Very small fields

There are some very small fields at today´s meetings, especially at Wincanton with only 26 runners entered. Normally the best strategy here is to back all Paul Nicholls´ runners, but he has only two - That´ll Do, top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.00 CET and Earth Planet in the handicap chase an hour later, both partnered by Harry Derham, but we are not convinced by either.

Nicholls possibly has better chances at Ludlow, where his stable jockey Daryl Jacob is riding, but he partners Politeo for Nick Williams in the main event, 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.50. Politeo is coming into form, while Nick Williams had a big winner in France yesterday, and the gelding is a son of Lando, so should handle the fast ground. Lancetto (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge) is closely related to Lando, and he can take the novice chase at 15.50, while ex-German Aviso (David and Richard Evans) can win the selling hurdle at 15.20. Aviso won the Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen 5 years ago, and while his form in the U.K. has been well below that level, he has won 4 races in 2012, including this CD, and can score again in this very modest company.

There are plenty of runners at the Irish N.H. meeting at Clonmel, but little quality. Our best bet here is Noble Pageant (John Neilan/ Tom Doyle) in the maiden hurdle at 17.55. He ran quite well at Thurles on Tuesday and this opposition looks very moderate, while the shorter distance could also be in his favour. There is flat racing today at Folkestone, but again at a very low level. Most interesting event is the 10 furlongs maiden at 17.40, with entries from some top stables. Clive Brittain´s filly Muzhil (Brett Doyle) has been well entered and the daughter of Manduro could run well at a decent price.