good all-weather stayers at Kempton

easily the most valuable race at today´s 3 U.K. Meetings is the 2 mile conditions race at 18.00 CET at Kempton and it is also by far the most interesting. It is the last of the qualifying races for the big Good Friday meeting at Lingfield and quite a few of the runners will be hoping to book their place there. German-bred Ordernsritter (Chris Down/ John Fahy) has won his last 2 races over this CD, but has a mountain to climb on ratings and we shall be pleasantly surprised if he makes the frame. Top-rated, but only just, is Thecornishcockney (John Ryan/ Adam Kirby), well beaten twice at Meydan earlier in the year, but he had some good all-weather form earlier and won twice over this CD at the beginning of last year. This trainer and jockey combination took Saturday´s big handicap at Doncaster with another horse who had flopped at Meydan, so this one clearly comes on the short list. So does Castilo del Diablo (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer), although sztrictly speaking he is held on form by Noble Silk (Lucy Wadham/ David Probert). Clowance Estate, Sir Graham Wade and Glenard all had good form last year, but they are all coming off a break and are totally inexperienced on the all-weather. There are plenty of possibilities here, but in view of John Ryan´s excellent early season form, we shall stick with Thecornishcockney. Ryan Moore, who partners Glenard for Charlie Hills, probably has better prospects with Jeremy Noseda´s Dutiful Son half an hour earlier; This lightly-raced sort has now won twice over this CD and is probably still ahead of the handicapper, despite being raised 16 lbs for those successes.
The 2 jumps meetings are less exciting. At Hexham, where fog could be a problem, we think that German-bred Amore Mio (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) could be a solid each-way chance in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 17.10. He has not really lived up to his early promise - he won 3 races in Germany back in 2008- and is only 2 from 29 since his arrival in the U.K.. However he is consistent enough in this grade, his trainer and jockey have a good record at this track and the opposition looks very exposed. AP McCoy is here with 3 mounts for Donald McCain and could well win on all three - Volcanic at 15.10, Tonvadosa at 15.40 and Never Never in the conclusing bumper.
Our each-way fancy at Plumptpn is Mr. Muddle (Sheena West/ Mark Goldstein), who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.20; his recent form is not great, but he has an excellent course record.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mr Greenspan - Miyachiku - Arable
2. Race: Posh Boy - Minstrels Gallery - Cathedral
3. Race: Adiynara - Dazzling Valentine - Pembroke Pride
4. Race: Crystalized - Febrayer Star - Jalebi
5. Race: Dutiful Son - Mac`S Power - Go Far
6. Race: Castilo Del Diablo - Sir Graham Wade - Clowance Estate
7. Race: Manor Way - Byron Gala - Baltic Fire

classic trials at Leopardstown

some good racing at 4 meetings today, with the Irish flat Meeting at Leopardstown taking pride of place with its Guineas Trials. The card opens with 4 races for 3yo´s and it is quite possible that the two maiden races will be equally informative. We have no idea of the Aga Khan will be present in person, but he could be in for a good day he has fancied runners in all 4 races, with Kaleefa at 15.10 CET and Balansiya at 16.45, both trained by Dermot Weld, and Marakoush at 15.40 and Ebanoran at 16.10 trained by John Oxx. Balansiya could be the best bet on the card, as she was most impressive when winning her only start last season, but she has to see off a strong challenge from Aidan O´Brien, who saddles 3 fillies here, all bred in the purple.
The main event at the Irish N.H. meeting at Limerick is the Grade Two novice chase at 17.35, where 5 of the 6 runners hold strong claims. Willie Mullins, as usual, has the favourite Touch the Eden (Paul Townend), but he is held on New Year form by Rogue Angel (Mouse Morris/ Brian O´Connell). Our fancy is the relatively inexperienced Domination (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell), who was possibly lucky to win his only chase so far - here, but over shorter- but has plenty of good form over hurdles and on the flat to his credit.
In the U.K. there is flat racing at Doncaster and jumping at Ascot, with some very competitive handicaps.They all look very tricky, biut we hope that David Barron can land a double in the first two races at Doncaster with German-bred Fieldgunner Kirkup (Graham Gibbons) at 14.40 and Shesastar (Luke Dempsey) at 15.15. We also like top-weight Secret Witness (Ron Harris/ Liam Jones) at 16.20, while there could be a royal victory in the 3yo maiden at 15.45 with Ravenous (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), owned by Charles and Camilla.
Quite a few runners at Ascot last ran at Cheltenham, and as that meeting was less than 3 weeks ago, we feel that the form should be treated with caution. One time German Derby hope Milord (Kim Bailey/ Sam Twiston-Davies) runs in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.00. His British form so far is miserable, but we shall give him another chance to redeem himself in what looks quite a hot race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ceisteach - Meandering - Got To Dream
2. Race: Marakoush - Adjusted - Tigris River
3. Race: Indian Maharaja - Shining Emerald - Ebanoran
4. Race: Balansiya - Bracelet - Avenue Gabriel
5. Race: Sailors Warn - Battleroftheboyne - Hes Our Music
6. Race: Manhattan Swing - Indian Icon - Waydownsouth
7. Race: Teocht - Marchese Marconi - Hurricane Ridge

Dubai World Cup at Meydan

the Card at Meydan today, featuring the Dubai World Cup over 10 furlongs on tapeta at 19.05 CET, is the most valuable ever staged with some 27 million $ in prize-money, 10 million in the main event alone. This has attracted an international field. Hong Kong- trained Military Attack (John Moore/ Joao Moreira) and Irish-trained Ruler of the World (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), in whom a half-share was sold this week to Qatari interests, vie for favoritism. We don´t really fancy the Irish horse over this CD, but the former has an obvious chance, along with HK compatriot Akeed Mofeed (Richard Gibson/ Doug Whyte). Best of the British runners could be Red Cadeaux (Ed Dunlop/ Gerald Mosse), who ran a great race here a year ago, while the strong Godolphin entry is clearly a major factor.
German hope Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Adrie de Vries) has a chance of being placed in the Sheema Classic at 18.17, although the Japanese mare Gentildonna (S Ishizaka/ Ryan Moore) is clearly the one to beat here. The japanese do well at this meeting and Just A Way (N Sugai/ Y Fukuinaga) can take the Duty Free at 17.39.
The otjher German runner here is DSeismos (Andreas Wöhler/ Andrea SAtzeni) in the Dubai Gold Cup obver 2 milres at 14.45, and we think that he has a good chance of being placed. Last year´s winner Cavalryman (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) is clearly the one to beat, although another German-bred Now We Can (Nicolas Clement/ Thierry Thulliez) could also run well over this distance.
Shea Shea (Mike de Kock/ Chrsistophe Soumillon) is another one hoping to repeat his 2013 victory in the 5 furlongs sprint at 16.03. he is the logical favourite and will be hard to beat, but we expect that his old rival Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Ryan Moore) will finish mjuch closer to him tjhis time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mushrae - Raaziq - Richlore
2. Race: Shuruq - Soft Falling Rain - Variety Club
3. Race: Cavalryman - Ernest Hemingway - Simenon
4. Race: Long John - Giovanni Boldini - Asmar
5. Race: Shea Shea - Amber Sky - Sole Power
6. Race: Rich Tapestry - Sterling City - Reynaldothewizard
7. Race: The Fugue - Just A Way - Dank
8. Race: Magician - Gentildonna - Cirrus des Aigles
9. Race: Ruler Of The World - Military Attack - Akeed Mofeed

flat season starts today!

the Doncaster Lincoln handicap over a mile at 16.50 CET marks the traditional start of the flat season, although in these days of non-stop all-weather racing this does not actually apply. However today´s Card at Doncaster, the first meeting of 2014 on turf in the U.K., has a strong card with 18 runners in the Lincoln itself, including last year´s winner Levitate (John Quinn/ Joe Doyle) and 2011 winner Sweet Lightning (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope). The former is up in the weights and of this pair we certainly prefer Sweet Lightning, who is now lower than when he won this race, and also than when he won the Irish Lincolnshire last year. Lightly-raced Off Art (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) is an obvious danger, being lightly-raced and unbeaten last season; he has not run since June, but looks a certain improver. However the one we like best is Tullius (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy), from a stable in top form and definitely the class act here. He had only a short 2013 season, but despite his high weight, looks very well handicapped on the form he showed in 2012.
Oisin Murphy is a huge talent and we also like his chances of landing the consolation race at 16.15 with Ed Vaughan´s Dance and Dance. This race however lookd really wide open, and otjhers to consider are CD specialist Brae Hill (Richard Fahey/ David Nolan) who won the Lincoln itself in 2012 and was also placed twice, and Stand My Ground (O´Meara/ Tudhope) who was out of form last season but is very well handicapped on his earlier French form.
The listed Cammidge Trophy over 6 furlongs at 15.40 is another race for CD specialists. Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) won it last year and had some excellent form to his credit, but he has to give 5 lbs to Captain Ramius (Kevin Ryan/Phillip Makin) and only narrowly beat him at levels the last time they met. The lightly-weighted filly Maureen (Richard Hannon/ Kieren O´Neill) is another danger. The captain e.w. is the answer here.
There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Kempton. Balding can land another big handicap here with Absolutely So (David Probert) over 6 furlongs at 16.30, but top-weight Hoof It (Mick Easterby/ Freddie Tylicki) is a huge danger. 10yo Shavansky (Rod Millman/ Shelley Birkett) is our e.w. selection for the 11 furlongs handicap at 15.55; he is very consistent, goes really well at this track and has struck up a fine partnership woth this young lady jockey.
There is also N.H. racing, mainly at a low level, at Stratford and Uttoxeter. At the former track we shall give German-bred Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Sam Twiston-Davies) another chance, despite repeated disappointments, at 16.40, while at Uttoxeter we hope to see Wily Fox (James Eustace/ Jack Quinlan) defy top weight at 16.55.
The best race at the Irish N.H.meeting at Navan is the Grade Two Webster Cup, a chase over 2 1/2 miles at 17.35. Baily Green (Mouse Morris/ Mark Enright) was still going well when he fell at Cheltenham and can defeat the two Gigginstown runners.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Flyball - Paddy Again - Magic Florence
2. Race: Fencing - Guest Of Honour - Graphic
3. Race: Tropics - Jack Dexter - Maureen
4. Race: Gworn - Brae Hill - Dance And Dance
5. Race: Gabrial`s Kaka - Tullius - Off Art
6. Race: Hymenaios - Romsdal - Cape Caster
7. Race: Cropley - Hector`s Chance - My Destination
8. Race: Zafranagar - Thecornishcowboy - Time Square

rain in the North

a glance at the map shows how ridiculous it is that today´s 2 N.H. meetings are at Wetherby and Newcastle, in the North of England, precisely the area that was hit by unexpected heavy rain yesterday, Newcastle was particularly badly affected, and the going there is getting heavy with the result that there are 20 non-runners (and counting!), so punters are advised to be very careful here. Dr. Richard Newland has his small string in good form, and we think both his runners here should go well despite the bad ground- Boondoonma at 15.10 CET and Act of Kalanisi at 17.15, both partnered by Sam Twiston-Davies. We also like Crackerjack Lad (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) at 15.40 and Shadow Boxer (Donald and Callum Whillans) at 17.50, both of whom were pulled up last time but seem well handicapped on earlier form.
Conditions should be more normal at Wetherby and we certainly do not soft ground for our main hope here., Nesterenko (Nico de Boinville) at 15.20; this German-bred has some useful form to his name and should be able to defy a penalty in this novice hurdle, with 4yo filly Flute Bowl I(Gary and Joshua Moore), getting a lot of weight, the main danger. Henderson has scratched 2 of his runners here, but also saddles Willpower (Peter Carberry), who is also out of a German mare, in the handicap hurdle at 16.20; this is a wide open race, but Willpower certainly comes on to the short list. Our other fancy here is Rock a Doodle Do (Sally Hall/ Maurice Lineham) at 17.30; he ran an excellent race over this CD 10 days ago and could be well weighted for his first run in a handicap.The obvious danger is Watt Broderick (Ian Williams/ Robert McCarth), but he is running for the 6th time in 6 weeks and for the third time in a week, which we think is a bit too much.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nesterenko - Flute Bowl - Masquerade
2. Race: Tiny Dancer - Indian Voyage - Groomed
3. Race: Bob`s World - Bescot Springs - Luctor Emergo
4. Race: Foundation Man - Work Boy - My Idea
5. Race: Rayak - Watt Broderick - Hartside
6. Race: Spotthestripe - Rosie Du Berlais - Rowan Road
7. Race: Bandit Country - Gilnockie - Grande Antarctique

small fields today

there are some very small fields today, in fact only 2 of the 28 races to be run in the U.K. have more than 8 runners. We don´t like betting on races with less than 6 runners, so advise punters to be keep their stakes low, as a false run race often produces the wrong result. We do however like betting on veterans, and are quite keen on the chances of Victory Gunner (Richard Lee/ Michael Nolan) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.30 CET at Ffos Las.´At 16, he is one of the oldest horses in training, but he is now nicely handicapped, usually runs well at this track and is well suited by the soft ground. We also like Tom Bach (Hywel Evans/ James Best) here at 15.55 and Santo Thomas (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) at 17.00; the former has no penalty for a very easy win over CD 11 days ago and can go in again, while the latter ran below form last time but is now very well handicapped on his earlier efforts.
There are 3 all-weathjer Meetings today and Mark Johnston had runners at all 3, so it is interesting that he has sent his main jockey Joe Fanning to Wolverhampton, where her can take the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.20 with Outbacker. German-bred Goldmädchen (James Given/ Graham Lee) cam complete a CD hat-trick here at 15.10; she has not been unduly punished for her 2 wins and the opposition does not look strong.
At Southwell we like Shawkatango (Derek Shaw/ Jacob Butterfield) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.05; he has won 6 times over this CD and with this claimer aboard is still on a nice weight.
The best race at Kempton this evening is the 3yo mile handicap at 20.35, where 3 of the 7 runners are still unbeaten. Tree of Grace (Richard Hannon/ Frankie Dettori) made a positive Impression when winning his only race, at Lingfield in October; he is Frankie´s only ride of the day and can make his trip worthwhile.
There are big fields at the Irisjh N.H.meetimng at Cork, but lonly 6 run in the bdest race, a 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 16.20. Willie ;Mullins saddles two of them, Tarla (Paul Townend) and Upsie (David Casey), who as mares get 7 lbs from the likely favourite Rebel Fitz (Mervyn Winters/ Barry Geraghty). The last-named is coming off a break of 5 months and is reverting to hurdles after a successful stint chasing, but if he is anywhere near his best form, he should win this.


Betting forecast Ffos Las:
1. Race: Flying Eagle - Onenightinvienna - Lookslikerainted
2. Race: Dungeness - Lights Of Broadway - Cygnet
3. Race: Tom Bach - Lord Fox - Big News
4. Race: Our Island - Take The Mick - Victory Gunner
5. Race: Going Concern - Lac Sacre - Santo Thomas
6. Race: Bermuda Boy - Silver Token - Red Watch
7. Race: Hughesie - Our Chief - Bennachie

Exeter today

the only jumps racing today takes place at Exeter, where the card is very low key, despite runners from top trainers Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Alan King, Philip Hobbs and co. The best race is the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.10 CET, where we expect Nicholls´ lightly-raced Atlantic Roller (Nick Scholfield) to come out on top in a tricky race. He shares top-weight with Toby Lerone (Dan and Harry Skelton), trained by his previous assistant, the possible main danger. Tour d´Argent (Donald McCain/ Sam Twiston-Davies), who had good hurdles form when with Nicky Henderson, also looks a threat and could be well handicapped here. The trainer to follow could be local girl Sue Gardner, who has a good record here and has 4 runners, 3 of them ridden by daughter Lucy, one of the most accomplished amateur riders around. Here´s Herbie, a recent CD winner, has an obvious chance at 15.40, and we also like Miss Saffron (Paul Moloney- we assume that Lucy can´t do the weight on this well-handicapped mare) at 16.40, especially if the ground continues to dry out. The danger here could be another lightly-weighted runner Faith Keeper (Fergal O´Brien/ Noel Fehily), the form of whose Huntingdon second place is working out well.
At the 3 all-weather meetings today, clearly the top race is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50 at Southwell, which has a large prize by all-weather standards. It is a pity that only 6 run, but it still looks competitive, with trainer David O´Meara holding a strong hand with the two top-weights Dubai Hills (Tom Eaves) and Frontier Fighter (Danny Tudhope). The former is having his first run for the stable, he had an amazing record here for Bryan Smart and has won on his last 7 starts at Southwell. He also holds Frontier Fighter on their previous form together, but the latter also has a good course record and is ridden by the stable jockey. Noble Citizen (David Simcock/ Georgean Buckell) is also a Southwell specialist, having won 3 times here already this year, all with this promising apprentice in the saddle. 10yo Regal Parade (Miltpn Bradley/ Robert Tart) was a Group One horse in younger days and ran well enough on his only 2014 start at Wolverhampton to give him a shout here, so this is quite an intriguing event.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Slaney Star - Trumix - Fruity Bun
2. Race: Here`s Herbie - Agincourt Reef - Fond Memory
3. Race: Gores Island - Daymar Bay - Easily Pleased
4. Race: Faith Keeper - Miss Saffron - Knockraheen
5. Race: Rugged Jack - Admiral Blake - Brantingham Breeze
6. Race: No Likey - The Darling Boy - Comte D`anjou
7. Race: Spock - Shrewd Investment - Siro Demur

3 poor meetings again today

very modest sport on offer today, with jumps racing at Chepstow and Fontwell and all-weather racing at Southwell. Tony McCoy is taking a few days off to recover from all his bruises, so Dougie Costello comes in for 2 good rides in the first 2 races at Chepstow - Fayette County (Tim Vaughan) at 15.00 CET and El Macca (Rebecca Curtis) half an hour later, both owned by JP McManus. The two trainers are in good form and both should go well. Another jockey who could land a double for 2 different trainers is Wayne Hutchinson, who rides oldtimer Nozic for Zeo Davison at 16.00 and hat-trick-seeking Our Phyllis Vera for Alan King at 16.35. Best bet here is Bob Keown (Curtis/ Paul O´Brien), who can follow up last week´s win under a 7 lbs penalty at 17.10.
Lydia Richards is rarely seen in the winner´s enclosure these days, but when she is, it is normally at her local track Fontwell and she can take the handicap chase there at 15.40 with Venetian Lad (Mark Goldstern); he is the most consistent, but is well handicapped and runs his best races here. German-bred A Keen Sense (David Dennis/ Leighton Aspell) has an each-way Chance in the novice hurdle at 16.10; the son of Sholokhov had not shown a great deal so far, but we think he is capable of winning a small race at some stage. The betting for this race is dominated by Arthur´s Oak (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Virtuel d´Oudon (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell), and A Keen Sense should start at a very attractive price.
Alan King and Donald McCain are both better known as jumps trainers but they have a good strike rate on the flat and both could be among the winners at Southwell. King saddles Ridgeway Storm (Tom Queally) in the 1 1/2 maiden at 15.50, and the only one he has to worry about is probably well-bred newcomer From Frost (Andrew Balding/ David Probert). McCain runs top-weight Lyric Street (Phillip Makin) in the 1 3/4 mile handicap at 17.35; he is no star, but the opposition looks very feeble. Tarrafal can continue the good run of Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning imn ther 3yo maiden at 17.00; he is very well-bred being out of champion Cape Verdi.

Betting forecast Chepstow:
1. Race: Fayette County - Call The Cops - Cool George
2. Race: Mrs Jordan - Blue Heron - Eaton Rock
3. Race: Tokyo Javilex - Nozic - Islandmagee
4. Race: Our Phylli Vera - Madame De Guise - Lady Charisma
5. Race: Bob Keown - Pilgreen - Midnight Request
6. Race: Cruchain - Tolkeins Tango - Gud Day
7. Race: Minella Present - Theunnamedsoldier - Flamenco Lad

3 poor meetings today

the week usually starts in a very low key, and this week - which builds up to a huge climax on Saturday - is no exception. None of today´s 3 meetings really fires the imagination, but Towcester clearly has the best card, and the mares handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 16.00 CET is the most interesting race of the day. Most of the 10 runners are in good form and a case can be made out for them all, with the possible exception of top0-weight Coronea Lady (Neil Mulholland/ Tony McCoy), who has not run since October, when she finished last to The New One (!); The next two in the weights look much more dangerous: Bull and Bush (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), very lightly-raced and a good winner at Doncaster last time, and Miss Milbourne (Jamie Snowden/ Brendan Powell), more exposed but very well handicapped on her old form over hurdles and now in a first-time visor. However our main fancy is bottom-weight Cove (Nick Gofford/ Andrew Thornton), a winner 9 days ago and clearly improving. It must be difficult for the handicapper to get to grips with this sort of performer, but we cannot see why Bull and Bush, whose profile is similar, must concede her 17 lbs, and she must be the selection. Our other tips here are Basford Ben (Jennie Candlish/ Sean Quinlan), due a win after several places at 16.30, and last week´s easy winner Take the Crown (Henry Oliver / Danis O´Regan) half an hour later.
Richard Johnson is riding in fantastic form at presemt and has several good rides at Taunton. Nick Williams´ Hint of Mint, in the novice hurdle at 16.20, is possibly his best chance. An hour later, King´s Warrior (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), a useful handicapper on the flat who has so far not shone over sticks, has been given an extremely lenient weight in the handicap hurdle and if he has any ability at all, should win this.
The card for Wolverhampton´s all-weather fixture is dreadful and all races are class 5 or 6. Lewis Walsh is a promising apprentice and can take the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.40 on David SImcock´s last-time-out CD winner Hierarch.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Spyder - Such A Legend - Rhapando
2. Race: Fair Bramble - Riddlestown - Todareistodo
3. Race: Bull And Bush - Mistral Reine - Pyleigh Lass
4. Race: Cosway Spirit - Classic Case - Royaume Bleu
5. Race: Take The Crown - Walter De La Mare - Torgamah Lad
6. Race: Missionaire - Bennys Quest - Speedy Bruere
7. Race: Western Diva - Thedrinkymeister - Ballybolley

Irish flat season opens today

The Irish flat season starts today with a very competitive card at the Curragh on soft/ heavy going. These races are essential viewing with regard to the future, but they are very difficult to bet on today, with most runners coming off a break of several months. Some of course have been in action at the all-weather track at Dundalk, and others have been jumping, and these might have a slight fitness advantage. Experience has shown that Tommy Stack and Jim Bolger are two trainers who often start the season with a bang, while our Irish colleague is keen on Paul Deegan´s runners, as the trainer boasts a 75% strike rate at Dundalk this year. He especially likes Srucahan (Jamie Spencer) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 CET; he won the race last year off a higher mark, obviousy goes well over CD on this ground and with the stable in such good form looks an interesting each way bet in a very open race.

The card opens with a 5 furlongs race for 2yo´s won by Jim Bolger for the past 3 years, including with subsequent Derby winner Dawn Approach in 2012. He has 2 runners here with his stable jockey Kevin Manning on Alertness, but with nothing to go on and several well-bred opponents, we would rather wait and watch. Main event is the Group Three Park Express Stakes for fillies over a mile at 16.40 and all the top trainers have runners. Wannabe Better (Stack/ Wayne Lordan) is top-rated after winning 3 races over this distance last year, but 3yo´s have a very good record here: Dance With Another (Aidan O´Brien/ Colm O´Donoghue) just held Achnahas (Deegan/ Spencer) last October and they could both be involved, as well as Vote Often (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen).

Big betting race is the Irish Lincolnshire at 17.40. Johnny Murtagh rode the last 2 winners and will now be hoping to win the race as a trainer with We´ll Go Walking (Niall McCullagh), although he admits the distance may be on the short side. She has been running in black type events, but so have the other runners here with high weights. We will take a chance on Cheval Rouge (Harry Rogers/ Danny Grant), who was runner-up here last year and seems well handicapped; he is drawn 1, but whether that is a positive or not is impossible to say at the time of writing.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Alertness - Initial - Beach Belle
2. Race: The Islander - Rousayan - Aerialist
3. Race: Great Minds - English Deer - Sun On The Run
4. Race: Wannabe Better - Vote Often - Dance With Another
5. Race: Pixie Hollow - Go For Goal - Master Of Time
6. Race: Stuccodor - Afonso De Sousa - Trail Blaze
7. Race: Belisarius - Alkasser - Table Rock

Newbury today

There is also plenty of jumps racing today with Newbury in particular staging a strong card. Main event is the valuable listed mares novices handicap hurdle at 15.55 CET, which looks very difficult. Toubeera (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) is the class act but has a huge weight - too much according to the trainer, and we think she is right. She has also pushed some of these out of the handicap, but it is still hard to pick the winner. Our 3 against the field are Massannie (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore). Mrs.Peachey (Kim Bailey/ Tony McCoy) and the very consistent Yorkshire raider Run Ructions Run (Tim Easterby/ Dougie Costello).

Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty had 3 winners here yesterday and have two more good chances today with Sign of a Victory in the opening novice hurdle at 14.50 and debutant Gaitway in the bumper at 17.40. Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson are another team in good form and Tony Star at 15.20 and Roalco de Farges at 16.30 both look dangerous. Ex-German Cafe au Lait (Tony Middleton/ Scu?) has so far not shone in the U.K., but we think he is very reasonably weighted in the 4yo handicap at 17.05 and regard him as an interesting each-way bet at the likely price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sign Of A Victory - Huff And Puff - She`s Late
2. Race: Bally Legend - Greywell Boy - Tara Rose
3. Race: Fairytale Theatre - Toubeera - Massannie
4. Race: Ballypatrick - Highland Lodge - Roalco De Farges
5. Race: Aldopicgros - Stiff Upper Lip - Seeyouallincoppers
6. Race: Tea For Two - Gaitway - Midnight Spin
7. Race: Dark And Dangerous - Sands Cove - Prince Of Dreams

Winter Derby at Lingfield

The new Good Friday meeting is going to be even better, but Lingfield´s card today is certainly the best all-weather fixture of the winter so far and features a strong renewal of the Group Three Winter Derby over 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET. Plenty of familiar faces here, including Grandeur (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore), an easy winner of the trail weith Anaconda (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) third, Robin Hoods Bay (Ed Vaughan/ Luke Morris) 4th and Tinshu (Derek Haydn Jones/ Jamie Spencer) sixth. Grandeur was the hot favourite that day and meets them all on better terms; he is clear top-rated and therefore the logical choice. There is however a snag - he is drawn 14 of 14, a huge disadvantage here.

Old boy Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baker), who won this in 2012, is drawn 1, which is almost as bad, while Farraaj (Roger Varian/ Andreas Atzeni) has made no show on his two starts after winning this last year. Windhoek (Saeed bin Duroor/ Silbvestre de Sousa) is Godolphin´s first U.K. runner of 2014 and judging by the way the stable is firing at Meydan, a clear danger, but our hope is French challenger Vodkato (Stephane Wattel/ Theo Bachelot). He has a good record on the French all- weather tracks and his latest close fifth at Chantilly was form which entitles him to go close here.

There are also 2 listed races on the card and in the 7 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 16.15, we have a similar situation, with the favourite Ertijaal (William Haggas/ Paul Hanagan) drawn 13 of 13. We will therefore oppose him with the filly Alutiq (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Jamie Spencer), who is trying this distance for the first time, but whose Kempton form from January is working out well.

The 5 furlongs event at 15.40 looks tricky, but we shall go along with last year´s winner Ladies Are Forever (Geoff Oldroyd /Robert Tart), while Andrew Balding, who is in good form, can end the day with a double with Highland Knight at 18.00 and Van Percy at 18.35, both ridden by star apprentice Oisin Murphy.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sian Gwalia - Bert The Alert - Rowan Ridge
2. Race: Kingsgate Choice - Ladies Are Forever - Stepper Point
3. Race: Ertijaal - Alutiq - Bow Creek
4. Race: Grandeur - Farraaj - Windhoek
5. Race: Mount Shamsan - L`importante - Court Room
6. Race: Mondlicht - George Guru - Stasio
7. Race: Nautilus - Swing Alone - Villa Royale

5 meetings today

5 meetings today and the most interesting is the N.H. fixture at Newbury; there is also jumps racing at Sedgefield and all-weather flat racing at Lingfield this afternoon as well as Wolverhampton and Dundalk in the evening. Trainer Nicky Henderson and his top jockey Barry Geraghty are usually the team to follow at Newbury and they have 3 good chances today: My Wigwam or Yours in the maiden hurdle that opens the card at 15.10 CET, and Thanks for Coming and Volnay de Thaix, who have top weight in the handicaps at 16.45 and 17.20 respectively. None of these races is exactly easy, but it will be disappointing if they don´t go home without at least one winner. Therer are two German-brdds in the handovcap hurdle at 16.10 and both could go well. Promisded Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) won this race last year and the Monsun gelding could go close again under top weight, although it is much more competitive this time. However our main hope is Aviador (Lucy Wadham/ Matt Crawley), by Paolini, who would probably have won last time but for unseating his rider at the last and seems well handicapped on his old form; we would not want any more rain for him however. Our best bet here is Mic´s Delight (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) at 15.40; he has not won for a while but his recent form reads well enough in the context of this race.

The best race at Sedgefield is the novices handicap hurdle at 16.25 which looks wide open; our suggestion here is Knightly Escapade (Brian Ellison/ Jamey Reveley), who is up slightly in trip here but whose latest performance in a jumpers bumper at Kempton was good form. we also like Polstar (Hugh Whittington/ James Banks) at 17.30, who seems nicely handicapped after his easy success 3 weeks ago at Doncaster.

Smart hurdlers at Thurles

Easily the best race today is the 3 mile hurdle race at Thurles at 17.30 CET. This has only 6 runners, but two of them are the Willie Mullins stars Mikael d´Haguenet (Mikey Fogarty) and Mourad (David Casey). The jockey bookings are explained by the fact that the stable´s top two jockeys are both injured, but Fogarty is clearly a rising star and Casey certainly competent enough. Both horses were stable stars a couple of years ago, running against the likes of Hurricane Fly and Big Bucks, but it could be that their best days are behind them now; however they should certainly dominate these opponents and are well clear on official ratings.´They met 2 years ago in the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle when Mourad gave 2lbs and a six lengths beating to Mikael and it is possible that this result will be repeated today. Off The Charts (Dessie Hughes/Mark Walsh) could be best of the others; he has won his last 2 races but needs to improve a lot more to trouble the Mullins runners.

In the U.K. there is jumps racing at Chepstow and Ludlow and all-weather cards at Wolverhampton (afternoon) and Kempton (evening), mainly at a very low level. There are also very small fields at Wolverhampton with no race with more than 6 runners; this trend will continue as many trainers now boycott this track because of the poor racing surface.

Tony McCoy rode his 200th winner of the season yesterday and we expect him to continue on the winning trail at Ludlow, where he can score on Farika at 15.20 and Springinherstep at 15.55, both trained by Nicky Henderson, and She Ranks Me at 15.55 for Donald McCain, another trainer whose main jockey is out of action. None of these are likely to pay much however and our potentially more lucrative tips are Parsnip Peter (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) at 17.40 at Ludlow and Midnight Oscar (Kim Bailey/ Nick Scholfield) an hour earlier at the Welsh track.

4 meetings today

There is N.H. racing this afternoon at Warwick and Haydock, while they race on the all-weather this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton, but there is very little to get excited about at any of these meetings. Top trainer Nicky Henderson has a good record at both N.H. tracks, and while Cheltenham did not go entirely to plan, he remains in good form and it could be significant that he sends just one runner to each meeting today:

Karazhan (David Bass) runs in the handicap hurdle at 16.40 CET at Haydock and Polly Peachum (Nico de Bloinville) in the mares hurdle 50 minutes later at Warwick. Both are coming off a 3 months break, but that is no problem with this trainer, but they both showed form last season which would entitle them to run well here, and Henderson could will land a quick across-the-card double. Another ´trainer with runners at both meetings is Philip Hobbs, who has several decent chances. His main jockey Richard Johnson is at Warwick and his best chance in our view is Roll The Dice at 18.00. The most interesting race could be the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 17.15 at Haydock; big local owner Trevor Hemmings has 2 runners here, Tiptoeaway (Tim Easterby/ Brian Harding) and Gansey (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania). We expect both to run well, with slight preference for the latter.

Almost all the races at on the two all-weather cards are low-level handicaps and probably best given a miss. For those looking for a complete longshot, we suggest Pabusar (Ann Stokell/ William Carson) at 17.05 at Lingfield; this 6yo has only ever won once, and that was at two, but he has come down a huge amount in the weights and in younger days was running in much better company. He is trying today´s trip of 7 furlongs for the first time, but on pedigree this may be what he needs.

3 poor meetings today

Tuesday is usually a poor day for U.K. racing and today is no exception. N.H. racing at Exeter and Wetherby and all-weather flat racing at Southwell, but all at a very low level and there are some small fields as well. There will be some interest in the 1 1/2 mile seller at 17.00 CET at Southwell where Stand Guard (John Butler/ Tom Queally) bids to extend his winning run. He set a new all-weather record last time by winning his 26th race on the all-wreather and can make it 27 today. he has won 13 of his last 15 starts, many of them over this CD., and although they have mainly been in very poor races, so is this today and his only serious opponent is Mr. Burbidge (Neil Mulholland/ Liam Keniry).He won over this CD in January and has twice been unplaced in better races since; he is actually higher-rated than Stand Guard, but when push comes to shove, we expect the older horse to hold the advantage.

The best jumps race is the 3 mile handicap chase at 17.10 at Exeter, which looks very open with several of the runners coming off a winter break. On Trend (Nick Gifford/ Tom Cannon) is on a long losing run but has come down a lot in the weights and now sports first-time blinkers. Perhaps they will help him recover his best form. Saints and Sinners (Mick Easterby/ Jake Greenall) is another one that has not won for ages; her has never run beyond 2 1/2 miles but runs as if he could stay further and now tries an extended 3 miles at 17.55 at Wetherby.

Grand National Trial at Down Royal

The most interesting race today, St. Patrick´s Day, is of course run in Ireland and that is the 3 1/4 mile chase at 16.15 CET at Down Royal, and it has attracted a strong if select field for relatively small prize-money. The 6 runners include one of our main Grand National hopes Seebass, trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by daughter Katie, who has already been twice strongly fancied for the Aintree race, finishing third in 2012 and 13th last year.The 3 runners owned by Gigginstown Stud, who had such a wonderful day last week at Cheltenham, look the most dangerous opponents, especially Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Paul Carberry), also an Aintree entry. From the German point of view, the opening maiden hurdle at 14.45 could also be interesting, as there are 2 ex-German riunners here, both previously with Christian von der Recke and now with Mervyn Torrens: Odit and Apisata. The former won 5 races on the flat and while they were mainly at a low level, he is clearly preferred of this pair and could well run a big race at a long price.

There is another German-bred in the maiden hurdle at 16.05 at the other irish Meeting, Willie Burke´s Mexican Border and while he has shown no form so far, he is very well bred, being from the same family as Monsun. Best race here is the veterans handicap chase at 17.35, which looks wide open; although he has failed to complete so far this season, we shall give another chance to top-weight Popcorn (Willie Mullins/ Mikey Fogarty), who was in younger days running in miuch better company.

There are also a couple of German-breds engaged in the U.K. today, indeed A Keen Sense (David Dennis/ Wayne Hutchinson) in the maiden hurdle at 16.10 at Southwell and All The Winds (Sam Lycett/ Willie Twiston-Davies) are half-brothers. The latter is very inconsistent, but won the same race off a higher mark last year, while the former should certainly be capable of winning a maiden hurdle before long. Wonder Weapen (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), making his debut in the maiden at Kempton at 15.50, is another German-bred and is from the Ravensberg "W" family; he could well win at the first time of asking.

graded races in Ireland today

This is a holiday weekend in Ireland, with St.Patrick´s Day tomorrow, and both Limerick and Navan have decent cards on offer. The best race is the Grade Two mares novice chase at 16.40 CET at Limerick, where the consistent Byerley Babe (Robert Tyner/ Philip Enright) who won a similar race at Thurles in January, looks the best of the home team. However she has a 5 lbs penalty for that and Newmarket raider Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) could be a big threat on these terms. Three hot favourites who look likely to win on the undercard are Kitten Rock(Edward O´Grady/ Paddy Mangan) at 15.10, Urticaine (Willie Mullins/ jockey as yet unknown, but obviously not Ruby) at 15.40, and Domination (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell), who makes his chasing debut at 17.15 but boasts good form both on the flat and over hurdles.

Noel Meade showed at Cheltenham that his string is back in form and he could be the trainer to follow at Navan. He has 3 runners in the Grade C handicap chase at 17.35, and top-weight Ipsos du Berlais, with good claimer Ger Fox aboard, is our fancy. Meade can also take the novice hurdle at 17.00 with Festive Felon (Paul Carberry), while Barry Geraghty also looks in line for a double on Jessica Harrington´s Macnicholson at 15.,25 and Liz Doyle´s Le Vent d´Artan at 16.30.

Evan Williams is the leading trainer at Ffos Las and saddles 2 in the handicap hurdle at 16.50. The betting suggests that Still Believing (Conor Ring) is the main hope, but we also like German-bred Lava Lamp (Adam Wedge). a half-brother to Lady Marian who won this race in 2012. Venetia Williams (no relation) can take the conditional jockey´s handicap hurdle at 17.55 with Tarraco (Harry Challoner), who has a 7 lbs penalty fort a very easy win last Monday at Plumpton. Venetia could also be on the scorecard at Carlisle, where she has 3 runners, all partnered by Liam Treadwell. Ballyoliver in the staying handicap chase at 16.35 looks very well handicapped and could be the best of them.

Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter

So many top jumpers ran at Cheltenham during this week´s Festival (where our tip Lord Windermere won the Gold Cup at odds of 20-1!) that there cannot be many left, but there still 5 jumps meetings today in the U.K. and Ireland, and certainly both Kempton and Uttoxeter are putting on decent cards with some very competitive races.


The Midlands Grand National over an extended 4 miles at 16.50 CET at the latter track is the day´s best race, and features a horse that could have actually run in the Gold Cup - Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Nick Scholfield); he is the class act but must carry a huge weight.and concedes 19 lbs or more all round. In fact 7 of the 16 runners are out of the handicap as a result. He is obviously the best horse in the field, but in our opinion he cannot win with this weight on ground that is possibly drying out out too much for hi. DFavid Pipe has an excellent record here and has won tnhe last 3 runnings-. He had a good chance of a fourth success as both his runners Junior (Conor O´Farrell) and Goulanes /Richard Johnson) are on our short list, although it is slightly worrying that Pipe has sent his main jockey Tom Scudamore to Kempton.

Only real specialists have any hopes of winning races like this, so it is clear that many of these have met before, especially in the Eider Chase or the Welsh Grand Natjonal, both races that were run this year on very heavy ground- very different from the conditions that will obtain today. The Eider winner Wyck Hill (David Bridgwater/ Mark Walsh) has gone up in the weights, and Sun Cloud (Malcolm Jefferson/ Brian Hughes), who fell when still going well, and Junior meet him on much better terms today. Goulanes has not run since being pulled up at Chepstow in late December but has an obvious chance on his best form, so basically we expect another Pipe winner.

The Kempton card features two quite valuable handicaps. but they both look very difficult. From the betting point of view, the novice hurdle at 17.05 could be more interesting. The 3 previous winners must all be respected, but we expect the winner now to come from the unpenalised runners, and the ones to catch the eye are Karl Burke´s Fair Loch and David Elsworth´s debutant Solar Sky. The latter was almost group class on the flat and as Elsworth has very few N.H. runners these days we think he must be taken seriously: Who has forgotten Dessie´s exploits at this track?

rest of Cheltenham

once more, high class and very competive fields starting with the Triumph Hurdle for 4yo´s at 14.30 CET. This race used to be known as the punters´ graveyard, but in fact in recent years it has almost always been won by a fancied horse from a top stable. Calipto (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is the favoiurite here, having won bith his starts in good style and the form has worked out well; however we are worried by the form of the stable, so take Broughton (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) and Royal Irish Hussar (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) instead. We arre not convinced by the Irsh 4yo´s, of whom Tiger Roll (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) may come out on top. Broughton incidentally was bought by Ferguson for the Maktoum family at Baden-Baden, and he has ended up training the horse himself over hurdles after he showed useful form for Mark Johnston on the flat.
The other Grade One is the Albert Bartlett novice hurdle over 3 miles at 15.40 and the betting suggests tnat this is a two-horse race, with Brisr Hill (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) for Ireland and Kings Palace (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) for England. The latter has won his last 3 races in great style including this CD twice, while the Irish challenger is unbeaten in 6 starts,including the Champion Bumper here, but has never run beyond 2 1/2 miles. These two will probably dominate, but we cannot resist a tiny bet at huge odds on Prince Siegfried (Ferguson/ O´Regan), who was easily the best of these on the flat but is also stepping up in distance. The Foxhunter at 17.00 also looks a two-horse-race, between English hope Harbour Court (Alan Hill/ John Tudor) and Irish challenger On The Fringe (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry).
Today´s 3 handicaps, all with 24 runners, are of course ferociously difficult. We take 3 against the field in each: Gertman-bred Arctic Fire (Mullins/ Walsh), Cheltenian (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Alaivan (Jonjo O´Neill/ Maurice Lineham) at 15.05; another German-bred Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Patrick Bohan), Vieux Lion Rouge (Pipe/ Tom Bellamy) and Full Tilt (Henderson/ Nico de Boinville) at 17.40; and Tanks for That (Henderson/ Geraghty), Claret Cloak (Emma Lavelle/ Fehily) and Changing the Guard (Dr. Newland/ Wayne Hutchinson) in the final race of the meeting at 18.15.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Calipto - Broughton - Tiger Roll
2. Race: Arctic Fire - Lac Fontana - Minella Foru
3. Race: Briar Hill - Kings Palace - Captain Cutter
4. Race: Bobs Worth - Silviniaco Conti - Last Instalment
5. Race: On The Fringe - Harbour Court - Tammys Hill
6. Race: Vieux Lion Rouge - Caid Du Berlais - Full Shift
7. Race: Mr Mole - Next Sensation - Ned Buntline

Cheltenham Gold Cup

the Cheltenham Gold Cup, to be run today over 3 1/4 miles at 16.20 CET is by far the most important jumps race of the season and with 14 runners has a field well up to standard. It is headed by Bobs Worth (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who won it last year and is unbeaten in 3 starts here, having also won at the two previous Festivals. He is the clear form choice and we expect him to win. Although he flopped on his only U.K. start since, his Irish win last time from First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ David Casey) was convincing enough, and we see no reason why those that finished behind them should now reverse the form over a course and distance that is obviously ideal.
Silviniano Conti (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) looks the main danger. He was going well when falling 3 out last year - though we don´t believe that he would have won- and has since taken the King George. However there is a big difference between 3 miles round Kempton and 3 1/4 here and we are also worried by the relatively poor form of the Nicholls runners this week.
First Lieutenant is most consistent and should be placed again, although this trip is his absolute limit. However he was well brearen last time by ther same owner´s Last Instalment (Philip Fenton/ Brian O´Connell) in the Irish Hennessy, with Lyreen Legend (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Carberry) fifth and Lord Windermere (Jim Culloty/ Davy Russell) sixth. That was probably the best Irish form and Last Instalment, about whom there were ground worries, has been confirmed as a definite runner. However we would not be surprised to see Lord Windermere come out best of these; he won at the Festival last year and his trainer (who won the Gold Ciup as a jockey 3 times on Best Mate, the last horse to win the race back-to-back) had a good winner here yesterday.
Nicky Henderson has a second string to his bow in Triolo D´Alene (Tony McCoy), who won the English Hennessy, a race taken by Bobs Worth last year. However he will need to improve quite a bit to beat his stable companion and his main target is in any case the Grand National, a race for which On His Way (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis/ Nick Scholfield) are also under orders.
German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) is an interesting contender and is an absolute CD specialist. He won the main trial for this, finished 4th last year and runner-up the year before, so can obviously run into a place again. However we do not believe that he has the class to win and probably needs softer ground as well.
Our selection therefore is Bobs Worth to win with Lord Windermere the best outsider.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Calipto - Broughton - Tiger Roll
2. Race: Arctic Fire - Lac Fontana - Minella Foru
3. Race: Briar Hill - Kings Palace - Captain Cutter
4. Race: Bobs Worth - Silviniaco Conti - Last Instalment
5. Race: On The Fringe - Harbour Court - Tammys Hill
6. Race: Vieux Lion Rouge - Caid Du Berlais - Full Shift
7. Race: Mr Mole - Next Sensation - Ned Buntline

rest of Cheltenham

the main supporting race is the Ryanair Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.40 CET and we expect a victory for one of the greys here: either Al Ferof (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) or Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore). They both ran in the King George at Christmas, where Al Ferof was third and Dynaste a below form fifth, but the latter is better than that and his second place at Haydock to Cue Card (who won this last year) was excellent form. Today´s trip will suit Al Ferof ideally and he looks certain to be placed. The obvious danger is Benefficient (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), who won the Jewson here last year from Dynaste, and we expect these three to dominate here.
Paul Nicholls has not had a great Cheltenham so far, but we expect all that to change today and he also has a good chance in the third Grade One on the card, the novice chase at 14.30, where he saddles Wonderful Charm (Jacob), who is actually just top-rated here. He was narrowly beaten by Oscar Whisky (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) earlier in the season and means him on better terms now, but that one is also well fancied - after all he finished 3rd in the Champion Hurdle here in 2011, while the main Irish hope Felix Yonger (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) was runner-up in the Neptune last year. Taquin du Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) also has a verdict over Oscar Whisky this season and this looks very tricky.
Not nearly as tricky however as the 3 handicaps on today´s card, which all have 23 runners and look wide open. Our very tentative suggestions (all each-way) are Trustan Times (Tim Easterby/ Ryan Mania) at 15.05, and the two top-weights Champion Court (Martin Keighley/ Ryan Hatch) at 17.00 and Roberto Goldback (Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) in the amateur´s race at 17.40.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Felix Yonger - Wonderful Charm - Oscar Whisky
2. Race: Fingal Bay - If In Doubt - Josies Orders
3. Race: Al Ferof - Benefficient - Dynaste
4. Race: Annie Power - Big Buck`S - At Fishers Cross
5. Race: Colour Squadron - Tap Night - Sraid Padraig
6. Race: Indian Castle - Cause Of Causes - Balnaslow

World Hurdle at Cheltenham

today´s top race at the Cheltenham Festival is the World Hurdle over 3 miles at 16.20 CET and once again we have the old champion taking on the younger challenger. So far the younger brigade has come out on top this week, but this time the oldtimers are represented by the admirable Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies), who has won this race already 4 times. He missed last year´s renewal because on injury, but made a good comeback over this CD in Januasry, only weakening Close home on ground that was much too heavy for him. The going today - despite the watering last night and the fog currently blanketing the track- will be much more to his liking. His young jockey was criticised for that defeat, but we don´t agree, he did nothing wrong in our eyes and has been fully supported by his owner and trainer. Nicholls has in fact entered 4 here and no doubt a tactical race is likely, with the same owner´s Celestial Hero (Daryl Jacob) setting the pace.
The one he has to beat is very clearly the unbeaten mare Annie Power (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who is not only 10 from 10 but also represents the most powerful Cheltenham team of all. On top of that Ruby was Big Bucks´ regular jockey for 5 years and knows all about him. The bookies have already made up their minds, and make Annie Power the hot favourite, but we are not so sure and at the current odds prefer the old champion. He is a proven stayder, while the mare has nebver run beyond 2 1/2 miles. To be true, she is bred like a stayer (being by German Derby winner Shirocco out of an Old Vic mare out of a German Oaks winner) and runs like one, but she has never yet faced a stayer as strong as Big Bucks. In addition , being by Shirocco she probably prefers softer ground than she will encounter today. She could well win today and prove herself to be a true champion, but at the likely 6-4 we don´t think she is a good bet.
We definitely expect one of the above-mentioned to win, but it is a strong field and by no means a two-horse race. Big owner JP McManus, who had the first two in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, has two stróng contenders - At Fishers Cross (Tony McCoy) and More of That (Barry Geraghty). The former was unbearen in 6 starts last dseason, including the Albert Barrtlett at the Festival and also finished just ahead of Big Bucks last time, but he might prefer softer ground, and we prefer the relatively unexposed More of That, who beat another Nicholls runner Salubrious in good style here in December.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Felix Yonger - Wonderful Charm - Oscar Whisky
2. Race: Fingal Bay - If In Doubt - Josies Orders
3. Race: Al Ferof - Benefficient - Dynaste
4. Race: Annie Power - Big Buck`S - At Fishers Cross
5. Race: Colour Squadron - Tap Night - Sraid Padraig
6. Race: Indian Castle - Cause Of Causes - Balnaslow

Rest of Cheltenham

Tthe Cheltenham card looks very difficult for punters today with every race extremely competiitive and no obvious favourites (who usually get beat anyway!). The easiest race is probably the opening novice hurdle at 14.30 CET, which will probably be fought out by the two unbeaten runners Faugheen (Willier Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Red Sherlock (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), both incidentally by sires who were trained by Andreas Schütz - Germany and Shirocco respectively.

The RSA Chase for novices over an extended 3 miles at 15.05 looks as tricky as any handicap. There clould be another Irish winner here, as Ballycasey (Mullins/ Walsh), Carlingford Lough (Jon Kiely/ McCoy), German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Bryan Cooper) and Morning Assembly (Pat Fahy/ Davy Russell) all hold good chances. Best of the Brits are Sam Winner (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Smad Place (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), but we expect an Irish win and go for Morning Assembly (each way).

The Coral Cup, a handicap hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs with 28 runners, is a really tough one but we hope for a German-bred winner here. He has the (IRE) sffix., but Dell´Arca (Piper/ Scu) is by Sholokhov out of an Acatanengo mare and ran reallyx well last time in the Betfair Hurdle. We think the extra distance will be right for him, and so will the drying ground. There are 27 dangers, some of whom have clearly been campaigned all season with this race in mind, but he looks a solid each-way chance with the stable now in good form.

The cross Country ryce over 3 miles 7 furlongs, also a handicap, also Looks wide open. This is a race for specialists and the field includes the winners of the last 3 runnings - Sizing Australia (2011, Harry de Bomhead/ Lynch), Balthazar King (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Big Shu (Peter Maher/ Paul Carberry). Big Shu has gone up 11 lbs, but cannot be left out and nor can Balthazar King, who has won 6 times here. (Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) is another course specialist, and our longshot here is Any Currency (Martin Keighley/ Ian Popham), third here in November in a similar event and now much better handicapped.

The Fred Winter at 17.40 is a handicap hurdle for 4yo´s át 17.40 and for horses just below Triumph Hurdle class. Nicky Henderson is always dangerous in these races and we go for his Dawalan (Geraghty), while the concluding bumper at 18.15 is usually another irish benefit. It will either be won by one of Willie Mullins´ 3 runners or one of Dermot Weld´s two; it must be significant that Weld has put his top flat jockey Pat Smullen on the beautifully-bred Vigit, so he is the selection.

Hamlet without the Prince!

The big race at Cheltenham today is the Queen Mother Champion Chase over 2 miles at 16.20 CET, but this is very much a case of Hamlet without the Prince, as Sprinter Sacre, last year´s impressive winner and easily the best 2-miler in training, will not be running. He has not run since being pulled up with an irregular heartbeat in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton at Christmas.

That race was won by Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore), who had earlier beaten Somersby (Mick Channon/ Dominic Elsworth) and Captain Conan (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), all of whom run today in the Tingle Creek. Henderson, also of course Sprinter Sacre ´s trainer, now saddles King Cassidy (Tony McCoy) as well, but we definitely prefer Capt. Conan. Sire de Grugy has since won very easily at Ascot and is clearly the form choice here, but there is a doubt about his handling the track - he has run below form here before and also probably prefers softer ground. There is of course a strong Irish challenge as well, with Arvika Ligeonnaire (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), Baily Green (Mouse Morris/ David Casey) and Harry de Bromhead´s two runners Sizing Europe (Andrew Lynch) and Special Tiara (Davy Russell) all fancied. The first-named is another one who will probably not act on the track- we was pulled up here at the last Festival- and he is much better going right-handed. Sizing Europe is now 12, but he has an excellent course record, winning the Akle in 2010 (from Somersby), this race in 2011 and runner-up in both 2012 and 2013. Despite his age we make him our selection, as CD form is worth a lot at these big meetings; he was 19 lengths behind Sprinter Sacre last year, with Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), but in this (with all due respect) sub-standard field, that form could be good enough.

Rest of Cheltenham

The card begins with two more Grade One races and we hope that we can start off with a German victory as Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) is our selection for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at 14.30 CET. The Schlenderhan-bred is unbeaten in four races over hurdles for his present Connections and conditkions should be ideal. It is not clear if he will handle the course - his wins have been on more straightforward right-handed tracks, totally different from this hilly left-handed one - but his trainer will have given him the right preparation, and we hope that he can see off the strong Irish challenge, led by 3 Willie Mullins runners, all unbeaten this season, as well as the other Brits, of whom the Nicky Henderson pair are the most dangerous.

The Arkle at 15.05 can go to another Nicholls runner, Dodging Bullets(Daryl Jacob), bred by Frankie Dettori and an easy winner of the main trial here from Grandouet (Henderson/ Geraghty). Again there is a very strong irish challenge, and both Champagne Fever (Mullins/ Walsh) and Trifolium (Charlie Byrnes/ Bryan Cooper) look very dangerous.

However Walsh and Mullins do in these races, they should certainly win the mares hurdle at 17.00 with the wonderful Quevega, who has won this race for the past 5 seasons and will set an almost unbelievable new record if she can win it for the sixth year in a row. We think she can, although the opposition is strong this year and 2 1/2 miles on good ground is possibly no longer ideal.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vautour - Irving - Wicklow Brave
2. Race: Champagne Fever - Rock On Ruby - Trifolium
3. Race: Cantlow - Holywell - Hadrian`s Approach
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - The New One - Our Conor
5. Race: Cockney Sparrow - Sirene d`Ainay - Glens Melody
6. Race: Foxrock - Shutthefrontdoor - Shotgun Paddy
7. Race: Pendra - Present View - Ericht

Cheltenham: Champion Hurdle

The day we have all been waiting for has finally arrived- the Cheltenham Festival starts today. With the improved weather of the past few days the going is good to soft, good in places and, with no rain expected, will probably dry our further during the week. There is a wonderful card today and this meeting is undoubtedly the highlight of the year for most racing fans.From the bettinhg point of view, it is extremely challenging and very difficult - favlourites have a very poor record here, and many horses have obviously been specially prepared for months so that recent form- especially on the heavy ground we have had all winter - is best ignored. Today´s main feature is the Champion Hurdle at 16.20 CET and although the field is smaller than usual, it is an extremely high class renewal. Like many of the championship races this week, the big question here is whether the old champ can hold off the young challengers? The old one here is the admrable Hurricane Fly (Willie Mulloins/ Rjuby Walsh), winner in 2011 and 2013 and now 10 years old. We do not see his age as a problem as he has been as good as ever this season. He has only lost one race in the past 4 years - and that was in this race here in 2012, when he was out of form.

The yloung challengers are My temnt or Yours (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) from England and Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) and Our Conor (Dessie Hughes/ Danny Mullins) from his native Ireland. Both My Tent or Yours and Jezki are owned by JP McManus, who also has Captain Cee Bee (Eddie Harty/ Mark Walsh) in as a pacemaker. Hurrricane Fly has already beaten Jezki, Our Conor and Captain Cee Bee twice this season and we see no reason why he should not do so again, although connections of Our Conor in particular seem very confident; his trainer knows how to win here and we have not forgotten his excellent performance in last year´s Triumph Hurdle over this CD.

However the two British hopes look more dangerous. They met in the Christmas Hurdle at kempton where My tent or Ylours was a narrowe winner; however The New One - a winner 4 times here- would probably have won but for a mistake at the last and he could be the greatest threat. although the drying ground should certainly help McCoy´s mount, and last week´s slight problem should not be a worry.´

However the one to beat is clearly Hurricane Fly, he has already won 19 Group Ones (a world record) and can make it no.20 today.

the lull before the storm

with Cheltenham starting tomorrow, there is no point in expecting high class N.H. sport today, and the three meetings - all in the south and west - are all pretty mediocre. Most of the top trainers and jockeys are having an easy time today, but one exception is Noel Fehily, possibly the hottest jockey of them all at the moment and the winner of 3 more fraces yesterday. Today he is at Stratford - very conveniently, only a few miles from Cheltenham, and we expect him to win the two best races there on Neil King´s Keltic Rhythm at 16.40 CET and Harry Fry´s Presenting Arms half an hour later. Keltic Rhythm was only moderate over hurdles, but was a very easy winner first time over fences and seems to have been given a very lenient rating for his first handicap chase. Presenting Arms was a 40-1 winner of a jumpers bumper last time; this race looks quite tricky, but he could also be well handicapped, although the top-weights Leviathan (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) and Canadian Diamond (Brendan Powell/ James Banks) are obvious dangers.
Brendan Powell´s son, Brendan junior, can win the opener at Plumpton on Jamie Snowden´s Major Milbourne at 15.00. The most successful father-son relationships are however those of Gary Moore, with his 3 sons Jamie, Ryan, and Josh all doing well. Sudden Wish was a winner on the flat last week with Ryan in the saddle, and could win over hurdles today with Jamie aboard here at 16.00, while Josh rides Regal Park for his father at 17.50 at Taunton and also has good prospects.

Betting forecast Stratford:
1. Race: Agreement - Forced Family Fun - Mandy`s Boy
2. Race: Kyles Faith - Cody Wyoming - Riddleofthesands
3. Race: Scribe - Gigondas - Collingbourneducis
4. Race: Fredo - Caulfields Venture - Keltic Rhythm
5. Race: Canadian Diamond - Presenting Arms - Leviathan
6. Race: Mister Chancer - Midnight Tuesday - Bermuda Boy
7. Race: The Wexfordian - Southsea Island - Go Odee Go

Good novices at Naas

As so often, the best racing on a Sunday comes from Ireland and Naas stages two good races for novices just below Cheltenham standard. The Grade Three chase at 16.30 CET should go to Bright New Dawn (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper), who was a Grade Two winner over hurdles and has started well over fences; he has to concede weight all round but should be up to the task. The listed hurdle race at 16.00 looks very competive.

Quickpick Vic (Tony Martin/ Paul Carberry) sets the standrad here, having run well ahgainst Cheltemnham candidates last time, but he is no certtainty with Carrriganog (Aidan O´Brien/ Robbie Power) and Champagne James (Ted Walsh/ Danny Mullins) both looking very dangerous. Big betting race here is the Leinster National at 18.00. Dessie Hughes can complete a nice double by winning this with top-weight Raz de Maree (Barry Geraghty), the only runner who also has an Aintree entry. He has already won the Cork and Munster equivalents, and although his latest runs were poor, a return to his best form would suffice here.

In England, the ground is rapidly drying out so that recent form on heavy should be treated with caution. At Warwick, Sweet Boy Vic (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) has gone up in the weights for finishing runner-up 3 times running on heavy ground; he can still run well in the opening handicap hurdle at 15.20, but we shall take a chance on top-weight Wily Fox (James Eustace/ Jack Quinlan). A chase for stayers at 17.20 is the main event here, and the field includes 2012 and 2013 winners Trigger the Light (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Bally Sands (Robin Mathew/ Robbie Dunne). Bally Sands also finished runner-up over this CD last time to Loughalder (M Sheppard/ Charlie Poste), with Union Jack d´Ycy (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) third and Trigger the Light pulled up. At today´s weights we expect Bally Sands to win the race for the second time.

Trainer Charlie Longsdon and his stable jockey Noel Fehily have a good record at Market Rasen and look set flor a good day there. Kilcooley, who looked almost Cheltenham class when winning easily over this CD on this only hurdles start, can start the ball rolling at 15.10.

Imperial Cup at Sandown

Sandown´s pre-Cheltenham Saturday is notable for some hot handicaps, notably the Imperial Cup, a 2 mile hurdle at 16.15 CET, where the winner will receive a massive bonus if he goes on to score at the Festival. It is also a good race in its own right, although the field today seems slightly below the usual standard and also much smaller than usual. It is still difficult to find the winner, especially as we do not really fancy the likely favourite Regal Encore (Tony Honeyball/ Tony McCoy), as his sztable is out of form and we think his Hexham form has been overrated. The Pipe stable has a good record here and both their runners must be feared: Swing Bowler (Conor O´Farrell) and Baltimore Rock, the mount of stable jockey Tom Scudamore. Top trainers Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls are always dangerous in these big handicaps, and their runners Vibrato Valtat (Daryl Jacob) and Fourth Estate (Andrew Tinkler) also come on to the short list. First Avenue was a shock winner of this last year, but his form since has been poor, while Skint as a possible longshot off bottom weight. However our main hope is Knight of Pleasure (Gary and Josh Moore), the only other CD winner in the field.

There are two more of last year´s winners running again,and both Soll (Jo Hughes/ Micky Grant) at 15.40 and Arbeo(Di Grissell/ Sam Thomas) at 18.00 could follow up, but the one we really like on this card is Gone Too Far (Alan King/ McCoy) in the Grade Three novices handicap hurdle at 15.05.

The other jumps meetings do not look up to much. but there is a good all-weather card at Wolverhampton. Hasopop (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) could be a nice each-way bet in the opening listed race at 15.20, and so could Whispering Warrior (David Simcock/ Jim Crowley) at 15.55.

Super Saturday at Meydan

Three weeks to go before Dubai World Cup Day and today´s Super Saturday meeting not only features trials for the´major races then but is also an excellent card in its own right, with two Group One races (plus an Arab Group One), as well as a Group Two and three Group Threes. The Al Maktoum Challenge R3 at 17.10 CET is the main feature and several winners of this have gone on to take the World Cup.

Saeed bin Suroor has an outstanding record here and can dominate again with Prince Bishop (Kieren Fallon) and African Story (William Buick); his first jockey Silvestre de Sousa is suspended today. Prince Bishop came out on top in R2, but we expect African Story to turn the tables today. Side Glance (Andrew Balding/ Jamie Spencer) could be the main danger and he finished in front of African Story in last year´s World Cup. Ex-German LImario (Doug Watson/ Pat Dobbs) was the 2012 Winterfavorit and beat subsequent Group One winner Dubday at Hanover last August, but is only an outsider in this company.

The other Group One is the Jebel Hatta on turf at 17.45 and this looks to be Mike de Kock´s best chance today, as we expect his unbeaten Vercingetorix (Christophe Soumillon) to score, while stable companions Mushreq (Paul Hanagan) and Mars (Richard Hughes) could be the main dangers. Mars was 6th in the Derby last year, but we think he is probably better than that form indicates. L´Amour de la Vie (Pia Brandt/ Maxime Guyon) won the Balanchine here last time in good style and she is probably a bigger threat than the Godolphin runners.

Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Adrie de Vries) carries the flag for Germany in the City of Gold at 16.35 and we expect him to run a big race. He is held by Meandre (Watson/ Dobbs) on Preis von Europa form, but has improved since then and will be better suited by this trip than the 10 furlongs over which he was runner-up here last time. Penglai Pavilion (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona), 5th in the Arc, and Battle of Marengo (David Simcock/ Frankie Dettori), 4th in the Derby, are the main dangers here.

The 5 furlongs race at 14.45 features another clash between Shea Shea (Mike de Kock/ Soumillon) and Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Ryan Moore), who were 1-2 twice here last year. Shea Shea leads his rival 4-1, but Sole Power beat him at Royal Ascot and could do so again.

Possibly the best horse running here today is Variety Club (Joey Ramsden/ Anton Marcus) at 16.00. The South Afdrican cjhampion has won his last 9 races and was moist impressive last time here. Bets will be settled at British bookmakers industry prices and he is likely to be at quoted at odds-on, but he looks almost unbeatable.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Versac Py - Al Mamun Monlau - Raaziq
2. Race: Emirates Flyer - Najm Suhail - He`s No Saint
3. Race: Shea Shea - Catcall - Alsaaeqah
4. Race: Reynaldothewizard - Balmont Mast - Krypton Factor
5. Race: Variety Club - Shuruq - Zahee
6. Race: Penglai Pavilion - Songcraft - Meandre
7. Race: Prince Bishop - African Story - Zambucca
8. Race: Vercingetorix - Mushreq - Trade Storm

Queen Mother´s favourite race

The Grand Military Gold Cup, to be run over 3 miles at 16.05 CET at Sandown this afternoon was known to be the favourite race of the late Queen Mother, who would always present the trophies. A chase for military amateur riders (both male and female), it is not a great race in terms of quality, but has a long tradition. Jody Sole (a man despite the name) rode the winner last year for Paul Nicholls and we expect a repeat today with Polisky. Tafika (Paul Webber/ Max Chenery) runner-up last year, now goes for the easier Queen Mother Memorial., another race for amateurs over a shorter distance at 17.15. He should go close but we hope that Fredo (Ian Williams/ Harry Wallace) will score for the first time in three years here; although bred in Ireland he has a German pedigree, being by Lomitas out of an Acatenango mare and is very well handicapped on the best of his old form.Anotzher one who is well handicapped is Westaway (David Arbuthnot/ Tom Cannon), who carries a 7 lbs Penalty for lkast week´s easy win at Newbury in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; he has been put up 12 lbs, so that he is in theory 5 lbs well in now. Another recent winner Spencer Lea (mndrew Price/ Noel Fehily) is an obvious danger. Jody Sole also rides Old Way for Venetia Williams in the opener at 15.00, another amateur race, this time over hurdles; his form is pretty awful, but he is the best-bred horse running today as the half-brother to Arc winner Solemia, and perhaps this experienced rider can persuade him to put his best foot forward this time.
Racing at Ayr goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the ground will be bad and there are some tiny fields, so that there are few favourable punting opportunities and the same is true at Leicester. We do however have a sneaking fancy for oldtimer Thedreamsstillalive (Jim Old/ Harry Bannister) at 16.50 at the latter track; at 14 he is the olddest horse in action today, but he runs his best races here and has little to beat.
The only runner of interest in this evening´s two all-weather meetings is Future Security (Christian von der Recke/ Joey Haynes) who runs in a 1 1/2 mile handicap at 20.30 at Wolverhampton. The ex-Godolphin horse returned from 16 months off to win the Grosser Preis von St.Moritz for his new German connections. In theory he must be as good thing today with only a 6 lbs penalty for that valuable success, bjut experience has shown that the St.Moritz form must be taken with a large dose of salt. He is to remain in England after this evening´s race.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Should I Stay - Great Link - Alanjou
2. Race: Bullet Street - Greywell Boy - Wings Of Smoke
3. Race: Polisky - Bradley - Le Reve
4. Race: Westaway - Spencer Lea - Waldorf Salad
5. Race: Fredo - Craiglands - Tafika
6. Race: Mountain King - A Tail Of Intrigue - Fight Commander

5 meetings today

5 meetings today, but again all at a low level, and there are some very small fields as well, notably at Carlisle, where none of the 7 races has more than 6 runners. We don´t like these events as the form is often unreliable owing to the likelihood of a false pace and a tactical race. However 3 runners here which in theory should win are ex-French Volcanic (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) at 16.15 CET, Edmund (Alison Hamilton/ Wilson Renwick) at 16.45 and Blake Dean (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) half an hour later.
There are some small fields at Wincanton as well, with only 3 runners in the main event, a handicap chase over an extended 3 miles at 16.35; Benbens (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) won so easily last week at Ludlow that he can go in again under a 7 lbs penalty and over 5 furlongs further. However our best bet here is in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.30, where there are 18 runners, the biggest field of the day. This is the German-bred Lochnagar (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell), who showed useful form on the flat for Waldemar Hickst. He shaped very promisingly on his recent jumps debut and could be sharp enough to win today: any improvement in the going would also be to his advantage, as he is by Sholokhov out of a Surumu mare.
There is also jumps racing at Clonmel in Ireland. Best bet there could be Avondhu Lady (David Fenton/ Mark Enright) in the mares handicap hurdle at 16.40. A smart chaser, she is very well handicapped over hurdles and can defy top weight here.
At the time of writing it is not clear whether Stand Guard (John Butler/ Tom Queally) will run in the seller at 15.50 at Southwell. He was an easy winner here on Tuesday and if he wins today, he will establish a new British record for all-weather victories (26). In any case he faces tough opposition from Gogeo (Alan Swinbank/ Tony Hamilton). who is unbeaten in 3 races here this year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kymin`s Way - Bless N`Ject - Spot Fine
2. Race: Bonzo Bing - The Mystro - Rebel Laker
3. Race: Avondhu Lady - Jewel Star - Nurse Ryan
4. Race: Allez Vic - All Honours - West Of The Edge
5. Race: Kilcarry Bridge - Hop In - Time Please
6. Race: Golden Ticket - More Madness - Dantes King
7. Race: Lord Scoundrel - Golan Dancer - Vedettariat

3 poor meetings again today

with Fontwell abandoned, the only jumps racing today comes from Catterick. There has not been nrearly so much rain in Yorkshire as in the South, and the ground at Catterick is drying out, so recent form on heavy ground should be treated with caution. On the other hand, horses with preference for good ground may run much better than theijr recent form would indicate, and we therefore give a chance to The Weatherman (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the handicap hurdle at 16.45 CET. He is on a long losing run but is now well handicapped and a return to better ground should suit. Old Patavium (Edwin Tuer/ Tony Kelly) could be one of the main dangers in a very tricky race; he has a good record here and also prefers decent going. Maguire can also take the opening selling hurdle on Barneys Honour (Gordon Elliott), whose Irish form should be good enough for him to score in this weak company.
Easily ther best race at today´s two all-weather tracks is the 10 furlongs handicap at 19.30 this evening at Kempton. With 14 runners, the draw will face a tough task. The draw right on the inside rail is also not ideal, but with a very smart jockey booked, Spa´s Dancer (James Eustace/ Ryan Moore) must have fair chance , although he is possibly better at a mile. However in our view Epic Battle (William Haggas/ Liam Jones) ticks all the right boxes and he is our selection. Most of the runners in the handicaps are very exposed, but the 3yo handicap at 17.30 at Lingfield looks interesting, with all the runners having shown decent form already this year. Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning are in great form, and they can take this with bottom weight Outbacker, who ran very green when winning here in January and can possibly step on that form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barneys Honour - Waltz Darling - Lac Sacre
2. Race: Tiny Dancer - Harris - Swingbridge
3. Race: Gold Chain - Morning With Ivan - Flawless Filly
4. Race: Newdane Dancer - De Chissler - Douchkirk
5. Race: Dark And Dangerous - Endeavor - Indigo Island
6. Race: Silk And Roses - Rosie Du Berlais - Another Dark Rum
7. Race: Molly Cat - Georgian Firebird - Diligent

3 more poor meetings today

once again, poor sport at today´s 3 meetings and the ground continues to be very bad on the grass tracks. Therre will be some small fields at both Exeter and Newcastle, especially the latter course, where no fewer than 4 races have only 4 runners. Donald ;McCain looks the trainer to follow and can take the opening race at 15.20 CET with the penalised Stonebrook (Tony McCoy´s only ride of the day) and can follow up with Wild Card at 17.20 and Storming Gale half an hour later, both partnered by stable jockey Jason Maguire. Best bet however could be Be Bop Boru (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne) at 16.20; he showed much improved form to record a very easy win last Wednesday at Wincanton and a 7 lbs penalty should not stop him from going in again.
The best race at Exeter is the Devon National over 3 3/4 miles at 16.00, which will be a gruelling test under these conditions. The Clyda Rover (Helen Nelmes/ Paul Moloney) won it last year, with Musical Wedge (Claire Dyson/ Jamie Moore), but the ground was much better then and we do not fancy them today. The top weights Flying Award (Sue and Lucy Gardner) and Alderluck (David Pipe/ Mikey Ennis) have proven form in these extreme staying races, but perhaps lightly-weighted Armedanddangerous (Tom Gretton/ Dougie Costello) will be the answer; he is trying this trip for the first time, but runs as he is can get this far and goes well on the heavy.
The fields are bigger on the all-weather at Southwell, but only 4 run in the race that will attract the most interest: the seller over 11 furlongs at 15.40, in which Stand Guard (John Butler/ Tom Queally) will attempt to equal the all-weather record of 25 wins. He was expected to do this last time at Lingfield, but was beaten at 7-1 on, but in theory he should win today with Staff Sergeant (Michael Appleby/ Andrew Mullen) booked for second place.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Royal Opera - Here`s Herbie - Superciliary
2. Race: Bobble Boru - Buckboru - Molly Maid
3. Race: Five Star Wilsham - Alderluck - Armedanddangerous
4. Race: Beforeall - Ballytober - Farmer Matt
5. Race: Chinatown Boy - Capote - Saint Breiz
6. Race: Revaader - Rugged Jack - Milor De La Borie

3 very poor meetings today

with Cheltenham just around the corner, there is not likely to be much classy pport on view this week and that is certainly the case today, with some low grade jumping from Southwell and all-weather racing to Lingfield and Kempton. 13 of the 14 races at the two all-weather tracks are class 5 or worse, the only exception being the 11 furlongs handicap at Kempton at 18.15 CET. Top-weight Peace Seeker (Tony and William Carson) is very consistent and has a good course record, as does Light From Mars (Ron Harris/ Liam Jones); these two look the most likely contenders in an open affair. Carson could also go close on Lawnay Hill´s recent CD winner Mighty Mambo an hour earlier, bit we just prefer course specialist Shalambar (Tony Carroll/ Jim Crowley). The Samum gelding Ordensritter, who had decent form in Germany when trained by Horst Steinmetz, has top weight here; he was also a CD winner last time, but that was a year ago and he is best watched for now.
If there are any better class horses running today, they will be found in the 10 furlongs maiden at 17.15 at Lingfield. We are thinking mainly of the 3yo´s Duke of Heroes (Jeremy Noseda/ Andrea Atzeni) and Roskilly (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), both of whom are well-bred and should stay this trip well enough. The runners in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.20 are much more exposed; Afkar (Clive Brittain/ Tom Queally) has only won once from 26 starts but is well handicapped and can get his veteran trainer off the mark for 2014.
The going at Southwell is still on the heavy side and there are quite a few non-runners. Best bet here is Cloud Creeper (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) in the novice hurdle at 16.00; he has been runner-up 5 timres in 10 starts and can finally get his head in front here. Green Wizard (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) has been pulled up 3 times in his last 4 starts but can still take the handicap chase at 15.30, while recent winners Barton Rose (Neil Mulholland/ Noel Fehily) and Powertakeoff (Henry Oliver/ Paddy Brennan) can follow up under extra weight at 16.35 and 17.35 respectively.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Callisto Light - Spirit Of Gondree - Warbond
2. Race: Maahir - Watersmeet - Mount Shamsan
3. Race: Russian Ice - Athletic - Presumido
4. Race: Shalambar - The Absent Mare - Bert The Alert
5. Race: Mill I Am - Harvest Mist - Two In The Pink
6. Race: Mac`S Power - Light From Mars - Glastonberry
7. Race: Litmus - Ladies Dancing - Petersboden

Thousand Stars to Shine

As usual for a Sunday, the best racing today comes from Ireland and the best horse running today is Thousand Stars (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) in the Ballsbridge Hurdle over 2 1/4 miles at 15.50 CET at Leopardstown; he is coming off a break and has not won since taking the French Champion Hurdle 21 months ago, but has not faced such poor opposition for ages and it will be a surprise if he cannot win today.

He should complete a double for his team, as the Aga Khan-bred Shamsikhan should take the opening maiden hurdle at 15.20. The big betting race here is the 2 miles 5 furlongs handicap chase at 17.20. Big owner JP McManus has 3 runners here, Double Seven (Martin Brassil/ Mark Walsh), who has not run since winning 5 times in a row last summer/ early autumn, the lightly-weighted Knocklong /Christy Roche/ Alan Crowe) and top-weight Colbert Street, the choice of Tony McCoy. Colbert Street was McCoý´s mount in the Grand National last year and presumably will be again if he can convince trainer Ted Walsh today. We think that he can and make him our selection. McCoy can follow up half an hour later with another JP McManus-owned handicapper Down Under (Francis Flood) weho can follow up in the same race he won a year ago.

The cards at the two U.K. tracks racing today are very low grade. Sue Smith continues in good form and should be the trainer to follow at Sedgefield.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shamsikhan - Emperor Of Exmoor - Lilly Of The Moor
2. Race: Midnight Game - Sailors Warn - Busty Brown
3. Race: Bendanella - Gift Of Dgab - Star Of Aragon
4. Race: Moscow Mannon - Mallowney - Mount Colah
5. Race: Double Seven - He`Llberemembered - Daring Article
6. Race: Easy Vic - Down Under - Boss Croaker
7. Race: Aminabad - Never Never - Rockingham Bay

Thousand Stars to Shine

As usual for a Sunday, the best racing today comes from Ireland and the best horse running today is Thousand Stars (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) in the Ballsbridge Hurdle over 2 1/4 miles at 15.50 CET at Leopardstown; he is coming off a break and has not won since taking the French Champion Hurdle 21 months ago, but has not faced such poor opposition for ages and it will be a surprise if he cannot win today. He should complete a double for his team, as the Aga Khan-bred Shamsikhan should take the opening maiden hurdle at 15.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shamsikhan - Emperor Of Exmoor - Lilly Of The Moor
2. Race: Midnight Game - Sailors Warn - Busty Brown
3. Race: Bendanella - Gift Of Dgab - Star Of Aragon
4. Race: Moscow Mannon - Mallowney - Mount Colah
5. Race: Double Seven - He`Llberemembered - Daring Article
6. Race: Easy Vic - Down Under - Boss Croaker
7. Race: Aminabad - Never Never - Rockingham Bay

Good handicaps are today´s feature races

Handicaps are the top races today and most of the top stables are well represented while the stars are being prepared for Cheltenham (starts in 10 days!). The Grimthorpe Chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.30 CET at Doncaster is the most valuable event and several of the runners are likely to be seen next in the Grand National. With 12 runners this is wide open and Paul Nicholls has a strong hand with Mon Parrain (Daryl Jacob) and the lightly-weighted Harry the Viking (Nick Scholfield), who has a good record here. Both should go well, but we slightly prefer Court By Surprise (Emma Lavelle/ Barry Geraghty), who is not especially well handicapped but will be well suited by the good ground and has one of our favourite jockeys on board. In fact Geraghty looks the man to follow here, as he can also score twice for his boss Nicky Henderson on Mayfair Music at 15.20 and Tistory at 17.40, both lightly-raced but very promising novices who have also been waiting for better ground. We also like Geraghty´s Mount Lidar (Alan King) at 15.55, although top-weight Simply Ned (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) looks the one to beat here. German-bred Dawn Commander (Pauline Robeson/ Josh Moore) has improved and was a good winner of a jumpers bumper last time; he can now score over hurdles at 17.05.

Another possible German-bred winner today could be Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), a half-brother to Samum, at 16.15 at Newbury. He does not win vey often but is nicely handicapped and the heavy ground here is right up his street. The same goes for Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Nico de Boinville), who has top-weight in the veterans chase at 15.40. He won the Hennessy over this CD in 2011, ran really well on his only start this season and should outclass today´s opposition. The Grade Three handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.50 looks tricky, with both Paul Nicholls and Venetia Williams saddling two runners. However we shall take a chance on Majala (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), whose recent form is poor but has come down a lot in the weights as a result.

The Grade Two novoice hurdle at Kelso at 16.05 is theoretically the top race of the day, but to be honest, these runners are well below the normal standard and again one wonders about the point of such races just before Cheltenham. Clever Cookie (Peter Niven/ Wilson Renwick - if he has recovered) has the best form, but we are not sure that he can concede weight to Franciscan (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and especially Secrete Stream (Malcolm Jefferson/ Brian Hughes), who is our selection. The listed chase at 17.15 has only 5 runners and looks between German-bred Kruzhilin (McCain/ Maguire), who is 3 from 3 here, and Mr. Moonshine (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania), who is going for a hat-trick.

The best flat race in the U.K. is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.00 at Lingfield. Robert Cowell does well in these events and his two runners Silken Express (Adam Kirby) and Ubetterbegood (Jimmy Quinn), 2nd and 4th in a similar event at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago, should both be in the money again. However there is much better racing in Dubai, and the Nad Al Sheba Trophy over1 3/4 miles at 18.10 is a prep race for the Dubai Gold Cup., won last year by Cavalryman (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa). He should go well again, although he faces strong opposition from the Irish-trained Simenon (Willie Mullins/ Ryan Moore) and Saddlers Rock (John Oxx/ Declan McDonogh).

Doncaster - betting forecast:
1. Race: Victor Hewgo - Cowards Close - My Dads Horse
2. Race: Layla Joan - Toubeera - Mayfair Music
3. Race: Simply Ned - Lucky Landing - Turn Over Sivola
4. Race: Court By Surprise - Monbeg Dude - Golden Call
5. Race: Hartforth - Ampleforth - Drop Out Joe
6. Race: Tistory - Minella Friend - I Got Power
7. Race: Shout It Aloud - Mike Mccann - Vinnie Red