5 poor meetings today

A typical Tuesday with low class racing and again some small fields, though not quite as bad as yesterday. There are thunderstorms about, so be prepared for going changes - and possibly more non-runners. Dianne Sayer had a winner yesterday and we fancy a couple of her runners at Musselburgh this afternoon. Talk of Saafend is usually amateur-ridden but today has Paul Hanagan in the saddle in the mile and a half handicap at 16.30 CET, so he could well put up a better performance this time. He is a CD winner and is well-handicapped on his old form, and so is German-bred Solis (Neil Farley) in the 2 mile handicap at 17.30. He has never actually won on the flat, but has been in good form over jumps recently (2 wins this year) and the opposition here looks pretty weak.

Two interesting German-breds run in the mile and a half handicap at 20.35 at Ffos Las this evening. Langham (Tim Vaughan/ David Probert), bred by Ittlingen, and Cabuchon, (David Evans/ Adam KIrby) bred by Schlenderhan. The latter is out of Group One winner Catella, and ran 4 times on the all-weather in the winter of 2010-11 and has not been seen since. It is imposible to say whether he has any ability, but he does not need to have much to beat this lot.

There is jumping this afternoon at Southwell and Bangor this evening. It is all poor stuff, but it is interesting that AP McCoy rides at both meetings; his best chances in our view are Cockney Trucker at 16.45, Cut the Cards an hour later, and if he makes it in time to the North Wales track, Kettlewell at 19.15 and Twirling Magnet at 20.45.

There is also an all-hurdles card at Ballinrobe in Ireland. One does not expect a maiden hurdle for 6yo´s and older in July to be a good race, but there is in fact quite a strong field at 18.55, with runners from some of top stables. Our choice here is Bob Le Beau (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power). He was a listed winner on the flat, and although he flopped last time, his trainer still thinks that he can make the grade over jumps.

Ffos Las - betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Spear - Zafraaj - Bob Masnicken
2. Race: My Own Way Home - Abated - Jubilant Queen
3. Race: Golden Jubilee - Stag Hill - Greyemkay
4. Race: Langley - I`m Harry - Gaelic Ice
5. Race: Filatore - Mutual Regard - Taglietelle
6. Race: Imperial Spirit - Foie Gras - Senora Lobo
7. Race: Catflap - Lager Time - Ingleby Star