Graded races in Ireland

Nicky Henderson has enjoyed a fantastic couple of days, and we expect him to continue on the winning trail with State Benefit (Andrew Tinkler), his only runner today, who goes for the novice chase at 16.15 CET at Market Rasen. Consistent Mics Delight (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) looks the one to beat. Also at Market Rasen, we think that Lucy Wadham and Matt Crawley have two each-way chances with Manshoor and German-bred El Dancer in the handcap hurdles at 15.10 and 15.40 respectively. Another treiner in top form is Colin Tizzard, who sent out 5 winners in an hour yesterday. He should certainly win the novice hurdle at 14.30 at Ffos Las, in which he has two fancied runners. While son Joe partners Jumps Road, we prefer Ohio Gold, the mount of young Brendan Powell, who has potentially more class. The second division of this race, half an hour later, can go to Benheir (Rabecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and the champion jockey has several other good mounts, notably Jonjo O´Neill´s ligh tly-raced Cross the Flags at 16.35.

Later - McCoy not riding today: Tony McCoy has cried off his four rides at Ffos Las today, as he is still feeling sore from his heavy fall at Newbury on Friday.

Easily the best racing today comes from Ireland, where there are 3 graded races at Navan. The Boyne Hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.20 is the race of the day and looks certain to be won by Willie Mullins, who saddles Mourad (Paul Townend) and Mikael d´Haguenet (Ruby Walsh). The latter is right back to his best and has won his last 3 races easily enough, but despite Ruby, we feel that Mourad, who has been running in top company, has possibly the better chance. The other two graded races look slightly sub-standard. The novice chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 17.00 can go to Carloaswayback (Paul Nolan/Robbie Power), who can defeat stable companion Far Away So Close (Davy Russell), while half an hour later Medical Card (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon), Crash (Michael Hourigan/ Adrian Heskin) and Four Commanders (Mouse Morris/ Russell) clash over 3 miles. They finished in that order in a similar race at Naas at New Year, but at these weights we expect Crash to come out on top this ti me.

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Ash Supreme - Tennis Cap - Hawk Flight
2. Race: Mikael D`Haguenet - Mourad - Forty Foot Tom
3. Race: Maller Tree - Beef To The Heels - Griesenau
4. Race: Ut Love - Sean Airgead - On My Own
5. Race: Far Away So Close - Carloswayback - Nearest The Pin
6. Race: Berties Dream - Crash - Medical Card
7. Race: Sizing Gold - Vincent Row - Defy Logic