Ascot today

there are 4 flat meetings in the U.K. today, but the only one of consequence is at Ascot, which stages its first flat fixture of 2014 today, featuring the Group Three Sagaro Stakes over 2 miles at 16.45 CET as the main feature. Estimate won this year en route to taking the Gold Cup, and Simenon (Willie Mullins/ Ryan Moore) will be hoping for a similar development. After running Estimate to a neck at the Royal Meeting, he embarked on an interational campaign which saw him run 4th in the Melbourne Cup and also take part in top races in Hong Kong and Dubai. If this tough programme has not taken too much out of him, he must get involved, and fellow Irish raider Missunited (Mikey Winters/ Richard Hughes) is also dangerous. The bookmakers make Harris Tweed (William Haggas/ George Baker) favourite after his short head defeat over this CD in the Long Distance Cup last October. The soft ground will favour Tac de Boitron (Marco Botti/ Frankie Dettori), who is top-rated here after winning a French Group One last year, but also has to concede weight as a result. The tough German-bred Oriental Fox (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) has excellent handicap form and is also not out of it.

There are also 2 listed races on the card, and Richard Hannon has a strong hand in the 6 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 15.35 with two runners, Expert (Richard Hughes) and Musical Comedy (Ryan Moore); victory for the latter would be popular, as his owner also owns the racecourse.The mile race for older horses at 17.15 is much more tricky, with several of these moving up from the handicap ranks, such as easy Lincoln winner Ocean Tempest (John Ryan/ Adam Kirby). French Navy (Charlie Appleby/ Mikael Barzalona) is top-rated here and very consistent at this level; he is the selection.

There is also jumping this evening at Cheltenham, but this a hunter chase card and far removed from the quality normally associated with this track - or for that matter, with today´s card at Punchestown. Best bet here is CD specialist Doctor Kingsley (Pauline Harkin/ Peter Mann) at 19.50, who won the race last year and was 7th of 24 in the Foxhunters at the big meeting here, easily the best form on offer.

Punchestown Festival: second day

The Punchestown Festival continues with another very strong card and 3 more Grade One races. The top race is the Punchestown Gold Cup over 3 miles 1 furlong at 18.30 CET, amd Willie Mullins has as usual a strong hand with two fancied runners, both owned by Graham and Andrea Wylie: Boston Bob (Ruby Walsh) and On His Own (Paul Townend). Ruby presumably had the choice and wars the first colours, but we are not sure of he really stays this trip and prefer On His Own, who ran a stormer at Cheltenham and was unlucky not to win the Gold Cup.

That was his best ever run and is also the best form in today´s field,although Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) would of course win it on his old form. He was runner-up here last year with First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Barry Geraghty) a close third, but has had a disappointing season and fell in the Grand National, supposedly his main target. First Lieutenant runs consistently well in these races, but rarely wins and is another one we would prefer over a shorter trip. He was just behind Argocat (Tom Taaffe/ Tony McCoy) at Aintree, and the latter, as well as Lyreen Legend (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Carberry) -6th at Cheltenham- are possible improvers here. But On His Own seems to have all the necessary requirements and is our selection.

The novice hurdle over 3 miles at 17.55 looks very open, but the lightly-raced Beat That (Henderson/ Geraghty) beat a large field in good style at Aintree and could be the answer. Don Poli (Mullins/ Walsh) won the Martin Pipe, but this is a big step up and more interesting is Very Wood (Noel Meade/ Carberry), also owned by Gigginstown, who won the Albert Bartlett easily enough at 33-1 and won´t be at those odds today.

The final Grade One is the Champion I.N.H. flat race at 19.05. Willie Mullins normally dominates these events and has 4 runners, with his son Paddy riding the stable´s main hope Black Hercules. However he was put in his place at Cheltenham by Silver Concorde (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) and we see no reason why this form should not be confirmed.

The handicaps are of course very tricky, but we shall risk a tiny each-way bet on On The Way Out (Jon Kiely/ Harry Derham) at 16.40 and German-bred Shot From the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) at 19.40.

Et voilà nos tuyaux pour les courses:
1ère course: Sea Light - Maguire`s Glen - Sweeney Tunes
2ème course: Le Vent D`antan - Cheltenian - Beluckyagain
3ème course: Beat That - Don Poli - Very Wood
4ème course: On His Own - Boston Bob - First Lieutenant
5ème course: Silver Concorde - Shaneshill - Black Hercules
6ème course: Aupcharlie - Grandioso - Pass The Hat
7ème course: Totally Dominant - Sub Lieutenant - Fletchers Flyer

Punchestown Festival starts today

The Punchestown Festival starts today and continues through Saturday with a feast of top class jumps racing. This is easily the best Irish N.H. meeting of the year and is comparable in many ways to Cheltenham, although the two racecourses are totally different. However many of today´s runners were last seen in action at the Cheltenham Festival and this is especially true of the 3 Grade One races.

In Irish jumps racing one always starts with Willie Mullins and he has multiple entries in all the main events. He runs 3 in the Champion Novice Hurdle at 17.20 CET - Faugheen (Ruby Walsh), Valseur Lido (Paul Townend) and Wicklow Brave (David Casey) and obviously Ruby is on the favourite, who is unbeaten and was especially impressive when winning at Cheltenham. He won the bumper at this meeting last year, but all his hurdles starts have been over much longer distances than today´s 2 miles, which does cast a slight doubt, but even so, we shall be surprised if he is beaten. Most of the others ran in the Supreme over this trip at Cheltenham with Sgt. Reckless (Mick Channon/ Tony McCoy) doing best in fourth. Champion Hurdle winner Jezki took this race last year and certainly Faugheen looks the one most likely to follow in his hoofprints.

Today´s best race is the Champion Chase, also over 2 miles, at 18.30, in which Mullins saddles Turban (Townend) and Twinlight (Walsh), but smart thoigh they are, we shall look elsewhere for the winner. Somersby (Channon/ McCoy) and Module (Tom George/ Barry Geraghty) were separated by a neck when second and third to Sire De Grugy in the big Cheltenham race, with Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) 4th, while Baily Green (Mouse Moris/ Casey) was still well there when he fell 4 out, while Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara) was runner-up in the Ryanair and Savello (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) won the Grand Annual. Any of these could win, but regular readers will know that we like the oldtimers and we think that 12yo Sizing Europe has an excellent each-way chance. This track suits him much better than Cheltenham and he has a great record here, winning this in 2012 and running up to Sprinter Sacre, the best two-miler for many years, last year.

The final Grade One today is the Champion Novice Chase over an extended 3 miles at 19.40 and this also looks very open, with almost all of the 7 runners in with a chance. Mullins has 3 of them, with Townend on Ballycasey, Paul Carberry on Mozoltov and Ruby on the likely favourite Djakadam; as a 5yo this one receives weight all round, and he was going well when he fell at Cheltenham. What worries us again is the distance, as this is much further than he has ever been before. So we shall take a chance on German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Geraghty), who also fell at Cheltenham but is otherwise very consistent and stays this trip well enough.

Our other fancy here is Diplomat, trained by our old friend Dermot Weld and ridden by Robbie Power, in the valuable handicap hurdle at 17.55. Obviously this is a very open race with 18 runners, but the stable is in fantastic form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Commanchewardance - Be Positive - Kanesh
2. Race: Sgt Reckless - Valseur Lido - Western Boy
3. Race: Lucky Bridle - Gallant Tipp - City Slicker
4. Race: Hidden Cyclone - Somersby - Module
5. Race: Native Display - Just Get Cracking - Very Much So
6. Race: Morning Assembly - Djakadam - Ballycasey
7. Race: Disputed - Ange D`or Javilex - Alamein

Dermot Weld the man to follow today

A very weak programme for a Sunday, and even the Irish cards are not up to much. The only black type race of the day is the listed race for fillies and mares over 9 1/2 furlongs at 16.35 CET at Gowran Park, which we expect to go to the only 3yo in the field, I´m Yours (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). In fact Weld, a trainer we hold in the highest regard and who has started 2014 in great form, could be the man to follow today, as his 3 other runners all have winning chances as well: Sparkle Factor at 15.35 (Liam Roche), Sereza at 17.05 and Good Tradition an hour later, both partnered by Smullen. Sereza is owned by the Aga Khan, the others are all run in the colours of Weld´s biggest owner, Moyglare Stud.

There are some huge fields at the Irish jumps meeting at Limerick, but there is very little quality on view. Lord Adare (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) should win the maiden hurdle at 16.20 but will be at a very short price, while Italian Riviera (Eric McNamara/ Paul Townend) can take the other maiden hurdle at 15.20 and Rafi de Triana (Liz Doyle/ Brian O´Connell) the beginners chase at 17.20.

The flat racing at Ayr is also undistinguished. The most interesting feature perhaps is that Jim Goldie trains 8 of the 15 runners in the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.30. He might have an idea as to which of them is best, but we certainly don´t and therefore select the top weight Diamond Blue (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton).

The only racing in England is the all-weather fixture at Kempton. Paul Nicholls was yesterday crowned champion N.H. Trainer for the 9th time, but unlike his great jumps rival Nicky Henderson, he has very few winners on the flat. However we expect him to take the 2 mile handicap here with Ranjaan (Ryan Moore), who ran really well when a close 4th in a much stronger race over this CD a month ago. The most interesting races otherwise are the two divisions of the fillies maiden at 16.45 and 17.15, but with little or no form to go on, they are no good for betting purposes; the runners owned by Khaled Abdullah and Godolphin look the ones to concentrate on.

Gowran Park - betting forecast:
1. Race: Zaindera - Chance To Dance - Angel Of Joy
2. Race: Glassatura - Kanes Pass - C`est Ma Souer
3. Race: Fix It - Northern Surprise - Share A Secret
4. Race: I`m Yours - Exotic - Mizzava
5. Race: Sereza - Tirghra - Spirited
6. Race: Liberty To Rock - Zero Euro - Trans City
7. Race: Falkirk - Good Tradition - Abushamah

Strong card at Sandown to end N.H. season

The British jumps season officially ends today with an extremely strong card at Sandown, featuring the Celebration Chase over 2 miles at 16.15 CET, run for the first time as a Grade One today. It is not a race to bet on, as Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore) looks a near certainty and will start at long odds-on. With Sprinter Sacre and other stars out of action, he currently has no serious rival in the 2 mile department and has won 7 of his last 8 starts, including this race last year and the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. Barring mishaps we cannot see his getting beaten today, and veteran French Opera (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), winner of this in 2011 and 4th and 5th in the two following years, may follow him home.

The most valuable race on the card, and the big betting race, is the bet365 Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 16.50 with 19 runners. This is also the last leg of the Scoop 6 and anyone who gets it up will not only become an instant millionaire but will also have to be a genius - or freakishly lucky. Stamina and jumping ability are required and many of these runners have met before, several of them in the Scottish Grand National, where Godsmejudge (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who finished second, did best. If he can repeat that form, he would have a good chance but that was only a fortnight ago and we would rather look elsewhere. From the handicapping point of view, Same Difference (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is the obvious place to start; he was runner-up last year and is now better handicapped. He was well behind Spring Heeled (Jim Culloty/ Davy Russell) at Cheltenham, but meets that one on much better terms now. It has been raining and every further drop jhat falls will improve the chances of Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Nico de Boinville) and Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Chatlie Poste) and they both come on to our short list in this very open affair.

The card opens with another very tricky handicap for 4yo hurdlers and Paul Nicholls, who will be crowned champion trainer for the 9th time today, can take this with the consistent Keltus (Nick Scholfield), with last week´s Towcester winner Stiff Upper Lip (Oliver Sherwood/ Thomas Garner) the main danger. Nicholls aims to finish the season with a fllourish and has fancied runners in every race, including top-weight Sound Investment (Scholfield) and bottom-weight Vesperal Dream (Twiston-Davies) in the novices handicap chase at 18.00; however we are afraid of Christopher Wren (Nick Gifford/ Tom Cannon) here, a recent winner on the flat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Keltus - Saint Jerome - Raven`s Tower
2. Race: Menorah - Rolling Aces - Hunt Ball
3. Race: Special Tiara - French Opera - Pepite Rose
4. Race: Same Difference - Roalco De Farges - Ardkilly Witness
5. Race: Medinas - Southfield Theatre - Polly Peachum
6. Race: Foundation Man - Sound Investment - Ballincurrig
7. Race: L`Unique - Kaylif Aramis - Henryville

3 group races at Sandown today

Lots of racing today - three meetings this afternoon and four more this evening -but one fixture stands out and that is the excellent card at Sandown. This meeting used to be two days of mixed flat and N.H. racing, but this has now been changed with just flat racing now on the Friday and just jumps racing tomorrow. Whether this is an improvement, we would not like to say, but certainly today´s flat card, despite small fields, is the best of the year in the U.K. so far.

The three group races all have 7 runners or less but are still very competive. The Group Two bet365 mile at 15.45 sees the return of Top Notch Tonto (Brian Ellison/ Dale Sift), one of the most improved horses of 2013, who ended the season with an excellent second place in the QEII Mile. That is the best form here, but even so we are not sure that he can defeat Montiridge (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes making his comeback from injury) who ran some really good races last year and is likely to improve further. he is also 2 vrom 2 at Sandown, while Penitent (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) is also unbeaten here. On ratings Garswood (Richard Fahey( Ryan Moore) also has a good chance, but we are not convinced that he really stays a mile, while Tulllius (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) is a top handicapper (runner-up in theLincoln) and also deserves his chance. This is trickier than it seems, but Richard Hannon has made an excellent start to first season in charge and we hope that Montiridge will score here.

Hannon and Hughes also have a decent chance with Truth or Dare in the Classic Trial over 10 furlongs half an hour later, but the one to beat here is surely Western Hymn (John Gosden/ William Buick), an imnpressive winner of both his starts so far, who looks every Inch a true Derby prospect.

Only 5 runners in the Gordon Richard Stakes over the same trip at 15.10, but this probably only concerns two of them - Sky Hunter (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Telescope (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). The Godolphin runner was trained by Andre Fabre last season and his only defeat came when third in the Prix du Jockey Club, while Telescope was ante-post favourite for the 2013 Derby before various setbacks put him out of action. Both are potential Group One winners and should have this rsce to themselves. Empire Storm (Mike Attwater/ Paul Hanagan) was previously with Andreas Wöhler and was one of the top German milers, but we shall be amazed if he is good enough to trouble to two principals here over a trip that is in any case too far.

Et voilà nos tuyaux pour les courses:
1ère course: Sacred Act - Cricklewood Green - End Of Line
2ème course: Telescope - Sky Hunter - Noble Mission
3ème course: Top Notch Tonto - Montiridge - Garswood
4ème course: Truth Or Dare - Master Carpenter - Red Galileo
5ème course: Charles Molson - Pushkin Museum - Montaigne
6ème course: Millionaires Row - Perfect Light - Wahgah
7ème course: Windshear - Gothic - Elite Army

Perth meeting continues

Plenty of racing today, with 6 meetings, but with so much on, there are inevitably some small fields, and 4 of the 7 races at Beverley have 6 runners or less, including the two main events. Mark Johnston and Paul Hanagan are the top trainer and jockey here and they team up with Muteela in the 7 furlongs conditions race for 3yo´ s at 16.00 CET. The well-bred filly won her only race so far, and although that was only in a 3-way photo and the form is nothing special, she looks well in here. However the other filly in the field, Illuminating Dream (David Brown/ Harry Bentley) could be a big danger; she was a CD winner last year and this year ran without making much show in the two UAEfillies classics at Meydan - obviously this is much easier.

The main event at Warwick is also a conditions race, this time for older horses over 6 furlongs at 16.10. Music Master (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill) is the obvious candidate here after running-up in a well contested Group Three at Ascot when last seen in October; however the Godolphin filly Mar Mar (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) could be a problem in receipt of 9 lbs. There is also flat racing this evening, at a low level, at Brighton and Newcastle.

Perth´s 3 day April meeting goes into ist second session today with some quite competitive handicaps and runners from all over the U.K. and also Ireland. The 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 17.20 is in our view the best race of the day and looks wide open. Quincy des Pictons (Alan Jones/ Sam Twiston-Davies) won it last year and clearly has good prospects of doubling up with only 2 lbs more. CD specialist Scotch Warrior (Mike Smith/ Peter Buchanan) made an excellent comeback after 7 months off to win at Ayr and is another one for the short list, but our main fancy is top weight Conquisto (Steve Gollings/ Richard Johnson). The handicapper has done him no favours, but his performance when winning the Old Roan Chase last October is by far the best form on offer here, and if he can repeat that today he should be able to concede weight all round.

There is also a mixed meeting in Ireland, with 4 flat races followed by 3 over hurdles at Tipperary. Thge most interesting event is the opening 2yo maiden at 18.00, where Aidan O´Brien introduces two very well-bred debutants. The Great War cost a mllion dollars as a yearling and is also the choice of the trainer´s son Joseph, so he is presumably the favourite here.

Epsom starts 2014 season today

The Epsom April fixture is not as important as it used to be, but the Investec Derby Trial over 10 furlongs at 15.50 CET is still an inzteresting race, though it is a Long time since it jhad any bearing on the Derby itself.- Only 2 of today´s 9 runners are even entered in the classic - Hartnell (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Signposted (Andrew Balding/ David Probert). Hartnell, who has been supplemented for the Derby is top-rated after winning 3 races last year and finishing third in a French Group One, easily the best form on offer here. All his wins have been on soft ground, so today´s conditions will be no problem - but punters should check for non-runners in the other races, as plenty have been pulled out after the heavy rain last night. Balding and John Gosden have won the past 4 runnings of this race, but despite the good stable form, we we don´t fancy Gosden´s two here. Signposted must have a chance, and so does the Godolphin runner Moontime, a Sea the Stars gelding who won his only start on soft last year. However we do expect Gosden to take the 3yo maiden at 17.00 with D´Avignon (William Buick).

The remainder of the card is composed of 4 very tricky handicaps, and despite the non-runners they are all very open. Our very tentative suggestions are Fair Value (Simon Dow/ Hayley Turner) at 14.45, Red Runawaya (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) at 15.20, Resurge at 16.25 and Killing Time (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley ) at 17.35.

The other meeting of interest is at Perth, the start of the 3 day fixture which is one of the best Scottish N.H.meetings. Unfortunately there are some small fields and betting opportunities are limited. We expect German-bred Cool Baranca (Dianne and Emma Sayer) to run well at a decent price in the handicap hurdle at 17.25; his form figures are awful but we runs his best races here and is a real CD specialist.

6 meetings today

Plenty of racing today, with N.H. racing this afternoon at Wetherby, Ludlow and Kelso, and also this evening in Ireland at Ballinrobe, while there is also flat action this evening at Yarmouth and Wolverhampton; however most of it is at a very low level, and there are some small fields as well. At Kelso for example, the only race with more than 7 runners is the opening maiden hurdle, and most of these runners are maidens with good reason - they are pretty well useless.The lightly-raced 8yo Ballyvoque (George Charlton/ Lucy Alexander) is our tentative suggestion here.

Tony McCoy, who missed the Easter Weekend (and a lucrative winner in Ireland yesterday) through suspension, is back in action and has 3 rides at Wetherby: Bit of a Jig at 16.10 CET and Cool Sky half an hour later for Donald McCain and Cloudingstar for Jonjo O´Neill at 17.15; all 3 have chances.

Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty remain in top form, as we saw again yesterday and team up with 3 runners at Ludlow: Call the Cops at 14.55, One Conemara at 16.35 and the debutant Nicolas Chauvin in the bumper at 18:!0. They certainly don´t belong to the Henderson stable stars, but could all win today.

The best jumps race is the rated hurdle at 19.05 at Ballinrobe, where the much improved Getoutwhileyoucan (Charlie Swan/ Ger Fox) attempts to extend his winning sequence to 5. However he meets much stronger opposition this time, including last year´ s winner Rocky Wednesday (Gordon Eliott/ Paul Carberry), while the two 4yo´s getting quite a bit of weight also looks dangerous. Orgiglo Bay (JC McConnell/ MJ Bolger) and Noble Inn (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) both ran in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. while the former did much better, Noble Inn, who is out of a Surumu mare, is now 12 lbs better off and is the selection.

Most of the top flat jockeys will be at Yarmouth, where the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 18.25 is the most interesting race. Several unexposed types line up here, e.g. Mairise (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who could be leniently handicapped after 3 meaningless efforts on the all-weather before Christmas over a shorter distance. However there are some more dark horses lurking here and the race is better just watched.

5 meetings today

5 meetings today and 4 of them are over jumps, with Musselburgh staging the only flat racing. We cannot understand why a better effort is not made to stage decent flat racing on a Sunday in the UI.K. and the card is very weak. Best race is the grandly-named Musselburgh Gold Cup at 16.35 CET, but this is just a bog standard 2 mile handicap.The interesting one here is Irish raider King of the Picts (Pat Shanahan/ Tagdh O´Shea), who has not run on the flat for ages - and then only over shorter distances- but has very good form over hurdles. Best of the Brits could be bottom-weight Sir Frank Morgan (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), a late developer who has won 3 races this year -all over this trip at Wolverhampton.

The best jumps racing comes as usual from Ireland, with the Grade One Powers Gold Cup, a novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 17.40, the headliner. There are only 4 runners, but it is still competitive with all 4 being multiple winners and in good form. Willie Mullins saddles two of them, including the top-rated Ballycasy (Paul Townend), who weakened in the RSA at Cheltenham, but still ran a good race and will find this shorter trip much more to his liking. He will almost certainly be a hot favourite, but Rebel Fitz (Mike Winters/ Barry Geraghty) looks a big danger; he was not far off top class over hurdles and has taken well to fences and it could be that the drying ground will suit him better.

Top event at Cork is the Grade Three Imperial Call Chase over 3 miles, amnd on ftraztings Toner d´Oudaires (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Alan Crowe) stand out. The last time they met, back in October, the former finished well in front at levels, but Noble Prince now gets 6 lbs which could bring them much closer together.

Another runner today with a good German pedigree is Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Paul Bohan) who has top weight in the Sussex Champion Hurdle (!), a 2 mile handicap at Plumpton at 16.55, easily the best race in the U.K. today. This looks a very tough race but he definitely has a chance, and his Cheltenham performance, when 7th in a huge field over a longer distance, clearly puts him on the short list.

7 meetings today

Lots of racing today, Easter Saturday, but much of it at a low level. There is a strong N.H. card at Haydock, and much weaker ones at Newton Abbot and Carlisle, with very small fields there as well. Flat racing includes the traditional Easter meeting at Kempton as well as Nottingham and Bath, both with a late start, as well Cork in Ireland., With good weather all over, the ground is firming up and punters should take this into their calculations, as soft ground specialists will not find conditions to their liking.

The most interesting events are at Haydock, but the first 6 races are all handicaps and very tricky ones at that. Even the ones with small fields are tricky, although we like Oyster Shell (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall) at 14.30 CET and Red Rocco (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) at 16.50. Donald McCain is always a man to watch here, and we like both Our Mick /Richard Johnson) at 15.05 and Bourne (Adrian Lane) at 15.40; they have been out of form and have come down a long way in the weights. There are 19 runners in the 2 3/4 miles handicap chase at 16.15, which looks very difficult indeed; we shall take a chance on Munsaab (Chaflie Longsdon/ Paul Moloney), who seems very nicely handicapped off joint bottom weight.

The Queen´s Prize, to be run at 18.05 at Kempton, used to be a significant race but is now just an ordinary 2 mile handicap; Noble Silk (Lucy Wadham/ Oisin Murphy) is weighted to get the better of Clowance Estate (Roger Charlton/ Jamie Spencer) this time and is our selection. The main feature here is the listed race for older fillies and mares at 15.55, which should go to Zurigha (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore); Ribbons (James Fanshawe/ Hayley Turner) looks the only serious danger. The owner´s contracted jockey Frankie Dettori rides Hannon´s Midnite Angel in the trace for 3yo fillies at 17.00, with Moore partnering William Haggas` Queen of Ice; These two should have the race to themselves, while the colts race at 17.35 can go to God Willing (Ed Dunlop/ Jamie Spencer).

There is also a listed race for fillies at Bath this evening, over 5 furlongs at 20.00. Clear top-rated here is Ladies are Forever (Geoff Oldroyd/ Robert Tart), whio beat the good German sprinter Gracia Directa (winner yesterday) in York´s Summer Stakes. That form should be good enough here, with Lilbourne Lass (Karl Burke/ Martin Lane), twice successful over this CD, and Caledonia Lady (Jo Hughes/ Liam Jónes), third here last year, next best.

Million pound Easter Egg

This is the first time there has ever been racing on a Good Friday in the U.K. and the all-weather card at Lingfield, with a million pounds in prize-money, has certainly attracted some competitive fields, while there is also good flat racing in Musselburgh.

Most of the runners at Lingfield have already met this year, owing to the system of qualifying races, and this is also true of the main feature, the Easter Classic over 10 furlongs at 18.20 CET. Grandeur (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) is expected to start favourite, despite flopping badly in the main trial, which was won by Robin Hoods Bay (Ed Vaughan/ Luke Morris), with Aussie Reigns (Will Knight) third and Dick Doughtywylie (John Gosden/ William Buick) fourth. Grandeur has obvious claims on his previous form, as he has been running in top company, but in view of the fantastic stable form we shall take a chance on Dick Doughtywylie.

The previous 5 races are all worth 150,000 GBP, i.e. much more than most group races. although they are in the main not up to group class. Noseda and Moore have another good chance in the sprint race at 17.05 with Valbchek, who has won both his starts here; the dangers are Stepper Point (William Muir/ Martin Dwyer), who would win this at 5 furlongs, but is less effective at today´s 6, and Hawkeyethenoo (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee), who won the Stewards Cup in 2012 and also has a good record here.

We have not forgotten how Highland Knight (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) won the Oettingen-Rennen at Baden-Baden in 2012, and we fancy him in the mile race at17.40. He was well beaten here in a handicap behind George Guru (Mike Attwater/ Robert Havlin) last time, but meets him on much better terms now. Grey Mirage (Marco Botti/ Moore) and Anaconda (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) look the main dangers.

Fashion Line (Jamie Spencer) could be another winner for Botti in the fillies and mares race over 7 furlongs at 15.20, while Litigant (Seamus Durack/ George Baker) should take the marathon over just short of 2 miles at 16.30.

Potentially the best horse running today is Ertijaal (William Hagggas/ Paul Hanagan) in the 3yo race over 7 furlongs at 15.55. He defeated several of these in the main trial, and although that was quite a close thing, we expect him to confirm the form.

Newmarket Craven meeting: day two

The Craven meeting continues with another strong card, once again with 5 of the 8 races restricted to 3yo´s including the main event, the Craven Stakes over a mile at 17.05 CET. It is a long time since a runner here actually won the 2,000 Guineas, but today´s field includes at least one likely contender, Toormore (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore), currently third favourite for the classic after winning all his 3 starts last season. He is clear best on ratings and seems certain to start a very hot favourite, with the Hannon stable in good form (2 winners here yesterday)= and with an excellent record in this race. However it may not be as easy as it looks on paper - his stable companion Anjaal (Paul Hanagan) is also pretty useful, white the Godolphin runner Be Ready (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) is highly rated and a big danger.
The other two group races are over 6 furlongs at 16.30 and over 9 at 17.40. In the former event we expect Aljamaaher (Roger Varian/ Hanagan) to win; he is clearly the best horse in the race, but has been mainly running over a mile. His team however seem convinced that this step down in trip could be the right move, and Dinkum Diamond (Henry Candy/ Oisin Murphy), who won a listed race over this distance last time looks the main danger. Over the longer trip we fancy the filly Just the Judge (Charlie Hills/ Jamie Spencer), who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas last season, the best form on offer. CD specialist Mull of Killlough (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Adam Kirby), who won the race last year, should finish in the frame with Fencing (John Gosden/ William Buick) next best.
The most valuable race is the Tattersalls Millions 3yo Trophy over 10 furlongs at 15.55. Aidan O´Brien rarely has runners in these sales races (most of the inmates at Ballydoyle are Coolmore homebreds), but has a good chance here with Johann Strauss, runner-up in the Racing Post Trophy last autumn and certain to be suited by today´s distance. However this is quite an open race, and Seagull Star (William Haggas/ Graham Lee), the only unbeaten runner, Sudden Wonder (Charlie Appleby/ Mikael Barzalona) and Hunters Creek (Gosden/ Buick) must also be considered. However the Gosden/ Buick runners fare in these races, we expect their hot streak to continue and for them to take the last 2 races with Eastern Belle and Cloudscape.
The mile race for unraced 3yo´s at 15.20 is also of great interest with well-bred runners from top stables. The one that grabs us here is Basem (bin Suroor/ de Sousa), a fiull brother to Group One winner Farrh and out of the German Group One winner Gonbarda (by Lando).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: No Delusion - Lacing - Mary Mcphee
2. Race: Basem - Fallen In Line - Tabreek
3. Race: Johann Strauss - Sudden Wonder - Seagull Star
4. Race: Aljamaaheer - Hamza - Tropics
5. Race: Be Ready - Anjaal - The Grey Gatsby
6. Race: Just The Judge - Fencing - French Navy
7. Race: Hadaatha - Eastern Belle - Executrix
8. Race: Cloudscape - Volume - Top Tug

Newmarket Craven meeting: day one

for many people the flat season proper begins today with the first day of the Craven Meeting at Newmarket. Last week´s Newbury meeting however was equally strong, but today we will undoubtedly see some top 3yo´s in action. You will look in vain for any older horses, as 7 of today´s 8 races are restricted to the classic generation, and the other at 15.20 CET is a 2yo race - in which we fancy Harry Hurricane (George Baker/ Fergal Sweeney) to avenge his narrow defeat by Flyball (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) on 3 lbs better terms.
After last week´s amazing run of success for John Gosden´s 3yo´s. his runners will obviously be the centre of attention today, and we expect Provident Spirit (William Buick) and Munjaz (Paul Hanagan) to win the maiden races at 14.45 and 18.15 respectively. In fact the latter ois our best bet of the day and could even be the best horse running today, as he showed great promise in his 2 races in 2013 and as a son of Sea the Stars is expected to show huge improvement when upped in trip.
Today´s main feature is the Nell Gwyn Stakes over 7 furlongs at 17.05, one of the best 1,000 Guineas Trials and has a large and competitive field. 3 of these fillies ran in last October´s Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend, with Queen Catrine (Charlie Hills/ Jamie Spencer) 3rd, Sandiva (Richard Fahey/ Frankie Dettori) seventh and Majeyda (Charlie Appleby/ Silvestre de Sousa) 9th. The ground was very soft that day and it would be no surprise to see Sandiva come out on top on this much faster going. Appleby´s other runner Folk Melody (Mikael Barzalona), one of 3 unbeaten fillies, is also of interest although bred to be better over longer distances.
The most valuable event is the sales race over 6 furlongs at 15.55 and both Toofi (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and the Godolphin filly Wedding Ring (Appleby/ Barzalona) won similar events over this CD last sutumn. The latter has also run two good races at Meydan this year, but generally speaking, fillies have a poor record in this race and so we prefer Toofi.
The Free Handicap over 7 furlongs at 16.30 looks very tricky and all 6 runners have a chance. Topweight Parbold (Fahey/ Jimmy Fortune) was only beaten two necks in the Gimcrack and is one of the more obvious candidates, but we also like the bottom-weight, the unbeaten Mushir (Varian/ Hanagan).
The listed Feilden Stakes ober 9 furlongs at 17.40 is always won by a good horse -last year Arc third Intello- and the one we like here is Irish raider Obliterator (Ger Lyons/ Spencer), winner of his only race in good style. The trainer is coming here as the going is too soft in Ireland and thinks a great deal of this colt.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Provident Spirit - Emirati Spirit - Master Of Suspense
2. Race: Flyball - Portamento - Harry Hurricane
3. Race: Wedding Ring - Toofi - One Chance
4. Race: Shifting Power - Mushir - Parbold
5. Race: Sandiva - Dorothy B - Folk Melody
6. Race: Obliterator - Somewhat - True Story
7. Race: Munjaz - Wahgah - Wrangler
8. Race: Kaab - Greeb - Quiet Warrior

3 poor meetings today

the only flat racing today is on the all-weather at Southwell, and frankly we would give this meeting a miss. The fields are small and uincompetiive and very low quality..The most interesting runner is Stand Guard (John Butler/ Tom Queally), going for a record 27th win on the alll-weather in the claimer at 15.20, but in view of the controversy regarding his most recent runs, this race should also be avoided. The best racing is at the N.H. meeting at Kempton, and Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty, who have an amazing strike rate here, once again look the team to follow. They have winning chances at 16.50 with Act Alone and with Cocktails at Dawn at 17.50, and Miss Ballantyne is also not out of it at 17.20, altjhough here we prefer Paul Nicholls´s topweight Merrion Square, who has fallen the last twice; if he stays on his feet, he can score here. Geraghty can also win the first two races on Charlie Mann´s Sands Cove at 15.10 and Donald McCain´s Desoto County half an hour later.

Sue Gardner always does well at her local track Exeter and has several good chances today. Storm Alert at 15.30 and Rafafie at 16.35, both partnered by daughter Lucy, should go well, as can Miss Saffron (Paul Moloney) in the marathon handicap chase at 16.00.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Stand Guard - Licence To Till - Lean On Pete
2. Race: Geeaitch - Kenny`s Girl - On The Cusp
3. Race: Abi Scarlet - Spitfire - George Fenton
4. Race: Bajan Beauty - Pearl Princess - Glorious Star
5. Race: Realize - Kung Hei Fat Choy - Pearl Nation
6. Race: Ray Of Joy - College Doll - Foreign Rhythm
7. Race: Travel - Aiyana - Aureate

4 poor meetings today

this week, which features the Newmarket Craven Meeting as well as a million pound card on the all-weather on Good Friday, starts off with four very low level cards - on the flat at Windsor and Pontefract and over jumps at Hexham and Tramore (Ireland). The best policy could be to follow the top jockeys, and we find Ryan Moore, who has an excellent strike rate at Windsor, riding 3 horses for his father Gary there: Marmalady at 16.20 CET, who has gone up 20 lbs after her winning her last 4 races last year, Freddy with a Y at 17.20 and Jupiter Storm half an hour later. Meanwhile Tony McCoy is at Hexham, where he has 3 rides for Donald McCain: Short Takes at 15.30, Wild Card at 16.00 and Bespoke Lady an hour later. Of course it is not likely that all 6 will win, but we certainly expect that some of them will.
The best racing comes from Pontefract, with the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.10 quite an open affair. Colonel Mak (Andrew Mullen), one of 2 runners trained by David Barron, is a CD winner and was also 7th in this race last year. which was a a much stronger renewal. He comes on the short list, as does Annunciation (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs), who won the Shergar Cup Sprint last year, and Yeeoow (Karl Burke/ Joey Haynes), who now looks nicely handicapped after a couple of below-par performances. It could be a profitable afternoon for Mullen, as we also like New Youmzain in the Marathon at 16.40, while Thorpe Bay, also trained by Mike Appleby, has a chance in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.40 although he is more of a Southwell specialist.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: War Paint - Horsforth - Ar Colleen Aine
2. Race: Thatchmaster - Ansaab - Bartack
3. Race: Annunciation - Colonel Mak - Majestic Myles
4. Race: Tartan Jura - Rock Relief - Jawaab
5. Race: Al Senad - Active Spirit - Little Shambles
6. Race: Manatee Bay - Windforpower - Thorpe Bay

group race at the Curragh

the only flat racing today comes from Ireland, where the Gladness Stakes over 7 furlongs at the Curragh at 16.55 CET is the top event. This looks very open, with last year´s winner Custom Cut (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) and Sruthen (Paul Deegan/ Chris Hayes), winner of a similar event last time at Tipperary in October, both penalised. Of these we prefer the latter, as the stable is in good form, while Cristoforo Colombo (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) has not really lived up to early promise, so that the tough and consistent Bold Thady Quill (Keith Condon/ Shane Foley) could run into a place at a decent price. Another 2013 winner hoping for a repeat is Parish Hall (Jim Bolger/ Robbie Whelan) in the listed Alleged Stakes half an hour later. He missed all of 2012 through injury, but he won the Dewhurst back in 2011 and in anything like his best form should not be troubled to win this. Another interesting race here is the 3yo maiden over 10 furlongs at 18.35. Aidan O= Brien won this last year with Ruler of the World, who went on to win the Derby. He now tries again with Adjusted with the main opposition probably coming from the two Aga Khan runners.
There is also N.H. racing at Stratford, Wetherby and Wincanton in England and Tramore in Ireland, mainly at a very low level. Mick Channon is mainly a flat trainer, but does well with his jumpers - aided of course by Hen - and he can land an across the card double with Ballypatrick (Brian Harding), who has top weight in the staying handicap chase at 17.20 at Wetherby, and Paradise Valley (Dominic Elsworth) in the second division of the maiden hurdle at 15.50 at Wincanton. The first division can go to Nordic Quest (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), who has showed promise over sticks and who comes from a top German family, his dam being the winner of two group races in this country.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Brightly Shining - Akeed Misk - Convergence
2. Race: Beyond Brilliance - Booker - Zaindera
3. Race: Truthwillsetufree - Thomas Edison - Waver
4. Race: Wannabe Better - Cristoforo Colombo - Sruthan
5. Race: Alive Alive Oh - Parish Hall - Stuccodor
6. Race: Tylery Wonder - Balmont Blast - Srucahan
7. Race: Adjusted - Marakoush - Sinkal

Scottish Grand National at Ayr

Ayr stages its top jumps card of the season today, with the Scottish Grand National over 4 miles at 16.50 CET the main feature. With 30 runners this is just as tricky as last week´s Aintree affair. Only one horse from Aintree runs again - top- weight Tidal Bay (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) and although he is not as well handicapped this time we have to keep the faith. Godsmejudge (Alan King/ Aidan Coleman) won this last year and has to come on the short list again, so do Green Flag (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) and Roberto Goldback (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass), who both ran eye-catching races at Cheltenham. Tidal Bay´s presence means that half the runners are out of the handicap, which in theory at least makes it easier; however this may not be the case and we have the same scenario in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at 15.40. This is, despite the Name, also a handicap nd Champion Hurdle My tent or Yours (Henderson/ Tony McCoy) has to concede 16 lbs or more all round, wkith again the bottom runners all out of thre handicap. My Tent or Yours is certainly a class act and has never yet been out of the first two, so he is difficult to oppose, but this is no easy task and Flaxen Flare (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) and Montbazon (King/ Robert Thornton) are big dangers at these weights. Alan King, who is himself Scottish, could well have a highly successful afternoon, as apart from those mentioned above, Valdez (Thornton) must have a favourite´s chance at 15.05 and also Manyriverstocross at 16.15, although here we prefer His Excellency (David Pipe/ Tom SVufamore), who was second here last year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Silsol - Call Box - Titus Bolt
2. Race: Eduard - Miley Shah - Aibrean
3. Race: Montbazon - Court Minstrel - Clever Cookie
4. Race: Manyriverstocross - Valco De Touzaine - Le Bacardy
5. Race: Green Flag - Mendip Express - Sam Winner
6. Race: Brother Du Berlais - Vendor - Fine Rightly
7. Race: Bit Of A Jig - Tony Star - Kentford Legend
8. Race: Miles To Memphis - Saint Charles - The Unsub

3 group races at Newbury

some excellent racing today and Newbury stages the best card of the flat season so far, featuring 3 group races. The John Porter for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 14.50 CET looks very open, and includes the second and third from last yeat´s desparate finish, Quiz Mistress (Hughie Morrison/ Tom Queally) and Noble Mission (Jane Cecil/ James Doyle). Of these we prefer the latter, a brother to the great Frankel, but two very lightly-raced 4yxo´s could well improve past him - Mutashaded (Roger Varian/ Paul Hanagan) - out of a Monsun mare who has also thrown Samum and other top German performers - and Astonishing (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). Stoute is an expert at improving older horses and we give Astonishing a narrow vote.
The other two group races are classic trials over 7 furlongs, for fillies at 15.20 and for colts at 15.55. These early season classic trials are sometimes weak affairs, but certainly not today as both races are very well contested. At Thakhira (Marco Botti/ Frankie Dettori) is the form choice for the fillies´ race; she was a Breeders Cup flop but was clearly unsuited by the track there and today´s conditions are far more suitable.
The colts´ race is much hotter, and includes Astaire (Kevin Ryan/ Kieren Fallon), winner last year of the Gimcrack and Middle Park, Berkshire (Paul Cole/ Jim Crowley), winner of the Chesham and Royal Lodge, Supplicant (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), winner of the Mill Reef, as well as the unbeaten Night of Thunder (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore), from the stable that has won this 4 times in the last 7 years. However the favourite is likely to be Kingman (John Gosden/ James Doyle), whose stable has been in sensational form (4 winners here yesterday!) and who is currently second favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. He won both his starts in 2013 in excellent style, and although he is not the top-rated here, expectations are high for Khaled Anbdullah´s colt on what could be a big day for his owner.
The maiden races for 3yo´s are also of great interest and feature hot favourites in Mutakayyef (William Haggas/ Hanagan) at 14.20 and Eagle Top (Gosden/ William Buick) at 17.05. Both could well win, but thetre is some serious oppositzion, including 3 German-bred Colts in the later race. We are especially interested in Norab (Botti/ Adam Kirby), who shaped well on his only start last season and is a half-brother by Galileo to German Champion Night Magic, and also to last week´s Cologne winner Night Wish.
The big betting race here is the Spring Cup, a handicap over the straight mile at 16.30 with 24 runners, several of whom ran in the Lincoln, including the winner Ocean Tempest (John Ryan/ Kirby). He possibly had a fitness advantage then and the result could well be different this time. Two horses that have not run since last summer have caught our eye: Foxtrot Romeo (Botti/ Dettori), totally out of form in Ireland last year but extremely well handicapped now, and Highland Duke (Clive Cox/ Ryan Tate) a very easy winner at Glorious Goodwood last time out.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mutakayyef - Brown Diamond - Dursey Island
2. Race: Astonishing - Mutashaded - Noble Mission
3. Race: Al Thakhira - Coral Mist - Joyeuse
4. Race: Kingman - Night Of Thunder - Lat Hawill
5. Race: So Beloved - Brownsea Brink - Enobled
6. Race: Eagle Top - Sternrubin - Limousine
7. Race: Gone Dutch - Noble Gift - Top Diktat

Ayr and Newbury today

both Newbury (flat racing) and Ayr (N.H.) start a big two day meeting today, but the main races will all be tomorrow. Newbury stages its first flat racing of the year with 3yo´s firmly at the centre of attention. 5 of the 8 races today are restricted to this age group, which is difficult for betting purposes but definitely worth watching fof future reference. The best performers are running in the 10 furlongs race at 16.05 CET, where German-bred Scotland (Andrew Balding/ Jim Crowley), in Fitri Hay´s first colours, may just get the better of Shankly (Clive Cox/ Jamie Spenmcer) - anotjher son of Monsdun, and Western Hymn (John Giosden/ William Buick); he is closely related to Shirocco and could be Balding´s Derby candidate. As far as the two races for older horses arer concerned, we expect a double for the father and son team of Gary and Ryan Moore, with Leo Luna over 2 miles at 15.30 and Dutch Masterpiece over 5 furlongs at 17.55.
Gary Moore could also be on the scorecard over jumps at his local track Fontwell, where his eldest son Jamie partners Fruity O´Rooney in the 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 16.25, a race he has won for the past 2 seasons.
The jumping is better quality at Ayr but the card consists mainly of very tricky handicaps. Top trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Hemnderson both have several runners here, and their best prospects in our opinion are Vicente (Sam Twiston-Davies) for the former at 16.115 and Lieutenant Miller (Barry Geraghty) for the latter at 18.25. James Lambe usually does well here with his raiders from Ulster and Ballybogey (Richard Johnson) and Twin Plan (Tony McCoy) at 17.55, both winners at this meeting last year, are worth an interest.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sign Of A Victory - Vibrato Valtat - Mister Nibbles
2. Race: Plus Jamais - Just Cameron - Fair Loch
3. Race: Vicente - Ulzana`s Raid - Portway Flyer
4. Race: Headly`S Bridge - Tahiti Pearl - Scotch Warrior
5. Race: Le Bacardy - Back To Balloo - Too Cool To Fool
6. Race: Mickie - Bull And Bush - Golden Sparkle
7. Race: Forward Flight - See Double You - Many Stars

5 meetings today

5 meetings today, but although the flat season has started, all 3 afternoon cards in the U.K. are jumps meetings. There is flat racing this evening on the all-weather at Kempton., while flat racing in Ireland is at Limerick., where Dermot Weld., who has started the season in tremendous fashion, looks the trainer to follow. He has runners in 4 races and could well win them all. Stable jockey Pat Smullen partners Bush Pilot at 24.55 CET, Sparkle Factor half an hour later and Hisaabaat in the 11 furlongs handicap at 17.25, who looks extremely well treated. He has very good form over hurdles as does Waaheb (Fran Berry), who runs in the maiden over the same trip at 16.55 and should certainly win. There are only 3 runners in the final conditions race at 17.55, where possibly the 4yo filly Cosmic Cannonball, (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) can make her fitness advantage tell - she scored at Galway last Saturday- against two listed class opponents who are much higher rated. There is also a very small field in the main event at Kempton this evening, a 3yo handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 20.40, where all 4 runners are last-time-out winners. Top-weight Festival Theatre (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is entered in the Derby and must win this to have any realistic hope, but German-bred Wonder Weapon (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), a BBAG purchase, has just as much chance in our view this evening.
Two German-breds that catch our eye over jumps are Lamoool (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne), who makes his British debut in a handicap chase at 16.00 at Ludlow, and Marleno (Tony Middleton/ James Banks) who has top weight in a very modest handicap at 15.40 at Towcester. He is no star, but is dropped in grade here and miust have a sporting e.w. chance. Lamool is a different matter; he was a very useful 3yo in Germany for Eckhard Sauren, and has run well over jumps in France, winning a chase at Strasbourg when last seen in October. Obviously he is not easy for the U.K. handicapper to assess, but he could have been let in here lightly.
Tim Vaughan´s main Jockey Richard Johnson is at Taunton and can win ther maiden hurdle at 15.50 on LIberty Court. He had decent form in 2012, but then something clearly went wrong; if he is anywhere near his old form, he should win today. We also like Solar Sky (David Elsworth/ David Bass) in the second division of the same race. Johnson also partners Waving for Tony Carroll here at 17.20. His poor hurdles form was all a long time ago and pretty meaningless, but he has won 5 races on the flat this year - admittedly all poor races at Wolverhampton.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saint Jerome - Rascal - Sparville
2. Race: Speed Master - Tante Sissi - Phase Shift
3. Race: Maypole Lass - Magic Money - Dog Or Divorce
4. Race: Great Value - Divine Intavention - Gardefort
5. Race: Chat Room - Springinherstep - Somemothersdohavem
6. Race: Buck Mulligan - Rockiteer - First Fandango
7. Race: Speedy Tunes - Helium - Hold Court

listed race at Nottingham

Nottingham is one of the fairest tracks in the country and always attracts runners from the top stables; that is also the case today when the listed race over 1 3/4 miles at 17.10 CET is the main event. The two likeliest canditates, and the most certain stayers, are Biographer (David Lanigan/ Ted Durcan) and High Jinx (James Fanshawe/ Ryan Moore). They met at Ascot in October when Biographer finished well in front of his rival (though well beaten) and we expect that to happen again, especially as conditions suit him ideally, while High Jinx probably needs even further. The two lightly-raced 4yo´s Flying Officer (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Mighty Yar (Lady Cecil/ Jamie Spencer) are obvious dangers, but they both have to prove that they stay this distance. Pearl Secret (David Barron/ Spencer) has an outstanding chance in the 5 furlongs conditions race at 16.40; he has some very smart form in 2012, but only ran once last year, when third in the King´s Stand and a repeat of that form would make him almost unbeatable in this company. The future will probably show that there some decent performers running in the two 3yo maidens that open the card. Stampede (Sir Michael Stoute/ Moore), although he finished last on his only start, is expected to run well in the second division at 15.40, but from the German point of view Fast Delivery (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) half an hour earlier is the most interesting runner; he is out of Preis der Diana winner Rosenreihe.
The two all-weather meetings are of little interest. while Catterick might grab some headlines because of the huge jackpot on offer, but is otherwise a poor card; however we would remind our readers that 11yo Patavium (Edwin Tuer/ James Sullivan) did us a favour when winning here over hurdles a month ago, and is now very nicely handicapped on his return to the flat at 16.20 on a course where he has always run his best races.
The only jumps racing comes from Ireland; there are some huge fields at Limerick., but mainly at a low level. Ludo et Emergo (A Lee/ Davy Russell) was contesting the lead when falling at the last over this CD last time and might gain recompense in the beginners chase at 16.45.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Art Of War - Fast Delivery - Slemy
2. Race: Roseburg - Gm Hopkins - Lacan
3. Race: Scarborough - Flying Bear - Nova Champ
4. Race: Doc Hay - Fine `n Dandy - Inxile
5. Race: Biographer - High Jinx - Flying Officer
6. Race: Croquembouche - Multi Bene - Robert The Painter
7. Race: Miss Brazil - Secret Pursuit - Alexanor
8. Race: Sahara Desert - Emerahldz - New Colours

Pontefract today

3 meetings today, and while Southwell has a very poor all-weather card and Carlisle low-level N.H.racing (with some very small fields at both tracks), there is an above-average Tuesday card at Pontefract with runners from the top Newmarket stables and points further south. The 10 furlongs handicap at 17.15 CET is quite valuable by the standards of this course and looks very competitive, with the horses at the top of the weights having black type form to their credit. Mick Channon had a winner yesterday and his Amralah (William Buick) is forecast to start favourite, but we are not convinced and the soft going is not in his favour. Richard Fahey has started the season well and his two runners deserve close attention: Romantic Settings (Ryan Moore) and Las Verglas Star (Paul Hanagan). At these weights we prefer the latter, who has a good course record and was third in this last year. Hanagan and Fahey also team up at 16.10 with Foxy Clarets in the 3yo handicap and this one has a decent e.w. chance. Sir Michael Stoute is another trainer in good form and saddles two in the 3yo maiden at 15.40, both owned by Hamdan al Maktoum; Hanagan, the owner´s retained jockey, has chosen Munaaser and has probably made the right decision, with Stoute´s main jockey Ryan Moore on the big danger, William Haggas´ Zee Zeely.
Tony McCoy, two winners yesterday at Kelso, continues his northern tour with 3 rides for Donald McCain and 2 for Jonjo O ´Neill at Carlisle. None of them look exactly bombproof, but it will be a surprise if he doesn´t go home with at least a couple more winners to his name. Supreme Asset and Moss Cloud in the first two races probably have the best chances.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Life And Times - Hakuna Matata - Lord Franklin
2. Race: Munaaser - Zee Zeely - Arbaab
3. Race: Kenny The Captain - Jazz - Aspirant
4. Race: Calculated Risk - Fitzwilly - Madam Lilibet
5. Race: Centurius - Clayton - Amralah
6. Race: Two Smart - Danehill Revival - Princess Rose
7. Race: Cathedral - High Office - Mash Potato

3 poor meetings today

a very low key start to the week, with jumps racing from Kelso and flat racing from Windsor and Redcar. It is difficult to get a handle on flat form on turf at present, with most runners coming off a long break or with all-weather form that does not always work out on grass. Windsor starts its very popular series of evening fixtures in 3 weeks time, but we cannot imagine there will be many spectators there today, although most of the top jockeys are riding. The most interesting events ar the races for 3yo´s and although the two handicaps are too tricky to call, the 10 furlongs maiden at 17.10 CET should certainly be watched, as there are some well-bred runners here from top stables. Cannock Chase (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is our tentative suggestion; he ran very green but with great promise on his only start last year.
The mile handicap at 16.50 is the best betting race at Redcar. Mark Johnston has runners at Windsor and also 2 here, so it is significant that his main jockey Joe Fanning partners Cloverdale, an easy winner of his only start so far, at Southwell 12 days ago. It is possible that the handicapper has underestimated him with a mark of 84. Capaill Liath (Kevin and Amy Ryan) ran well at the recent Doncaster meeting and is an obvious danger, so is course specialist Kiwi Bay (Michael Dods/ Connor Beasley) off bottom weight.
Tony McCoy is very busy these days and is in action at Kelso today with 3 rides for Donald McCain.Katachenko should certainly win the opener at 15.00, while Whiskey Chaser a half an hour later and Sealous Scout at 16.30 also have fair prospects. Otherwise Nick and Lucy Alexander have several good chances here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Paddy Again - Tagtale - Diatomic
2. Race: Dodina - Soul Instinct - Bond Club
3. Race: Rough Courte - Too Elusive - Lady Liz
4. Race: Cloverdale - Knight Owl - Nurpur
5. Race: Caridadi - Latin Charm - Alquimia
6. Race: Yagheer - Elusive George - False Witness
7. Race: Zanouska - Rose Kazan - Ana Shababiya

Irish racing today

As usual, the best racing on a Sunday comes from Ireland, with a strong N.H. card at Fairyhouse and the only flat racing of the day from the British Isles at Cork. The best race here is the listed Cork Stakes over 6 furlongs at 15.55 CET, in which Maarek (Evanne McCutcheon/ Declan McDonogh) is certain to start a warm favourite, despite conceding weight all round. He is one of the best sprinters in Europe, winner of the Abbaye last year, and the heavy ground will be no problem. He is running for the first time for this trainer, but she certainly knows him well enough; he was previously trained by her fiance and is owned by her father. In fact we understand that she drove the horsebox to Paris for the Arc Meeting last year! English raider Smoothtalkingrascal (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) could be next best, although we also expect Bold Thady Quill (Keith Condon/ Joseph O´Brien) to run well; he is very inconsistent, but won the race last year and has run twice in the past fortnight, giving him a possible fitness
advantage.

There are 4 graded races at Fairyhouse, and it is indication of the dominant position Willie Mullins holds in Irish jumps racing that he has at least 3 runners in all of them. He will most likely win them all as well, although it is not always clear which is his best candidate. We will go for Arvika Ligeonnaire (Paul Townend) at 15.10, Flourishwells d´Ete (Tony McCoy) at 16.15 - incidentally out of a German mare- Renneti (Townend) at 16.50 and Wicklow Brave (Townend) at 17.20, although we will not be surprised if we are on the wrong one every time. For those looking for longer-priced alternatives to the Mullins armada, we suggest Folldubh (JP Ryan/ Paul Carberry), a course specialist who won ther race last year, in the opening Norman Grove, and Le Vent d´Artan (Liz Doyle/ Barry Geraghty) at 16.50.

The two U.K.jumps meetings are much lower grade. The groiund will be heavy at Ffos Las, which will not be to the liking of German-bred Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney); however he has come down in the weights and we hope he can run into a place at least in the handicap hurdle at 17.10. At Market Rasen, yesterday´s Grand National heroes Dr. Richard Newland and Leighton Aspell can keep their winning run going with Ardkilly Witness at 16.20 and Regal d´Estruval at 17.25; Newland´s other runner, Dalmo (Ally Stirling) also has a chance at 14.45.

Fairyhouse - betting forecast:
1. Race: Twinlight - Turban - Foildubh
2. Race: Nearest The Pin - Abbey Lane - Dogora
3. Race: Urticaire - Adriana Des Mottes - Layla Joan
4. Race: Renneti - Apache Stronghold - Lieutenant Colonel
5. Race: Wicklow Brave - Valseur Lido - Real Steel
6. Race: Carry Each Other - Golden Wonder - Are Ya Right Chief
7. Race: James - Burren River - Quel Esprit
8. Race: Measureofmydreams - Time For A Pint - Martello Tower

Rest of Aintree

The remainder of the Aintree card is also strong with 3 Grade One races and some very competitive handicaps. The opening novice hurdle at 14.30 CET looks wide open. Nicky Hemndersin had 3 winners yesterfday and saddles two runners, with stable jocvkey Barry geraghty on Oscar Hoof, a very easy winner last time in a lower grade. Paul Nicholls runs the Shirocco gelding Lac Fontana (Tony McCoy), a much improved handicapper and in our view well up to this class. Dell´Arca (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) also has a German background and is by Sholokhov; he ran well at Cheltenham and is definitely one for short list.

The novice chase at 15.05 features the tearaway Next Sensation (Michael and Tom Scudamore). He did not get home at Cheltenham, but this track is much easier, and if he gets a soft lead could well last home. The classier Balder Succes (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Trifolium (Charlie Byrnes/ McCoy) will however be on their guard and waiting to pounce.

The Liverpool Hurdle over 3 miles+ at 15.50 is probably between At Fishers Cross (Rebecca Curtis/ McCoy) and Zarkandar (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), who finished third and fourth at Cheltenham. At this track, where he has already won twice, we prefer Zarkandar. Thousand Stars (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) ran better last time and is a threat, as is Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) if it rains.

The Grand natuonal is of couzrse the togiuhest handivcap of all, but the other two handicaps on todays Card are also very tricky. Our two against the field are Victor Hewgo (Keith and James Reveley) and 2012 winner Saint Are (Tim Vaughan/ Dougie Costello) over fences at 16.25 and Katgary (Nicholls/ Harry Derham) and German-bred Nesterenko (Henderson/ Nico de Boinville) over sticks at 18.10.

Henderson and Geraghty can conclude a successful meeting by the winning the final race, a bumper at 18.45, with Bringithomeminty; however with 13 last-time-out winners in the field, this is not really a race to bet on.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sea Lord - Volnay De Thaix - Wilde Blue Yonder
2. Race: Trifolium - Hinterland - Balder Succes
3. Race: At Fishers Cross - Zarkandar - Melodic Rendezvous
4. Race: Unioniste - Victor Hewgo - Gullinbursti
5. Race: Teaforthree - Monbeg Dude - Long Run
6. Race: Somethingwonderful - Drumlee - Katgary
7. Race: Bringithomeminty - Modus - Our Kaempfer

Grand National at Aintree today

The Grand National, to be run over 4 1/2 miles at 17.15 CET at Aintree this afternoon, is the best-known race in the U.K. -probably the world- andf the one that attracts the biggest betting. It is a handicap and therefore by no meamns the best race - the Gold Cup at Cheltenham is clearly top in that regard - but the class of the race has been much improved since the fences were made easier to jump and the huge prize-money (561,000 GBP to the winner) has attracted a very strong field with year with the usual maximum of 40 runners.

There will be some jockey changes as several jockeys took nasty falls yesterday; Mikey Fogarty, due to ride Willie Mullins´ Vesper Bell, is definitely out of action, and there are slight doubts about Paul Carberry, Noel Fehily and Andrew Tinkler as well; obviousy we hope that they are all o.k. to ride. The track was watered yresterday and the going is good to soft, although with .light rain expected most of today, it might well ride softer by the off.

Basically, all 40 are conceivable winners, but the two classiest runners are also the two best-handicapped: Tidal Bay (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) and Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen). They represent the top two British trainers, and this race will decide the trainers´ champiponship for the season, with Nicholls still leading. He has 3 runners in the field and Henderson 4. The above-mentioned pair also have the highest weights, and it is rare for a horse weighted above 11 stone to win, but we still fancy Tidal Bay, at 13 one of our favourite horses. He still has lots of speed at the business end of the race and we can easily see him winning if he is within 5 lengths of the leader at the last. We don´t really fancy Long Run, who seems to have deteriorated since his glory days. when he won the Gold Cup and the King George twice, but it is a brave decision to run here and his jockey -also the owner´ son- talked up his chances on TV yesterday.

Henderson and Nicholls also fancied runners in Triolo d´Alene (Geraghty) and Rocky Creek (Fehily, if fit) respectively, winner and runner-up in the Hennessy last November; with the latter now 5 lbs better off, there is little between them. The former also ran in the Gold Cup, and finished well beaten, behind Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis/ Nick Scholfield), who ran second in last year´s National (several of today´s runners well behind or pulled up) and is the logical choice here, if there can be such a thing in this race.

Other horses that have been heavily supported are Double Seven (Martin Brassil/ Tony McCoy) and Monbeg Dude (Michael Scudamore/ Paul Carberry, if fit), who won the Welsh Grand National last year and is part-owned by Rugby star Mike Tindall, husband of the Queen´s granddaughter Zara Phillips.The latest Welsh National was won by Mountainous (Richard Lee/ Jamie Moore), who beat Hawkes Point (Nicholls/ Ryan Mahon) and Tidal Bay in a very close finish, but both are handicapped to beat him now.

Best of the light weights in our view is The Package (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who was 3rd of 23 at Cheltenham; both of the horses in front of him won in good style yesterday, giving that form a huge boost. We have only mentioned 10 of the 40 runners, and any of the other 30 could easily win, but we hope that we are on the right track, and make our 3 against the field: Teaforthree, Tidal Bay and The Package. However the most potent force in the race is Lady Luck and anything can happen.

later: Katie Walsh rides Vesper Bell

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sea Lord - Volnay De Thaix - Wilde Blue Yonder
2. Race: Trifolium - Hinterland - Balder Succes
3. Race: At Fishers Cross - Zarkandar - Melodic Rendezvous
4. Race: Unioniste - Victor Hewgo - Gullinbursti
5. Race: Teaforthree - Monbeg Dude - Long Run
6. Race: Somethingwonderful - Drumlee - Katgary
7. Race: Bringithomeminty - Modus - Our Kaempfer

Aintree Grand National meeting: Ladies Day

the second day of the Grand National meeting is Ladies Day, which is about as far removed from the Royal Ascot version as can be imagined. Think Liverpudlian lasses in very short skirts and fake tan. From the punting point of view it is very tricky, even harder than yesterday with some huge fields; one thing we did learn yesterday however is that Cheltenham form is working out, and once again a huge numbers of runners are here who were last seen at the Festival. The smallrest field is ther BGrade One novice chase over 3 miles+ at 15.30 and all 6 runners here ran at Cheltenham. O´Faorlains Boy (Rebecca Curtis/ Barry Geraghty) won the RSA Chase over this distance there, where Just a Par (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) was well beaten and German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) fell, bringing down Many Clouds (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell). Holywell (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) won a handicap there under a boig weight, while Nicholls´ other runner Wonderful Charm (Sam Twiston-Davies) ran well enough there over shorter and will be possibly better suited by today´s trip. Almost any of these could win now, but we tend towards Don Cossack, although Holywell is an obvious danger.
The Melling Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.05 is as open as any handicap. Rajdhani Express (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) finished third in the Ryanair and on that form holds Boston Bob (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Rathlin (Mouse Morris/ Brian O´Connell). Module was third in the Champion Chase with Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) fifth, and both will be better suited by today´s longer trip, while Ballynagour (David Piper/ Tom Scudamore) and the mare Pepite Rose (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) were both easy winners of valuable handicaps last time and look well worth this step up in grade. We prefer Module but would not be surprised to see Wishfull Thinking, who always goes well here, run a big race.
The Grade One novice hurdle over 3 miles at 17.15 is another puzzle with 18 runners There could be a winner for a small stable here, as Seeyouatmidnight (AM Thomson/ Ryan Mania) hads won his last 4 races in promising style and stays really well. He is top-rated here, despite moving up in grade, and our selection, though we are frightened of lightly-raced Beat That (Henderson/ Geraghty)
Henderson and Geraghty also have good prospects in the opening novice hurdle over 2 miles at 15.00 with Josses Hill, runner-up at Cheltenham; German-bred Art of Payroll (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Carberry), whose team took yesterday´s opener, is one of several dangers.
The handicaps look brutal, with 30 runners in the Topham Chase at 16.40; we like Big Fella Thanks (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who has run several good races in the Grand National and whose team were also in the winner´s circle yesterday, while we will give another chance to German-bred Lyvius (Henderson/ Geraghty) at 17.50; he is a half-brother to German Derby winner Lucky Speed.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Josses Hill - Sgt Reckless - Art Of Payroll
2. Race: O`faolains Boy - Wonderful Charm - Holywell
3. Race: Module - Rajdhani Express - Ballynagour
4. Race: Double Ross - Standing Ovation - Lost Legend
5. Race: Seeyouatmidnight - Toubeera - Tagrita
6. Race: Caid Du Berlais - Zabana - Stonebrook
7. Race: Tara Mist - The Govaness - Oleohneh

Aintree Grand National meeting: day one

the Grand National meeting starts today with an excellent card. There was a time when this was only a one trick pony, but those days are long gone, and this meeting is now only behind Cheltenham in the British N.H. calendar. In fact quite a large number of today´s runners were last seem at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago. Experience has shown that one should be a bit wary of the Cheltenham form here; not only is the track totally different, but the hard races at the Festival often leave their mark.
This however does not apply in our view to The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), a most unlucky third in the Champion Hurdle, who should gain recompense in the Aintree Hurdle at 16.05 CET. This longer distance should suit him and he was in fact runner-up here last year. Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) and Grandouet (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) both revert to hurdles arter flopping over fences at Cheltenham; of these we clearly prefer the former, the 2012 Champion, but will be very surprised if he can beat The New Man.
The card opens with the Grade One 4yo hurdle at 15.00. Quite a few of these ran either in the Triumph or the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, but we shall go for two lightly-raced types who missed the Festival: Activial /Fry/ Fehily) and Fox Norton (Nick Williams/ Richard Johnson). The latter, a son of Lando, beat German-bred Broughton (John Ferguson/ Tony McCoy) in December and that form reads well, while Activial, though defeated on jhis debut by the Triumoh Hurdle fourth Calipto (Paul Nicholls/ Twiston-Davies), won the Adonis Hurdle in good style next time out.
The Betfred Bowl Chase over an extended 3 miles at 15.30 has a strong field including the first 3 from last year: First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Barry Geraghty), Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Johnson) and Silviniani Conti (Nicholls/ Fehily). The last-named went on to win the King George which gives him a good chance here; however he had a very hard race at Cheltenham, when he was 4th in the Gold Cup after leading at the last. First Lieutenant missed Cheltenham, which is an advantage and this better ground will be ideal, but the one to beat is surely Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore); although well behind Silviniano Conto in the King George, he was impressive when winning the Ryanair.
There are only 5 runners in the novice chase at 17.50 but it still looks very tricky. Western Warhorse (Pipe/ Scu) showed an excellent turn of foot to win the Arkle, with Dodging Bullets (Nicholls/ Twiston-Davies) not far back in 5th.That was over half a mjile shorter but we expect the form to be confirmed; Uxizandre (Alan King/ McCoy) was runner-up over today´s distance at Cheltenham, where the fancied Oscar Whisky (Henderson/ Geraghty) fell. Fox Appeal (Emma Lavelle/ Aidan Coleman) is also not out of it, and any of the 5 could win, but we narrowly prefer Western Warhorse.
The Fox Hunter at 16.40, over the last 2 3/4 miles of the National course, has a huge field, but in our view it is a two horse race; the Irish runners Mossey Joe (Enda Bolger/ Damien Skehan), easily the best on ratings, and Warne (BR Hamilton/ Sam Waley-Cohen), 4th last year but who put up a very good performance last time, should dominate here.
The two handicaps with large fields are wide open and anything could happen; our two against the field are top-weight and 2013 winner Oiseau de Nuit (Colin Tizzard/ Brendan Powell) and Last Shot (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) at 17.15, and Busty Brown (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and German-bred Big Easy (Hobbs/ Michael Nolan) at 18.25.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Calipto - Guitar Pete - Activial
2. Race: Dynaste - Silviniaco Conti - First Lieutenant
3. Race: Rock On Ruby - Diakali - Grandouet
4. Race: Mossey Joe - Warne - Supreme Doc
5. Race: Claret Cloak - Sound Investment - Arnaud
6. Race: Western Warhorse - Oscar Whisky - Uxizandre
7. Race: Riverside Theatre - Doctor Harper - Cantlow

listed race in Ireland

the best racing today comes from Ireland, where a listed race over a mile at Leopardstown at 17.40 CET is the main event. In theory this looks at the mercy of Kingsbarns (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who has plenty in hand on official ratings. He won the Racing Post Trophy at two, and although he failed to build on this last year, his effort in the QE II Stakes was easily good enough for today´s opposition. However he will be at long-odds on and is not a betting proposition especially on the likely very soft going. In fact it be worth opposiing him with Pop Art (Charles O´Brien/ Fran Berry), who has already run well this season and will act on the ground. She is owned by Vincent O´Brien´s widow Jacqueline and daughter Sue - also the owner of Kingsbarns, so it could be a family finish. It could be a big day for Aidan and Joseph, who should also take the 3yo maiden at 17.10 with Johann Strauss (runner-up in the RP Trophy!) and they also have fancied candidates running at 16.40 and 19.10.
The 4 U.K. meetings offer no such excitement. There is some quite competitive jumps racing at Wincanton, but not at a high level, and flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield and Southwell this afternoon and Kempton this evening. Paul Webber could be the trainer to follow at Wincanton, as we like the prospects of Koolala (Denis O´Regan) at 15.15 and Marley Roca (Max Chenery) at 16.45, but basically punters are advised to keep their powder dry for the Grand National meeting starting tomorrow at Aintree.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Intense Debate - Sherama - Palace
2. Race: Table Rock - Fiscal Focus - Timiyan
3. Race: Light Heavy - Pop Art - Qewy
4. Race: Sophisticated Heir - Rose Angel - Indy Gal
5. Race: Little Arrows - The Black Devil - Zeftan
6. Race: Lone Star - Tom Dooley - Teoleena
7. Race: Gold Not Silver - Hurricane Sky - Carvelas

April Fools Day

the BHB are certainly playing an April Fool joke on us today by presenting us with 3 of the weakest cards of the year. There is N.H. racing at Newton Abbot and flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell and Kempton, all at a very low level. Tony McCoy was at Hexham yesterday for 3 rides (2 winners) and today travels to the other end of the country for just one ride at Newton Abbot, Brendan Powell´s Award Winner at 17.40 CET. This 11yo is very inconsistent but certainly capable enough on his day; top weight Jaunty Journey (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davoes) looks the main danger. Gotoyourplay (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) made a good comeback recently after two years off and can win ahgain at 16.10; oif he "bnoiunces", the rather one-ploacecd Camden (Olibver Camden>/ Leughton Aspell) is thr alternative. Otherwise here we should watch two French imports having their first U.K. runs for Paul Nicholls: Remilöic (Twiston-Davies) at 15.10 and Rothman (Nich Scholfield) at 16.40.
The most interesting runner on the all-weather is Alumina (Andrew Balding/ Jack Garrity) in the 3yo handicap at Southwell at 16.30; she has won her last 5 races, 3 of them here and the latest with this apprentice on board. She has gone up 32 lbs in the weights and sooner or later will meet defeat, but she probably still has a race or two in her. Balding has his string in fine form and also had runners at Kempton, but Sir Michael Stoute could be the trainer to follow there. He has entered Abseil (Jack Doyle) and Tall Ship (Ryan Moore) in the mile maiden at 15.50 and Economy (Doyle) over 1 1/2 miles an hour later. They are of course all beautifully bred and the two Khaled Abdullah runners (i.e. those ridden by Doyle) are the ones we expect to see in the winner´s enclosure. The 4yo Economy, runner up on only start so far, has surely been kept in training for a reason and he is the best bet of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jacobs Son - Lean On Pete - Mishrif
2. Race: Lendal Bridge - Meebo - Fizzolo
3. Race: Layla`S Hero - Pull The Pin - Beau Mistral
4. Race: Alumina - Outbacker - Royal Warrior
5. Race: Kingscombe - Opus - No Such Number
6. Race: Kasbhom - Bitaphon - Chapellerie
7. Race: Mont Signal - General Tufto - Just Five