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