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