4 meetings today

4 meetings today, but easily the best race is the hurdle race over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET at Punchestown. This event has attracted a very strong field for the money and all eyes will be on Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Andrew Lynch), who makes his comeback after almost 2 years off the track. This top-class hurdler has won11 of his 21 traces and has been runner-up 5 times - 4 times to Hurricane Fly. He has also won 4 from 5 here and if he is racefit should win today.although the opposition is strong. Simenon (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who won twice ar Royal Ascot in the summer, has to give weight way here, which looks very difficult, and we expect the main dangers to be Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) and Staying Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty). Also of interest here is the maiden hurdler for 3yo´s at 15.05; Fatcatinthehat (Mullins/ Walsh) was beaten at odds-on on his hurdles debut, but can recover losses here, although German-bred Hartside (Noel Meade/ Russel l) is a tricky opponent.
Willie Mullins can also be among the winners at the other Irish meeting at Tramore with Moveable Asset (Paul Townend), who runs in the novice hurdle at 14.15; his only win came over this CD on heavy ground in August, but he faces strong opposition from Ted Veale (Tony Martin/ David Casey), runner-up in better company last time.
In the U.K. there is N.H. racing at Uttoxeter and flat racing on the all-sweather at Limgfield, all at a low level. Monty´s Revenge (Marton Keighley/ Chris Ward) won over fences at Towcester on Boxing Day; he was a non-runner yesterday, but if he turns out for the handicap hurdle at 16.10 at Uttoxeter must have a good chance; if not, we shall go for the dark horse Midnight Belle (Tom Symonds/ Benjamin Poste), who has failed to trouble the judge in 5 starts so far, but could be on a very lenient mark here. The maiden hurdle at 13.40 is also interesting. Jonjo O´Neill has 2 runners, both owned by JP McManus, with retained jockey Tony McCoy on smart bumoer horse Shutthefrontdoor; however he was an odds-on flop on his first start over hurdles, and possibly Key to the West (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), who was not as good on bumper form, but made a pleasing debut over sticks, could be the safer choice.
The Lingfield card is very uninspiring. Kung Hei Fat Choy (James Given/ Jim Crowley) sounds like some sort of noodle dish - or a martial art- but is apparently a New Years Greeting, so is a topical tip for the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30.
However - win or lose - we wish all our readers a very Happy New Year and successful punting in 2013!

Betting forecast Punchestown:
1. Race: You Must Know Me - Vesper Bell - Ipsos Du Berlais
2. Race: Hidden Present - Luke`S Benefit - Itsuptoyou
3. Race: Solwhit - Bog Warrior - Staying Article
4. Race: Fatcatinthehat - Hartside - Hazariban
5. Race: Miriam`S Dream - Call Rog - Civena
6. Race: Happy Tobe Here - Billybuster - Corbally
7. Race: Molly`s Affair - Kris Kindle - Shake The Tree

Taunton and Lingfield

Taunton now offers the only turf racing of the day and the main event is the listed mares´ novice hurdle at 15.20 CET. Ma Filleule (Nicky Henderspn/ Barry Geraghty) was beaten a neck in a similar event at Newbury last time and that form should be good enough. Favourite Call me a Star (Aöan KIng/ Robert Thornton) was 7 lengths back in third and Eleven Fifty Nine (Tony Honeyball/ Roddi Greene) fourth, and we see no reasy why they should now finish in front of her. Doyly Carte (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke) and Mischievous Milly (Oliver Sherwood/ Sam Jones) both won well last time, are lightly raced and progressive, and are the main dangers. The only other Henderson/ Geraghty starter is Electrolyser in the opening novice hurdle at 13.40 and he is the most interesting runner of the day. A smart stayer on the flat, he was a close fourth in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot in mid-October and is one of the best flat horses to go hurdling this season. He is in the right hands and can ge t off to a winning start over the sticks.
Our best5 bet of thr day is Home Run (David Pipe/ Mr.M. Heard) in the handicap hurdle at 14.10. The Pipe stable do not believe in letting their horses rest on their laurels and this one has already won 3 times this month, including over this CD. He has gone up 18 lbs, including his penalty for winning on Boxing Day, but we think he is still capable of better; bred by Gestüt Ammerland, he is closely related to Hurricane Run. We also like top-weight Ifyouletmefinish (Jeremy Scott/ Matt Griffiths) in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 16.30, who has been running in much better company. Paul Nicholls is always to be feared here, and his Deireadh Re (Harry Derham), though clearly not one of the stable´s stars, could be good enough to take the handicap chase at 14.55.
The card at Lingfield is low grade and with some small fields, not at all punter friendly. The best betting races are the two divisions of the 7 furlongs handicap at the end of the afternoon. In the first division at 16.20 we shall stick with German-bred Querido (Paddy Butler/ Willie Twiston-Davies); he has a superb pedigree but is very inconsistent and basically disappointing, however we remain convinced that he is capable of winning off this rating -possibly today. The second division, half an hour later, can go to top-weight Renoir´s Lady (Simon Dow/ Jim Crowley), who did not get much of a run when a beaten favourite over this CD 3 weeks ago.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Electrolyser - The Mumper - Sidney Melbourne
2. Race: Home Run - Coffee - Cruise In Style
3. Race: Dushy Valley - Jayandbee - Dimpsy Time
4. Race: Call Me A Star - Ma Filleule - Doyly Carte
5. Race: Requin - Deireadh Re - Honest John
6. Race: Kartanian - Landscape - Ifyouletmefinish
7. Race: Monty`S Revenge - Dancing Daffodil - Whitcombe Spirit

U.K. racing today

racing is on everywhere today, but after all the recent rain (and it´s not finished yet!) the ground will be very testing all over.
Best race in the U.K. is the Grade One Challow Hurdle for novices over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.45 CET this is always won by a decent performer and we think that Taquin du Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) fits the bill today. He was most impressive last time at Sandown and probably has Northern raider Clondaw Kaempfer (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), winner of his last 3 races, to beat. McCoy could be in for a good afternoon, as we also like his chances on CD specialist Rey Nacarado (Charlie Longsdon) in the staying handicap chase at 15.10 - he won the race last year and is only one pound higher - and My Tent or Yours (Nicky Henderson) in the final introductory hurdle at 16.50 - a race the trainer, who also saddles bumper winner Chatterbox (Barry Geraghty) - has won 5 times in the last 6 years. The handicap hurdle at 16.15 looks very tricky; top-weight Any Given Day (McCain/ Maguire) is the class act here, but he has not run for a year and most concede a stone or more all rou nd. We shall take a chance on German-bred El Dancer (Luvcy Wadham/ Aidan Coleman), although he has been put up 5 lbs for finishing second last time, which seems a bit unfair.
Another German-bred we like today is Solis (Dianne and Liz Sayer) in the handicap hurdle at 14.25 at Kelso, while our fancies at Doncaster are Categorical (Keith and James Reveley) at 15.55 and bottom weight Cropley (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) half an hour later; we don´t normally like to back 3yo´s against older horses over hurdles, but this one may have crept in here on a very favourable rating. Top-weight Blackwater King (McCain/ Adrian Lane) is obviously the one to beat, but Cropley (e.w.) looks better value.

Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown today

Ruby Walsh was in brilliant form at Leopardstown yesterday, riding three sensational finishes, and we expect him to carry on the good work today by winning the featured Grade One Istabraq Festival Hurdle at 15.00 CET on Willie Mullins´ Hurricane Fly. However he will probably not need to pull out all the stops this time, as we expect Hurrricane Fly to win easily. Despite his odds-on defeat in the Champion Hurde last March, a race he won in 2011, Hurricane Fly is the best hurdler in training and it will be quite a shock if he loses here. He has won 14 of his 16 sztarts since joining Mullins and stands out on form and ratings. Unaccompanied (Dermot Weld/ Davy Russell) and Thousand Stars (Mullins/ Paul Townend) were first and second in this race last year, and they should now take the minor places. Unaccompanied, as a mare, is getting weight, but we think that the very consistent Thousand Stars, who stays well but is also effective at this 2 mile trip, can pip her for second. Cap tain Cee Bee (Eddie Harty/ Marlk Walsh) had done very well over the years, but he was 12 lengths behind Hurricane Fly last time and we cannot see him getting much closer now. he looks booked for fourth, as the only other runner has no chance. Hurricane Fly will not be at a backable prie, but we cannot see him getting beaten under normal circumstances.
It could be another big day for Willie Mullins, as he has good chances in several events. He has 2 runners in the Gtrade Three mares hurdle at 15.35, Zuzka (ridden by son Paddy) and Glen´s Melody (Walsh), who is lightly-raced but highly progressive. On form Zuzka certainly has the better chance, and she may enable Paddy the break the long-standing Irish record for the number of wins by an amateur jockey in a calendar year.
The big betting race here is the 3 miles handicap hurdle at 16.05 with 30 runners, including two German-breds, top-weight Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) and Novarov (JF O´Shea/ SG McDermott); both are pretty smart, but neither is especially well handicapped. Catch Me finished second in the final of this series, at tjhe Cheltenham Festival and is no doubt being aimed at that race again; he has not won for 3 years but the handicapper refuses to show any mercy. Mullins has 2 runners here, Apt Approach (Paddy) and Darroun (Ruby) and the former is very well in on his chasing fprm, while Jessica Harrington has 3 runners, including last year´s winner Jetson (Robbie Power). We like these big handicaps, but this one looks just too difficult.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lascalahall - Bangonform - Mister Farmer
2. Race: Sizing Gold - Dick Dundee - Hard To Swallow
3. Race: The Real Article - Lord Windermere - Toner D`Oudairies
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Unaccompanied - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Glens Melody - Zuzka - Mae`s Choice
6. Race: Catch Me - Apt Approach - Jupitor
7. Race: Outlander - Dantes Firth - O Maonlai

Lexus Chase at Leopardstown

Ireland has easily the best racing today, and the Lexus Chase over 3 miles at 16.00 CET at Leopardstown has arguably a stronger field than the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch) and Sir des Champs (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell) are both shorter in the Gold Cup betting than Kempton winner Long Run, and if either wins convincingly today they will almost certainly start clear favourite for Cheltenham. Sir des Champs has always been regarded as a serious Cheltenham contender, but after winning his first 7 races, was put in his place by Flemenstar last time. That race was over 2 1/2 miles, and Mullins´ horse gets today´s trip well enough, while the Casey star, who has won his last 7, tries it for the first time. This could give Sir des Champs an advantage today, but Casey - famous for his indiscreet post-race interviews- is still very confident. It is by no means a two horse race and Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara) and Tidal Bay (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) should both enter calculations. The former has won 9 of his 11 races, and his narrow defeat by Sir des Champs here in January was his only loss in over 2 years. Tidal Bay, who won the Arkle for Howard Johnson back in 2008, has found a new lease of life under Paul Nicholls, and his performance when runner-up under top-weight in the Hennessy must give him a good chance here. The days when he was regarded as a problem horse are long gone and Ruby knows how to ride him. Pandorama (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) won this race in 2009, but has been off the track for 2 years and it will be an amazing feat if he is able to win it again today. At the likely odds, we think that Tidal Bay (each way) is the safest bet here.

The other Grade One on the card is the Topaz Novice Chase over 3 miles at 15.25. Willie Mullins has surprisingly never won this, but has two good chances now with Aupcharlie (Lynch) and Back in Focus (Walsh), of whom the latter is the more experienced and therefore preferred. He beat Lyrene Legend (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper) easily enough last time and should confirm that form, but the Giggonstown House runners Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), a top novice hurdler last season, and Troytown winner Tofino Bay (Hughes/ Berry Geraghty) look dangerous.

The Grade Two Christmas Hurdle, also over 3 miles at 14.25, is another strong race, wkith the first four from the Hatton´s Grace renewing rivalry: Zaidpour (Mullins/ Walsh) won this race from Monksland (Meade/ Carberry) Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Lynch) - beaten favourite- and So Young (Mullins/ Casey). This race is half a mile further but Zaidpour stays well enough and can confirm the form. An interesting runner here is Weapons Amnesty (Charlie Byrnes/ Russell), who has not run since winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2010, and it is hardly likely that he will be sharp enough to win today, but he should certainly be watched for future reference.
There is also decent jumps racing at Limerick, where Willie Mullins might start a successful day by winning the Grade Three novice hurdle at 14.35 with Pride of the Parish (Paul Townend), who gets 6 lbs from his main rival Our Vinnie (Byrnes/ Niall Madden). In the veterans´ handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.10 we like Ponmeoath (Eric McNamara/ RJ Jones), who is certainly not as good as he used to be, but has come down a long way in the weights; course specialist Doctor Woodfield, runner-up here last year, is one of many dangers.

Sizing Europe at Leopardstown

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival also continues today with the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.25 the main feature. Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) stands out here; he is just about the best two mile chaser in training and his only defeat in the past 12 months came when odds-on and very unlucky in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. He will be at a very short price again today, but has the beating of all of these on the form book. Rubi Light (Robert Hennessy/ Davy Russell) is very smart but is surely running over the wrong distance, and for second spot we take CD specialist Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Robbie Power), who has already won this race 3 times - but has twice been well beaten by Sizing Europe this year. Paul Nicholls´ Edgardo Sol (Tony McCoy) is a raider from England who could run into the money, but McCoy´s main reason for being here is to partner Dermot Weld´s Waaheb in the Grade One novice hurdle at 15.00. We are a g reat admirer of the trainer, who likes nothing better than to put one over the jumps boys at the big N.H. meetings., and in Waaheb he has a possible champion here. Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) and Sizing Rio (de Brpmhead/ Lynch), both unbeaten so far this season, are the obvious dangers. The big betting race here is the Paddy Power Chase at 16.10; this 3 mile handicap is a real challenge and big owner JP McManus clearly wants to win it with no fewer than 8 runners. McCoy is on Ted Walsh´s Colbert Station, so that could be the owner´s main hope, but we also like Alfie Sherrin (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon); the latter landed some big bets at the Cheltenham Festival with this jockey aboard and looks as if he has been specially prepared for this race. He is not the only one of course and there has been a flood of money for Glam Gerry (Colm Murphy/ Brian Hayes), who is likely to start favourite kin this very tricky event.
There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Limerick and in England at Wetherby, where Guillaume Macaire sends two runners over from France, Vizir d´Estruvel oin the 3yo hurdle at 14.45 and United Park in the novice chase at 15.55. Both are partnered by James Revely and should run well, but we just prefer the Monsun Mashaari (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) and Aland Islands (Tim Raughan/ Dougie Costello) respectively.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Diplomat - Call Me Bubbles - Teofolina
2. Race: Mumbo Jumbo - Celtic Cailin - Dancers Dilemma
3. Race: Rubi Light - Blazing Tempo - Forpadydeplasterer
4. Race: Jezki - Waaheb - Sizing Rio
5. Race: Carrigmartin - Il Fenomeno - Tennis Cap
6. Race: Colbert Station - Glam Gerry - Prince Of Pirates
7. Race: Very Vite - Mullaghanoe River - Giantofaman

Kempton Christmas meeting: second day

Kempton continues with another high class card, including 3 Grade Two races, all with small fields but still quite competitive. We start with the novice chase at 13.55 CET, in which Simonsig (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) will be the hottest favourite of the day. Winner of 6 of his 7 races, including at Cheltenham and Aintree, he looks destined to go right to the top. With his stable in great form ( 4 winners here yesterday!) few will be willing to take him on, but we shall have a little bet on Hinterland (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Wslsh) just in case. He is pretty useful and gets 10 lbs from the favourite, which must just swing it. Nothing else is likely to get a look-in. The Peterborough Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 has already been transferred twice, after its original home of Huntingdon was flooded. For Non Stop (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily) runs here in preference to yesterday´s King George, but this looks looks tough. We prefer German-bred Ghizao (Nicholls/Walsh), who wa s just behind him last time at Ascot, and Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who was the best of these over hurdles; he has not so far been so convincing over fences, but after Captain Chris´ great run yesterday, we know that this is another team in good form. They have another big chance in the following Desert Orchid Chase at 15.40 with Wishfull Thinking. He is the only one of the 5 runners that did not run last time in the Tingle Creek, won in such splendid style by Sprinter Sacre. Kumbeshwar (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) ran on to take the runner-up spot then, with Sanctuaire (Nicholls/ Walsh) third, Idarah (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) fourth and His Excellency (David Piper/ Tom Scudamore) fifth. Althougn Sanctuaire is now worse off at the weights with them all, we still expect him to come out best of them this time, but His Excellency, who is only 4 and has run another good race since, also has possibilities. The opening 3yo hurdle at 13.25 could be tricky, although ex-French Irish Saint (Nicholls/ Walsh) is the likely hot favourite on his British debut; he won a listed race at Auteuil last time. However he has to give quite a bit of weight to such as ex-Irish Allowed (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) and ex-German King Arthur (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who has some decent form for Mario Hofer, and is no certainty. Bottom-weight Tweedledrum (Tom Symonds/ Benjamin Poste) has each-way prospects in the mares handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 14.30, while Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty have two more good chances in the final two handicaps at 16.15 and 16.45 with Spirit River and All the Aces.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mcvicar - Captain Cardington - Allowed
2. Race: Hinterland - Royale`S Charter - Wings Of Smoke
3. Race: Swincombe Flame - One Lucky Lady - Miss Milborne
4. Race: French Opera - For Non Stop - Menorah
5. Race: Wishfull Thinking - Kumbeshwar - His Excellency
6. Race: Spirit River - Our Bomber Harris - Brackloon High
7. Race: Scorched Son - Albert Hall - Able Deputy

King George VI Chase at Kempton

The King George VI Chase over 3 miles at Kempton at 16.10 CET this afternoon, is one of the top chases of the season, and generally reckoned to be second only to the Gold Cup itself. Today´s race revolves round Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), who won the race two years ago and followed up at Cheltenham; last year he was runner-up to the mighty Kauto Star and he is top-rated here and certainly the logical winner. He acts on soft ground, though has never run on going as heavy as this- but this applies to most of the others as well. He is ridden as always by the owner´s son, but that to my mind is no disadvantage as Sam knows him inside out, while the stable jockey Barry Geraghty rides Riverside Theatre, runner-up to him here 2 years ago; he has not run since April, but that is no problem, as he goes well fresh and has been aimed at this race all along. However the going could be problematic and we are not sure that he will stay the trip on this ground. The same go es for Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard), a most impressive winner of the Haldon Gold Cup last time, but who has never run beyond 2 1/2 miles nor on heavy ground. Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh have dominated this race in recent years with Kauto Star and are now represented by his younger brother Kauto Stone, a Grade One winner in Ireland last time; he needs to improve to win here, but that is not totally out of the question. David Pipe saddles 2 runners, Grands Crus (Tom Scudamore), who won the Feltham last year but ran inexplicably badly last time at Cheltenham, and the tough stayer Junior (Conor O´Farrell). Junior made all to win at Newcastle last time on heavy ground, and as one of the few who will relish the conditions, we would not be surprised to see him run a big race. Another longshot we like is German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tony McCoy), by Black Sam Bellamy out of a Lomitas mare; he is also guaranteed to get the trip, but his problem could be the ri ght-handed track, almost all his form is on left-handed tracks and he is a noted as a Cheltenham specialist - runner-up in the Gold Cup last season. He was behind Long Run last time, but finished in front of him at Cheltenham, and if he acts on the course, could be a major threat. However Long Run is definitely the most likely winner, but our bet will be Junior (each-way).

The two main supporting features are the Feltham Novices Chase over 3 miles at 15.00 and the Christmas Hurdle at 15.35, both Grade One events. Pipe and Scu won the former race with Grands Crus last year and can follow up with Dynaste. A smart staying hurdler, he has begun his chasing career in great style and will be the shortest-priced favourite of the day. The hurdle race is much trickier, and unfortunately there are now only 7 runners, making it less attractive for each-way bettors like us. Darlan (Henderson/ McCoy) is the best horse in the field, but it is highly likely that he will not act on the ground, and both his stable companion Punjabi (Geraghty) and his owner´s other runner get me Out of Here (RP McLernon) may possibly be preferred. We like Punjabi, who has not run for almost 3 years, (no problem with this trainer) and who won the Champion Hurdle back in 2009.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: River Maigue - New Year`s Eve - Kings Lad
2. Race: Rajdhani Express - Elenika - Milarrow
3. Race: Poungach - Lovcen - Hadrian`s Approach
4. Race: Darlan - Countrywide Flame - Cinders And Ashes
5. Race: Long Run - Riverside Theatre - Cue Card
6. Race: Katkeau - Saint Roque - Loose Chips

King George VI Chase at Kempton

the King George VI Chase over 3 miles at Kempton at 16.10 CET this afternoon, is one of the top chases of the season, and generally reckoned to be second only to the Gold Cup itself. Today´s race revolves round Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), who won the race two years ago and followed up at Cheltenham; last year he was runner-up to the mighty Kauto Star and he is top-rated here and certainly the logical winner. He acts on soft ground, though has never run on going as heavy as this- but this applies to most of the others as well. He is ridden as always by the owner´s son, but that to my mind is no disadvantage as Sam knows him inside out, while the stable jockey Barry Geraghty rides Riverside Theatre, runner-up to him here 2 years ago; he has not run since April, but that is no problem, as he goes well fresh and has been aimed at this race all along. However the going could be problematic and we are not sure that he will stay the trip on this ground. The same go es for Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard), a most impressive winner of the Haldon Gold Cup last time, but who has never run beyond 2 1/2 miles nor on heavy ground. Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh have dominated this race in recent years with Kauto Star and are now represented by his younger brother Kauto Stone, a Grade One winner in Ireland last time; he needs to improve to win here, but that is not totally out of the question. David Pipe saddles 2 runners, Grands Crus (Tom Scudamore), who won the Feltham last year but ran inexplicably badly last time at Cheltenham, and the tough stayer Junior (Conor O´Farrell). Junior made all to win at Newcastle last time on heavy ground, and as one of the few who will relish the conditions, we would not be surprised to see him run a big race. Another longshot we like is German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tony McCoy), by Black Sam Bellamy out of a Lomitas mare; he is also guaranteed to get the trip, but his problem could be the ri ght-handed track, almost all his form is on left-handed tracks and he is a noted as a Cheltenham specialist - runner-up in the Gold Cup last season. He was behind Long Run last time, but finished in front of him at Cheltenham, and if he acts on the course, could be a major threat. However Long Run is definitely the most likely winner, but our bet will be Junior (each-way).
The two main supporting features are the Feltham Novices Chase over 3 miles at 15.00 and the Christmas Hurdle at 15.35, both Grade One events. Pipe and Scu won the former race with Grands Crus last year and can follow up with Dynaste. A smart staying hurdler, he has begun his chasing career in great style and will be the shortest-priced favourite of the day. The hurdle race is much trickier, and unfortunately there are now only 7 runners, making it less attractive for each-way bettors like us. Darlan (Henderson/ McCoy) is the best horse in the field, but it is highly likely that he will not act on the ground, and both his stable companion Punjabi (Geraghty) and his owner´s other runner get me Out of Here (RP McLernon) may possibly be preferred. We like Punjabi, who has not run for almost 3 years, (no problem with this trainer) and who won the Champion Hurdle back in 2009.

Heavy ground - but racing on

There is still lots of rain about and the ground will be heavy almost everywhere, but almost all cards on today´s monster Boxing Day programme are expected to go ahead. Huntingdon, already called off a couple of days ago, is the only abandonment (so far). However Chepstow´s Welsh Grand National meeting tomorrow has been cancelled and it is hoped now to run the race on Saturday week January 5th. There should be no problems at Kempton for today´s King George, but the very testing ground will certainly have an influence on results and there are likely to be some non-runners. so punters should be careful.

Happy Christmas!

There is no racing in the U.K. on the 23rd, 24th and 25th December, giving stressed-out betting shop employees and racing journalists a welcome Christmas break. There is of course virtually non-stop racing in France, and also N.H. racing today in Thurles, although by Irish Sunday standards this is a very low-key card. Main event here is the listed hurdle race at 14,30 CET with 5 runners, 3 of them owned by Gigginstown Stud. Willie Mullins´ Midnight Game, out of an Acatenango mare, looks the best of them and is the choice of retained jockey Davy Russell. Despite giving weight away all round, he can take this at the main expense of Joxer (W Harney/ Bryan Cooper), who finished runner-up to him a year ago and is now 10 lbs better off. Willie Mullins can complete a double half an hour later with recent import from France Unika la Reconce (Ruby Walsh) in the mares maiden hurdle. We shall back on Wednesday, Boxing Day, with a huge programme (weather permitting!) featuring in particu lar the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

We wish all readers, punters and racing fans a very Happy Christmas!

Still raining

It is reported to be raining heavily at both Ascot and Haydock, so conditions are going to get even worse and it is not impossible that the meetings will be called off after all. The Irish meeting at Navan has already been abandoned.

Haydock today

Haydock has passed an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead. but here again the ground will be very heavy. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire look the team to follow here; they can take the main event, a listed mares novice hurdle at 14.10, with She Ranks Me, who won a similar race at Newbury last time, and has mainly the unexposed Scholastica (Tom Symonds/ Felix de Giles) to fear, and they have fancied runners in several other races. They can also take the novice chase at 13.40 with German-bred Kruzhlinin, but we think another German-bred Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) can beat their runner in the opening handicap hurdle at 13.10; he is a half-brother to German Derby winner Samum and should not be worried by the ground. Cannington Brook (Colin Tizzard/ Tom O´Brien) can repeat his 2011 victory on tjhe 3 mile handicap chase at 15.15; he is not so well handicapped this time, but loves Haydock and also heavy ground, which could give him the advantage today despite his huge weight.
Betting forecast:
1. Race: Able Deputy - Dormouse - Ballybriggan
2. Race: Majala - Kruzhlinin - Realt Mor
3. Race: She Ranks Me - Dancingtilmidnight - Scholastica
4. Race: Hollow Tree - Mwaleshi - Top Wood
5. Race: Merry King - Cannington Brook - Douglas Julian
6. Race: Desert Cry - Andreo Bambaleo - Kudu Country
7. Race: Ely Brown - Joseph Mercer - Barafundle

Ascot today

Another strong card at Ascot today, but the very testing ground will pose problems for many of the runners and punters should definitely take this into account. That said, we expect the powerful teams of Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson, who have dominated the Saturday cards so far this season, to be to the fore again. Nicholls was expected to take the main event, the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle over an extended 3 miles at 15.00 CET, with the great champion Big Buck´s, and in his enforced absence through injury can still win it with Prospect Wells (Ruby Walsh).His form is all at 2 miles, but the trainer thinks (and we agree!) that he can stay this trip; he has a superb pedigree, being a Sadlers Wells half-brother to Solemia, who won the Arc on very heavy ground in October. Henderson supplles the main danger with Master of the Hall (Tony McCoy), who has not run over hurdles for almost 3 years, but loves Ascot and loves heavy ground; much-improved handicapper Trustan Times (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello) looks the main danger to the big two.

The big betting race is the Ladbroke Hurdle over 2 miles at 16.10, a ferociously difficult handicap with 21 runners. The key could be the Cheltenham handicap a month ago in which several of these runners took part, including the winner Olofi (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), runner-up Cash and Go (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), third-placed Cause of Causes (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and fourth Bothy (Brian Ellison/ Patrick Corbett). We likefd Olofi then and still like him, but at these weights Cash and Go and Bothy might improve past him. Henderson has 3 more runners, of which we expecially fancy lightly-raced German-bred Lyvius (Jerry McGrath), who has been put up 8 lbs for his latest Newbury win, but looks the type to improve further. Nicholls saddles only one, Ranjaan (Walsh), one of several 4yo´s in the field, but he has been off almost a year and does not seem well handicapped for what he has actually achieved. Almost anything could win this, but at the likely odds we go alo ng with Bothy.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: De La Bech - Cheat The Cheater - Okafranca
2. Race: Solix - Cedre Bleu - Brass Tax
3. Race: Smad Place - Prospect Wells - Reve De Sivola
4. Race: Hold On Julio - Hey Big Spender - Roberto Goldback
5. Race: Balder Succes - Cash And Go - Ranjaan
6. Race: Ulck du Lin - Gus Macrae - Falcon Island

Ascot today

Ascot today stages a high class card, but the heavy ground and some small fields mean that it is not at all punter-friendly. Star of the show is Simonsig (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) who makes his eagerly-awaited chasing debut in the Grade Two novice chase at 15.30 CET. He was an outstanding novice hurdler last season, winning the championship events at Cheltenham and Aintree, but he has never run on ground as heavy as this. Obviously if he jumps round safely, he should win, but he is not a good bet at the likely long odds-on. Of his 4 opponents there is very little between Act of Kalanasi( Dr. Newland/ Richard Johnson) and Dare Me (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) on hurdles form, while the other two are both trained by Bob Buckler, including German-bred Sulpius (Jamie Moore), who has won 3 of his last 4 races, including at Folkestone only 3 days ago. He jumps well and acts on the ground, but is of course meeting far stronger opposition this time.

The other Grade Two race is the novice hurdle at 14.55, this time with only 4 runners. Strangely enough, none of the top stables have a runner in this, which should lie between the two penalised runners Meganisi (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Geraghty). The latter is unbeaten after winning two bumpers in excellent style and then taking his first hurdle race easily enough. He looks a good prospect, but is also certain to be at odds-on.

A better value bet to our mind is Pause and Clause (Emma Lavelle/ Dougie Costello) in the handicap hurdle over 2 3/4 miles at 16.05. He has npot run since being well breaten in a beginners´chase in June, but the stable is in gtfreat form, and all his best form has been on soft ground. The two penalised runners Dualseoir (Williams/ Coleman) and Spanish Arch (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), both up 7 lbs for easy wins last week, are the obvious dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fiddlers Bid - Letsby Avenue - Lookout Mountain
2. Race: Mentalist - Jumps Road - Be Definite
3. Race: Puffin Billy - Meganisi - Up To Something
4. Race: Simonsig - Act Of Kalanisi - Dare Me
5. Race: Duaiseoir - Spanish Arch - Farmer Matt
6. Race: Kings Palace - Captain Cutter - Tiqris

Uttoxeter off, also Newcastle tomorrow

The rainy weather continues, and today´s Uttoxeter meeting is off, as well as tomorrow´s Newcastle fixture. There could also be problems for tomorrow´s Haydock fixture. Ascot today goes ahead, but the going will be heavy and there are some small fields in the main events.

3 meetings today

We are left with 3 meetings today, N.H. racing at Towcester and flat racing on the all-weather this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton. The racing is at a very low level throughout and possibly punters would be better off by doing their last-minute Christmas shopping. At Towcester, we feel that on this bad ground oldtimers could have an advantage, so we select 12yo top-weight Miko be Beauchene (venetia Williams/ Robbie Dunne) at 15.10, 9yo CD specialist Ukrainian Star (Martin Keighley/ Alain Cawley) at 15.40 and 13yo Kinkeel (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) at 16.10. Kinkeel is of course famous for tilting at windmills and was last time tailed off behind Sprinter Sacre in the Tingle Creerk; this race however is his level and with bottom weight he shoiuld go close.

At Lingfield, the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.00 looks tricky; we are not confident about the chances of the two likely favourites Shahzan, ridden by an inexperienced apprentice, and Ertikaan (badly drawn), so perhaps the safest option is Cut Across (Nick Littmoden/ Seb Sanders) who is well drawn and in good form. However favourite Noble Silk (Lucy Wadham/ Luke Morris) can take the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 16.3O; this lightly-raced 3yo won over this CD when stepped up to this trip last time and can have too much speed for Tartan Jura (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), all of whose recent races have been at 2 miles. CD specialist Chjimes showed signs of coing back to form last time and can be another winner for Luke Morris half an hour earlier.

Another who is coming back to form is German-bred Querido (Paddy Butler/ Willy Twiston-Davies), who runs in the mile handicap at 18.00 at Kempton. This very well-bred 8yo has not lived up to his pedigree but is surely capable of playing a leading role here. Our other fancies at Kempton are Guest of Honour (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) at 19.00 and Honour (Sir Michael Stoute/ David Probert) half an hour later.

Towcester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Lydstep Point - It`s Oscar - Euro Trash
2. Race: Overafrica - Thorncliffer - Roseini
3. Race: Two Rockers - Young Hurricane - Long Wave
4. Race: Chac Du Cadran - Round The Horn - Little Chip
5. Race: Ukrainian Star - Overlay - Push The Trigger
6. Race: All For Cash - Topaze Collonges - Kinkeel
7. Race: Agent Fedora - Tonvadosa - Bobble Boru

Exeter, Downpatrick abandoned - Towcester on

Today´s meeting at Exeter - featuring the Peterborough Chase, already rescheduled from last week´s abandoned Huntingdon meeting, has had to be abandoned following heavy overnight rain. The Irish N.H. meeting at Downpatrick has also been abandoned. However Towcester has passed an inspection and racing is on there, although the going will be very heavy.

Good racing at Newbury

Today´s Newbury card is well above average for a Wednesday, and the most interesting event could be the maiden hurdle at 14.20 CET with 19 runners, several of them useful recruits from the flat. Notable among them is Poet (Clive Cox/ Dominic Elsworth), who was a genuine group race performer and makes his hurdling debut today. If he jumps round fluently and gets the run of the race (he was usually a front-runner on the flat) he should win, but he is not a good betting proposition, as flat form does not always work out over jumps.´Arabian Heights (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Veloce (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) are other useful flat runners going for ther first time over the sticks, while King´s other runner Fair Trade (Robert Thornton) and Snake Eyes (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) both made a good start by running up on their first attempt over hurdles. This race should be watched for future reference, but if forced to have a bet, we would go for Snake Eyes, described b y his trainer as having "huge potential".

Henderson has another interesting prospect in Cocktails at Dawn (Barry Geraghty) in the novice hurdle at 16.00; he fell in his only race so far, a point to point, but is also expected to make the grade. Brassick (Charlie Longsdon/Noel Fehily) has already shown useful form over hurdles, but is penalised 7 lbs for winning on his debut at Huntingdon, while Royal Guardsman (Susan Nock/ Paddy Brennan) was a smart bumper horse when trained by Colin Tizzard. Henderson and Geraghty also have a good chance of winning the opening 3yo hurdle race with Amoralist, but Swynmor (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne) was much better on the flat and can be preferred. There are some potentially smart chasers running in the Graduation Chase over 3 miles at 15.25; Rose of the Moon (David O´Meara/ Jake Greenall) has won both his chase starts in good style, but must give weight to Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Henry Oliver), who was a much better horse over hurdles. His form over fences is less convincing so far, but he should still win this. Tullamore Dew (Nick Gifford/ Denis O´Regan) also enters calculations on his old hurdles form.

There is also jumps racing at Ludlow, and all-weather flat racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton, all at a very modest level. Venetia Williams has runners at Newbury, so it is interesting that she sends her stable jockey Aidan Coleman to Ludlow,amd the pair have good chances here with Last Shot at 14.10, Drumshanbo half an hour later, and possibly top-weight Howards Legacy at 15.45. Best bet here however is Polly Peachum (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), who looks another good prospect for Henderson and can complete a good afternoon for the stable by winning the mares novice hurdle at 16.15.

Our main fancy at Lingfield is Whiskey Junction (Mick Quinn/ Andrea Atzeni) in the second division of the 6 furlongs handicap at 13.30. At Kempton we would have tipped ex-German Aviso (David Evans/ Adam Kirby) at 17.25, but he is drawn 14 of 14, which is normally the kiss of death here, so we shall go for the same team´s Forest Edge in the 5 furlongs handicap half an hour later. This fast improving 3yo has won 5 races since August, and judging by the style of his success at Wolverhampton on Saturday, has not stopped winning yet.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Swnymor - Amoralist - Attwaal
2. Race: Honest John - High Kite - Chartreux
3. Race: Poet - Snake Eyes - Fair Trade
4. Race: Chestnut Ben - Red Rock - Double Dash
5. Race: Rose Of The Moon - Restless Harry - Tullamore Dew
6. Race: Royal Guardsman - Uxizandre - Fergall
7. Race: Taffy Dare - Tenmoku - Reach The Beach

Folkestone finale

Folkestone today stages probably its last day of racing ever; this follows on from Hereford on Sunday, with both tracks being closed down by the owners Arc for financial reasons. In all honesty, today´s card is so poor that few racegoers will miss this racecourse. Most of the top jockeys are here and two likely winners are Pine Creek (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) in the opening novice hurdle at 13.30 CET and Shernando (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) in the maiden hurdle an hour later. Pine Creek showed ability on the flat for Andre Fabre and can win on his debut for Ferguson, who specialises in such cases, while Shernando won 4 races on the flat and has already showed talent over hurdles; the fdangers are prpbably German-bred Lord of House (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the earlier race, and Tidal Dance (Emma Lavelle/ Domicic Elsworth) in the later one. One German-bred who can win here is Sulpius (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury), who has done us two good turns recently; howe ver those wins were at Fontwell, while he fell on his only start here, so we are not 100% confident.

The N.H. card at Catterick is equally poor, but it is interesting that the two best handicaps are contested by last year´s winners, and is quite conceivable that they could both win again. They are Dystonia´s revenge (Sue and Chatltte Walton) over fences at 14.40 and Carmela Maria (Mike Sowersby/ Edmond Lineham) in the hurdle race, also over an extended 3 miles, at 15.10. Neither has won since that 2011 success and both seem to reserve their best form for this track.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield, but the racing here is equally undistinguished. Two horses we would like to see win for sentimental reasons are Ishi (Rod and James Millman) in the maiden race at 13.20, as the jockey will retire after this race, and Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20. The 11yo has been a great advertisement for the durability of the thoroughbred; he is running for the 220th time (believed to be a record) and has 19 wins and 67 places to his credit. His best form has arguably been at Kempton, but he also ran well here last time, and with some luck in running, he may be able to score for the 20th time today.

Folkestone - betting forecast:
1. Race: Pine Creek - If In Doubt - Whipcrackaway
2. Race: Talkonthestreet - Godsmejudge - Barlow
3. Race: Shernando - Tidal Dance - Ten More
4. Race: Lajidaal - Flowerbud - Sawago
5. Race: Witch`S Hat - Sulpius - Tchang Goon
6. Race: Stravita - Boomtown - Achieved
7. Race: Landenstown Star - Jasperito - Sea Cadet

3 meetings today

It is no point expecting good jumps racing this week with the huge post-Christmas cards only a few days away. Today´s fixtures at Ffos Laas and Plumpton are modest, with heavy ground and some small fields as well- especially at Plumpton, where normal each-way betting is almost impossible. Topny McCoy should certainly win the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.30 CET on Brendan Powell´s Fredlot (out of the good German mare Wurfklinge) and has a good chance of following up in the novice chase half an hour later on Paul Webber´s Cantlow. However he may find Oscara Dara(Nicky Henderson/ David Bass too strong; he has not run since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April, but is described by his trainer as "a serious prospect." McCoy´s final ride is on Philip Hobbs´ Thunderstorm in the handicap hurdle at 16.35; he has not run for 22 months, but if anywhere near proper race fitness, must have a good chance in this feeble company. The obvious danger is CD specialist Little Roxy (Anna New ton-Smith/Ryan Mahon).

The best race at Ffos Las in the handover hurdle at 15.15. Three of the 8 runners here were runner-up last time, Valley Lad (David Evans/ Paddy Brennan), Gran Torino (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Ski Sunday (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson). One of them will probably win today, although it is hard to choose between them; we go for Valley Lad, owned by course supremo Dai Walters. Another last time runner-up is Ulis de Vassy (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob), the horse that gave Jacob a lengthy suspension when the jockey appeared to stop riding briefly in the closing stages at Wincanton. We are not at all sure that he would have won that day, but the handicapper has - rather unfairly- put him up 6 lbs, so we prefer the top-weight Scorched Son (Vaughan/ Johnson), who was runner-up in this race last year with the remaining runners miles behind.

There are 8 races on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, but very little of interest. Solace (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) should win the 2yo maiden at 15.55, but is unlikely to be at a decent price. The admirable La Estrella (Don Cantillon/ Adam Kirby) should take the seller at 16.25; she is undefeated this year and although better known at a Southwell specialist, also has a good record here, with 5 wins from 9 starts. The card begins with two divisions of a low grade handicap for amateur riders, where the top-weights Benandonner (Paddy Butler/ Miss Bryant) at 14.55 and Knowe Head (James Unett/ Miss Jones) might come out on top.

Plumpton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sir Fredlot - My Boy Ginger - Lady Romanza
2. Race: Cantlow - Oscara Dara - Dark And Dangerous
3. Race: Ace Fighter Pilot - Uncle Jimmy - Water Wagtail
4. Race: Guydus - Brunette`Sonly - Bally Gunner
5. Race: Romney Marsh - Jordan - Marble Walk
6. Race: Captain Tidds - Ballyman - Wishes Or Watches
7. Race: Thunderstorm - Little Roxy - Marie Deja La

Away for the weekend

This column will be away for the weekend and be back on Monday. The big meeting is at Cheltenham, where Saturday´s International Hurdle at 16.05 is the main feature. Last season´s Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby, now trained by Harry Fry, makes his reappearance here, where his main rivals are expected to be Paul Nicholls´ Zarkandar and Nicky Henderson´s Grandouet. On Sunday, all eyes will be on German-bred Don Cossack, who attempts to win his fifth consecutive race in the Grade One novice hurdle at 13.55 at Navan.

3 poor meetings left

the jumps meetings at Huntingdon and Ludlow have been frozen off, but there is still N.H. racing in England at Taunton and in Ireland at Gowran Park. There is also flat racing on the all-weather this evening at Kempton.
We always like to follow the German-bred runners and at Taunton we like Home Run (David Piper/ Mr. K. Edgar) in ther handicap hurdle at 15.50 CET. Home Run, bred by Ammerland and trained last year by Peter Schiergen, won at Exeter last week, and as that was a race for conditional jockeys., has no penalty: He is ridden by a competent amateur who claims 10 valuable pounds. The main danger could be Key to Milan (Chris Down/ Giles Hawkins), who won over this CD 6 weeks ago. The novices limited handicap chase at 14.50 looks very tricky, with most of the runners having little fencing experience. We shall take a chance on Rajdhani Express (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), who seems well handicapped on his old hurdles form. He was beaten last time by Elenika (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), who runs in the handicap chase an hour later. This is also tricky, even with only 5 runners, and we prefer Ciceron (venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who is inconsistent but showed signs of coming back to form last time. Venetia also has a chance in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.20 with Kahsabelle (Liam Ttreadwell), but here we prefer recent CD winner Okafranca (Jim Old/ Micky Grant) and especially the lightly-raced maiden Canadian Dreamer (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who looks as if he will be suited by this longer distance.
Willie Mullins looks the trainer to follow at Gowran Park. Dougal Phillips could win the opening 3yo hurdle; he had quite useful flat form and is Ruby Walsh´s only ride of the day. Paddy Mullins rides his father´s other runners and can score on hurdling debutant Upazo at 14.05, Mozoltov at 15.05, a good bumper horse also making his debut over sticks, the frustrating Champagne Agent at 16.05, whio has been a beaten favourite in most of his races so far, and Super Mix in the bumper at 16.35. However all these are likely to start at very short prices.
At kempton this evening, we like Embankment (Willie Jarvis/ Jimmy Quinn) in the mile handicap at 18.30. This lightly-raced Juddmonte cast-off was trained earlier by Amanda Perrett but won his first race for his new trainer over this CD 3 weeks ago and looks as if he has plenty of improvement to come. Fellow 3yo´s Storm King (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Richard Hughes) and Bank On Me (Chatrlie McBride/ Raul da Silva) look the main dangers.

Betting forecast Taunton:
1. Race: Guess Again - Jojabean - Johnny Red
2. Race: Okafranca - Elegant Olive - Sovereign Spirit
3. Race: Changing Times - Carrigmorna King - Rajdhani Express
4. Race: Buck`s Bond - Gas Line Boy - Willoughby Hedge
5. Race: Home Run - Todareistodo - Key To Milan
6. Race: Elenika - Ciceron - Marshal Zhukov
7. Race: Very Noble - August Hill - Fighter Jet

3 all-weather meetings today

With the abandonment of both N .H. meetings today, we are still left with 3 all-weather flat meetings, at Lingfield and Kempton this afternoon, and in Ireland at Dundalk this evening. Lingfield is racing for the 8th straight day, but takes a break tomorrow. Once again there is an early start- at 13.00 CET- and once again 6 of the 8 races are class 6 and therefore of very little intetest. The 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30 could go to Jack Who´s He (David Evans/ EJ Walsh), who was runner-up over a mile here on Monday with this apprentice in the saddle. Top-weight Prime Exhibit (David Lloughnane/ William Carson) coukd be the main danger he has won at Wolverhampton and Kempton, but is running for the first time here. The 1 1*2 miles handicap at 16.00 is the only other race worth a second look. Stand Guard and Focal Maith are both penalised for winning last week, and have a huge weight to carry. Our eye is caught by ex-German Ordensritter (Chris Down/ Chris Catlin), who has been well beaten on both his British starts (both over hurdles), However he had some decent flat form in Germany and actually ran in the 2011 Deutsches Derby. He runs off a very low rating here and could possibly spring a surprise.

Lingfield - betting forecast:
1. Race: Krupskaya - Secret Symphony - Ilsa Lund
2. Race: Majuro - Irish Heartbeat - Abhaath
3. Race: Thecornishcowboy - Lady Arabella - Conducting
4. Race: Resplendent Alpha - Wordiness - Landesherr
5. Race: Syncopate - Heezararity - Grand Theft Equine
6. Race: Jack Who`S He - Roy The Boy - Waking Warrior
7. Race: Stand Guard - Focail Maith - Standpoint
8. Race: Breakheart - Refreshestheparts - Exopuntia


At Kempton, there are hot favourites in the first 4 races - all maidens- and they might even all win- Whipper Snapper (Bill Knight/ Jim Crowley) at 15.15, Kalokagathia (Jo Crowley/ Ian Mongan) at 15.45, Rangi (John Gosden/ William Buick) at 16.15 and Quadriga (Robert Eddery/ Andrea Atzeni) half an hour later. The best betting race is the 2 mile handicap at 17.45, but several of these horses have been racing against each other recently with mixed results. Thecornishcockney (John Ryan/ Adam Kirby) has won his last 2 races, last time beating Tartan Jura (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) at Wolverhampton, while Gabrial´s King (Ian Williams/ Steve Donohoe) won over this CD 13 days ago by half a length from Honourable Knight (Mark Usher/ Liam Keniry). There is probably very little between this quartet, we shall take a chance on Gabrial´s King, who seemed to win with a bit in hand and has a very light weight.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Whipper Snapper - Master Wizard - Upavon
2. Race: Kalokagathia - Excellent Jem - Sign Pro
3. Race: Rangi - Secret Rebel - Atlantis City
4. Race: Quadriga - Thomas Hobson - Snoqualmie Chief
5. Race: Jodies Jem - Canadian Run - Emulating
6. Race: Thecornishcockney - Gabrial`s King - Tartan Jura
7. Race: Percythepinto - Whinging Willie - Mr Knightley
8. Race: Quan - Clapped - Temple Road


At Dundalk this evening, it is interesting that some leading Irish trainers (Bolger, Halford etc) are still running 2yo´s and the Aga Khan´s well-bred Akdam (John Oxx/ Declan McDonough) must have chance in the 2yo maiden at 19.30. Collongbourneducis (Tommy Carmody/ Johnny Murtagh) is one his opponents; he ran a good race for Richard Hannon at Newbury last time and as Murtgah lost his job with the Aga Khan because of his association with Carmody, they will be keen to beat his runner today. Carmlody also runs two more ex-Hannon horses for the same owner with Murtagh up - Dynastic at 21.00 and Benbecula at 22.00 and both should rtun well. The other point of interest is that Davy Russell, Ireland´s champion N.H. jockey rides on the flat here - he partners top-weight Discoteca for trainer Gordon Elliott and his retainer Gigginstown Stud in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 21.30; Discoteca has won 4 times over hurdles in Ireland since leaving Mark Johnston and may be good enough to defy a huge weight here.

Dundalk - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fleet Captain - Like Magic - One Of Three
2. Race: Rummaging - La Belle Maison - Lord Kenmare
3. Race: Elleval - Won Diamond - Collingbourneducis
4. Race: Confident Cub - Gagnant - Dimitar
5. Race: Thebarberkelly - Dancingwithangels - Jumbo Steps
6. Race: Mona Brown - Hes Our Music - Castle Guest
7. Race: Discoteca - Shake The Bucket - Prince Of Fashion
8. Race: Benbecula - Urban Ball - Total Reality

3 poor meetings today

Both Sedgefield and Fontwell have passed early morning inspections, and racing goes ahead at both tracks. That´s the good news; the bad news is that the cards both here and on the all-weather at Lingfield are very poor indeed and are of little interest to the serious punter.

There are a couple of German-breds running at Fontwell and we like Sulpius (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury) in the handicap chase at 16.10 CET. He won here in good style a month ago, and then fell next time out at Folkestone when still with a winning chance. Top-weight Brousse en Feux, also a course winner this autumn but well below that form since, looks the main danger. Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Conor Ring) runs in the handicap hurdle at 15.40; he seems to have lost form completely, and will not like the ground too much either, but has dropped to a very lenient mark. The groujnd could also be a problem for Mr.Lando (Tony Carroll/ Wayne Hutchinson) in the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.40; he did however win on the heavy in Ireland before switching to this stable. He also has a German background, being by Shirocco out of an own sister to the admirable Caracciola. Our other fancy here is Aureate (Brian Forsey/ Wayne Kavanagh) in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; he was not disgraced l ast time when fifth at Hereford and this opposition is woefully weak.

The Sedgefield card is equally uninspiring. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire can land a double with Witness in Court at 13.50 and Dannanceys Hill at 14.20. Best bet here could be Brave Spartacus (Keith and James Reveley) in the novices handicap chase at 15.20; he was an easy winner at Catterick last week and should be able to defy a 7 lbs penalty here.

There is an early start at Lingfield, with the first race at 13.00. 6 of the 8 races are class 6 and barely worth a mention. The only race of note is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.00, in which Swiss Cross (Phil McEntee/ David Probert) has top weight following his win here 5 days ago; that was over 6 furlongs, but he is also effective over this trip, but we would not be surprised to see Woolfall Sovereign (George Margarson/ Ian Mongan), a close fifth to him last week, turn the table on 6 lbs better terms.

Fontwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dovils Date - Vexillum - Whipcrackaway
2. Race: Venetian Lad - Kaituna - Emperor`S Choice
3. Race: Pahente - Breaking Bits - Captain Bellamy
4. Race: Billybo - Kilvergan Boy - Destined For Fame
5. Race: Fitandproperjob - Ya Hafed - Crystal Swing
6. Race: Lapin Garou - Sulpius - Brousse En Feux
7. Race: Old Magic - Fran`S Folly - Morestead

3 meetings today

Musselburgh has passed an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead with some quite competitve fields. Our big fancy here is Danish-bred King Brex (Neil and Lucy Alexander) in the opening handicap chase for conditional jockeys at 13.20 CET. He has been running over hurdles, but is well handicapped on his old chasing form. The maiden hurdle half an hour later is also quite interesting.

Pure Style (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) is the obvious one here, having won a bumper last week, but also having shown decent form over the sticks; however Mungo Park (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), useful on the flat although disappointing on his only hurdles start, and Smart Ruler (Jimmy Moffatt/ Brian Harding), runner-up here last time, could both be dangerous. Ferguson and O´Regan have another good chance in the following handicap chase at 14.20 with Creekside, who was listed class on the flat for John Oxx and won his first race over fences in promising style. Everaard (Kate Walton/ Richie McGrath) is a real CD specialist, all his 4 wins over jumps have come here over this distance, and despite his poor recent form, can bounce back in the 3 miles handicap hurdle at 14.50, although in the same race we can´t resist a small e.w. bet on our old favourite Political Paddy (Richard Nixon/ Ryan Mania), who has been dropped to his lowest rating in years.

At Fakenham, the most interesting runner is Ericht in the opening maiden hurdle at 14.00. Nicky Henderson has booked the relatively inexperienced Gary Derwin to partner this frustrating character, who was a top bumper horse two seasons ago but has so far failed to show his form over hurdles. The stable is in great form and we expect him to beat this lot today. Henderson also saddles Cervaro (Mr. J. Sherwood) in the concluding mares novice hurdle at 16.30. She won a bumper last time with this rider up and can now score over the sticks, although Terre du Vent (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), a smart stayer on the flat when trained in France, is an obvious danger. Today is the trainer´s birthday and is third runner here, Lieutenant Miller (Jerry McGrath) who runs in the handicap hurdle at 15.30 also has a good chance. The Twiston-Davies team is also in good form, and Frontier Spirit can repeat his 2011 victory in the handicap chase at 15.00.

Lingfield is racing every day at the moment as a result of the problems at Wolverhampton and Southwell. Today´s card on the all-weather is pretty moderate, and easily the best race is the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.10. Robin Hoods Bay (Ed Vaughan/ Jimmy Fortune) is the clear form choice here, having been beaten a neck over this CD 12 days ago, but top-weight Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ George Baker) looks an interesting alternative. He has been running in better company over a mile, and if he stays the extra two furlongs here, must have a good chance in this grade.

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Pickworth - King Brex - Dica
2. Race: Pure Style - Flaming Arrow - Formulation
3. Race: Hazy Tom - Swift Arrow - Creekside
4. Race: Everdon Brook - Word Of Warning - Benmadigan
5. Race: Castletown Bridge - Ubaltique - Rock Relief
6. Race: Dawn Commander - Blenheim Brook - Balding Banker
7. Race: Lord Of Tara - Mister Nibbles - Brijomi Queen

top chasers in action in Ireland

after yesterday´s top sport at Sandown and Aintree, the main action moves today to Ireland where there is high class racing at Punchestown and Cork. The best race is the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.00 CET at Punchestown. Even with only 3 runners this is a highly competitive race, as is seen by the fact that Rubi Light (Robert Hennessy/ Barry Geraghty), an easy winner of this last year, is the outsider of the field. Bog Warrior is unfortunately a non-runner, but his owners Gigginstown Stud can still win this. Flemenstar is the bookmakers´ favourite here, after winning his last 6 races, most of them in impressive style, but he faces an extremely tough opponent in Sir des Champs (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell), who is unbeaten in 7 starts; he won the Jewson at Cheltenham an followed up here with the Champion Novice Chase over 3 miles. He has not run since that April victory, and this trip is shorter, but we side with him today. He is already regard ed as Mullins´ Gold Cup horse and whoever wins today will probably be made clear favourite for Cheltenham.
He could well be one of the sars for leading owners Gigginstown Stud (Michael O´Leary) today. as we expect their two runners in the listed novice hurdle here at 14.00 to play a leading role - alrthough Waheeb (Dermot Weld/ Mark Walsh) must be the one to beat here - and they also have fancied runners at Cork. Gigginstown should certainly take the Grade Three Stayers Novice Hurdle at 14 15 at Cork, and in fact can take the first two places with Road to Riches (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Rogue Angel (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper). The rest of the Cork card can belong to Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, who can take the opening maiden hurdle at 13.45 with Shamar, the main feature, the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase with the mare Blazing Tempo, who receives 12 lbs from her main opponent Realt Dubh, and the Grade Three mares novice chase at 15,15 with the very promising Tarla.
The U.K. racing is poor by comparison, but in view of the excellent stable form (3 winners at Aintree yesterday) we expect Cotswold Charmer (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) to win the Scottish Borders National at 15.25 at Kelso.

Betting forecast Punchestown:
1. Race: Pride Ofthe Parish - Futuramic - Blissful Moment
2. Race: Balnaslow - Rory O`Moore - Too Scoops
3. Race: Happy New Year - Followmeuptocarlow - Whatdreamsrmadeof
4. Race: Flemenstar - Sir Des Champs - Rubi Light
5. Race: Mikael D`Haguenet - Lord Windermere - Prima Vista
6. Race: Caduceus - In Great Form - Glenquest
7. Race: Redundant Man - Sizing Tennessee - Time Please

Becher Chase at Aintree

Sandown is not the only track with decent racing today, and Aintree in particular has a good card, with the Becher Chase, a handicap over 3 1/4 miles of the Grand National course, the main feature. This is very much a race for specialists, so it is no surprise to see 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the line-up, as well as the last two winners of this race Hello Bud (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and West End Rocker (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), as well as several horses that finished further behind in those races. They could all run well again, although we cannot fancy Ballabriggs with top weight here, but Hello Bud - now a sprightly 14yo- runs so much better here than anywhere else that he must be given serious consideration. Our main fancy here is Irish challenger In Compliance (Dessie Hughes/ Niall Madden), fifth to Ballabriggs in 2011, while of the newcomers Join Together (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) has an obvious chance, especial ly in view of the fantastic stable form.
John Ferguson´s string is coming into form, and the Maktoum bloodstock adviser had two good chances here, with debutant Buthelezi in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.00 and Asaid in the handicap hurdle at 15.45, both partnered by Jack Quinlan. Top-weight Bear´s Affair (Nicky Henderson/ Jerry McGrath) looks the one to beat in ther latter event, but Merrydown (Nicky Richards/ Dougie Costello) also looks dangerous off a low weight. In the novice handicap hurdle at 14.35 Master of the Sea (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) makes a quick reappearance after his easy win at Hereford on Wednesday, and if he is suffering no ill-effects from that race, could well win again under a 7 lbs penalty.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Buthelezi - Glyn Ceiriog - Oscar Magic
2. Race: Cockney Sparrow - L`Unique - Boonga Roogeta
3. Race: Quito De La Roque - Calgary Bay - Across The Bay
4. Race: Master Of The Sea - Beeves - Bathwick Brave
5. Race: West End Rocker - Join Together - Ballabriggs
6. Race: Bear`S Affair - Weekend Millionair - Merrydown
7. Race: Tranquil Sea - Chance Du Roy - Gansey

Tingle Creek at Sandown: Sprinter Sacre vs Sanctuaire

the most eagerly awaited clash of the season takes place today at 16.05 CET- with the two brilliant two-milers Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Sanctuaire (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) in opposition in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park. This is always a spectacular race and Sandown is the ideal track for such confrontations. Both of these runners, both French-bred 6yo´s, are unbeaten in chases - Sprinter Sacre is 5/5 and Sanctuaire 3/3 - so its a case of the unstoppable force against the immoveable object this afternoon, especially at they represent the two most powerful N.H. stables in the U.K. and are ridden by two of the most successful jump jockeys of all time. Sprinter Sacre has arguable the better form and is the higher rated - by 3 lbs officially, but by 11 lbs according to Timeform, but we would not be surprised to see Sanctuaire beat him today. Paul Nicholls has done a brilliant job in getting this once headstrong character to calm do wn a bit, although it seems almost certain that he will make the running. Sandown is an excellent track for front-runners and Sanctuaire has already won here twice. Furthermore we think that he might be better suited by the soft going than his rival, most of whose form is on good going. If Sanctuaire leads Sprinter Sacre by 3 lengths coming into the straight, then we could be treated to the finish of the season. Under normal circumstances, none of the other 5 runners has a chance, but the match between these two superstars should be enough to satisfy every fan of jumps racing.
Nicholls and Henderson look set to dominate the card, as so often this season, and go head to head again in the Grade One Henry VIII novice chase at 14.55, where they are represented by Hinterland and Captain Conan respectively. Both were smart hurdlers, who have run just once over fences, but while Captain Conan won well, Hinterland - still only 4- did not jump that well and was beaten at odds-on.That could give Henderson the advantage this time.
Henderson and Geraghty can start the afternoon off by winning the opening novice hurdle at 13.20 with Golden Hoof; as the only winner in the field, he has to give 7 lbs to his 5 opponents, but he could be up to the task. Nicholls can get one back with top weight Sam Winner (Walsh) in the 2 3/4 miles handovap hurdle at14.25; Sam Winner was a smart hurdler - 4th in the Triumph - but did not take well to fencing and has fallen in both his chases. Now he reverts to hurdling - shades of Big Bucks! The two German-breds here Big Easy (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Lightning Strike (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) could well run into the money in this very open event.
Henderson has another good chance with Petit Robin in the listed handicap hurdle at 15.30. He has been put up 6 lbs for his narrow win at Ascot last time, but the allowance of his excellent amateur rider Nico de Boinville more than cancels that out. The main danger could be the much improved Ifandbutwhynot (David O´Meara/ O´Regan), who has shot up in the weights following two wins, but the form of these races looks solid enough.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Hoof - Theatrelands - Beckhani
2. Race: Kentford Grey Lady - Florafern - Rosairlie
3. Race: Arkose - Sam Winner - Araldur
4. Race: Captain Conan - Hinterland - Third Intention
5. Race: Petit Robin - Ifandbutwhynot - Dolatulo
6. Race: Sprinter Sacre - Sanctuaire - Kumbeshwar
7. Race: Tempo De Cotte - Lively Baron - Fortification

Sandown and Exeter

Sandown stages a decent card today with the emphasis on novices. The Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.45 CET has only 5 runners, but all are potentially smart. Perhaps Taquin de Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) will come out on top; he had useful flat form in France, won first time over hurdles at Uttoxeter and was then runner-up to a Henderson hotpot at Ascot. The listed future stars chase over 3 miles at 15.20 has only 4 runners, and on ratings Pacha Du Polder (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Bold Sir Brian (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) should have the race between them. Pacha was pulled up in the Old Roan Chase last time, but had previously won well at Ayr´ s big April meeting; however he must give 4 lbs to the Scottish raider, who is in excellent form, having won 4 of his last 5 races. Brian is up in trip here, but clearly acts well on very soft ground and is our selection. The handicaps offer more interesting betting opportunities. The 3 mile han dicap chase for amateur riders at 15.55 could go to useful point-to-pointer Monkerty Tunkerty (Jessica Westwood/ Josh Guerriero), as this is a good track for front-runners; Dashing George (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tom Weston), who was runner-up over this CD 22 months ago but has only run twice since, would be a big danger is back to his old form. Tanerko Emery (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) ran an excellent race when runner-up in a big field at Cheltenham last time; he has been put up 5 lbs for that, but still looks well handicapped in the novices handicap hurdle at 16.30. Ex-German Electric Tiger (David Bridgwater/ Tom Phelan) is no star, but could well run into a place here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Valco De Touzaine - Dollar Bill - Juno The Muffinman
2. Race: Thanks For Coming - Wings Of Smoke - Fairy Rath
3. Race: Taquin Du Seuil - Southfield Theatre - Le Bec
4. Race: Pacha Du Polder - Bold Sir Brian - Triolo D`Alene
5. Race: Very Stylish - Deireadh Re - Satou
6. Race: Tanerko Emery - Barenger - Haymarket



An ex-German with a better chance in our opinion is Home Run (David Pipe/ Samuel Welton), who runs in the opening race at Exeter at 13.30. The Ammerland-bred is closely related to Hurricane Run but has so far totally failed to live up to expectations; however in this feeble company he could well be thereabouts. The big betting race at Exeter is the marathon chase over 4 miles at 14.30. We also like Pipe´s runner here, Shaking Hands (Tom Bellamy), who was runner-up in this last year and looks as of he has been trained with this race in mind again. The two top-weights Our Island (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) and Lord Tomnoddy (Kim Bailey/ Nick Scholfield) have obvious form chances, but this trip on heavy ground will require a great deal of stamina and the more lightly-weighted runners could have an advantage. We therrefore think that Desperate Dex (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who has won both his starts since switching to this in-form trainer, but is up in class here., could be the main danger to our selection. The best horse running at Exeter-indeed anywhere- today is Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Johnson), who has only two opponents to beat in the novice chase at 14.00. Fingal Bay has won 6 of his 8 starts, and finished runner-up in the other two in top company, and only has to jump round to win. However he will not be a betting proposition, as he will start at Frankellian odds.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Home Run - Ripoff - Midnight Lira
2. Race: Fingal Bay - Chartreux - Ashbourne Folly
3. Race: Desperate Dex - Lord Tomnoddy - Chesapeake
4. Race: The Italian Yob - Orabora - Key To The West
5. Race: Irish Buccaneer - Diamond Life - Presenting Arms
6. Race: Musical Wedge - The Big Freeze - Royal Chatelier
7. Race: Vibrato Valtat - Allons Zee - Storm Lantern

Leicester off, Wincanton on

Today´s fixture at Leicester has been abandoned because of frost, but the Wincanton meeting goes ahead. Our main fancies here are Grandioso, surprisingly Paul Nicholls´ only runner of the day at his local track, who runs in the opening beginners chase at 14.10 CET, and Ballinahow Star (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) in the mares maiden hurdle at 16.10. Scott also has a good chance of winning the handicap hurdle at 15.40 as well, in which he has two runners.

Racing still doubtful

At the time of writing (10.45 CET), racing at Leicester and Wincanton still looks doubtful with frost still in the ground, so we shall have a quick look first at Clonmel, with Irish N.H. racing, and Lingfield (all-weather flat racing), although zhe cards at both tracks are very uninspiring. Willie Mullins, as usual, looks the trainer to follow at Clonmel. He can have 3 winners - Fatcatinthehat (Ruby Walsh) in the opening 3yo maiden hurdle at 13.45, Glens Melody (Paddy Mullins) in the mares maiden hurdle half an hour later, and Ballycasey (Paddy) in the concluding bumper at 16.45. Mullins also saddles Cadspeed (Walsh) in the beginners chase at 15.45. but this one has already run 5 times over fences without convincing; this ace has quite a strong field, but the one to beat on form over the sticks must be The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ PF Mangan), who was a smart hurdler but now runs over fences for the first time.

The best teace at Lingfield is the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.25. Lightly-raced 3yo Mezzotint (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) is the likely favourite here. He has already shown good form on the all-weather -though not here- but he has not run since winning at Windsor in June. Swiss Cross (Phil McEntee/ David Probert) can be preferred on current form, and ran a strong race over this CD on his second last start. An interesting outsider here is Valery Borzov (Richard Fahey/ William Carson), who has little a-w experience but has come down a long way in the weights following a poor campaign on turf this year. On his best earlier form he is thrown in here. The 5 furlongs handicap half an hour later is also quite open, but we like Havin´a Good Time (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni). Another lightly-raced 3yo, he has won 3 of his 6 starts, including this CD in September; he is up on the weights, but we think he can improve further.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fatcatinthehat - Volt Sun - Dayrina
2. Race: Glens Melody - Sophies Shadow - Miss Palm
3. Race: Pretty Happy - War Of Words - Jack The Ref
4. Race: Dont Back Down - Troll D`oudairies - Dangan Daylight
5. Race: The Real Article - Lucky Spring - Please Talk
6. Race: Jack Bene - Karinga Queen - Urban Gale
7. Race: Ballycasey - Fairy Court - Bronco Mcmahon

Market Rasen off, Leicester and Wincanton: further inspections

Today´s meeting at Market Rasen has been abandoned as the track is frozen. Frost is also the problem at Leicester and Wincanton, where early morning inspections proved inconclusive. Both tracks will inspect again later.

5 poor meetings today

The flood of low level racing continues at today´s 5 meetings, 3 over jumps and two on the all-wreather. The most interesting race of the day is the novice chase at 14.10 CET at Hereford, featuring Salden Licht (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Vulcanite (Charlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy). Both areb making their chasing debut, both are flat-bred and were not far off listed class on the flat, and both have shown good form over hurdles.

Especially Salden Licht, who has a German pedigree, and was third in a Grade One hurdle at Aintree in 2011. However he has not run since, so Vulcanite, a winner at Fakenham in October, might have a slight advantage. However we will stick with Salden Licht, who is clear best on ratings. Grams and Ounces (Jon and Thomas Flint) has already run well over fences and looks next best. Drumshambo (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) makes a quick reappearance after finishing third at Newbury on Saturday. These opponents, of whom consistent Anay Turge (Nigel Hawke/ Mick Quinlan) is probably the best, are much weaker and if he has recovered from that race, he must go close here.

Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire are in great form and look the team to follow at Catterick. Right to Rule can defy a penalty in the novice hurdle at 13.50, although Moidore (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello) looks a real threat here, while Avenging Ace, down in trip, can take the beginners chase at 14.50 and Doyly VCarte looks almost unbeatable in the mares novice hurdle half an hour later. We think that Samantha Drake is excellent value for her 7 lbs claim and hope to see her win the handicap chase at 14.20 on Joanne Foster´s Vardas Supreme.

Another possible three-time winner is Willie Mullins at Wexford. He can win the opening maiden hurdle with Mr. Groocock (Paul Townend), the mares novice hurdle at 13.45 with Tasitlocht and the concluding bumper with debutant Shake the Tree, the last two both partnered by his son Paddy. The flat racing at Lingfield and Kempton is dreadul. It is unusual to see Henry Cecil saddling a runner at this time of year, but he runs Srinagar Girl (Ian Mongan) in the mile maiden at Lingfield at 14.00. She has already run 9 times so is clearly no star. but still stands out in this poor field.

Hereford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Return Spring - Midnight Appeal - Highland Retreat
2. Race: Salden Licht - Vulcanite - Grams And Ounces
3. Race: Kapdor - Stravita - Ajman
4. Race: Rody - Drumshambo - Anay Turge
5. Race: Esteem - Noble Perk - Future Profit
6. Race: Prime Edition - Doubletoilntrouble - Landenstown Star
7. Race: Amifunnyyet - Wadswick Court - Rifle Shot

3 more poor meetings today

Very poor sport on offer today on the U.K., with jumps racing at a low level in Folkestone (possibly its penultimate meeting ever!) and Towcester (standing in for Southwell, which is closed because of flooding) and even worse flat racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. There are a couple of interesting German-breds running at Folkestone, and we think that Ullmann-bred Promised Wings (Charlie Gordon/ Tom Cannon) must have a good chance in the opening handicap hurdle at 13.30 CET. The Monsun gelding was a winner here a year ago over 2 1/2 miles and today´s trip of two furlongs further should be no great problem. Inner Steel (Mrs. Richards/ Leighton Aspell) looks the main danger, having been runner-up the last twice, but he is actually still a maiden at the age of 7. Quadrato (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne), a son of Sholokhov, could run well in the novice hurdle half an hour later, but the opposition looks quite strong here. The maiden hurdle at 15.00 looksd a match between U topian (Nick Gifford/ Aspell) and Westwatrd Point (Warren Greatrax/ Tony McCoy), both bumper winners. McCoy has a great record when riding for this trainer - they had a winner yesterday- and is therefore the selection. The handicap hurdle at 15.30 is for French and British amateur riders, and Splendid Life ( F Lagarde/ C Coste) came over from France last year to win at 33-1 and must have a chance of doubling up. However we prefer Mezarat (Michael Gates/ Nico de Boinville), as in our view the rider is the best amateur jockey around.

At Towcester, L´Eldorado (CC Bealby/ Tom Messenger) could defy top weight in the handicap chase at 13.45. He has been running in much better races and has been given a real chance by the handicapper. In theory, Angles Hill (R Woollacott/ MG Nolan) should win the novice hurdle at 14.50; his second place at Cheltenham last time is easily the best form on offer here, but lightly-raced Cloud Creeper (Donald McCain/ Calum Whillans) could be a problem. Cayman Islands (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) is an interesting runner in the maiden hurdle at 15.20. He ran badly on his British debut, but was quite highly regarded when trained earlier on the flat by André Fabre. The two to beat on current form are clearly Present View (Jamie Snowden/ Tom O´Brien) and Moscow Presents (McCain/ Jason Maguire). We don´t like backing hot favourites in handicaps, but Dancing Daffodil (Robin Dickin/ Benjamin Poste) must have a great chance at 15.50; she has no penalty for her very easy win at Ludlow (by 46 lengths!) last time out. The opposition was poor that day but is probably no better today.

It is very rare to have Turkish-bred winners in the U.K., but Infortual (Charlie Hills/ Robert Winston) must have a good chance in the 7 furlongs maiden at 15.40 at Wolverhampton. On his only previous start, when trained by Marco Botti, he finished a close third at Lingfield in February, and a repetition of that form would be good enough. Punters are advisred to wait before having a bet on the staying handicap here at 16.40, as Thecornishcockney and Chookie Hamilton both won here yesterday, while Pertemps Networks (Mick Easterby/ Graham Gibbons) on here on Saturday. It is unlikely that they will all turn out out again, but our selection is the last-named - if he runs- as he runs his best races here.

Folkestone - betting forecast:
1. Race: Inner Steel - Finnegan Paddy - Award Winner
2. Race: Minella For Steak - Portrait Emotion - Beforeall
3. Race: Roc De Guye - Quix - Flowerbud
4. Race: Westward Point - Utopian - More Of That
5. Race: On The Feather - Splendid Life - Coverholder
6. Race: Spot The Ball - Guydus - Mr Valentino
7. Race: Ranthambore - I`m A College Boy - Midsummer Dream

3 poor meetings today

Very low level sport today, over jumps at Plumpton and on the all-weather at Kempton and Wolverhampton.
At Plumpton it is usually a good idea to stick to course specialists, and quite a few of them will be in action today. The 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.10 saw Ballyman (Jonathan Geake/ Micky Grant) and She´s Humble (Liinda Jewell/ Andrew Thornton) take the first two places last year, amd the same could happen again today. Madame Jasmine (Suzie Smith/ Gavin Sheehan) has won 3 times over this CD and can make it number 4 in the stayers handicap hurdle at 14.40, where Twin Bud (Anna Newton-Smith/ Mattie Batchelor), who was runner-up to him last time, can again be the main danger. Just Beware (Zoe Davison/ Gemma Gracey-Davison) is another course specialist and can take the handicap hurdle at 15.40 from Thundering Home (Nick Mitchell/ Tom Bellamy), a 28-1 winner at Kempton last week. Dushy Valley (P Henderson/ James Best) won twice this over this CD in November and can complete a quick hat-trick at the main expense of Beware Chalk Pit (Geake/ Grant), whose only win came over th is CD, in the stayers handicap chase at 16.10.

Oiur big hope here however is ex-German Dawn Twister in the opening novice hurdle at 13.40. A listed class horse for Baron Ullmann, he seems to have got the hang of things over hurdles, judging by his latest win, and can give Pendra (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) his first defeat. The most interesting race here is the beginners chase at 14.10. Hawke´s Point (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Pateese (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) were both smart hurdlers and now making their debut over fences. The ex-Nicholls runner Escort´Men (Tony Middleton/ Nick Scholfield) was equally highly rated, but seems a very difficult ride. If his new trainer can get him to settle, then he must also have a chance in this company.

The all-weather cards today are very poor, with the vast majority of races class 6. The "best" race at Wolverhampton is the 2 mile handicap at 16.30. Italian Riviera (Sir Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris) has won his last 3 races, including this CD, but has shot up theweights and we prefer Tartan Jura (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa), who has also shown improved form since stepping up in distance, and after winning at Goodwood, ran well last time over this CD.

The most interesting races at Kempton are the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 16.20 and 16.50, but with very little form to go on, they are best watched. The 7 furlongs handicap here at 18.20 looks very open; we shall take a chance on the lightly-raced Haaf a Sixpense (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley). After two wins at Wolverhampton, he started favourite for a handicap at Salisbury in May but unseated his rider after stumbling; he has not been since, but if he is back to form, can defeat these opponents, most of whom look very exposed.

Plumpton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dawn Twister - Workbench - Lord Of The Dunes
2. Race: Hawkes Point - Pateese - Opening Batsman
3. Race: Madame Jasmine - Bunglasha Lady - Twin Bud
4. Race: Ballyman - Inthejungle - She`S Humble
5. Race: Thundering Home - Little Roxy - Just Beware
6. Race: Changing Lanes - Dushy Valley - Beware Chalk Pit
7. Race: Kings Palace - Massini Lotto - Strollawaynow

Three Grade One races at Fairyhouse

today´s Fairyhouse fixture is one of the best Irish N.H. meetings of the year, featuring 3 Grade one races and also a Grade Three. They all have small fields but are nonetheless highly competitive. The Hatton´s Grace Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40 CET is the main event and Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch) will be attempting to repeat her victory from last year.

Since then she has been runner-up 4 times, notably when chasing home Buck´ s House in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. So You8ng (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) was ninth then, and stable-companion Zaidpour (Ruby Walsh) looks the stable´s best hope. However the main threat to Voler la Vedette, who was a bit disappointing on her seasonal debut but is generally very consistent and a course specialist, could be Monksland (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), 3rd of 19 in the Neptune at Cheltenham and an easy winner of his only start since. We hope that Voler La Vedette´s defeat last time was just a blip and expect to triumph again, especially as she is in receipt of 7 lbs from her male opponents.

The Drinmore Novice Chase over the same distance at 14,35 should go to Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), a Grade One winning novice hurdler last season, who made a spectacular debut over fences when winning by 34 lengths at Punchestown. All 5 runners here won over fences last time out, so he is no certainty, and Arvika Ligeonniere (Mullins/ Walsh), who made a winning comeback in May after two years off the trrack, looks the likeliest danger.

The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle over 2 miles at 14.05 is another hot race. 5 of the 6 runners won last time, the exception being Midnight Oil (Russell), one of 3 runners trained by Willie Mullins, and he is by no means out of it, although his stable companions Champagne Fever (Walsh) and Zuzka (Townend) are possibly in with a bigger chance. Champagne Fever won both the champion bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestowm in the spring, and won his first race over the sticks easily enough, but faces strong opposition here. We just prefer Minsk (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper), who was a smart flat horse for John Oxx and has made a pleasing start to his hurdling career - although he might find this trip on the short side.

In any case Hughes and Cooper should take the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.35 with Our Conor, who was quite useful on the flat and won his race over the sticks in the style of a very promising performer.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Our Conor - Brog Deas - South South West
2. Race: Champagne Fever - Minsk - Jezki
3. Race: Dedigout - Arvika Ligeonniere - Buckers Bridge
4. Race: Our Girl Salley - Rising Time - Shop Dj
5. Race: Voler La Vedette - Monksland - Zaidpour
6. Race: Tarquinius - Highdownhill - Ardglen
7. Race: Saffron Wells - Outlander - Thomond

Carlisle off, Leicester doubtful

Today´s meeting at Carlisle has been abandoned, while Leicester - where there will be an inspection later- also looks doubtful. The reason now is frost rather than flooding. There is a "jumpers bumper" meeting on the all-weather at Kempton while there are expected to be no problems at the Irish meeting at Fairyhouse, though the ground will of course be heavy.

Rest of today´s racing

Although Newbury obviously stages the best racing, there is also N.H. racing today at Towcester and Newcastle, as well as Fairyhouse in Ireland, while Wolverhampton has all-weather flat tracing this evening (hoorah!). Newcastle has passed an early morning inspection, but the ground will be very heavy and there are only 4 runners in the two big hurdle races. The Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle over 2 miles at 15.20 is the main event, and Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, who have won for the past two years, can take it again with Cinders and Ashes, who is going for a five-timer. He holds Irish raider Trifolium (Charlie Byrnes/ Andrew Lynch), who finished two lengths behind him in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham back in March. Countrywide Flame (John Quinn/ Denis O´Regan) also won at the Festival, taking the Triumph Hurdle, and he has also been in good form on the flat. However 4yo´s rarely win this and we also think that Cinders and Aahes will be better suited by the h eavy going. Bothy (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) will certainly like the going; he has been supplemented, but does not look good enough, despite a brave effort last time in a hot Cheltenham handicap. Thanks to the weather, the turnout is disappointing here, but we expect Cinders and Ashes to win and complete a double for trainer and jockey after Bit of a Jig in the novice hurdle at 14.10, who may get the better of Maggio (P Griffin/ James Reveley).

Newcastle - betting forecast:
1. Race: Red Rocco - No Planning - Same Difference
2. Race: Twice Lucky - Mansonien l`As - Beau Dandy
3. Race: Rendl Beach - Maggio - Bit Of A Jig
4. Race: Samenerve - Billy Cuckoo - Whats Up Woody
5. Race: Cinders And Ashes - Countrywide Flame - Trifolium
6. Race: Shanen - Lord Wishes - Kane River
7. Race: Benny Be Good - Junior - Bescot Springs



The Towcester card is relatively weak, but we think that Bobbie Magern (Graham McPherson/ Tom Molloy) could be a decent each-way bet in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.35; he is still a maiden, but has often enough run well in this grade, including his last 2 starts, and the opposition does not look strong. Gordon Elliott has his string in good form and can take the main event at the Irish track, a handicap hurdle at 15.30, with Beef to the Heels, who can complete a hat-trick under Jane Mangan. Paddy Brennan is here to partner Staying Article for Edward O´Grady in the hurdle race at 13.45 and he might be able to concede 5 lbs to Willie Mullins´ two runners, Midnight Game (Davy Russell) and Simenon (Paul Townend).

Towcester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Valrene - Toot Sweet - Tamira
2. Race: Tullyraine - Fighting Flynn - Baileys Concerto
3. Race: Ibn Hiyyan - Truckers Benefit - Roseini
4. Race: Future Dominion - Molly Oscar - Bobbie Magern
5. Race: Shotgun Paddy - Timesishard - Two Rockers
6. Race: Borderhopper - Kirkhammerton - Royaume Bleu
7. Race: Princess Annabelle - Calusa Star - Shipton

Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

The Hennessy Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles due to be run this afternoon at 16.10 CET at Newbury, is always one of the best handicaps of the season and we shall be seeing many of these runners again at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Bobs Worth (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) won the RSA Chase there last time and is now being aimed at the Gold Cup itself; if that is the case, then he should win this today.

We don´t like backing favourites in big handicaps, but Bobs Worth has an undeniable chance. Henderson also saddles Roberto Goldback (Jerry McGrath), but this one is handicapped to the hilt and we cannot see him repeating his Ascot victory over Duke of Lucca (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) on 12 lbs worse terms. In fact Duke of Lucca - whose team did us a big favour yresterday with Fair Along - is our best each-way bet here. First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper) is a fancied runner from Ireland. He was runner-up to Kauto Stone at Down Royal last time and at Cheltenham runner-up to Bobs Worth after a long battle, but is only one pound better off now, which may not be enough.

Paulk Nicholls saddles two here, Tidal Bay with Ruby Walsh (if he hads recoivered from yesterday´s fall) and Harry the Viking (Daryl Jacpb), who jhas a nice weoight but has been pulled up the last twice; Tidal Way is top class both over hurdles and fences, but if he wins this off 166 it will be the handicap performance of the year. Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Nick Scholfield) and Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Mattie Bachelor) have won the last two runnings, but both seem to be totally out of form at present. David Pipe´s The Package will be ridden by Tom Scudamore, as Timmy Murphy will be out of action for several weeks; he won well last time at Wincanton but this looks much tougher. Obvuousky there are lots og pssobiltzies here with 19 runners, and Hold On Julio (Alan King/ Choc Thornton) and Saint Are (Tim Vaughan/ Dougie Costello) are also worth a mention, but our 3 against the field are Bobs Worth, First Lieutenant and Duke of Lucca (each way).

The best horse running today will be seen at 15.00: Big Bucks (Nicholls/ Walsh), the highest-rated N.H. horse in training and now going for his 18th consecutive success, including 5 over this CD. He will win the Long Distance Hurdle over 3 miles for the 4th time; his last defeat came on this very day in 2008., when he fell at the last in the Hennessy. Since then he has stuck to hurdling, with amazing success. He faces only 3 inferior rivals today and will start at an impossible price, but will still bring the house down after his inevitable victory.

The other big race is the listed mares novice hurdle at 13.50. This looks quite tricky, but Henderson has a high opinion of Ma Filleule (Geraghty), winner of 3 chases in France, and she might be good enough, although her one British win tells us very little. Call Me a Star (Alan King/ Thornton) beat Eleven Fifty Nine (Tony Honeyball/ Rachael Green) at Uttoxeter and can confirm that form on the same terms, while She Ranks Me (Donald McCain/ Tony McCoy) is also proven in this grade.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hunters Lodge - Ballyoliver - Minella Stars
2. Race: Ma Filleule - She Ranks Me - Call Me A Star
3. Race: Rolling Aces - Merry King - Seven Woods
4. Race: Big Buck`S - Fox Appeal - Reve De Sivola
5. Race: Salubrious - Ardlui - At Fishers Cross
6. Race: Bobs Worth - Hold On Julio - Tidal Bay
7. Race: Gus Macrae - Ulck du Lin - Tatispout