Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas

Two low-level race meetings in the U.K. today - over jumps at Plumpton and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton- once again standing in for Southwell, but there is much better racing in Ireland, where the Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET is the day´s top event. Willie Mullins´ Champagne Fever is the clear favourite here. He won the top bumpers at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, and started his career over sticks with an easy win, followed by an excellent second place to the top-class Jezki at Fairyhouse. Minsk (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper) finished four lengths behind him then, and looks second best today. Ruby Walsh is down to ride Champagne Fever, but it is not yet clear whether he will be able to do so after his falls yesterday at Chepstow. If he does, he could be completing a hat-trick as Ubazo at 13.35 and German-bred Marito at 14.05 could well win the first two races for the Mullins stable.

Two German-breds who could run well at Plumpton are Salden Licht (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who can take his revenge on Vulcanite (Charlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy) on 6 lbs better terms in the novice chase at 14.25, and Engai (David Bridgwater/ Tom Phelan) in the handicap hurdle at 17.00. Salden Licht did not jump too brilliantly on his chasing debut, but was easily the best of these over hurdles, while Engai has failed to shine so far in the U.K. but has been given a very low handicap rating as a result. Main event here is the Southern National over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 15.55, which is not a patch on yesterday´s Welsh version. Double Dizzy (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury) won this last year and has mainly been running in cross-country races since; back to the scene of his biggest triumph, he can win again.

Naas - betting forecast:
1. Race: Upazo - Jennies Jewel - Drumgooland
2. Race: Marito - Jenari - Mount Benbulben
3. Race: Minsk - Rule The World - Captain Arceus
4. Race: Rubert - Luke`S Benefit - Ros Brin
5. Race: Our Girl Salley - Mae`s Choice - Carrig Millie
6. Race: Misca Musca - Fair Dilemma - Thepartysover
7. Race: Grecian Tiger - Knightsone - Seven Nation Army