UAE Oaks at Meydan

A relatively low key card at Meydan today - although far better than anything on offer in Europe - and the Group Three UAE Oaks at 18.05 CET is the main event. 9 fillies line up and every one of them ran in the UAE 1,000 Guineas here over a shorter trip three weeks ago. Godolphin dominated that event, with Lovely Pass (Kieren Fallon), Shuruq (Paul Hanagan) and Music Chart (Mikael Barzalona) taking the first three places. However we expect a different result today, as that race was run at a vetry slow pace and the tactics this time will almost certainly be different. Music Chart could come out best of the Godolphin runners, but the really interesting one is Emotif (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), a beaten favourite when appearing to be not fully fit that day; we expect a much better performance this time and she is the selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kassiano - Elderly Paradise - Modun
2. Race: Whaileyy - Justineo - Hitchens
3. Race: Deauville Prince - Elleval - Luhaif
4. Race: Producer - Mufarrh - Amanee
5. Race: Music Chart - Lovely Pass - Shuruq
6. Race: Spirit Of Battle - Anaerobio - Kenny Powers

3 N.H. meetings today

There is jumps racing today at Ludlow and Taunton in the U.K. and at Thurles in Ireland, as well as all-weather racing - at the usual low level- at Southwell thisafternoon and Kempton this evening. Easily the best card is at Thurles, where the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.55 CET is the main feature.

Willie Mullins has two interesting runners here in Touch the Eden (Ruby Walsh) and the mare Reine Angevine (Paul Townend) - both ex-French- and the former was a very easy winner of a minor event at this track in November on his only Irish start. In theory they cannot beat Bright New Dawn (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell), , runner-up in a Grade One last time, but with the Mullins stable in such fantastic form, nothing would surprise us, while Venture Capital (Philip Fenton/ Barry O´Connell) is another smart performer in the line-up. the main supporting race is the 2 1/4 mile chase at 15.55 and once again Willie Mullins has two good chances with Lambro (Walsh) and Quiscover Fontaine (David Casey); they both finished behind Lastoftheleaders (Arthur Moore/ Davy Russell) last time at Punchestown, but are better off now at the weights.

The best race in England is the Forbra Gold Cup over 3 miles at 16.30 at Ludlow. Venetia Williams continues in great form and does expecially well in these staying chases, so we expect her Ballyoliver (Liam Treadwell) to be involved in the finish, together with Politeo (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily). Another trainer in good form is Evan Williams -no relation- and his Bullet Street (Paul Moloney) can take the opening novice hurdle at 15.00; he was third to the Cheltenham prospects Far West and River Maigue at Ascot last time and that form should be good enough here (even though it was only a 4-horse race).

Venetia´s main jockey Aidan Coleman is at Taunton, where we expect Jupiter Rex to win his fifth successive race at 16.40. He was won twice over hurldles, including twice this CD, since Christmas and also twice over fences - most recently on Monday, and is still extremely well handicapped; not only that, the opposition looks very feeble. Half an hour later, Thunderstorm (Philip Hobbs/ Tony McCoy) also attempts to complete a five-timer, but this time we are not quite so convinced, as his 4 opponents all boast useful form. Otherwise Paul Nicholls can land another double here with Fox Run at 15.40 and Jump City half an hour later, both partnered by Daryl Jacob.

Ludlow - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bullet Street - Who`s Cross - Euro Trash
2. Race: Arthur`S Pass - Kie - Carrigmorna King
3. Race: Matrow`S Lady - Floral Spinner - Grassfinch
4. Race: Politeo - The Chazer - Buck Mulligan
5. Race: Big Society - Ifyousayso - Giveitachance
6. Race: Island Life - The General Lee - Cool Friend
7. Race: Flash Crash - Dropzone - Kozmina Bay

5 poor meetings today

Plenty of racing today but almost all at a very low level, and there are some small fields in addition, with normal each-way betting only possible in a handful of races. Home Run (David Pipe/ Samuel Welton) has been kept very busy by the trainer and his father, who owns the horse, having won 5 races since December and running-up twice. The Ammerland-bred close relation to Hurricane Run is in our view capable of winning more races and he can take the handicap hurdle at 16.30 CET at Wincanton. His young jockey has already won on him twice, including this CD on Boxing Day. Paul Nicholls, always does well here, his local track, and saddles the main danger in Suerte Al Salto (Harry Derham),´runner-up on his last 3 starts. Nicholls should in any case take the handicap chase half an hour earlier with top-weight Criqtonic, as well as the opening mares novice hurdle at 15.00 with Oscar Amy, both partnered by Daryl Jacob.

Lingfield stages jumps racing today, and there could be a German-bred winner here as well, for Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) can defy top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.40. The Monsun gelding probably has most to fear from Killimore Cottage (Paul Hiatt/ Tom Whelan), who is going for a fourtimer, but is up in grade here. Ten Fires (Brendan Powell/ Sam Jones) ia also German-bred; he runs in the so-called Surrey National at 17.10. Last time out he was pulled up behind Alderluck (David Pipe/ Mr.M.Heard) in a similar race at Bangor, but meets him on better terms now. However this is a tricky race, and we have slight preference for bottom-weight Orange Nassau (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), also pulled up last time, but with an obvious chance on his previous form.

Bangor also has N.H. racing and the local team of Donald McCain and Jason Maguire must always be folllowed here. They can score with Diocles at 15.20, Corrin Wood at 16.20 and in the concluding bumper with Sealous Scout. Even the Irish meeting at Fairyhouse is pretty low key. The most interesting runner here is Waaheb (Dermot Weld/ Tony McCoy) in the 2 mile hurdle race that opens proceedings at 14.55. A top class bumper horse, he is also talented over the sticks and should not be troubled to defeat his 4 opponents today. McCoy can make his trip to Ireland doubly worthwhile by also winning the handicap hurdle at 16.55 on Ronnie O´Leary´s Western Man. The only flat racing today is on the all-weather at Kempton this evening, where owner Dr. Marwan Koukash, trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Jamie Spencer can land a double with Gabrial the Thud at 20.30 and Gabrial´s Wawa half an hour later.

3 more poor meetings today

Tuesday is often the weakest day of the week and this is certainly the case today, with 3 very poor cards. It is interesting that Richatrd Johnson and Noel Fehily both go to Leicester today for just one ride - Philip Hobbs´ Volador in the 3 mile novice chase at 17.00 CET and Charlie Longsdon´ s Great´s Autrechene in the handicap chase at 18.00, so both must be respected - even though the latter has not run since being pulled up twice at the end of 2011. However the opposition here looks equally unappealing. Daryl Jacob is another top jockey with just one ride and he can take the handicap chase at 16.00 on Ben de Haan´s Nom de Guerrre, who will find the drying ground in his favour.

At Catterick, Buthelezi (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) looks hard to beat in the novice hurdle at 16.5o; a useful flat horse for John Gosden, he won his first race over the sticks in good style before finding Grade One company too hot in Ireland last time. Back in this company he must have a great chance. Two more meeting weaker opposition this time are Clouded Thoughts (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Makethe Mostofnow (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who clash in the novice chase at 16.20, and the two Williams (no relation) runners should dominate here.
The card for the all-weather meeting at Lingfield is very weak; we expect the much-improved Broxbourne (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) to complete a fourtimer here in the 2 mile handicap at 18.10, now that her stable is hitting form. She is trying this trip for the first time, but that should normally be no problem.

Leicester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Be My Deputy - Caulfields Venture - Gers Benefit
2. Race: Franklin Roosevelt - Nom De Guerre - Thorncliffer
3. Race: Hoare Abbey - Gandalfe - Persian Herald
4. Race: Volador - Howard`S Legacy - The Musical Guy
5. Race: French Canadian - Robin Will - Schindler`s Prince
6. Race: Avenging Ace - Ballyman - Refusal

3 poor meetings today

The last clues for Cheltenham were probably revealed at the weekend, and it is most unlikely that today´s Plumpton card will offer any more. The best horse running there is probably Violin Davis (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), who should not be overly troubled to take the mares novice chase at 15.40 CET; she was easily the best of these over hurdles, has won her last two races over fences well enoigh and can defy a 12 lbs penalty against this poor opposition. The maiden hurdle that opens the card at 15.10 is also interesting, with Asker (Gary and Jamie Moore), Leviathan (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Little Dutch Girl (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) all in the line-up. the last-named, as a 4yo filly, gets 16 lbs from the other two, which could swing the race her way. Ex-German Engai (David Bridgeswater/ Tom Phelan) in the handicap hurdle at 16.10 is our each-way bet here; his form in the U.K. has been very disappointing and inconsistent, but he ran his best race over thi s CD in early January, and can be forgiven his latest flop on desperate ground.

The two all-weather cards are only of minor interest and present few good betting opportunities. Mark Johnston´s big stable has been held up by the weather but is now swinging into form and he could have a couple of winners at Wolverhampton. Flashlight, placed on all his starts last season., should certainly win the 6 furlongs maiden at 16.00, while debutant Ambleside could follow up at 17.30. House of Orange, ridden like the other two by Joe Fanning, also has a chance at 18.00, although on what has been seen in public, Mumeyez (John Hosden/ Rab Havlin) would appear to have much better prospects.

Marco Botti and Adam Kirby can land a double at Lingfield, with Guest of Honour in the mile handicap at 17.20 and Poet´s Prospect in the 3yo handicap half an hour later. Greek Islands (Ed de Giles/ Liam Keniry) was a very easy winner over this CD on Thursday and can follow up under a penalty in the 7 furlongs handicap at 18.20.

Plumpton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Little Dutch Girl - Leviathan - Ourmanmassini
2. Race: Violin Davis - Southway Star - Annimation
3. Race: Star Of Massini - Brody Bleu - Tornado In Milan
4. Race: Jupiter Rex - Quartz du Montceau - Miss Fleur
5. Race: Red Anchor - Stop The Show - Destined For Fame
6. Race: Romney Marsh - Midnight Belle - Little Roxy
7. Race: Sonoftheking - Anteros - Burlington Bertie

3 jumps meetings today

there is N.H. racing at 3 meetings today - Towcester and Fontwell in the U.K. and Naas in Ireland, and while the Towcester card is very low level, the other two tracks have some decent racing with possibly more Cheltenham clues to be found.
Main feature at Fontwell is the National Spirit Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET. This neutral distance appeals to both 2-milers and stayers, but either way Paul Nicholls - back in top form yesterday- seems in a strong position with 3 of the 6 runners. According to official ratings Prospect Wells (Daryl Jacob) is the weakest of the trip, but he is our selection as we think that this superbly-bred performer (a Sadlers Wells half-brother to Arc winner Solemia) has plenty more to offer. Stable companion Dark Lover (Ryan Mahon), noted running on well when 4th in the Betfair Hurdle over 2 miles, is the obvious danger. he is German-bred as is Bergo, a high-class stayer on the flat but who has not run for nearly 3 years. Meister Eckhardt (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), whose stable has frequently won this, is also coming off a long break, so we expect the Nicholls stable to dominate completely here. Nicholls and Jacob can also take the novice chase at 15.40 with Poungach, while a nother German-bred we think could run well (at a much lower level) is Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Conor Ring) in the handicap hurdle at 17.50; this half-brother to Group One winner Lady Marian was totally out of form last year, but has been dropped to a very lenient weight.
Best race at Towcester is the handicap chase at 16.25. We have long been a fan of The Sawyer (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury) and the front-runner faces his easiest task for some time. However he is 13 now and seems to have deteriorated, so we prefer top-weight Valley View (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon), who has also been running in better company.
There are 3 Graded races in Naas, and - surprise, surprise!- the Willie Mullins/ Ruby Waslsh team has fabcied runners in all three. We expect them to take the novice chase at 15.30 with Mikael d´Haguenet, who appears to have got his jumping problems ironed out, but we are not convinced by Annie Power in the novice hurdle at 16.35, even though she is unbeaten in 5 races. She is facing much stronger opposition this time, as is Defy Logic (Paul Nolan/ Tony McCoy), easy winner of his only hurdle race, and we prefer German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell), from the team that won yesterday´s big race in Ireland, who is proven in this grade. Call the Police is the Mullins/ Walsh runner in the paddypower.com Chase at 17.120 and he has an obvious chance in this small field, but we just prefer distance specialist Days Hotel (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Seebright - Uncle Jimmy - Letemgo
2. Race: Poungach - Shoegazer - Tenor Nivernais
3. Race: Financial Climate - Time To Think - No No Bingo
4. Race: Dark Lover - Prospect Wells - Brampour
5. Race: Radetsky March - Bleuvito - Keel Road
6. Race: Bathcounty - Kambis - Priest Island
7. Race: Sergeant Mattie - Somchine - Jammy

Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield

Lingfield stages its best meeting of 2013 so far, with the listed Winter Derby Trial at 16.05 CET. In theory Planteur (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) is a certainty here, as the Group One performer has about 20 lbs in hand according to official ratings. He has not run since running unplaced behind Frankel at York in August and is being aimed at Dubai´s big meeting at the end of March. He can be followed home by stable companion Marcret (Jamie Spencer) and Arsaadi (William Haggas/ Adam Beschizza).
The listed race over 6 furlongs at 15.30 looks more open. Piscean, York Glory and Capone finished 1-2-3 at Wolverhampton last time over 5 furlongs, but we prefer irish raider Farmleigh House (Willie Martin/ Niall McCullough), who made a successful raid over this CD a month ago after winning twice at Dundalk.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Aryal - Brigh - Tebee`s Oasis
2. Race: Black Cadillac - Temple Road - Jack My Boy
3. Race: Farmleigh House - York Glory - Piscean
4. Race: Planteur - Arsaadi - Marcret
5. Race: Big Sylv - Chambles - Amosite
6. Race: Stentorian - Pahente - Norfolk Sky
7. Race: Picansort - Diamond Charlie - My Son Max

Grand National hopefuls in Ireland

easily the most interesting race at Fairyhouse today is the Bobbyjo Chase at 15.35 CET. Bobbyjo famously won the Grand National and that is the target for all today´s 6 runners - unfortunately our early National hope Quito de la Roque is lame and misses the race. Two runners have already shown their hand at Aintree - Seabass (Ted and Katie Walsh) finished third last year, while Oscar Time (MM Lynch/ Sam Waley-Cohen) was runner-up the previous year. Both have been brought along slowly this season, and today´s clear favourite is Prince de Beauchene (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who has been described by the trainer as his best National prospect. He won this race last year and won a minor event at Limerick on his only start since. The very consistent Roi du Mee (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) could be the main danger today, but this is a race that must be watched for National clues rather than bet on.
As is usually the case in Ireland, Mullins can clean up on the undercard - Dogora at 14.00, Glens Melody at 14.30, Away We Go at 15.00 and Marasonnien at 16.10, all partnered by Townend, have good chances., while Wicklow Gold, ridden by the trainer´s son Paddy, can take the bumper at 17.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dogora - Stocktons Wing - South South West
2. Race: Glens Melody - Tasitiocht - Tropical Three
3. Race: Our Girl Salley - Prince Rudi - Mackeys Forge
4. Race: Prince De Beauchene - Seabass - Roi du Mee
5. Race: Marasonnien - Golanbrook - White Star Line
6. Race: Tammys Hill - Battlefront - Solstice Knight
7. Race: Wicklow Gold - Milan Bound - Top Othe Ra

Nacarat again at Kempton?

an excellent card at Kempton today is headed by the Racing Plus Chase, a Grade Three handicap over 3 miles at 16.50 CET. The most popular winner would undoubtedly be the 12yo grey Nacarat (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who is expected to be retired after the race. Drying ground and Kempton in late February bring out the best in him, and he has won this race twice already, in 2009 and 2012 and also finished placed twice in between. On the form of his runs since last year he cannot be recommended, but he runs so much better in this race that he cannot really be lett out. On recent form however Wyck Hill (David Bridgwater/ Tony McCoy) is clearly one for the short list; he has won both his statrs this season, last time beating Katenko, winner of two similar events since. He has been sold to top owner JP McManus (for an undisclosed but certainly high price) and is likely to start a warm favourite today. In our view, he represents no value at all, and in any case he may find this tri p on today´s ground too short for him- the Grand National is his target. Our choice is Same Difference (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), whose most recent third place to Unioniste reads very well.Rolling Aces (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) has won his last 2 races and is clearly going places, but he could be too high in the handicap now, and Philip Hobbs´ two runners Quinz (Richard Johnson), the 2011 winner but pulled up all recent starts, and Duke of Lucca (Tom O´Brien) could have better prospects in a very open race.
We don´t fancy Nicky Henderson´s two runners here, but otherwise he and Nicholls should as so often dominate the card. Henderson has 3 of the 7 runners in the Grade Two 45yo hurdle at 15.05, but possibly Irish Saint (Nicholls/ Walsh), a leading fancy for ther ZTriumph Hurdle, could cpme oiut on top here. The Grade Two novice chase at 15.40 should lie between Molotof (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Grandioso (Nicholls/ Walsh) and the same teams contest the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.15 with our preference for Lac Fontana (Nicholls/ Walsh), who as a 4yo maiden is getting a lot of weight from the opposition.
The handicap hurdle at 17.25 is another very open affair, but the Twiston-Davies stable can possibly score again here with Kaylif Aramis, the form of whose win at Ffos Las has been upheld several times since .
With Ruby riding for the Nicholls stable at Kempton, the trainer has sent his other main jockey Daryl Jacob to Chepstow and he can take the opening race at the Welsh track on Irish bumper winner Pay the King, who makes his hurdling debut at 14.35. He also has a chance in the main event, a 2 mile handicap chase at 16.20, on Doeslessthanme, but this is another very open race and we just prefer Oh Crick (Alan King/ Josh Newman), who won the race last year and can go in again off 3 lbs higher.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Storming Gale - Filbert - Milarrow
2. Race: Irish Saint - L`Unique - Vasco Du Ronceray
3. Race: Molotof - Grandioso - Peckhamecho
4. Race: Lac Fontana - Brick Red - Forgotten Voice
5. Race: Wyck Hill - Rolling Aces - Opening Batsman
6. Race: Katkeau - Kaylif Aramis - God Of The Kop
7. Race: Beat That - Henryville - Black Cow

Sandown and Warwick

Warwick has passed an inspection and racing goes ahead (though one fence will be omitted), while Sandown has aslso now passed an inspection. Both meetings ON!
If Sandown goes ahead, the main focus of interest will be Fago (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) in the novice chase at 16.25 CET. The ex-French performer was an impressive winner on his British debut, but then fell at Warwick last time when going like a winner. He has only two opponents today, both of whom are useful prospects, but not up to Fago´s class from what we have seen so far. Also at Sandown we hope to see German-bred Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Paul O´Brien) finally live up to his excellent pedigree - he is a half-brother to Samum and co- after a series of disappointing efforts; he runs in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle that opens the card at 14.45.
The hurdle handicap for conditonals and amateurs at 15.40 at Warwick could also see a German-bred winner - Crazy Bold (Tony Carroll/ Ryan Hatch). He has not won for almost 3 years, but this is a pretty poor race and his recent places should be good enough here for him to finish in the frame again here. The best race at Warwick is the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.50, which looks wide open. Golden Chieftain (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and Charingworth (Ferdy Murphy/ James Reveley) are our two against the field, but almost any of the runners could win. Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Harry Challoner) has not won since his shock Grand National victory in 2009, but he is now on a very lenient rating and we expect him to run well in the stayers handicap chase at 17.50.
There is also all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield andf this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland), but nothing to set the heart racing. At least most of the top Irish jockeys will be in action at Dundalk, including Johnny Murtagh, making his comeback after a long injury break.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barenger - Thundering Home - Seventh Sky
2. Race: Keki Buku - Nozic - Lord Singer
3. Race: Shotavodka - Your Tepee Or Mine - Fair Bramble
4. Race: Fago - Gallox Bridge - Kapga De Cerisy
5. Race: Farbreaga - Leader Of The Gang - Spanish Arch
6. Race: Plein Pouvoir - Circus Of Dreams - Tafika
7. Race: Act Four - Morito Du Berlais - Doctor Harper

Meydan today

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with another high class card, featuring two Group Two races. As so often here, both look a trial of strength between the powerful South African stable of Mike de Kock and the local Godolphin team. the best horse running today is de Kock´s mare Igugu (Christophe Soumillon), who despite an absence of 13 months, looks a near certainty to take the Balanchine over 9 furlongs at 17.25 CET. The S. African Horse of the Year for 2011 faces 3 Godolphin runners, the best of which is probably Saeed bin Suroor´s Sajjhaa (Silvestre de Sousa), already an easy winner at this meeting but penalised as a result. Godolphin might take their revenge in the Al Fahidi Fort at 18.35 with ex-French Mandean (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona), who can get the better of de Kock´s 3 runners in this mile race.

German interests today are represented by Peter Schiergen´s Salon Soldier at 16.15 and Mario Hofer´s Smooth Operator at 18.00, both ridden by Adrie de Vries. The latter has already run 3 decent races at this meeting and we think that the step up to a mile might suit him. The former needs to improve on his effort here 3 weeks ago on tapeta, but the return to turf should be in his favour and we hope that they both finish in the money.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Thakif - Rakha - Af Alghabra
2. Race: Mikhail Glinka - Light Heavy - Starboard
3. Race: Treble Jig - Con Artist - Zain Shamardal
4. Race: Sajjhaa - Dark Orchid - Colliding Worlds
5. Race: Muraweg - Ariete Arrollador - Smooth Operator
6. Race: Master Of Hounds - Musir - Mushreq
7. Race: Dux Scholar - Inxile - Russian Soul

Easter coming early

Easter Day (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is not one of the big guns in his powerful stable, but should be good enough to defy an 8 lbs penalty and win the Sidney Banks Memorial, a novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles, at 16.30 CET at Huntingdon today. After easily winning two minor events, he ran an excellent race when runner-up in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury after Christmas, and that is easily the best form in the race. Sir Pitt (Andy Hobbs/ Donal Fahy) was 5th of 23 in the 2011 Triumph Hurdle, form which would give him a good chance here, but has not run since and is best watched for now. Nicky Henderson and Barry Graghty landed a double at Doncaster yesterday and could well repeat the feat today with Tetlami at 16.00 and Miss Ballantyne an hour later. Cruchain (Dai Burchell/ Christian Williams) seems to us to be very well handicapped in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.30 and is our each-way bet of the day.

Tony McCoy is rather surprisingly riding at the lower grade meeting at Sedgefield, and he can land a double too with Alan Swinbanks´ Big Water at 15.10 and Warren Greatrex´ Berkeley Avenue in the bumper at 17.10. He also has a chance on Greatrex´ Umadachar in the mares handicap hurdle at 16.40, but this is quite a tricky race and we prefer the two last-time-out winners Vinetta (Keith Reveley/ Colm McCormack) and Sparkling Hand (Peter Atlkinson/ Harry Haynes).

The card at Ayr - should the meeting go ahead - is not at all punter-friendly with not a single race allowing normal each-way betting, and some (in our view) dodgy favourites. Our old friend Political Paddy (Ray Nixon/ Gary Rutherford) has not won for ages but has a squeak in the handicap hurdle at 15.50.

There are two decent races at Clonmel, but both with the small fields usual in Ireland. Rye Martini (Colm Miurphy/ Davy Russell) and Unika la Recomnce (Willie Mullkins/ Ruzby Walsdh) are both reasy maiuden winners moving up in grade in the Miunster Hurdle at 15,55; threy could be anything, but we prefer German-bred Anonis (Mags and Danny Mullins), who would have given the smart Pont Alexandre a proper race last time but for falling 3 out. The Mullins family also has a good chance of taking the Powerstown Chase at 16.55 with Immediate Response (Willie and Paddy); the trainer has presumably put his son up here as he will apparently be riding the horse at Cheltenham, if all goes to plan.

Huntingdon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Rocky Elsom - Circus Star - Flash Harriet
2. Race: Denali Highway - Mentalist - Oscar Davy
3. Race: Tony Star - Tetlami - Act Of Kalanisi
4. Race: Easter Day - Nataani - Kilmurvy
5. Race: Floral Spinner - Miss Ballantyne - Katnapping
6. Race: Freddies Return - Gentle George - How`S My Friend
7. Race: Ballymoat - Call It On - Majorica King

Frost now the problem

After several dry days, the ground is improving everywhere in the U.K., but it is very cold and frost is now the problem. Huntingdon and Sedgefield have both passed inspections today., but there are still doubts about Ayr, where another inspection is to be held later.

There is also N.H. racing from Ireland at Clonmel, where the going is sill heavy, while we have more low level all-weather racing from Kempton this evening - and of course high cass racing from Dubai, where there are two Group Two rces on the Meydan card.

5 meetings today

Plenty of racing today, but the all-weather fixtures at Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening are of little account. The best of the 3 jumps cards is at Doncaster, where we might see some late Cheltenham clues (the Festival starts in less than 3 weeks!) and the ground is probably the best we have had all winter.

Swynmor (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) in the 4yo hurdle at 15.20 CET is the best bet of the day He was an impressive winner of his debut at Newbury and would have won a Grade One race at Chepstow in early January but for falling at the last. There are some quite useful 4yo´s in opposition, but if he stays on his feet, he looks hard to beat. There are some potentially smart novice hurdlers lining up at 16.25, including Cheltenian (Philip Hobbs/ Johnson), winner of the Cheltenham Champion Bumper in 2011 but not seen since, and New Years Eve (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), runner-up in that race last year, but an odds-on flop over hurdles last time. On this ground New Years Eve, who is out of an Acatenango mare, definitely deserves another chance, while Nicky Henderson´s two runners Minella Forfitness ( Barry Geraghty), who won here earlier in the month, and Snake Eyes (Tony McCoy) also look dangerous, while Valdez (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) also has good form but carries a penalty. Hobbs and Johnson also have good chances with Talkonthestreet in the novice chase at 14.45 and also Marufo in the veterans handicap chase at 15.50, although this is a very open rce. So is the handicap hurdle at 16.55, but we like the German-bred Dawn Twister (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) here, who can also benefit from the better going - although we remember his winning a listed race on very soft ground at Baden-Baden a couple of years ago.

Tim Vaughan can also be on the scorecard at Ludlow, where Titus Mills (Christian Williams) makes his hurdling debut at 15.10. He was a smart 2yo for Brian Meehan, and ran in the Racing Post Trophy; however he finished last there and was then off the track for 1 1/2 years. His flat form last year was less inspiring, but we would not be at all surprised to see him make a name for himself in this new metier. The best race at Ludlow is the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.45; Drussell (Martin Bosley/ Rachel King) has won his last 2 races, both over this CD, and now moves up in grade with a good chance of completing the hat-trick. The top-weights Ultimate (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) and Dreambrook Lady (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) have both been running in better events and are the main dangers.

Most interesting event at the Irish meeting at Punchestown is the 4yo bumper at 17.45. Aidan O´Brien was of course a top N.H. jockey and trainer before he started concentrated on the flat, and here he saddles his first N.H. runners for almost 9 years - Egyptian Warrior (with daughter Sarah aboard) and Shield (Kate Harrington, daughter of Jessica). Both were bred by his wife Anne-Marie and run in her colours. Certainly they are the best-bred runners here, especially the former who is an own-brother to Kingsbarns, the current favourite for the Derby, but we cannot recommend a bet, as the fact that they are now making such a late debut suggests that not everything has gone to plan for them and they are not likely to start at a generous price.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Danziger - Russian Bullet - Even Bolder
2. Race: Abigails Angel - Conducting - Whitby Jet
3. Race: Hurricane Spirit - Masai Moon - Only Ten Per Cent
4. Race: Sommersturm - Spirit Of Gondree - Tinkerbell Will
5. Race: Free Spin - Forest Edge - Tioman Pearl
6. Race: Life Of Laughter - Scribe - Guards Chapel
7. Race: Lytham - Avon Supreme - Cuthbert

4 Grade Two races in Navan today

easily the best racing today comes from Ireland, where Navan´s big meeting, held over from Sunday, finally gets staged and includes the Red Mills Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET, which has already been abandoned twice. There are - as so often in Ireland -very small fields for all the featured races and only 4 line up here, with Rubi Light (Robert Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch) the clear favourite. He has to concede weight all round but is still well clear on ratings and has won this race for the past two years, when it was run at its usual home of Gowran Park. Foildubh (John Ryan/ Paul Carberry) can take second spot.
The other 3 graded races all look like a duel between Ruby Walsh on a Willie Mullins runner and Davy Russell riding for Gigginstown, and in each case we just about prefer the Mullins candidate. In the Boyne Hurdle at15.05 this is Thousand Stars, runner-up to Hurricane Fly the last twice, but this time the clear favourite himself after winning the French Champion Hurdle last year; Russell is on Gordon Elliott´s Le Beau Matin, who gets 9 lbs and looks the better of the two Gigginstown runners.
In the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at 16.45, Ruby is on Twlinlight, out of a Big Shuffle mare, who has won 5 of his 8 starts, including the last 3; he has to concede 6 lbs to Russell´s mount, Tony Martin´s Dedigout and there should be very little between them. In the novice chase over 3 miles at 17.20, Russell is on the top-weight for a change, Dessie Highes´ Tofino Bay, a very consistent performer over the years, but we doubt that he can give 5 lbs to the much younger and more lightly-raced Terminal, who can complete a great day for the Mullins/ Walsh team - who can also take the opening maiden hurdle at 14.05 with City Slicker, while Mullins has put his son Paddy on Perfect gGentleman at 15.35, another maiden hurdle, and on Made in Germany in the bumper at 17.50, and they too have obvious chances.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: City Slicker - Some Drama - Irish Thistle
2. Race: Rubi Light - Foildubh - Hidden Cyclone
3. Race: Thousand Stars - Si C`Etait Vrai - Un Beau Matin
4. Race: Perfect Gentleman - Mullaghanoe River - Gold Bullet
5. Race: Thepartysover - Stop The Clock - Monelissio
6. Race: Dedigout - Twinlight - Buckers Bridge
7. Race: Tofino Bay - Terminal - He`S A Delight
8. Race: Made In Germany - Quickpick Vic - Gaius Marius

Carlisle and Southwell

two N.H. meetings today, at Carlisle and Southwell, with all-weather racing at Wolverhampton.
Carlisle has the best card with some quite competitive handicaps, notably the chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.40 CET. Top-weight Sydney Paget (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke) and Emperors Choice (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) are the likely favourites, being last-time-out winners from top stables, but both are basically novices moving into handicap company for the first time. Of course they could well be up to it, but we prefer seasoned handicappers in such races, and go for You Know Yourself (Sue Smith/ Mr.C.Bewley) and Markadam (Dianne and Liz Sayer), who is unbeaten in 3 starts here but has been up 12 lbs for an easy CD win 12 days ago. However McCain and Brooke should not the leave the course empty-handed, as we expect Moscow Presents to take the opening novice hurdle at 15.00, while lightly-raced Veloce also has decent prospects in the handicap hurdle at 16.05, and the trainer´s Nowurhurlin (John Kington) also has a chance of repeating his 2012 victory in the handicap hurdl e at 17.40.
Southwell holds its first jumps meeting for 3 months, as a result of the flooding there in the autumn, and the honour of winning their first race of 2013 could go to the Irish challenger Radhac Na Mara (Jim Dreaper/ Steven Clements) at 14.50. Tony McCoy is the leading jockey here by a huge margin and has some interesting mounts for Jonjo O´Neill today. Don´t be Late was placed in 2 bumpers and must have a chance of getting off the mark over hurdles at 16.25, although the logical one here must be the mare Terre du Vent (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who was a group class stayer on the flat in France, and although she has failed to be placed in 4 starts over hurdles in the U.K., she is surely capable of winning before long. The handicap bhurdle over 3 miles at 17.00 is ther most interestinhg event here. McCoy´s mount Minella for Steak, owned by the Coolmore wives, is very lightly raced and hard to assess, while Always Waining (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) is a top chaser and Aintree specialist.who is amazingly well handicapped over hurdles; however he has not won over the sticks for almost 5 years and has repeatedly flopped in this discipline. Royal Deal (Mick Easterby/ Jake Greenall) is still a maiden but usually finishes in the money, while Mr.Puck (Keith and James Reveley) is consistent and looks the most reliable candidate in a tricky race.
At Wolverhampton we shall give one more chance to Waldsee, who has an excellent German pedigree (out of classic winner Wurftaube from one of the top German families) but has so far been a miserable failure, winning just one of his 26 starts. Now trained by Sean Curran, he runs in the opening amateur riders handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 15.10.

Betting forecast Carlisle:
1. Race: Moscow Presents - Madam Lilibet - Beaney Tunes
2. Race: Micro Mission - Bollin Fiona - Mia Matriarch
3. Race: Veloce - Renoyr - Fleet Dawn
4. Race: Sydney Paget - Emperor`S Choice - Markadam
5. Race: Armedanddangerous - Billy Cuckoo - Mannered
6. Race: Walser - Nowurhurlin - Lexington Bay

Market Rasen and Ffos Las

With the Irish meeting at Navan abandoned - it is hoped to stage the fixture , weather permitting, on Tuesday - we are left with just two moderate N.H. fixtures in the U.K. The most interesting runner is Darley Sun (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) who makes his hurdling debut at 15.00 CDE at Market Rasen. He was a smart stayer on the flat, winning the Cesarewitch for David Simcock in 2009 and running in the Gold Cup and other top races for Godolphin afterwards. Ferguson has repeatedly shown that he can prepare ex-flat horses for a hurdling career and we shall be surprised if he is beaten today. Otherwise this meeting can be dominated by Tony McCoy. He rides Thunderstorm for Philip Hobbs in the handicap hurdle at 16.30 and this improving performer can defy a big rise in the weights and complete a four-timer. McCoy also has obvious chances at 15.30 with Charlie Longsdon´s Don´t Take me Alive, at 16.00 with Chris Grant´s William Money and in the bumper at 18.00 with Steve Golling s´ Dunluce Castle. None of these are stars, but the opposition is also pretty feeble.

Rther surprisingly, Nicky Henderson failed to saddle a winner yesterday, but his one runner today should score - Whisper (Andrew Tinkler) in the novice hurdle that opens the card at 15.20 at Ffos Las. Whisper, owned by racecourse boss Dai Walters, is unbeaten in two starts here and it will a smart one to beat him. Rival Paul Nicholls can also score here with his only runner of the day, Tricky Trickster (Steven Clements), who should outclass the opposition in the hunter chase at 17.20.

Ffos Las - betting forecast:
1. Race: Whisper - Western Warhorse - Rocknrollrambo
2. Race: Orange Nassau - Derwen Pryde - Material Boy
3. Race: Bendant - Roman Conquest - Seigneur Des Bois
4. Race: Dirty Deal - Matrow`S Lady - Annaluna
5. Race: Fair Point - Big Game Hunter - Cave Hill
6. Race: Bathwick Junior - Old Magic - Lord Of The Dunes
7. Race: Kayf Moss - Bally Rone - Sergeant Mattie

Haydock, Wincanton, Gowran Park

More clues for the big races to come can also be expected from these 3 tracks. Haydock´s big race is the Grand National Trial over 3 1/2 miles at 15.55, with severral specialists engaged, notably Giles Cross (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´regan) who won the race last year, He has been pulled up twice since, in the National itself and more recently in the Welsh Grand National, and the first 3 from that race reappear here: the winner Monbeg Dude (Michael Scudamore/ Paul Carberry), runner-up Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis/ Nick Scholfield) and third-placed Triggerman (Philip Hobbs/ James Best). The winner benefited from a wonderful ride last time, and as the weights have been revised, we would not be surprised to see them finish in a different order this time. Rigadin de Beauchene, from the in-form Venetia Williams stable, has been heavily backed and is the likely favourite; he gets on really well with his jockey Robbie Dunne, while Cannington Brook (Colin Tizzard/ Tom O´Brien) is a course specialist. This is a really tough race, but we shall stick with Giles Cross, whose trainer is coming back to form.

The Grade Two Rendölesham Hurdle over 3 iles at 15.20 is another race fort Specilaistrs. Cross Kennon (Jennie Candlish/ Sean Quinlan) finished well behind Kentford Grey Lady (Emma Lavelle/ Leighton Aspell) at Cheltenham last time, but we expect him to turn the tables at his favourite track; he won this race in 2011 and was runner-up last year. Trustan Times (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello) is another course specialist, but has a tough task under top weight.

Wincanton is Paul Nicholls´ local track and he should have plenty of winners here today, notably in the main event, the Grade Two Kingswell Hurdle at 16.35, in which he saddles 2 of the 6 runners, Zarkandar (Daryl Jacob) and Celestial Halo (Harry Skelton). The latter, well fancied for the Champion Hurdle´, in which he finished 5th last year, is the obvious favourite, but his stable companion, twice runner-up in this event and a strong front-runner, should not be ignored.

There is a similar situation at Gowran Park, where Willie Mullins has two of the 5 runners in the Grade Two Red Mills Hurdle at 16.10: Zaidpour (Paul Townend) is the clear favourite, he normally runs over much further than today´s 2 miles, but as he won the race last year, that should be no problem. However stable companion So Young (David Casey) could certainly be a danger at these weights.

Gowran Park - betting forecast:
1. Race: Courage - Ibsen - Welsh Nayber
2. Race: Zaidpour - So Young - Arnaud
3. Race: Rogue Angel - Followmeuptocarlow - Special Token
4. Race: Lookoutnow - All The Way Home - Passing Through
5. Race: Kymin`s Way - Shuilamach - Young Ambition
6. Race: Lemmond Lady - Romantic Fashion - Kris Kindle

Ascot today

A high class card at Ascot, with some small but very select fields. Only 6 line up in the Grade One Ascot chase over just short of 2 3/4 miles at 16.50 CET, but they include several major Cheltenham prospects, notably Finians Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who won the Champion Chase last year. He has not run since finishing last of 4 here on very heavy ground in November, so we are a bit sceptical. That race was won by.

Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who went on to finish an excellent runner-up to Long Run in the King George. Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) was 20 lengths behind in 5th that day, but this distance is far more suitable and we certainly expect him to make a race of it today.

The Grade Two reynoldstpown Nlovoce CVhase over 3 milres at 125.05 has only 5 runners; all of nthem are pretty good, but Rocky Creek (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) looks a major prospect and we expect him to win, and possibly complete a double for the Nicholls/ Walsh team, as Aaim to Prosper has a good chance in the opening novice hurdle at 14.30, although this is another strong race. Aaim to Prosper was a top stayer on the flat, twice winning the Cesarewitch under a huge weights; his two hurdles races so far have not been quite as successful as hoped, but it could be third time lucky today.

The novice hurdle over a shorter trip at 17.25 also has a small field, but with two top Cheltenham hopes: River Maigue (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Far West (Nicholls/ Walsh); the latter is a 4yo and thus gets plenty of weight from the older horse, which could be decisive and help complete an excellent day for his team.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Aaim To Prosper - Sausalito Sunrise - Copper Birch
2. Race: Rocky Creek - Houblon Des Obeaux - Real Milan
3. Race: Vino Griego - Major Malarkey - Cappa Bleu
4. Race: The Bear Trap - Queens Grove - Whitby Jack
5. Race: Cue Card - Captain Chris - Finian`S Rainbow
6. Race: River Maigue - Bullet Street - Boss In Boots
7. Race: Captain Cutter - Red Sherlock - The Skyfarmer

Full programme today

There is as full programme today with 5 meetings this afternoon. With oinly 3 172 weeks now till the start of the Cheltenham Festival, today is almost the last chance for prep races for the mega-event. Both Wincanton and Gowran Park stage an all-hurdles card, as the chase courses there are unraceable,but in both cases the main event is in any case over hurdles. There is a small but select field for the two big chases at Ascot, both with several Cheltenham prospects engaged. The ground is very soft to heavy everywhere and will be particularly testing at Haydock for the big Grand National Trial over 3 1/2 miles.

Black Caviar: 23rd straight win

Australian champion sprinter Black Caviar, officially rated the best horse in the world, made a triumphant comeback in the early hours of this ,morning CET when winning the Group One Lightning Stakes at Flemington for the third year in succession. It was her first race since Royal Ascopt and she now remains unbeaten after 23 starts. Not only that, she set a new course record of 55.42 seconds, although she was eased down at the finish to score by 2 1/2 lengths. It was a triumph for trainer Peter Moody, who brought the 6yo mare back to top form after 8 months off the track, and he also saddled the second and third horse to finish as well.

Sandown and Fakenham

it´s Royal Artillery Gold Cup day at Sandown and this 3 mile chase for serving officers (and other ranks in these democratic times) was apparently the late Queen Mum´s favourite race. Today´s edition at 16.00 CET is only a shadow of its former glory with none of the 8 runners currently in good form, but Gwanako (Paul Nicholls/ Jody Sole), Railway Dillon (Donald McCain/ Lucy Gardner) and Fine Parchment (Charlie Mann/ Richard Dpencer) are the best on ratings and one of them will probably win. The best race on the card is the listed mares novice hurdle at 15.25, and She Ranks Me (McCain/ Jason Maguire) has already won two similar events but must now carry a penalty. She is cvlrearly very useful, but we cannot see her conceding 5 lbs to Twigline (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Utopie des Bordes (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty); the latter was a Group One winner in France over fences, but ran out a very easy winner on her first U.K. start - over sticks, while the former was an e asy winner on a minor race at Fairyhouse in November and is taking as huge leap in class here. Mullins rarely sends runners over to the lesser meetings in the U.K. so his mare must be very seriously considered, but we still think that the Henderson runner is the likelier winner. Henderson and Geraghty also have prospects to two more winners later on - Master of the Game, despite a 9 months absence, at 16.30 and Heronry at 17.05.
Henderson can also be on the scorecard at Fakenham with Free Thinking (Sam Waley-Cohen) in the mares bumper at 17.30; this close relation to Long Run looks a cut above today´s opposition. Selling handicap hurdles are not normally a good betting medium, nor our cup of tea. but we will go out on a limb and say that Dalrymple (Polly Gundry/ Tom O´Brien) is our best bet of the day at 14.10; this is a very poor race, and he has run well enough in his recent starts to win here and will also appreciate the better ground.
There are 3 all-weather fixtures today, at Lingfield this afternoon, and Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland) this evening, but the quality is poor throughout and we would rather keep our powder dry for tomorrow´s excellent N.H. cards.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pistol - Captain Cardington - Sash Of Honour
2. Race: Relax - Mountainous - There`S No Panic
3. Race: Utopie Des Bordes - Twigline - She Ranks Me
4. Race: Railway Dillon - Gwanako - Fine Parchment
5. Race: Master Of The Game - Tominator - Leviathan
6. Race: Liberty Court - Lost Legend - Goodtoknow
7. Race: Rash Move - Bold Addition - Herecomesthetruth

Fontwell and Leicester OFF, Kelso and Thurles ON

Today´s N.H. meetings at Fontwell and Leicester have been abandoned, as the tracks are both waterlogged, but Kelso (in Scotland ) and Thurles (in Ireland) have both survived an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead there. There is also all-weather flat racing this evening from Kempton, and of course a far better card at Meydan, where the Dubai World Cup Carnival continues.

Meydan today

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with another strong card, and the GroupThree UAE 2,000 Guineas at 16.55 CET the main feature. Soft Falling Rain (Mike de Kock/ Paul Hanagan) will be hard to beat here; the South African horse is unbeaten and was very impressive when winning here last time, but British bookies have him at odds-on. De Kock also has a good chance of winning the other group race, at 17.30, with the ex-Aidan O´Brien runner Daddy Long Legs (Cjhristophe Soumillon), who won the UAE Derby here last year. Course specialist Barbecue Eddie (Doug Watson/ Hanagan) is an obvious danger here.

The German-trained runners have not shone so far at this meeting, but we think that Lindenthaler (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) must have a chance in the concluding turf handicap at 18.40; he was a close 6th here four weeks ago, and we certainly prefer him to stable-companion Silvaner (Ted Durcan), who has been off since Baden-Baden. Ex-German Govinda has twice run badly here so can only be regarded as an outsider in the Group Three 7 furlongs race at 18.05, but German-bred Kassiano (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) won in good style here last time and can follow up in the first race at 15.45.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royal Empire - Kassiano - Jamr
2. Race: Rerouted - Masteroftherolls - Quick Wit
3. Race: Soft Falling Rain - Fortify - Zahee
4. Race: Out Of Bounds - Barbecue Eddie - Fulbright
5. Race: Krypton Factor - Mental - Kavanagh
6. Race: Anatolian - Adroitly - Bob Le Beau

Kelso and Thurles

The most interesting event today is the hurdles race over 2 1/4 miles at 15.40 CET at Kelso. Only 5 runners, and one of them, Orsippus, must be doubtful after running third at Musselburgh yesterday. Any Given Day (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is easily top-rated here, but we are not sure; he has only run one in the past 14 months and all his best form is over much further. Pas Trop Tard (Maurice Barnes/ Mike McAllister) is much improved this season, having won 4 of his 5 starts since September and goes well on the heavy, but we prefer the relatively unexposed Duke of Navan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding), an easy winner here last time over 2 miles.

Coverholder (Sjue Smith/ Jonathan England) looks a good bet in the handicap hurdle over the same distance an hour later; he is not penalised for last week´s easy win at Doncaster and has the same jockey on board. German-bred Full Speed (Philip Kirby/ Barry Keniry) is the obvious alternative; a multiple flat winner, he has little hurdling experience, but his second place to Dotties Dilemma in October makes good reading. Another one we like is Totalize (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook), who is out of a Monsun mare and runs in the novice hurdle at 16.10; danger here is ex-French Unique de Cotte (David Pipe/ Tony McCoy), whose British debut was decent enough but has to concede 7 lbs to Totalize.

Best bet at the Irish meeting at Thurles could be Clashnabrook (Edwatrd O´Grady/ PT Enright) who runs in the handicap chase at 15.50. He was a good runner-up over hurdles to the smart Colbert Station last time, and that winner is now a leading fancy for the Grand National. Seventh there was German-bred Boland´s Corner, who runs in the 3 mile handicap chase an hour later under a very low weight; he has a small chance, but the one to beat here is surely Wise Oscar (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper), who has been in good form over hurdles recently and is extremely well handicapped over fences.

The card for Kempton´s all-weather meeting is very low grade and many old friends are running here. Bussa (David Evans/ Tom Brown) has been in great form this winter, having won 4 races and been runner-up 3 times in the past two months; however he has gone up in the weights and we prefer course specialist Diplomatic (M Squance/ Robert Tart) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 18.30; Dunnó (David Nicholls/ Franny Norton) looks very dangerous here off bottom weight. 12yo Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Ian Mongan) runs in an even weaker 7 furlongs handicap at 21.00; this is his 225th race - a British record- and we would love to see him win again; he has an excellent course record, having won 10 times here, 3 times CD, but his recent form is poor and he is also badly drawn, so we shall wait for next time.

Musselburgh today

5 meetings today, but to be frank, Musselburgh is the only one worth a serious look, as there are 3 all-weather meetings, all at a very low level, while there are big fields on very heavy ground in Ireland at Thurles and it is almost impossible to work out the form thetre in view of the constant bad weather and many abandonments.


Star of the show at Musselburgh is Peddlers Cross (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) who runs in the hurdle race over 2 3/4 miles at 14.40 CET. Peddlers Cross started his career by winning his first 7 races (including the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festioval) and was then runner-up to Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle. Although he has won over fences, he does not seem to be as good a chaser as he was over sticks, so it is natural for him to revert to hurdles now. He has never yet run as far as today´s distance, but assuming he gets it (and it seems almost unconceivable that he won´t win against this feeble opposition), then the World Hurdle over 3 miles will be the next step.
Of course Peddlers Cross is not a betting propoition today, but there may be some profit in backing Richard Guest´s two runners, Be my Deputy with top amateur Nivo de Boinville at 14.,10, and Velvet Vic (down in distance) with Dougie Costello in the saddle) at 16.10; Takaatuf (John Wade/ John Dawson), runner-up last time to Home Run, looks the danger in the latter race. The 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.40 is another interesting race. David O´Meara has two runners here, top-weight Ifandbutwhynot (Timmy Murphy) and Roman Flight (McCoy?) and both must be respected, while Cry of Freedom (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) has been off since April; that should be no problem with this trainer, whose horses have been running well and he gets a narrow vote. Flogarose (Lucy Normile/ Costello) is the question mark here, the 4yo filly has won 4 races in the French provinces but makes her U.K. debut now.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Be My Deputy - Ballybanks - Blazing Bull
2. Race: Peddlers Cross - Cue To Cue - Orsippus
3. Race: Cayman Islands - God`s Own - Thimaar
4. Race: Bogside - Bridlingtonbygones - Local Present
5. Race: Golden Sparkle - Takaatuf - Winter Alchemy
6. Race: Roman Flight - Ifandbutwhynot - Cry of Freedom
7. Race: Buckstruther - Cocoa Key - A New Rising
8. Race: Spitz - Plan Again - Saffron Town

3 poor meetings today

both turf meetings today - Lingfield and Ayr- have passed early morning inspections, and racing goes ahead, but the cards here and also for the all-weather meeting at Southwell, are extremely weak. Not only that, the fields are generally small as well - in fact there are only 2 races today with 10 runners or more, while there are quite a few with 5 or less.
It is rare for Tony McCoy to travel up to Scotland except for the big meetings, but he has two rides at Ayr today and could well win on both - Deepsand for Tim Easterby in thr maiden hurdle at 14.50 CET and Tap Night for Lucinda Russell in the novice chase at 16.25. Tap Night is owned by his boss, JP McManus, and is presumably the reason for his presence; he was last of 4 last time at Musselburgh, but that was a better race and he had won 4 of his previous 5 starts. The Tracy Shuffle (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), also a beaten favourite last time and also making a long journey here, was almost his equal over hurdles and is the obvious danger. Lucinda Russell, also has a chance of winning the handicap chase at 17.30 with Nuts N Bolts, ridden by her normal stable jockey Peter Buchanan. He has won over this CD both over sticks and over fences (3 weeks ago); Stormin Exit (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) also has a good CD record and is the alternative.
The hurdle course at Lingfield is unraceable and there is an all-chase card, except for ther final bumper on the all-weather track. Conditons will be dreadful and so is the standard of racing. The best race is the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.05. Veteran Massini Sunset has not won for ages, but usually runs his race and has been dropped in the weights, as has Miss Fleur (Nick Mitchell/Daryl Jacob); they look the two likeliest candidates.
In all honesty one should leave most of these races alone and the same goes for the card at Southwell. The best race here is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.15. We have been following Docofthebay (Scott Dixon/ Luke Morris), which has been very expensive, as he has only won once in the last 28 months and never at all for his current trainer, the owner´s son. We remain convinced that he can win off this rating and give him another chance today. Top-weight Nazreef (Hughie Morrison/ Robert Winston), a course specialist but out of form, looks the main threat.

Betting forecast Southwell:
1. Race: Red Shadow - Speedyfix - Mataajir
2. Race: Ifan - Makinson Lane - Frosty Friday
3. Race: Fluctuation - Flying Pickets - Elusive Warrior
4. Race: Chookie Royale - Thunderball - Kickingthelilly
5. Race: Tartan Jura - Inside Knowledge - Almadan
6. Race: Apache Rising - Roland - Gebayl
7. Race: Goldmadchen - Honest Strike - The Ducking Stool

Catterick and Wolverhampton

We are left with just two meetings today, over jumps at Catterick and on the flat at Wolverhampton. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire look very much the team to follow at Catterick and they have fancied runners in the first 4 races. We especially like Abbey Storm, stepping up in trip for the opening novice hurdle at 15.05 CET and Trend is my Friend in the handicap hurdle at 15.40 as well as Mount Hope in another one at 16.40.

Dannanceys Hill probably has a good chance at 16.10 too, but we find these small field handicaps very tricky. McCain has no runner in the best race, a handicap chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 17.10. This looks wide open, with the 3 top weights holding possibly the best prospects - Lease Lend (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello), a Wetherby specialist who also has a good record here, Brave Spartacus (Keith and James Reveley), who has won 3 of his last 4 races, twice over this CD, but has shot up the weights, and Shangani (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who made all to win at Sandown 9 days ago. We also like Diamond Frontier here, who was runner-up over this CD 10 days ago in a slightly weaker race, but still looks dangerous off bottom weight.

The card at Wolverhampton is very low level and there are some small fields as well, with normal each-way betting only possible in 4 of the 8 races. The most interesting race is the handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 17.30, where most of the runners are CD specialists. We like Noble best Jack (Jo Hughes/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who has won 4 of his last 6 races, all here, and still seems on a reasonable rating, but this is quite an open affair.

Catterick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tipsy Gypsy - Abbey Storm - Imperial Vic
2. Race: Alba King - Trend Is My Friend - Molaise Lad
3. Race: Balding Banker - Dannanceys Hill - Rudemeister
4. Race: Mount Hope - Knight Valliant - Fairynuff
5. Race: Shangani - Brave Spartacus - Simonside
6. Race: Legacy Gold - Delta Forty - Falcon`s Present

Plumpton OFF, Catterick ON

Today´s N.H. card at Plumpton has been abandoned as the track is waterlogged, but Catterick goes ahead after the expected heavy snow failed to materialise. Tomorrow´s N.Irish meeting at Down Royal (itself carried over from last week) has also been abandoned, while there could be problems at the jumps meetings tomorrow at Ayr and Lingfield.

Exeter today

This is one of Exeter´s best cards of the year, so the news that the meeting can go ahead is very welcome, despite the heavy ground and a large number of non-runners. The main feature is the listed novice hurdle at 15.30 CET, in which 2 of the 6 runners stand out by miles: Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell) and Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield). Both are very exciting prospects and Cheltenham-bound.

Puffin Billy is unbeaten in 4 starts, including 2 bumpers, and was very impressive when winning a Grade Two at Ascot befpore Christmas, while his rival has been 1/2 on all 5 starts, also including 2 bumpers, and won the prestigious Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown last time. The Puffin has the higher rating and is likely to go off at odds-on, but we find it difficult to choose between the pair, as the Rendezvous has arguably beaten better opponents. This is a race to watch but not to bet on, but it is extremely unlikely that any of the others can get involved.

The graduation chase half an hour later is another decent race, in which the promising Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire), winner of 5 of his 8 starts, will probably start favourite; however we feel that Hawles Point (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), who goes well on the heavy and won over CD at New Year, can defeat him in receipt of 3 pounds. Nicholls and Jacob can also take the opening novice hurdle witrh ex-irtish Just a Par.

Colour Squadron (Philip Hobbs/ Tony McCoy), who has been running in better company, can take the novice chase at 17.00, while the consistent Simply Wings (Richard Lee/ Mark Nolan) can go close in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, even though he is now on his highest ever mark.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell, but the card is not at all punter-friendly, with some very small fields and odds-on favourites.

Newbury today

Newbury has the best British card today, featuring two Grade Two races and some hot handicaps. Both the Denman Chase over 3 miles at 15.25 CET and the Game Spirit Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 16.00 have attracted runners who are still hoping for success at the Cheltenham Festival. This applies expecially to the former race, in which Paul Nicholls (who of course trained Denman) saddles his main Gold Cup hope Silviniaco Conti (Ruby Walsh). Although the trainer has warned that his charge might need the race, we expect him to win comfortably today; he has done nothing wrong in his two starts this season and clearly holds most of the others.

German-bred The Giant Bolster, who finished 7 lengths behind him át Haydock, might be second best here, he was after all runner-up in the Gold Cup last year. Ex-French Mail de Bievre (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) has never run in Britain and is an unknown quantity, but we cannot see him winning this.

The Game Spirit at 16.00 has a disappointing turnout after Simonsig misses the race and there are two non-runners as well. Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) is top-rated here and is running over his ideal trip; French Opera (Nicky Henderson/ Barrry Geraghty) however is our choice; he won this in 2011 and was runner-up to Sprinter Sacre last year.

Talking of previous winners, Knock a Hand (Richard Lee/ Johnson) won the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.50 and has a decent chance of scoring again in an extremely difficult race. Much more difficult however is the betfair Hurdle at 16.35, always one of the biggest betting races of the entire year. 21 runners and almost any of them can win, with top trainers Nicky Henderson represented by 6 runners and Paul Nicholls by 3. Their best hopes according to the betting and to the choice of jockey are My Tent or Yours (Tony McCoy) and Pearl Swan (Walsh) respectively but anything could happen here.

Cheltenham prospects in Ireland today

Some great racing is in prospect today in both the U.K. and Ireland and possibly the Irish meeting at Leopardstown holds centre stage with 4 Grade One races all featuring Cheltenham hopes. The Hennessy Gold Cup over 3 miles at 16.20 sees Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch) and Sir des Champs (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell) renew rivalry. They finished third and fourth in the best finish of the season, the Lexus Chase here just after Christmas. The question over the former is his stamina, which appeared to give out in the Lexus, while the latter did not jump as well as expected from a prospective Gold Cup winner. It is difficult to choose between the pair, but we hope to see Flemenstar come out on top, not only because it is always nice to see a small stable beat the big battalions, but also because of Casey´s extremely lively post-race interview. Quel Esprit (Mullins/ Paul Townend) won this last year, but it is hard to see him defeating the big two this time.

As usual Mullins has fancied runners in all the main events, and we certainly expect Boston Bob (Townend) to land the novice chase at 15.45 to justify his position as favourite for Cheltenham´s RSA chase. Champagne Fever (Townend) also has a good chance in the Deliotte Novice Hurdle at 15.15, but this is a very tricky event and as we are great admirers of Dermot Weld, we shall go along with Waaheb (Mark Walsh), although he would probably prefer better ground. Buthelezi (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) is a dangerous challenger from England here, and the same team has Ruacana engaged in the opening 4yo hurdle at 14.125, but here we prefer Mullins´ pair Blood Cotil (Emmet Mullins) and especially Diakali (Townend).

It is unusual for a big jumps meeting to be staged on a Saturday in Ireland and this card was originally scheduled for tómorrow; the reason for the switch is to avoid a clash with a big Gaelic foortball game tomorrow in Dublin.

5 meetings today

There is plenty of racing today, with N.H. cards this afternoon at Kempton, Bangor and Newcastle (which has survived an inspection) and all-weather racing this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland). The standard is mainly very low, and there are only 3 runners in the best race, the graduation chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.25 CET at Kempton. Domtaline (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Alasi (Paul Webber/ Dominic Elsworth) are both pretty useful, but surely they cannot defeat Champion Court (Martin Keighley/ Alain Cawley), who is being aimed at the Ryanair Chase and last time measured strides for a long way with Long Run here in the King George before fading to fourth. The 3 mile handicap chase here at 17.00 is also a good race, in which Pete The Feat (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), the most improved horse of the season, has top weight. He has gone up a massive 43 lbs in the weights after winning 5 races, and much as we admire him, we cannot see him conceding the weight to Nicky Henderson´s two runners Prince of Pirates (Tony McCoy) nor State Benefit (Barry Geraghty), who was pulled up behind him at Newbury just before New Year but is now much better off. However our main fancy here is Moleskin (Vic Dartnall/ Jack Doyle), whose stable is coming back to form and has a good record at this track.

David Pipe has runners at both Kempton and Bangor, but he sends his main jockey Tom Scudamore on the long trip north to Newcastle. Broadway Buffalo, unbeaten in two bumpers, should win for the pair on his hurdles debut at 15.25, while Take Over Sivola also has a decent chance in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.00, although top weight Armedanddangerous (Tom Gretton/ Felix de Giles) could be a major problem here.

Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire are usually the team to follow at Bangor, and they can take the novice hurdle at 14.30 with Blackwater King and the novice hurdle at 15.35 with Dungeel, although there are dangers in both fields. The big betting race here is the staying handicap chase at 16.10, in which the top two My Boy Paddy (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Alderluck (Pipe/ Mike Ennis) should dominate affairs; German-bred Ten Fires (Brendan Powell/ Andrew Tinkler) has not won for 3 years, but stays well and is a reliable jumper and can finish in the money. The best German-bred of the day however is Engai (David Bridgewater/ Tom Phelan) in the following race; he has not yet won in the U.K.but ran a good race last time at Plumpton in a much more competitive race and that form should be good enough here.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Franklino - Thundering Home - Adiynara
2. Race: Uxizandre - Ericht - Comeonginger
3. Race: Urgence d`Estruval - Kie - Nozic
4. Race: Farbreaga - Zelkova Island - No Likey
5. Race: Champion Court - Domtaline - Alasi
6. Race: Pete The Feat - Renard D`Irlande - Storming Gale
7. Race: Master Malt - Tradewinds - Carole`s Destrier

Meydan today

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with another strong card, headed by the Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge (Round To) over9 furlongs on tapeta at 18.35 CET. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has dominated this race so far and has 4 runners, including last year´s winner Mendip (Kieren Fallon). Godolphin colleague Mahmood al Zarooni saddles Saint Baudolino (Mikael Barzalona), runner-up in last year´s French Derby for André Fabre, and British bookies make this one a clear favourite. We are not totally convinced however, and although Fallon is not usually a Maktoum jockey, we think that Mendip had a good chance of repeating is 2012 win. Mike de Kock´s pair Await the Dawn (Christophe Soumillon), previously with Aidan O´Brien, and Mushreq (Paul Hanagan), an easy winner here last week, must also be considered.

On the undercard we are interested in the performance of Theo Danon (Mario Hofer/ Ted Durcan) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.15. The German runners so far have been disappointing here, but we have not given up hope and expect him to run much better this time. Another runner with a German connection is Mister Big Shuffle in the 7 furlongs conditions race at16.50; he has good form last season when trained by Michael Figge, but has been sold and is now trained by Nils Petersen; with Ryan Moore in the saddle, he has a place chance today, but this is a strong field.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rasikh - Aakif - Ghalib
2. Race: Layali Al Andalus - Mustaheel - Dorian Crown
3. Race: Ouzinkie - Bravo Youmzain - I`m Back
4. Race: Emotif - Music Chart - Pure Excellence
5. Race: Star Empire - Novelty Seeker - Ahzeemah
6. Race: Saint Baudolino - Surfer - Zain Shamardal
7. Race: Rutland Boy - Yaa Wayl - Banna Boirche

Huntingdon ON after inspection

Huntingdon has unexpectedly called for an inspection after a sharp frost this morning. If racing goes ahead, the most interesting race would be the 4yo hurdle at16.15, where 10 of the 12 runners are still entered in the Triumph Hurdle. With rather confusing form lines, and several of the runners having flat form to their credit, this is not an easy race to sum up, but we like Zamdy Man (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who won on the flat at Newmarket and was disgraced in his hurdles debut in top company; he is closely related to German champion Lando. Seventh Sign (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) won on his only hurdles start and had winning form on the flat in Ireland, as does debutant Brinestine (Paul Nichols/ Daryl Jacob).

Williams and Coleman can also take the handicap chase at 15.05 with Special Robon, who would probably have won last time at Leicester but for taking the wrong course; top-weIght Papradon (NIgel Twiston-davies/ Daryl Jacob) looks the main danger. Jacob could be in for a good day as we also fancy David Arbuthnot´s Shiuil Royale at 15.40, while German-bred Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Mark Goldstein) is a speculative each-way choice in the long distance hurdle handicap that opens the card at 14.35.

Later: Huntingdon is ON!

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Seymour Eric - Virginia Ash - American Legend
2. Race: Lough Coi - Special Robon - Rouge Et Blanc
3. Race: Shuil Royale - Arbeo - Sunny Ledgend
4. Race: Calculated Risk - Brinestine - Seventh Sign
5. Race: Un Bon P`tit Gars - Quaddick Lake - Bakbenscher
6. Race: Tricky Trickster - Flaming Gorge - Rathcor
7. Race: Woodland Walk - Molly`s A Diva - August Hill

full programme today

For the first time in ages we have a full programme today, with N.H. racing in the U.K. this afternoon at Doncaster, Huntingdon and Taunton and in Ireland at Clonmel, while there is evening racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, and, much more important, the next round of the Dubai World Cup Carnival with a high class card.
However the bad weather is not finished yet, and there could still be problems for some of the fixtures of the coming weekend. LATER: inspection at Huntingdon after unexpected frost!

4 meetings today

Even without the N. Irish meeting at Down Royal which has beern abandoned and will (we hope) now be staged next Tuesday, there are still 4 meetings today, although the all-weather cards at Southwell this afternoon and Kempton in the evening are very modest indeed. However the N.H. cards at Ludlow and Carlisle are both interesting, and the best race of the day is the handicap hurdle over an extended 3 miles at 17.05 CET at the latter track. The two top-weights, Quartz de Thaix (Venetia Williams/ Harry Challoner) and Knockara Beau (George Charlton/ Paddy Brennan), both ran at the recent Cheltenham Trials day meeting, but while the former fell when well behind in the Argento Chase, the latter ran an excellent race in the Cleeve Hurdle, lrading until between ther last two hurdles. This tough front-runner must be the selection on that form. Tony McCoy makes a rare visit here to partner the very smart novice Shutthefrontdoor - unbeaten in 3 bumpers and looking a very useful prospec t over hurdles, but he is moving up sharply in distance and we are always a bit suspicious about lightly-raced novices against battle-hardened runners like Knockara Beau. The same applies to Green Flag and Corrin Wood. Knockara Beau is unbeaten in two races here, including this race in 2011, and we think he can remain unbeaten at this track. McCoy´s visit may not be in vain, as he can win the novice chase at 15.20 on Charlie Longsdon´s Vulcanite and the handicap chase at 17.35 on Jonjo O´Neill´s top-weight Master Milan.

John Ferguson continues to operate with great success and his New Years Eve (Denis O´Regan) looks a good thing to win the maiden hurdle at 15.40 at Ludlow. He was a top bumper horse and is being aimed at the Cheltenham Festival; he should outclass today´s opposition, but will be at a very short price. Reginaldinho (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) is stepping up in distance after twice winning very easily over 2 1/2 miles when he contests the novice chase over 3 miles at 15.10 but we don´t expect that to be a problem and he looks another winning hot favourite. The handicaps here look very tricky, but we think that Miss Annalena (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) at 16.15 and Siberian Tiger (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) at 16.50 might both repay each-way support.

4 meetings today?

4 meetings are scheduled for today, but there are still inspections to be held and they are not all certain to go ahead. However no problems are expected at the all-weather track at Southwell, which finally reopens after being closed for more than two months because of flooding. LATER: Market Rasen and Fairyhouse are ON, but a further inspection is due at Sedgefield where it has been snowing

Low level racing

The racing at all tracks today is very low level. Southwell resumes after its long closure due to flooding, but the card is certainly nothing to celebrate. Local trainer Alan McCabe usually does well here and can take the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40 CET with Aubrietia (Hayley Turner), already twice a winner this year at Wolverhampton. He also has a chance in the following race with Una bella Cosa (Seb Sanders).

Our best longshot here is Greek Islands (Ed de Giles/ Liam Keniry) at 15.10; he is well-bred but has been very disappointing, however he is down to a very low mark and his trainer has already had a winner this week. At Market Rasen, trainer John Ferguson and jockey Denis O´Regan can take the first two races with Bordoni (very unlucky last time when he ran out when looking the certain winner) at 14.30 and Population half an hour later. The German-btreds King Arthur and Quadrato could well run into the places in these two races. Denis O´Regan can complete a good day by also taking the novices handicap hurdle at 16.00 on Tim Easterby´s Vintage Times.

Even the Irish card at Fairyhouse is poor, with the exception of the opening hurdle at race at 14.25, which however looks very tricky with all the principals coming off a long break. Seabass (Ted and Ruby Walsh) has not run since contesting the Grand National, where he finished a good third after winning his 6 previous races; whether the 2 miles over hurdles here is ideal is hard to say, but Make Your Mark (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell), who has not run since the Cheltenham Festival, and Rock Critic (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) - off since winning at Galway in early August - are both potentially very smart in this discipline.

Sedgefield, if it goes ahead, has some small fields. The best betting race is the handicap hurdle over almost 3 1/2 miles at 15.50, with numerous form horses engaged. 12yo Oniz Tiptoes is an absolute CD specialist, and despite being unfairly put up 8 lbs for finishing second here last time, is our each-way selection.

Champion Hurdle Trial at Doncaster

Today´s N.H. meetings at Ayr and Southwell have long since been abandoned, but Doncaster has ridden to the rescue with an additional card featuring the listed 32red Hurdle at 16.00 CET. This has only 4 runners but still looks an excellent trial for the Champion Hurdle, woth 3 serious challengers engaged. The fourth runner Clerks Choice won 4 successive races over hurdles in 2010 but has been struggling since.

He used to make the running and that is the hope today, as these small fields often result in a false-run race. The other 3 all have strong festival form to their credit - Countrywide Flame (John Quinn/ Denis O´Regan) won the Triumph Hurdle last year, Darlan (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) wsa runner-up in the Supreme Novices and more recently won Kempton´s Christmas Hurdle, while Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) is the reigning champion. He was a well-beaten third at Kempton behind Darlan, but on this much better ground he must have a good chance of reversing the placings. This is not really a race to bet on, but essential viewing with Cheltenham getting ever closer.

The card opens with two highly interesting hurdles races with some major prospects entered. The mares novice hurdle at 14.20 sees the British debut of the smart ex-French chaser Utopie des Bordes (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). She won 4 chases in France, culminating in a Grade One victory at Auteuil from the smart Fago, but never won over sticks, so is qualified to run here. In theory she has to win this, but she has to prove that she can handle the British hurdles and faces some strong oppositon, including Terre du Vent (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), a listed winner on the flat on France, Call me a Star (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), a good bumper who has already scored over hurdles but is penalised here, and debutant Cracking Lass (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes), also pretty useful on the flat.

The maiden hurdle half an hour later also has some good flat horses in the line-up, although Henderson and Geraghty are represented by the jumps-bred Minella Forfitness. German-bred Zuider Zee, making his N.H. debut for John Ferguson and O´Regan, and Aaim to Prosper (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) were both top handicappers, with the latter winning the Cesarewitch under top weight, while Life and Soul (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) was also pretty useful for Amanda Perrett. One of this quartet will probably win, but we wouldn´t like to say which. Another German-bred with a chance is Pindar (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello) in the handicap hurdle at 17.05; previously very inconsistent for Barney Curley, he ran much better on his first start for his new trainer last month and today´s opposition is numerically strong but very weak on form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Utopie Des Bordes - Call Me A Star - Cracking Lass
2. Race: Aaim To Prosper - Zuider Zee - Minella Forfitness
3. Race: Ruben Cotter - Vintage Star - Alpha Victor
4. Race: Rock On Ruby - Darlan - Countrywide Flame
5. Race: Ali Baba - Chosen Dream - Giveitachance
6. Race: Mujamead - Quapriland - Pindar
7. Race: Mississippi Blues - Furius - Overdante

more Cheltenham clues in Ireland today

a high class card at Punchestown today and pride of place clearly goes to Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) who runs in the Grade Two Tied Cottage Chase over 2 miles at 15.20 CET. This admirable performer has won 8 of his last 11 races, including this one last year, and finished runner-up in the other 3. He is clearly the best 2-mile chaser in Ireland, but connections are not yet sure which race to go for at Cheltenham; the Champion Chase, which he won in 2011 and where he finished second last year, is the obvious choice, but Sprinter Sacre looks unbeatable there; however he should certainly win easily today with Blazing Tempo (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) the most likely runner-up.
The Grade Two novice hurdle at 14.20 sees German-bred Don Cossack (Gotrdon Elliott/ Davy Russell) attempt to redeeem his reputation after a feeble effort last time. He should do so, at the main expense of Motoltov (Mullins/ Walsh) and Ned Buntime (Noel Meade/ Tony McCoy), but is not a good bet at the likely odds.
McCoy´s trip to Ireland should not be in vain as he can win the Pertemps Handicap hurdle at 14.50 on Ted Walsh´s Colbert Station, who won a valuable chase last time and is very well handicapped over hurdles. However he will be a hot favourite, which means that he is no value in a field of 22.
The Grand National trial, a handicap chase over 3 1/2 miles at 16.50, will be a real test under the prevailing conditions. Vesper Bell (Mullins/ Walsh) is a lightly-raced young chaser who could go right to the top, but he has a huge weight here and we cannot see him giving 23 lbs to Arbor Supreme (Jonjo O´Neill/ Maurice Lineham). The good claimer usually rides him and they finished fourth last time in the Welsh National and before that won the Devon Marathon. This race looks ideal for him.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Upazo - Dancers Dilemma - Byerley Babe
2. Race: Don Cossack - Ned Buntline - Mozoltov
3. Race: Colbert Station - Blissful Moment - Royal Reveille
4. Race: Sizing Europe - Foildubh - Blazing Tempo
5. Race: Bostons Angel - Arabella Boy - Uncle Junior
6. Race: Lambro - Alderwood - Far Away So Close
7. Race: Vesper Bell - Arbor Supreme - Spot The Boss
8. Race: Rough Justice - Shemshal - Railway Tommy

Festival trials at Musselburgh

after the Cheltenham trials 8 days ago, it is the turn of Scottish Musselburgh to stage more trials for the Festival, and with the ground perhaps the best we have seen all year in the U.K., the track has attracted some smart performers, including runners from top Southern trainers Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls.
If there is a Cheltenham winner engaged, it is almost certainly Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), second favourite for the Arkle, who runs in the opening Scottish Arkle at 14.00 CET. This wonderfully versatile front-runner was top class on the flat and over hurdles and is going the same way over fences, having won both his chases so far with the minimum of fuss. Tetlami (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) was a useful hurdler who won his first chase despite making a terrible mistake, and looks the only danger.
There are also only 4 runners in the Future Champions Novice Chase at 15.00; this looks very tricky as all 4 can be given a chance, and we hope that Attaglance (Malcolm Jefferson/ Harry Haynes), the only one who has not won over fences but therefore receives 8 lbs from the otjher 3, can put his weight advantage to good use; over hurdles he was as good as the others. Tap Night (Lucinda Russell/ Geraghty), who has won 5 of his last 6 races, is however the one to beat.
The Scottish Triumph Hurdle trial at 15.30 looks between the 3 penalised runners, with Kashmir Peak (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello), so far unbeaten over hurdles, again meeting Sametegal (Nicholls/ Darly Jacob). He beat that rival by a length at Doncaster in December, but the Nicholls runner is now 3 lbs better off, which could swing matters his way.
Areial (Nicholls/ Jacob) is the one who gets weight in the Albert Bartlett Scottish Trial at 14.30, but he seems a better chaser than hurdler, so we are a bit doubtful; Lord Wishes (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes) and Witness in Court (McCain/ Maguire) are two very promising young staying hurdlers and one of them should win.
The Scottish Champion Chase at 16.00 is a 2 miles handicap and looks wide open, with Anquetta (Henderson/ Geraghty) the top-weight and likely favourite; he has not run since April but his form at the Festival in March would be good enough here. Ciceron (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has been runner-up 3 times running, but was well beaten each time - but always by good opponents. He looks sure to be placed again.
The Scottish County Hurdle at 16.30 is another open affair, but we shall give another chance to CD specialist Dontpaytheferryman (Brian Eliison/ Danny Cook), who has twice been placed in this race; Creekside (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan). who has been chasing, looks the principal threat.
The only other meeting in the U.K. today is the all-weather fixture at Lingfield, which in our view is best left alone.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Overturn - Tetlami - Asaid
2. Race: Aerial - Witness In Court - According To Trev
3. Race: Tap Night - Desert Cry - Viva Colonia
4. Race: Kashmir Peak - Sametegal - Docs Legacy
5. Race: Ciceron - Swift Arrow - Stormy Weather
6. Race: Brick Red - Creekside - Dontpaytheferryman
7. Race: Cloudy Lane - Island Life - Pistolet Noir
8. Race: Barenger - Salubrious - Fine Kingdom

3 jumps meetings today

racing is off at Fairyhouse in Ireland, but there are 3 jumps meetings in the U.K. today with some very competitive racing. Unusually for a Saturday, there are only two graded races, both novice chases; there are only 6 runners in the race over an extended 3 miles at Wetherby over an extended 3 miles at 16.20 CET at Wetherby, but they are all in good form; Goulanes (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is the favourite, but is very inexperienced and actually running for the first time over fences. We much prefer horses with more routine, and go for local hope Fill the Power (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania), whose trainer has an excellent record here. She also has a good chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.45 with bottom weight Herdsman (Mania), moving up in grade and in distance after winning here last month, while she has two runners in the handicap chase at 16.55: Gansey (Mania) and Cloudy Too (Timmy Murphy). Gansey is at a shorter price, but he has gone up by 8 pounds for twice finishing run ner-up, which we think is rather unfair, so choose the less reliable but possibly better handicapped Cloudy Too.
The Welsh Champion Hurdle at 15.05 is the main event at Ffos Las´ biggest fixture of bthe year and obviously racecourse boss Dai Walters would like to win it again. He owns the likely favourite, the much improved Tanerko Emery (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell), who has won 3 races this season, all on heavy and all with this jockey.Nicky Henderson saddles Oscar Dara (Tony McCoy), who won a similar race at Kempton last time, but he has been put up 14 lbs and faces a stiff task with his huge weight. Local trainer Rebecca Curtis has 3 runners and on this ground and at the weights we just prefer Boyfromnowhere (Tom O´Brien), while the German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), but we think he probably needs better ground. This is not the case with Wadham´s other German-bred runner Dawn Twister at 16.45,as the Monsun gelding loves it heavy; he has not been totally convincing over hurdles so far, but seems very well handicapped and must have a solid each-way chance in another very open race.
Sandown often takes centre stage but today´s card is only the third best on the programme, and with small fields on very testing ground is not punter-friendly. Once again there is a small fiueld fpor the Grade One npovoce chase at 15.25 which looks between Captain Conan (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Houblon des Obeaux (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman). The former has never run over today´s distance of 2 1/2 miles, so we give slight preference to the latter, who stays well and comes from a stable in top form. Venetia is having a great run and has further good prospects with Plein Pouvoir at 16.00, Summery Justice at 16.35, Kapga de Cerisy at 17.10 and Shangani in the last race at 17.40, all with the stable jockey on board.

Catterick and Dundalk

With Chepstow abandoned, Catterick offers the only N.H. racing today, while there are 3 all-weather meetings - Lingfield this afternoon, and Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland) this evening. The two British tracks have the usual rubbish (with all due respect), but there are a couple of interesting runners in Ireland. Top bumper horse Pique Sous (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) makes his debut in a proper flat race in the 2 mile maiden at 19.50 CET; he has not run since easily winning a maiden hurdle at Thurles in October, missing the winter because he does not act on heavy ground, but is apparently being aimed at the Cheltenham Festival. Later on, champion trainer Aidan O´Brien saddles his first runners of 2013, Ahimsa at 2.150 and Fairylike at 22.20. Both are among the lesser lights in the stable, both are owned by his wife Anne-Marie and will be ridden by their children Joseph and Anastasia respectively. We would not dream of betting on any of these horses but their running s hould be carefully monitored with an eye to future developments.

The Catterick card is very modest and is mainly notable for the fact that AP McCoy makes a rare visit to the Yorkshire track. Tell Me Y, at 15.45, Get Back in Line at 16.20 and Kandari at 16.55 are all trained by Jonjo O´Neill and could all win, although get Back in Line, a good runner-up to stable companion Mr. Watson (easy winner at Cheltenham on Saturday) at Plumpton on his debut, probably has ther best chance.

We are not recommending a big bet, but the horse we would most like to see victorious today is Dvinsky (Paul Howling/ Jimmy Quinn) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.00 at Lingfield. The 12yo is running for the 224 th time and has 19 wins and 67 places to his credit, almost all on the all-weather including this CD. He is on his lowest ever rating and, while not as fast as he used to be, perfectly capable of running well at this level.

Catterick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Akarshan - Minella Theatre - Amir Pasha
2. Race: Hidden Justice - Trend Is My Friend - Deepsand
3. Race: Marie Des Anges - Highrate - Bridlingtonbygones
4. Race: Everaard - My Arch - Green Wizard
5. Race: Get Back In Line - Special Catch - Morning Royalty
6. Race: Kandari - Ros Castle - Alpha One
7. Race: Midnight Minx - Flemens Pride - Bypass

Fairyhouse off tomorrow

Tomorrow´s Fairyhouse meeting has been abandoned, while Sandown will hold an all-chase card, the hurdles track being unraceable. Some of the runners entered for the big hurdle race may now run in the new listed race at Doncaster on Monday, including possibly Champion Hurdler Rock on Ruby and challenger Darlan. More abandonments in the next few days remain likely, with large areas of the U.K. and Ireland currently under water.