6 more meetings today

Once again, 6 meetings today, three of them National Hunt. but nothing much of importance. The best race of the day is the Hilary Needler Trophy for 2yo fillies this evening at 20.3 CET at Beverley. This event is frequently won by a subsequent Royal Ascot performer and the two likeliest winners are Baileys Jubilee (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Judy in Disguise (Bill Turner/ Ryan While). The latter has won both her starts in good style, while Johnston´s filly started off with two wins before flopping at York; if we can forgive her that poor race, then she is probably the one to beat here.

One of the pleasing features of the season so far has been the emergence of Graham Lee as a top jockey on the flat after years of riding winners - including the Grand National- over jumps. He has struck up a particularly fruitful partnership with Scottish trainer Jim Goldie, and the two of them have runners in the first 6 races at Ayr this afternoon. We would be very surprised if they go home without a winner and make Northern Fling at 16.40 and Toshi an hour later their best chances.

The top flat jockeys will be at Folkestone this evening, but the sport on offer is very poor. Ryan Moore has just one mount, Glittering Gold, owned by the Queen and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who runs in the 3yo maiden at 21.15. He lost all chance on his debut by veering off at the start, but can put the record straight this time.

Over jumps, we think that front-runner Marodima (Jamie Snowden/ Tom O´Brien) can take the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.30 at Newton Abbot, while The Darling Boy (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) and Sonic Anthem (Owen Brennan/ Harry Haynes) can defy top weight at 16.20 and 17.50 respectively at Sedgefield. In Ireland, Slieveardagh (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) can take the 2 1/4 mile chase at 19.25 at Punchestown.