Wincanton, Thurles and Lingfield

Racing is on at Wincanton and the Somerset National over almost 3 1 /2 miles at 15.50 is the main event. Venetia Williams and Robbie Dunne won a similar event last week and can take this with Mike de Beauchene, with Pettitfour (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) possibly the main danger. Venetia, who is in great form, has her stable jockey Aidan Coleman on Brick Red in the handicap hurdle half an hour later and jhis one should also score after his easy win at Ludlow 8 days ago. Williams are Coleman are also represented by Howards Legacy in the novices handicap chase at 16.50, but he fell last time and here we prefer Opening Batsman (Harry Fry/ Ryan Mahon) and bottom weight Ballylifen (Mick Channon/ Colin O´Farrell). Paul Nicholls usually has some winners at his local track, and he saddles the very lightly-raced Definity (Daryl Jacob) in the handicap chase at 15.20; despite being off the track for almost two years, he must be respected, but it does not look easy under top weight.< br />
Nicholls´ main jockey Ruby Walsh is riding at Thurles and could well land a four-timer for Willie Mullins, with Djakadam in the maiden hurdle at 14.10, Mikael d´Haguenet in the novice chase half an hour later, Tarla (who fell with the race at her mercy last time after winning her previous 4 races) in the Grade Two mares novice chase at 15.40, and Ballycasey in a novice hurdle half an hour later. The other Grade two, the Kinloch Brae Chase over 2 1*2 miles looks between Roi du Mee (Gordon Eliott/ Davy Russell), who has won his last four races and is one of 3 Gigginstown House runners, and Days Hotel (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch).

Lingfield stages an additional fixture of jumpers bumpers today, rather monotonous with 7 races over the same distance of 2 miles. We find these races difficult to bet on, as the form shown over jumps does not always work out. The highest rated runner today is Holmwood Legend at 15.00, who won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011, but we would be surprised if he has enough speed to see off Hollow Penny and Looking Hopeful. The latter is trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, who can also score with Pcture Post at 14.00 and Tour d´Argent at 16.00. Charlie Longsddon and Noel Fehily could also land a doiuble with No No Charlie and Be my Present in the last two races, but the best bet here is probably Cousin Khee (Hughie Morrison/ Dougie Costello) at 15.30.

Wincanton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Master Of The Sea - Highland Retreat - Curtain Razer
2. Race: Ballyallia Man - Moleskin - Fine Parchment
3. Race: Chartreux - Dusky Bob - Doubletoilntrouble
4. Race: Brick Red - Dragon`S Den - Scorched Son
5. Race: Opening Batsman - Howard`S Legacy - There`S No Panic
6. Race: Shutthefrontdoor - Big Casino - Runaway Green