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