today´s N.H. racing

there are 3 N.H. cards today, but the racing is mainly at a very low level and, with more rain about, the ground will be very testing everywhere.
The best sport comes as usual from Ireland and we expect top trainer Willie Mullins to continue on his winning ways at Punchestown. He has two runners in the 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 14.45 CET and they should take the first two places. Ruby Walsh partners Boston Bob, who has fallen the last twice - both in top chases - and now reverts to hurdles. He is apparently being aimed at the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, and if he keeps on his feet, has an obvious chance, even though this trip is on the short side. Stable companion Mourad (Paul Townend) looks the only danger, even though he has not run for 18 months. He is actually higher rated, but we assume Ruby knows what he is doing. Mullins and Walsh can also take the opening beginners chase with Touch the Eden at 13.45 and the 3yo hurdle at 15.15 with ex- French Adriana des Mottes, although in each case Paul Townend rides a dangerous second runner from the stable.
In England, German-bred Lord of House (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) can follow up his Boxing Day win at Wincanton by taking the 2 mile handicap chase at 14.40 at Wincanton under a 7 lbs penalty. Another Boxing Day winner who can score under a penalty is Crookstown (Barry Case/ Daryl Jacob) at 16.10.
We are a bit doubtful about Samurai Way (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Roseneath (Andrew Hales/ Tony McCoy) in the staying handicap chase at 15.20, as we feel that the two favourites will not enjoy these conditions and we will therefore take a chance on Badgers Cove (Robin Dickin( Charlie Poste), who stays well and goes on the heavy. Another one who will like the ground is Todareistodo (Jim Old/ Micky Grant) at 16.20; he is up in trip here but ran last time as though that would be to his advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Touch The Eden - You Must Know Me - Rogue Angel
2. Race: Solstice Knight - Troll D`oudairies - Luke`S Benefit
3. Race: Mourad - Boston Bob - Un Beau Matin
4. Race: Indian Icon - Adriana Des Mottes - Ashjar
5. Race: Truckin All Night - Mireya - Gilgamboa
6. Race: De Chissler - Shanroe Society - Getoutwhenyoucan
7. Race: Midnight Streaker - Miss Mardan - Ballychorus

Lingfield: Richard Hannon´s last runners

normally we would not even look at today´s low level Lingfield card and certainly not recommend any bets - but this day will be memorable as it marks the retirement of Richard Hannon, who hands over to his son Richard junior at midnight. Hannon has been training since 1970, has been champion trainer 5 times and sent out 3644 winners of well over 15 million GBP in prize-money. He has 3 runners today - Sebs Sensei (Sean Levey) and Amontillado (Kieren O´Neill) in the 2yo handicap at 14.00 CET, and Lions Arch (Levey), who has top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30. Obviously it would be nice if one of them were to win, but we would not bet on it.
Another trainer to watch today is Mark Johnston, who has just one runner, Outbacker (Adam Kirby) at 13.30. Johnston has sent out 216 winners in 2013, - which equals his personal record- so clearly would like to go one better here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mahadee - Hillbilly Boy - Ocean Applause
2. Race: Perfect Persuasion - Outbacker - Why Not Now
3. Race: Irish Tears - Applejack Lad - Sebs Sensei
4. Race: Swehan - Leitrim Pass - Aqua Ardens
5. Race: Just One Kiss - Fleckerl - Duke Of Grazeon
6. Race: Kakatosi - Nassau Storm - Glanely
7. Race: Street Power - Random Success - Perfect Venture
8. Race: Mossgo - Never A Quarrel - Novabridge

Haydock and Taunton

back to earth today after the excellent sport of the past few days with only modest cards at Haydock and Taunton to keep us interested, plus the usual low level all-weather racing at Lingfield. Haydock has the better fields - although some of them are small- and two German-breds have caught our eye: Amore Mio (Lucinda Russell/ Craig Nichol) at 13.20 CET and Gauvain (Philip Hobbs/ Mr. Smith) who has top-weight in the veterans chase at 13.50. Gauvain (by Sternkönig) is an old friend of ours and we still remember his victory in the Grade Two Peterborough Chase 2 years ago. He has not won since and his recent form is poor, so he is down a lot in the ratings, but a return to anything hear his old form would see him go close here. The obvious danger is Baby Run (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who ran a great race at Aintree recently after a break of 30 months; the 13yo is not certain to repeat that performance however as the bounce factor could come into play. Amore Mio is rather inconsistent, but clearly has a chance in a weak event. The best race at Haydock is the 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 14.55; this will be quite a slog on the heavy ground, but the two top-weights are the obvious favourites - Across the Bay (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) - who finished 14th in the Grand National and is probably going to challenge for that race again, and Pete The Feat (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), back to form last time at Fontwell and our selection. The Twiston-Davies runner Hunters Lodge and Bob Ford (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) are the others to consider; the latter is running in his first handicap and could be very leniently weighted.
Philip Hobbs could also be on the scorecard at Taunton, as we fancy both Milosam (Tom O´Brien) at 14.10, much improved and twice a CD winner in November, and the penalised Horizontal Speed (Richard Johnson) at 14.45. Best bet here is As I Am (Don Cantillon/ Conor Shoemark) in the mares novice hurdle at 15.20; she has already won 6 races this year, 3 of them with this Jockey, and stands out in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cloudingstar - Amore Mio - Upbeat Cobbler
2. Race: Baby Run - Gansey - Gauvain
3. Race: Goohar - Dibdabs - Highpower
4. Race: Pete The Feat - Bob Ford - Herdsman
5. Race: Urban Hymn - Algernon Pazham - Howaboutnow
6. Race: Bobcatbilly - Supreme Asset - Presence Felt
7. Race: Dundee - Teochew - No No Bingo

top hurdlers clash at Leopardstown

once again the big race ofg the day will be run at Leopardstown- the Grade One Ryanair Hurdle over 2 miles at 15.00 CET. Only 5 runners, but they include the 3 main Irish hopes for the Champion Hurdle, including the champion himself: Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), winner already of 17 Grade One races, a world record, including Cheltenham twice and also this race twice. He has won 18 of his 20 starts and has only been beaten once in the past 4 years. Of today´s opponents, Captain Cee Bee (Eddie Harty/ Mark Walsh) and Thousand Stars (Mullins/ Paul Townend) were well behind him here last year and, smart though they are, we cannot imagine their holding a winning chance today. However the other two runners are the biggest challenge tzhat Hurricane Fly has faced for some time- Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Tony McCoy) winner of 7 of his last 8 races, and Our Conor (Dessie Hughes/ Danny Mullins) unbeaten in 4 starts over hurdles including his mightily impressive Triumph Hurdle win at Cheltenham. Since then he has run once unplaced on the flat and our instinct tells us that the 4yo will not yet be ready for this test. We could be wrong, but for us Jezki is the main danger to the champion and his defeat of Zaidpour last timer reads even better after that one´s victory here yesterday. However Hurricane Fly is still the one to beat, and even though latest win was not particularly impressive, we expect him to be near his best form and to put the young challengers in their place today. He turns 10 next week and sooner or later will again taste defeat, but we think he can keep his winning run going for some time yet.
Willie Mullins should also take the Mares Hurdle at 15.35, where his two runners Upsie (McCoy) and Urticaire (Davy Russell) should dominate the opposition; Upsie is still unbeaten but looks a bit difficult and we would not be surprised to see the other one, an easy winner of her only Irish start, score this time. Ruby Walsh does not ride here but is back for the Grade One Novice Chase at 16.05 where he partners Pat Fahy´s Morning Assembly, who looks a big prospect after winning his first 2 chases in excellent style. Bright New Dawn (Hughes/ Russell) and Carlingford Lough (Jon Kiely/ McCoy) are however two tough nuts to crack and over this trip the last-named could possibly come out on top.
There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Limetrick and in the U.K. at Kelso, but both at a much lower level, however the Doncaster card Looks strong and we expect Paul Nicholls and Daryl Jacob to go back home with some more victories to tjheir credit. However our longshot of the day is Rock a Doodle Doo (Sally Hall/ Andrew Thornton) in the novices handicap hurdle at 15.55; this is a very tricky race, but the handicapper seems to have the prolific flat scorer a serious chance with this rating.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Wrong Turn - Baily Dusk - Down Under
2. Race: Sea Light - Dawerann - Roman General
3. Race: Rockdown - Shanahan`s Turn - Blue Bicycle
4. Race: Our Conor - Jezki - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Urticaire - Jennies Jewel - Theatre Bird
6. Race: Morning Assembly - Bright New Dawn - Carlingford Lough
7. Race: Yes Sir Brian - Value At Risk - Fort Smith

Chepstow and Newbury

the main U.K. meetings today are at Chepstow and Newbury, both of which stage Grade One races. But the Newbury card is very disappointing with small fields in every race, and only 6 run in the Challow Novices Hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 14.45 CET. The very lightly-raced Captain Cutter (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Times Remembered (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman) are the obvious candidates here. We go for the latter, who should be able to reverse Cheltenham placings with Creepy )Martin Keighley/ Iam Popham) on 7 lbs better terms. Our other fancy here is Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Charlie Pose) in the staying handicap chase at 14.15; after a string of poor performances he has come a long way down the ratings and as he today has the heavy ground he needs, he will find conditions ideal.
The Chepstow card is much more interesting, although the Grade One 3yo hurdle at 15.00 has cut up very badly, and now has only 5 runners, none of which really look championship material. 3 of them previously ran in France and as we cannot assess the form properly, we go for Violet Dancer (Gary and Jamie Moore), who was no good on the flat but has been a revelation over hurdles, twice winning with ther greatest of ease.
Gary Moore has put his youngest son Josh, a 3 lbs claimer, on the well fancied Well Refreshed in the big betting race of the day, the Welsh Grand National over 3 miles 5 1/2 furlongs on heavy ground at 15.35. He has a chance, but so do plenty of others and his poor jumping makes him a dodgy proposition in our view. Two class horses have made a mockery of the handicap, with almost every runner receiving tons of weight from Tidal Bay (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis/ Patrick Corbett), narrowly beaten here last year when a hot favuourite; however he has not run since finishing third in the Grand National proper and is not well handicapped, so we strongly prefer Tital Bay, one of our favourite horses. Even at almost 13 years of age and with this huge burden, he still looks the one to beat, and it is significant that Nicholls - in fantastic form- sends his main jockey here to ride. Highland Lodge (Emma Lavelle/ Leighton Aspell) and Merry King (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon), 4th and 5th in the Hennessy, could obviously be in the money again, but the two lightweights we most fancy are Irish raider Goonyella (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), who will love the heavy going, and Vintage Star (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania), who is 4 lbs better off for a neck beating by Hey Big Spender (Colin and Joe Tizzard) last time. Obviously a valuable handicap with 20 runners is never easy and luck will also play its part, but if Tidal Bay is within sight of the leaders two out, we think his tremendous finishing speed will win him the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ceasar Milan - Deputy Dan - Minella On Line
2. Race: Bertie Boru - Hansupfordetroit - Seven Woods
3. Race: Moorlands Mist - Pure Science - Brackloon High
4. Race: Kentucky Hyden - Violet Dancer - Le Rocher
5. Race: Well Refreshed - Goonyella - Highland Lodge
6. Race: Get It On - Un Bon P`tit Gars - Renard
7. Race: Bar A Mine - Capilla - Ashford Wood

Grade One races at Leopardstown

we hope you had a pleasant and profitable Christmas, though there were some shock results and winners were not always easy to find. They will not be easy to find today again, although there are as usual small fields in some of the top races.
However there are 10 runners declared for Leopardstown´s Lexus Chase over 3 miles at 15.55 CET, undoubtedly the best race of the day. They include the first two home in the latest Cheltenham Gold Cup - Bobs Worth (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Sir Des Champs (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell), andf they should Play aleading role here as well. Bobs Worth was very disappointing on his seasonal debut and with the Henderson stable still not firing on all fronts, we prefer Sir des Champs, who was a very close fourth in this last year in one of the best finishes of the season. He finished inches behind First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ David Casey), so he must also enter calculations, as well as Unioniste (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), who are in tremendous form; however this one is only 5 and may not yet be ready for the hurly-burly of these championship races. Mullins saddles 2 more runners, with Rubi Ball (Ruby Walsh) clearly the more interesting; previously trained in France, he had excellent form in staying races at Paul and Auteuil, but we feel that he will not have the speed to beat the above.mentioned over this CD.
There are only 5 runners in the Christmas Hurdle over 3 miles at 14.50, which looks a match between Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Paul Carberry) and last year´s runner-up Zaidpour (Mullins/ Walsh). After spending years unavailaingly chasing Hurricane Fly over shorter distances, Solwhit was switched to this distance last spring with excellent results - winning the top staying races at Cheltenham and Aintree and running second in the French Champion Hurdle, with Zaidpour well back in third. He has not run since, but if he is in form, he should again beat Zaidpour, who however has the benefit of a recent race, when runner-up to the smart Jezki -no disgrace there.
later: SOLWHIT NON-RUNNER in the Christmas Hurdle!! this leaves Zaidpour with a simple chance in our opinion.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sure Reef - Akorakor - Riverside City
2. Race: Un Beau Roman - Empire Of Dirt - Living Next Door
3. Race: Inis Meain - Leah Claire - Pires
4. Race: Zaidpour - Rule The World - Mala Beach
5. Race: Djakadam - Minsk - Si C`Etait Vrai
6. Race: Bobs Worth - Sir Des Champs - First Lieutenant
7. Race: Silver Concorde - On Your Eoin - King Leon

Away for Christmas

Just a reminder that this column is taking a short Christmas break and will be back on Saturday December 28th. We wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas! Please note that the Boxing day fixtures at Ffos Las and Huntingdon have been abandoned following the bad weather earlier in the week, but the rest of the Boxing Day cards seems safe so far.

3 poor meetings today

With Christmas around the ´corner and the huge fixtures at the end of the week at Kempton, Leopardstown and elsewhere, there is no point in expecting high class racing today, so we have 3 very modest cards. Lingfield was due to stage N.H. racing, but after the heavy midweek rain it was wisely decided to switch the meeting to an all-weather flat card. The best race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30 CET, in which Nassau Storm (Will Knight/ Jim Crowley) is exoected to start favourite after two decent efforts in hot handicaps at Kempton. However he has never run at Lingfield before, so we give slight preference to Jungle Bay (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Martin Dwyer), who won over 6 furlongs here last time out but also stays this longer trip. The 2 miles handicap which follows half an hour later could be dominated by two horses that have recently changed stables - the lightly-raced Spiritoftomintoul (Tony Carroll/ Adam Kirby) and Clerk´s Choice (William Jarvis/ Crowley), who has smart form over hurdles, having run respectably at the last 3 Cheltenham Festivals. He is our choice, although in the long run the former is probably capable of more improvement.

There is jumps racing at Bangor - with a lot of non-runners due to the heavy ground- and in Ireland at Thurles. Donald McCain usually does well at Bangor and he can land a treble here for his biggest owner with Classic Move at 15.10, Benzanno at 15.40 and Cloudante in the bumper an hour later, all partnered by stable jockey Jason Maguire. The main event at Thurles is the hurdle race at 14.20, in which Willie Mullins´ unbeaten and potentially very smart Un De Sceaux (Ruby Walsh) has only two moderate opponents. Trainer and jockey can follow up with Urano in the maiden hurdle at 15.50, who is due for a win after finishing runner-up five times, but Thunder And Roses (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) has similar ability and may prove stronger over this trip.

Ascot today

Another strong card at Ascot today, but unfortunately small fields in the two top races. Only 5 go to post in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle over 3 miles at 15.25 CET, which looks between At Fishers Cross (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Reve de Sivola )(Nick Williams/ Richard Johnson), who won this last year. They met 3 weeks ago at Nrwbury, when Reve de Sivola finished third and At Fishers Cross, who ruined his chances by poor jumping, fourth behind Celestial Halo, a non-runner today. At Fishers Cross is expected to run much better this time, especially with McCoy back in the saddle, but at the likely odds we much prefer Reve de Sivola. Salubrious (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) ran well at Cheltenham a week ago and will probably make the running again, while Time For Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) once gave Big Bucks a proper race - but that was 4 years ago and he has not run over hurdles since.

Curtis and McCoy team up again with O´Faolaoins´s Boy in the graduation chase at 14.15; he has not run since his fourth place at the Cheltenham Festival, but that form gives him an obvious chance, with Easter Day (Nicholls/ Jacob), who has taken well to chasing, the big danger.

The big betting race here is the Ladbroke Hurdle over 2 miles at 16.35. which looks wide open with all 20 runners holding a chance. The situation is complicated by the fact that some trainers have several runners., notably David Pipe with 5, including Dan Breen (Conor O´Farrell), last year´s third, and German-bred Dell´Arca (Tom Scudamore), winner of the Greatwell Hurdle at Cheltenham last time with Flaxen Flare (Gordon Elliott/ Richard Johnson) 4th and Pine Creek (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) sixth after being hampered. We think that Dell´Arca would do better on faster going and despite the betting prefer front-runner Shotavodka (Mikey Ennis) of the Pipe runners. There are quite a few 4yo´s in the field, including the two top-weights P´tit Zig (Nicholls/ Jacob) and Rolling Star (Henderson/ Geraghty) but they would have to be championship contenders to win off these weights. We prefer hemnderson´s otzjher runner Chatterbox (David Bass), but the best-handicapped horse in the field has to be Totalize (Brian Ellison/ Wayne Hutchinson), fifth in the Fred Winter, who meets the winner Flaxen Flare and third-placed P´tit Zig on much better terms today and has also run well on the flat this autumn.

At Haydock we like Loch Ba (Mick Channon/ Harry Bannister) in the handicap chase over 3 miles at 15.05 and Cross Kennon (Jennie Candlish/ Conor Ring) over the same trip over hurdles at 16.15.

There is also a iisted race on the all-weather at Lingfield, over 10 furlongs at 15.35. With John Gosden in such fantastic form, we expect both his runners to be involved in the finish - Dick Doughtywylie (Rab Havlin) and Gatewood, the choice of stable jockey William Buick. Tales of Grimm (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) is the obvious danger.

Irving at Ascot

a good Friday card at Ascot features two Grade Two races, and by far the more interesting is the novice hurdle over 2 miles at 15.00 CET. Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield), who was a big classic hope for Schlenderhan two years ago moves up in grade here after winning both his U.K. starts very easily. Ex-French Volnay de Thaix (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) comes with a similar profile. having also won both his U.K. starts against inferior opposition. Both must now show their true ability against some strong opponents, including Prince Siegfried (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), who was the best of these on the flat, and Irish raider Massini´s Trap (Jeremy Nash/ Tony McCoy).Splash of Ginge (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Long Lunch (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) are also last-time-out winners, so this should be an informative race, but we hope that Irving comes through with flying colours.

The other graded race is a novice chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 15.35 and has only 4 runners; all 4 are in with a chance, and we have a slight preference for Mr.Mole (Nicholls/ McCoy), one of the few horses that Nicholls trains for JP McManus. He was a useful hurdler who won his first chase nicely enough, but there is little between the 4 on ratings.

Another ex-German horse running here is Double Handful (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) in the handicap chase at 14.30. He has been placed on both his chasing starts after winning 3 times over hurdles, but does not seem that well handicapped, is coming off a break and will not be suited by the soft ground, so we shall go for the lightly-raced Rio de Sivola (Nick Williams/ McCoy), who made all to win at Warwick last time.

There is also N.H. racing at Uttoxeter., at a much lower level, as well as poor flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell, Wolverhampton and in Ireland at Dundalk. At Uttoxeter, where the going will be heavy, we expect that Ryan Hatch, one of the most promising young claimers, can ride a couple of winners.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pleasant Company - Royal Boy - Tara Road
2. Race: Rio De Sivola - Double Handful - Orabora
3. Race: Volnay De Thaix - Irving - Splash Of Ginge
4. Race: Raya Star - Fox Appeal - Mr Mole
5. Race: Polly Peachum - Andy Kelly - Bygones Sovereign
6. Race: Carningli - Herons Heir - Nathans Pride

4 poor meetings today

there has been a lot of rain in parts of the U.K. and the going at Exeter and Towcester today will be softer than officially reported. Punters should therefore be careful with their selections, and there could well be more non-runners. The racing on offer is in any case very low grade, although early visitors to Exeter will at least have the pleasure of seeing Big Bucks, who is to work on the track before racing.
None of today´s runners can be mentioned in the same breath as Paul Nicholls´ champion, but his trainer could have a winner here with Bury Parade (Sam Twiston-Davies), who has just 3 opponents in the graduation chase at 14.50 CET. The best betting race here is the handicap chase at 15.50; Bincombe (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has been put up 8 lobs for his latest win at Wincanton, but he is one of the few runners with a progressive profile and could go in again. He is Johnson´s only ride of the day.
Tony McCoy is riding at Towcester and should be among the winners. His best chances are probably Jonjo O´Neill´s In The Rough at 13.40 and Charlie Egerton´s Easy Beasy at 15.40. We also like Faith Keeper (Fergal O´Brien/ Conor Shoemark) in the novices handicap chase at 14.10. He won so easily last week at Huntingdon that he should be able to shrug off a 7 lbs penalty, especially as the opposition looks weak.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Centasia - Woodland Walk - Blue Buttons
2. Race: Shammick Boy - Mixologist - Headly`S Bridge
3. Race: Desert Cry - Lidar - Lamb`S Cross
4. Race: Stone Light - Born To Benefit - Danvilla
5. Race: Bincombe - Ballinvarrig - Umberto d`Olivate
6. Race: Padre Tito - Tagrita - V Neck
7. Race: Kings Apollo - Cash Injection - Admirable Duque

Today´s N.H. racing

There is also an above-average midweek card at Newbury, and the 5 runners contesting the graduation chase over 3 miles at 15,15 CET are all distinctly useful. Super Duty (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Hadrian´s Approach (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) both ran in the Hennessy here last time; neither completed the race, but that was one of the best races of the year, so there is no disgrace there.

However at These werights we prefer Gullinbursti (Emma Lavelle/ Noel Fehily) - whose last form over hurdles can be ignored - and especially O´Faolains Boy (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy), who is making his chasing debut here but looked very promising last season. However Henderson and Geraghty get on here, we certainly expect them to have a good afternoon, with Dawalan (a half-brother to Arc winner Dalakhani) holding a good chance at 13.10, and likewise Josses Hill at 14.10 (where Andrew Balding´s newcomer Communicator could be a threat) and Tistory at 15.45. However in the last-named race we also like Broomfield (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), whose dam was a daughter of Mill Reef (!)

Despite the attractions of Newbury, quite a few of the leading jockeys are at Ludlow, and we find it significant that Nigel Twiston-Davies sends his son Sam to ride there; he has some good chances, with perhaps Riuddleofthesands at 14.20 and Cootehill at 15.25 the best of them.

valuable all-weather handicaps today

the two valuable all-weather handicaps that had to be abandoned because of fog last week will now be run today and no problems are expected. They are over 6 furlongs at 15.00 CET this afternoon at Lingfield and at 19.20 over 11 furlongs this evening at Kempton. Both races are worth more than most German group races.
As the races have been reopened, the fields are not identical - though similar- to last week. In fact our original selection for the 6 furlongs event does not now run. The field includes two past winners of the Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood, the best 6 furlongs handicap of the British season- Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Martin Harley) and Hawkeyethenoo (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee); neither has won since their Goodwood victories but they have been running in top races and are still highly rated. Forest Edge (David Evans/ Adam Kirby) has won his last 3 races and is on a real roll; he beat several of these here last time, but that was over 5 furlongs, and it is possible that he is better at the minimum distance. Lancelot du Lac (Dean Ivory/ Jim Crowley) is a progressive 3yo who also comes here in top form; he is a real 6 furlongs specialist, but seems high enough in the weights. Obviously this is a very open race, in which most of the runners can be fancied, but our main hope is Addictive Dream (David Nicholls/ Joe Fanning), runner-up to Forest Edge last time but slightly better off now and more likely to be suited by today´s trip.
It is only about an hour from Lingfield to Kempton and most of the jockeys will be making the journey to the latter track for the big handicap there. Our fancy last week was Castilo del Diablo (David Simcock/ Kirby), but we shall discard him this time as he is drawn 14 of 14, which is normally the kiss of death here. In fact we shall make things easier, by discarding all runners drawn 9 or higher. It is still tricky enough, but our two against the field are Trooping the Colour (Steve Gollings/ Robert Winston) and I´m Fraam Govan (George Baker/ Crowley), owned by retired football manager Sir Alex Ferguson; both are nicely drawn, are last time CD winners and have had a nice break since.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Welease Bwian - Perfect Venture - Joyous
2. Race: Epsom Salts - Lacey - Swift Blade
3. Race: Passing By - Ifrika - Betimes
4. Race: The Third Man - Here For Good - Timeless War
5. Race: Lancelot Du Lac - Forest Edge - Addictive Dream
6. Race: Honey Of A Kitten - Tartan Gigha - Conducting
7. Race: Oratorio`s Joy - Syncopate - Ishikawa
8. Race: Mick Duggan - Keene - Echo Brava

3 poor meetings today

At least we had one really interesting runner yesterday - Rock On Ruby, who duly won at odds of 10-1 on. Today´s 3 meetings - over jumps at Fakenham and Catterick. and on the all-weather at Soutthwell - have nothing to offer; with some small fields as well - races in which normal each-way betting is possible are a rariry - these cards are not at all punter-friendly. For us, the most interesting runner is ex-German Nexius (Tim Vaughan/ Keith Renwick) who makes his U.K. debut in the novice hurdle at 14.40 CET at Catterick. He was listed class when trained by Waldemar Hickst in Cologne, and if he can run up to his flat form over jumps must have a good chance here. Forthefunofit (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), runner-up in two bumpers, looks the main danger, but his team probably have better winning prospects in the handicap chase an hour later with Dursey Sound. This one can be a bit tricky and has unseated his rider the last twice, but is worth another chance, especially as he is now fitted with blinkers and has only 2 opponents to beat. Another one we like here is Knight Valiant (Barbara and Liz Butterworth) in the opening handicap hurdle for amateur riders; he is no star, but was runner-up here last year and is now better handicapped.

At Fakenham we fancy that Carobello (Martin Bosley/ Nico de Boinville) can follow up his CD win last month with 5 lbs extra at 15.50; the race he won was modest in the extreme, but so is today´s event. The Thirsty Bricky (David Thompson/ Tom Scudamore) won 3 races in early 2012, but has now scored since; however he has run some decent races and can get back on the winning trail here at 14.50. The only point of interest at Southwell will be to see the performance of CD specialist La Estrella (Don Cantillon/ Graham Lee) in the claiming race at 15.00; the 10yo has not run since finishing well back at Royal Ascot, but obviously this is much easier and if he is anywhere near his old form, his 22nd all-weather victory would appear to be a formality.

Catterick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Queen Of Epirus - Knight Valliant - Summerlea
2. Race: Big Water - Mandarin Sunset - Rick
3. Race: Lord Of Drums - Bob`S Dream - Jim Tango
4. Race: Forthefunofit - Downtown Boy - Nexius
5. Race: Gulf Punch - Merrydown Vintage - Mrs Eff
6. Race: Dursey Sound - Corrin Wood - Balding Banker
7. Race: Master Dee - I Got Power - Beatu

Rock on Ruby makes chasing debut

This would normally be a typical Monday with 3 very low grade cards, but one runner today stands out like a shining light- Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), who makes his chasing debut at 13.40 CET at Plumpton. This a quite a valuable race for the track and the winner chases a big bonus as well, but only two very inferior rivals have bothered to take him on: Lamb´s Cross (Mark Gillard/ Patrick Corbett), an ex-Irish runner who made a successful British debut at Ffos Las last month, winning a very modest event by 21 lengths, and Lindsays Dream (Zoe Davison/ David Crosse), who has a good course record over hurdles here. However neither is anywhere near the same class as Rock on Ruby; since his 4th place on his debut in 2009, he has been placed on all 16 starts, mainly in top company, and is one of the best hurdlers in recent years, winning the Champion Hurdle in 2012 and running up to Hurricane Fly this year. On official hurdling ratings he has 70 lbs (!!!) in hand of his two opponents today and only needs to jump round safely to win by a distance. Of course, he has to jump the fences, and the soft ground is not ideal. but it will be the shock of the year if he is beaten. Lindsays Dream, with his course record and in receipt of weight, may finish runner-up but under normal circumstances cannot get anywhere near Rock On Ruby.

The rest of the card is of .little interest, though we expect Knocking House (Mick Channon /Dominic Elsworth) to get the better of Call The Cops (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) in the novice hurdle at 14.15.

The ground at Ffos Las will be very soft to heavy following more rain. The card here is very poor, but Royal Riviera (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), named after one of our favourite hotels, acts in these conditions and can take the handicap chase at 14.30, while Stormyisland Ahead (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) is up in grade but can profit from his low weight at 15.40.

The card for the all-weather meeting at Wolverhampton is even worse and with some small fields as well. German-bred Aqua Ardens (trainer George Baker and a different George Baker in the saddle) is no star but at least knows how to win and could be worth a small each-way bet in the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 18.10.

only 2 runners at Navan

the best race at today´s 3 N.H. meetings in the U.K. and Ireland is clearly the Grade One novice hurdle at 14.05 CET at Navan, but this has cut up badly and now only two go to post. The Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh team continues in top form and should take this with Briar Hill, who won the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March, which is really strong form. He duly won his only start over hurdles. but had little to beat and faces a better opponent now. The other runner Axorian (Eion Griffin/ Davy Russell) is no slouch, but not expected to trouble Briar Hill. The big betting race here is the Grade B handicap hurdle at 14.40, in which Mullins and Walsh field another fancied candidate in Call me Bubbles; however that one, also useful on the flat, is weighted up to the hilt, and we prefer two horses that have been chasing but are much better handicapped over hurdles: Colbert Street (Ted Walsh/ Tony McCoy) and German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Bryan Cooper). Colbert Street is no doubt the reason for McCoy´s presence here and is clearly being aimed at the Grand National again, and while he can never be left out, we prefer Noble Prince, who is running over his ideal distance.
A German-bred we like at Southwell is Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Sammy Drake) in the stayers handicap hurdle at 13.55. He has never lived up to his excellent pedigree, but is very well handicapped and usually goes well at this track. Also at Southwell,trhe top bumper horse Red Sherlock (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) makes his hurdling debut at 14.30; if he jumps round all right, he has to win here, with Badger Wood (Mark Smyly/ David England), who has already run well over hurdles, the danger.
The going at Carlisle is heavy and with some small fields, this is not a punter-friendly card. However some decent staying hurdlers line up at 14.20 Trustan Times (Tim Easterby/ James Revely) and Lie Forrit (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) have easily the best form, but are highly weighted as a result, and the question is whether they can concede so much weight to the lightly-raced but promising Kaki de la Press (Tom Symonds/ Felix de Giles). On the whole, we prefer experience., and at the likely odds Trustan Times (each way) is our recommendation.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sizing Tennessee - Kick On Boss - Rock The World
2. Race: College Boy - Wells China - Hop In
3. Race: Azorian - Very Wood - Azorian
4. Race: Call Me Bubbles - Noble Prince - Ally Cascade
5. Race: Folsom Blue - Wingtips - Sizing Gold
6. Race: Come To The Party - Golden Ticket - Troll D`oudairies
7. Race: Fine Rightly - Desertmore Stream - Perfect Promise

International fields at Cheltenham

the Cheltenham International Meeting lives up to ist name today, when there are not only the usual Irish challengers, but also runners from France and Germany. The German hope is Burgoyne (Christian von der Recke/ Robert Thornton) who goes for the 3yo hurdle at 13.10 CET. Von der Recke, who has a good record at this track, bought this one cheaply out of Hughie Morrison´s stable, and he has won two minor races since, but faces a huge task here..We would love to see him run well, but our main fancy is debutant Commissioned (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan), who was much better on the flat for Mark Johnston and comes from a stable that knows how to get one ready. The Weilerswist wizard will be at Cheltenham, but he also runs Cafe au Lait (Tom O´Brien) in a better grade 3yo hurdle at 15.05 at Doncaster, where we again expect a debutant trained by Sheihk Mohammed´s bloodstock adviser to come out on top - this time Broughton, who is German-bred but also showed good form for Mark Johnson; the very promising Royal Irish Hussar (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) however could be the one to beat.

Back at Cheltenham, the main event is the Grade Two International Hurdle at 16.00, and with all due respect to the two French runners here, this must surely be a match between The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and last year´s winner Zarkandar (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob). There is nothing between them on ratings, and we just give a slight edge to Zarkandar - who narrowly defeated The New One at Aintree in April- even though the betting may suggest otherwise, and The New One, so impressive here at the Festival and last time out at Kempton, is actually ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle here next March.
There are more top hurdlers on view over a longer distance at 16.35, and this time there could be a French winner as Gemix (N de Balanda/ David Cottin) is the top-rated runner. However this is a tricky race and he must give weight to 3 promising opponents. Willie Mullins is having a great run and the fact that he sends Ruby Walsh here for just one ride suggests that his mare Glens Melody in receipt of 7 lbs can go close.

The big betting race is the2 miles 5 furlongs handicap chase at 15.25, which looks wide open. Johns Spirit (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon) won the big handicaps here at both the October and November Meetings, but is not so well handicapped now. Our 3 against the field are Easter Meteor (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman), Colour Squadron (Philip Hobbs/ Tony McCoy) and bottom-weight Sew on Target (Colin Tizzard/ Brendan Powell). The 2 mile handicap chase at 14.15 is equally difficult and the field includes the 2011 winner Astracad (Nigel and Sam T-D) and 2012 winner Shooters Wood (Nicholls/ Jacob) and both can play a leading role again; but Nicky Henderson has 4 runners here, with the stable jockey Barry Geraghty partnering Tanks for That; this one ois not very consistent and has in fact been pulled up on both his last two starts here, but he seems well handicapped and is our choice.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kentucky Hyden - Vicenzo Mio - Commissioned
2. Race: Shutthefrontdoor - Le Bec - Sam Winner
3. Race: Eastlake - Drumshambo - Saved By John
4. Race: Kings Palace - Saint Roque - Potters Cross
5. Race: Colour Squadron - Johns Spirit - Grandioso
6. Race: Zarkandar - Court Minstrel - Seabreeze d`Ho
7. Race: Salubrious - More Of That - Glens Melody

Technical problem

Owing to a technical problem we were unable to send our usual preview today, but hope to be back tomorrow Saturday.

Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon today

Huntinhgdon stages ist biggest race of the season today. the Grade Two Peterborough Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.00 and which has attracted a decent field; the race will be run next year on the Sunday, which we feel is a pity. Top-rated is Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), after his second place in the King George, but he also has to give weight away and on official ratings Riverside Threatre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), in receipt of 10 lbs, is best in. That however is based on his excellent 2011-12 form, when he won the Ryanair Chase - with Captain Chris a well-beaten 4th, and that form would give him an excellent chance. However his form last season was poor and he was well behind Captain Chris in the Punchestown Gold Cup in April, the last time out for them both. Riverside Theatrewas only 4th in this year´s Ryanair, with Champion Court (Martin Keighley( Ian Popham) 5th and German-bred Ghizao (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) tailed off. With question-marks over all of these, this leaves us with Module (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), the youngest horse in the field, who ran an excellent race last time when beaten a head by Somersby at Exeter; that form looks good, and the extra half-mile today should be in Module´s favour, so he is our selection.

However Henderson and Geraghty fare in that race, we certainly expect them to win the mares novice chase at 14.00 with Une Artiste, who was easily ther best of these over hurdles and made a pleasing debut over fences. They also have a solid each-way chance with Springinherstep at 14.30, but we are not so sure about debutant Nordic Quest in the novice hurdle at 16.00. Namibian (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) had smart flat form two years ago- winning the Queens Vase and Gordon Stakes- before a bad attack of colic put him out of action. John Ferguson does really well with these ex-Maktoum flat horses and he can outclass this opposition.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shadarpour - Zafaraban - Larteta
2. Race: Baby Shine - Tempest River - Me And Ben
3. Race: Keltus - Prompter - Springinherstep
4. Race: Captain Chris - Riverside Theatre - Module
5. Race: Rossa Parks - Flemi Two Toes - Ya Hafed
6. Race: Namibian - Nordic Quest - Wadswick Court
7. Race: Minella Present - Brother Tedd - Paradise Valley

Valuable all-weather races today

There is currently a big push towards improving the standard of racing on the all-weather courses in the U.K., and although 90% of the races are still rubbish, we see some of the fruits of that policy today, when both Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening stage one extremely valuable handicap each, and both of them have attracted a really strong field.


The Lingfield race is over 6 furlongs at 15.30 CET and is worth more than most listed events. The field of 11 includes the 2011 and 2012 winners of Goodwod´s Stewards Cup, Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Martin Harley) and Hawkeyethenoo (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee); they have both been running in the top sprints since, although without much success, but clearly this race is much easier. Forest Edge (David Evans/ Adam Kirby) has won his last 3 races, including last week over 5 furlongs here from Addictive Dream (David Nicholls/ Tony Hamilton), who had earlier defeated If So (James Fanshawe/ Hayley Turner) over this CD. The weights now favour If So - if only slightly- and he has a good CD record, so we give him the vote in a very open race.

The Kempton race is at 19.40 over eleven furlongs and the winner will collect more than 43,000 GBP, i.e. more than most German Group Two winners. It is the final race of a series, which means that almost all the runners have good recent CD to their credit. Halfsin (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley), Shavansky (Rod Millman/ Shelley Birkett), I´m Fraam Govan (George Baker/ Jim Crowley) - owned by football legend Sir Alec Ferguson- and Jazz Master (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) are all recent CD winners, but are all up in the weights as a result. This is very tricky, but we shall go for Castilo del Diablo (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer), who has not won for ages and finished only 7th in the race won by Shavansky; he was a hot favourite on that occasion, he is now better handicapped and much better drawn - always important at this track- and we shall give him another chance.

The two N.H. meetings today are only of minor importance, but we are certainly interested in how ex-German Silsol (Paul Nicholls/ Jack Sherwood) gets on in the conditional jockeys novice hurdle at 13.40 at Leicester. The Soldier Hollow gelding made an excellent U.K. debut for his new connections and we expect him to win here before going on to better things.

3 more poor meetings today

3 more poor cards today, with N.H. racing at Uttoxeter and Fontwell and all-weather racing at Southwell, where the best race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 14.30CET. Top-weight Galician. (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is the obvious form choice here; the 4yo filly runs almost every week, but keeps her form well. However ther one to beat is probably course specialist Dubai Hills (Bryan Smart/ Graham Lee), who has won his 6 last races here and is well handicapped on that form from the past. His recent performances elsewhere can probably be ignored. Another CD specialist is Even Stevens (Scott Dixon/ Tom Eaves), who runs in the 5 furlongs handicap half an hour later. He is another one who seems to run much better here than anywhere else, and his outside draw is an another advantage at this track.
Over jumps, we like Eleazar (Lucy Wadham/ Matt Crawley) in the stayers handicap chase at 15.10 at Fontwell. This 12yo is from a good German family and won over this CD when last seen 2 months ago. Also at Fontwell, the well-bred Muhtaris (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) makes his hurdling debut at 13.40; this half-brother to smart German performer Black Arrow can score, although Aldopicgros (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is an obvious danger. Ferguson also saddles Colonel Iain (Jack Quinlan) in the novice chase at 13.50 at Uttoxeter, but this race looks booked for African gold (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), a top novice hurdler last season who made a satisfactory debut over fences at Cheltenham last month. David Pipe and Tom Scudamore can land a double here with Legacy Gold, a smart bumper horse making his hurdling debut at 13.20. and Bladoun, down in distance at 14.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pensax Lad - Skinny Love - Biscuiteer
2. Race: Neighbourhood - High On A Hill - Rock Of Ages
3. Race: Spitfire - Sewn Up - Fathom Five
4. Race: Iptisam - Galician - Frontier Fighter
5. Race: Sharaarah - Silken Express - Equitania
6. Race: Hussar Ballad - No Win No Fee - Frosty Friday
7. Race: Sakash - Putin - Ivy Port
8. Race: Izzy Boy - Monte Cassino - Grace Hull

3 poor meetings today

another Monday with very unexciting racing in store. The only racing on turf is the N.H. meeting at Musselburgh, where local trainer Jim Goldie is usually the man to follow. He can land a double here with Los Nadis (Graham Watters) in the handicap chase at 13.15 CET and Merchant of Dubai (Denis O´Regan) in the handicap hurdle over the same trip of 2 1/2 miles at 15.20. German-bred Los Nadis is one of our favourites even though he has a poor strike rate nowadays and has in fact never won over fences; however he normally runs in much better company and can possibly outclass this weak opposition. Merchant of Dubai is a similar case, in that he is a multiple winner on the flat, but has never scored over jumps; however off bottom weight he must have a good chance here. O´Regan is presumably here to partner Population for John Ferguson in the maiden hurdle at 14.15; if form means anything he should be unbeatable here, but will start at long odds-on.
The two all-weather cards are very weak indeed. The best race is the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.30 at Lingfield. Richard Hannon and Sean Levey won this last year and they can score again with the lightly-raced 3yo Rhamnus; he is far from being one of the stable stars but ran well enough last time over this CD to suggest that he can take this. The mile handicap an hour later can go to the well-bred The Great Gabrial (Ian Williams/ Tom Queally); he did not run at all at 2 and 3, but has made up for lost time this year with 5 wins, the last two over this CD. He is no longer so well handicapped, but we feel that he still has races in him.
At Wolverhampton we like Doldrums (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) at 17.40; he won his only career start over slightly shorter 3 weeks ago at this track and that form is probably good enough for him to score again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: My Idea - Lord Of Drums - Endeavor
2. Race: Momkinzain - Heron`s Mill - Brunello
3. Race: Getabuzz - Sudski Star - Innocent Girl
4. Race: Jawaab - Stitched In Time - Goodacres Garden
5. Race: Ueueteotl - Big Water - Scots Gaelic
6. Race: Blenheim Brook - Storming Gale - Kealigolane
7. Race: It`s High Time - Gurkha Brave - Katachenko

Kelso and Warwick

The U.K. cards today cannot be compared to the high class racing on offer in Ireland, but both Kelso and Warwick have a couple of decent handicaps with (we hope) some good betting opportunities. Our choice in the 4 mile chase at 14.55 CET at Kelso is Bescott Springs (Lucinda Russell/ Craig Nicol), who has never run over this trip before - nor have most of the others- and has not won for 2 years but looks nicely handicapped. Half an hour later they race over a mile less and German-bred Kruzhlinin (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) can defy top weight. He is unbeaten here and won over this CD in nice style 6 weeks ago; the Sholokov gelding has gone up 8 lbs but the main danger Night Alliance (Richard Newland/ Sam Twiston-Davies) has been put up 17 lbs for his last two wins and is facing better opposition now.

At Warwick, our old friend Fredo (Ian Williams/ Robert McCarth) runs in the long distance chase at 15.40; the son of Lomitas is also on a long losing run but is down in grade and is very nicely handicapped. He has been running in much better company and if anywhere hear his old best form would have a great chance here. The handicap hurdle half an hour later is another open race, but Mini Muck (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Ryan Hatch) won well at Ludlow on Thursday and if she turns out again can win under the fixed 7 lbs penalty, most of which is negated by the good claimer´s allowance. Veteran Tisfreetdream (Paul Pritchard/ Jack Doyle) also ran well last week and could be the danger.

Kelso - betting forecast:
1. Race: Pulpitarian - Muharrer - Roc De Prince
2. Race: Beeves - Coverholder - Little Glenshee
3. Race: Raven`s Tower - Sleep In First - Redpender
4. Race: Imperial Vic - Soudain - Ros Castle
5. Race: Night Alliance - Kruzhlinin - No Planning
6. Race: Rathvawn Belle - Tonvadosa - Dominetta Vitali
7. Race: Snuker - Amethyst Rose - Lady Of Verona

Graded races in Ireland today

As usual, the best racing on Sunday takes place in Ireland, with graded N.H. races at both Punchestown and Cork. With Willie Mullins in such incredible form (5 more winners yesterday) it is clear that all his runners will be well backed, but although we expect him to have some winners, thefre are good reasons for opposing some of his runners.

However we certainly expect him to take the day´s top event, the Grade One John Durkan Memorial over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET at Punchestown, where he saddles 2 of the 3 runners (last year´s winner Flemenstar is injured and has been taken out). Ruby Walsh rides Arvika Ligeonnaire, a top novice who has won his last 6 completed races, and he clearly has huge potential, but we prefer the stable´s other runner Sir Des Champs, ridden by his owner´s retained jockey Davy Russell. This trip is possibly a bit short, but he has the proven class and has won 9 of his 12 races and was also runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This is first outing since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April, but that should be no problem; he is best on ratings and although this looks likely to be a tactical race, we still think he might come out on top. The third runner Rubi Light (Robbie Hennessy/ Barry Geraghty) is smart, but was third of 3 here last year and looks booked for the same this time around.

Mullins also sends his second jockey Paul Townend with a strong team to Cork, and can win the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase over 2 miles at 15.20 with the very progressive Twinlight. He faces strong opposition, includung last year´s first two Days Hotel (Henry de Bromhead/ PT Enright) and Realt Dubh (Noel Meade/ Robbie Colgan), bjut this one can go right to the top. Mullins and Townend also have a chance in the Stayers Novice Hurdle at 14.15 with Aleichi Inios, but in theory this one is held by Lots of Memories (PG Fahey/ SE Butler). Mullins has no runner in the Grade Three Mares novice chase at 15.50, where Townend rides C Kidd´s Back in a Tick. This is actually quite a poor field for a graded race and could go to Dressedtothenines (Eddie Harty/ Niall Madden), well beaten on both her chasing starts but the best of these over hurdles.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Clonard Lad - Ange Balafre - Gilgamboa
2. Race: Rough Justice - Apache Jack - Shemshal
3. Race: Arvika Ligeonniere - Sir Des Champs - Rubi Light
4. Race: More Madness - Sullane Chief - Tudor Fashion
5. Race: Dogora - Bright New Dawn - Formidableopponent
6. Race: Daring Article - For A Finish - Canaly
7. Race: Sucker Punch - Flame And Flower - Cillian`s Return

Grand National trial at Aintree

The most competitive race at Aintree is the Becher Chase at 15.05 CET, a valuable handicap over 3 1/4 miles over the Grand National fences, which can certainly be regarded as an early trial for the 2014 running of that race. Many of today´s 24 runners ran in the 2013 version, with Swing Bill (David PIpe/ Conor O´Farrell) doing best in sixth. However we are more interested in On His Own (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who started second favourite but fell. Another Irish raider, smart cross-country performer Sizing Australia (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) could also be dangerous at the weights, while 13yo course specialist Baby Run (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who has not run for more than 2 years, would be a big threat on his old form here.

Mullins and Townend are also represeented by ex-French Gitane du Beröais in the listed 3yo hurdle at 13.30, and his Auteul victory is cettainly ther brst form in the field. However we prefer Poetic Verse (John Quinn/ Brian Hughes), a winner 4 toimres on the flat, who made a good debut over sticks. Another good flat runner - even better in fact- is Gabrial the Great (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) who makes his hurdling debut at 13.00 and can score first time.

Even with only 7 runners, the listed 3mile chase at 15.40 looks tricky; Wayward Prince (Hilkary Parrot/ Jack Doyle)won it last year and has good prospects again, but we prefer the German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore), who is not the most consistent but has run some good races, notably when fourth in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. That form would certainly suffice here. Our best bet here is Lieutenant Miller (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) in the handicap hurdle at 14.00; a smart staying handcapper on the flat - third in the Cesarewitch- he seems to us to be very well handicapped here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Regal Diamond - Gabrial The Great - Villoresi
2. Race: Mystery Drama - Poetic Verse - Maypole Lass
3. Race: Lieutenant Miller - Woodpole Academy - Clondaw Kaempfer
4. Race: Ivan Boru - Keel Haul - Tantamount
5. Race: On His Own - Join Together - Across The Bay
6. Race: Katenko - The Giant Bolster - Unioniste
7. Race: Toby Lerone - Midnight Appeal - Shangani

Sandown today

As always, too much racing on Saturday and we shall concentrate on the two main meetings, starting with Sandown, where the main event is the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase over 2 miles at 16.00 CET. This race was earmarked for Nicky Henderson´s champion Sprinter Sacre, who would certainly have won it easily, but now he has been taken out it looks much more open, though Henderson has a capable sub in Captain Conan (Barry Geraghty), a top novice last season and clearly good enough for this, especially as he is 3/3 at this track. Our only reservation is that he has been off since April and some of the stable´s runners have been needing their first race. The two he had to wory about are Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore), who is probably better of much softer going than he will find today, and Somersby (Mick Channon/Dominic Elsworth), who beat Cue Card last time at Exeter. While he should not be overrated on tjhat form, as he very well treated at the weights, Somersby showed that he is coming back to his best and we make him our selection.

The main supporting feature is the Grade One Henry VIII Novice Chase over the same trip at 14.50, won last year by Captain Conan. Jumping is the name of the game, and some of these runners have not been convincing so far in this sphere. Hinterland (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Grandouet (Henderson/ Geraghty) were disputing the lead last time over this CD when they both made bad mistakes at the last - Hinterland went on to win, but Geraghty hit the deck. The latter was however easily the best of these over hurdles and we shall give him another chance. For those who want to be on the safe side, Taquin de Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) is the alternative, as he has won both of his races over fences, albeit at a much lower level.

The handicaps here are very difficult, though O`Neill and McCoy have a chance in the 2 3/4 miles hurdle at 14.20 with lightly-raced Upswing, and we also like consistent Top Totti (Henry Daly/ Geraghty) at 13.50, while the two German-breds at 15.25 could also go well- Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Micky Grant) - a half-brother to Samum, and Milord (Kim Bailey/ Sam Thomas), a Monsun gelding who caught our eye last time and will be well suited by a fast-run race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Champagne At Tara - Vibrato Valtat - Money For Nothing
2. Race: Tigresse Bleue - Mrs Peachey - Top Totti
3. Race: Utopie Des Bordes - Whisper - Drum Valley
4. Race: Grandouet - Taquin Du Seuil - Hinterland
5. Race: Ronaldo des Mottes - Waterunder - Specialagent Alfie
6. Race: Captain Conan - Sire De Grugy - Somersby
7. Race: Bradley - Alfie Spinner - Godsmejudge

Sandown today

Sandown stages a strong card today, although, as often happens, the best races have cut up badly. 6 run in the Grade Two Winter Novices Hurdle at 14.45 CET and only 3 in the listed Future Stars Chase at 15.20. In our view the latter event should go to Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire), who has often been underestimated but has won 7 of his 12 starts and took the Charlie Hall in good style last time. His two opponents, Rolling Aces (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Vino Griegio (Gary and Jamie Moore) also have plenty of good form to their credit, but we feel that Harry Topper is the better prospect and is also the more certain to stay this extended 3 miles.

Nicholls and Jacob can in any case take the novice hurdle with Saint Roque, who after a shaky start to his career has finally come good and won his last 4 races. He could go right to the top and we think he can extend his winning run here. The 2 he has to beat are both relatively inexperienced and taking a leap in class here - Beat That (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Oscar Fortune (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), both unbeaten over hurdles. Beat That was undeniably impressive when winning on his hurdling debut at Ascot, but Saint Roque looks a very tough opponent.

Paul Nicholls also has good prospects of landing a double at Exeter with Caid du Berlais at 14.30 and Foggy´s Wall at 15.40, both ridden by Nick Scholfield. Again they are small fields and both will probably start at odds-on, and so will Portway Flyer (Ian Williams/ Gavin Sheehan) in the handicap hurdle at 13.55. He has won two races in the last 7 days, both in a canter, and is bound to go up by a huge amount in the weights, so connections are understandably trying to cash in quickly off his old rating with just a 7 lbs penalty. He seemed to have about 2 stone in hand last time, and although the opposition was weak, it is no better today.
There is also all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sweet Deal - Violet Dancer - Abracadabra Sivola
2. Race: Foundation Man - The Italian Yob - Miss Ballantyne
3. Race: Beat That - Saint Roque - Oscar Fortune
4. Race: Rolling Aces - Vino Griego - Rolling Aces
5. Race: Top Dancer - Coole River - Fine Parchment
6. Race: Proud Times - Reverb - No No Mac

Leicester and Wincanton

There should be no weather Problems at Leicester and Wincanton, but the standard of racing is low at both tracks. Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at Wincanton, and we certainly expect his Lumpy´s Gold (Daryl Jacob) to win the novices handicap hurdle at 14.40 CET after twice finishing runner-up. He also has fancied runners in the two maiden hurdles that open the Card, but here he could be outtrumped by Nicky Henderson, whose Stand to Reason at 13.40 and Mayfair Music half an hour later, both partnered by Barry Geraghty, could have a slight edge. The fact that Geraghty is here for this relatively minor meeting is surely significant; his mount in the final bumper is a non-runner, but a more serious non-runner for the Henderson stable is Sprinter Sacre, who it has now been announced, will miss Saturday´s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

At Leicester, Smart Catch (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) can follow up his CD win last month in the novices handicap chase at 16.00. He only won by a neck, but the handicapper has only put him up 3 Pounds and we think that this is very reasonable, as the first two finished well clear.

There is also N.H. racing in Ireland, with some large fields at Clonmel. Willie Mullins has an amazing strike rate at present and we would not be at all surprised to see him with all 3 of his runners here - Pink Hat at 13.45 and Turnandgo at 16.45, both ridden by his son Paddy, and Kaimann in the beginners chase at 15.15 with Ruby Walsh in the saddle, his only mount of the day.

Inspection at Market Rasen

there is to be an inspection later at Market Rasen because of the expected gales. Should racing go ahead, we like two horses with a German background - Aalim (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan), a grandson of the great Anna Paola, in the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.20 CET and Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Sammy Drake), also from an excellent family, in the staying handicap chase at 14.50. Tony McCoy is here today and has several good chances, the best of which is undoubtedly Nicky Henderson´s Captain Cutter at 13.50; this promising sort should be able to defy a penalty in this novice hurdle as he looks a cut above today´s opposition.

4 meetings today

we have two jumps meetings today, at Catterick and Ludlow, and two all-weather meetings, Lingfield with an early start at 13.00 CET and Wolverhampton with a twilight card starting at 16.50.
Tony McCoy is enjoying a tremendous run and continues his tour of Yorkshire today at Catterick where we expect him to ride more winners. He should win the beginners chase at 14.50 on Jonjo O´Neill´s Holywell, who was a very smart hurdler and winner at the Cheltenham Festival. His chasing debut on heavy going was a bit disappointing, but the ground is much better today and if he jumps round safely he certainly ought to beat these opponents. We also like David O´Meara´s German-bred Maison De Ville in the mares novice hurdle at 15.30. The Sholokhov filly, owned by Hoppegarten boss Gerhard Schöningh, was placed in four bumpers and can win on her hurdling debut, with Irish raider Sultana Belle (Steven and Stuart Crawford) the main danger.

The best race at Ludlow is the handicap chase over 3 miles+ at 15.10, which looks very tricky. On this ground, the distance may be too short for One in a MIlan (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge), but course specialist Cootehill (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Talkonthestreet (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) have obvious chances, while of the top weights we prefer Pickamus (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler), who made a decent comeback in a hot race at Cheltenham 7 weeks ago after 18 months off. Williams and Wedge possibly have better prospects with Lancetto at 15.40; this close relation to Lando should find conditions to his liking today. Portway Flyer (Ian Williams/ Gavin Sheehan) won so easily last week at Doncaster that he should follow up under a penalty at 16.10, but will be at a short price.

Easily the best racing on the all-weather is at Lingfield, although there are only 5 runners in the conditions race over 10 furlongs at 14.30. Bancnuanaheirann (Mike Appleby/ Tom Queally) and Uramazin (Phillip Hide/Jim Crowley) stand out here; they were second and third in a well-contested listed race here last month and should fight out the finish this time. The 5 furlongs handicap at 14.00 is a better betting race and the field includes two Group One winners, Tangerine Trees (Bryan Smart/ Graham Lee), winner of the 2011 Abbaye, and Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Crowley). Cowell, who is Hong Kong with another of his sprint stars, has 3 runners here, but we shall keep the faith with Prohibit, despite his rather in-and-out form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Great Link - To The Sky - Emiratesdotcom
2. Race: King Massini - Bobcatbilly - Ultimatum Du Roy
3. Race: Buxom - Western Approaches - Flying Phoenix
4. Race: One In A Milan - Faultless Feelings - Talkonthestreet
5. Race: Oscar Hill - Anay Turge - King Edmund
6. Race: Portway Flyer - Motou - Moscow Me
7. Race: Side Step - Centoria - Fire Tower

3 very poor meetings today

we never expect much in the way of classy racing on a Tuesday, but today´s cards put together probably make the worst day´s racing of the entire year. Not only that, some very small fields and likely odds-on favourites mean that they are not punter-friendly at all. The "best" race of the day is the class 4 novice chase over 3 miles 3 furlongs at 14.30 CET at Sedgefield, with a grand total of 3 runners. .Bit Of A Jig (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is the likely favourite, after running well on his chasing debut, but Rev It Up (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) was the better hurdler, and despite his very poor effort last time after a long break, we make him our choice. Otherwise the Sedgefield card can be dominated by Tony McCoy, who travels to Yorkshire for 4 rides, all with winning chances. Dakar Run, owned by his boss JP McManus, looks hard to beat in the maiden hurdle at 14.00, while two handicap hurdlers trained by Brian Ellison can also score for the champion- Travis County at 15.00 and Beaumont´s Party half an hour later.

Sego Success (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Hannibal the Great (Charlie Longsdon/ Kielan Woods) both ran in the same race at Huntingdon a month ago and both failed to complete. That was however a very messy race and both would probably been involved in the finish under normal circumstances. They now run at 14.15 and 14.40 respectively at Southwell and they can both make up for those mishaps today. Oldtimers often shine on these bad cards and we think that 12yo Tisfreetdream (Paul Pritchard / Jack Doyle) must have a fair each-way chance in a very weak race at 15.50.

The all-weather card at Wolverhampton is, if anything, even worse than the two N.H. cards. A maiden race at this time of year is unlikely to have many form horses in the line-up and most of the runners at 17.10 are unlikely ever to Trouble the judge. The only two with any sort of form are Cash Is King (Nick Littmoden/ Martin Lane) and the ex-Irish filly Conversational (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley). We just prefer the former, who has at least been runner-up 3 times this year and can perhaps finally get his head in front.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Monita Bonita - Hellesbelles - Blondinabar
2. Race: Mr Utah - Rocky Stone - Magic Present
3. Race: Bit Of A Jig - Rev It Up - Mauricetheathlete
4. Race: Bright Applause - Trust Thomas - Travis County
5. Race: Beaumont`S Party - Next Hight - Jack Albert
6. Race: Pistol Basc - Monbeg - Farm Pixie
7. Race: Vasco Pierji - Fly Home Harry - Cousin Guillaume

3 poor meetings today

no racing in Ireland today and of the 4 British meetings, only the N.H. card at Plumpton is of interest. Even with only 3 runners, the limited handicap chase at 14.10 CET is the best event and none of the 3 can be easily discarded. Smart hurdling mare Une Artiste (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) makes her chasing debut here and if she jumps round well should win, especially with her trainer now coming into form and a jockey who can do no wrong. However she must concede weight to Buthelezi (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Ragan) and Billy No Name (Colin Tizzard/ Brendan Powell), who both have decent form, so it is no walkover. The following handicap hurdle over an extended 3 miles at 14.40 is another race with a small field, in this case 5 runners, but still wide open. Aimigayle (Suzy Smith/ Colin Bolger) and Cannon Fodder (Sheena West/ Mark Goldstein) both won over CD last time out, but are not so well handicapped now, and we shall take a chance on The Road Ahead (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien), who has never tried such a long distance before but may just improve for it. Nicky Henderson also has 2 runners in the opening novices hurdle, and we like Electrolyser (David Bass), who was listed class on the flat; he showed very little on his hurdles debut, but the ground was terrible that day and he deserves another chance. The 2 German-breds here are not totally impossible, but neither has yet run up to his pedigree and the same goes for Agapanthus (Neil Mulholland/ Noel Fehily) in the handicap hurdle at 15.40. The form figures for this one time Schlenderhan Derby hope are terrible, but he is coming off a break and racing off a ridiculously low handicap mark, so today might just be his day.
The racing on the two all-weather tracks, Kempton and Wolverhampton, is very low stuff indeed. The most interesting races are the two divisions of the two-year-old maiden at 16.20 and 16.50 at Kempton, but they are not so suitable for betting purposes with little form to go on and some well-bred newcomers from top stables.

Betting forecast Plumpton:
1. Race: Electrolyser - Join The Clan - Nesterenko
2. Race: Une Artiste - Buthelezi - Billy No Name
3. Race: Cannon Fodder - Aimigayle - Tweedledrum
4. Race: Mister Wiseman - Further More - Ballyman
5. Race: Old Magic - Mighty Mambo - Petrocelli
6. Race: Sapphire Rouge - Beware Chalk Pit - Itoldyou
7. Race: Boogie In The Barn - Malibu Rock - Robbers Roost

Fairyhouse: AP and JP again?

Top Irish owner JP McManus is having a great run and his My Tent or Yours put himself bang in the middle of the Champion Hurdle picture when easily winning the Fighting Fifth yesterday with the owner´s retained jockey Tony McCoy (AP) in the saddle. Today McCoy is in Ireland to ride another Champion Hurdle hope in the same colours, Jessica Harrington´s Jezki in the Grade One Hatton´s Grace Hurdle at 15,15 CET at Fairyhouse. Jezki is a very smart performer who has won 7 of his last 8 races, his only defeat being in top company at the Cheltenham Festival. All these races have been over 2 miles and he is trying today´s longer trip for the first time, but the trainer does not seem bothered, and we shall take her word for it. Rule the World (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), one of two Gigginstown runners, also ran a great race at Cheltenham, when runner-up to The New One and looks the main danger, although he has apparently had health and injury problems since. The other two runners are both trained by Willie Mullins, who has dominated the Irish season so far; he can never be underestimated, but they both need to show improvement and both probably need much softer ground than they will encounter today. Zaidpour, Ruby´s choice, won this last year but the opposition looks much stronger this time.

This is a really strong card and starts with 5 graded races, with the Grade One Royal Bond Hurdle at 13.40 the main supoorting feature. Jezki won this last year and Harrington now saddles two runners, with Gambling Girl (Robbie Power), the only filly in the field and thus getting 7 lbs from all the others, probably her main hope. However this is a good field with all10 runners having classy form, headed by Mullins´3 runners. Stable jockey Ruby Walsh partners Spanish-bred Alonso, while Paul Townend is on French-bred Renneti, both easy winners of their only Irish starts, while David Casey is aboard German-bred Arctic Fire, who slipped up last time when still going well. He is by Soldier Hollow from an established German family and might run into the places at a big price.

Another German-bred with a good chance is Don Cossack (Gordon Elliot/ Russell) in the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at 14.10, where Sizing Rio (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) looks the main danger.. AP rides JP´s Carlingford Lough for Jon Kiely here; this smart handicapper was runner-up in the Cork National last time, but might find today´s trip of 2 1/2 miles on the short side.

The opening 3yo hurdle at 13.10 should go to the filly Analifet (Mullins/ Walsh), an impressive winner of both her starts so far. However she will do well to emulate last year´s winner Our Conor, who went on to an easy success in the Troiump Hurdle.