7 meetings today

No fewer than 7 meetings today in the U.K. and Ireland, but most races are of abysmally low standard and one certainly wonders why it is not possible to stage some decent racing on a Friday. The ground is firming up everywhere, especially at Chepstow, where there lots of non-runners, so check before placing your bets. The best race here is the 3yo mile handicap at 17.20, with 8 runners (if they all stay in!) so a good event for each-way betting. Naalatt (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) is very consistent and looks certain to be involved; he hung badly last time at Windsor and would otherwise have come close to winning. Strong Conviction (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) is also in good form, but our selection is bottom-weight David´s Secret (Hughie Morrison/ Kieren Fallon); he finished last season with 3 third places, but the stable is in form and he can begin 2013 by winning first time out.

Wec alspo like the blottom weight in Musselburgh´s 3yo handicap over 9 furlongs at 16.30; that is King of the Danes (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who has the unbeaten Lady Artiste (Alan Swinbank/ Nicky Mackay) to beat. Anotjer in-form Trainer is David O´Meara, who has two of the 6 riunners in the 7 furlongs handicap half an hour later. Powerful Presence (DH Bergin) won this race last year, but is rather inconsistent and we definitely prefer Gandalak, ridden by stable jockey Danny Tudhope. He has been running over shorter distances, but the way he won at Newcastle last time suggests that he will no problem with the extra furlong here.

One that catcbes the eye this evening is ex-German Double Handful (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) in the handicap hurdle at 19.00 at Fontwell; he appeared not to act on the track at Kempton last time, but that was a better race, and he may find this track and the easier competition more to his liking.