Newbury: Hennessy Meeting second day

the really big races are tomorrow, but today´s Newbury card is still very decent, with the Grade Two Berkshire Novice Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 CET the main feature. Unfortunately there are only 4 runners, so there could be a false-run race, but we expect Wonderful Charm (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) to win with authority. He was the best of these over hurdles and has already shown that he is just as good - if not better- over fences. Tanerko Emery (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) was not far behind him on hurdles ratings, but makes his chasing debut here, so we easily prefer the Nicholls runner, whose trainer and jockey won two races here yesterday.

Nicholls could be in for a good afternoon, as he has several fancued runners and we expect Calipto (Jacob) to take opening 3yo hurdle, although he is no good thing as most of his opponents are making their debuts here and could be anything; however he ran well on his own debut -in a good race at Auteuil two months ago- and that is clearly the best public form in the race. Nicholls and Jacob can also take the maiden hurdle at 16.45 with Fascino Rustico, who last ran in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper, a race that has worked out very well.

Nicholls has 2 runners in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.40, with Jacobs partnering Cedre Bleu, down in distance, but we prefer the two bottom-weights here, Niceonefrankie (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), penalised 6 lbs for winning at Ascot last week, and Theatrical Star (Colin and Joe Tizzard). The big betting race here is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.30 with 21 runners, plenty with good form. German-bred Dawn Twister (Lucy Wadham/ Noel Fehily) stays well and is not without a chance, but our main hope is Chiberta King (Andrew Balding/ Tom O´Brien); Balding does well with his few jumpers, and this one - a top stayer on the flat, winner at Royal Ascot and last time out 4th in the Cesarewitch - has also won over hurdles here and could be very nicely handicapped.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dawalan - Calipto - Chocala
2. Race: Definite Dream - Highway Code - Majorica King
3. Race: Free To Dream - Western Warhorse - Chiberta King
4. Race: Wonderful Charm - Up To Something - Tanerko Emery
5. Race: Grandioso - Easter Meteor - Niceonefrankie
6. Race: Fabrika - Toubeera - Tagrita
7. Race: Fascino Rustico - Sign Of A Victory - Tiqris

Newbury: Hennessy Meeting starts today

the 3-day Hennessy meeting at Newbury starts today with a good card and competitive racing. Main event is the Grade Two novice chase over 3 miles at 15.05 CET, with only 5 runners, but some possible future stars, notably Third Intention (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and Just A Par (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob). The former has some smart form both over hurdles and fences to his credit; he never runs a bad race but must give 5 lbs to the Nicholls runner, who is less exposed and regarded as a major prospect. Over hurdles he was runner-up to At Fishers Cross at the Grand National Meeting, and he ran a decent race behind Shotgun Paddy on his chasing debut a month ago. This pair should have the race to themselves and the weight concession may just swing it for Just A Par.

The listed handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 16.15 is another good race. Chatterbox (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is the likely favourite; he has won 3 of his 4 races and has huge potential, but in view of the in-and-out stable form, we are a bit sceptical. We are also not convinced by the two 4yo´s in the field, Irish Saint (Nicholls/ Jacob) and Chris Pea Green (Gary and Joshua Moore), despite their strong claims on form. Top-weight Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell) is a classy performer who has fully earned his rating and must be respected, but at these weights the two we like best are Ifandbutwhynot (David O´Meara/ Timmy Murphy) and especially the totally unexposed Get Back In Line (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon). The latter´s February win at Catterick, on only his second career start, has worked out well and it is quite likely that he is far better than his current rating of 127. He has not run since, but the stable is in good form so that should be no problem.
Despite our slight misgivings about Henderson´s stable form, it is hard to imagine his Volnay de Thaix getting beaten in the opening novice hurdle at 13.25, but he will be at long odds-on. A better betting heat is the novices handicap hurdle at 14.30. German-bred Swinging Hawk (Ian Williams/ Robert McCarth) did us a good turn when winning at Warwick last week and we hope that he can follow up, even though in theory runner-up Presence Felt (O´Neill/ McLernon) should reverse the form on these terms, while Andy Kelly (Emma Lavelle/ Gavin Sheehan) looks a big danger.

Despite the strong card at Newbury, some leading jockeys run elsewhere and punters are advised to watch closely Tony McCoy´s rides at Uttoxeter and Richard Johnson´s at Taunton. Meanwhile Ruby Walsh stays at home and should be among the winners at the Irish meeting at Thurles. His most interesting ride there is Rubi Ball in the 2 3/4 mile hurdle race at 15.45. Previously a top staying chaser in France, the son of Network is having his first run for Willie Mullins here. He gets 10 lbs from his only serious opponent Foildubh (John Ryan/ Paul Carberry) and ought to win easily.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pelmanism - Peak Storm - The Master Remover
2. Race: Polisky - Susquehanna River - Top Dancer
3. Race: Andy Kelly - Broomfield - Jojabean
4. Race: Third Intention - Just A Par - Ardkilly Witness
5. Race: Easter Day - Whats Happening - Grandads Horse
6. Race: Chatterbox - Irish Saint - Puffin Billy
7. Race: Red Devil Lads - Maestro Royal - Thomas Brown

listed race this evening

the best race at today´s 5 meetings - 3 of them flat racing on the all-weather- is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles this evening at Kempton at 19.00 CET. There is even a German runner here, Jeanie Johnston, owned and trained by Irishman Paul Harley and ridden by his nephew Martin, but this last-time-out Hoppegarten winner needs to improve to figure here, although she has won 3 times in France on the all-weather. On ratings the race should mainly concern Fattsota (David O´Meara/ Graham Lee), sixth in the Prix Dollar, and Banoffee (Hughie Morrison/ Jim Crowley), seventh in the Oaks. Banoffee finished fourth here a month ago behind Livia´s Dream (Ed Walker/ Tom McLaughlin), but that one was a 100-1 chance that day and on overall form we prefer Banoffee.
The other all-weather meetings have llttle of interest, although we shall take another chance on Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Robert Tart) in the 10 furlongs handicap at Lingfield at 15.35. His best form is at a mile but he has been placed over this CD and usually finishes well, so could be thereabouts today in this rather tricky event.
Once again there are some very small fields in the N.H. meetings at Wetherby and Fontwell. The behinners chase ast 13.50 looks the most interesting event at the Yorkshire track and should lie between Indian Castle (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), first or second in his last 4 races over hurdles and making his chase debut here, and Seymour Eric (Martin Keighley/ Ian Popham), who won 5 of his last 6 races over sticks before making a pleasing debut over fences when third behind the smart Smad Place; he is our choice today.
Our main fancy at Fontwell is German-bred Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 15.10. The Monsun gelding ran badly on his seasonal debut, but that was over 3 miles on heavy ground at Chepstow; this trip and less testing ground should suit much better.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Coiste Bodhar - Anfield - National Service
2. Race: Bobs Her Uncle - Mountain Range - Whinging Willie
3. Race: Storm - Arashi - Enriching
4. Race: Frangipanni - Nova Champ - Glorious Empire
5. Race: Banoffee - Fattsota - Dick Doughtywylie
6. Race: Wandsworth - Aomen Rock - Tarquin
7. Race: Lancelot Du Lac - Love Island - Tiddliwinks
8. Race: Appyjack - Olivers Mount - Boris The Bold

4 poor meetings today

a typical Tuesday with mainly very poor sport, some small fields and odds-on favourites making it not at all punter-friendly. Easily the best horse on view is Pendra (Charlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy) in the novice chase at 14.00 CET at Lingfield. he is regarded as a Cheltenham prospect and won his first chase easily enough after showing good form over hurdles. Hen only has to jump round to win this, but will not be at a backable price. Down Ace (Fergal O´Brien/ Timmy Murphy) at 13.30 and Key to the West (David Dennis/ Noel Fehily) at 15.00 are two more likely short-priced favourites here, although the latter has the lightly-raced and improving Jean de Florette (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) to contend with. Smart Money (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) is an interesting runner in the handicap hurdle at 15.30; the ex-Irish runner is having his first start for the in-form trainer and with most of the opposition looking moderate and exposed, can score first time out.
At Sedgefield, Heath Hunter (David Pipe/ Tom Bellamy) looks another odds-on winner in the opening novice hurdle at 13.20; he won both his bumpers before finishing second on his hurdling debut, with yesterday´s winner Sgt. Reckless in third. Pipe also sends Ainsi Fideles (Tom Scu) on the long journey north to contest the 3yo hurdle at 13.50, but Hawk High (Tim Easterby/ Douie Costello) who won on his hurdling debut by 9 lengths, is a hard nut to crack. The handicaps here are all very low-level, but Ancient Times (Philip Kirby/ Kieren James) could be a fair each-way bet at 15.20; his recent form is awful, but this is a bad race and he runs his best races at this track.
The all-weather racing, at Southwell this afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening, is even worse. Caramelita (John Jenkins/ Freddie Tylicki) and Hannahs Turn (Chris Dwyer/ Shelley Birkett) won the two divisions of a 6 furlongs handicap at Southwell a week ago, and may be able to follow up under a penalty at 16.10 and 17.50 respectively.

Betting forecast Sedgefield:
1. Race: Oscar Tanner - Downtown Boy - Quick Brew
2. Race: Hawk High - Nautical Twilight - Magic Skyline
3. Race: Rattlin - Cavite Eta - Bocamix
4. Race: Cloudy Dawn - Dukeofchesterwood - Call Me Mulligan
5. Race: Amir Pasha - Pindar - High Hoylander
6. Race: Jim Tango - Pamak D`Airy - Bob`S Dream
7. Race: Mister Jones - Carrybridge - Mystical Dreamer

Nicky Henderson to star at Kempton

There is rarely good sport on offer on a Monday, but today is an exception and there is a highly interesting N.H. card at Kempton. The main event is a listed mares hurdle over 3 miles at 14.30 CET. but all eyes will be on Nicky Hendersdon´s hurdling debutant West Wizard (Barry Geraghty) in the opening novice hurdle at 13.30. The 4yo from a good German family (he is a half-brother to Quadrupa and out of a Königsstuhl mare) has only been seen in public once, when easily winning a bumper here in March, the form of which has worked out well and his reputation is such that he is already clear favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. It will be a major shock for connections if he is beaten today, with Sgt. Reckless (Mick Channon/ Dominic Elsworth), who has already shown useful form over hurdles and was also decent in bumpers, the obvious candidate for the forecast.

Henderson has fancied runners in 6 of the 7 races, with Geraghty riding in 5 of them and 3 stable entries in the conditional jockeys race at 16.40. The zteam has Ma Filleule in ther listed race, but we are not so sure about her - we pfere Highhland retreat (Harry Fry/ Noel >Fehily), who is proven over the distance and getxy 8lbs, but they can take the beginners chase at 14.00 with Bear´s Affair and possibly the handicap chases at 15.05 and 16.10 with Giorgio Quercus and Royal Boy respectively. Philip Hobbs has runners at Kempton., so it is significant that he sends his main jockey Richard Johnson to Ludlow, where he can land a double on Toowomba, (owned by pressroom colleagues) at 13.45 and Princely Player half an hour later.

The best race on a very poor card at Wolverhampton is the 2 mile handicap at 18.30, in which no fewer than 3 of the 6 runners are ex-Germans. Toughness Danon (Ian Williams/ Tony Hamilton) was once third in the German Derby, and would easily win this if in the right mood, but he is very unreliable and we prefer top-weight Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Graham Lee).

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sgt Reckless - Hawaii Five Nil - Western Movie
2. Race: Dunlough Bay - Kentford Legend - Oscar Baby
3. Race: Highland Retreat - Ma Filleule - Weather Babe
4. Race: Jump City - Mentalist - Bally Legend
5. Race: Halucha - Barton Stacey - Tarvini
6. Race: Royal Boy - Turn Over Sivola - Baby Mix
7. Race: Fourth Estate - Poet - Roman Flight

Graded N.H. races in Ireland

3 N.H. meetings today, but while the U.K.fixtures at Exeter and Towcester consist mainly of low level handicaps, there is decent racing in Ireland. There are some very promising types entered in the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14,25 CET at Navan. All 8 runners are last-time-out winners and whoever scores today will have to be considered for the top races to come later in the season.

The most interesting runner is Carriganog (Aidan O´Brien/ Tony McCoy) and it should not be forgotten that the champion flat trainer originally made his reputation in N.H. racing and trained the great Istabraq in the same JP McManus colours to win 3 Champion Hurdles. Carriganog has a long way to go before he reaches those heights, but has won his 2 races over sticks very easily and is our tentative selection here, although all 7 of his opponents must be taken seriously.

McCoy alao dons the McManus colours in the following beginners chase at 14.55 on Noel Meade´s Ned Buntline and this could be another winner for the team. In both these races Willie Mullins and Riuby Walsh, who can do no wrong at present, have fancied runners as well, and they should certainly take the opening maiden hurdle at 13.25 with Moyle Park. Everybody in Irish racing seems to be related so it is no surprise to see 3 Mullins siblings saddle runners in the listed mares bumper at 15.25: Shesafoxylady (Willie and Paddy), Elsie (Tom and David) and Princess Leya (Margaret and DG Lavery). One of them will probably win, but we would not like to predict which one, but this is another race to provide valuable clues for the future.

The big betting races here are the valuable handicap chase at 15.25and hurdle half an hour later. McManus has 4 runners in the former race, and although McCoy rides top-weight Colbert Station, trained by Ted Walsh, we shall take a chance on the Monsun gelding Shot from the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh - strangely enough no relation), while our longshot for the latter race is Themoonandsixpence, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ted´s daughter, and Ruby´s sister, Katie Walsh.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Moyle Park - Wrath Of Titans - No Cash Flow
2. Race: Go Paddy Go - De Glebe Star - Firethorn
3. Race: Lots Of Memories - Azorian - Carriganog
4. Race: Ballycasey - Mount Colah - Hit The Headlines
5. Race: Colbert Station - Jamsie Hall - Goonyella
6. Race: Jetson - Rattan - Jennies Jewel
7. Race: Princess Leya - Shesafoxylady - Elsie

Rest of today´s racing

The undercard at Haydock is also very strong, with large and competitive fields in the handicaps and a small but select line-up for the 2 mjle hurdle race at 13.45 CET, which should lie between the two 4yo´s Far West (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) and Rolling Star (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). They finished 2nd and 6th respectively in the Triumph Hurdle, Aand although they have to concede woght to the older horses, they look thr class acts in this field. Our main handoivap fancy is German-bred Home Run )David Pipe/ Kieron Edgar) in the 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 14.50. We are still kicking ourselves for not backing him jast Sunday when he won at 40-1 at Cheltenham; he has no penalty for that win, as it was a race for conditionals and the same jockey is on board today. Running twice in a week seems to be no problem for this close relation to Hurricane Run, as he won 5 races in the space of 4 weeks last year. Top-weight Edgardo Sol (Nicholls/ Harry Derham) , who has been chasing, could be the danger but he has to give Home Run an awful lot of weight. The 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.25 is a really tough race; Trustan Times (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello) won it last year and despite carrying 6 lbs more should go well again., but Gevrey Chambertin (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) looks another Pipe special, while Alan King´s two runners should also be considered.

By contrast, the main features at Ascot have cut up badly and only two now run in the Grade Two Amwell Chase at 15.05. French Opera (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) is pretty useful, but under normal circumstances he cannot beat Paul Nicholls´ high-class Al Ferof. He is one of Nicholls´ big hopes for this season, and so is Zarkandar, who runs in the Grade Two Coral Hurdle at 15.40. He has been placed in the last 2 Champion Hurdles and has won 8 out of other 9 races. However here he must concede 11 lbs to the top novice Annie Power (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), which may well be impossible. The Shirocco mare from a top German family, unbeaten in 7 starts, is expected to be the stable´s next superstar. The other 2 runners here are out of their depth. Regular readers will know that we like to follow German-breds and they are advised to give serious consideration to Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Micky Grant) in the opening novice hurdle at 13.25; this half-brother to top stayer Altano made up a lot of ground when fifth in his hurdling debut and this longer trip should be right up his street.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hawkhill - Quick Decisson - Tidal Way
2. Race: Far West - Rolling Star - Doyly Carte
3. Race: Ace High - Gorgehous Lliege - Mister Philson
4. Race: Home Run - More Of That - Blue Fashion
5. Race: Gevrey Chambertin - Gullinbursti - Master Of The Sea
6. Race: Bobs Worth - Silviniaco Conti - Dynaste
7. Race: Gas Line Boy - The Rainbow Hunter - Quincy Des Pictons

Betfair Chase at Haydock

Haydock stages its best N.H. meeting of the season today and the field for the Grade One Betfair Chase at 16.00 CET is the best ever and certainly worthy of the Cheltenham Gold Cup - in fact two winners of that race are in the line-up, Bobs Worth (Barry Geraghty) and Long Run (Sam Waley-Cohen), both trained by Nicky Henderson. Long Run is a tricky character who often spoils his chances by sloppy jumping; we certainly don´t blame his jockey, the owner´s son, as he has after all won the Gold Cup and King George with him. The stable think that his problems have been ironed out, in which case he should definitely be involved, but we still prefer Bobs Worth, who has won his last 3 races, all with long intervals in between, so the fact that he has not run since March is no problem; that Gold Cup was the best form in this field, and we feel that everything is in his favour today. He goes best left-handed, the ground is oerfect and the changes to the course - it is now slightly tougher than last year and the race is over a furlong longer- is also to his advantage.

Paul Nicholls has won 5 of the 8 runnings of this race - 4 times with Kauto Star and last year with Silviniaco Conti, who tries again today with a rather surprising jockey choice Noel Fehily aboard. Silviniaco Conti fell 3 out at Cheltenham when still in contention, though we don´t think he would have troubled Bobs Worth. He is clearly very smart, but we actually prefer his 12yo stable companion Tidal Bay (Sam Twiston-Davies), an admirable character with a great turn of finishing speed. He stays really well and will be putting in his best work at the finish. He won over hurdles last time - the race he usually starts off the season with - but we have not forgotten his great effort in last year´s Hennessy when he was runner-up to Bobs Worth,conceding 6 lbs. That puts him bang in the picture today.

We would love to see German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Denis O´Regan) run well; her was third here last year and fourth in the Gold Cup, so is well held by the principals, but could run into the Money at a big price..He has a new jockey today , as his regular pilot Tom Scudamore rides the very promising Dynaste for David Pipe; he is the question mark of the race, as it is not quite clear how good he actually is, but the trainer rates him very highly and runs him here rather than in easier races at Cheltenham last week.

The other two runners are also not to be sneezed at - Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and Irish hope Roi du Mee (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire). Timeform actually rate Cue Card the equal of Bobs Worth, but we disagree, and in any case we don´t think he will stay the distance in this company. Roi du Mee certainly stays well enough, but this strong front-runner will probably be found out by the horses with slightly more class today, although we can easily imagine his leading until two out. The more we think about this race, the more we are convinced that last year´s Hennessy Gold Cup is the key and we would not be at all surprised to see the same result, with Bobs Worth winning and Tidal Way second.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hawkhill - Quick Decisson - Tidal Way
2. Race: Far West - Rolling Star - Doyly Carte
3. Race: Ace High - Gorgehous Lliege - Mister Philson
4. Race: Home Run - More Of That - Blue Fashion
5. Race: Gevrey Chambertin - Gullinbursti - Master Of The Sea
6. Race: Bobs Worth - Silviniaco Conti - Dynaste
7. Race: Gas Line Boy - The Rainbow Hunter - Quincy Des Pictons

small fields, but some good racing

there are small fields at this afternoon´s 3 U.K.meetings - with normal each-way betting only possible in a handful of races - but there are some very competive races, espeoially at Ascot and Haydock, which both stage above average racing for a Friday.
Nicky Henderson has not teally hit top form so far this season, but launches a strong attack on Ascot and we expect gim to take the first two races with Beat That at 14.00 CET and Top of the Range half an hour later, both with Barry Geraghty in the saddle. He will also fancy his chances with Tradewinds in the introductory hurdle at 15.05, but we cannot forsake the Schlenderhan-bred Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) after the latter´s spectactular debut victory a fortnight ago at Taunton. The handicaps are of course very tricky, but we like Niceonefrankie (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) at 15.40, as we feel that he might be better suited by this trip of 2 miles 3 furlongs than his opponents. Another ex-Schlenderhan runner is Milord (Kim Bailey/ Sam Thomas) in the handicap hurdle at 16.50, but this looks wide open and we prefer Population (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan).
Ferguson sends his main jockey Denis O´Regan to Haydock, where he partners the smart Purple Bay in the listed novice hurdle at 14.55. Despite having only 5 runners, this id a very tough race and they are all last-time-out winners. We just about prefer Zamdy Man (Venetia/ Aidan Coleman), who scored in very good style at Ascot last time and is closely related to Lando. The novice chase at 15.30 is another very compettive little race and here we go for Up And Go (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who is making his chasing debut. The most interesting race for betting purposes could be the opening 3 mile handicap hurdle at 13.50, with 13 runners and almost as many likely winners; perhaps it might pay to concentrate on the two bottom-weights, Cyrien Star (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall) and Shouldavboughtgold (William Kinsey/ Charlie Huxley).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Beat That - Sybarite - Knock House
2. Race: Titchwood - My Dads Horse - Lord Of House
3. Race: Tradewinds - A Hare Breath - Hung Parliament
4. Race: Gallox Bridge - Greywell Boy - Al Alfa
5. Race: Night Alliance - Annacotty - Ballypatrick
6. Race: Dunraven Storm - Brinestine - Population

5 meetings today

5 Meetings today, including a low level card on the all-weather this evening at Kempton. The 4 N.H. meetings also have relatively little to offer, with some small fields at the 3 meetings in the U.K. The Irish card at Thurles has some bigger fields and the most interesting runner today is Trifolium (Charlie Byrnes/ Bryan Cooper) in the opening beginners chase at 13.25 CET. Although he finished tailed off in his last race a year ago, that was a Grade One hurdle, and he was easily the best of these over the smaller obstacles; the trainer seems confident and we expect him to score on his chasing debut.
The best race in the U.K. is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.05 at Market Rasen. All 9 runners can be given a chance here, and our tentative suggestion is Act of Kalanisi (Dr. Richard Newland/ Christopher Ward), who ran well enough at the Cheltenham October fixture on his first attempt at this trip to suggest that he has a future in such events. We also like last-time-out winners Suburban Boy (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) here at 14.30 and Wily Fox (James Eustace/ Jack Quinlan) at 15.40.
The main event at Wincanton is also a handicap hurdle, this time over 2 1/2 miles at 14.50. This is another very open affair and our 3 against the field are Beachfire (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) - a Royal Ascot winner on the flat- Sound Investment (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), from the top local trainer, and consistent Foxcub (Tom Symonds/ David Crosse). A recent winner who can follow up here under a penalty is Richmond (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who appears to have little to beat at 16.30.
At Chepstow the ground will be very testing and stakes should be kept low. One who should go well in these conditions is ex-French half-bred Un Anjou (David Dennis/ Sam Twiston-Davies) who can take the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Howaboutnow - Make Me A Fortune - Think Out Loud
2. Race: Corrin Wood - Benevolent - Baby Shine
3. Race: Suburban Bay - Spanish Arch - Present View
4. Race: Free To Dream - Greyfriars Drummer - Koultas King
5. Race: Wily Fox - Compton Blue - Cloudy Bob
6. Race: Hopeand - Croco Mister - Molko Jack
7. Race: Kilcooley - In The Rough - Jac The Legend

listed race this evening

5 meetings today, 3 over jumps, including one in Ireland, and two on the all-weather and the best race is the listed mile race at 19.20 CET this evening at Kempton. There is a competiive field, including last year´s third Sirius Prospect (Dean Ivory/ Robert Winston), but on form and ratings two runners stand out: the much-improved Graphic (William Haggas/ Jamie Spencer) and Tullius (Andrew Balding/ David Probert). Graphic was won 4 of his last 5 races, but we prefer Tullius, who is better drawn and ran a good race at Newmarket last time. Half an hour later there is a decent handicap here over 2 miles, in which we select course specialist Arch Villain (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley), who has shown improved form since being upped in distance; Irish challenger Cullentry Royal (John Levins/ Gary Carroll), having his first race for this trainer, could be a danger but faces a stiff task under top weight.
The afternoon all-weather card at Lingfield is by contrast very weak; the best race here is the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.30, in which we fancy If So (James Fanshawe/ Freddie Tylicki), who has already won 3 times over CD. The danger might be the lightly-raced Blessington (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin), but he is badly drawn and running for the first time on this surface.
Over jumps, conditions will be very unpleasant at Hexham with heavy ground and high winds. There is apparently a big gamble on Amethyst Rose (Wilf Coltherd/ Daragh Bourke) in the handicap hurdle at 16.10. She has shown very llttle in her 4 races so far, but this is a very weak race. However we would rather stick to public form, in which case top weight Symphonick (Tim Fitzgerald/ Brian Hughes) gets our vote.
Tony McCoy is due to ride at Warwick but first has to pass the doctor after his heavy fall yesterday. Should he ride, his best chance in our view is Alan King´s Gone Too Far in the novice hurdle at 15.50. Our best bet here is German-bred Swinging Hawk (Ian Williams/ Robert McCarth) in the opening handicap hurdle at 13.50. This is his first hurdle race for almost 2 years and he is handicapped on the very poor form he showed then; but he has been in good form on the flat, winning twice this year, and if he can transfer this improvement to hurdles., he must have a good chance off his low weight with a decent claimer aboard.
Anoither jockey who has been in the wars is Irish star Paul Carberry, who makes his comeback at Fairyhouse today and can get off the mark in the very first race at 13.45 on Noel Meade´s Ally Cascade.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Poyle Vinnie - Dawn Catcher - Twist And Twirl
2. Race: Emulating - Oratorio`s Joy - Maria`s Choice
3. Race: Dansante - D`avignon - Quiet Warrior
4. Race: Travis Bickle - Gone With The Wind - Naadirr
5. Race: Fiftyshadesfreed - Drinkuptrig - Elite Freedom
6. Race: Graphic - Tullius - Bertiewhittle
7. Race: Perennial - Cullentry Royal - Arch Villain
8. Race: Deserted - Icebuster - Scottish Star

more Mullins winners at Wexford?

Willie Mullins has started bringing out his big guns for the new N.H. season and was rewarded with no fewer than 7 winners on Sunday. Today he saddles just two runners at Wexford, but both of them should score with Ruby Walsh in the saddle. Briar Hill is the most interesting runner of the day and will be at long odds-on for the maiden hurdle at 13.45 CET. He won both his bumpers and was particularly impressive when taking the Cheltenham Champion Bumper by 7 lengths. That is always a decent race, and he had previously shown that he can jump by winning a point-to-point, he looks a good thing to score on his hurdling debut, even though he has to concede 8 lbs all round. An hour later Mullins and Walsh are represented by Royal Moll in the mares novice hurdle at 14.45; she is also unbeaten after two starts under rules and can remain unbeaten, although Diyala (Gordon Elliott/ Barry Geraghty) could be a danger. There is another hot favourite in the maiden hurdle at 14.15, in which we expect Grey Monk (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) to defeat Lord of Lords (Edward O´Grady/ Geraghty).´
There is very little of interest in today´s 4 U.K. Meetings. The ground is very heavy at Lingfield while there are tiny fields at Fakenham (32 runners in 6 races). Seventh Hussar (Alison Batchelor/ Josh Moore) and Bathwick Junior (Michael Blake/ Tom Scudamore) at 15.50 are two recent winners on the heavy and can follow up under a penalty at Lingfield.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: El Soro - Behemoth - Jazz Concerto
2. Race: Grey Monk - Lord Of Lords - Aonvarr
3. Race: Royal Moll - Diyala - Kilbarry Beauty
4. Race: Wilde Sapphire - Mojito Royale - Expressaninterest
5. Race: Speckled Wood - Littletown Lass - Sugar Bullet
6. Race: Flying Windsor - Dog Barrel Hill - Foritsa
7. Race: Ibetellingyoualie - Commanchewardance - Fergiethelegend

3 poor meetings today

a typical Monday with only 3 very poor meetings in the U.K. and no racing at all in Ireland. There are also some small fields with likely odds-on favourites, and not at all punter friendly.
Ruby Walsh was 5 from 5 yesterday at Punchestown and his friend and rival Tony McCoy can emulate him today, albeit at a much lower level, by winning on all 3 of his rides at Plimpton, all in the colours of his main employer JPMcManus. However you won´t get rich from backing Regal Encore (Tony Honeyball at 13.50 ECET, Uxizandre (Alan King) at 14.20 and VNeck (Paul Nicholls) half an hour later, as they are all expected to start at very cramped odds.
A likely hot favourite at Leicester is Dubai Prince (John Ferguson/ Denis O´ Regan) in the novice hurdle at 16.40 at Leicester. Dermot Weld trained him at 2 and thought he was a potential world beater, but he lost form after being transferred to Godolphin, but he did manage to win a decent Group Three at York´s Ebor Meeting in 2012. He has not been seen since and now reappears as a gelding and over hurdles; if he can jump, he looks almost unbeatable in this grade. Ferguson and O´Regan have another chance here with Buthelezi at14.05, but Valco de Touzaine (Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks the more likely winner here.The handicap hurdle here at 15.40 looks the best betting race of the day; Tom Symonds has his string in good form and his lightly-raced Ashdown Lad (Felix de Giles), a winner on the flat here for Willie Jarvis, could be the answer.
Wolverhampton´s all-weather card is very low level. The 7 furlongs handicap at 17.30 is the best event here and Ruwaiyan (James Tate/ Luke Morris) is expected to start hot favourite after his easy CD won a month ago. However he has gone up 10 lbs and we shall take a chance on top-weight Docofthebay (Scott Dixon/Tom Eaves), whose recent form is very patchy, but he has been mainly running in better company and goes well on this surface.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mystery Drama - Poetic Verse - Uganda Glory
2. Race: Buthelezi - Akula - Carli King
3. Race: Lac Sacre - Eyeline - I Told You So
4. Race: Nom De Guerre - Doubletoilntrouble - Thats Ben
5. Race: Zafranagar - Canadian Diamond - Ashdown Lad
6. Race: Mr Bachster - Tinelyra - Rebel High
7. Race: Catching On - Algernon Pazham - Ballygrooby Bertie

Hurricane Fly returns at Punchestown

Today sees the return of the dual Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who runs in the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle at 15.15 CET at Punchestown. He has won 17 of his 19 starts, including 7 times here, and has 16 Grade Ones to his credit; if he wins today, which seems a formality, he will set a new record for Grade One wins. He is not a betting proposition as he will start at prohibitive odds as he faces only 4 inferior opponents, 3 of which are also trained by Mullins. Midnight Game (Bryan Cooper), out of an Acatenango mare, is the one for the forecast, while Akatara, the only non-Mullins runner, will probably finish last but will collect prize-money just for completing the course.
Two other hot favourites likely to win at the Irish meeting are Faugheen (Mullins/ Walsh) at 13.35 and Defy Logic (Paul Nolan/ Mark Walsh) half an hour later. Both are regarded as exciting prospects.
Mullins had 3 winners here yesterday and also sends his second jockey Paul Townend to Cork, where the team can win the first two races with Upsie at ^13.55 and Valseur Lido at 14.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Chute Hall - Guiding George - Highbrow Blue
2. Race: Defy Logic - Felix Yonger - Shrapnel
3. Race: Don Cossack - Morning Assembly - Si C`Etait Vrai
4. Race: Midnight Game - Marito - Mikael D`Haguenet
5. Race: City Slicker - Bishopslough - Bendanella
6. Race: All Honours - Wells China - Castle Lantern
7. Race: Harvey Logan - Macbride - Fire Dawn

Cheltenham: final day of Open Meeting

the third and final day of Cheltenham´s Open Meeting sees another strong card assuming that is that we can see at all, as it was very foggy there this morning. The big betting race is the Greatwood Hurdle, a valuable 2 miles handicap at 16.15 CET, which looks very tricky with 18 runners, including 5 from Ireland, of which the best might be Thomas Edison (Tony Martin/ Tony McCoy). We are hoping für a home win, and our 3 against the field are Pine Creek (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), Kashmir Peak (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello) and last year´s runner-up Cash and Go (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty).
Ferguson and O´Regan can also take the Grade Two novice hurdle at 14.35 with Sea Lord, a smart flat horse who has taken well to jumps and has won his last 6 races. However he faces strong opposition from Lac Fontana (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and The Liquidator (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), but we think his superior flat class may carry the day.
There is also a small field for the Grade Two novice chase at 15.10. Paul Nicholls has won this plenty of times and can do so again with Dodging Bullets (Jacob), who goes well at Chelternham and in fact last year won the novice hurdle in the previous paragraph. Raya Stasr (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Ted Veale (Tony Martin/ Barry Geraghty), making his chasing debut but also a CD winner over hurdles, are the dangers here.
The listed chase over 2 miles at 15.40 should in theory go to top-weight Sire de Grugy (Gary and jamie Moore) a very smart handicapper, but we are also interested in the chance of Tataniano (Richard Rowe/ Jacob), who gets 10 lbs from him and would be a good thing if he could recover his old form.
On flat form Lieutenant Miller (Henderson/ Jerry McGrath) should win the opening race, but he does not seem so reliable over the sticks. Toughness Danon (Ian Williams/ Kieren Woods) is unpredictable, but won recently on the flat; he finished third in the German Derby 4 years ago and if in a good mood today, could well spring a surprise.
Another horse with German connections is Neck or Nothing (Tom Hogan/ O´Regan) who runs in the bumper at 16.50. He was sold for 8,000 euros as a yearling at Baden-Baden, but changed hands for a huge sum only last week after easily winning his bumper in Ireland.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lieutenant Miller - Western Warhorse - Big Casino
2. Race: The Liquidator - Sea Lord - Lac Fontana
3. Race: Dodging Bullets - Raya Star - Ted Veale
4. Race: Sire De Grugy - Special Tiara - Kid Cassidy
5. Race: Cash And Go - Pine Creek - Court Minstrel
6. Race: Red Sherlock - Carningli - Champagne At Tara

Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

excellent racing at Cheltenham today, and although there are 2 Grade Two races on the card, pride of place goes to the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a handicap chase over an extended 2 1/2 miles at 15.30 CET, which looks the best race of the season so far. Plenty of the 20 runners have smart Festival form to their credit, including Finian´s Rainbow, one of 3 Nicky Henderson runners and the choice of stable jockey Barry Geraghty; he won the Champion Chase in 2012 and was runner-up in the Arkle the previous year, but he has a huge weight as a result and we cannot see him winning here. The Pipe stable have always done well in this and are down to just one runner, the ex-French Ballynagour (Tom Scudamore); he won his first race in the U.K. in spectacular style, but then flopped in the Byrne Plate over this CD at the Festival as hot favourite, and has not been seen since. The winner then - at 50-1- was Carrickboy (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), with Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore) second. Johns Spirit (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLennon) won over this CD at the October meeting, with Astracad (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) 5th and Woolcombe Folly (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) sixth. At these weights we would expect the last-named to come out best, but our selection is Champion Court (Martin Keighley/ Ian Popham); he is locally trained, has a good record at this track and his trainer sounds very bullish.
The other handicaps are almost as tricky. In the handicap cahse over 3 1/2 miles at 14.50, the first two from last year reoppose: Monbeg Dude (Michael Scudamore/ Richard Johnson) and Bradley (Fergal O´Brien/ Paddy Brennan). The former, who also won the Welsh Grand National, is not so well handicapped this time and would in any case prefer softer ground. Bradley can easily be preferred, even though he is slightly out of the handicap. Burton Port (O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) is the class act here, having finished 4th in the Gold Cup last year, but must give away lots of weight. The dangers are Irish hope Spring Heeled (Jim Culloty/ Barry Geraghty) and Tour de Champs (Team Twiston-Davies)..
The handicap hurdle over 3 miles+ at 16.00 has another huge field. Sunnyhillboy (O´Neill/ McCoy) last ran in the Grand National and in fact has not won over hurdles for over 4 years; however he is undeniably well handicapped on his old form. Southfield Theatre (Nicholls/ Jacob) is difficult to assess; he is running in his first handicap after showing excellent form in novice races and could be better than his rating, demanding though it is. However out main hope is Cross Kennon (Jennie Candlish/ Sean Quinlan), who won this in 2010 and was runner-up last year. and always runs well in these staying handicaps.
The Grade Two 3yo hurdle that opens the card at 13.40 could go to Royal Irish Hussar (Henderson/ Geraghty), who looks very talented and had decent form on the flat for Aidan O´Brien; however he will be at a short price, as will be African Gold (Team Twiston-Davies) in the novice chase at 14.15, who is apparently very highly regarded at home and makes his debut over fences here.
The Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.35 looks very tricky with Indevan (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Timesremembered (Emma Lavelle/ Leighton Aspell) both penalised for winning relatively weak graded races. At thes weights we like Toubeera (Williams/Coleman), who has won her last two races, in lower grade, easily enough. In our view Mullins and Townend have a much better chance in the mares bumper at 17.05 with the unbeaten Supreme Ballerina.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royal Irish Hussar - Azza - Art Mauresque
2. Race: African Gold - Shutthefrontdoor - Sam Winner
3. Race: Goulanes - Godsmejudge - Spring Heeled
4. Race: Champion Court - Johns Spirit - Ballynagour
5. Race: Southfield Theatre - Edmund Kean - Silver Eagle
6. Race: Timesremembered - Port Melon - Indevan
7. Race: Supreme Bailerina - Legacy Gold - Mayfair Music

start of Cheltenham open meeting

for many jumps racing fans the N.H. season starts today, the first day of Cheltenham´s Open Meeting. Although there are no graded races today, it is still an excellent card with some very competitive races, although there are only 4 runners in the main event. This is the novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 CET and sees the chasing debut of top hurdler Oscar Whisky (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). On hurdles Ratings. and in view of his excellent couzrse record, he oiught to win, but there are reasons to be cautious. He did not always jump perfectly over the smaller obstacles, so it remains to be seen how he will cope with the big ones, while his stable has not really hit top form yet. And of course his 3 opponents will not be brushed aside lightly, especially Taquin du Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), also a Grade One hurdles winner who started off over fences with an easy win. He and the other previous winner The Cockney Mackem (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) are penalised 5 lbs which makes life tougher, but The Romford Pele (Rebecca Curtis/ Noel Fehily), although not as good as the others over hurdles, jumped really well on his chasing debut and must not be underrated. This is definitely a race to watch only.
There are certainly better betting opportunities. For example, one of our favourite horses, the German-bred Fredo (Ian Williams/ Sam Waley-Cohen) runs under bottom weight in the opening amateur riders handicap chase at 14.05. He did not jump that well last time, but he normally goes well here - very important at Cheltenham- and is extremely well handicapped on his best form. Standing Ovation (David Pipe/ Sam Clements), going for a fivetimer, and Irish raider Victrix Gale (Tony Martin/ Jamie Codd) are the obvious dangers.
With the Alan King stable in good form, Oh Crick (with his regular pilot Joshua Newman), could run well in the 2 mile handicap chase at 14.35. >He has been below form, in fact he was only won omnce in ther pasdt 4 172 years, but is another one very well handicapped now. Super-consistent Eastlake (O´Neill/ McCoy) and distance specialist Anay Turge (Nigel Hawke/ Mick Quinlan) are two of many dangers here.
The cross-country over just short of 4 miles at 16.15 is another tricky race with several specialists entered, noably Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins), who has won it the last twice. Last year he won by 11 lengths from Balthazar King (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), but the latter has the better recent form, while Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ James Reveley)lLooks a threat off a light weight, having run well in similar events in France.
O´Neill and McCoy have several good chances today, and the lightly-raced and unexposed pair Upswing at 15.40 and Edmaaj at 16.50 are two more that appeal in very open handicap hurdles, although in the latter race Tony Martin has another dangerous raider in Quick Jack,which is astonishingly Ruby Walsh´s only ride of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Standing Ovation - Ruben Cotter - Imperial Circus
2. Race: Eastlake - Anay Turge - Tindaro
3. Race: Taquin Du Seuil - The Romford Pele - The Cockney Mackem
4. Race: Whisper - Atlantic Roller - Top Gamble
5. Race: Balthazar King - Chicago Grey - Uncle Junior
6. Race: Edmaaj - Quick Jack - Rosie Probert

Clonmel Oil Chase

the Co. Tipperary track at Clonmel stages its best card of the year today, with the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET as the main feature. This is always a good race and today´s field of six runners is very select. Willie Mullins saddles two of them., Arvika Legionnaire (Ruby Walsh) and bottom weight Mikael d´Haguenet (Paul Townend) clearly preferred. He was a top novice last season, winning 3 Grade Ones and was not suited by the track when well beaten at Cheltenham. He is expected to go right go the top this season, and today´s track and distance should be ideal. Rubi Light (Robbie Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch), even though he concedes weight and would prefer heavier going, looks the main danger. The mares chase half an hour later is also a graded race, but the field is much weaker. Avondhu Lady (David Fenton/ MA Enright) was third here last year, but that was a much stronger renewal, and she might be good enough to score this time. Also to be noted here is German-bred Quartetto (Tom Taaffe/ Townend), the likely favourite for the handicap chase at 16.25. His last two runs, both placed, were over hurdles and he does not seem to be so well handicapped over fences; he has not won for 3 years, and while he clearly has a chance, we are a bit sceptical at the likely odds.
We are certainly more interested in some of the German-breds running in British N.H. races today, in particular Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) in the novice hurdle at 15.40 at Taunton. He was a listed race performer for Schlenderhan last year and now makes his hurdling debut for a stable that always has them well primed first time out.
At Ludlow, Nicky Henderson saddles Nesterenko, previously trained by Uwe Stoltefuss, in the maiden hurdle at 14.30 and Willpower, out of German-bred Group One winner Noble Pearl, in the introductory hurdle at 16.30. Both are partnered by David Bass and are making their debuts over sticks; we hope they run well. Another German-bred running here is Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge) in the 3 mile+ handicap chase at 15.00. He has never run over this distance before, but he goes well at this track and could be worth a small each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Unic De Bersy - Dun Scaith - The Job Is Right
2. Race: Famous Ballerina - Go Paddy Go - Softboiledsergeant
3. Race: Questions Answered - Catch Me - Sarabad
4. Race: Arvika Ligeonniere - Rubi Light - Texas Jack
5. Race: Avondhu Lady - Backinthere - Caoimhe`s Delight
6. Race: Quartetto - Beckwith Star - Instant Impacked
7. Race: Flaming Dawn - Tom`s Article - Truth Be Told

5 meetings today

5 meetings today with racing over jumps at Bangor and Exeter and flat racing on the all-weather this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton and in Ireland at Dundalk.
The best horse running today is Smad Place (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) in the novice chase over 3 miles at 15.10 CET at Exeter. A top staying hurdler, he was odds-on for his chasing debut 10 days ago at Huntingdon, but fell at the last when well clear. Up to that point his jumping had been fine; he will be odds-on again today and, bar another fall, looks a near certainty. Seymour Eric (Martin Keighley/ Ian Popham) makes his chasing debut here; he won 5 hurdles races last season, but nowhere near the form shown by Smad place, but still looks next best. King and Choc can follow up in the beginners chase half an hour later with Valdez, another useful hurdler making his debut over fences. Dan Skelton has made a great start to his training career and can stay on the winning trail with Twice Returned here at 14.40 with his son Harry in the saddle; Royal Native (Antony Honeyball/ Rachael Green), a CD winner last week, is the obvious danger.
At Bangor, the 3 mile handicap chase at 14.50 is the main event and looks very tricky with all 9 runners holding a chance; our tentative selection is Loch Ba (Mick Channon/ Dominic Elsworth). Donald McCain usually does well here at his local zrack and has several runners. The one we like best is Bourne (Jason Maguire) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 15.50; this distance is far more suitable that the marathon trip he tried last time. We also like Winds and Waves (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall), who can defy top weight in the novices handicap chase at 14.20.
The Lingfield card this afternoon is very poor; the fillies 7 furlongs handicap at 15.00 is the most interesting race and we fancy Broughtons Charm (Willie Musson/ Robert Winston) e.w.in an open event.
There is slightly more quality on view at Kempton. Godolphin usually do well here and we like I´m Back (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) in the conditions race at 20.30. The 5 furlongs handicap at 17.50 jhas two former group winners in the field- Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Graham lLee) and Tax Free (David Nicholls/ Robert Havlin). At these weights we must give Tax Free another chance, although he has been very expensive to follow this year. It is amazingly the 11-year-old´s first ever start on the all-weather and perhaps that will bring about a revival in his form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Minella Friend - Ned Stark - Mosspark
2. Race: Royale Knight - Bob Tucker - Armenian Boy
3. Race: Seymour Eric - Ardkilly Witness - Counting House
4. Race: Valdez - The Italian Yob - Ohio Gold
5. Race: Horizontal Speed - Royale`S Charter - Waterunder
6. Race: Midnight Lira - Moorlands Jack - Moleskin
7. Race: Joanne One - Ruby Glow - Blue Buttons

4 poor meetings today

Once again. mainly very low-level racing at this afternoon´s 3 N.H. meetings and also this evening at Wolverhampton. There are some small fields and the ground will be very testing, especially at Lingfield and Sedgefield, so punters should stick to runners proven on the ground. The best card is at Huntingdon, where a number of decernt flaz horses will be seen running over hurdles. This applies particularly to John Ferguson´s two runners, Prince Siegfried at 14.40 CET and Zuider Zee half an hour later. Denis O´Regan partners both of them, but while the former probably has only My Wigwam Or Yours (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) to beat, the German-bred Zuider Zee faces some stiff opposition in this 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle. Topweight Vulcanite (Chatlie Longsdon/ Tony McCoy), reverting to hurdles after below par performances over fences, and Broadway Buffalo (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who won 5 successive races last season, both look very dangerous. Anotjher decent flat horse running here is Commitment (Neil Mulholland/ Michael Byrne) in the opening handicap hurdle; he has shown promise in his 3 starts over hurdles, could be nicely handicapped here and meets very weak opposition.

At Sedgefield the Donald McCain/ Jason ;Maguire combination loks the team to follow. Salto Chisco at 13.50, Halo Moon at 14.20, and Atlanta Falcon an hour later all have decent chances and we very interested in the prospects of Divers in the main event, a handicap chase over 21/2 miles at 16.20. Sue Smith´s runners Stagecoach Pearl (Jonathan England) and Tahiti Pearl (Ryan Mania) are the two he has to beat.We also like German-bred Lysino ( Chris Grant/ Keith Renwick) in the handicap hurdle at 16.50, he was well behind Dynamic Drive (Maurice Barnes/ Steve Mulqueen) over this CD a fortnight ago, but meets him now on 8 lbs better terms.

The Lingfield card is very uninspiring. Dan Skelton has made a good sdtart to hid Training career and his Toby Lerone (Ian Popham) can follow up last week´s easy won at Southwell at 15.00, while another last-time-out winner Somerby, a heavy ground specialist, (Richenda Ford/ Noel Fehily) can take the handicap chase at 16.30.

Huntingdon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Just Cloudy - Tigresse Bleue - Commitment
2. Race: Long Wave - Suburban Bay - Barton Gift
3. Race: My Wigwam Or Yours - Prince Siegfried - St Ignatius
4. Race: Vulcanite - Broadway Buffalo - Zuider Zee
5. Race: Royal Guardsman - Able Deputy - Tempest River
6. Race: Iron Butterfly - Mistral Reine - Definite Ruby
7. Race: Smart Motive - Mad Jack Mytton - Kibo

3 poor meetings today

very low level racing at all 3 meetings today. On top of that, small fields and bad ground at Southwell - 41 runners in 7 races - make this card very unattractive for punters. There won´t be many buyers for Connectivity (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tony McCoy) after the claiming hurdle at 16.10 CET, but the 9yo has easily the best form in the race and with the champ in the saddle should win this easily. McCoy also has two promising rides for Steve Gollins, Make me A Fortune at 15.05 and Balinderry at 16.40 and they both have chances. However Inandover (Jim Mackie/ Donal Devereux) looks the likelier winner of the earlier race after winning here 18 days ago and his form might receive a boost if Cloudy Dawn (Sue Smith/ Jonathan England), third that day, runs well in the opener at 13.30.
The best race of the day is the graduation chase at 15.25 at Carlisle, featuring last season´s Grand National runner-up Cappa Blue (Paul Moloney), who was second in this last year. He is top-rated now and has repeatedly been placed in top staying chases, but is unlikely to be fully wound up here. Buddy Bolero (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) fell early when fancied for a top handicap at Ascot 9 days ago and must be considered, but our preference is for Imperial Vic (Michael Smith/ Danny Cook), very consistent at a slightly lower level and now getting 11 lbs from the two principals. Etxalar (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) goes well here and might be able to defy top weight for his in-form stable at 13.45, while Top Billing (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) showed improved form last time and the Monsun gelding might go on to record his first ever victory in the novices handicap hurdle at 14.15.
It is possible that there some decent 2yo´s running in the divisions of the mile maiden that open the card at Kempton, but with practically no form go on, these races should be watched for future reference only. For betting purposes, the best race here is the mile handicap at 16.20. Diplomatic (Michael Squance/ Adam Kirby) loves Kempton, where her has already won 7 times and has scored twice over CD in the last fortnight. He is still reasonably handicapped, is well drawn and can complete a quick hat-trick today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Snuker - Etxalar - Shoal Bay Dreamer
2. Race: Top Billing - Dickie Henderhoop - Goodacres Garden
3. Race: Little Glenshee - Castlelawn - Rockawango
4. Race: Cappa Bleu - Buddy Bolero - Imperial Vic
5. Race: Milo Man - Maybe I Wont - Greensalt
6. Race: Zaru - Tutchec - Ros Castle
7. Race: Marrakech Trader - Stonebrook - Rocky Stone

Graded N.H. races in Ireland

There is N.H. racing today at two tracks in the U.K. and two in Ireland, with by far the better racing in the latter ountry. Navan has 3 graded events on the Card and, although the fields are very small in all of them, they should be very jnformative. The Fortria Chase over 2 miles at 15.50 CET is the main feature and sees the return to action of Flemenstar (Tony Martin/ Andrew Lynch), one of the heroes of last season when he won 7 successive races (including this one) and followed up with 3 decent efforts in Grade One company. He has moved from colourful trainer Peter Casey to Tony Martin, who is a little non-committal about his chances today, but if he isd anywhere his form of a year ago, he should win this easily enough. Tony McCoy is in Ireland to ride for his boss JP McManus and has a good chance on both the unbeaten Minella Foru (Eddie Harty) in the Grade Three novice hurdle at 14.30 and Captain Cee Bee for the sametrainer in the Grade Two hurdle over 2 1/2 miles half an hour later. At the weights Mala Beach (Gordon Elliott/ Robbie Colgan) is the danger in the latter event, while Very Wood (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) looks a good prospect and poses a big threat in the earlier race. Marlbrook (Colm Murphy/ McCoy) is another unbeaten runner for the owner in the beginners chase at 16.25, but here we are very interested in Minsk (Dessie Hughes/ Danny Mullins) making his chasing debut after showing smart form on the flat and over sticks.

Champion trainer Wille Mullins won 4 races at Naas yesterday and he will be at Limerick today with his stable jockey Ruby Walsh. They can take the hurdle race at 14.05 with Un Beau Roman - even though in theory he should not defeat Luska Lad at level weights- and the beginners chase at 16.15 with The Paparrazzi Kid, a smart handicap hurdler maing his debut over fences. The one he has to beat is Kandinski (Robert Tyner/ PT Enright), who is still a maiden but has been runner-up 7 times in 9 starts, sometimes in smart company.

The going will be very testing at Ffos Las today and our advice is to keep stakes to a minimum here. Pension Plan (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) is a course specialist and acts on the ground and he can take the handicap hurdle at 15.30, while Whisky and Red (Coloin Bowe/ Jason Maguire) is an interesting irish raider in the handicap chase at 16.35. Maguire has won on his last 6 rides and this is his only mount today.

It has also been raining at Market Rasen - though not quite as much. Gullinbursti (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman) is a horse we like and although he he has not won for almost 2 years, he seems well handicapped in the 2 3/4 mile chase at 15.45. We shall also risk a small each-way bet on German-bred Favorite Girl (Mike Appleby/ Jack Sherwood) in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 16.50. The Shirocco mare has only modest ability, but this is a very weak race.

Top N.H. action

While the flat fizzles out at Doncaster, the N.H. season is getting into top gear and we have good jumping cards today, especially at Sandown and Wincanton in England and Naas in Ireland. Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at Wincanton, his local track, and we expect him to win the three top races there today. Nick Scholfield partners Wonderful Charm in the Grade Two novice chase at 16.15 CET, while Sam Twiston-Davies is on board Far West in the Grade Two hurdle at 15.05 and Poungach in the listed handicap chase at 15.40. Most of the top jockeys are at Sandown where Barry Geraghty can land a double for Nicky Henderson on Grandouet, making his chasing debut at 14.20, and ex-French Kentucky Hyden in the 3yo hurdle at 14.55. The latter´s Auteuil form reads very well in the context of this race. Another ex-French runner, and also a potential star, is Diakali (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who runs in the Grade Three hurdle at 13.50 at Naas.

Final day of flat season

Today marks the final day of the flat season (at least on turf) for 2013 in the U.K. and Ireland with a huge card at Doncaster, 8 races and large and competitve fields in all of them. It could be a big day for Newmarket trainer William Haggas, who can take the two 2yo maidens that start the card with Resolute (Seb Sanders) at 13.05 CET and Penny Drops (Paul Hanagan) at 13.40 and also has the likely favourite in the big betting race of the day, the November Handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.35 with Conduct (Sanders). Witzh 23 runners, this is however extremely open. John Gosden has a good record here and now saddles the two top-weights Aiken (William Buick) and Lahaag (Hanagan); Aiken would win this on his 2012 form, but has been very diappointing this year and we do not believe first-time blinkers will make much difference. Lahaag won a similar race at York a month ago, but several of those who finished close behind him now meet him on better terms. Nearly Caught (Hughie Morrison/ Richard Hughes) ran well in France last time but has a huge weight for a 3yo. We prefer stable companion Cousin Khee (Martin Lane), who could run well at a big price, but also like Communicator (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), who was runner-up here last year and is now 3 lbs lower.

Also on the card are two listed races and from the German point of view the 6 furlongs race at 15.25 where Dominik Moser saddles two runners, both fillies, Amelie Beat (Tom Queally) and Gracia Directa (Robert Winston). The former won at Baden-Baden last time, but that was a moderate handicap and we cannot believe that she has a chance in this company. However Gracia Directa has some good form to her credit and has run several good races in England; she can certainly finish in the money. The ones to beat are Highland Colori (Balding/ Probert), Spinatrix (Michael Dods/ Connor Beasley) and, despite the big weight, Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee). The fillies listed race over 10 furlongs at 16.00 is as open as any handicap; our 3 against the field are Cocktail Queen (David Elsworth/ Richard Hughes), Princess Loulou (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and Romantic Settings (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jazz - Resolute - Almax
2. Race: Majorities - Go Sakhee - Indy
3. Race: Black Caesar - Upholland - Penina
4. Race: Magistral - Favourite Treat - Showboating
5. Race: Jack Dexter - Highland Colori - Eton Rifles
6. Race: Cushion - Prussian - Cocktail Queen
7. Race: Conduct - Lahaag - Border Legend
8. Race: Falcon`s Reign - Piceno - Pashan Garh

good hurdlers at Musselburgh

5 meetings today, with Hexham, Musselburgh and Southwell all over jumps this afternoon, and flat racing at Wolverhampton and Dundalk this evening. Easily the best card is at Musselburgh and the Scottish track stages two good handicap hurdles, over 2 miles at 15.35 and over 3 miles half an hour later, with runners from all over Britain. Both look very competitive, but we think the former race can be narrowed down to Population (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) and Willows Saviour (Dan and Harry Skelton). Skelton senior was previously with Paul Nicholls and has made a good start to his career as his own boss, with Willows Saviour winning easily at Ascot last week. He has a 6 lbs penalty for that but won with much more in hand. However Population, who had good bumper form but has not yet shone over hurdles, could well be thrown in off this rating and is a huge danger. Runswick Royal (Mrs. Hamilton/ Keith Renwick) is the class act here after finishing runner-up in an Aintree Grade One in April, but we cannot see him conceding so much weight to thee two selections. In the staying race we have to stick with our old friend, German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke), who likes this track and has been dropped in the weights. If all 8 run, he looks a good each-way bet at the likely prices. Another one who now has a lenient rating is Aikman (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes); despite coming off a long break and top weight in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.35 he has an excellent chance on his old form and the stable won here yesterday.
There are small fields at Southwell, with normal each-way betting only possible in the bumper at 16.45. This could be the most interesting race here and several top stables have runners, with Tony McCoy coming here for his only ride of the day on Jonjo O´Neill´s Forthefunofit.
The going will be very soft at Hexham, which should suit Ancient Times (Philip Kirby/ Kyle James) in the handicap hurdle at 15.25; he loves this ground and his early summer form on faster going can probably be ignored.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Purple Bay - Memory Cloth - Biggar
2. Race: Franciscan - Pulpitarian - Clever Cookie
3. Race: Desgrey - Twill Stand To Us - Knockturnal
4. Race: Robbie - Katys Girl - Robbie
5. Race: Willow`S Saviour - Population - Runswick Royal
6. Race: So Fine - Capellanus - Marmas
7. Race: Aikman - Strobe - Quito Du Tresor
8. Race: Ronnie Lawson - It`s High Time - Theatrical Style

McCoy close to 4000

The big story of the day is whether Tony McCoy will finally win his 4,000th race today. He is on 3999 and has two rides at Towcester, Church Field in the handicap hurdle at 15.10 CET and Mountain Tunes in the novice hurdle an hour later, both owned by JP McManus and trained by Jonjo O´Neill. We don´t recommend betting on them. as the publicity surrounding the jockey means that they will probably start at illogically short prices. In any case we don´t fancy the former, who seems high in the weights after winning 4 races earlier in the year, all on good or good to firm going. Our hope here is Market Option (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who showed improved form at Ludlow in March and has not run since, but his stable is now in form again. Mountain Tunes has a much better chance, but this is a tricky race with several relatively unexposed runners.

Otherwise the best race of the day is the listed chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.25 at Thurles. Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) must give 190 lbs here to German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Ruby Walsh) and Realt Dubh (Noel Meade/ Barry Geraghty),neither of whom have won for over 2 years. In theory Realt Dubh should win at these weights, but we prefer Quito de la Roque, who at least knows how to win and also stays better than the other two.

The Scottish N.H. meeting at Musselburgh is very low grade, but we hope that useful bumper winner Brijomi Queen (Nicky Richards/ Denis O´Regan) can win on his hurdling debut at 15.30. The all-weatjer flat racing at Lingfield this afternoon and Wiolverhampton this evening are also very short on Quality. All races are class 5 or 6, with tzhe exception of the 9 1/2 furlongs at handivcap at Wolbverhampton at 20.20. The three tio-weoights are all ridden by top apprentices and are all unbeaten at the track. One of them will probably win, with Chookie Royale (Keith Dalgleish/ Jason Hart) our selection - if he runs. He ran second in a similar race at Kempton last night.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Raise Hell - Letter Of Credit - Sitcom
2. Race: Realt Dubh - Quito De La Roque - Noble Prince
3. Race: Georgie - Musawama - Drumlister
4. Race: Diyala - Catimini - Keith`s Delight
5. Race: Dun Scaith - Some Benefit - My Forever Friend
6. Race: Famous Ballerina - Ballysassian - Amazing Star
7. Race: Wrath Of Titans - Flaming Dawn - Definite Answer

Listed race this evening

A better-than-average all-weather card this evening at Kempton with a listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 20.00 CET the main event. Godolphin have won this race 4 times in the last 5 years and we expect them to score again with the lightly-raced and beautifully-bred Urban Dance (Charlie Appleby/ Silvestre de Sousa). The obvious danger is Gatewood (John Gosden/ William Buick), also very well-bred., who was a top handicapper last year and has decent group race form - without winning- in 2013. He is top-rated but has to give weight away all round and we prefer the younger horse, but would be very surprised if any other runner gets involved. Andrea Atzeni rides the outsider Aussie Reigns for Will Knight here, who probably has no chance, but the jockey can land a double on the two top handicaps on the card with Deserted for Luca Cumani at 18.30 and Horsted Keynes for Roger Varian at 20.30.

There is also flat racing this afternoon at Nottingham, where we are interested in how Norab (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) runs in the 2yo maiden at 14.30; he is a half-brother to German Group One winner Night Magic. Mountain Fighter (Saeed bin Suroor/ Chris Catlin), who is by Dubawi out of a German mare, is also interesting in the second division of this race half an hour later.

We are hoping for a German winner over jumps today - Christian von der Recke runs his useful flat horse Cafe au Lait in the 3yo hurdle at Warwick at 14.50. He is making his hurdling debut here, but that should be no problem with this trainer, who was hoping to get Tony McCoy to partner his runner. However McCoy is at Chepstow (for just one ride!) but Tom Scudamore is certainly an adequate substitute.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Maria Bella - Button Down - Talmada
2. Race: Billowing - Natural Choice - Sibling Honour
3. Race: Stevie Thunder - Deserted - Burnham
4. Race: Pretend - Beyond Smart - Wealth
5. Race: Mr Burbidge - Dumbfounded - Grandiloquent
6. Race: Gatewood - Pether`s Moon - Urban Dance
7. Race: Horsted Keynes - Apostle - Chookie Royale
8. Race: Platinum Proof - Nepalese Pearl - Atalanta Bay

Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

The Haldon Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at Exeter at 5.50 CET, is easily the best race of the day and in fact the best race of the year at this track. Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) was hot favourite to win this last year and duly obliged by 26 lengths; he has a good chance of following up despite a 15 lbs rise in the weights.as he has since won the Ryanair Chase and been a good runner-up to Sprinter Sacre at Aintree last time.

However he has to concede 15 lbs and more to some decent chasers, so it is no walkover. William´s Wishes (Evanm Williams/ Paul Moloney) is an obvious danger, being unbeaten in 5 chases, but he has never races against opponents of this calibre, and we prefer Somersby (Mick Channon/ Dominic Elsworth), a big threat on his old form, and Kumbeshwar (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who could be well handicapped. Tony McCoy does not have ride in this race, but he has 3 mounts on the card and now needs only 2 more winners to reach 4,000. We expect him to win the opener on Jonjo O´Neill´s Flemenson at 14.50, so there will be a huge amount on interest in his other two mounts - Keen Eye at 15.20 and Well Hello There at 16.50, although their chances are less obvious. In the former race we might risk a tiny each-way bet on Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), making his hurdling debut:; he is a half-brother to the top German stayer Altano. Two more German-breds riunning here are Dark Lover (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) and Lord of House (Mann/ Fehily) who clash in the novice chase at 16.20 and could well have the finish to themselves.

With Redcar abandoned, the only flat racing today is on the all-weather at Southwell this afternoon and Kempton this evening. The best betting race at the former track is the 7 furlongs handicap at 14.40. In thgeory, top-seight PIceno (Scott Dixon/ Tim Clark) should win this, as he probably beat better opposition when making all under this apprentice at Newmarket last Saturday, but different rules apply on the a.w. and we prefer bottom-weight Speronella (Hughie Morrison/ John Fahy) and the trainer can follow up with Cosimo de Medici (George Baker) in the 2 mile handicap at 17.10. At Kempton, consistent Secret Beau (David Evans/ Tom Queally) can finally get his head in front in the 7 furlongs handicap at 20.00. He has been runner-up on all his 4 starts at this track, and althogh he keeps creeping up the weights wihout the winning, it could be his turn this evening.

Grands Crus at Kempton today

Monday is usually a very poor day but today Kempton stages quite a nice N.H. card and the highlight of the day is the return of the high class Grands Crus (David Poipe/ Tom Scudamore) to actipon. He runs in the handicap hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.40 CET and has too give 16 lbs or more to his 5 opponents. They are no pushovers either: the Crafty Butcher (Michael Hourigan/ Barry Geraghty) comes over to Ireland having won his last 2 races in good style, while Seventh Sign (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) was a smart juvenile last season and God´s Own (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) was badly hampered last time and would probably have won. However none of them can match Grands Crus´ achievements, as he twice gave the great Big Bucks a race and was third over fences in the King George here last year. Presumably he will be back chasing before long, but we think that he can defy his big weight and win today. Nicky Henderson has no runners in that race, but he is the leading trainer at Kempton and can score today with Captain Cutter (Tony McCoy - win no. 3995?) at 14.35 and Hadrian´s Approach (Barry Geraghty) at 16.10. This is another small field and the distance may be on the short side, but we expect him to outclass these opponents.
The other two U.K. meetings, over jumps at Plumpton and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, are very low grade and are probably best left alone, especially as the going will be very testing at Plumpton which will make winners even harder to find.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Volnay De Thaix - Seedling - Devon Drum
2. Race: Reverb - Mr Grey - Ifits A Fiddle
3. Race: Midnight Oscar - Present View - Super Villan
4. Race: Grands Crus - Seventh Sign - The Crafty Butcher
5. Race: Hadrian`s Approach - Theatre Guide - Bury Parade
6. Race: Foundation Man - Upton Mead - Synthe Davis
7. Race: Uriah Heep - Sash Of Honour - Bollin Judith

McCoy marching towards 4000

Tony McCoy is riding better than ever at present and now has a total of 3994 winners to his credit. He is almost certain to hit the magic mark of 4000 in the immediate future, and it could even be today, when he has 6 rides at Carlisle. 6 rides - six winners - this seems almost inconceivable - but McCoy has set so many records previously thought impossible that nothing is beyond this man. He rode a fivetimer at this course only a few days ago, and as all of his mounts look likely to start favourite, he ought to have several winners today. We especially like Holywell at 14.30 CET, a smart hurdler making his chasing debut, and Oscar Fortune at 15.05, both for Jonjo O´Neill, while Tap Digit, trained by Lucinda Russell, also has good prospects in the main feature, a listed chase at 15.40. The only race in which McCoy is not riding is the handicap hurdle at 16.10, where we choose Pete (Ferdy Murtagh/ Graham Watters), runner-up over this CD last time.
The N.H.meeting at Huntingdon is very low key but there is some interesting racing at Cork in Ireland, where the Cork Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 16.25 is the main event. With 19 runners, this looks wide open and several trainers have multiple entries. Willie Mullins has two and Ruby Walsh has rather surprisingly (in our view) chosen Rockyaboya, who like many of the others is totally unproven at this trip. One who will certainly stay well enough and who goes well on this ground is Tarquinius (Gordon Elliott/ Keith Donoghue), and with the stable in great form, we make him the selection. Mullins and Walsh can in any case take the Grade Three novice hurdle at 14.40 with Indevan, who has been first or second on all his starts so far; he is also unproven at the trip, this time 3 miles, but certainly runs as if he will get it.
Leopardstown today stages what is the last flat racing on turf in Ireland this season, with two listed races. As we saw last night in Santa Anita, Aidan O´Brien still has his string in great form and can take the 2yo race at 15.35 with Mekong Rover (Samus Heffernan). He has won all 3 starts so far and although tjhis Opposition is tzougher, can score again with first-time blinkers. In the 7 furlongs race at 15.00 he saddles the lightly-raced Francis of Assisi (Heffernan), but in our view one horse stands out here by miles and that is Big Break (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). The sister to Fame and Glory was 4th in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and although she has not really lived up to expectations she is much better than listed class; both her career wins have come over this CD and the soft ground is just what she wants.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bernardelli - Frontier Vic - Turtle Watch
2. Race: Knock A Hand - Many Clouds - Walkabout Creek
3. Race: Oscar Fortune - Splash Of Ginge - Deputy Dan
4. Race: Tap Night - Hazy Tom - Cloudy Too
5. Race: Pete - The Weatherman - Funky Munky
6. Race: Bescot Springs - No Planning - Mister Marker
7. Race: Red Lion Rock - Ski Guide - Chebsey Beau

Breeders Cup this evening

this evening sees the second, and by far the stronger, day of the Breeders Cup and unfortunately we again have very late starting times, owing to the 9 hours time difference between here and California. The Europeans did really well yesterday with 3 British-trained winners (two of them tipped here), so we will be hoping for more of the same. There are European runners in the 4 top races, starting with the Fillies and Mares Turf at 20.43 CET. Here is it quite possible that our two runners Dank (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Romantica (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) will take the first two places. Dank has been in great form and loves firm ground; she was impressive on her previous U.S. race, easily winning the Beverly D at Arlington and will probably start favourite. However we just prefer Romantica whose owner and trainer have a great record at this meeting and whose dam won this race. She had no chance in the Vermeile last time, but had won a Grup One over this distance at Deauville and looks the one to be on here. Best of the locals are probably ex-Irish Laughig (Alan Goldberg/ Joel Lezcano), unbeaten this year, and Kitten´s Dumplings (Michael Maker/ Joel Rosario), but we will definitely be cheering on the Europeans here.
The Breeders Cup Turf has often been won by the Europeans, but something went wrong last year, when Little Mike (Dale Romans/ Mike Smith) beat Point of Entry (Shug McGaughey/ John Velasquez, and both will be in the line-up at 23.22 tonight. However we regard the Lloyd-Webber filly The Fugue (John Gosden/ William Buick) as the best bet of the meeting. Her very shrewd trainer has chosen this race in preference to the much easier Fillies & Mares race and we think that his confidence will be rewarded. Magician (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) is an interesting runner; the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner has never run further than 10 furlongs and has been off since Royal Ascot. However this trainer also knows what he is doing, so he must be respected.
The race O´Brien really wants to win however is the Breeders Cup Classic, in which he has failed several times, often unluckily. His son Joseph partners Declaration of War at 1.35 (!) and he apparently worked very well at Southwell recently. He has the class, as he showed at Ascot and York, although it is still unclear how he will act here. Planteur (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) is the other European here; he is smart, but with all due respect he would be a big surprise here. Fort Larned (Ian Wilkes/ Brian Hernandez) was a surprise winner last year from Mucho Macho Man (Katherine Ritvo/ Gary Stevens), with Game on Dude (Bob Baffert/ Mike Smith) a disappointing favourite. They all look threatening, especially Game On Dude. who has not lost a race since.
The Breeders Cup Mile at 24.40 sees Olympic Glory (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) tries to repeat his impressive Ascot win a fortnight ago. However this race on firm ground with its sharp bends and short straight is a totally different affair and we shall be amazed if he can beat the American champion Wise Dan (Charles LoPresti/ John Velasquez), who was so convincing last year.
We do not know enough about the American form to be able to judge the other races, but last year´s winners Trinniberg (Bisnath Pardoo/ Ravij Maragh) in the Sprint at 24.01, Mizdirection (M Puype/ Mike Smith) in the Turf Sprint at 22.05 and Groupie Doll (William Bradley/ Ravij Maragh) could all go well again over a CD that clearly suits them. In the 2yo races, the unbeaten juveniles Artemis Agrotera (Michael Hushion/ Joel Lezcano) at 20.05 and Havana (Todd Pletcher/ John Velasquez) at 22.43 could be the right ones.

Breeders Cup starts this evening

The big Breeders Cup fixture is now a two-day meeting and gets under way at Santa Anita in the late evening (European time). The top races are tomorrow, but tonight´s card is also very strong with 5 Breeders Cup races, 4 of them Group One. The exception is the Marathon at 21.45 CET, which is only a Group Two and widely regarded as the weakest of the series. An Argentinian horse won this last year and Ever Rider (Maria Munoz/ Gary Stevens) could be another winner for that country, as the locals- who rarely run over this 1 3/4 mile distance, do not look that strong. London Bridge (Jo Hughes/ Mike Smith) is the only European runner; the only 3yo in the field; he would not be able to win a Group race in Europe, but we think that he could well be placed in this company.

The Europeans have a good record in the Juvenile Turf over a mile at 22.25. Aidan O´Brien has won this the last twice and now saddles 2 runners with good form: Giovanni Boldini (Ryan Moore) and Wilshire Boulevard (William Buick). Richard Hannon runs Shamson (Richard Hughes), while in our opinion Oustrip (Charlie Appleby/ Mike Smith) is the pick of our team and should be well suited by this track. Bobby´ s Kitten (Chad Brown/ Javier Castellano) looks easily the best of the Americans and could be a tough not for the Europeans to crack. There are no European runners in the Dirt Mile at 23.05 and our knowledge of the U.S. form is not good enough for us to make any reliable prediction, although Verrazano (Todd Pletcher/ John Velesquez) is expected to start a warm favourite.

The Juvenile Fillies Turf follows at 23.50 and here again there is a strong European challenge, headed by Vorda (Philippe Sogorb/ Olivier Peslier), winner last time of thr Cheveley Park at Newmarket. The unbeaten Al Thaquira (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) and Chrisseliam (Charlie Hills/ Richard Hughes) are the Britzish runners, while Godolphin´s Sky Painter (Kieran McLaughlin/ Luis Saez) is also dangerous, but badly drawn. Finally the Distaff at 00.35 has only a small field, but is still the best race today, with Royal Delta (Bill Mott/ Mike Smith) attempting to win at the meeting for the third time. However she faces strong opposition from her stable companion Close Hatches (Joel Rosario) and especially Princess of Sylmar (Todd Pletcher/ Javier Castellano), who has the best recent form and beat Royal Delta easily enough at Belmont last time.