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