Listed race at Warwick

The best race in Britain and Ireland today is the listed event for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 16.40 at Warwick. Racecourses know that they can always get decent fields for such events, as black type is so important, and it is no surprise to see 14 fillies line up here. Three of them ran last time in the 1,000 Guineas, where Sunday Times (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Robert Havlin) finished 10th, Diala (William Haggas/ Eddie Ahern) 11th and Radio Gaga (Ed McMahon/ Richard Mullen) 14th. Sunday Times could come out best of this trio again; she was runner-up last year in the Cheveley Park Stakes, the best form on offer here. Roger Sez (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) was actually a group winner last season, but she has to give away 8 lbs all round as a result, which makes things tough. Intense Pink (Chris Wall/ Dane O´Neill) was beaten a long way last week at Royal Ascot, but this is a much easier race.The Queen is having a good season, but her runner Free Verse (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hu ghes) does not look good enough. This is not a great race, nowhere near as strong as last night´s Oaks Trial at Naas for example - won as we predicted by Caponata- and Sunday Times, despite some reservations, has to be the selection.

At Newcastle, the mile handicap at 16.00 is quite a decent race. Prince of Dance (Tom Tate/ Robert Winston) was runner-up here last year and takes the eye off bottom weight, but he is inconsistent and has not run since the winter. Extraterrestrial (Richard Fahey/ Lee Topliss) was 4th last year, but is not always in such strong form, so we shall side with the much-improved Prince of Sorrento (Lee Carter/ Steve Donohoe) who has already won 4 races this year and seen his handicap rating go up 29 lbs. His latest second place to Fennell Bay at Sandown was boosted when the latter went in again at Royal Ascot.

The fillies handicap over 9 furlongs at 17.50 is the best race at Yarmouth. The lightly-traced and well-bred Strawberrymystique (Marco Boztti/ Jamie Spencer) could be ther answer here. Viking Rose (James Eustace/ Luke Morris) has a good record at this track but seems better at shorter distances, so Laverre (Lucy Wadham/ Hayley Turner), who is down in trip but has run well both starts this year after a long break, could be the main danger.

Irish Oaks trial at Naas

Easily the best race of the day in the U.K. and Ireland is the Irish Oaks Trial at 21.00 CET at Naas. This is only a listed event on paper, but the field is good enough for a group race. Jessica Harrington and Aidan O´Brien each saddle 3 runners, but we cannot fancy Jessica´s. the best of which is probably Remember Alexander (Shane Foley), who faces a tough task under top weight. O´Brien has better prospects, with Betterbetterbetter, ridden by son Joseph, 8th in the Epsom Oaks, followed by a good second place to the smart Sapphire last time, with stable companions Soon (Seamus Heffernan) third and Demurely (Colöm O´Donoghue) fifth, with Remember Alexander 4th. Aaraas (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonough) was runner-up in the Blue Wind Stakes over this CD in mid-May, with Was, who went on to win the Oaks, third and the Aga Khan´s Shebella (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) in fifth. However the one we really like is Khaled Abdulla´s Caponata (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), a very easy win ner on her only start so far at Gowran Park. This obviously is a much tougher race, but Weld has an excellent record with fillies and certainly knows the time of day, as we saw last week at Ascot.

Historic events at Carlisle, Salisbury

Carlisle stages its most important card of the season today, featuring the Carlisle Bell and the Cumberland Plate, two of the oldest races of the British turf. They are now handicaps, the former over a mile at 16.30 CET and the latter over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 17.05. Both have 17 runners and look wide open. Our 3 against the field in the Bell are Levitate (Alan McCabe/ William Twiston-Davies), a winner last time at Doncaster, Miami Gator (Elaine Burke/ Conor Harrison), last year´s winner and penalised for winning under this jockey last week at Hamilton, and the likely favourite Barwick (Mark Tompkins/ Chris Catlin), who looks much improved this season. Tompkins and Catlin have a chance in the Plate as well with Smoky Oakey, owned by actress Judi Dench. He won the ;Lincoln in 2008, but his form has been very up and down since, but this distance could be ideal nowadays and he has been dropped a lot by handicapper. But the interesting one here is Lexi´ s Boy (Donald McCain/ Grah am Lee), who won 4 races on the all-weather last year, but has shown excellent and improving form over hurdles this year for his present handler.

Salisbury also stages two traditional handicaps, including the Bibury Cup for 3yo ´s over 1 1/2 miles at 17.55. Even with only 6 runners this looks very open, with Rye House (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) the likely favourite, and Moon Trip (Mark Johnston/ Kietren Fallon) and Rule Book (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) the main dangers. The mile handicap at 17.25 is even trickier. Leviathan (Tony Newcombe/ Tom Queally) won this last year, but on recent form the lightly-raced Trade Commissioner (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Shamaal Nibras (Hannon/ Hughes) can be preferred.

Hughes is one of several jockeys travelling on to Kempton´s evening meeting, where he has good chances with Ian Wood´s Riva´s Rhapsody at 20.50 and Andrew Balding´s Communicator an hour later; in the latter race we also like ex-German Toughess Danon (Brendan Powell father and son), sold to go hurdling, in which sphere he has not been very successful, but very well handicapped on the flat.

historic events at Carlisle, Salisbury

Carlisle stages its most important card of the season today, featuring the Carlisle Bell and the Cumberland Plate, two of the oldest races of the British turf. They are now handicaps, the former over a mile at 16.30 CET and the latter over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 17.05. Both have 17 runners and look wide open. Our 3 against the field in the Bell are Levitate (Alan McCabe/ William Twiston-Davies), a winner last time at Doncaster, Miami Gator (Elaine Burke/ Conor Harrison), last year´s winner and penalised for winning under this jockey last week at Hamilton, and the likely favourite Barwick (Mark Tompkins/ Chris Catlin), who looks much improved this season. Tompkins and Catlin have a chance in the Plate as well with Smoky Oakey, owned by actress Judi Dench. He won the ;Lincoln in 2008, but his form has been very up and down since, but this distance could be ideal nowadays and he has been dropped a lot by handicapper. But the interesting one here is Lexi´ s Boy (Donald McCain/ Grah am Lee), who won 4 races on the all-weather last year, but has shown excellent and improving form over hurdles this year for his present handler
Salisbury also stages two traditional handicaps, including the Bibury Cup for 3yo ´s over 1 1/2 miles at 17.55. Even with only 6 runners this looks very open, with Rye House (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) the likely favourite, and Moon Trip (Mark Johnston/ Kietren Fallon) and Rule Book (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) the main dangers. The mile handicap at 17.25 is even trickier. Leviathan (Tony Newcombe/ Tom Queally) won this last year, but on recent form the lightly-raced Trade Commissioner (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Shamaal Nibras (Hannon/ Hughes) can be preferred.
Hughes is one of several jockeys travelling on to Kempton´s evening meeting.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Boom And Bloom - Mandy Lexi - Blue Lotus
2. Race: Secret Destination - Team Challenge - Marhaba Malayeen
3. Race: Lockantanks - Sound Advice - Chookie Royale
4. Race: Barwick - Sam Nombulist - Levitate
5. Race: Lexi`S Boy - Rio`S Rosanna - Entihaa
6. Race: Miss Ellany - No Poppy - Emeralds Spirit
7. Race: Pitkin - Best Trip - Jack Luey

more low level racing

5 more meetings today, but all a very low level, and that applies particularly to the afternoon meetings at Brighton and Beverley. A lot of oldtimers at both fixtures, and we would not be surprised to see 12yo Cape Royal (Milton Bradley/ Cathy Gannon) run a good race in the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.15 at Brighton; 9yo Stronecrabstomorrow (Mike Attwater/ Mark Coumbe) is a CD specialist and won this race last year, but is not nearly so well handicapped now. Another veteran who could run well here is 7yo Whiteoak Lady (David Evans/ Andrea Atzeni) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.45, back to form with a CD win last week.

It is rather sad to see the 10yo Halla San (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) and 9yo Just Lille (Anne Duffield/ Graham Lee) runnin in the claiming race at 16.00 at Bevefrley; both of them were quite useful in younger days and deserve better. Halla San seems to be totally out of form, so Just Lille is preferred. Carragold (Mel Brittain/ Duran Fntiman), a mere youngster at 6, should win the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.30 under top weight. The form of his fourth place in a better race at York last time is much stronger than any other runner here can show.

Newbury´s evening card is a bit better, and the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 21.35 is the best race of the day. It looks very open as well and 4 of the 8 runners are last-time-out winners. It would be no surprise to see some of them progress to much better things. We give slight preference to Selfsame (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley), who won her only race, a Goodwood maiden, quite cosily and runs in the colours of Khaled Abdulla.
The going will be heavy at the N.H.meeting at Newton Abbot, where Indian Daudaie (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) can complete a June hat-trick in the novice chase at 20.35. Jolly Roger (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) has been in even better form, winning his last six races, all since mid-May, but faces a stiffer task under top weight at 21.10.

In Ireland there is a mixed meeting at Ballinrobe, with 3 flat races followed by 4 races over hurdles, but here again there is more quantity than quality.

5 poor meetings today

The weather remains very unsettled and the going at Chepstow today will be very heavy, although the track has passed an inspection . However there are bound to be non-runners and small fields as a result. Frankly we would leave this meeting alone, although Miss Exhibitionist (Alan King/ Fergus Sweeney) could be worth a bet in the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.30 CET. This is a very weak race, with 4 of the 7 runners trained by Bernard Llewellyn, and Alan King, better known as a jumps trainer, has a good strike rate with his runners on the flat. The card is no better on the all-weather this afternoon at Wolverhampton. Tom Dascombe´ s stable is now in good form and can win the 3yo handicap over 5 furlongs at 15.45 with top-weight Electric Qatar (Richard Kingscote), an easy winner ovetr this CD last week and now carrying a 6 lbs penalty. In theory, Grey Seal (James Fanshawe/ Hayley Turner) should win the 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 17.45. She was fourth in a hot Kempton maiden last time whose form has worked out very well and looks thrown in with this weight.

The best races at Windsor this evening are the 3yo handicaps over 6 furlongs at 20.10 and over a mile half an hour later. In both cases we expect the top and bottom weghts to dominate, in the former race Sir Pedro (Charlie and Michael Hills), winner of his only start, and Fast Finian (Paul d´Arcy/Jim Crowley), a kempton winner last time, and in the latter event Dellbuoy (Paul Phelan/ Ian Mongan), winner of both his starts this season, and Strident Force (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore).

Main event at Thirsk this evening is the 5 furlongs conditions race at 21.50, unfortunately with only 4 runners. On all known form it can only be between oldtimer Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Daniel Tudhope) and Magical Macey (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons). Borderlescott is now 10 and possibly not as good as he used to be, but he is still a power to be reckoned with in this grade and we expect him to win.

There is also jumping this evening at Kilbeggan in Ireland, with some big fields but nothing much in the way of quality racing.

4 meetings today

After the highlights of Royal Ascot, today´s 4 meetings (3 of them over jumps) in Britain and Ireland come as an anti-climax. Easily the best event is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40 CET at Pontefract. Only 4 runners, but they all look distinctly useful and are headed by Jet Away (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) , winner of both his races this season, including a listed one last time at Goodwood.

However he has never run beyond 10 furlongs and we do not believe he can give weight to Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Kieren Fallon), beaten favourite for last year´s German Derby and later runner-up in the St.Leger. Brown Panther ran a shocker on his seasonal debut at Chester, but the stable is in much better form now. Glen´s Diamond (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), runner-up in the Yorkshire Cup, and Lost in the Moment (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa), 6th in last year´s Melbourne Cup, cannot be ignored but possibly need further, while everything seems in favour of Brown Panther, who is a confident selection. The 10 furlongs handicap here at 16.10 is also a decent race. Robemaker (John Gosden/ William Buick) represents a stable that had a tremendous Royal Ascot and obviously is a major contender under top weight. Edmaaj (David O´Meara/ Daniel Tudhope), a York winner last time, is the danger.

The bad weather continues in many parts of Britain and the going is very heavy at Hexham. With some small fields, this card is not at all punter-friendly. Our best bet here is Moulin de la Croix (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) in the novice hurdle at 15.00; he was a very easy CD winner last week, making all, and can follow up at the main expense of Irish raider Face Value (Adrian McGuinness/ Dougie Costello).

At Hereford, we expect Shalloon (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) to win the opening novice hurdle at 15.20. He was quite useful on the flat, when trained by Mark Johnston, and has run well on both his starts over sticks. The one-time German classic winner Aviso (David Evans/ Sam Thomas) runs in the handicap hurdle at 17.50. He was kept very busy during the winter and spring, running almost every week, but did manage to win 4 races. He has had a short break and could go well here, although he is no longer so well handicapped.

There are huge fields at the Irish N.H. meeting at Gowran Park. Smart bumper winner Thomas Edison (Tony Martin/ Mark Walsh) can get off the mark over hurdles at 15.45, while the much-improved He´s Our Man (Ross O´Sullivan/ Andrew McNamara) must have a good chance of completing a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle an hour later.

Pontefract - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fantacise - Skidby Mill - Tussie Mussie
2. Race: Kathlatino - Silly Gilly - Wiseman`s Diamond
3. Race: Tamarrud - Edmaaj - Robemaker
4. Race: Lost In The Moment - Glen`S Diamond - Brown Panther
5. Race: Veloce - Orsippus - Blackstone Vegas
6. Race: Crystal Monarch - Mashaari - Joyful Motive
7. Race: Premier Choice - Anton Chigurh - Dream Walker

Rest of Royal Ascot, final day

The rest of Ascot´s Saturday card is really top-class with competitive fields in every race.We start with the listed Chesham Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.30 CET, with 15 runners, 9 of them last-time-out winners. This is all guesswork, but Move to Strike (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) comes with strong recommendations from Ireland and looks the one to beat .Mick Channon has 5 runners,of which Chilworth Icon (Martin Harley) has probably the best prospects.

The Group Two Hardwicke Stakes for 4yo´s up over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05 often provides clues to the King George over this CD at the end of July and today´s field looks very strong. The lightly-raced Sea Moon (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) looks a typical Stoute improver - but he was runner-up in the Breeders Cup Turf, so does not have to improve too much.He is top-rated here, but Aiken (John Gosden/ William Buick) looks a worthy opponent, having won his last 6 races. including the Grand Prix de Chantilly last time. Dunaden (Mikel Delzangles/ Christophe Lemaire) and Red Cadeaux (Ed Dunlop/ Tom McLaughlin) were 1-2 in last years Melbourne Cup, separated by a nose. They should run well but over this trip we prefer the two named first. It is interesting that Ed Dunlop has booked Johnny Murtagh for his other runner Testosterone, who was trained last year in France, but Memphis Tennessee (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), third in the 2011 Irish Derby, looks more of a danger.

The meeting traditionally ends with the Queen Alexandra Stakes over 2 3/4 miles at 18.35, which has an unusually large and strong field. Swingkeel (John Dunlop/ Ted Dutrcan) won this last year from Elyaad (Jon Queally/ Fran Berry) and both try again, but today´s opposition looks tougher and is headed by the admirable Overturn (Donald McCain/ Eddie Ahern), runner-up last time under top weight in the Chester Cup, which he won last year, as well as the Northumberland Plate, and also an excellent hurdler - runner-up in the Champion Hurdle. Any more rain would improve the chances of ex-German Dawn Twister (Lucy Wadham/ Paul Hanagen )- another son of Monsun- while French challenger Sharwardi (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Gerald Mosse) also has a chance. It used to be common for the winner of Tuesday´s Ascot Stakes to win this, so Simenon (Willie Mullins/ Ryan Moore) obviously has a good chance of landing the double.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Move To Strike - Tha`ir - Lovely Pass
2. Race: Sea Moon - Memphis Tennessee - Aiken
3. Race: Black Caviar - Moonlight Cloud - Society Rock
4. Race: Mac`S Power - Alben Star - Medicean Man
5. Race: Camborne - Anatolian - Fiery Lad
6. Race: Simenon - Overturn - Zuider Zee

Black Caviar at Ascot

the Royal Ascot meeting ends today with another headliner - after the world´s best horse Frankel won on Tuesday, today we have the world´s second best horse (according to official ratings) Black Caviar (Peter Moody/ Luke Nolen) running in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.45 CET. The Australian mare is unbeaten in 21 starts, 11 of them Group Ones, and it is brave move by connections to travel half way across the world to run here. Theoretically she has to win, but she is not a good bet at the likely odds of around 6-1 on. With thousands of Australians expected today at Ascot, and all of them burning to bet on her, the odds are not likely to lengthen by much. She has a stone in hand on the ratings, but the outside draw is certainly no advantage, while she has never run on ground as soft as this - although connections do not seem bothered on that score.

If you can get decent each way odds, we recommend Moonlight Cloud (Freddie Head/ Thierry Jarnet) and Society Rock (James Fanshawe/ Johnny Murtagh) as alternatives. The latter has a good record here, won this race last year and was runner-up in 2010 (no Black Caviar then of course), while the former has a good draw and is probably the best French runner over this distance, as shown by her Deauville victory last year. We do not really expect Black Caviar to be beaten, but should this happen, Moonlight Cloud is the most likely winner. These big sprints often throw up a surprise winner, but we shall be amazed if another horse other than the three mentioned wins today; if you really want to go for a complete longshot, try Es Que Love (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) at 100-1.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Move To Strike - Tha`ir - Lovely Pass
2. Race: Sea Moon - Memphis Tennessee - Aiken
3. Race: Black Caviar - Moonlight Cloud - Society Rock
4. Race: Mac`S Power - Alben Star - Medicean Man
5. Race: Camborne - Anatolian - Fiery Lad
6. Race: Simenon - Overturn - Zuider Zee

Rest of Royal Ascot: day four

to be honest, this is the weakest card of the meeting, but still of course much better than most other racecourses can dream of. The card opens with the Group Three Albany Stakes for 2yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 15.30; most of the fillies have run only once - 9 of them winning their only start, so that a form choice is hard to find, but Newfangled (John Gosden/ William Buick) won her race in Newmarket in excellent style and could be the one.

Astrologer (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) was third in the Derby after making most of the running and should be too strong for his 5 opponents in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at 16.05. He is a son of Galileo, like Noble Mission (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), Frankel´s full brother. and Shantaram (Gosden/ Buick) and they can follow him home.

The Group Three Queen´s Vase for 3yo´s over 2 miles at 18.00 could well see a winner in the royal colours - Estimate (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), by Monsun, who won impressively at Salisbury last time. This is a very tricky race, as most of the runners are very lightly-raced and none have form over this distance, but Yasdi (Brian Meehan) and Minimise Risk (Andrew Balding/ Jamie Spencer) must also be considered.

The two handicaps are as always extremely difficult, and even with non-runners both at 17.25 and 18.35 there are plenty of possibilities in both events. Our 3 against the field in the former are Retrieve (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), Mijhaar (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) and Gatewood (Gosden/ Buick), and 4 against the field in the latter are Belgian Bill (George Baker/ Sean Levey), Eton Forever (Varian/ Callan), Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Andrea Atzeni) and Decent Fella (Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), who was fourth in the race last year with several of today´s runners behind.

Royal Ascot: Coronation Stakes

The Group One Coronation Stakes for 3yo fillies over the round mile at 16.45 CET is the big race on the fourth day of Royal Ascot, and features the winners of the English 1,000 Guineas Homecoming Queen (Aidan and Joseph O´Broien) and the Irish version Samitar (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley), as well as the latter´s stable companion LÖaugh Out Loud (Frankie Dettori), well-beaten at Newmarket but an impressive winner twice since, and Starscope (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), runner-up at the Curragh. Although Gosden´s stable jockey William Buick now prefers tp ride Fallen For You, we cannot see anything outside these four winning here and our selection is Homecoming Queen, who made all the running at Newmarket to win by 9 lengths. The ground was soft that day, and much faster when she was behind Samitar at the Curragh, so should be in her favour again. German-owned Bigue d´Amour (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Maxime Guyon) is an interesting runner from France, but on latest form looks wel l held by Laugh Out Loud.

German runner and the rest of Royal Ascot

From the German point of view, the Group Three Tercentenary Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 18.00 CET is the most interesting race of the day, as Gestüt Schlenderhan´s Energizer (Jens Hirschberger/ Adrie de Vries) has an undeniable chance. He has run well on all starts so far and was fourth last time oin the German 2,000 Guineas on going that was too firm; conditions today should be ideal.

Nothing really stands out here, although the lightly-raced Tales of Grimm (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is the likely favourite. Energizer is running for the first time over this distance, but on pedigree that should be problem. He is by Monsun and it could be a red-letter day for the Schlenderhan stallion, as we also like Kailani (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona) in the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes for 3yo fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05. She is out of German-bred Kazzia, who loved soft groud. Several of these ran in the Oaks, with Shirocco Star (Hughie Morrison/ Darryll Holland) running on well into second, The Fugue (John Gosden/ William Buick) having a nightmare run in third, Vow (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh) in fourth, Kailani seventh, Colima ninth and Twirl eleventh. Everyone saw how unlucky The Fugue appeared to be and she is at a very short price as a result, but we would not be surprised to see Shirocco Star -out of another Schlenderhan stallion- confir m the form, and hope to see Kailani, who clearly did not act on the track at Epsom, overtake them both.

Aidan O´Brien is the leading trainer at the meeting so far and can extend his lead with Gale Force Ten, ridden by son Joseph, in the Norfolk Stakes for speedy 2yo´s at 15.30, with Cay Verde (Mick Channon/ Craig Williams) possibly the best of the home runners.

The two handicaps are as always ferociously difficult, with big gields and dozens of possibilities. For the record, our 4 against the field in the Britannia Stakes (3yo´s, one mile,at 17.25) are Piri Wango, Bronze Angel, Trader Jack and Frog Hollow,

Ascot Gold Cup

The Gold Cup over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET is the main feature of today´s Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and has a very strong field, including Fame and Glory (Jamie Spencer), Opinion Poll (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona) and Askau Tau (Marcus Tregoning/ George Baker), first, second and fifth in 2011. Fame and Glory also won the Ascot Long Distance Cup over 2 miles here in October from Opinion Poll, Colour Vision (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) a close third and Nehaam (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) fourth. Fame and Glory (like Askar Tau by the late lamented Montjeu out of a German mare) is thus the clear favourite, but he is no certainty and the rain will not help his chances. Although Dettori has chosen to ride Colour Vision, a very easy winner last time, his decision was made two days ago and the change in the going will not be in his favour. Opinion Poll however goes well on the soft and his chances have improved. Askar Tau is another one who does not want it soft, but we think everything has now come right for Saddlers Rock (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) an easy winner last year of the Doncaster Cup from Opinion Poll. Like Colour Vision he is a 4yo, an age group that has not done well in this race, but we make him a confident selection.

Rest of Royal Ascot: day two

The day starts with a huge field for the Group Three Jersey Stakes for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.30. Even with some non-runners there are still 23 runners and the race is finely balanced between runners with classic form and those moving up. The classic runners are represented by Aidan O´Brien´s pair Reply (ridden by son Joseph) and the filly Ishvana (Seamie Heffernan), respectively third in the Irish 2,000 and runner-up in the Irish 1,000. Then there is Red Duke (John Quinn/ Tom Queally), third after being hampered in the German 2,000; we like him, but his penalty for winning a Group Two last year makes things difficult. Those up in grade include Sentari (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh) and Valbchek (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore), both unbeaten in two starts, and Aljamaheer (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan), winner of two of his three starts.

The Windsor Forest Stakes at 16.05 is a Group One race for older fillies and mares and three of them stand out here: Emulous (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), winner of 6 of her last 7 starts, Nahrain (Varian/ Callan), who has not run since finishing second at the Breeders Cup meeting and before that won the Prix de l´Opera, and Chachamaidee (Sir Henry Cecil/ Queally), runner-up in this last year. Chachamaideee gets 5 lbs from the other two which must give her a good chance, but she is a tricky ride and mjust be held up till the last possible moment. Emulous is a class act and much more reliable, so she is the selection.

The big betting race today is the Royal Hunt Cup at 17.25, a mile handicap with 30 runners. Obviously almost anything can happen here, especially as the effect of the draw is still not clear; yesterday´s results suiggested that middle-to-high numbers might have an advantage, but it is not at all crystal clear. Invisible Man (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) faces a very tough task under top weight, but he won this in 2010 and finished 3rd last year. so must be regarded as a CD specialist and goes on the short list, together with Edinburgh Knight (Paul d´Arcy/Jim Crowley), Dimension (James Fanshawe/ Murtagh) and the improving Arabian Star (Andrew Balding/ David Probert),
German classic form is again represented by Electrelane (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), who has top-weight in the listed mile handicap for 3yo fillies at 18.35. Last time out she won the German 1,000 Guineas, which is the best form in the race, but she has a huge weight as a result. We just prefer Hello Glory (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer), 10 lengths behind her at York and now 13 lbs better off, and the strongly fancied Irish raider Duntle (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan).

Royal Ascot: day two: a royal winner?

The featured race at Royal Ascot today is the Prince of Wales´s Stakes over ten furlongs at 16.45 CET, a race which is often the best of the week. This is not the case today, but there is still the possibility of a rare highlight- a royal victory. The Queen is having a good season and Carlton House (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) could provide the high point by winning this prestigious event and give her the pleasure of receiving the trophy from the hands of her eldest son. Carlton House was a slight disappointment last season, a beaten favourite for both the Derby and Irish Derby, but made a satisfactory reappearance to win at Sandown and with the Stoute stable now in good form, can step up to win this Group One. The obvious danger is So You Think (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), a beaten favourite for this last year but a 4-time Group One winner since arriving in Europe. He is possibly not quite as good as connections used to think, but is still a tough nut to crack and this di stance is ideal. Ex-French Planteur (Marco Botti/ Christophe Soumillon) and still-French Reliable Man (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Gerald Mosse) have also not lived totally up to expectations, but are genuine Group One runners. More interesting is Godolphin´s Farhh, unbeaten in 3 minor events and now stepping up sharply in grade and in distance, but the son of German Group One winner Gonbarda could be anything. He needs to show massive improvement to win today, but that is by no means totally out of the question.

King´s Stand and St. James´s Palace

These two races are also Group One and both have large and very competitive fields. Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Jim Crowley) won the King´s Stand (five furlongs, 16.05 CET) last year, but has been below form this season and in any case this looks a stronger renewal. Bated Breath (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) won the Temple Stakes last time, but in our opinion was lucky to beat Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Johnny Murtagh).

Sole Power had won the Nunthorpe in 2010, a race won last year by Margot Did (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner). Tangerine Trees (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) won the Abbaye in 2011, with Sole Power again unlucky. Wizz Kid (Robert Collet/ Gerald Mosse) is possibly the best French horse at this trip, and was an impressive winner of the Gros-Chene (for the second time) recently. Much will depend of the extent to which the ground has dried out after last week´ s rain and of the draw, about which we shall know much more after the race; historically the stands side (high numbers) has an advantage, but that does not have to be the case, However when all is said and done, we do not think the Europeans are good enough to beat the specalists from Australia and Hong Kong. We are not sure which of Ortensia (Paul Messara/ Craig Williams), Joy and Fun (Derek Cruz/ Brett Doyle) and Little Bridge (Danny Shum/ Zac Purton) will win, but we are convinced that they will all be involved and they will prob ably dominate the race.

Tjhe St. James´s Palace Stakes for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.45 looks very difficult, with different form lines from the English, Irish and French 2,000 Guineas to consider. Power (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) won the Irish version and also won the Coventry. He is the .likely favourite, and if you can forgive his feeble effort at Newmarket, the form choice. Lucayan (Francois Rohaut/ Stephane Pasquier) won the French version, but that was a messy race; he has been supplemented here and his trainer thinks he has improved a lot, but he probably needs to. Of the 3 French runners, we just prefer Hermival (Mikel Delzangles/ Gregory Benloist), third at Newmarket and sixth at the Curragh, but we fancy Born to Sea (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh), unplaced in both those races but noted running on strongly in Ireland. The half-brother to such stars as Sea the Stars and Galileo is expeced to show significantly better form this time and he is our selection.

Frankel in the Queen Anne

The meeting kicks off with a sensation - the unbeaten Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), officially rated the best horse in the world, runs in the opening race, the Group One Queen Anne Stakes over a mile at 15.30 CET. Frankel paid 7-4 on his debut in August 2010, and has started at long odds-on for all his nine subsequent starts. He is quoted at 6-1 on for today´s race and could even pay less, as he looks a certainty.

He has 12 lbs in hand of second favourite Excelebration (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), the 2011 German 2,000 Guineas winner, who has finished behind him four times already. However he still looks the likeliest runner-up. Place prospects - at a better price- can also be entertained for Worthadd (Sir Mark Prescott/ Frankie dettori) and Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baer), both of whom have won in Germany as well, but the latter probably needs faster going. The same goes for Strong Suit (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) from the team that won the race last year; he is unbeaten in two starts at the meeting, which is a big plus, but a fast-run mile would in our opinion stretch his stamina.

Strange things can happen in racing and odds-on favourites often get beaten, but in our view Frankel is a certainty today and the race can be enjoyed without a bet. For a place only bet, we suggest either Worthadd or Premio Loco, as Excelebration is also at a very short price.

Royal Ascot starts today

There is racing this afternoon at Thirsk and this evening at Brighton and Newton Abbot (N.H.) as well as Sligo in Ireland - but who cares? Today is the first day of Royal Ascot and nothing else counts. This is the best meeting of the year in the U.K. and probably worldwide as well, and this year´ s meeting promises to be one of the best ever, with the two highest-rated horses in the world competing- Frankel, who runs in the opening race today, and the Australian supermare Black Caviar, who runs on Saturday. Neither will start at a backable price, but that is not important, there are plenty of other betting opportunities. The mere fact that these superstars are present adds further glitz to the spectacle - forget the toppers and fncy dresses, this is all about the horses.

Warwickshire Oaks this evening

With Royal Ascot starting tomorrow, there is no point in expecting high-class racing today, but there could be a touch of the royal meeting at Warwick this evening, as the Queen´s Set To Music (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) must have a good chance of winning the feature event at 20.55 CET. The listed Warwickshire Oaks is for older fillies and mares over an extended ten furlongs and although it has only 7 runners, has quite a strong field.

Set to Music was runner-up in a group three at Haydock last time and is likely to start favourite. Myplacelater (Richard Fahey/ Franny Norton) was also second in a group race last time and could be the main danger, but Godolphin´s pair should also not be underestimated: Khawlah (Silvestre de Sousa) is actually the highest rated runner, but that is based on her Meydan form in 2011, while her two recent runs in Britain have been very poor. German-bred Rumh (Frankie Dettori), a daughter of Monsun, probably has a better chance and should act on the very soft ground. Ex-Irish Mid Mon Lady (Sir Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris)., runner-up in the Zetland Gold Cup on her first start for this trainer, is also not out of it.

However Prescott and Morris probably have a better chance in the afternoon with Seven Veils in the 3yo handicap at 17.00 at Wolverhampton. Warwick is not that far away, so there should be no problem in being present at boith meetings. Seven Veils was beaten a head at Brighton last week and a repetition of that form should be enough.
Carlisle´s card this afternoon is very weak, but possibly the lightly-raced Liliargh (Ben Haslam/ Tom Eaves) has some ability and can win the handicap for 3yo fillies under top weight at 18.15. The card at Windsor this evening is not much better; Snow Trooper( Dean Ivory/ Shane Kelly) was an easy CD winner last week and can perhaps follow up under a penalty in the mile handicap at 20.10.

sprinters at Salisbury

the best race at the two U.K. meetings today is the listed six furlongs sprint at 17.00 CET at Salisbury. Top handicapper Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/ Franny Norton) has the highest rating here and is also our selection. All his recent wins have been with this jockey in the saddle, including the Ayr Gold Cup, and soft ground is no problem. Top-weight Eton Rifles (Steve Williams/ William Carson) and Definightly (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) also go well on the soft and look thr main dangers. (Ed McMahon/ Sean Levey), the only 3yo in the field, won 3 races as a juvenile and is also not out of it.
The maiden race over a mile for 3yo fillies here at 16.25 has a well-bred debutant from the Sir Michael Stoute stable at the start, but on public form should lie between Chigun (Sir Henry Cecil/ Ian Mongan) and Ensejaam (Charlie Hills/ Paul Hanagan). We also like Solemn (Milton Bradley/ Dane O´Neill) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 15,50; he has a huge weight but won so easily at Sandown last week that he can score again.
Best bet at Doncaster is Biographer (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan) in the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 15.30. He ran a good race on his debut over 10 furlongs at Windsor last time when runner-up to Opinion, a winner in a better grade at Sandown yesterday, and the extra quarter-mile should be no problem. Durcan has another winning chance on in-form Tim Easterby´s Regal Acclaim in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.10. The other handicaps look very tricky. We shall risk a small each-way investment on top-weight Thunderball (Scott Dixon/ Kieren Fallon) at 16.35 and Levitate (Alan McCabe/ Martin Harley) at 17.40. The latter runs in the colours of Charles Wentworth, successful at Cologne recently in the German 2,000 Guineas.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maydream - Dubai Glory - Kathleen Frances
2. Race: Solemn - Naabegha - Welsh Inlet
3. Race: Chigun - Ensejaam - Albanka
4. Race: Our Jonathan - Definightly - Eton Rifles
5. Race: Bold Prediction - Great Run - Martial Art
6. Race: Rivas Rhapsody - Saratoga Slew - My Own Way Home
7. Race: Autumn Fire - Temuco - Our Phylli Vera

big day at Cork

the racecourse at Mallow near Cork on the south coast of Ireland stages its biggest card of the season today., with the Group Three Noblesse Stakes for fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.50 CET as the main event. Two four-year-olds are faced by six three-year-olds, three of whom are trained by Aidan O´Brien,- all daughters of Galileo, as is Eternal Bounty (David Wachman/ Willie Lee), also owned by a Coolmore syndicate. These are clearly not the best of O´Brien´s fillies (who are running in France today) but Soon (Seamie Heffernan), now upped in distance, is possibly the best of them. However we take the 4yo Sapphire (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) to come out on top; she has not run since an easy winner over this trip at the Curragh in October, but is one of the few in the field who can act on very soft ground. Weld is a trainer we greatly admire and does not waste his time on lost causes, so the long break is no problem.
The going could also influence the result of the listed 5 furlongs sprint at 16.15, as several of the runners would definitely prefer it firmer. They include last year´s winner Inxile (David and Adrian Nicholls), Santo Padre (David Marnane/ Fergal Lynch) and consistent veteran Borderlescott (Robin Bastiman/ Robert Winston). One who goes well in the soft is Mirza (Rae Guest/ Fran Berry); we liked the way he won at Newmarket last week over 6 furlongs and make him our selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Performance - Indigo Ridge - Scent Of Roses
2. Race: Possible - Battleroftheboyne - Imaginationrunwild
3. Race: Borderlescott - Roicead - Gossamer Seed
4. Race: Sapphire - Soon - Remember Alexander
5. Race: Florry Knox - Lough Ferrib - Knockcroghery
6. Race: Bold Thady Quill - Potomac - Maundy Money
7. Race: Firethorn - Jumbo Prado - Edith Cowan
8. Race: Angel Bright - Little Arrows - One Of Three

York today

plenty of racing today but easily the best card is at York with some very competitive handicaps and large fields. Elsewhere there are still weather problems, especially in the south and south-west - the ground will be very testing at Chepstow and Sandown- so watch out for non-runners.
The top race at York is the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 16.05 CET which looks very open, but we have a strong fancy for German-bred :Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Robert Winston). He has been runner-up on both starts this season, over 11/2 miles, but this trip could be even better, as he is an own brother to Liquido. Previous to those two starts he had been running in hurdles races, showing with some good form. Another useful hurdler in the field is The Betchworth Kid (Alan King/ Hayley Turner), but he would prefer even softer ground. Qahriman (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore) and Lordofthehouse (William Haggas) are the two favourites here; both are lightly-raced, improving types who also go on the short list.
Even trickier is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.10 with 20 runners, almost any of which could win. Most of them have raced against each other frequently, most recently in the Epsom Dash 13 days ago, or a similar race the dame day at Musselburgh. Flash City (Bryan Smart/ Royston Ffrench) finished second in that Scottish event, with Racy (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin) and Foxy Music (Eric Alston/ Shane Kelly) close up in fourth and fifth, while Jamesway (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) did best of those running at Epsom in sixth. We fancied Sohraab (Hughie Morrison/ Ryan Moore) that day and as he has been dropped 3 lbs give him another chance now.
The 7 furlongs race at York at 17.45 is another wide open handicap with 20 runners. Green Howard (Robin Bastiman/ Daniel Tudhope) finished 2011 with two wins and continued with another victory on his only start so far this year. He still seems fairly weighted and can go in again; best outsider here is Azrael (Alan Mccabe/ Richard Mullen).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Eagle Rock - Crackentorp - Troopingthecolour
2. Race: Classic Colori - Dubai Dynamo - Hillview Boy
3. Race: Priceless Jewel - Top Cop - Tioman Legend
4. Race: Dance And Dance - Tullius - Doncaster Rover
5. Race: Jonny Lesters Hair - Rustic Deacon - Musnad
6. Race: Orions Hero - Marhaba Malayeen - Royal Rascal
7. Race: Rasaman - Green Park - Klynch

York today

once again, a Saturday without a group race, but there are some valuable handicaps, especially at York´s big meeting. It kicks off with the Queen Mothers Cup over 1 1/2 miles at 15.05 CET, one of the best races of the year for lady riders. There are 19 runners, but we narrow tnhem down to just two: Crackentorp (Tim Easterby/ Jackie Coward), who won the race last year and was also a CD winner at the August meeting, and Eagle Rock (Tom Tate/ Hayley Moore), who was noted running on well when third over this CD at the May meeting. Top-weight Troopingthecolour (Steve Gollings/ Serena Brotherton) is very consistent and has the most experienced rider in the saddle, but he is not well handicapped and looks held by Crackentorp on their running here last year.
The following 9 furlongs handicap at 15.35 has a smaller field but looks just as tricky. The two we like here are Navajo Chief (Alan Jarvis/ Kieren Fallon) and Extraterrestrial (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki), both generally consistent types who have not won for a while, but whose handicap marks now look realistic.
The 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.10 is the toughest race of the day, and qukite a few of the runners have nebver run on ground as soft as this. Furthermore the effect of the draw is still unknown, although yesterday it seemed that the runners drawn low had an advantage. In that case we go for Tioman Legend (Roger Charlton/ Daniel Tudhope) and Nameitwhatyoulike (Mick Easterby/ James Sullivan), while if you prefer those drawn on the stands side, Charlton´s other -and more fancied- runner Priceless Jewel (James Doyle) and Lily´s Angel (Richard Fahey/ Laura Barry), who did not run at all badly in the 1,000 Guineas.
The listed race over a mile at 16.45 has cut up badly and is now down to only 4 runners. Tullius (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) is unbeaten since joining this stable, but we are not sure that he can concede weight to Dance and Dance (Ed Vaughan/ Luke Morris), who has been running in top company.
There are small fields at Sandown, where Pearl Secret (David Barron/ Richard Hughes) looks the best bet of the day in the listed Scurry Stakes for 3yo´s over 5 furlongs at 16.25. Undefeated in 3 starts so far, he should take this en route to much better things. Free Zone (Bryan Smart/ Royston Ffrench), who has already won 5 races over this trip, can follow him home.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Eagle Rock - Crackentorp - Troopingthecolour
2. Race: Classic Colori - Dubai Dynamo - Hillview Boy
3. Race: Priceless Jewel - Top Cop - Tioman Legend
4. Race: Dance And Dance - Tullius - Doncaster Rover
5. Race: Jonny Lesters Hair - Rustic Deacon - Musnad
6. Race: Orions Hero - Marhaba Malayeen - Royal Rascal
7. Race: Rasaman - Green Park - Klynch

Group races at Leopardstown this evening

Much better racing today, with two group races at Leopardstown´s evening meeting in Ireland the main features. The Ballycorus Stakes over 7 furlongs at 18.55 CET could go to top-weight Alanza (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) even though she must concede weight all round. The Aga Khan´s filly was behind One Spirit (Ger Lyons/ Niall McCullough) last time but with the Oxx stable now in great form we expect her to reverse this form and Singing Bird (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), the only 3yo in the field and also a filly, could be the main danger. The Ballyogan Stakes half an hour later is for fillies only over 6 furlongs and the Aga Khan, Oxx and Murtagh have another chance here with Rubina, but we prefer Lightening Pearl (Ger Lyons/ Kevin Manning), not seen since running down the field in the 1,000 Guineas, while After (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamie Heffernan) ran respectably in both the French and Irish equivalents.

Best race in the U.K. today is the Lord Weinstock Memorial, a listed race for fillies over 10 furlongs at 16.25 at Newbury. The ground is still very soft and that should suit Albamara (Sir Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris), a daughter of Galileo out of German Group One winner Albanova. Great Heavens (John Gosden/ William Buick), an easy Yarmouth winner on heavy last time, also has a high class pedigree, being an own sister to King George winner Nathaniel.The race is probably between these two daughters of Galileo, although the once-raced Devine Guest (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) made a very promising debut here in April and could well improve significantly.
Sir Michael Stoute has a runner at Newbury, but sends his stable jockey Ryan Moore to Yarmouth to partner Cantal in the fillies handicap at 16.50 and she is our best bet here. Moore has several other good rides , e.g. Fairest for Jeremy Noseda at 15.10, Darling Grace for William Haggas at 15.40, and Kavaloti at 17.20 and Dalmos at 18.25, both for his father Gary, and it would surprising if he goes home without a winner.

6 meetings today

6 meetings today, but all at a very low level. The most interesting event is the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.50 at Haydock, in which ex-German Eye of the Tiger (Barney Curley/ Tom Queally) has top weight. He won the Gerling-Preis in 2010 and a repeat of that form would make him almost unbeatable in this company, but he has been beaten out of sight on both his starts for Barney and is best watched for now.

This is a very open race and the lightly-raced Tmaam (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), Purification (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Ittirad (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan), all representing powerful stables, must be considered. Bollin Greta (Tim Easterby/ Philip Makin) is very consistent but has not run since October; she stays well and could easily run into a place. However our main fancy is Number Theory (John Holt/ Russell Kennemore), who has a good record here and was an easy CD winner last time. Barney Curley also has the ex-German Steuben under orders for the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.50, but it is the same story here: group-placed in Germany, last on both British starts. We expect big owner Dr. Marwan Koukash to take this, either with Calaf (Richard Fahey/ George Chaloner) or Look Left (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer).

Koukash and Simcock can also take the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40 at Yarmouth withj Fathsta (Adam Beschizza); Fathsta is not the most consistent., but is now on a very handy mark and ran quite well in better company at Doncaster on Saturday. Hezmah (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) is the obvious danger.
The card at Beverley is very poor, with most runners coming from the all-weather track. Cottam Donny (Mel Brittain/ Robert Winston) is still a maiden, but has twice finished runner-up here and can go one better in the 7 1/2 furlongs handicap at 16.30.

This evening´s racing at Kempton, Hamilton and Fairyhouse (Ireland) is not much better. The handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 20.40 at Kempton is probably the best evening race. Both Saeed bin Suroor , with Al Saham (Silvestre de Sousa) and Tamarrud (Mikel Barzalona), and John Gosden with Theturnofthesun (Robert Havlin) and Ex Oriente (Richard Hughes) have two runners here, but this is a wide open race. Willie Wag Tail (Ed Walker/ George Baker) was unlucky at Sandown last time and can possibly make amends today.

More rain, more non-runners

The bad weather continues, but all racing in the U.K. goes ahead today. However there are once more lots of non-runners and some fields are now very small as a result -for example only 4 left in the fillies handicap at 17.05 CET at Salisbury. And of course with very soft ground everywhere, there may be even more non-runners to come. Under these circumstances, betting opportunities are few and far between.

At Lingfield, the first 3 races will be run on turf (heavy going) and the last 4 on polytrack. The 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50 is the best race here and all of the 9 runners have a chance in this open affair. Our preference is for top-weight Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ George Baker), who has not yet hit top form this season but has been running in tough races and is very useful on this surface. Richard Hannon is undeterred by the weather and sends a strong team to Salisbury. We expect him to saddle a couple of winners at least, with possibly the Queen´s Traveller´s Tales (Richard Hughes) at 17.05 his best chance.

At Brighton this evening, course specialist Magical Speedfit (George Margarson/ Richard Old) runs in the opening 5 furlongs handicap at 19.00. However we doubt that he can handle this soft ground, and top-weight Clear Praise (Simon Dow/ Tom Queally) and bottom-weight Amazing Win (Mick Channon/ Charles Bishop) are both preferred. There is a jumps card at Southwell this evening, where Blase Chevalier (Seamus Mullins/ Tony McCoy), a useful bumper performer, can win the mares maiden hurdle at 21.10 on her debut over sticks. Ogee (Pauline Robeson/ Jimmy McCarthy) has obviously had his problems, but he is smart on his day and can outclass the opposition in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 21.40; he ran out a winner on his only previous visit to this track.

In Ireland, Roscommon stages another mixed meeting. Reaching (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is clearly not one of the stars in her mighty stable, but she was just touched off last time and might to be good enough to take the opening fillies maiden at 18.45.

Listed race at the Curragh

for a Sunday this is weak stuff and the best race is the listed event over 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET. Three 3yo´s take on 5 older horses and the likely favourite is Aidan O´Brien´s Learn (Colm O´Donoghue), who has not run this season, but finished fourth in two of the best juvenile races last autumn. If he can run to this form - and the stable´s 3yo´ s are winning everything in sight - then he ought to win today.

The two other members of the crop come with winning form at a much lower level and need to improve a lot to figure here. Best of the older brigade are Sweet Lightning (Tommy Carmody/ Ben Curtis), winner of the Lincoln Handicap last year, and Sharestan (John Oxx/ Niall McCullagh), who took the Irish equivalent this year. Of these Sharestan is easily preferred and he looks the danger to Learn.

Both U.K.meetings today are over jumps. Easiy the best race is the 3 mile handicap chase at 17.10 at Perth, which has attracted a strong field for June. Gordon Elliott, who has a good record on his Scottish raids, has sent two runners across the Irish Sea -College Oak (Jason Maguire) and Trendelenburg (Timmy Murphy), with the former preferred on recent form. Welsh trainer Evan Williams also has two runners, Buck Mulligan (Adam Wedge), who has been running well in decent company, amd Plunkett (DE Splaine) going for a hat-trick, but one of seven runners out of the handicap. Auroras Encore (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) is the class act here. having finished second in the Scottish Grand National last time, but has a huge weight to carry and the trip might be too short. This is a very open race and Buck Mulligan (a character from our favourite book) is only a token selection.

The card at Worcester is less exciting, but Amuse Me (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony MCoy) can complete a fourtimer in the main event, a novices handicap chase at 16.30. He would not want any more rain to fall, in which case top-weight Minella Stars (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) would be the selection; he has been placed seven times running and loves the mud.

Newmarket and Doncaster

surprisingly there are no group races at all in Britain and Ireland today, but plenty of very competitive handicaps. Our best bet at Doncaster is Grey Mirage (Marco Botti/ William Buick), who scored in splendid style at Sandown on heavy ground at the end of April and then missed a couple of races (including the German 2000 Guineas). He is reckoned to be up to group class, and with the ground back in his favour can defeat a strong field in the mile handicap at 15.05 CET. Buick looks the jockey to follow here and has several more winning chances, including Ed Dunlop´s Sir Maximilian at 16.15, and John Gosden´s Starboard at 17.20. Dr. Marwan Koukash could also see his colours carried successfully here; in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.45 he has two runners, Fathsta (David Simcock/ Buick) and KIngscroft (Mark Johnston/ Andrew Elliott) and they could both be involved in the finish.

While Buick is at Doncaster, his boss John Gosden has booked Ryan Moore to partner Trade Commissioner in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.30 at Newmarket, and this one looks a good thing on the basis of his easy maiden win at Sandown on only his second lifetime start. The 6 furlongs handicap at 15.55 looks much more tricky, although Pearl Ice (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons) looks likely to start a warm favourite after his easy win on Thursday at Ripon. But there are plenty of dangers, including Swiss Franc (David Elsworth/ Mikael Barzalona) and Irish Heartbeat ( Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki). The 1 1/2 mile handicap at 17.00 is the most valuable race here and looks wide open.

Ex-German Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ Mark Coumbe) is on a good weight and is not out of it, but our main fancies are Muleqen ( Marcus Tregoning/ Tagdh O´Shea), High Jinx (James Fanshawe/ Ryan Moore) and High Office (Fahey/ Tylicki).

Chester today

the three basic principles for betting at Chester are: 1) back only runners drawn low 2) follow runners owned by Dr. Marwan Koukash and 3) stick to horses with good course form wherever possible. This might be difficult today, as the very soft ground could well have more of an influence than the draw, while Dr. Koukash has so many runners that it would not be prudent to back them all - the Jordanian business guru owns more than 100 thoroughbreds and loves to see them run- especially at Chester, his favourite track.

In the main event, a valuable 10 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CVET. Dr. Koukash only has one runner, Calaf (Richard Fahey/ George Chaloner), but he looks well held on form, as he was 13 lengths behind Resurge (Will Kittow/ Fergus Sweeney) and Stand to Reason (Magnus Magnusson/ Ted Durcan), who fought out a tremendous finish over this CD on soft going a month ago. Top weight Memory Cloth (Brian Ellison/ Barry McHugh) is very consistent and must be considered, while War Poet (David O´Meara/ Daniel Tudhope) was a good winner last time on soft ground at Doncaster.

Sweenrey also partners Reyamour for Alan King in the opening 1 1/2 mile handicap at 15.00; this one also likes the soft, won last time out and this trainer, best known in N.H. circles, also does very well with his flat runners. Dr. Koukash has 3 runners in the 7 1/2 furlongs handicap at 15.35 and we like Pintura (David Simcock/ Franny Norton) and Kyllachy Star (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), while other possible winners for the owner are Jedward (Fahey/ Norton) at 17.15 and Sonko (Tim Pitt/ Norton).

7 meetings today

Lots of racing today. but once again very little quality with the majority of races class 5 or 6. The best race at Hamilton this afternoon is the mile handicap for fillies at 16.30 CET, in which top-weight All For You (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) should run well. She is lightly-raced for a 6yo and made a good seasonal debut last week at Ayr. Silly Gilly (RE Barr/ Shane B. kelly) also made a good start to 2012 ,last week and looks the main danger, although bottom-weight More Bottle (Tom Tate/ Paul Quinn) could be a threat if she can reporoduce her latest form, when she was placed at 33/1 at Beverley.

At Wolverhampton, the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 17.40 looks very open. Bottom weight Teak (Ian Williams/ Franny Norton) has won both his starts this year, both over 1 1/2 miles here; the extra distance should not be a problem, but this is a stronger race. Money Money Money (Rod and James Millman) was in great form in the first halkf of last year, winning 5 races, but has been off for 10 months, while Reem Star (Kevin and Amy Ryan), out of a German mare, was also very consistent last season but has been off the track for 6 months. With the stable in good form, she could run well, but Teak is still our selection.

At Lingfield the first 4 races are on turf and the last 4 on the all-weather. The handicap for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs on turf at 16.20 is the best betting race here. Shaleek (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) looks a bit of a bookmakers friend- she has been placed on all 4 career starts, but was hot favourite the last 3 times and is one to be treated with caution. We prefer Subtle Knife (Giles Bravery/ Kieren Fallon) winner over 6 furlongs on the all-weather here last time, My Sharona (Silvester Kirk/ James Doyle), not beaten far in a better race at the Epsom Derby meeting, and especially Amy Dorrit (John Gosden/ William Buick), who ran unaccountably badly on firm going at Newmarket last time. The two divisions of the 10 furlongs race for maiden fillies at 17.20 and 17.50 are too tricky to bet on, but should e watched carefully as there are bound to be several future winners engaged here.

However the race over the same trip for 3yo maidens at 21.30 at Sandown this evening looks a much stronger event. Biographer David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan), Cathedral (Brian Meehan/ Frankie Dettori) and Nabucco (Gosden/ Buick) have already shown promise, while Dr. Yes (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Marias Choice (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) are both debutants from top stables whose dams were classic winners.

There are 3 N.H. meetings this evening, but the two British fixtures look very low grade and there are small fields as well. There is much better sport and also competitive fields at Tipperary in Ireland. The chase over 2 miles and a furlong at 20.20 has a good field. The Monsun gelding Shot from the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) is a horse we like; he beat Regal d´Estruval (Jim Culloty/ Tom Doyle) by a neck last time, but is now 4 lbs worse off, so theoretically should not be able to confirm the form.

3 listed races at Naas

the lucky Irish do not have to worry about the absurd cermonial of an outdated monarchy, but they also have a holiday today and have better racing too, with 3 listed races at Naas. Two of them are for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs, and both Richard Hannon with Richard Hughes riding) and Mick Channon (Matthew Davies) send over runners from England. Channon is in great form, but Hannon´s contestants, both winners at Goodwood of their only start, look stronger and we expect Mister Marc at 17.10 CET and Sky Lantern in the fillies race at 17.45 to go close. The unbeaten Dawn Approach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and Cougar Ridge (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) look dangerous in the former race, while the well-bred debutant Pedro the Great (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) obviously must be taken seriously as well. Scream Blue Murder (Tommy Stack/ Lordan) looks the main threat in the fillies event - but what an awful name for a racehorse!

The other listed race is over 7 furlongs at 16.00. Ahaaly (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), the only 3yo in the field, was an easy winner of a maiden at Dundalk, and can take this step up in grade in her stride.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Reaching - Maude Adams - Sparkling Rock
2. Race: Gordon Lord Byron - Banna Boirche - Ahaaly
3. Race: Whipless - Fairy Wing - Bold Thady Quill
4. Race: Cougar Ridge - Pedro The Great - Mister Marc
5. Race: Sky Lantern - Nandiga - True Verdict
6. Race: Dark Passion - Crimson Sunrise - Heavy Weight
7. Race: Legendary Times - Mahaazen - Opa Loca

Sad Sunday

After the glamour of the Derby meeting, today´s cards are very low level. The only flat racing comes from Nottingham, where we expect Kingsgate Choice (Ed de Giles/ Liam Keniry) to win the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 CET following his easy win at Lingfield. There might possibly be some decent horses running in the maiden race for 3yo fillies at 17.50, where Chigun (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) is our choice to atone for a poor performance last time. Over jumps, Emma Lavelle might land an across the card double with Pause and Clause (Timmy Murphy) in the beginners chase at 15.40 at Uttoxeter and Red Rock (Dominic Elsworth) in the handicap hurdle at 17.30 at Fontwell. The racing in Ireland is no better, with an all-jumps card at Kilbeggan and a mixed card (4 flat races, 3 over hurdles and a bumper) at Listowel.

Nottingham - betting forecast:
1. Race: Snow Angel - Clean Blow - Rosie Future
2. Race: Demora - Welease Bwian - Uncle Timmy
3. Race: Royal Bajan - Haadeeth - Taurus Twins
4. Race: Warne`S Way - Kingaroo - Holden Eagle
5. Race: Lovage - Operettist - Feisty Champion
6. Race: Miss Dashwood - Queen Cassiopeia - Symfony
7. Race: Hits Only Jude - Cheers Buddy - Hydrant

Rest of Epsom

Aidan O´Brien is also hot favourite to win the main supporting feature, the Coronation Cup at 15.40 CET. Once again he has two runners, with his son riding the clear favourite St. Nicholas Abbey and Seamus Heffernan on the front-runner and presumably pacemaker Robin Hood. Seamie won the Oaks yesterday on the stablé´ s outsider but this will certainly not happen today. St. Nicholas Abbey in the class act in the field, he won the race last year and ought to win again, but he is not one to take a short price about. We prefer to take a chance on Masked Marvel (John Gosden/ Wiliam Buick) despite his poor showing last time.

There are also two listed races, with rather weak fields, and the handicaps are much more interesting for betting purposes, especially the Dash over 5 furlongs at 16.15. This is always one of the craziest races of the year and luck in running is the most important factor. However it is wise to back horss with a high number, as the winner usually comes up the stands rail. Lat yar´s wimnner, top-weight Captain Dunne (Tim Easterby/David Allan) is drawn 11, which is o.k. but not brilliant; we suggest Sohraab (Hughie Morrison/ Kieren O´Neill), drawn 19, or Arctic Feeling (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), drawn 17.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grandeur - Entifaadha - Oxford Charley
2. Race: Heavy Metal - Euxton Hall - Lastchancelucas
3. Race: St Nicholas Abbey - Beaten Up - Masked Marvel
4. Race: Bear Behind - Catfish - Judge `N Jury
5. Race: Camelot - Bonfire - Astrology
6. Race: King`S Warrior - Communicator - Quiz Mistress
7. Race: Baby Strange - Sutton Veny - Piscean

Derby Day!

The Queen starts her Diamond Jubilee celebrations by going to the Derby, and whatever one thinks of the monarchy (in our case, not much) her presence at Epsom today is good for British racing and a big boost for the race. The race itself is at 17.00 CET and there are only 9 runners - the smallest field in more than a century. This is due to the fact that Camelot (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) has been hot favourite for the race ever since he won the Racing Post Trophy last October; that race. and the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas, are historically the two most reliable trials and he won them both in the style of a top class horse. He has not yet raced beyond a mile but on pedigree he will certainly stay the trip and basically he looks almost unbeatable. although we expect him to win, we won´t be betting on him; not only do we dislike betting at odds-on, favourites have a poor record in the race. In fact there have been 31 odds-on favourites in the history of the race, and only 17, jus t over half, have won.

Looking for alternatives, the first port of call is O´Brien´s other runner Astrologer (Ryan Moore), an impressive winner at Chester last time, and who will probably make the running. O´Brien has already won the 1,000 Guineas and also yesterday´s Oaks with the "wrong" runner, so he cannot be left out of calculations. Then there is Bonfire (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), who won the Dante Stakes in good style, usually the best trial for this race over a distance. He looks easily the best of the British, but his problem is his suspect temperament; with a huge crowd and lengthy and noisy preliminaries, he could well have lost the race before it is even started. Main Sequence (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan) is unbeaten in 4 starts and last time out won the Lingfield Derby Trial on the all-weather, with Cavaleiro (Marcus Tregoning/ Hayley Turner) third. With all due respect, th form does not amount to much and we would not be surprised to see Cavaleiro to finish in front of him now. Thought Worthy (John Gosden/ William Buick) won a listed race at Newmarket., but seems a late developing type and more of a St. Leger horse. Mickdaam (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) is tough and consistent, but hardly good enough, although much better than Balding´s second runner Minimize Risk (Jamie Spencer).

Bonfire should run well, but there is a risk involved; Camelot should definitely run a big race, but is no value at all; the alternatives are Astrologer and for a real long-hot Cavaleiro. The Queen would surely love to see a female jockey win, and so would we.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grandeur - Entifaadha - Oxford Charley
2. Race: Heavy Metal - Euxton Hall - Lastchancelucas
3. Race: St Nicholas Abbey - Beaten Up - Masked Marvel
4. Race: Bear Behind - Catfish - Judge `N Jury
5. Race: Camelot - Bonfire - Astrology
6. Race: King`S Warrior - Communicator - Quiz Mistress
7. Race: Baby Strange - Sutton Veny - Piscean

Rest of Epsom

The Epsom card also includes two group races, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes for fillies over an extended mile at 14.40 CET and the Diomed Stakes over the same distance at 15.50. There is a German runner in the former race -Gestüt Ammerland´s Navarra Queen (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) and she undoubtedly has at least a place chance in an open race. Lay Time (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), despite having her first run since September looks the best of the Brits. The Diomed looks at the mercy of Worthadd (Sir Mark Prescott/ Mirco Demuro), who won the Badener Meile last time out. He was runner-up in the Lockinge last year and none of today´s rivals have any pretensions to that class. Balding and Fortune again have the next best with Side Glance.

The handicaps look very tricky, but lightly-raced Gatewood (John Gosden/ William Buick) has obvious prospects in the 10 furlongs event at 15.15, and the same team have a chance in the mile handicap at 16.25 with Unex El Greco, although our main fancy here is the Irish-trained Prince Jock (Pat Shanahan/ Kieren Fallon). Even with only 6 runners, the listed race for 3yo´s at 17.50 looks difficult, but Producer (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) won 3 times over this CD last year and is our selection in this better grade..

The Oaks at Epsom

there are 8 meetings in Britain and Ireland today (5 in the evening), but only one that counts- Epsom with the Oaks at 17.05 CET the big race of the day. This classic race for fillies over the full Derby trip looks wide open this year with 13 runners (Toptempo a late withdrawal) and Aidan O´Brien saddling 6, 5 of them daughters of Galileo. His son Joseph partners Maybe, who finished third a hot favourite in the 1,000 Guineas and looks the best of them. Maybe, who was unbeaten in 5 races last year. is closely related to last year´s winner Dancing Rain (also the winner of the German Oaks) so this distance should prove no problem. All of O´Brien´s runners are of course bred in the purple, and Kissed (Ryan Moore) is a 3/4 sister to Derby winner Pour Moi; she looks the next best of the O´Brien runners but will only run if the ground is suitable, i.e. not too firm.

The Fugue (John Gosden/ William Buick) finished just behind Maybe at Newmarket and followed up with an easy win in the Musidora Stakes at York. 3 tough races in 26 days is asking a lot of a 3yo filly, but she has been very heavily backed and is challenging Maybe for favouritism. William Haggas and Johnny Murtagh took this with Dancing Rain and have another live candidate in Vow, who won the Lingfield Oaks Trial easily despite drifting across the track, with Colima (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) a beaten runner-up.

From the German point of view, the most interesting runner is Godolphin´s Kailani, who was supplemented for the race and will be ridden by Mikael Barzalona - leading to much unfounded speculation about Frankie Dettori´s role at Godolphin. Kailani, one of 3 unbeaten fillies in the field, was an impressive winner at Newmarket last time and the stable is now coming into form. She is a daughter of the German filly Kazzia, trained by Andreas Wöhler at two and then sold to Godolphin, for whom she won the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks. As a daughter of Monsun she is German on both sides of her pedigree, and although she might prefer softer going, we hope she wins and brings further glory of German breeding.