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