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