5 meetings today

plenty of racing today, with the most interesting events over jumps at Punchestown in Ireland, particularly the races for maidens and beginners. Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) makes his fencing debut in the beginners chase over 2 miles at 13.45, and if he jumps round safely this top-class hurdler (sixth in the latest Champion Hurdle) should win. Harrington has another good chance with Operating (Barry Geraghty) in the maiden hurdle at 15.20, where another useful bumper winner Clonbanan Lad (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) looks a big danger. The latter team also has Buckers Bridge, winner of his last 3 and now making his chasing debut, under orders at 14.15, where the smart Sword of Destiny (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) is the main danger.
There are also some interesting debutants at Haydock, where there are mainly small fields for their first N.H. fixture of the season.Tony McCoy partners listed-class flat race performer (for Michael Bell, and now running for the first time for Jonjo O´Neill) in the 3yo hurdle at 14.40 and later Josie´s Orders for the same trainer at 15.50. However Emerging Artist (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) looks a big threat in the latter race, although he has been off the track for 18 months. He had earlier some decent flat form for Mark Johnston. All these races should be watched with an eye to the future, but are not necessarily good betting races.
Some betting betting opportunities in our view can be found on the flat. At Nottingham, Aubrietia (Alan McCabe/ David Bergin) looks a cast-iron each-way bet in the opening 5 furlongs handicap at 13.20; he was won 5 times since June, including this CD twice, and his penalty for his recent win is cancelled out by the allowance of his tslented rider. Andrew Balding sends a strong team from his Hamshire base, and we expect Queen´s Star (David Probert) to win the 2 miles handicap for him at 13.50,while the Queen´s White Mouth (Jimmy Fortune) has a chance in the 2yo maiden at 14.55. The mile handicap at 15,30 is quite an open race, but now that the ground is better, we expect top-weight Extraterrestrial (Richard Fahey/ Derek Nolan) to run well at a big price. The card ends with two races for lady jockeys and the very experienced Serena Brotherton can possibly win both of them on Tawseef at 16.35 and Honoured half an hour later.

Betting forecast at Punchestown:
1. Race: Oscars Well - Plan A - Darwins Fox
2. Race: Sword Of Destiny - Buckers Bridge - Daring Article
3. Race: Mr Goodenough - Spot The Boss - Sensational Sema
4. Race: Operating - Dani Catalonia - Clonbanan Lad
5. Race: Troubled - Connaught Manor - Jupitor
6. Race: Marshim - Underdefloorboards - Followmeuptocarlow
7. Race: Taispeantas - Ourbeautifuldream - Jennies Jewel

4 poor meetings today

Tuesday rarely sees good sport on offer and today is no exception. Even Yarmouth, where plenty of top Newmarket trainers like to send runners, has a poor card. The most interesting race here is the 2yo mile maiden at 15.10 CET which in the past has been won by some top-class runners. Easily the best of the 5 runners on public form is High Troja (Ed Dunlop/ Eddie Ahern), a good runner-up to a hot favourite here last time, but if there is a future star in the small field it is likely to be Mutashaded (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni). Owner Hamdan al Maktoum likes to give his horses Arab names, but if he followed the German tradition, we would recognise this runner as a member of Gestüt Karlshof´s "S" family - his dam is in fact a full sister to Samum and Schiaparelli. Atzeni has recently won group races on Seismos and Sortilege from the same family and this one could well in their hoofprints.

Ed Dunlop could well have a winner at Catterick however, as The Tiger (Graham Lee), a son of Tiger Hill, is expected to follow up his easy win at Pontefract last week in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 16.20. He has a 6 lbs penalty., but is almost certain to go up more in the official ratings. He is also up in distance, while German-bred Swinging Hawk (Ian Williams/ Steve Donohoe), out of dual group winnetr Saldenschwinge, has been mainly racing over 2 miles, but couldf still run a big race here. Williams and Donohoe also combine with Conry in the 7 furlongs handicap at 14.50 and this one should also go well. We always like the old-timers at these meetings and expect 14yo Sphinx (Edwin Tuer/ Paul Mulrennan) to run a big race under top-weight in the 2 mile handicap at 15.50. although he might find the concession oif 24 lbs to the 3yo Ctappers (Mick Channon/ Charles Bishop) too much. Another veteran who could run well here is the 10yo Beckermet (Ruth Carr/ James Sullivan) in the sec ond division of the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.20.

There is more low-grade racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton this evening; our best bet here is Hopes N Dreams (Kevin and Amy Ryan) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.40, arguably unlucky when just beaten in a 3-way photo-finish over this CD a fortnkght ago. The only N.H. racing today comes from Taunton, and both Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh are riding here. McCoy can score on Nicky Henderson´s Molotof, a smart novice hurdler making his fencing debut at 15.30, while Ruby´s best chance is on Paul Nicholls´ Shooters Wood at 17.00.

Yarmouth - betting forecast:
1. Race: Deficit - Charter - Sakash
2. Race: Woza Moya - Warrant Officer - Red Eclipse
3. Race: Mutashaded - High Troja - Gods Gift
4. Race: Valley Queen - Balti`S Sister - Ishiamiracle
5. Race: Boonga Roogeta - Inffiraaj - Love Grows Wild
6. Race: Itum - Lord Buffhead - Auntie Kathryn
7. Race: Royal Defence - Darsan - Sommersturm

5 meetings today

Redcar has passed an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead, but the going is very heavy and there will be plenty of non-runners. Our best bet here is Disclaimer (Sir Henry Cecil/ Ian Mongan) in the 9 furlongs 2yo maiden at 14.40 CET; this trip will take some getting today, but he is bred to stay and is in fact entered in next year´s Derby. He runs in the colours of Khalid Abdullah, whose lightly-raced Model Pupil (Charlie Hills/ Richard Hughes) can win the conditions race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.50 at Leicester:; he has not run since the spring but looks a cut above this opposition. Hughes can also take the best handicap here, over a mile at 15.20, with Richard Hannon´ s Shamaal Nibras, although this is quite a tricky race., and both Capaill Liath (Kevin and Amy Ryan) and ex-German Atlantic Sport (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) are also in with a chance. Hughes has some more good rides, although we don´t expect him to repeat last Monday´s feat of riding 7 winners!

The other 3 meetings are all over jumps, with the classier action coming from Ireland. The Grade Three Chase over 2 miles at Naas at 14.25 has only 5 runnerrs., but 3 of them are pretty smart. Hidden Cyclone (Sharkl Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara) has not run since January, but gets weight from his principal opponents and could be good enough; he was a close third to Gold Cup favourite Sir des Champs last time and had won 4 races in succession before that. The handicap hurdle at 15.55 here looks a hot race, but 11yo Dancing Tornado (Michael Hourigan/ JS McGarvey) keeps his form very well and should be thereabouts; however German-bred Sweet Shock (Michael O´Hare/ Robbie Colgan) won this last year and is only 3lbs higher and can score again. There could also be a German-bred winner at Galway, as Sam da Vinci (Tony and Danny Mullins), a son of Black Sam Bellamy, has shown gpod form in bumpers and can win on his hurdles debut at 14.35.

The most interesting runner at the British jumps meeting at Bangor is Tominator (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) in the novice hurdle at 16.30; he was a smart stayer on the flat and finished third in the Cesarewitch under a big weight earlier this month - if he jumps round safely, he should win this.

Redcar - betting forecast:
1. Race: Medici Dancer - Doodles - Mace The Ace
2. Race: Dream Vale - Beacon Tarn - Mill End Dancer
3. Race: Disclaimer - Backstage Tour - Train Hard
4. Race: Frederickthegreat - Urbonite - Barathea Dancer
5. Race: Red Tyke - Panettone - Dorry K
6. Race: Snooky - Gladsome - Miss Bunter
7. Race: Fama Mac - Piste - Northern Bolt
8. Race: Orwellian - Gracie`S Gift - Distant Sun

Four N.H.meetings today

Winter has arrived, and there is no flat racing today, with jumping at two British and two Irish tracks. The best card, despite some small fields, is at Aintree, but it will not be easy to find winners, woith several runners clearly looking at future races. This applies especially to the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.50 CET, part of a series which culminates at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Of the two German-breds here, top-weight Lovcen (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) we much prefer the latter, a tough and consistent performer, while Lovcen, while much classier and a CD winner at the Grand National meeting,has a huge weight today. 4yo Eagle Rock (Tom Tate/ James Reveley) is a good stayer on the flat but has never run over long trips over hurdles, while 5yo Malaventa (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Tom Scudamore) stays really well but meets better opposition now. This is a really tricky race, but we hope Los Nadis runs well at a decent price. The 2 mile handicap chase at 16.25 is another very open race, with the much improved Merrion Square (Paul Nicholls/ Darly Jacob) the likely favourite after two easy wins in lesser company. Silver Roque (Fergal O´Brien/ Paddy Brennan) was another easy last-time-out winner, but we shall take a chance on Falcon Island (Colin Tizzard/ Aidan Coleman), pulled up when last seen at Newton Abbot in April , but whose stable is in great form.

At Wincanton, German-bred The Lemonpie (Brendan Powell senior and junior) can get back on the winning trail in the handicap hurdle at 14.20, but we can less sure about another German-bred Air Force One (Charlie Mann/ Sam Thomas), a Lando gelding, in the staying handicap chase at 14.55. Our choice here is Reach for the Stars (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien), from another in-form stable. This very lightly raced 11yo has only run 4 times in the last 5 1/2 years, so has obviously had problems, but he is certainly good enough to win off this rating. Minella Stars (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), who finally won last time after 9 successive places, also has a chance, but we think Nicholls´ best chances at his local track are Comeonginger at 15.30 and Suerta al Salto at 17.15, both ridden by Ryan Mahon and both making their debut over sticks.

In Ireland, there are some small fields at Galway, with only 5 runners in the Grade Three novice chase at 16.40. Argocat (Tom Taaffe/ Ben Cooper) as a 4yo gets a lot of weight from the others, but we prefer the Il Fenomeno (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell), making his fencing debut, and Twinlight (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), a smart hurdler who won his first chase in good style. Davy Russell should in any case be the jockey the follow here, and can win the opening maiden hurdle at 145.35 on Mouse Morris´ Rogue Angel, the following maiden hurdle on Gordon Elliott´s Shrapnel and the novice hurdle at 16.10 on Charlie Byrnes´ Skibabe, who has ex-German Landero to beat.

The fields are bigger but the quality lower at Wexford, where Paul Carberry can land a double for Noel Meade on Cops and Robbers at 14.15 and Benevolent at 15.50. The mare Lisrose (Harry de Bromhead/ Keith Donoghue) failed to last home last time and can win over a much shorter distance at 16.20, while German-bred Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ David Casey), who is on a long losing run but had come down in the weights, could be an interesting longshot in the handicap chase at 16.55.

Aintree - betting forecast:
1. Race: Vendor - Son Of Flicka - Holywell
2. Race: For Two - Handazan - Moidore
3. Race: First Fandango - Forgotten Gold - Dawn Commander
4. Race: Lovcen - Eagle Rock - Abnaki
5. Race: Merrion Square - Kid Cassidy - Lidar
6. Race: Antihero - Funny Star - Clondaw Kaempfer
7. Race: Sound Investment - Broadway Buffalo - Oscatara

Racing Post trophy at Doncaster

The Group One Racing Post Trophy for 2yo´s over a mile at 16.05 CET is the last big juvenile race of the year in the U.K. and Ireland and has always been the best guide to the following season´s classics. So we won´t really know how good this field is until next year, but on the face of it this looks a weak renewal - none of the 7 runners has run in a Group One and most of them have never run in a group race at all.

However we cannot forget that Camelot won this last year off a single start in a maiden, and his connections may well repeat this feat with Kingsbarns (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), a very easy winner against weak opposition in a Navan maiden 17 days ago on his only start. O´Brien- who has not won a single 2yo race in Britain this year, had plenty of entries there, but relies on just this one, which suggests plenty of confidence. We expect an Irish winner here, as First Cornerstone (Andy Oliver/ Chris Hayes) and Trading Leather (Jim Bolger/ Kevon Manning) look his most serious opponents. The best of the Brits are the supplemented Van Der Meer (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) -also moving up sharply in grade - and the typically tough Mark Johnston contender Steeler (Kieren Fallon). There are question marks over all the runners - the form, the soft ground, the distance, so this is not a race for maximum stakes; we think that Kingsbarns is probably the likeliest winner, but at the current odds First Cornerstone looks the best bet.

The listed Doncaster Stakes, also for 2yo´s but over 6 furlongs at 17.10, is the main supporting feature. Taayel(John Gosden/ Tadhg O´Shea) is the clear form choice here aftrer his close third in the Mill Reef. but is unproven on the ground. Emell (Hannon/ Hughes) and the only filly in the field Jillndextdoor (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) look his two most dangerous opponents.

The handicaps here look very difficult. We have a gut feeling, not backed up by any rational considerations, that Classic Vintage (Amanda Perrett/ Jimmy Fortune) will run well in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 15.00. He has been totally out of form, but has come down in tjhe weights as a result, and likes this track, having finished 4th and 5th in the last two runnings of the November Handicap over this CD off a much higher rating.

The 5 furlongs handicap half an hour later looks almost impossible. The two form choices are Doc Hay (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhoper)., whoi won the Portland here and last time out a listed race at Ascot; he ois a class act but haxs a huge weight, while Jacvk Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Grahjam lee) is an imporoving 3yo who has won his last 2 races and loves soft ground. However he won over 7 furlongs last week, and it is not certain that he will be speedy enough against the distance specialists. Our 3 against the field are Dungannon (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), last year´s winner Steps (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and bottom weight Kaldoun KIngdom (Richard Fahey/ Barry McHugh) but anything could happen here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Be My Rock - Gifted Dancer - Rocky Reef
2. Race: Proofreader - Lady Kashaan - Art Scholar
3. Race: Jack Dexter - Ballista - York Glory
4. Race: Kingsbarns - Trading Leather - Steeler
5. Race: Code Of Honor - Elegant In Silk - Pure Excellence
6. Race: Taayel - Emell - Invincible Warrior
7. Race: Skilful - Captain Ramius - Bronterre
8. Race: Mount Mayday - Serene Oasis - Fortrose Academy

6 meetings today

Lots of racing today, and some at a decent standard. Doncaster warms up for tomorrow´s Group One race with a strong card featuring 6 really tough handicaps. Our big hope is The Betchworth Kid (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner), who carries a 7 lbs penalty for a very easy win at Salisbury 11 days ago; he has a huge weight in the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 16.50 CET, but he loves this track and soft ground and we think he is up to the task.

We are also interested in Aegaeus IEd Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) over 10 furlongs at 17.25; he has so far failed to live up to his pedigree (by Monsun out of multiple Group One winner Ouija Board), but is on a very nice mark and today´s opposition does not look strong. The 6 furlongs handovap at 16.15 looks almost impossoible with 21 runners. Several of these ran in the Portland Handicap over half a furlong shorter here at the St. Leger meeting, and of those we prefer Ancient Cross (Mick Easterby/ Paul Mulrennan), who is better handicapped today; also coming down in the weights are Shropshire (Charlie Hills/ Matthew Lawson) and Advanced (Kevin Ryan/ Paul McGiff).

The Queen has fancied runners in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at Newbury, Inaugural (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) at 14.50 and Sea Shanty (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) half an hour later, but we would not be surprised to see her beaten by another one of her trainers Andrew Balding, who saddles the well-bred debutants Absolutely So and Oasis Spirit, both with Jimmy Fortune aboard. Balding also saddles the very lightly-raced Caitlin (David Probert) in the ten furlongs handicap at 17.00; she is impossible to assess, but could well be a handicap snip off bottom weight.

There is N.H. racing this afternoon at Newcastle and Fakenham, with the latter staging two valuable and well-contested handicaps. German-bred Adelar (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), penalised for an easy win at Ffos Las last week, has a chance in the 2 miles hurdle at 16.05, but here we just prefer Vulcanite (Charlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy) and Laudatory (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler). The 3 mile chase at 16.40 looks even more difficult; our 3 against the field are No Loose Change (Paul Nicholls/ Riuby Walsh), coming off a break but highly-rated, German-bred Eleazar (Lucy Wadham/ MG Nolan), who won a hunter chase over this CD in May with this jockey, and Romanesco (Gordon Elliott/ Timmy Murphy), who fell at the last at Cheltenham last week when looking the likely winner.

Main interest at Newcastle is the fact that top Irish jockey Davy Russell has been booked by Nicky Richards to ride his runners in the two divisions of the novice hurdle, Eduard at 13.30 and Duke of Navan half an hour later; we assume that this means they are both serious contestants.

There is all-weather racing this evening at Wolverhampton and Dunfalk. Easily the best race is the 5 furlongs listed event at 21.00 at the Irish track. This has attracted a strong field, including Starspangledbanner (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), winner of the Golden Juilee and July Cup in 2010; he is now back in training after an abortive effort at stud, but on his old form he should win this easily enough; we are not totally convinced, especially with his ouside draw, and would rather just watch. At Wolverhampton we shall give just one more chance to one-time German Derby third Toughness Danon (Brendan Powell/ Seb Sanders) at 19.40; he has so far cost us lots, but we are convinced he is capable of winning off this mark.

Doncaster - betting forecast:
1. Race: King Of Kudos - Breden - Algorithmic
2. Race: Winter Snow - Auction - Vicky Valentine
3. Race: Darkening - Penny Rose - Ronaldinho
4. Race: Prodigality - Khubala - Ancient Cross
5. Race: The Betchworth Kid - Yours Ever - Tiger Cliff
6. Race: The Lock Master - Change The Subject - Aegaeus
7. Race: Hydrant - Brockfield - Uphold
8. Race: She`S A Character - Robert The Painter - Elspeth`S Boy

5 meetings today

There is plenty of racing today but all at a low level. The best sport on offer is arguably in Ireland, where Ruby Walsh - fresh from banging in the winner for Paul Nicholls in England - can land a hat-trick at Thurles. Una Veintena, in the 3yo maiden hurdle at 16.50 CET and Pique Sous in the maiden hurdle for 5 and 6yo´s at 17.55 are both trained by Willie Mullins and will almost certainly start favourite, although hurdling debutant Broag Deas (Paul Nolan/ Andrew McNamara), who was decent on the flat, looks a danger in the former race. Ruby partners Nolan´s Shinrock Paddy in the main event, a hurdle race over 2 3/4 miles at 17.20, and at these weights he should beat Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), whose recent form is anyway all over fences.

In the U.K. there is N.H. racing at Ludlow and Carlisle. At the former track, Henry Hook (Vic Dartnall/ Harry Derham), who was heavily backed and still going well when unseating his rider over this CD last time, can recover losses in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.15; German-bred Sadler´s Star (Michael Blake/ Tom Cannon) is the main danger here. We also like ex-point-to-pointer Dancingtilmidnight (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) in the novice hurdle here at 17.15; his rookie trainer looks one to follow and saddled his first winner this week.

Jonjo O´Neill sends a strong team to Carlisle, with Tony McCoy riding all 4. Another Trump, back to form at Huntingdon 9 days ago, possibly has the best chance. They also have Mister Hyde, who has top weight in the main event, a 3 mile handicap chase at 16.55, but here we prefer The Magic Bishop (Malcolm Jefferson/ Harry Haynes), a recent CD winner with a possible fitness advantage over McCoy´s mount and also course specialist Vamizi (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan), who are both running for the first time since the spring. The cards at the two all-weather meetings, at Southwell this afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening, are pretty awful and best left alone.

Thurles - betting forecast:
1. Race: Our Victoria - Noras Fancy - Odonimee
2. Race: Bridgets Pet - Fernhurst Lad - The Westener Boy
3. Race: Jetson - Castle Wings - Panther Claw
4. Race: Kilmurry Kid - Banna Beach - Baby`S Hot
5. Race: Everything Zain - Brog Deas - Crouching Harry
6. Race: Muirhead - Shinrock Paddy - Western Leader
7. Race: Pique Sous - Giant`S Quest - Dale Street
8. Race: Cool Oscar - Whiskey And Red - Castle Ranger

Two-year-olds in the spotlight

5 meetings today, and the most interesting card is at Newmarket, where 6 of the 7 races are for two-year-olds, four of them maidens. With large fields of well-bred and mainly unexposed runners from the top stables, these races should be watched for future reference but they are not really good betting races. We do however expect Frankie Dettori, nearing the end of his contract to ride for Godolphin, to take the mile race at 16.40 with Saeed bin Suroor´s Ikhtisas, who made an excellent debut at Salisbury recently. The best betting race is the mile handicap for fillies at 17.45, the only race on the card for older horses. Plenty of possibilities here, with No Poppy (Tim Easterby/ Dettori), Raheeba (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Shena´s Dream (William Haggas/ Liam Jones) all on a winning streak, while Subtle Knife (Giles Bravery/ William Carson) has been first or second on her last 7 starts. However they are all up in the weights as a result, so we prefer a couple of runners a t the top of the handicap, who have been running in better grade races: Raasekha (Charlie Hills/ Tagdh O´Shea) and Hippy Hippy Shake (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), who are both coming down in distance. Tuscania (Lucy Wadham/ Freddie Tylicki) is an interesting longshot, but Hippy Hippy Shake is our main hope here.

There is also flat racing this evening at Kempton, with maximum fields in most races but mainly at a low level, and at Navan in Ireland. Our best bet there is Exact (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), clearly not one of the stars in his powerful yard but possibly good enough to take the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.45.

There is N.H. racing today at Fontwell and Worcester. The former track, with small fields and heavy going, offers little of interest, but Worcester has some decent races with top trainers such as Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls strongly represented. Nicholls runs Irish point-to-point winners Wilton Milan and Fox Run in the two divisions of the maiden hurdle at 17.20 and 17.55 respectively and with Ruby Walsh aboard, they could both win, although the opposition is strong. Henderson can counter with Seven Woods (Andrew Tinkler) in the opening novice chase at 14.40.

Newmarket - betting forecast:
1. Race: Desert Image - Capella`s Song - Whatever You Do
2. Race: Yarroom - Rottingdean - Miraaj
3. Race: So Beloved - Hoarding - Rhamnus
4. Race: Ikhtisas - Hasheem - Mujazif
5. Race: Duke Of Perth - Shemaal - Prairie Ranger
6. Race: Hippy Hippy Shake - Shena`s Dream - No Poppy
7. Race: Quintilian - Sennockian Star - Monsieur Rieussec

Autumn is here

Autumn is here and the jumps racing on offer today at Exeter and Fairyhouse is much more interesting than the flat meetings at Yarmouth and Lingfield. In Ireland there is an all-hurdles card and some interesting prospects on view, notably in the 2 mile hurdle race at 15.35 CET. Final Victory (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and Cloudgazer (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) are both expected to make the grade, but the one to watch here is undoubtedly Waaheb (Dermot Weld/ Mark Walsh). This very smart bumper horse is making his debut over sticks here and could go right to the top. In the two maiden races at Fairyhouse our fancies are Cops and Robbers (Meade/ Davy Russell) at 15.05 and Seefood (Dessie Hughes/ Baen Cooper) an hour later.

At Exeter, the novice hurdle at 15.50 is another interesting event. Mr. Mole is a first-ever runner for top owner JP McManus from the Paul Nicholls stable and has the owner´s retained jockey Tony McCoy aboard. He faces some decent opposition, including Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield), whose bumper form is arguably better, but we expect Mr. Mole to win. Paul Nicholls also has a good chance in the beginners chases at 16.10 with Rebel Rebellion and at 17.40, both ridden by Ruby Walsh. However the latter does not have much in hand of Gullinbursti (Emma Lavelle/ Dougie Costello) judging by their Doncaster running in January.

At Yarmouth, ex-German De Rigueur (Marco Botti/ Andrea Atzeni), an easy winner on heavy ground at Haydock last month on his second British start, can score again at 16.50. Conditions will be very unpleasant, with heavy ground and fog, and possibly Clumber Place (James Given/ Graham Lee) who won a similar race at Newcastle recently, can take the 7 furlongs fillies handicap at 16.20.

Lingfield stages its second meeting since the all-weather track was relaid, and although jockeys were generally positive last week, the track rides much slower than previously and earlier course form is probably now irrelevant. Punters should therefore be cautious here, but we think that Drawnfromthepast (Jamie Osborne/ Fergus Sweeney), who won at Wolverhampton last week, can defy a penalty and top-weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.00.

Exeter - betting forecast:
1. Race: Vintage Kid - Highland Retreat - Market Option
2. Race: Melodic Rendezvous - Mr Mole - Dom Lukka
3. Race: Module - Johns Spirit - Rebel Rebellion
4. Race: Geminus - Rydalis - No Woman No Cry
5. Race: Gentleman Jeff - Roybuoy - Roll The Dice
6. Race: Rocky Creek - Gullinbursti - Harry Topper
7. Race: Garde La Victoire - Demographic - Allons Zee

Off to Baden-Baden

We are now off to Iffezheim and we will be back here next Tuesday.

Ascot on Saturday

This column is off to Baden-Baden for the weekend and will be back on Tuesday. However we will first take a quick look at tomorrow´s big card at Ascot, British Champions Day. This is a wonderful card, although it must be said that it still does not compare to Longchamp´ s Arc weekend. However one can certainly say that, even with only 6 runners, the Champion Stakes at 17.05 CET is a better race than the Arc - featuring the two best (on oficial ratings) horses on the world - Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barbe-Balande/ Olivier Peslier), and two other stars in Nathaniel (John Gosden/ William Buick) and our own Derby winner Pastorius (Mario Hofer/ Frankie Dettori). Frankel is still unbeaten after 13 starts and it is expected (although not yet officially confirmed) that he will be retired after this race. He has the highest rating of any horse in recent history, but faces his toughest task now - not only because of the strength of the oppos ition, but also because he will be running on ground much softer than anything he has encountered so far - ground that will certainly suit the other runners. His team seems confident and we hope he wins, but we also hope that Pastorius finishes in tjhe first four to justify his connections´ brave decision to run here.

There is also a German runner in the main supporting feature, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at 16.30 - Indomito (Andreas Wöhler/ Tom Queally). Clear favoiurite here is Excelebration (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), winner of the German 2,000 Guineas last year who has gone from strength to strength since. He has been breaten 5 times by Frankel, biut with the latter now running over the longer trip of 1p0 furlongs, the way is clear for him to score here. Indomito, who will probably not be so happy on the ground, will do well to be placed in a very strong field.

Punchestown goes ahead

Good news for N.H, fans- today´s Punchestown meeting goes ahead, although the ground will be very testing. This is the best jumping card so far this autumn, with four Grade Three races, one of them held over from yesterday´s abandoned fixture. That is the mares hurdle over 2 1/4 miles that now opens the card at 14.45 CET. Taria (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) should win this; she was pulled up last time on the flat, when something was obviously not right, but her hurdles form looks plenty good enough, and as a daughter of Lavirco she should have no problems with the going. Trifolium (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) is clearly the best horse in the 2 mile hurdle at 15.15, but he has been off the track since runner-up here in a Group One in April and now has to give a lot of weight away; we still hope that he will prove good enough, although Miley Shah (JP Kenny/ Barry Geraghty) looks a big danger in receipt of 13 lbs. It is a similar situation in the novice chase at 16.45, where th e vastly-improved Bally Green (Mouse Morris/ Dvid Casey), winner of his last 5 races, has to concede 8 lbs to the very promising Special Tiara (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch). There are only 5 runners in the 2 miles 7 furlongs chase at 17.15 and reasons for opposing all of them. Roi Du Mee (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) won this race last year but has been struggling since, while Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Robbie Power) has been off the track since running badly at Leopardstown´ s Christmas meeting. However if Joncol is back to his best, he should win at these weights.

The British meetings at Uttoxeter and Wincanton are feeble by comparison, although vwe think that in-form trainer Fergal O´Brien could have a winner at each meeting: Queen of Msntua (Timmy Murphy) at 16.40 at the former track, and Allerton (Paddy Brennan) at 16.50 at the latter. He could also have a chance with Dirleton (Murphy) at 17.10, who has shown nnothing so far but gets weight here from very modest opposition. We don´t know anything about Harry Fry´s form, as this new trainer saddles his first runner today: Subtle Sovereign (Nick Scholfield) in the maiden hurdle at 15.20 at Wincanton. This looks quite an open race, but Fry, Paul Nicholl´ s assistant so far, comes highly recommended and we would not be surprised to see him score with his verty first runner.
Today´s flat racing, on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in the afternoon and Kempton this evening., looks very low grade, but we hope that German-bred Dandy (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), from a top Röttgen family runs well in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 21.00 at Kempton.

Punchestown - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tarla - Burn And Turn - Mae`s Choice
2. Race: Trifolium - Miley Shah - Dysios
3. Race: Hot Prospect - Clear Hills - Rule The World
4. Race: Rawnaq - Neighbourly - Jeunopse
5. Race: Baily Green - Special Tiara - Sean Airgead
6. Race: Joncol - Follow The Plan - Arabella Boy
7. Race: Western Star - Dunroe Boy - Sherika
8. Race: Heck Thomas - Sigtrygg Silkbeard - Molly`s Affair

Frankel´s brother debuts at Nottingham

The most interesting race at Nottingham today is the 2yo maiden over a mile that opens the yard at 14.40 CET, as this is the race chosen by Sir Henry Cecil for the racecourse debut of Morpheus (Tom Queally), a full brother to champion Frankel (and also to Bullet Train and Noble Mission). Khalid Andullah´s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe has described him as "very promising", but adds that he does not know who his brother is. We expect him to win, but he is unlikely to be a betting proposition as the hype surrounding him and his brother means that he will probably start at an unrealistic price.

Cecil and Queally also run another well-bred debutant Zeyran in the 3yo maiden at 15.40, and this one must also have a chance, although it looks a strong race for the time of year, and the unbeaten First Mohican in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.15. First Mohican won on his debut in October 2010 and was then off the track for two years before making a successful comeback 11 days ago at Redcar. He is probably much better than this grade, but the danger of a bounce must be considered, and we would not back him at a short price in what looks quite a competitive heat. We would rather take a chance on Art Scholar (Michael Appleby/ George Baker), who is penalised 6 lbs for winning here last week and is in unbeaten in 2 starts here, ironically both times ridden by Queally.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Morpheus - Tawhid - Zipp
2. Race: Le Talisman - Mash Potato - Zero Game
3. Race: Claude Monet - Big Johnny D - Indian Petal
4. Race: First Mohican - Swnymor - Las Verglas Star
5. Race: Rangooned - Attenshun - Bentleysoysterboy
6. Race: Imperial Legend - Tango Sky - Miliika
7. Race: Griffin Point - Speedyfix - Aubrietia
8. Race: Havin` A Good Time - Mr Mo Jo - Fama Mac

Punchestown abandoned

More rain in Ireland and today´s Punchestown fixture has been abandoned. Should racing be possible tomorrow - by no means certain - then today´s main event, the Grade Three Grabel Mares Hurdle, will be run then.

Extra fixture at the Curragh

The 2012 season at the Curragh was due to finish on Sunday, but there is an extra fixture today to make up for all the meetings lost to the weather in Ireland this flat season. There is nothing special on the card, and the main interest will lie in the battle for the jockeys´championship between Joseph O´Brien and Pat Smullen. O`Brien, well supported by his father Aidan, has a slight lead, but Smullen is by no means out of it and can count on plenty of material from his boss Dermot Weld. We feel that Smullen has the better rides today, and can score on Muntasaf in the maiden at 15.15 CET and Hisaabaat in the handicap at 17.45; the latter, a very smart hurdler, has not run on the flat for a while but looks very well handicapped in this sphere. O´Brien´s best chance is probably on his father´s Kingdom in the opener.

In the U.K., there is flat racing at Leicester and jumping at Huntingdon, both with low level cards. The most interesting race is the beginners chase at 16.50 at the Huntingdon, which sees three smart hurdlers, Forgotten Gold (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), Hildisvini (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) and Tour d´Argent (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), making their debut over fences. It will all come down to how well they can cope with the bigger jumps, and possibly Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore), who has plenty of experience and has run several good races without winning, can be preferred. Gary has booked his younger son Joshua for Gee Dee Nen in the handicap chase at 15.50 and this one has a definite each way chance.

At Leicester we would not be surprised to see Richard Hughes ride more winners. His best chances are probably Van Der Neer at 15.10, the Queen´s Sea Shanty at 16.10, and My Queenie at 16.40, all trained by father-in-law Richard Hannon, but he also has some good outside rides.

Curragh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Kingdom - Cool Metallic - Pay Day Kitten
2. Race: Muntasaf - Sidereus Nuncius - Ferrycarrig
3. Race: Fast On - Consonance - Ahimsa
4. Race: Whip Storm - Light Particle - Sakhib
5. Race: Joe Eile - Wave - Kanes Pass
6. Race: Starstruck - California Rose - Daigreen
7. Race: Hisaabaat - Beach Of Falesa - Eighteen Summers

Richard Hughes seven-timer!

We predicted yesterday that Richard Hughes (photo) would have a good day at Windsor and tipped his 3 rides for his father-in-law Richard Hannon - but he certainly exceed expactations with seven winners! he thus became only the second jockey in British racing history to ride 7 winners on one card - Frankie Dettori with his "Magnificient Seven" at Ascot being the first. Frankie´s performance was better - they were much higher profile races and he went through the card (7 from 7) while there were 8 races at Windsor yesterday, and Hughes finished third on the favourite in one race. Still this was a great achievement by Richard - whose father Dessie trained the winner of the big chase in Ireland on Sunday- well done Hughsie!

Newcastle abandoned

After further heavy rain, today´ s meeting at Newcastle, their last flat fixture of 2012, has been abandoned as the track is waterlogged.

4 Meetings today

Four meetings today and with the exception of Roscommon in Ireland, which has a mixed meeting including two races over hurdles, they are all on the flat and all with very soft ground. The most interesting race at Musselburgh is the 2 mile handicap at 16.15CET. Jim Goldie has two runners, the German-bred Los Nadis (Graham Lee) and Jonny Delta (Joe Fanning). The latter is arguably better handicapped.

But Los Nadis just keeps on winning and loves this track; even though he is up in the weights following his latest Ayr success, we hope he can score again. Orsippus (Mike Smith/ Andrew Mullen) is a useful hurdler and could be the danger, even though his recent flat form is poor. Goldie has put his wife up on another German-bred, the 10yo Soprano, in a 2 mile handicap for lady riders at 18.20 and this one could also run well.

At Salisbury, Gregorian (John Gosden/ William Buick) looks a near certainty in the conditions race over 7 furlongs at 17.00, but is bound to be at long odds-on. From the betting point of view, the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 18.00 is the best race here. Lightly-raced Malekov (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) is likely to be warm favourite here, but we will take him on with The Betchworth Kid (Hayley Turner), now back with Michael Bell, who has dropped to a very nice weight. Woolfall Treasure (Gary Moore/ George Baker), who won this race in 2010, looks a big danger.

The best recipe for success at Windsor is usually to follow Richard hannon and his stable jockey/ son-in-law Richard Hughes) and they can land a hat-trick today with Pivotal Movement at 15.00, East Texas Kid half an hour later and Duke of Clarence at 18.10. Hughes is now certain to be champion jockey in the U.K. and Joseph O´Brien is on the best way to becoming his Irish counterpart, a tremendous achievement in view of his weight. He can score again at Roscommon on his father´s Exact in the 10 furlongs maiden at 16.20.

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Future Wonder - Monthly Medal - Madame Blavatsky
2. Race: Leitrim Pass - Rust - Stagweekend
3. Race: Green Howard - Capaill Liath - Common Touch
4. Race: Los Nadis - Come Here Yew - Awesome Pearl
5. Race: Angelo Poliziano - Pavers Star - Distant Sun
6. Race: Midnight Dynamo - Cocktail Charlie - Mission Impossible
7. Race: Fear Nothing - I`Ll Be Good - Sandwith
8. Race: Cool Baranca - Stormy Morning - Grand Art

Jumps racing in Wales and Ireland

Once again, the Irish stage the better racing, with the Munster National at 17.25 CET the main event at Limerick. Many of the 16 runners were in action in the Kerry National at Listowel 25 days ago, where Questions Answered (Eric McNamara/ Robbie Power) finished second and Start Me Up (Charlie Swan/ Nina Carberry) third. We shall take a chance on Themoonandsixpence (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who was pulled up in that race on his first start for almost 2 years, but had looked a smart prospect earlier. Mullins and Walsh also have a good chance in the Grade Three novice hurdle at 16.25 with Zuzka. Ruby Walsh could well complete a hat-trick in the 3 main events of the day with Michael Hourigan´s False Economy in the Grade Three chase at 18.00. He gets 9 lbs from the top-rated Rathlin (Mouse Morris/ Andrew Lynch), and should also have a fitness advantage. Rivage d´Or (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) looks the main danger.

The card at Ffos Las is modest by comparison. Our old friend Aviso (David Evans/Aidan Coleman), winner of the German 2,000 Guineas in 2007, reappears in the handicap chase at 15.50. He won easily enough last time, but is no longer well handicapped in our opinion and in addition races over a longer distance than ever before. The other German-bred in this race Ten Fires (Brendan Powell senior and junior) was previously trained in Ireland and is having his first race for 10 months; we would rather watch and see. A German-bred who could run well here is Adelar (Venetia Williams/ Coleman), a son of Samum, who runs in the handicap hurdle at 17.35. The most interesting runner at Ffos Las is Keppols Hill (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), a top point-to-pointer making his debut under rules in the 3 mile novice chase at 17.00; he is regarded as a major prospect for the champion trainer, but will be at a very short price.

Flat racing at Goodwood and the Curragh

Both Ireland´s leading racetrack The Curragh and Goodwood, one of the best in England, stage their final day´s racing of 2012 today. The Curragh has the better card, with 3 listed races as well as the Irish Cesarewitch at 17.40 CET, which with 27 runners is almost as difficult as yesterday´s Newmarket version. Dermot Weld saddles two candidates here, Hidden Universe (Shane Gorey) and Voleuse de Coeurs (Liam Roche) and they could run well, as should Hay Point (John Oxx/ Ben Curtis). Oxx won the race last year with Minsk, who now goes for the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 17.05 with Johnny Murtagh in the saddle, but he was outclassed last time by the rapidly improving Chamonix (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) and we expect the same result now.

O´Brien can also take the mile race for 2yo fillies at 15.25, in which he has 3 runners. Joseph rides Hanky Panky, but Greek Goddess (Seamus Heffernan), another daughter of Galileo, looks just as strong, while Rawaaq (Weld/ Declan McDonough) and Seolan (Patrick Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) are also in with a chance. The other listed race is over 6 furlongs at 15.55, and we expect the two penalised runners Maarek (David Nagle/ Joseph O´Brien) and the 3yo filly Lady Wingshot (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) to dominate here. Maarek has been very busy, but ran a great race when third under top weight in the Ayr Gold Cup and a week before that won a Group Three over this CD with Lady Wingshot more than 4 lengths back in fifth. If he is still in that form, he should win today.

At Goodwood, the card is dominated by handicaps, but the two races for 2yo maidens might be interesting; in the 9 furlongs event at 17.20, the Queen´s White Month (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), a son of Tiger Hill, makes his debut, but faces some strong opposition. The 6 furlongs handicap at 16.45 looks wide open, with the consistent Prodigality (Ron Harris/ Darren Egan) the likely favourite; he finished a close sixth in the Portland Handicap and was first or second on all his other starts in 2012, but has gone up a lot in the weights. R Woody (Roibert Cowell/ William Buck) is a course specialist, who won this race in 2010, while Sohraab (Hughie Morrison/ Richard Hughes) and Gouray Girl (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill) are both on a long losing run but certainly capable of winning at this level. We shall take a chance on Sohraab, whose stable is in good form, and Morrison can possibly double up with Nazreef (Darryll Holland), who attempts to repeat last year´s victory in the mil e handicap at 18.25.

Cesarewitch at Newmarket

The one race on Newmarket´s card today which is not a group race is for many people the main event of the day, the Cesarewitch, a 2 1 /4 miles handicap at 16.35 CET and one of the biggest betting races of the season. With 34 runners this is horribly difficult, but we shall try to increase the odds in our favour by knocking out all the top weights (including Hurricane Higgins, arguably the form horse after his third place on the Doncaster Cup), all 3yo´s (including second favourite Montaser) and all horses drawn above 15, including the fancied irish runners Olympiad and I Have a Dream. This leaves us with only 10 to choose from, including the favourite Countrywide Flame (John and Jimmy Quinn); obviously he must be respected, having won the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, and making all to win at Chester on his only flat start this year, but he has never actually run over a distance as far as this and anyway, favourites very rarely win here, so we shall leave him out as well. We are probably miles out here, but our selection is Bernie the Bolt (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) and our other hopes are Nafaath (Neil King/ Mikael Barzalona), front-runner Beyond (David Pipe/ CP Hoban) and O Ma Lad (Silvester Kirk/ Raul da Silva).

Future Champions Day at Newmarket

Newmarket has missed most of the rain that has fallen in many parts of the U.K. this week, and the going is good to soft and should be perfect for everyone. Today is the grandly-named Future Champions day, which refers to the fact that there are no fewer than four group races for 2yo´s on the card, partly as a result of the swap of fixtures with Ascot´s British Champions day next Saturday, but seems rather an overkill to us.

Main event is the Group One Dewhurst Stakes over 7 furlongs at 15.55 CET, traditionally the top juvenile event of the year, but certainly devalued by the other races on the card. Jim Bolger has won this 4 times in the last 6 years and saddles two runners, with stable jockey Kevin Manning on the unbeaten Dawn Approach. He is rated the best 2yo in Europe by some margin and if he runs to his rating should win easily. Even if he fails, the race should still go to Ireland via one of Aidan O´Brien´s two runners, George Vancouver (Joseph) and The Ferryman (Ryan Moore), while Ashdan (John Gosden/ William Buick), also unbeaten, is by far the better of the two British runners.

The Middle Park Stakes at 15.20 is another Group One for 2yo´s over a slightly shorter trip- 6 furlongs - and it seems absurd to run them both on the same day. Once again there is a strong Irish challenge, with Aidan O´Brien saddling 3 of the 10 runners; Joseph cannot do the weight, so Ryan Moore is presumably on the main hope Cristoforo Colombo, who fell in a Curragh Group One last time. However we expect a British winner here, and it will either be Moohaajim (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) or the unbeaten Reckless Abandon (Clive Cox/ Gerald Mossé). Reckless Abandon won the Prix Morny last time, with Moohaajim only fifth, but the latter was so impressive when afterwards winning at Newbury that he can reverse the form this time around.

The Group Two Rockfel Stakes for 2yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 17.05 looks trickier, but Scintillula (Bolger/ Manning), although still a maiden, created such a strong impression when runner-up at the Curragh last time that she is the selection. Gift from Heaven (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), another Irish filly, could be the main danger, while if we get a really huge price we shall have a tiny each-way bet on Clive Brittain´ s Masarah (Tom Queally).

The final group race for 2yo´s is the Autumn Stakes over a mile at 17.40, and once again Bolger and his son-in-law Manning have a good chance with Trading Leather. There are 6 undefeated colts running here, so it is difficult to decide which is the main danger, but fellow Irish raiders Eye of the Storm (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) and Galileo Rock (Wachman/ Lordan) must be considered, while Montiridge (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) looks the best of the Brits.

In any case, the Hannon/ Hughes team can take the opening Challenge Stakes over 7 furlongs at 14.50 with Libranno, who has to give away weight all round but still looks the best horse at the weights, while Sir Henry Cecil and Tom Queally can take the concluding Group Three Derby Stakes over 9 furlongs with Stipulate.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Libranno - Scarf - Pearl Mix
2. Race: Reckless Abandon - Moohaajim - Cristoforo Colombo
3. Race: Dawn Approach - Ashdan - George Vancouver
4. Race: Countrywide Flame - Montaser - Hurricane Higgins
5. Race: Scintillula - Just The Judge - Gift From Heaven
6. Race: Trading Leather - Galileo Rock - Montiridge
7. Race: Stipulate - Producer - French Navy

Heavy rain and early start

Two factors that punters need to take into consideration today: there has been very heavy rain over most parts of Britain and the ground will be much softer than expected. In addition there are as a result dozens of non-runners. There is also a very early start at Bath with the first race at 13.00 CET. Rather surprisingly, some of the top trainers and jockeys are in action here. and we like John Gosden´s Wannabe Loved (William Buick) at 14.00 and Commend (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) at 14.30; both are by Pivotal and should handle the soft ground.

Rest of today´s racing

York has been particularly hard hit by the weather and we would be very cautious betting on this track today. The conditions race over 10 furlongs at 15.30 CET looks quite interesting, despite the non-runners (a feature every race here). Mijhaar (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) is quickly pulled out again, after finishing 32nd (!) in the Cambridgeshie on Saturday. We much prefer the Godolphin pair Modun (Kieren Fallon) and Prince Siegfried (Mikael Barzalona), bith trained by Saeed bin DSuroor. Neither has really lived up to expectations but should be good enough in this grade; there is little between them on form, but we feel that Prince Siegfried may handle the ground better. He used to be trained by Andrew Balding, who will know what his chances are with Expense Claim (Jimmy Fortune). In our view Balding and Fortune have better chances later with German-bred Dandy (from an excellent Röttgen family) in the 3yo handicap at 17.15 and Soviet Rock in the 2yo maiden at 17.50.

They go over jumps at Carlisle where the fields are smaller but the going equally bad. Best race here is the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.30, in which Moulin de la Croix (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is clear favourite following his easy win at Newton Abbot 11 days ago. We shall oppose him with German-bred Bocciani (Brian Ellison/ Denis O´Regan) who goes well on heavy ground and likes this track. Otherwise we are interested in seeing how Attaglance (Malcolm Jefferson/Harry Haynes) gets on on his first attempt at jumping fences at 18.00; a smart hurdler last season, winning at both Cheltenham and Aintree, he should win this is handling the ground andjumping round safely.

The ground will be desperate at Tramore and we shall swerve this meeting, but the all-weather racing at Dundalk this evening is more interesting, and features a listed race over 7 furlongs for 2yo´s at 20.30. Newmarket raider No Jet Lag (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan) has the highest rating, but we think there could be another Coolmore winner, with Cougar Ridge (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), Lines of Battle (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) and Infanta Branca (O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan) their 3 candidates here.

decent two-year-olds at Navan?

The most interesting flat races today could be the two mile events for 2yo maidens at Navan in Ireland. Aidan O´Brien has two runners in both the colts race at 17.05 CET and the fillies race half an hour later. All 4 are by Galileo and can be expected to run well. In the earlier race his candidates Finn McCool (Seamus Heffernan) and Kingsbarns (Joseph O´Brien) are apparently highly regarded and could well take the first 2 places; although Joseph rides the latter, the former, extremely well bred, could be the one. The O´Brien fillies are Moth (Joseph O´Brien) and Say (Heffernan), but this race looks trickier, with a large field and possibly stronger opposition. However the Ballydoyle stable could strike here as well and complete a quick hat-trick with Exact (Joseph O´Brien) in the 3yo maiden at 18.05. LATER: Finn McCool non-runner!

At Nottingham, John Gosden holds a strong hand in the 10 furlongs handicap at 17.30 with his two well-bred and lightly-raced three-year-olds Sunpass (William Buick) and Falkland (Nicky Mackay) at the foot of the handicap. Buick has probably made the right choice as Sunpass was a very easy winner of an Epsom maiden 11 days ago and seems to have been given a very favourable weight for his handicap debut. Another recent winner who can follow up quickly is Danube River (Mark Johnston/ Michael Murphy) in the apprentice handicap half an hour later. Leading apprentice so far this season is Amy Ryan, and she can score for her father Kevin on Supreme Luxury, another last-time-out winner, who runs in the 3yo handicap at 17.00. LATER: Falkland non-runner!

There is also jumps racing today at Ludlow and Towvcester. At the former track, we expect Haymarket (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) to take the 3yo hurdle at 15.10. The trainer is more likely to be at Newmarket, spending millions for Sheikh Mohammed at the sales, but this runner, who showed promise on his first outing over the sticks after constantly disappointing on the flat, should also bring him some satisfaction. We also like Coronea Lilly (Neil Mulholland/ Michael Byrne) in the mares novoice hurdle at 15.40. There are two German-breds running here in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.40. Crazy Bold (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) is a CD winner, but that was a long time ago and he is very inconsistent these days, so we prefer Irish-trained Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ Aidan Cawley); he is much better over fences, but is now extremely well handicapped over the sticks.

Tony McCoy is riding at Towcester, and we like Nick Gifford´s Christopher Wren in the beginners chase at 15.50 - where Hazy Tom (Charlie Longsdon/ Jason Maguire) is obviously the one to beat- and Dr. Richard Newland´s Royale Knight, an easy winner last Saturday, in the handicap chase at 17.50; this is however quite an open affair, and course specialist Marked Man (Richard Lee/ Jake Greenall), who won this race last year off a higher rating, is just one of several dangers.

3 N.H. meetings today

N.H. racing at 3 tracks today, but all at a low level. Tony McCoy should as so often be the jockey to follow at Worcester, and we expect him to win the novice hurdle at 17.00 CET on Rebecca Curtis´ God of the Kop and another novice hurdle half an hour later on Jonjo O´Neill´s Foundation Man. He should also take the handicap hurdle at 18.00 on O´Neill´s Prompter, who was listed class on the flat and was a very easy hurdles winner a week ago, but he will probably be at a very short price and German-bred The Lemonpie (Brendan Powell/ Andrew Tinkler) could be an each-way alternative; he has won his last 3 races and as a son of Next Desert should have no problems with the ground. which will be softer than anything Prompter has raced on so far.

There are only 4 runners in the main event at Exeter, a 3 mile handicap chase at 16.20. Tim the Chair (Emma Lavelle/ Dominic Elsworth) is coming off a short break, but we expect him to defy top weight here, as his 3 opponents look pretty exposed. Lavele also has a chance in the following beginners chase with Red Mile (Dougie Costello), who is coming off an even longer break, but here we prefer ex-Irish Qualviro (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson). He was running in decent races in Ireland and as a son of Lavirco should handle the ground. Cadoudalas (Richard Lee/ Robert Thornton) goes well on ther heavy and can take the handicap hurdle at 17.20; he is possibly better over fences but looks very well handicapped here.

There are maximum gields in all races at the Irish meeting at Tramore. The beginners chase over 2 miles at 17.15 has some interesting runners, including Earls Quarter (Willie Mullins/ Riuby Walsh), who has scored in a bumper and twice over hurdles; he is expected to make the grade over fences as well, but The Folkes Choice (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) could be a big danger, and the same team can follow up with Lisrose over 2 3/4 miles half an hour later.

soft ground at Ayr

The only flat racing in Britain and Ireland today is at Ayr, where the going will be very soft. Under these circumstances, punters should be very careful as the past few days have already thrown up plenty of surrises. The best betting races in our view are the two divisions of the 6 furlongs handicap and at 16.10 CET we think that Sam Nonambulist (Richard Whitaker/ Rab Havlin) could be worth a small each-way bet.

He goes on the ground and has come down in the weights, while the in-form Defence Council (Mel Brittain/ Diran Fentiman) and Green Park (Declan Carroll/ Luke Leadbetter) have both been put up for finishing second last time. In the second division half an hour later we like oldtimer Beckermet (Ruth Carr/ James Sullivan), who loves this ground and is aleways capable of winning in this grade. Fieldgunner Kirkup (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons), who has won his last two races -both on soft ground at Thirsk- is an obvious danger, but faces a stiff task under top weight. German-breds Queen´s Estate (Mark Johnston/ Robert Winston) and Goldmädchen (Keith Dalgleish/ Tom Eaves) could also run well at 17.40 and 18.10 respectively, but neither look very reliable.

4 meetings today

this column is back after spending the weekend at Longchamp, and today´s British racing at the unglamorous tracks of Brighton, Cattrerick, Leicester and Wolverhampton look very second-rate in comparison; the Irish meeting at Tipperary has been abandoned as the track is waterlogged
The card at Leicester is just about the best of today´s 4 meetings, but there are only 3 runners in the main event, a conditions race for 2yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.40 CET. Linguini (Charlie Hills/ William Carson) is the top-rated, but the prefer the other two, who are less exposed. amd expect the well-bred Godolphin runner Ennistown (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Silvestre de Sousa), who won over a mile last time and should stay this trip, to come out on top. The brest-btred runner of all today is Panzanella (John Gosden/ William Buick), who rtuns in the 3yo maiden over 7 furlomngsd atv17.40. At this time of year, one does not expect strong competition in such events, but in fact this race has quite a decent field, but if Panzanella is fit (she has only run once, when fifth of 14 at Doncaster 11 months ago), then she should win. The best betting race here is the 3yo handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 17.10 which looks very tricky. Consistent Burnham (Hughie Morrison/ Tom Queally) and Man of Plenty (John Dunlop/ Dane O´Neill) have obvious chances, but the interesting one is Canary Wharf (Marco Botti/Martin Harley); trained last year by Aidan O´Brien, he won a maiden at Wolverhampton in January for Botti and has not been seen since. It is quite possible that he is much better than his current rating.
There could be another 2yo winner for Godolphin at Brighton, where Backstage Tour (Al Zarooni/ Antioco Murgia) can take the maiden at 16.20, while we shall give another chance to Whingeing Willie (George Moore/ Adam Beschizza) in the mile handicap at 27.50, as he was badly hampered last time.
At Catterick, last year´s winner Strikemaster (LR James/Duran Fentiman) reappears in the 2 mile handicap at 17.00, but the ground is much softer this time and we much prefer German-bred A Southside Boy (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope), a Samum colt who showed improved form to win on heavy ground last time out.
Another much improved type is Dana´s Present (George Baker/ Jamie Spencer), who has only a 6 lbs penalty for a very easy win last time. He has top-weight in the 8 1/2 furlongs handicap at 18.30 at Wolverhampton this evening; but he may find it hard to concede the weight to Source of Light (David Loughnane/ Shane B Kelly) who was only just behind him on their penultoimate outing and is now 7 lbs better off.

Betting forecas at Wolverhamptont:
1. Race: Dana`S Present - Jay Bee Blue - Arabic
2. Race: Munsarim - Kay Gee Be - Fathsta
3. Race: Smart Daisy K - Free Island - Skytrain
4. Race: Seven Veils - Moderator - Aleksandar
5. Race: Daaree - Ormindo - Grey Blue
6. Race: Thecornishcowboy - Tis Rock `n` Roll - Capacious

Danedream out of Arc

Danedream has been officially scratched from the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday. News broke on Monday evening that Cologne racecourse, where Peter Schiergen`s fantastic mare is stabled, was to be dramatically placed into quarantine. The German track has been shut down for three months after a horse tested positive for a serious equine infection of the blood.

All horses based at Cologne cannot leave the racecourse, including Danedream, a brilliant winner of the Longchamp feature 12 months ago. France Galop`s media manager Julien Pescatore said: "There is a quarantine period of 90 days, and for that reason Danedream will not be able to run in the Arc. It is really sad that she will not be able to run, but there is nothing we can do about it."

Eighteen horses, including Investec Derby winner Camelot, remain in contention. The timing of the closure of Cologne racecourse could not have been worse for Danedream`s connections. Patrick Barbe, racing manager for her part-owner Teruya Yoshida, said on Tuesday morning: "The quarantine is round the race track in Cologne and nothing can come in and out of there for three months. That situation at the moment is final and binding.

"If the race was in two weeks they might have found a solution, but with time being so short to the deadline for the race it has proved too difficult."