass - One Cool Shabra - Burrenbridge Lodge
2. Race: Sous Les Cieux - Il Fenomeno - Galileo`S Choice
3. Race: First Lieutenant - Bog Warrior - Shinrock Paddy
4. Race: Mourad - Voler La Vedette - The Real Article
5. Race: Miss Pepperpot - Cloughmile - Quiet Thought
6. Race: Smoking Aces - Sang Bleu - Hold The Pin
7. Race: Thomas Edison - Starkie - The Boys Dont Know

Becher Chase at Aintree

For the first time since the Grand National itself in early April, the National fences will be used at today´s Aintree meeting. Two races today will be run over the National course, the Becher Chase over 3 1/ miles at 15.10 and the Grand Sefton over half a mile shorter at 16.20. Both of last year´s winners Hello Bud (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Frankie Figg (Paul Nicholls/ Brian Hughes) will try to defend their titles, and as course experience is big advantage here they will be well supported. We like oldtimers in these staying chases, but are still a bit dubious about Hello Bud, whose performances since that win have been very poor; he turns 14 next month and cannot be getting any better. Most of the runners in the Becher have the Grand National their target, and the one we like best is Rare Bob (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Brennan), whose trainer has won this twice in the past 3 years. Course specialists Always Waining (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) and Pak Jack (Richard Phill ips/ Mattie Batchelor) also have each-way chances.

Frankie Figg was trained by Howard Johnson last year and is having his first run for the champion trainer, but the same jockey stays on board. He goes in the short list again, as does 2010 runner-up Nikola (N&S Twiston-Davies). Others to consider are top-weight Fine Parchment (Charlie Mann/ Richie McGrath) and Buffalo Bob (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire)

Maguire can also be thereabouts in Cinders and Ashes at 13.00 and Red Rocco at 14.05, both trained by Donald McCain, while we expect front-runner Nacarat (Tom George/ Brennan) to defy top weight and outclass the opposition in the listed chase at 15.45.

3 all-weather meetings today

the most interesting reces at Lingfield this afternoon are the two divisions of the 2yo fillies mile maiden, with some very well-bred fillies making their debut, notably Between Us (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) who runs at 13.40 CET. She is a daughter of Galileo out of a half-sister to classic winner Confidential Lady. Half nn hour later Zaina (Gerald Butler/ Dane O´Neill), a daughter of Shirocco, can take the second division.

Easily the best race at Wolverhampton this evening is the 6 furlongs conditions event at 18.00. Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ Luke Morris) ran a great race when beaten a short head by Clinical 4 weeks ago, but she has been well beaten since and we prefer Ocean Bay (John Ryan/ Ryan Powell), who showed tremendous improvement when winning on his first all-weather start at Kempton. Famusa (Marco Botti/ Adam Beschizza) had decent form in Italy but has a huge weight here, which puts her at quite a disadvantage.

At the Irish Dundalk meeting, where there are maximum fields in all races, the top race is also a 6 furlongs conditions event at 19.30. That tough and consistent campaigner Duff (Eddie Lynam/ Kevin Manning) is a confident selection here. He was only narrowly beaten last time over this CD by Gordon Lord Byron (Tom Hogan/ Seamus Heffernan) and reopposes on 17 lbs better terms. Angels Pursuit (Dvaid Marnane/ Shane Foley), having his first race for this trainer, looks a big danger. Lynam can complete a double with CD specialist Denny Crane (Pat Smullen) in the 11 furlongs handicap at 22.25.

Good N.H. cards at Sandown and Exeter

Some good jumping today, although the fields at Sandown are very small, with normal each-way betting possible in only one race. Main feature here is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.55 CET, the best race of its type this season so far. The field includes Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Simonsig (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), currently the 2 favourites for the big novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Fingal Bay is clearly the one to beat on form, and was especially impressive when winning at Cheltenham despite a bad mistake, but Simonsig looks an exciting prospect after winning his only U.K, start with the greatest of ease. It is by no means two horse race either, as both Jump City (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), a very easy Exeter winner, and Irish challenger Sizing Symphony (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), who has won his last 3 races, are also potentially very smart. Definitely a race to watch rather than bet on.

Main supporting feature is the listed chase over 3 miles at 15.30, where Irish Grade One winner Bostons Angel (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), who fell at Down Royal last time, has to concede weight to Royal Charm (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Quinz (Hobbs/ Johnson). According to official ratings, Quinz is best in here, but we hope that Bostons Angel is up to the task. The opening 3yo hurdle at 13.50 is a very poor race by Sandown standards, but we are interested in Malanos (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards), who has an excellent German pedigree and is a half-brother to Diana winner Mystic Lips. He won a desperate affair at Leicester last time, but today´s opposition looks no stronger.

The fields are bigger at Exeter, although only 6 line up for the main event, a novice chase at 14,.00. Notus de la Tour (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) should win this after winning his last 2 races in good style, but he faces strong opposition from Walkon (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), a one time Grade One winner over hurdles and Zaynar (Nick Williams/ Tony McCoy). The last-named looked a star when winning his first 5 races for Nicky Henderson, but has struggled a bit since, though racing meinly in top company. He was third last time to Grands Crus at Cheltenham, which is certainly no disgrace, and can possibly get back on the winning trail here.

The Devon Marathon, a 4 mile handicap chase at 14.30 looks a minefield for punters, as none of the 13 runners has any worthwhile form at the distance, and most of them have never rven tried it. Our 3 against the field are Shaking Hands (Pipe/ Scudamore), front-runner Power Pack Tack (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Diamond Brook (Nick Williams/ James Reveley) but best advice is probably to leave the race alone.

4 low-level meetings today

There is an all-hurdles card at Leicester today and Tony McCoy, with over 150 wins to his name already this season, can further increase his tally. Jonjo O´Neill´s Schism in the 3yo fillies hurdle at 14.00 CET, and Kells Belle at 15.00 as well as Zama Zama at 16.10, both trained by Nicky Henderson, should all win, as could Phoenix Flight in the novice hurdle at 16.40. The one we are dubious about is O´Neill´s Amuse Me, who has top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.35, as his recent efforts are all very poor. However this is a very weak race and a return to his best form would make him hard to beat.

Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at his local track Wincanton, but he has only one runner there today, so we make him the selection - the ex-French Sang Bleu (Daryl Jacob) in the beginners chase at 14.40. He has not run since falling at Cheltenham on New Years Day, but his earlier French form looks good. This is the day´s best race, and Duke of Lucca (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), Habbie Simpson (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Joker Choker (Nicky Henderson/ RJ Killoran) were all decent hurdlers and must be respected. The handicap hurdle here at 15.45 looks very tough, but we hope that Brunston (Henderson/ Killoran), below form when last seen at Stratford in July, can come back with a win in a very open race.

At Catterick, we expect the useful flat handicapper Crackentorp (Tim Easterby/ Richie McGrath) to get off the mark over hurdles at 14.20; he receives 7 lbs from his main rival, the recent winner Hawk Mountain (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello). The handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 14.50 is very demanding, but Matmata de Tendron (Andy Crook/ Nathan Moscrop) could be the answer. He is slow, but stays forever and is a sound jumper although strictly speaking he is held on Carlisle form last month by Canal Bank (O´Neill/ RP McLernon). Our Columbus (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is another danger, but has been off the track since April.

All-weather racing is for the most part very uninspiring at this time of year, and we can recommend nothing in this evening´s 8 low level races at Wolverhampton.