The lull before the storm

With Stratford off, there is only low level N.H. racing today at Taunton and Plumpton, with generally very small fields and only a couple of races where normal each way betting is possible. Nicky Henderson can warm up for what looks like being a highly successful week by taking the fillies juvenile hurdle at 15.20 CET at Taunton with Little Dutch Girl (David Bass). However she will not be at a backable price and a more interesting value bet could be Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Noiel Fehily) in the handicap hurdle at 16.20. This half-brother to Samum and other stars has so far been a big disappointment in the U.K. but we remain hopeful that he can show his real ability before long.

Another likely long odds-on winner is Broadway Buffalo (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) in the novice hurdle at 15.10 at Plumpton. He is unbeaten in four starts (two bumpers, two hurdles races) and despite a double penalty should win this easily; he is almost certainly the best horse running today. Pipe and Scu can also take the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 17.10 with the rather tricky Bamboleo, who seems to have found a suitable opportunity here. Our best bet here is Gemini Ahhs (Fergal O´Brien/ Paddy Brennan) in the stayers handicap chase at 17.40; he is still a maiden, but a repetition of his latest second place should be good enough to see off these plodders.