another inspection at Leicester

today´s N.H. card at Leicester is still not certain to go ahead as an early morning inspection (after overnight frost) was not conclusive and another inspection will have to be held later.
If racing is on, we hope that our old friend, the 14yo Thedreamsstillalive (Jim Old/ HAA Bannister) can take the amateur riders handicap chase when runner-up to Carli King (Caroline Bailey/ Tom Mesenger) over this CD a fortnight ago. The winner now runs in a better grade race at 16.25 but could well score again, although the distance is further this time; on the whole we prefer Mentalist (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), whose stable continues in great form.
There should be no problems at Wetherby, although the going will obviously be very soft. Tony McCoy is here, primarily to Partner Donald McCain´s Stonebrook at 15.30; this one was bought by JP McManus after two easy bumper wins on heavy ground and makes his debut over sticks here. He faces a powerful opponent in Tiqris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), whose latest form at Newbury looks very strong, and he is our selection. McCoy rides Rayak for Jonjo O´Neill in the opening 4yo hurdle at 13.20, but this one also has a strong opponent in Certification (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan). David O´Meara´s Rose of the Moon, top-weight in the handicap chase at 14.55, could therefore be McCoy´s best hope of a winner today; this lightly-raced 9yo has been running in better Company and can defy his huge weight.
Easily the best race on Southwell´s all-weather card is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.15. Plenty of old friends here, including CD specialist Even Stevens (Scott Dixon/ Matthew Hopkins) who beat 5 of these opponents when winning here at New Year. He is up 8 lbs and can score again, but we shall take a chance with Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Martin Lane), sixth on that occasion on his first ever try at this track. He is no longer in the form which saw him win group races in younger days, but is very nicely handicapped.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rayak - Certification - Chebsey Beau
2. Race: Little Glenshee - Sharney Sike - Free World
3. Race: Over My Head - Adili - Waywood Princess
4. Race: Wicklow Lad - Real Milan - Rose Of The Moon
5. Race: Tiqris - Secrete Stream - Stonebrook
6. Race: Mighty Mobb - Carrigeen Kariega - The Magic Bishop
7. Race: Boomtown - Doyenthedecenthing - Catching On