Doncaster and Newbury

both Doncaster and Newbury stage strong cards tomorrow, but today´s races are very feeble by comparison and Newbury in addition suffers from heavy going and small fields. The only race there with normal each-eay betting is the novice hurdle at 15.20 CET. Boogie in the Barn (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) won in excellent style on his hurdling debut and can hold the other previous winner Pink Gin (Jim Old/ Micky Grant), but we doubt that they can concede 6 lbs to Big Hands Harry (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who made a very encouraging debut behind a stable companion who went on to win a graded race. Henderson and Geraghty can also take the bumper at 18.10 with No Pushover, while the jockey can have a third winner on Rebecca Curtis´ Minella Reception, who can confirm his narrow victory over Daveron (Scott/ Scholfield) at 17.00.
The ground is much better at Doncaster, although there are some small fields as well, and Henderson can be on the scorecard here with Free Thinking (Sam Waley-Cohen) at 15.40 and Sign of a Victory (Jerry McGrath) at 16.10. The danger here could be German-bred Verano (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), who is making his N.H. debut here but won 2 races on the flat in Germany in 2012. Another ex-German runner that catches the eye is Lysino (Chris Grant/ Keith Renwick) in the opening novices handicap hurdle at 15.10. We remember this one winning at Munich in May 2012 and it is hard to believe that he has consistently flopped ever since, both on the flat in Germany and over hurdles in the U.K. He is a half-brother to ther useful hurdlers Lyssio and Livius as well as German Derby winner Lucky Speed, but clearly has very little of their ability. However this is a very weak race, the better going will suit him, and his third last form gives him a good chance, while we shall ignore his two latest poor runs on heavy. He is our each-way bet of the day.

Betting forecast Newbury:
1. Race: Stiff Upper Lip - Ninepointsixthree - Cherry Tiger
2. Race: Big Hands Harry - Pink Gin - Boogie In The Barn
3. Race: Stone Light - Sir Valentino - Umberto d`Olivate
4. Race: Farbreaga - Ultimatum Du Roy - Pistol
5. Race: Minella Reception - Daveron - Rior
6. Race: Bincombe - Be Definite - Proud Times
7. Race: Etheridge Annie - Tyre Hill Lady - Izzy Piccolina

UAE Oaks at Meydan

the Dubai Carnival continues today with the Group Three UAE Oaks over 9 1/2 furlongs on tapeta at 17.25 CET. Amazingly, all 9 runners ran in the UAE 1000 Guineas here 3 weeks ago, so we logically expect the same result with Ihtimaal (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) winning her second classic from Mensoora (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) and Feedyah (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona) Mensoora can get closer this time, but Ihtimaal won so easily that it is hard to imagine her being beaten and the extra distance will be in her favour. Mikle de Kocvk´s Anearboo misses the Zabeel Mile at 18.00, the other group race on the card, but the South African still has two cards to play here, Mushreq (Paul Hanagan) and Gale Force Ten (Pat Cosgrave).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kanaf - Modern History - My Freedom
2. Race: Merhee - Medicean Man - Abu Sidra
3. Race: Wednaan - Dolce N Karama - My Catch
4. Race: Ihtimal - Mensoora - Magrooma
5. Race: Mushreq - Anaerobio - Mshawish
6. Race: Energia Davos - Winterlude - Tha`ir

graded N.H. race in Ireland

the best jumps racing today comes from Ireland, where the Grade Two novice hurdle at 17.05 CET at Thurles is the main event. This looks another benefit for the all-powerful Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh Team as their Urano, a very easy winner here in early January, is the clear favourite and looks hard to beat. Their Rupert Lamb was the hot favourite or a chase the same day, but fell when still going well; he can gain compensation at 15.55, while Cadspeed, who also failed to complete last time, could be another winner for the team at 16.25 as could Shesafoxylady at 17.35.
The N.H. action in the U.K. is at Ludlow and Taunton, but there are some small fields and there is llttle quality on view. The best race at Taunton is the novices handicap chase over 2 miles at 16.10. We always lilke to follow the German-breds and think that Lord of House (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) must have good prospects here despite top weight. Massena (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has been in excellent form and won 4 of his last 6 starts, but he has shot up the ratings and has been competing in a lower grade, while Tornado in Milan (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Sound Investment (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) are closely matched on their running here last month. Another one we like here is Comical Red (Mark Gillard/ Tom Cheeseman) half an hour later, a very easy CD winner last week; this is a better race and he is actually out of the handicap, but he scored so easily that he can go in again, especially with stamina doubts about some of his opponents.
The best race at Ludlow is the Forbra Gold Cup at 16.30, which used to be a decent race but is now just another 3 mile handicap chase. Ballyover (venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) won this last year, with course specialoist Cootehill (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) well behind, but our choice here is the consistent Rouge et Blanc( Oliver Sherwood/ Tom Garner), who has been running in better events. The Twiston-Davies team probably have better prospects with Benbens at 15.30; he runs his best races when fresh and looks well handicapped.
Little time should be wasted on the two U.K. all-weather meetings today. The best race is the 11 furlongs hasndicap at 16.50 at Southwell; locally-trained course specialist Masterful Act (Alan McCabe/ Tom Queally) has won 6 times here already and can defy top weight to score again from Returntobrecongill (James Given/ JP Sullivan).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Way Up In The Air - Killtilane Rose - Lough Roe Lady
2. Race: Rupert Lamb - Competitive Edge - Lambro
3. Race: Cadspeed - Milan Breeze - Truckin All Night
4. Race: Urano - Gallant Tipp - Band Of Blood
5. Race: Shesaportrait - Never Complain - Makethedifference
6. Race: Snowell - Luddsdenene - Preswell Lad
7. Race: Grangeclare Pearl - Whisper Rock - For Gortnatona

jumpers bumpers at Lingfield

Lingfield today stages a "jumpers bumpers" meeting as the scheduled jumps card has had to be abandoned. Today´s card is not as good as the similar meetings held at Kempton in the past month, though it includes several runners from Kempton, notably Ourmanmassini (Suzy Smith/ Paddy Brennan), who finished runner-up at both of them. He should now get his head in front at 16.40 CET. Otherwise the card will probably again be dominated by the top trainers, with Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls both fielding strong teams. Henderson in particular has a good record in such events and we expect him to score with One Lucky Lady (Nico de Boinville) at 15.40 and One For The Guv´nor (David Bass) half an hour later.
Wincanton and Bangor both stage conventional jumps meetings, but the very soft/ heavy ground and small fields (only one race has normal each-way betting) do not make them attractive for punters. Paul Nicholls usually does well at Wincanton, his local track, and can land a short-priced double with Fairytale Theatre at 15.20 and Fascino Rustico at 16.50, both partnered by Daryl Jacob. It is interesting to note that Barry Geraghty goes to Bangor for 2 rides for Rebecca Curtis, Churchtown Love at 15.30 and Creative Boru at 18.00 and we therefore hope that they can both win. Take the Mick (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) runs for the third time in a week at 17.00, but although he is still very well handicapped, we do not believe that he will still be able to bring his best form to the race and would rather take him on.
The most interesting race at Kempton´s evening meeting is the mile event at 20.50. Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baker) has been one of our favourite horses ever since he won Germany´s top two mile races back in 2009. He has been off since running badly at Newmarket in early October and has to concede weight all round, but is still the best horse in the field and we hope that he wins en route to another crack at the Winter Derby, which he took in 2012.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Very Noble - The Stig - The Nephew
2. Race: One Lucky Lady - Minella For Value - Harry Hunt
3. Race: Shooters Wood - One For The Guv`nr - Supreme Present
4. Race: Chalk It Down - Ourmanmassini - Sparrow Hills
5. Race: Empire Levant - Earls Quarter - Stormy Weather
6. Race: Inner Drive - Agha Des Mottes - Vodka `n Tonic
7. Race: Prettyasapicture - Minx Of The Lamp - Hortense Mancini

3 more poor meetings today

Tuesday in a fortnight´s time will experience one of the best cards of the whole year - it is the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival- but generally Tuesday is the weakest day of the week and so it is today, with poor jumps racing from Catterick and Leiceter and a low level all-weather meeting at Lingfield. Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire look the team to follow at Catterick.

They team up four times and have a winning chance with all of them. Cloudante in the mares novice hurdle at 17.50 CET looks almost unbeatable, but not not be at a working man´s price. Welsh Bard, who will be suited by the better ground, can defy top weight in the handicap hurdle at 17.20, while Benzanno, whose penultimate form looks very good, should take the maiden hurdle at 16.20, although we are frightened here of Sally Hall´s Rock a Doodle Doo (Adam Nicol), who won 5 times on the flat and will also like this going.

The best race at Lericester is the novice chase at 16.40, which should lie between Destroyer Deployed (Tim Vaughan( Richard Johnson) and Miss Milborne (Jamie Snowden/ Brendan Powell). Both were useful hurdlers, but while the former won his only chase so far in excellent style, the latter was well beaten on her only start over fences; however she gets a stone today and that should be enough for her to score. We also like Royal Riviera (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) at 17.40, for whom conditions look ideal today.

At Lingfield, Cabuchon (David Evans/ Sean Levey), out of German Group One winner Catella, finally managed to win last time over 1 1/2 miles and is now stepped up to 2 miles at 17.30. He has gone up only 4 lbs and can score again, with recent CD winner King´s Request (Laura Mongan/ Liam Jones) the obvious danger.

3 very poor meetings today

there has been heavy overnight rain in Musselburgh, and although racing goes ahead, the change in the going means that there are lots of non-runners and punters should check before placing their bets. In fact racing is now so unattractive, that one should leave this meeting out altogether, but for the record our main fancies are Irish raider Solidago (Stuart Crawford/ Tom O´Brien) at 14.50 CET and Dantes Frolic (Mike Smith/ Ryan Mania) at 16.20.
The jumps card at Pliumpton is no better, nor the all-weather card at Wolverhampton, where all races are class 5 or 6.The best horses running today are Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) and She Ranks Me (Donald MCCain/ Tony McCoy) who clash in the mares novice chase at 15.35. Both were useful hurdlers and as the latter, who failed to complete on her only start over fences, receives 12 lbs, she must be the selection, but this is a match and therefore unsuitable fof betting purposes.

Betting forecast Wolverhampton:
1. Race: Shawkantango - Bapak Bangsawan - Top Cop
2. Race: Brownsville - Desert Ranger - Travis Bickle
3. Race: Doldrums - All The Winds - Fantasy King
4. Race: Mr Red Clubs - Dubai Celebration - India`s Song
5. Race: Arantes - Rose Kazan - Lockedoutaheaven
6. Race: Coillte Cailin - Mount Glenn - Fitzgerald
7. Race: Stanlow - Reggie Bond - John Potts

3 Grade Two races at Naas

as usual, the best racing on a Sunday comes from Ireland, where Naas stage one of their top meetings with 3 Grade Two races. However with all due respect, these have very poor fields for this grade, and one has to question the point of such races only 16 days before the big Cheltenham Festival, where all the top Irish jumpers will be in action. Two of the graded races have only 3 runners, and Mozoltov (Willie Mullins/ Bryan Cooper) Looks a near certainty to win the novice chase at 15.50 CET. Ruby has no ride here, as Mozoltov is owned by Gigginstown, but he can watch his sister Katie take third place on their father´s Summer Star. Even with only 3 runners, the 2 mile chase at 17.00 is the best race of the day, as thewy are all useful. Days Hotel (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) won thisd last year, but was well beaten by Twinlight (Mullins/ Walsh) when they last met, so the Irish champion can complete a treble here as he also has good prospects in the novice hurdle at 14.25, where he saddles City Slicker (Tony McCoy) and Vicky de l´Oasis (Walsh). Mullins has expressed some reservations about City Slicker handling the track, and that implies that Vicky, who as the only mare in the field, gets a useful weight allowance, is his best hope
Easily the best race at the two U.K. meetings is the Grade Two National Spirit Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at Fontwell at 16.10..Paul Nicholls sends a strong team to Fontwell and can take this with Saphir du Rheu (Daryl Jacob), who has won his last 3 races and is clear top-rated. He still has an entry in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, but is most unlikely to run as Nicholls has 3 stronger candidates tfor that event. We don´t fancy Meister Eckhardt (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), who has only run once since a good effort at Cheltenham last year, while Kayf Moss (Jon and Rhys Flint) has won his last two races very easily, but at a much lower level. That leaves Chris Pea Green (Gary and Josh Moore), who has smart handicap form over 2 miles, as the one most likely to follow the favourite home.
At Towcester, Take The Mick (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) makes a quick reappearance after an easy win at Ludlow on Wednesday; he has no penalty for that victory and as long as those exertions have not taken too much out of him, should not be troubled to score again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shield - Prince Of Lombardy - Katie T
2. Race: O Maonlai - Cassells Rock - Getoutwhenyoucan
3. Race: Folsom Blue - Summer Star - Folsom Blue
4. Race: City Slicker - Vicky De L`oasis - Minella Foru
5. Race: Toner D`Oudairies - Days Hotel - Toner D`Oudairies
6. Race: Witness Of Fashion - Sword Fish - Carry Each Other
7. Race: Killultagh Vic - Golantilla - Red House Hill

rest of today´s racing

there is plenty of good racing elsewhere as well, with a strong all-weather card at Lingfield. The main event here is the listed Winter Derby Trial at 16.30 CET. Grandeur (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) has top weight here but has easily the best rating and should win; he last ran in the Hong Kong Cup, so today´s opponents should seem very feeble in comparison. Course specialist Modernstone (Will Knight/ Andrea Atzeni) could be next best. The opemning 6 furlongs race at 14.45 is also a listed event, and sees the siblings Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Jamie Spencer) and Ladies Are Forever (Geoff Oldroyd/ Robert Tart) in opposition; they could well take the first two places with prefetnce for the former. The 7 furlongs handicap at 15.50 is another hot race, our selection is Absolutely So (Andrew Balding/ David Probert).
Balding also does well when he sends a horse over hurdles. so we should watch out for Queens Star (Tom O´Brien) in the opening race at Chepstow. The going here will be very bad, but that should not worry Poole Master (David Pipe/ Tom Bellamy), who scored in similar conditions last time by 39 lengths and can follow up under a much higher weight at 16.05.
Newcastle also has a strong card with the Eider Chase over 4 miles+ at 15.55 the main feature. This looks very difficult as it will be a real slog. Smoking Aces (Jonjo O´Neill/ Maurice Lineham) and Junior (Pipe/ Mikey Ennis) finished third and fourth in the West Wales Grand National last time and could get involved again.
There should be more Grand National clues in Ireland, where tFairyhouse´s Bobbyjo Chase at 16.10 has often been a reliable guide. On His Own (Willier Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) was our Aintree choice the last twice, but fell both times; maybe it will be third time lucky in 2014. Ruby´s father Ted saddles Seabass, with sister Katie aboard in in the hunter chase at 17.20; he was third in the 2012 Grand National and must run well here to further his claims this time around.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ladies Are Forever - Tarooq - Hawkeyethenoo
2. Race: Random Success - My Kingdom - Valmina
3. Race: Grey Mirage - Absolutely So - George Guru
4. Race: Grandeur - Robin Hoods Bay - Chookie Royale
5. Race: Mbhali - Wildes - Patronella
6. Race: Marble Statuette - Fab Lolly - Medam
7. Race: Sandfrankskipsgo - Triple Dream - Expose

strong card at Kempton today

the weather is now more stable in the U.K. but there is still plenty of rain about, and the going at Newcastle and Chepstow today will be very testing. However it has been drying out a bit at Kempton and the going there should be soft, but no worse.
There is a strong Card here awith 3 Grad Two races and from ther German Point of view the novoce burdle at 16.15 CET is the most interesting race, with the Schlenderhan-bred Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) forecast to start hot favourite. He has won his 3 races in England in excellent style and is obviously very talented, but we are not convinced he is a good bet today. The going could still be too soft for him, while he has to give weight to some useful performers, including Dubai Prince (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) and First Mohican (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), both better than he was on the flat. However our main fancy here is Cup Final (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), who was favourite to beat Irving when they met on their hurdling debuts, but was beaten 4 lengths. He now gets 7 lbs and that could be enough to turn the tables.
The novice chase at 15.40 should lie between Balder Succes (King/ Wayne Hutchionson) and Fox Appeal (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman), with preference for the latter, and the 4yo hurdle at 15.05 has several Triumph Hurdle hopes in the line-up. Activial (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), Commissioned (Ferguson/ O´Regan) and Alcala, one of 2 Paul Nicholls runners, arre the 3 to concentrate on here.
The big betting race is the handicap chase over 3 miles at16.50, which used to be known as the Racing Post Chase, which looks very difficult. Nicholls has 3 runners here with his main jockey Daryl Jacob on Grandioso, who is weighted to reverse Ascot form with Bury Parade (Fehily), while veteran Planet of Sound (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a CD specialist whose stable always does well in this, seems certain to be involved,. while Tour Des Champs (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) looks very dangerous off bottom weight.
In the other handicaps our fancies are Mic´s Delight (Vic Dartnall/ O´Regan) at 14.30 and Minella On Line (Rebecca Curtis/ Barry Geraghty) at 17.25.

6 meetings today

lots of racing today, but not much in the way of quality. The only race of interest at the 3 all-weather meetings is the maiden for 3yo fillies at 20.15 this evening at Dundalk, which sees the reappearence of the very well-bred Circling (David Wachman/ Willie Lee), who showed promise in her 2 races last year and could well be contesting much better events later on.


There are huge fields at the other Irish meeting -over jumps at Thurles - but they are mainly low grade races. Ruby Walsh is here for just 2 rides and could win on them both: he partners Chute Hall for Tom Cooper in the maiden hurdle at 15.45 and Isleofhopendreams for Willie Mullins in the handicap hurdle half an hour later. The latter has not run for 2 years, and was trained earlier by Henrietta Knight; he has a very low rating and if he has any ability at all should take care of this opposition. Chute Hall has been runner-up 3 times running , including to one of Willie Mullin´s Cheltenham hopes, and should not be troubled to get his head in front this time.
The best N.H. horses on view today will be seen at Exeter, where Paul Nicholls will be galloping some of his strong Cheltenham team (including Big Bucks) on the track after racing. David Pipe looks the trainer to follow and should certainly take the mares novice hurdle at 16-.50 with Legacy Gold (Scu) but she will not be at a backable price. A better bet could be Astigos (Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman), whose team remains in top form; he ran a really good race last Saturday at Haydock and is brought out again quickly as his rating is bound to go up quite a bit.

Tony McCoy is at Warwick and can take the main event there, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.40, on Alan King´s Uxizandre, who has a big weight to shoulder but has earned it and could still be well handicapped.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Strategic Heights - Regal Power - Ability N Delivery
2. Race: Captains Dilemma - Stoichkhov - Eljowzah
3. Race: Captain Cullen - Iron Major - Harpist
4. Race: Circling - Hellenistic - Komitoe
5. Race: Fight U For It - Master Of Time - Not Your Call
6. Race: Well Insured - Seismic - California Rose
7. Race: Cristy`s Call - Horsewithnoname - Clare Harrier
8. Race: Carried - Cottesloe - Papa`s Way

2 German runners at Meydan

the 2 German-trained runners at Meydan both have something to prove today after major disappointments last time. Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Adrie de Vries) blotted his copybook by refusing to go into the stalls last week; he gets another chance now in the listed race over 10 furlongs on tapeta at 19.10, but faces very strong opposition. Mujaarib (Mike de Kock/ Paul Hanagan) and Tasaday (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) look best in this tough race. Sommerabend (Miroslav Rulec/ Maxime Guyon) ran really badly on his debut here, dropping right out. He now goes for the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.15; a strongly-run race at this trip could be ideal and we have to hope that he does better this time, although Free Wheeling (bin Suroor/ de Sousa), who finished well in front of him then, and the 3 de Kock runners are all obviously big threats.

Main event is the Group Two Balanchine for fillies over 9 furlongs at 18.35. Star of the show is clearly Certify (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona), one of the Godolphin horses banned last year following the steroids scandal. She made a most impressive reappearance here to win the Cape Verdi from 3 of today´s opponents and we cannot imagine her getting beaten today; her 3 lbs penalty in no way reflects her superiority last time and the extra furlong is, if anything, an Advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Anaerobio - Zahee - Eastern Rules
2. Race: String Theory - Avon Pearl - Mustaheel
3. Race: Ahtoug - Catcall - Racy
4. Race: Mutajare - Steeler - Storm Belt
5. Race: Flotilla - Certify - L`Amour de Ma Vie
6. Race: Tasaday - Without Fear - Mujaarib

full programme today

a busy day with all 3 N.H. meetings in the U.K. going ahead - Ayr, Sedgefield and Huntingdon- as well as jumps racing from Ireland at Clonmel and an evening all-weather card at Wolverhampton. Plus of course much better flat racing at Meydan, where the prize-money is considerably more than at all British and Irish meetings out together.
The best jumps race is the Grade Three novice hurdle over 3 miles at 15.45 CET at Clonmel, though this is a relatively weak affair with Cheltenham just around the corner. With Willie Mullins so strong in this department, we select the lightly-raced Don Poli here, who will be ridden by Gigginstown´s retained Jockey Bryan Cooper. Cooper can complete a Gigginstown double on Desertmore Stream at 16.45, whose trainer Philip Fenton seems remarkably unworried about today´s court hearing.
There are small fields at the 3 U.K. jumps meetings - with 15 of the 21 races having 6 runners or less. There are only 5 in the top race, the listed Sidney Banks Memorial, a listed novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.40 at Huntingdon. No stars here either., and we expect the very consistent Spirit of Shankly (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) to come out on top, despite conceding weight all round. The best horse running today could be Vieux Lion Rouge (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) in a novice hurdle at 15.30 at Sedgefield; he has won 5 of his 6 starts - 3 bumpers and both his races over sticks very easily. But he is penalised and must give 21 lbs to his most serious opponent, the well-bred 4yo Prince Khurram (Donald McCain/ Brian Harding). The one we like best at Ayr is Oil Burner (Willie Amos/ James Reveley) in the handicap chase at 17.20; he was a very easy winner in a lower grade over this CD last month, and the form of that event is working out well.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Perfect Gentleman - Indian File - Rubi Light
2. Race: Don Poli - Moonshine Lad - Seskinane
3. Race: Moores Road - Battling Spirit - Railway Benefit
4. Race: Daliyan - Desertmore Stream - Kalico Kalista
5. Race: Snowell - Ultra Light - Ivanka
6. Race: Most Peculiar - Positive Approach - Drunken Counsel

5 meetings today

lots of racing today and easily the best of it is at Doncaster, where the good to soft going has attracted some strong fields. The most interesting race is the veterans handicap chase over 3 miles at 16.25 CET, which features several runners with good form (sometimes a while ago) at the top meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree. Top-weight Massini´s Maguire (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) has not run for 2 years., which is a bit off-putting, but he has some very smart form to his credit. Big Fella Thanks (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) has run in 4 Grand Nationals and won the Great Yorkshire Chase over this CD in 2009 on his only start here. Burton Port (Jonjo O´Neill/ Davy Russell) and Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) were 4th and 5th in the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup; we now choose the last-named who seems very well handicapped on that form. Webber and O´Regan also have a good chance in the opening novice hurdle at 14.45 with Rhapando, who receives 6 lbs from the likely favourite Stellar Notion (George/ Brennan). Pearl Castle (John Quinn/ Brian Hughes) was an impressoive winner over this CD last month; here could be Cheltenham-bound but must first deal with some decent opposition in the 4yo hurdle at 15.50. Holywell (O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) was a top staying hurdler and can take the novice chase over 3 miles at 15.20; Top Of The Range (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Victor Hewgo (Keith and James Reveley) were not as good as he was over sticks, but have already shown aptitude for fences.
Quite a few of the top jumps Jockeys will be at Ludlow and we expect Aidan Coleman to continue his winning run for Venetia Williams there. We are especially interested in German-bred Lochnagar, who makes his U.K. debut in the maiden hurdle at 15.10, He had good flat form in Germany when trained by Waldemar Hickst but we are a bit worried about the heavy ground.
There are some large fields at the Irish Meeting at Punchestown, where Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh can land another double with Bless N´Ject at 15.35 and Upsie in the main event at 16.10; the latter is clear top-rated in this hurdle race for mares and should have too many guns for Layla Joan (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry), who has won her last 4 races, but all in much lesser company.
Main interest in the two all-weather meetings is the return to action of Ryan Moore, riding for the first time this year in the U.K. He has 2 rides at Kempton this evening and can win on them both.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Stellar Notion - Master Dee - In The Rough
2. Race: Holywell - Top Of The Range - Victor Hewgo
3. Race: Pearl Castle - Ronaldinho - Zamoyski
4. Race: Aachen - Mcmurrough - Son Of Flicka
5. Race: Kaysersberg - Matthew Riley - Mr Utah
6. Race: Palypso De Creek - Beneficial Reform - Foundry Square
7. Race: Zeroeshadesofgrey - Mont Royale - Relic Rock

3 poor meetings today

Rracing is on at today´s 2 N.H. meetings at Taunton and Wetherby, and also at the all-weather fixture at Southwell, but the quality is poor all over and there are some small fields as well. The best race of the day is the handicap hurdle at 16.45 CET at Taunton with 6 runners, but this is a weak field for a class 2 handicap. Virak (Paul Nicholls/ Jack Sherwood) was a very easy winner here last time and with the stable in good form and with an ecxcellent record here seems certain to start favourite. However he has a lot of weight and we shall take a chance on Helium, trained and ridden by Alex Dunn, who has her small string in good form. Helium was a CD winner last time in a close finish with Chesil Beach Boy and can repeat the dose on a pound worse terms.

At Wetherby the handicap hurdle at 15.50 is one of the most competitive races of the day and we like Forty Crown (John Wade/ Keith Renwick), who won this last year and is still well handicapped; he was behind hat-trick-seeking Markem (Rose Dobbin/ Craig Nicol) last time but meets that one on better terms now. We also like oldtimer Pamak d´Airy (Harry Hogarth/ Tony Kelly) here at 17.30; he has a good CD record and gets 18 lbs from the obvious form choice and likely hot favourite Massena (Venetia Williams/ Callum Williams). Alan Swinbank had 2 winners here yesterday and can score again at 15.25 with Samoset (Ben Curtis); he has gone up 6 lbs for winning here last time, but today´s opposition looks weak. Swinbank has also entered Gogeo, one of yesterday´s winners, in the claimer at 17.40. He was barely out of a canter yesterday and if he turns out again can score once more.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Brantingham Breeze - Over My Head - Comical Red
2. Race: Shanendou - Money Maid - Young Cheddar
3. Race: Filatore - Ceasar Milan - Auld Sthock
4. Race: Virak - Tornado In Milan - Leviathan
5. Race: The Happy Warrior - Prince Freddie - Torgamah Lad
6. Race: Pressies Girl - Onenightinvienna - Davy Doubt

two all-weather cards today

with the N.H. meeting at Carlisle abandoned, we are left with only two all-weather meetings today. Southwell stages a "jumpers bumpers" meeting., but it is far inferior to the one we had yesterday at Kempton and it is hard to see any of these runners going on to Cheltenham. The most interesting race could be the one at 17.00 CET, which has Masterful Act (Alan McCabe/ Jason Maguire), who has an excellent record at this track, opposed by Hazy Tom (Cbarlie Longsdon/ Charles Deutsch), who has won bumpers, hurdles races and chases and ran well last time at Kempton. With his useful claimers allowance, he receives 13 lbs from the higher-rated Masterful Act, which should be enough to swing things his way. Otherwise it could pay to follow the runners trained by Alan Swinbank, who does well in these races: he has booked Paddy Brennan to ride Mitchells Way at 16.00, Gogeo half an hour later, and Bobs Lord Tara in the maiden at 17.30 and all three should go well.
Easily the best race of the day is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.45 at Wolverhampton, where almost all the 12 runners have good recent CD form. Despite their good form, we shall discard Caspian Prince (Tony Carroll/ Luke Morris) and Dangerous Age (John Hills/ Joe Fanning), who are drawn out side, a big disadvantage here. Swiss Cross (Phil McEntee/ Paddy Aspell) won here in nice style last time from Muhdiq (Mike Murphy/ Julie Burke) and Silken Express (Robert Cowell/ Tom Queally), but at the revised weights it is possible that the last-named can reverse the form.

Betting forecast Wolverhampton:
1. Race: Fair Breeze - Miles Of Sunshine - Summerlea
2. Race: Goldmadchen - Josie`S Dream - Funky Munky
3. Race: Golden Jubilee - Doldrums - The Blue Dog
4. Race: Abyaat - Coillte Cailin - Vastly
5. Race: Attain - Kindlelight Storm - Honey Of A Kitten
6. Race: Lexi`S Hero - Forest Edge - Swiss Cross
7. Race: Arabian Music - River Goddess - Trust The Wind
8. Race: Munaawib - Kakapuka - Strong Man

jumpers bumpers at Kempton

The idea of putting on meetings of "jumpers bumpers" has been a brilliant success and the authorities must be congratulated on today´s Kempton card, which offers 8 well contested races including some real jumping stars. First and foremost of course is My tent Or Yours (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) who runs at 17.40 CET and will be out to boost his Champion Hurdle claims. The trainerhas made it clear why he runs here - he needs a race before Cheltenham (in less than 4 weeks!) and he dislikes the prevailing heavy ground - and it will be a major shock if he gets beaten today, especially with two pacemakers in the field. Ranjaan (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) who has a good course record and the lightly-raced Monsun 4yo Dispour (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) are likely to follow him home.

Jumpers bumpers races can be tricky for punters, as form in flat races or over hurdles does not always work out, but the same trainers seem to win most of the time and we expect Messrs Henderson and Nicholls to dominate proceedings today. Henderson can also take the first and last races with Bringithomeminty and Tanks for That at 14.30 and 18.10 respectively, both partnered by stable jockey Barry Geraghty, while Nicholls can counter with Foggys Well at 15.00, As De Mee (part-owned by Oscar winner Judy Dench) half an hour later, and Silsol - who has a good German pedigree- at 16.35, all ridden by Harry Derham.

N.H. racing at Navan and Market Rasen

The best jumps racing today, as is usual on a Sunday, comes from Ireland, but unfortunately - as is also usual- there are very small fields in the main events, with 5 runners or less in the 3 Grade Two races at Navan. The hurdles race at 15.10 CET sees an interesting clash between Zaidpour (willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Dunguib (Philip Fenton/ Barry O´Connell); the latter has only run once since the 2011 Champion Hurdle but had won the Champion Bumper in 2009 and looked a major star in the making. He still might be, and Fenton had a Grade One winner last week, but we still prefer the Mullins runner today. Surprisingly Mullins and Walsh have no runners in the other two top races, but is expected to win the maiden hurdle with Daneking at 15.50, but Ruby´s father Ted and Mullins´ nephew Danny can combine to take the novice chase over 3 miles at 16.45 with Foxrock, while the shorter novice chase at 16.10 should go to Bright New Dawn (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper).

The quality is lower at Market Rasen, but the going at this track in LIncolnshire will not be as bad as it has been everyhere else this year, although it is noticeable that it is an all hurdles card.. This gives a good chance to New Year´s Eve (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) - out of an Acatenango mare - in the handicap hurdle at 15.50, where Wily Fox (James Eustace/ Kieron Edgar) looks a big danger. We also like Maison de Ville (Brian Ellison/ James Revely) - by Sholokhov - in the opening novice hurdle at 14.50.

5 good cards today

Despite the miserable weather, there is N.H. racing of a high standard at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton, as well as Gowran Park in Ireland, though obviousy the going is heavy everywhere. As is so often the case, there are very small fields in the top races, with only 4 facing the starter in the two feature races in Ireland. Un de Sceaux (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) looks a near certainly in the Grade Two Red Hills Trial Hurdle at 16.35 CET, but will be at unbackable odds. He is a leading fancy for the Champion Hurdle and it will be a shock if he loses here. Mullins and Walsh can also take the Grade Two Red Mills Chase at 15.25 with Turban, though this race looks trickier.

At Ascot, the Ascot Chase at 16.50 is the top event and looks a match between Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Riverside Theatre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). They have already met 4 times and threscore is 2-2. The latter won the Peterborough Chase before Christmas with the Hobbs runner a close third, but the latter is now 10 lbs better off and can take his revenge. Rolling Aces (Noel Fehily) looks the better of the 2 Paul Nicholls runners and could be the main danger. Hobbs and Johnson can follow up in the novice hurdle half an hour later with Mountain King, who looks a smart prospect, although Wadswick Court (Charlie Longsdon/ Fehily), also unbeaten over hurdles, is a big threat. Gevrey Chambertin(David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is an interesting chasing debutant at 15.05, but this is a hot race, and we think that Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Johnson), up in grade after two easy wins, might be able to spring a surprise here. Pipe also has a strong hand in the handicap hurdle at 16.15, where Scu rides the likely favourite Heath Hunter, but we think Dan Breen (Tom Bellamy) might run well at a big price, while Bourne (Donald McCain/ AP Lane) won this race 2 years ago off the same rating and is a big danger.

At Haydock, Celestial Hero (Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) should win the Grade Two hurdle at 15.20; he is being aimed at Cheltenham´s World Hurdle and is clear top-rated here. The handicaps here look very difficult, but we fancy Emperors Choice (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) to continue the stable´s good run in the Grand National Trial at 15.55, while The Knoxs (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) is our selection in the hurdle race at 16.30. German-trained Cafe Au Lait (Christian von der Recke/ Paul Moloney) runs here in the opener 14.45 and has an each-way chance in our view.

Paul Nicholls has runners all ovet today and sends his main jockey Daryl Jacob to his local track at Wincanton, where he can take the main event, the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle, on Zarkandar, who won it last year and is 2 from 2 here. Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) is the obvious danger. They can also take ther Mares listed hgurdle at 14.55 with Tagrota, while we hope that Jacobs can also win the handicap hurdle at 16.05 on Charlie Mann´s German-bred Seventh Sky, a half-brother to Samum.

Fakenham only jumps racing today

with the abandonment of Sandown, we are left with only Fakenham today for N.H. fans, and it is a very poor card on offer there. Not only that, but with 6 of the 7 races having only 5 runners, betting opportunities look very limited. Venetia Williams and her stable jockey Aidan Coleman continue to make hay while the rain falls and could have a couple more winners today: Elenika can defy top weight in the handicap chase at 15.45 CET - although Full Ov Beans (M Gates/ Ally Stirling) could be a danger in receipt of 25 lbs - and Bubble Boru can follow up at 16.20, getting 11 lbs from Doctor Harper (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who is clear top-rated but unproven on heavy going.
The quality at the 3 all-weather meetings today -Lingfield this afternoon and Wolverhampton and Dundalk (ireland) this evening is no better. Main interest will be in seeing if old Stand Guard (John Butler/ Willie Twiston-Davies) can equal the all a.w. record of 25 victories at 14.30 at Lingfield. He should certainly do so, but is no betting proposition at the likely odds. The crunch should come next week at Southwell, where he is due to meet his old rival La Estrella. The best betting race is the 7 furlongs handicap here at 15.30. Many of the 14 runners have alrready met several times, and Bertie Blu Boy (Lisa Williamson/ Richard Kingscote) beat 4 of these opponents when winning over this CD 13 days ago. However at the revised weights we fancy Black Truffle (Mark Usher/ Liam Keniry), fourth then, to reverse the form. Both of his career victories have come over this CD.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cappielow Park - Slaney Star - County Zen
2. Race: Destroyer Deployed - Mondo Cane - Spike Mac
3. Race: Crookstown - Mistral Reine - Itoldyou
4. Race: Elenika - Full Ov Beans - Taffy Thomas
5. Race: Bobble Boru - Saffron Wells - Robbers Roost
6. Race: Jack Bene - Mister Chancer - Earl Grez
7. Race: Inca Dove - Ricardo`s Girl - Western Dolly

3 group races at Meydan

the Dubai Carnival continues today with another strong card, featuring 3 group races. Once again we expect proceedings to be dominated by the Godolphin and Mike de Kock stables, and this is especially the case in the UAE 2,000 Guineas at 16.20 CET, in which the South African has 3 runners and Godolphin 4. We expect the winner to be one of the boys in blue, and jockey bookings suggest that Paximaia (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sosa) and Long John (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona) would appear to be their best chances. Both ran in Australia last year and it is difficult to choose between them, but we slighty prefer the former.
The Firebreak Stakesover a mile at 17.30 has attracted two string DSouth Afroican challengers, Mars (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) and Variety Club (Joey Ramsden/ Anton Marcus), winner of his last 8 races in succession and twice South Africa´s Horse of the Year. Mars is making his first start for this stable, having been one of Aidan O´Brien´s main classic hopes last year; but he was only sixth in the Derby and may find this trip too short.
The Al Shindagha Sprint over 6 furlongs at 18.05 is another puzzle and we will take a chance on Balmont Mast (Eddie Lynam/ William Buick), as Irish sprimnters have a good record here. Pearl Flute (Francis Graffard/ Harry Bentley) could be the main danger.
The handicaps have large fields and look very difficult. German hope Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) runs in the 1 1/2 mile race at 18.45 but it looks a very tough race and he will have to be at the top of his form to win here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sanshaawes - Energia Davos - Layali Al Andalus
2. Race: Long John - Paximadia - Full Combat
3. Race: Vercingetorix - Forjatt - El Estruendoso
4. Race: Variety Club - Mars - Capital Attraction
5. Race: Krypton Factor - Giant Sandman - Balmont Mast
6. Race: Meandre - Topclas - Empoli

Leicester on today

the course at Leiceter has passed an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead, though obviously the going will be very testing. It could be significant that Tony McCoy is here for just one ride - Jonjo O´Neill´s Titchwood at 17.10. Obviously he has a chance, but this is a very tricky race with all 5 runners more or less equal. Our selection is Renard d´Irlande, who could be one of several winners for the red hot Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman team. We expect them also to close with Massena at 15.10, Browns Brook at 16.10 and Rydalis at 16.40. However these are all quite open handicaps, so nothing is certain. Our best bet here is Bin End (F Brennan/ Felix de Giles) at 15.40; he has not won for quite a while, but is very consistent and goes well here.
The meetings at Fontwell and Thurles (Ieland) have beern abandoned, as has tomorrow´s card at Sandown and Sunday´s at Ffos Las, and with the horrible weather still continuing, more cancellations seems likely.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Massena - Arkaim - Stormhoek
2. Race: Tokyo Javilex - Bin End - Kastani Beach
3. Race: Browns Brook - The Last Bridge - Highland River
4. Race: Billy Cuckoo - Benefit Cut - Have You Seen Me
5. Race: Renard D`Irlande - Definite Memories - Titchwood
6. Race: Shy John - Mister Teddy - Swallows Delight

Long Run at Kelso

it is very rare to see a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner run at Kelso, but that is the case today when Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) faces 3 opponents over 3 1/4 miles here at 16.55 CET. Henderson has sent him on the long trip to the Scottish borders as the ground is better here and he needs a good performance after running below form so far this season. He is being aimed at the Grand National (for which he is second top-weight) and in theory has to win today, but we oppose him with CD specialist Knockara Beau (George Charlton/ Jan Faltejsek), although that one is rated 13 lbs inferior. Knockara Beau ran a great race over hurdles last time at Cheltenham, beating Big Bucks among others, and he is even better over fences, especially here.
Kelso stages a good card today and the 2 1/4 mile hurdle race at 16.25 has another strong field, including Duke of Navan (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) who won this last year. He should go close again, but has to give weight to some useful types, including Special Catch and Upsilon Blue, but our main fancy is the mare Doyle Carte (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who has been chasing but is equally adept over sticks.
John Ferguson has his team - almost all of them ex-flat horses owned by the Maktoums- in good form and can take the opening novice hurdle at 14.55 with Rainbow Peak (Denis O´Regan), group class on the flat and an easy winner over hurdles last time. Ferguson does not have so many runners over fences, but Cayman Islands makes his debut in this sphere half an hour later and also has a chance it what looks a tricky llttle race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rainbow Peak - Master Red - Roc De Prince
2. Race: Croco Bay - Firth Of The Clyde - Cayman Islands
3. Race: The Panama Kid - Abbey Storm - Or De Grugy
4. Race: Upsilon Bleu - Duke Of Navan - Doyly Carte
5. Race: Knockara Beau - Isla Pearl Fisher - Heez A Steel
6. Race: Harbour Court - Douglas Julian - Captain Americo
7. Race: Lady Of Provence - Bespoke Lady - Knocklayde Express

Musselburgh only N.H. racing today

the weather in Scotland has not been nearly so bad as it has been further south and west, and the going at Musselburgh is officially good to soft. This means not only that we have decent fields and competitive racing, but that the heavy ground performers who have been cleaning up in recent weeks will no longer be at such an advantage. The best race of the day is the handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET, in which John Quinn saddles two interesting runners: top-weight Fisher (Dean Pratt) and Forced Family Fun (Brian Hughes), one of several 4yo´ s in the field. We much prefer the younger horse, as Fisher, previously trained in Ireland, has been off the track since Christmas 2012. Forced Family Fun was not much good on the flat, but has a real talent for hurdling and his Doncaster win last time was decent form. However he has little in hand of Figaro (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson), who makes a long journey to run here and was also better on the flat; so was Honour System (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), and his team should in any case take the novice hurdle at 15.10 with Fennell Bay, a multiple winner on the flat for Mark Johnston and an easy winner on his debut over sticks.
The handicap hurdle at 16.15 is another vefy tricky race and we expect the lighter weights to come out on top. Willie Amos has his string in great form and his Willie Hall (Brian Harding), a recent winner at Sedgefield (on heavy!) still looks well handicapped, but we prefer Jack Albert (Dianne Sayer/ Colm McCormack). Amos and Harding also have a chance at 15.40 with Briery Hill, but here we like Civil Unrest (James Ewart/ Dale Irving), who has won 4 of his last 5 races, two of them here, and can score again.


Betting forecast Musselburgh:
1. Race: Fozy Moss - Tears From Heaven - Debt To Society
2. Race: Fennell Bay - Plan Again - Martin Chuzzlewit
3. Race: Radio Nowhere - Civil Unrest - Brieryhill Boy
4. Race: Willie Hall - Pairc Na Leasa - Tweedo Paradiso
5. Race: Forced Family Fun - Town Mouse - Fisher
6. Race: Habbie Simpson - Golan Way - Beggar`s Velvet
7. Race: Nathans Pride - Hurricane Hollow - Apachee Prince

Again only 2 low grade meetings today

The N.H. meeting at Lingfield was already abandoned a couple of days ago, so we are left with only Ayr and Southwell (a.w.) today. Further abandonments are also expected this week, e.g. Chepstow tomorrow and Fontwell on Thursday, and there could well be more to follow with the rainy weather continuing. As so often the case here, there is a strong Irish challenge at Ayr today, and both Gordon Elliott and Stuart Crawford have sent over some likely contenders. They appear to have the novice hurdle at 15.20 CET between them, as Fine Rightly (the Crawford brothers) and Layla Joan (Elliott/ Tony McCoy), both unbeaten so far this season, should easily dominate their British opponents. We prefer Layla Joan, who won last time over this CD and looks a good prospect. McCoy has a couple more rides for Elliott at 16.25 and 17.30, but here we prefer She Ranks Me (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Gansey (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) respectively. Gansey has top weight in the most competitive race of the day, but has been running well in good company and although he has not actually won for almost 3 years, still looks the one to beat here. She Ranks Me is making her chasing debut, but was by far the best of these over hurdles. Our each-way longshot of the day is See The Legend (Sandra Forster/ Steve Mulqueen) at 15.55; he finished behind CD specialists Ancient Times and W Six Times last time here, but won this race 2 years ago and seems nicely handicapped now.

The Southwell card is very poor and best given a miss. Nick the Odds (Jo Hughes/ Bem Curtos) showed nothing in 5 starts last year, but reappeared to win over this CD at long odds and then followed up as hot favourite at Wolverhampton; he is up 10 lbs now, but can complete a quick hat-trick in the 3yo handicap at 17.10.

Only 2 low grade meetings today

Very little to get excited about at the remaining two meetings today. Top jockeys such as McCoy, Maguire and Coleman are in action at Catterick, but the fields are small and the quality poor. The only two races with normal each-way betting are the handicap hurdles at 15.20 and 16.20 CET, and our each-way selectipns are Lysino (Chris Grant/ Keith Renwick) and Patavium (Edwin Tuer/ Tony Kelly) respectively.

The former used to be trained by Peter Schiergen and is a half-brother to German Derby winner Lucky Speed; Obviously he has nowhere near the same ability, but should still be able to figure in this grade. The latter is no great shakes, but has a good CD record and could run well at a big price in this poor company.

The best horse running at Wolverhampton is Strictly Silver (Alan Bailey/ Tim Clark) who has top weight in the 9 furlongs handicap at 17.00. He has been running in much better races, biut we doubt that he can concede a stone to the lightly-raced and still unbeaten Big Baz (Willie Muir/ David Probert); this half-brother to Group One performer Giofra is almost certainly much better than his current rating and can win again. The other race to note is the7 furlongs handicap at 18.30; this is a dreadful event, but One Way Or Another (David Evans/ EJ Waösh) is making his 100th appearance here and it would be nice to see the old boy win on his centenary. However his recent form is very poor, and we prefer Lutine Charlie (Pazt Eddery/ Tom Queally)

four Grade One races at Leopardstown

Leopardstown today stages one of the best Irish jumps cards of the year, with four Grade One races and the Hennessy Gold Cup over 3 miles at 16.50 CET the main feature. This chase has attracted a strong field and we think the key can be found in the Lexus Chase, run over this CD at the Christmas meeting. First Lieutenant (Moiuse Morris/ Bryan Cooper) has been runner-up in the last two runnings of the Lexus, and his recent second place to Cheltenham winner Bobs Worth makes him the form choice here. Lyreen Legend (Dessie Hughes/ Barry Geraghty) was fifth that day and Lord Windermere (Jim Culloty/ Davy Russell) seventh, but both sets of connections are expecting a much better performance this time. Last season´s Lexus was won by a tremendous burst of speed by Tidal Bay (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and we would .love to see the old boy, now 13, score here again. He ran a great race last time in the Welsh Grand National and expect him to be held up again for a late run. Ruby, who very rarely rides for Nicholls these days, is the right man for the job, so we are hopeful, but it is a very tough race.
Walsh is riding for Willie Mullins in the other 3 Grade Ones and has an obvious chance each time, eben though these races - all with small fields- are not easy. In the opening 4yo hurdle at 14,15 he Partners the highly-rated Ivan Grozny, a very easy winner last time at Naas. However he has to reverse Christmas form with Plinth (Aidan O´Brien/ Tony McCoy), who would have won more easily then but for making a mistake at the last. O´Brien is now known as a flat trainer, but is now showing more interest in N.H. racing, in which he was a multiple champion at the turn of the century - remember Istabraq, who won 3 Champion Hurdles in the same colours.
The novice chase at 15.45 looks more tricky, even with only 3 runners. German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Cooper) oiutspeeded Carlingford Lough (Jon Kiely/ McCoy) at Christmas, and the latter has won since, but it is possible that the Mullins/ Walsh contender Ballycasey can beat them both. Mullins and Walsh also have good prospects in the novice hurdle at 15.15 with the very promising Vautoux, but The Tullow Tank (Philip Fenton/ Danny Mullins) could be a stumbling block here; he has won his last 4 races, including two Grade Ones (admittedly weak ones)
In the U.K. there is an all hurdles card at Exeter on very heavy ground; there are lots of non-runners and punters are advised to check before plaoing their bets. The best betting race ois the handicap hurdle at 15.55, in which Philip Hpobbs runs 4, no doubt hoping to qualify them for the final of this series. Stable jockey Richard Johnson rides Fingal Bay, who was a star novice 2 years ago, but has not been seen since running out on this track 15 months ago, which is more than slightly offputting. Lightly-raced Top Gamble (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is difficult to assess, but could be anything, so the safest bet is probably Imperial Leader (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), runner-up last time to Irish Saint, who ran another good race yesterday.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Plinth - Guitar Pete - Tiger Roll
2. Race: Emily Gray - Lughnasa - Blazing Sonnet
3. Race: Vautour - The Tullow Tank - Quickpick Vic
4. Race: Ballycasey - Don Cossack - Carlingford Lough
5. Race: Never Enough Time - Baily Green - Art Of Payroll
6. Race: First Lieutenant - Tidal Bay - Last Instalment
7. Race: On The Fringe - Quel Esprit - Tammys Hill
8. Race: On Your Eoin - Lockstockandbarrel - Vigil

Newbury and Warwick

easily the best racing of the day takes place at Newbury, with the Betfair Hurdle over 2 miles at 16.35 CET the big betting race of the day - in fact this valuable handicap is one of the biggest betting races of the year and looks extremely difficult today with 21 runners, and a case can be made for all of them. The situation is further complicated by the heavy ground and by the fact that some of the top trainers have several runners - Nicky Henderson, who has the best record in this race, has 3 runners, and Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Jonjo O´Neill, Alan King and Gary Moore two each. Willie Mullins sends over Smashing (Andrew Lynch) from Ireland and this ex-French runner, who has easily won both jhis Irish starts, is obviously a big threat, but our four against the field are Irish Saint (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), Chris Pea Green (Moore with son Josh in the saddle), Cheltenian (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Totalize (Brian Ellison/ Aidan Coleman).
The rest of the Newbury card also looks tricky, though the fields are of course much smaller. 5 run in the Grade Two Denman Chase which Paul Nicholls, trainer of Denman, had dominated in recent years, and his Al Ferof (Daryl Jacob) is the likely favourite. However we are not totally convinced that he stays 3 miles on heavy ground and prefer Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire) and especially Katenko (Venetia Williams/ Coleman)The Grade Two Game Spirit Chase over 2 miles 1 gfurlong at 16.00 should go to Module (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who is best in at the weights, goes on the ground and has solid form to his name. An outsider we think could run well here is Brackloon High (Brendan Powell/ Johnson) at 14.50, who runs his best races for this jockey.
The fields are even smaller at Warwick, with 3 races with 5 or fewer runners. With the Alan King stablecomoing back into form, we like Wayne Hutchinson´s m,ounts here, especially Balder Success at 15.40 and Midnight Prayer at 17.25. Once again, Willie Mullins has just one runner here, Glens Melody (David Casey) in the listed mares hurdle at 15.05. She won a similar race here a month ago and meets the same horses again, but L´Unique (King/ Hutchinson) could be dangerous.. We also go for bottom weight Rouge et Blanc (Oliver Sherwood/ Thomas Garner) at 16.15, while our each-way longshots here are Chalk It Down (Warren Greatrex/ Casey) at 14.35 and Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) at 16.50.

Betting forecas Newburyt:
1. Race: Justification - Seedling - Little Jon
2. Race: Rydon Pynes - Andy Kelly - Upswing
3. Race: Al Ferof - Katenko - Harry Topper
4. Race: Module - Raya Star - Desert Cry
5. Race: Irish Saint - Dell` Arca - Rolling Star
6. Race: Smad Place - Sam Winner - Mendip Express
7. Race: Thomas Brown - Seven Nation Army - As De Mee

Kempton only meeting this afternoon

with Bangor and Newcastle already called off yesterday, we are left with Kempton´s N.H. card as the only racing this afternoon. There has been more rain and the going will be heavy, but there should be no problems here, although there could well be at tomorrows meetings.
There are only 4 runners in the main event, a graduation chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.35 CET, in which Une Artiste (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) is so well in at the weights that she should not be troubled to beat the colts. She was a smart hurdler and has taken well to fences, while she has also won on the heavy. She was only just touched off in a better race in Ireland last time and it will be s surprise if she gets beaten here. Alan King´s stable is coming back into form, but we cannot see Betonnier (Robert Thornton) winning this on his chasing debut and on only his second start in 2 years; Shangani (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who has solid handicap form and represents a stable that is flying, therefore looks the main danger, despite the huge weight concession.
King however can take the following 3 miles handicap chase at 17.10 with top weight Midnight Appeal (Wayne Hutchinson), where Williams and Coleman may again have to play a supporting role with Summery Justice, while Chartreux (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) could also be a factor, dropping in grade.
Another top weight we like is Baltimore Rock for birthday Boys David Pipe and Kieron Edgar in the opener at 14.30, while we have a sneaking fancy for oldtimer Nozic (Zoe Davison/ David Crosse) at 15.30; the 13yo is very inconsistent these days but won this race last year off a much higher rating. Albert Bridge (Emma Lavelle/ Richard Johnson)) is an interesting newcomer in the novice hurdle at 15.00; he was a useful staying handicapper on the flat and last ran in the Cesarewitch.


Betting forecast Kempton:
1. Race: Baltimore Rock - Santo Thomas - Loyaute
2. Race: Albert Bridge - Boogie In The Barn - Strollawaynow
3. Race: Lucky Sunny - Notarfbad - Ultragold
4. Race: Easy Beesy - Smiles For Miles - Upton Wood
5. Race: Une Artiste - Batonnier - Shangani
6. Race: Triangular - Court Victory - Summery Justice
7. Race: Third Act - Less Time - Brean Play Percy

Doncaster and Huntingdon

the first race today at Doncaster, a novice chase over 2 miles at 14.20 CET (but now at 14.25, as all races here will now be run 5 minutes later than scheduled), is the most interesting event of the day, even with only two runners, as one of them is Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2012 and runner-up last year. He won his first chase easily enough and is a likely Cheltenham runner, assuming he wins today. It will bo no pushover however as his opponent Mr. Mole (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy) is no slouch and may be able to handle the soft ground better.McCoy has several rides for owner JP McManus today, all for different trainers, and at 14.50 he partners Alan King´s Gone Too Far, where Vaniteux (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) looks the main danger. The Henderson/ Geraghty team also have a good chance in the novice hurdle at 15.25 with the penalised Electrolyser, but this looks an open affair with somer interesting opponents, including First Mohican (King/ Robert Thornton) and Retrieve (John Ferguson( Denis O´Regan) both boasting smart flat form and Lyric Street (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) being out of the German Group One winner Elle Danzig. The KIng stable has been under a cloud this season, but if there are signs that they are coming back into form, then we must support Oh Crick at 17.10, who is now very well handicapped on his old form; the alternative is Clondaw Knight (Lucinda Russell/ Keith Renwick), the form of whose Kelso win 3 months ago has been boosted several times since.
Best race at Huntingdon is the 4yo hurdle at 15.50, with several possible Triumph Hurdle runners entered. John Ferguson has sent his main jockey to Doncaster, but has two interesting runners here, both of course with good flat pedigrees: Muhtaris (Sam Twiston-Davies) and Royal Skies (Jack Quinlan); We shall take a chance on the former, a half-brother to the good German performer Black Arrow. Another runner with a German connection here is ex-Ullmann horse Dawn Twister (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), who comes down in trip at 16.25 and gets our vote after not getting home over longer distances.

Betting forecast Doncaster:
1. Race: Mr Mole - Mr Mole -
2. Race: Vaniteux - Gone Too Far - Portway Flyer
3. Race: First Mohican - Electrolyser - Fair Loch
4. Race: Fentara - Harry The Viking - Howard`S Legacy
5. Race: Top Billing - One Conemara - Streams Of Whiskey
6. Race: Clondaw Knight - King Spirit - Thunderstorm
7. Race: Straits Of Messina - Lean Burn - Torgamah Lad

Meydan today

another very strong and competitive card today at Meydan, and as usual we expect the powerful Godophin stables to play a leading role with South African trainer Mike de Kock their main rival. We prefer the Godolphin runners on the whole and certainly expect a Godolphin winner in the main feature, the Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 at 18.40 CET. Hunters Light (Saeed bin Suroor/ William Buick) won this last year, and also ran well in Munich, but of the trainer´s 3 runners, jockey bookings point to African Story (Silvestre de Sousa), with Artigiano (Charlie Appleby/ Mikael Barzalona) the main danger. Dunaden won the Melbourne Cup 2 years ago, but is unlikely to be speedy enough for this; please note that Harry Bentley now rides, as Jamie Spenser is in Ireland for a funeral. Ex-German Empire Storm (Mike Attwater/ Dane O´Neill) ran a great race here last time, but this looks too tough. We also expect Godolphin to win both the races for 3yo´s , the Classic Trial at 16.30 with Pretend and the UAE 1000 Guineas with either Wedding Ring (also Appleby/ Barzalona), who won the trial 3 weeks ago, or Ihtimaal (bin Suroor/ De Sousa), an impressive Kempton winner in November.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Versac Py - Albar Lotois - Rabbah De Carrere
2. Race: My Freedom - Alnashmy - Tamarkuz
3. Race: Figure Of Speech - Autumn Lily - Pretend
4. Race: Ihtimal - Mensoora - Magroora
5. Race: Excellent Result - Star Empire - Statutory
6. Race: Artigiano - Hunter`S Light - Battle Of Marengo
7. Race: El Estruendoso - Disa Leader - Gold Pearl

5 meetings today

5 meetings today, but all at a low level. On top of that there are some small fields, especially at the two N.H. meetings in the U.K., where the going will be very heavy.
Ludlow´s handicap chsse over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40 CETis actually one of their most valuable races of the year, but the field is nothing special. Gallox Bridge (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) has arguably the best form, but we cannot fancy him with top weight in this going. Elenika (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) rarely wins, but his team is in top form, so he must be considered. Tony Dinozzo (Peter Bowen/ Jamie Moore) was an easy winner on heavy goiing, then fell at the last when looking the likely winner; he must have a chance, but has twice been a non-runner recently. This leaves us with Buywise (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who is up in grade after two easy wins on heavy ground; he is up 18 lbs in the ratings, but we can think that he can manage it and he is the selection. Another hat-trick seeker is Alex Dunn´s Come On Annie at 16.15, and she can score again at the main expense of Benefique Royale (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob).
The runner that most interests us on a very uninspiring card at Carlisle is Next Hight (Sue Smith/ Jonathan England) in the handicap hurdle at 17.00. He is out of German classic winner Next Petticoat and hence a half-brother to Derby winner Next Desert. He clearly does not have the class of those two, but finally came good last time and can defy an 11 lbs rise in the weights here. The trainer can follow up with another last time winner Baltic Pathfinder(Shane Byrne) half an hour later.
The fields at the N. Irish meeeting at Down Royal are much bigger, but the quality is still missing. The most interesting race could be the maiden hurdle at 15.50. Both Leavethelighton (Eamonn Doyle/ MP Butler) and Quickasyoucan (Colm McBratney/ SW Flanagan) ran well enough last time to suggest that they can win a race of this nature, but possibly Couleur France (Noel Meade/ Paulk Carberry) will outpoint them all.
On the all-weather we think that Sea Soldier (Andrew Balding/ Rob Hornby), third over this CD last Saturday,. can win the 7 furlongs handicap at Lingfield at 17.40, while the trainer could also have a winner over the same distance this evening at 20.00 with Pool House (David Probert), although these small field handicaps are generally bad betting races.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Edlomond - Spirit River - Arrayan
2. Race: Edmund Kean - The Romford Pele - Shays River
3. Race: Buywise - Tony Dinozzo - Forest Walker
4. Race: Top Totti - Benefique Royale - Come On Annie
5. Race: Minella Reception - Daveron - Tedney Express
6. Race: Foundry Square - Pearlysteps - Made In Time
7. Race: Ampleforth - Tara Road - Oscar`s Pet

3 more poor meetings today

Once again, very little of significance at today´s 3 meetings, over jumps at Market Rasen (very soft soing) and on the all-weather at Southwell and Lingfield. Tony McCoy is riding at Market Rasen, and we think he has fair each-way chances on both of his mounts for Jonjo O´Neill: Interior Minister at 14.20 CET, Spookydooky at 15.20 and Last Shadow half an hour later. Grate Fella (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) looks the likeliest winner of the 15.50. McCoy also has a chance on top-weight Honest John for Steve Gollings at 16.50; this one is rather unreliable, but this is a very weak race and if he is in the right mood should be able to see off this opposition. The all-weather action is, if anything even poorer. At Southwell we fancy CD specialist Abi Scarlet (Hughie Morrison/ Ryan Powell) to take the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.40; all her 4 career wins have been over this CD, including last time out in a weak seller, and she gets weight all round here. At Lingfield, Nassau Storm (Will Knight/ Andrea Atzeni), another recent CD winner, can follow up at 17.00.

3 poor meetings today

poor racing at today´s 3 Cards, and while Kempton and Wolverhampton stage all-weather flat racing, there is N.H. action at a very poor level at Southwell. This can be a tricky course, especially in today´s testing condtions, and it usually pays to stick with horses that have already shown good course form. We therefore make Anay Turge (Nigel Hawke/ Kieron Edgar) out best bet of the day in the novice hurdle at 15.15 CET; this 9yo is a smart chaser over this trip of 2miles, but had never won over hurdles until 12 days ago when easily scoring over this CD; he has a 7 lbs penalty now but the opposition does not look formidable and he can follow up here. Hopatina (Neil Mulholland/ Michael Byrne) has been much improved this season, winning all 3 starts including this CD, and can complete a fourtimer in the handicap hurdle at 15.50; he is up a lot in the weights, but again the opposition looks weak.
Easily the best flat racing comes Wolverhampton where the 2 miles handicap at 16.40 looks competitive even with only 6 runners. As is often the case, most of them have been running over hurdles and Communicator (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) ran a great race on his hurdles debut before Chtistmas when runner-up to the smart Josses Hill at Newbury. Since then he has also run a good race on the flat and is the selection here; However Kashmir Peak (John Quinn/ Tom Eaves) is by far the best of these over hurdles and is entered in the Betfair Hurdle on Saturday; he can certainly make a race of it with the selection. In the 8 1/2 furlongs conditions race at 18.10. we shall take a chance on Birdman (David Simcock( Andrea Atzeni), although he is badly off at the weights; however he is in good form which counts for a lot in such events.
The best race at Kempton is the mile handicap at 17.00 which looks wide open. Our tentative selection is Silverheels (Paul Cole/ Jim Crowley), who has dropped down the ratings a bit but has not run at all badly on his last starts in arguably hotter company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royaume Bleu - Over And Above - Somerby
2. Race: Trozulon - Farbreaga - Royal Riviera
3. Race: Flementime - Brave Vic - El Indio
4. Race: Anay Turge - Vikekhal - Vivaccio
5. Race: Hopatina - Silver Wren - Knockraheen
6. Race: Alaccordion - Cloudy Dawn - Fidelor
7. Race: Whispering Harry - Marleno - Lodgician

Cheltenham clues in Scotland and Ireland

The Cheltenham Festival starts in 5 weeks on Tuesday and today´s meetings at Musselburgh and Punchestown should give us some valuable clues. The weather in Scotland has not been nearly as bad as in England, and Musselburgh´s card is their best of the N.H. season. The better groiudn shoudl cefrzainly suoit Kie (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), as he is out of a Surumu mare, and he should go close in the Scottish Champion Chase, actually handicap, at 15.00 CET. The unknown quantity here is ex-French Upepito (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), but the trainer, who is in fantastic form, has entered him for Cheltenham, in which case he miust get involved here. The listed Scottish Triumph Hurdle at 15.30 is the headline feature, and German-bred Broughton (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) is likely to start a hot favourite after his excellent hurdling debut. He was the top lot at the Baden-Baden yearling sales in 2011, ironically bought for the Maktoums by Ferguson, who now owns and trains him.

However this will not be easy, as Nicky Henderson´s useful bumper Adeupas d´ycy (Barry Geraghty) is a danger, as are the two Irish challengers Clarcam (Gordon Elliott/ Maguire) and Space Ship (Robbie Hennessy/ Sam Twiston-Davies), who was actually rated a few pounds better than Broughton on the flat and also made a pleasing debut over sticks. Henderson and Geraghty should in any case take the Future Champions Chase at 16.30 (can´t see any champions here, but still..) with Ericht, who is weighted to reverse earlier form with Funny Star (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob).There are 2 German-breds in the Scottish County hurdle at 16.30, Lyvius (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Paul Bohan) and both could be placed; the lightly-weighted Franciscan and Clever Cookie are the dangers here, but we shall stick with Local Hero, and also with Fährhof-bred Los Nadis, who runs his best races here, at 17.30.

There is also a decent card at Punchestown and we expect another Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh benefit, as they can take both the main events, the listed novice hurdle at 15.10 and the Grade Two Tied Cottage Chase an hour later, both over 2 miles. In the former race their candidate Wicklow Brave is moving up in class after a very easy win of his first hurdle race, after 3 bumper victories. but he looks the real deal and should go on from here to much better things. Arvika Liegonnaire in the later race is unbeaten at Punchestown and should stay so after today. In both cases the Gigginstown Stud runners are the main dangers.

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Mister Dillon - Crowning Jewel - Pay The King
2. Race: Medieval Chapel - Powerstown Dreams - Clondaw Hero
3. Race: Upepito - Kie - His Excellency
4. Race: Broughton - Clarcam - Adeupas D`ycy
5. Race: Funny Star - Ericht - Top Of The Range
6. Race: Yorkist - Sametegal - Lyvius
7. Race: Brassick - Themilanhorse - That`S Rhythm
8. Race: Sud Pacifique - Los Nadis - Scots Gaelic

Plenty of racing today

With all 3 British meetings over jumps going ahead, plus N.H. racing from Ireland at Fairyhouse, and 2 all-weather meetings, punters are spoilt for choice today, although it must be said that the races do not look easy with very heavy ground and some very small fields, with plenty of non-runners.

There are only 3 runners in the day´s top race, the Grade One Scilly Isles novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET at Sandown. Small field novice chases on heavy ground do not make the ideal betting medium, but even so, it will be a shock if Oscar Whisky (Nicky Henderson/ barry Geraghty) fails to win here. He has a stone in hand on official ratings, was easily the best of these over hurdles (third in the 2011 Champion Hurdle) and has made a satisfactory start to his chasing career. We also like Pistol (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) in the opener here at 14.15, where Saroque (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) looks the main danger, and the latter´s team can score with Relax at 16.35 and Last Shot at 17.10.

Two valuable handicaps are the main features at Ffos Las,. the Welsh Champion Hurdle at 15.05 and the West Wales Grand National at 15.40. Both looki very tricky, even thoigh there atrr only 7 runners in the former Event. Saphir du Rheu (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) is clearly very smart and has won his last 2 races in excellent style; however he has been severely trrated by the handicapper and we are dubious about his scoring off this huge weight. German-bred Home Run (David Pipe/ Kierton Edgar) and Whisper (Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) finished well behind him at Sandown two months ago, but meet him on much better terms now and can gain revenge. We shall take a chance with Home Run, even though he out of the handicap, as this close relation to Hurricane Run will love the ground. Junior (Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) has top weight in the National, but is certainly not out of it, as he is well handicapped on earlier form; however this is wide open, although we cannot believe that Moujntainous (Richard Lee/ Pauil Molomey) will follow up his Welsh Grand Natioinal win under 12 löbs extra.

Tony McCoy is at Wetherby today. mainly to ride Jonjo O´Neill´s Shutthefrontdoor in the Grade Two novice chase at 16.20. It is not certain that he will stay today´s trip of 3 miles 1 furlong in these testing conditions, but he is the best horse in the field and should win. Consistent Green Flag (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchansn) looks the safest alternative. Sue Smith rarely leaves this track without a winner and we expect her No Planning (Ryan Mania) toi take the handicap chase at 15.10. The all-weather racing is less exciting, but two we like at Lingfield are Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Robert Tart) at 15.55 and Sea Soldier (Andrew Balding/ Rob Hornby) at 17.05.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pistol - Spanish Arch - Saroque
2. Race: Desert Cry - Eastlake - Pepite Rose
3. Race: Benvolio - Manyriverstocross - Benvolio
4. Race: Tatenen - Fine Parchment - Aachen
5. Race: Pete The Feat - Ardkilly Witness - Roalco De Farges
6. Race: Last Shot - Un Anjou - Sew On Target