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