Doncaster today

Doncaster stages the only jumps racing today, while there is also all-weather flat racing at Lingfield and Kempton (evening). However the Doncaster card is easily the best and there is some very competive racing, with the ground expected to be much better than has been the case recently.
There are some interesting runners with German connections in the two hurdle races that open the card. Nordic Quest (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass), from a top Wittekindshof family, is the likely favourite at 13.10, having shown good form on his hurdles debut, when Namibian (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), a dual group winner on the flat, was well back. We shall also watch Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) here, who has been well beaten in his two starts over hurdles, but is a half-brother to the smart stayer Altano. Henderson also runs Nesterenko, a close relation to Nordic Quest, in the handicap at 13.40 with top-weight and with the good young amateur Freddie Mitchell in the saddle. He has a 7 lbs penalty for winning over this CD 10 days ago, but clearly has a good chance of following up.German-bred Hartside (P and R Winks) could well be one of the main dangers. Henderson has put his claimer Nico de Boinville on Act Alone in the maiden hurdle half an hour later., and this could be another winner for the stable after showing decent form in bumpers last spring. However we also like Sir Pitt (Peter Bowen/ Donal Devereux) here He was 5th in the Triumph Hurdle in 2011, but has only run twice since, however the Tiger Hill gelding´s latest effort at Ffos Las was promising and he may prove best now. Our best longshot today is Global Warming (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.45; his form figures make terrible reading, as he has only completed twice in his last 7 starts, however he is well handicapped on his best form, and if he gets round safely today, could well be involved in the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Namibian - Minella Friend - Nordic Quest
2. Race: Nesterenko - Boston Blue - Forced Family Fun
3. Race: Act Alone - Mister Newby - Sir Pitt
4. Race: Karinga Dancer - Victor Hewgo - Walkabout Creek
5. Race: Diamond King - I Got Power - Uppingham
6. Race: Ifyousayso - Categorical - Glens Boy
7. Race: Dardanella - Queen Spud - Kimora
8. Race: Blue Sea Of Ibrox - Top Billing - Another Dimension