Sandown this evening

Beverley´s evening meeting yesterday had to be abandoned after all the rain - let us hope that the same fate does not befall Sandown today, as their card is probably the best evening meeting of the entire year, with two group races and two listed races. In any case the going is bound to be very soft/ heavy, so that there could well be some non-runners.

The ground does not worry Peter Schiergen, who saddles German challenger Girolamo (Richard Hughes) in the Henry II Stakes over 2 miles at 20.15 CET. He is running over this trip for the first time, but the Cologne trainer is confident that he will get it. The obvious danger is another runner well known to German racegoers, Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote), beaten favourite in the 2011 German Derby and owned by football star Michael Owen. As a son of Shirocco the ground will be no problem for him either. Several of these runners will be aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup next month - and later in the year the Melbourne Cup- and others to be considered are Tiger Cliff (Alan King/ Tom Queally), High Jinx (James Fanshawe/ James Doyle) and the tough German-breds Oriental Fox (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) and Seismos (Marco Botti/ Andrea Atzeni),while 9yo Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Kieren Fallon) runs for the first ever time on the flat! He is a smart hurdler, but we cannot imagine his playing much of a role here. Brown Panther seems the logical winner, but we are hoping for a good performance from Girolamo.

The other group race is the Brigadier Gerard Stakes over 10 furlongs at 20.50. Only 5 runners, but there is very little between them. Hillstar (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) was runner-up to Brown Panther at Chester and is down in trip now; he could start favourite but we will take a chance on Top Notch Tonto (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift)., who is up in trip but will love the ground.

Tipps für die Rennen:
1. Rennen: Chain Of Events - Kastini - Cathedral
2. Rennen: Tiggy Wiggy - Escalating - Cock Of The North
3. Rennen: Brown Panther - Tiger Cliff - High Jinx
4. Rennen: Remote - Top Notch Tonto - Sharestan
5. Rennen: Master Carpenter - End Of Line - Patentar
6. Rennen: Secret Art - Dream Walker - George Cinq

More rain

The bad weather continues and the ground will be much softer than forecast at many courses today, with consequent non-runners. Particularly badly affected could be Beverley, which has called for an inspection. It would be really bad news if they had to abandon - although that does not .look likely at the moment- as the E, Yorkshire track´s evening meeting has easily the best card of the day. The Hilary Needler Trophy for 2yo fillies at 20.30 CET is not as good a race as it used to be, but could still be a good guide to Royal Ascot prospects. Tim Easterby took this last year and has another good chance with Don´t tell Annie (David Allan), a close fifth in a better race at York´s big meeting a fortnight ago. Cajoling (Johnny Portman/ Harry Bentley) could be the main danger; she was a shock 33-1 winner last time, but there was no fluke about the way she won that Windsor event. We also like Make On Madam (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift), who is still a maiden but ran well enough over this CD last Saturday; as a daughter of Captain Rio she should also handle very soft ground.

The best horses in action today will be seen in the 5 furlongs conditions race here half an hour later. Most of them are coming off a long break, so it hard to make a prediction. Hamish McGonagall (Easterby/ Allan) last ran in the Nunthorpe last August; his excellent fourth place there is the best form in the race. York Glory (Kevin Ryan/ Barry McHugh) finished behind him then, but ended last season with an excellent second to Maarek on soft ground at Newbury. Victory Laurel (Robert Cowell/ Bentley) had good form in Italy last year, while Arnold Lane (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott) won the Silberne Peitsche at Munich; he is down in trip now, but maybe a stiff 5 furlongs on soft going is just what he needs.

Racing this afternoon is all at a very low level, but our eye is caught by a couple of German-breds at Hamilton. Linda Perratt has two runners in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15, with Bunce (Jack Garrity) likely to start favourite; but we like Jinky (Jope Fanning), who is out of a Big Shuffle mare from a good German family, and he could go well at a big price. In the stayers handicap at 17.50, A Southside Boy (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) will attempt to repeat his 2013 victory. he is not so well handicapped now, but runs his best races here and as a son of Samum, will not mind the rain. Obvious danger is Saved by The Bell (David O´Meara/ David Nolan), runner-up in a big field at Doncaster last time.

6 poor meetings today

As is normal for a Tuesday, the sport on offer is mainly very low grade, with the vast majority of races class 5 or even lower. There are also some very small fields and quite a few non-runners, and the threat of further rain could result in more. The most interesting betting race is the 5 furlongs handicap at Redcar at 17.20 CET. The race is for 4yo´s and up, but most of the runners are older and they include familiar faces like 12yo Tax Free (David and Adrian Nicholls) and 10yo Oldjoesaid (Paul Midgley/ Peter McDonald). They both finished finished behind Bronze Beau (Kristin Stubbs/ Jacob Butterfield) at Thirsk 11 days ago, while Avon Breeze, runner-up in this last year, was also second over CD last week with Jack Luey (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) fourth. Tax Free is an old favourite of ours and we would love to see him win again (for the 17th time, including several group races in his youth); obviously he is not getting any faster at his age, but he keeps his form well enough and is certainly capable of winning off this rating, but the rain is not in his favour. It is surprisingly his first ever run at Redcar, which is close to the Nicholls stable, but we reluctantly pass him over here in favour of Bronze Beau.

The most interesting race at Leicester is the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 16.30. The two top-weights Miss Lillie (Ron Teal/ Oisin Miurphy) and Stosur (Gay Kelleway/ Luke Morris) were both well beaten last time in much better races, but they must both go close in this company. We shall take a chance on Stosur, who won at Cagnes in the winter and has been a non-runner several times recently; we have to assume that the trainer knows what she is doing in running her here. Nirva (Ralph Beckett/ Richard Kingscote) was also outclassed in a listed race last time, and looks the main danger.

Bank Holiday

Today is a Bank Holiday in the U.K. which means there is lots of low level racing, but nothing of great importance, and no racing in the evening although there is Irish racing at Ballinrobe.The best race of the day is the Zetland Gold Cup, a 10 furlongs handicap at 17.15 CET at Redcar. This is no longer the top event it used to be, but it is still quite a competitive race in which none of the 12 runners can be easily excluded. Luca Cumani has a good record here and his Ajmany (Andrea Atzeni) looks likely to start favourite after his excellent second place at Newmarket last time. However he has been put up 6 lbs for that, and may find the going still too soft for him, although it is now drying out after all the rain at the end of last week. Strictly Silver (Alan Bailey/ Graham Gibbons) was not far behind him at Newmarket and is now much better off, so we think he could be a more interesting bet at the prices. Whispering Warrior (David Simcock/ Shane Kelly) and Ginger Jack (Geoff Harker/ Peter McDonald) are other possibles, as are the two top-weights Sennockian Star (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Ennistown (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona), it would be nice to see the latter win in view of all the speculation last week about the trainer/ jockey relationship, but these two will not find it easy with their big weights and we shall stick to Strictly Silver (e.w.) in a very open race.

The only jumps racing today is at Cartmel and as this pretty Lake District track only stages two meetings a year (now and at the August Bank Holiday) it is a good idea to look for CD winners. We have found two in the 2 miles 1 furlong handicap chase at 16.25, top-weight Dunowen Point (Donald McCain/ Tony McCoy) and Sergeant Pink (Dianne Sayer/ James Reveley), who are both 2/2 over this CD. At the weights we prefer the latter. Our best bet here however is German-bred Cafe au Lait (Tony Middleton/ Richard Johnson) in the 4yo hurdle at 15.20. When trained by Christian von der Recke he was running in much better company, and against this weak opposition and on faster ground he must have a decent chance.

two Group One races at the Curragh

while there are inexplicably 3 N.H. meetings in the U.K. today and no flat racing at all, we have a hiugh class Card at the Cutrragh, where the Irish 1,000 Guineas will be run at 16.55 CET and the Tattersalls Gold Cup, also a Group One, at 16.20. The British took the lions share of prize-money yesterday and there are 2 strong candidates in the Guineas, Lightning Thunder (Olly Stevens/ Harry Bentley) and At Thakira (Marco Botti/ Richard Hughes). The former had the better form, having been runner-up in the Newmarket version, but that was on firmish ground, and on this much more testing going we would not be surprised to see the Botti contender do better. However the local defense is very strong, with Aidan O´Brien saddling 3 runners and Dermot Weld two. John Oxx´ My Titania, who would have been favourite, has been scratched because of the ground. One assumes that Joseph has the pick of his father´s runners, so Palace could be the best of the O´Brien trio, but we prefer the Weld team. Both his runners are owned by Khalid Abdullah, who took yesterday´s 2,000 as expected with Kingman, and while the owner´s main jockey James Doyle rides Vote Often, the trainer´s top rider Pat Smullen is on Tested. It is hard to know what to make of this, but it seems that Tested is carrying the first colours (pink cap) and so we make him the selection.
The Tattersalls Gold Cup is usually where Aidan O´Brien starts off his top older horses and he has won it repeatedly, usually with an odds-on favourite. That honour today goes to Magician, who is the top-rated runner, and easily holds Parish Hall (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) on their form over this CD 3 weeks ago. However Magician´s wins in the Irish 2,000 and the Breeders Cup Turf both came on form ground, and although he won on the heavy at 2, we are not sure if this going will really be to his liking. We think it might be worth taking a chance with another Juddmonte hope, Noble Mission (Lady Cecil/ Doyle). This brother to Frankel (their younger half-sister was a good winner yesterday on very soft ground at Haydock) seems much improved this season and clearly goes well on this ground.

U.K. racing today

4 flat meetings this afternoon, and they go twice over jumps this evening. Unfortunately the bad weather continues in many areas and there are lots of non-runners, while the ground will possibly be much softer than expected. This may not be ideal for German raider Gracia Directa (Dominik Moser/ Daniele Porcu) who runs in the fillies listed race over 6 furlongs at Haydock at 16.10 CET. She was second in the race last year and we hope she goes one better today, but Joyeuse (Lady Cecil/ Ryan Moore), a half-sister to Frankel, looks a big danger. The big race at Haydock is the Group Two Temple Stakes over 5 furlongs at 15.40 and the weather will play a role here, as the best horse in the field Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Moore) clearly needs it as fast as possible. The 3yo Hot Streak (Kevin Ryan/ Oisin Murphy) could well go right to the top ads we make him our selection, although Kingsgate Native (Robert Cowell/ Jim Crowley), who has won this race twice before, should go well again, and if the ground turns soft. Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) would also enter calculations.

There is also a good card at Goodwood but the fields are small as a result of all the rain. Godolphin run 3 in the opening listed race at 14.50 with French Navy (Charlie Appleby/ Adam Kirby) in the first colours, and he looks the stable´s main hope. Gatewood (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori) back to form after an unsuccessful spell in Australia, can take the listed race half an hour later, with Kelinni (Marco Botti/ Luke Morris) the only danger. The big betting sory of couse is the Scoop6, which has reached new record levels after not being won for 12 weeks (and 9 months in the case of the huge bonus pot!). They have of course chosen the 6 toughest races, including two incredibly difficult handicaps at Catterick. For the record, our very tentative two against the field in each race are:

leg 1: Polski Max, Trader Jack
leg 2: Joe Eile, Hadaj
leg 3: Piceno, Johnny Cavagin
leg 4: Gracia Directa, Joyeuse
leg 5: Wahaab, Penny Drops
leg 6: What about Carlo, Bilimbi

good luck! (and don´t forget our commission if you win!)

Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh

Racing all over today, but clearly the top race is the irish 2,000 Guineas at 16.20 CET at the Curragh. To a certain extent this is a re-run of the Newmarket version 3 weeks ago, in which Kingman (John Gosden/ James Doyle) started a hot favourite and finished a half-length runner-up, with Shifting Power (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) fourth and War Command (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) further back. Despite that defeat - his first ever- Kingman looks a very smart prospect and we expect him to confirm the form, although neither Hannon nor O´Brien should be underestimated. O´Brien in particular has an unrivalled record in the Irish classics and has won this race 5 times in the last 6 years. He saddles 3 more runners today, but we assume that his son is sitting on the right one. A danger to all is Mustajeeb (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) who certainly caught the eye last time when beating older horses in good style at Leopardstown.

However they fare here, we hope that Weld and Smullen can take the following Group Three over a mile for older fillies and mares at 16.55 with Big Break; she rather suprisingly failed to win last year, but they won´t have kept this sister to Famous Name in training without good reason and she can take full advantage of the 5 lks she receives here from the two penalised fillies Fiesolana (Willie McCreery/ Billy Lee) and the O´Brien´s Peace Burg.

The other group race, over 6 furlongs at 15.45, can go to Maarek (Evanna McCutcheon/ Declan McDonogh), back to form last time and very difficult to beat over this distance on soft ground. Slade Power (Eddie Lynam/ Wayne Lordan) and Darwin (A & J O´Brien) can follow him home.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Blue Fragrance - I Am Beautiful - Alertness
2. Race: Cappella Sansevero - Coto - Sors
3. Race: Darwin - Maarek - Slade Power
4. Race: Mustajeeb - War Command - Shifting Power
5. Race: Fiesolana - Peace Burg - Wannabe Better
6. Race: John Constable - Fiscal Focus - Sherama
7. Race: Harley`s Harley - Woodsophiesmile - Dynamite Dixie

Lots of non-runners at Goodwood

Yesterday´s rain has got into the ground at Goodwood, and consequently there are lots of non-runners today, the second day of their May meeting, including 8 in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.35 CET, normally the top betting race of the day, and 6 in the fillies handicap at 18.10. There are also plenty of non-runners at the other meetings, so punters are strongly advised to check before placing their bets.

Main event at Goodwood is the listed Cocked Hat Stakes for 3yo´s over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 17.00, a last ditch Derby trial, although no winner has gone on to score at Epsom since Troy in 1979. Only 2 of the 5 runners hold an entry at Epsom, where the Derby will be run a fortnight tomorrow, and they could well fight out the finish: Observational (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) and Signposted (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), both of whom should enjoy the soft going. Signposted finished just behind Marzocco (John Gosden/ Ryan Moore) in Epsom´s own Derby Trial and was then well beaten in the Lingfield Derby Trial, but we are hoping for a better performance today. Observational is still a maiden but has run well both starts against decent opponents. Barley Mow (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) has a penalty for winning at Newmarket, and he appears to be a difficult ride; we are also not sure that he will act on the ground.

Even with the decimated fields, the handicaps look tricky. We suggest,more in hope than in confidence, Atlantis Crossing (James Boyle/ Pat Cosgrave) at 15.50, Kalispell (Charlie Appleby/ Ryan Moore) at 16.25, Ashpan Sam (Jon Spearing/ Moore) at 17.35 and Ryan Moore again at 18.10 on Sir Michael Stoute´s Adore.

Goodwood May meeting starts today

Goodwood´s May Meeting, their second most important fixture of the year, starts today and the listed race for 3yo fillies over 10 furlongs at 17.25 is the best race of the day in the U.K. From the betting point of view it looks very tricky, as there are arguments both for and against all 8 runners. The two top-rated fillies are Feedyah (Charlie Appleby/ Richard Hughes) and Secret Pursuit (Marcus Tregoning/ Hayley Turner), but that may not mean too much. The former was placed in both UAE fillies classics at Meydan and this is her first race since; the jockey booking seems very surprising, but Hughes is the top jockey here and victory would be no huge surprise. The latter showed much improved form to finish runner-up in tne Cheshire Oaks, with Psychometry (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) well held in fourth, but we one we really like is Jordan Princess (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) who was runner-up to Taghrooda at Newmarket. She was beaten a long way, but looks certain to come on for that run, while the winner is now favourite for the Oaks.

The 7 furlongs handicap at 16.50 looks quite a hot race, even with only 8 runners, and So Beloved /Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) is apparently regarded as a posssible Royal Ascot winner. Howeverboth he and the likely favourite Russian Realm (Stoute/ Moore) are by Dansili and may find this trip on the sharp side. Thd 3 CD specialists here are George Guru (Mike Attwater/ Rab Havlin), Magic City (Richard Hannon/ Hughes) and The Confesssor (Henry Candy/ Dame O´Neill). George Guru did best of them last time, while the other two were a close second and third in this race last year. If 8 run, The Confessor, who runs his best aces here, could be an interesting each-way bet.

Most of the jockeys will be at Sandown´s evening meeting, where we are interested in German-bred Norab (Marco Botti/ Atzeni) over 1 3/4 miles at 19.25. This half-brother to Night Magic jhas not shown much so far, but would not need to be anything soecial to score off this rating.

Another German-bred we like today is Mister Bob (James Bethell/ Graham Lee) at Ayr at 17.00 and any further rain would help the prospects of the son of Black Sam Bellamy. Lee is riding in great form and can also take the previous race at the Scottish track on Jim Goldie´s top-weight Titus Bolt.

6 more poor meetings today

There is good racing later in the week, but not today, where all 6 Meetings and short on quality. The most valuable race of the day is the 5 furlongs handicap at Ayr at 17.50 CET, with several CD specialists in the line-up. Op-weight Imperial Legend (David Nicholls/ Paul Mulrennan) is arguably the class act hger, as the other runner with that weight Megaleka (Alan Bailey/ Tim Clark), who won 3 races in April, including this CD, now seems handicapped out of it., he trouble is that most of them have met before, with varying results. We shall taker a chynce on Jinky (Linda Perrett/ Peter McDonald), who was behind some of these on his two starts this year but meets them all on better terms. He won over this CD last July and if in the same mood can score again.

At Lingfield this afternoon, the first 4 races are on turf and the last 3 on the all-weather track. Pack Leader (Amanda Perrett/ Richard Hughes) ran two good races last year and has an obvious chance in the 3yo maiden at 15.30, but the Queen´s filly Micras (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy) could be a big danger. On the all-weather we like Frangipanni (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) in the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.30; this well-bred only scrambled home when winning here last time and has gone up 6 lbs but she looks capable of further improvement.

Doyle is one of several jockeys moving on to Kempton´s evening meeting and rides the very well-bred Economy for Sir Michael Stoute at 20.20. However the form of his maiden victory here looks nothing special and we prefer Jazz Master (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni), who won twice over this CD last year and made a satisfactory reappearance at Doncaster. Cumani and Atzeni can possibly double up half an hour later with Pleasure Bent.

Our best bet at today´s 3 jumps meetings is Malibu Sun (Bryan Pauling/ Nico de Boinville) in the handicap chase at 19.40 at Worcester this evening. He has won his last 3 races and has been put up 27 lbs for his pains, but he seems much improved and his 3 opponents, who must all concede weight, are nothing out of the ordinary.. The Irish jumps meeting at Sligo has an all-hurdles card.

Please note that there are plenty of non-runners today, so please check before placing your bets.

5 poor meetings today

All today´s racing in the U.K. is on the flat, with Nottingham, Bath and Newcastle this afternoon, and Yarmouth and Warwick this evening, but they are all at a very low level. Almost every race is class 5 or worse and basically they are not good for betting purposes.

The best race of the day is arguably the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo filles at 16.30 CET at Nottingham, with several well-bred and lightly-raced fillies engaged. With the Stoute stable now coming into form, we like Heho (Ryan Moore) here, who looks as is she could be significantly better than her current handicap rating suggests.

The most interesting race at Bath is the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.40, with several CD specialists in action, notably Dreams of Glory (Ron Hodges/ Harry Bentley). who has won 4 times over this CD, and Alcando (Denis Coakley/ Royston Ffrench), both of whose career wins have been here. At these weights we prefer the latter.

The ground is firming up everywhere, which may not be ideal for German-bred Fieldgunner Kirkup (David Barron/ Graham Goibbons) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.50 at Newcastle, and he is also very inconsistent, but he seems so well handicapped now that we must give him a sporting chance over his best distance.

One horse that has caught our eye this evening is Noverre To Go (Ron Harris/ Steve Drowne) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.45 at Warwick. An easy six furlongs on fast ground is what he wants, and he seems to have his ideal conditions here.

6 meetings today

Monday is rarely a good day and today we have 6 meetings, but almost every race at a very low level. The 5 furlongs handicap at Redcar at 17.20 CET is probably the best race of the day and these sprint handicaps are always tricky. We like Stone of Folca (John Best/ Luke Morris) here, who is down in grade after a string of poor performances in much better company. However he is very well handicapped on his old form - his last win 2 years was in the Epsom Dash off a higher rating- he goes well fresh and has won this race before. Half an hour later the in-form team of David O´Meara and Danny Tudhope can take the 3yo handicap with Sheriff of Nawton; he is much improved since being switched to turf and has won his last two races, including CD.

O´Meara can also be on the scorecard at Southwell´s all-weather meeting with Patronia Ciana (David Nolan), who has top weight in the 6 furlongs handicap for fillies at 17.30; this race looks much easier than the one in which she finished unplaced at York last week.

There is racing this evening at Windsor and Leicester, and it is striking that most of the top jockeys are at the latter track. Ryan Moore seems to have the best book of rides and can ride several winners. Another jockey hopeful of multiple wins is Tony McCoy who has 5 rides at Towcester, all with chances.

in Ireland, there is a mixed meeting at Roscommon, with 4 flat races followed by a bumper and two chases. It is apparently raining there, a good reason to give this card a miss.

Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan

As usual, mainly low quality sport on a Sunday, with jumps racing (with small fields) at Market Rasen and Stratford, as well as Limerick in Ireland, and flat racing at Ripon and Navan (Ireland). Easily the best race is the Vintage Crop Stakes over 1 3/ 4 miles at 17.05 CET at Navan, which sees several of Ireland´s top stayers in the line-up. Vintage Crop was of course the Irish horse that won the Melbourne Cup in 1983, the first foreign horse to do so, and thereby ushered in an era of international thoroughbred racing. He was trained by Dermot Weld, one of the greatest Irish trainers of all time -and still going strong. His stable is currently in sensational form with a strike rate this year of over 40% and clearly he would like to win this race again. He saddles the 5yo mare Pale Mimosa (Pat Smullen), and although in theory she faces a tough task, we give her our vote. She was last time seen in Ascot´s Long Distance Cup where she finished behind Royal Diamond (Johnny Murtagh/ Niall McCulllough) but in front of Saddlers Rock (John Oxx/ Wayne Lordan), two of the most consistent Irish stayers of recent seasons. However clear top-rated here, and obviously the one to beat, is Leading Light (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who is currently ante-post favourite for the Ascot Gold Cup. He was outclassed in the Arc behind Treve, but was unbeaten coming into that race, where his victories included the St. Leger at Doncaster. He has to give 8 lbs to the Weld mare and we are not sure that he will be up to it.

The best race at Ripon is the mile handicap at 17.10, which looks wide open. We shall take a chance on oldtimer Osteopathic Remedy (Michael Dods/ Conor Beasley), an absoiute CD specialist who has won the Ripon Rowels., a similar race run in August, no fewer than 4 times. Over jumps, we like Tagliette (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) in the novice hurdle at 16.15 at Limerick, while at Market Rasen, Shrewd (John Ferguson/ Dougie Costello), a decent handicapper on the flat for Michael Bell, can get off the mark over sticks at 15.00.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Household Cavalry - Sailors Swan - Zaindera
2. Race: Pixie Spirit - Pierre D`or - Calling You
3. Race: Araner - Blackbriar - Fresh Focus
4. Race: Great Minds - Masai - Greek Canyon
5. Race: Leading Light - Royal Diamond - Pale Mimosa
6. Race: John Constable - Resiliency - Corona Borealis
7. Race: Sereza - Dance With Another - Odisseia
8. Race: Table Rock - Photo Call - Angel Of Joy

Scoop Six today

The U.K. is in the grip of Scoop 6 fever as there are expected to be some ten million pounds in the pot, which has not been won for the past 11 weeks. 5 of the 6 races are very tricky handicaps, while the other is the listed race at Newmarket in which we have selected Parbold. Obviously this is extremely difficult, and anybody who wins the jackpot deserves huge credit- plus of course pots of money. We have chosen two runners in each of the handicaps as a help if you want to have a go:

Newmarket 14.45: Jack of Diamonds, Sheikh the Reins
Newbury 15.40: Bronze Angel, Monsieur Chevalier
Thirsk, 16.35: Tax Free, Oldjoesaid
Newmarket, 16.30: Stomp, Nova Champ
Thirsk: 17.00: Eutropius, Al Muheer

Of course it is quite possible that we do not have a single placed horse in this list, but we wish you the best of luck and will be expecting a hefty percentage if you hit!

Lockinge Stakes at Newbury

The Group One Lockinge Stakes over a mile at 16.50 CET is clearly the best race of the day and has attracted a good field, including German raider Chopin (Andreas Wöhler/ Jamie Spencer). Unfortunately the improvement in the weather had resulted in the gound firming up, which will not be to his taste. It should also inconvience some of others as well- Olympic Glory (Richard Hannon/ Frankie Dettori), the likely hot favourite, has shown his best form on soft going, as have Tullius (Andreas Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) and Top Notch Tonto (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift). Even so, we expect Olympic Glory to win as he has easily the best form, including his QE II win at Ascot and his excellent second places to Moonlight Cloud and Maxios in France. His stable companion Montiridge (Richard Hughes) is one who could be suited by the ground, while ex-USA dirt Performer Verrazano (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is hard to assess; he won two Group Ones in the States but generally, we prefer to leave out these imports on their first run in Eiurope. Wöhler knows all about Empire Storm (Mike Attwater/ Kieren Fallon), whom he used to train; he hardly seems good enough to figure in this company, but could make the running. Chopin was a spectacular winner of the Dr. Busch last year, following which he was sold to Qatar Racing and ran well enough in the Derby, but was well beaten on form ground at Royal Ascot. He made a satisfactory reappearance and we hope he runs well, although the two Hannon runners seem to be the ones to beat.

The listed Aston Park Stakes over 1 mile 5 furlongs here at 15.05 has a field strong enough for most group races over this trip, headed by Mount Athos (Marco Botti/ Spencer), third in last year´s Melbourne Cup. He faces some tough opposition here, notably the big improver Battalion (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) and the smart hurdler Forgotten Voice (Nicky Henderson/ Dettori). He is being aimed at Melbourne again, but if he is at 100% he would win this; however for today we prefer Battalion.

There are also two listed races at Newmarket, both for 3yo´s, over 7 furlongs at 15.55 and over ten at 17.05. The latter race should go to Pinzolo (Charlie Appleby/ Silvestre de Sousa), although as a son of Monsun, he would probably prefer some ease in the ground; however he has the best form and Truth or Dare (Hannon/ Martin Dwyer), who does like it form, can follow him home. In the earlier event we hope that Parbold (Richard Fahey/ Freddie TylickI) can redeem himself after a below-par effort over this CD in the Free Handicap. However he is very well treated by the race conditions, and can take his revenge on Aeolus (Ed McMahon/ Graham Lee), while the filly Dorothy B (John Gosden/ William Buick) is possibly a bigger danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Connecticut - Obsidian - Moohaarib
2. Race: Battalion - Mount Athos - Sky Hunter
3. Race: Bronze Angel - Fort Knox - Indignant
4. Race: Windshear - Satellite - Cannock Chase
5. Race: Olympic Glory - Verrazano - Tullius
6. Race: Bon Voyage - Between Wickets - Dianora
7. Race: Angelic Air - Aertex - Token Of Love

York May meeting: third day

Today is the third and final day of York´s May meeting with the Yorkshire Cup over 1 3/4 miles at 15.45 CET the main feature. This is the shortest of the so-called Cup races and the distance could be a problem, as several of these have been running over much further, and others over much shorter. Another problem is the ground, which is drying out rapidly. For this reason we shall oppose the lkilely favourite Tac de Boitron (Marco Botti/ Andrea SAtzeni), as his best form is on much softer going and over longer distances. He also has a Group One penalty, as does James Fanshawe´s mare Seal of Approval (Hayley Turner). Up in trip are Cubanita (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), whose latest Newbury form reads well but also prefers it softer, and Gospel Choir (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), who was staying on well when winning the Jockey Club Stakes on fast ground last time. Glen´s Diamond (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) won this race last year, so must be respected, while Tiger Cliff, now with jumps trainer Alan King but ridden as always by Tom Queally, won the Ebor over this CD, which also puts him in with a chance. The question mark here is Ahzeemah (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kieren Fallon), whio has not run since a disappointing effort at Ascot last October; he was previously very consistent at this level and is the selection.

It is Ladies Day at York, and the two main supporting races are listed events for fillies - for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 14.45 and for 3yo´s over a mile at 16.15. In the former race there are 4 fillies still unbeaten, and one of them will probably win, most likely Tiggy Wiggy (Richard Hannon/ Sean Levey) or Zuhoor Baynoona (Fahey/ Moore). The latter race looks very tricky, well-bred Radiator (Stoute/ James Doyle) has not run since September, but could be dangerous, but we also like the lightly-raced pair Folk Melody (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) and Nirva (Beckett/ Crowley). There is also a 7 furlongs handicap restricted to fillies at 17.25, which could go to Dusky Queen (Fahey/ Moore).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tiggy Wiggy - Patience Alexander - Sarista
2. Race: Arab Spring - Amralah - Itlaaq
3. Race: Tac de Boistron - Gospel Choir - Ahzeemah
4. Race: Radiator - Qawaasem - Azagal
5. Race: Canyari - Outer Space - Piazon
6. Race: Tight Fit - Dusky Queen - Patrona Ciana
7. Race: Latin Charm - Mairise - Innocent Touch

York May meeting: second day

The York meeting continues with the Dante Stakes at 15.45 CET the main event. This is normally the best Derby trial in the U.K. and 3 of the last 10 winners have gone on to win at Epsom, while Workforce, runner-up here, won the Derby and the Arc. The weather is now much better and the ground is drying out, which means that the doubtful runners are all likely to run. They include the hot favourite True Story (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kieren Fallon), who needs decent ground. The Manduro colt was most impressive when winning the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket and a repeat of that form would see him home here. The news that Fallon has the ride - both here and in the Derby, for which he is currently second favourite, has caused some raised eyebrows - but the veteran is in excellent form and won the top race here yesterday. The Grey Gatsby (Kevin Ryan/ Ryan Moore) is second top-rated, but in all honesty we cannot see him with much of a chance here. The most likely runners to bustle up True Story are Arod (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer) and Bunker (Richard Hannon/ Frankie Dettori), both Qatari-owned. It is a long time since Chapple-Hyam won a big race - in fact since Authorized brought off the Dante-Derby double in 2007 - but this one was a very easy maiden winner last time and worth a try in this grade, while Bunker has not run since August, when he narrowly defeated subsequent Group One and classic winner Karakontie at Deauville. Obviously that is good form, but True Story looks the goods and we hope he scores here.

Classic form is also well represented in the main supporting feature, the Middleton Stakes for fillies and mares, also over 10 furlongs, at 15.15. Our selection Secret Gesture (Ralph Beckett/ Spencer) was runner-up in both the Epsom and German Oaks last year. In theory she has a tough task against Thistle Bird (Roger Charlton/ Dettori), who was a close third in the Prix de l´Opera to Dalkala, who won this last year, while she finished last, but the Beckett stable is in such good form, especially the fillies, that we give her preference. Ambivalent (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) ran a great race in the Sheema Classic to finish third and cannot be discounted, but we are hoping to see Secret Gesture win here.

The other black type race is the listed handicap over a mile at 16.15. This looks very tricky and many of these have met before- including here, as Fury (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) won this race in 2012 and Navajo Chief (Alan Jarvis/ Fallon) last year; both could be involved again, as can Prince of Johanne (Tom Tate/ Graham Lee), runner-up on both occasions, while Tales of Grimm (Richatrd Fahey/& Tony Hamilton) looks a big danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ashpan Sam - Ballesteros - Desert Law
2. Race: Thistle Bird - Secret Gesture - Mango Diva
3. Race: Bunker - Arod - The Grey Gatsby
4. Race: Spa`S Dancer - Fort Bastion - Ingleby Angel
5. Race: Justice Day - Ambiance - Shamshon
6. Race: Silver Ranger - Gaudy - Bossy Guest
7. Race: Cape Tribulation - Calculated Risk - Albert Bridge

York May meeting: first day

The York May meeting gets under way with some highly competitive racing; the ground will still be on the soft side after the rain of the past few days. but with a positive weather forecast, it can be expected to dry out some. Today´s top races are the Musidora Stakes for 3yo fillies over an extended 10 furlongs at 15.45 CET and the Group Two Duke of York Stakes over 6 furlongs half an hour later. The Musidora is a major trial for the Oaks, although it is a long time since any runner here featured at Epsom.

If one does this year, it is likely to be the once-raced Cambridge (Charlie Hills/ James Doyle), who won her only start last season in good style and is currently second favourite for Epsom. She beat Regardez (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) on that occasion, and that one is also in with a chance, having subsequently won well and she is from a stable that famously does well with fillies. Queen of Ice (William Haggas/ Seb Sanders) is also unbeaten, as is Madame Chiang (David Simcock/ Kieren Fallon) and they must also be considered, and the Queen´s Shama (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) has been well supported and also comes into calculations in an open race.

The Duke of York is even trickier and as open as any handicap. We like Astaire (Kevin Ryan/ Richard Hughes), the only 3yo in the field, although horses of that age group rarely win this. He was a top 2yo last season and his performance when 5th in the Greenham (form which has worked out well) suggests that this trip could be ideal. Irish challenger Maarek (Evanna McCutcheon/Declan McDonough) is probably the best horse in the field on all known form, but has to give weight away all round, while his two runs this year have been slightly disappointing. However if he is at his best, he must figure, while Tropics (Dean Ivory/ Robert Winston) is another one who could play a leading role here.

The handicaps have large fields and all look very difficult. In the opening 10 furlongs race at 14.45 our choice is Awake my Soul (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), who has run two good races over this CD on soft ground and now meets the horses who beat him on much better terms. We would really fancy Yeeow (Karl Burke/ Joey Haynes) at 15.15, but he does not want the ground too soft, so we will prefer oldtimer Regal Parade (Milton Bradley/ Freddie Tylicki), who is very well handicapped on his old form. The 3yo handicap at 16.50 is a nightmare with several unexposed types including top-weight That Is The Spirit (O´Meara/ Tudhope), Provident Spirit (John Gosden/ William Buick), runner-up to him on both their debuts and a winner since, while Idea (Stoute/ Doyle) looks very dangerous further down the weights.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rye House - Tres Coronas - Lahaag
2. Race: Lancelot Du Lac - Fast Shot - Jamaican Bolt
3. Race: Cambridge - Shama - Queen Of Ice
4. Race: Moviesta - Jack Dexter - Astaire
5. Race: Provident Spirit - That Is The Spirit - Idea
6. Race: Magical Roundabout - Mambo Paradise - Captain Colby
7. Race: Gabrial`s Star - Mica Mika - Ebony Express

6 meetings today

Plenty of racing again today, but all at a low level. It continues to rain in many parts of Britain and Ireland and the going will certainly be on the soft side almost everywhere. Amazingly, 4 of the 5 U.,K. meetings today are over jumps, which seems absolutely ridiculous. Not surprisingly there are some very small fields, and races which offer normal each-way betting are few and far between.

The sole flat card is at Beverley, where the mile handicap at 17.00. Top-weight Toto Kyllachy (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) is a sztanding dish at Beverlrey and won this race last year. He is still well handicapped, but the rain is not in his favour and so we prefer Ted´s Brother (Richard Guest/ Conor Beasley), who is penalised 6 lbs for an easy win on soft ground last week and can score again. Well-bred Busatto (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is tried at a new trip after failing to shine over longer distances and could well be a big danger.

Our old friend Moon Over Miami (Mr. D.Holmes) is now 13 and clearly not as good as he used to be; however he won the hunters chase at Southwell at 19.00 ´last year and could well run well again; as a son of Dashing Blade, he would not the ground to be too soft, but Southwell seems to have missed much of the rain.

Another German-bred we like today is Arctic Fire (Willie Mullins/ Pat Smullen), who runs in a flat race at 21.25 at Killarney´s mixed meeting. He has only ever run once on the flat, in the French provinces two years ago, but has been in excellent form over hurdles and can win here, with Exotic (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) the obvious danger.

listed race this evening

6 Meetings today, 3 in the afternoon and 3 in the evening, but almost all at a very low grade, and the only race above class 3 Level is the listed mile race at 20.20 at Windsor this evening. The much-improved Ocean Tempest (John Ryan/ Adam Kirby) is the logical choice here; he won his last 3 races in 2013 and then spent the winter in Meydan without much to show for this pains -on third place in 6 starts- but has been in great from since returning to the U.K. He won the Lincoln off a big weight - the runner-up has since won a Grpup 2- and last time out won a .listed race at Ascot easily enough with 2 of today´s rivals behind: Fencing (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) in 4th, and Baltic Knight well back. The former may get closer today on 4 lbs better terms, but the main danger is probably Out of Bounds (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa), who is however coming off a long break. We also like the ambitiously-named Der Meister (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy) here an hour later; he is out of as Big Shuffle mare but seems to stay well enough.

Easily the best jumps race at the 2 N.H.meetings this evening is the Killarney National at 20.10. Most Nationals are over much longer distances, but this Irish one is only 2 3/4 miles, but it is still quite competitive. The two with the best recent form are Usuel Smurfer (Shark Hanlon/ Danny Mullins) and She´s Got Grit (Tom O´Brien/ Paul Townend), but Miss Pepperpot (Francis Flood/ Mark Enright) won this last year off a higher rating and despite her poor recent form might be able to double up off a very low weight.

3 group races at Leopardstown

once again, Irish racing comes to the rescue on a Sunday with a highly interesting card at Leopardstown, featuring 3 group races, two of them significant classic trials. The advance going was officially good, but it will be much softer after some heavy rain. The Derby Trial at 16.55 should be very informative, with Aidan O´Brien saddling his unbeaten Geoffrey Chaucer (son Joseph aboard), while Dermot Weld runs Fascinating Rock (Pat Smullen) who has won both his races this season in good style. That was on soft ground, while the O´Brien runner has raced only on the firm, so we prefer Dermot Weld´s runner, with the stable operating at an amazing 42.5% strike rate this year. The Aga Khan´s Ebanoran (John Oxx/ Declan McDonough) looks next best.
The 1,000 Guineas Trial at 16.25 is difficult, as most of These filles have no form at all at stakes Level. 5 of them were easy winners of a maiden last time and now up in grade. The O´Brien´s run the highly-rated Palace, but we prefer the two daughters of Sea the Stars (a stallion we expect to have a fantastic year) Afternoon Sunlight (Weld Smullen) and Stars So Bright (Oxx/ McDonough), who runs in the Tsui colours.
Weld and Smullen can kick off an excellent afternoon with Mustajeeb in the Amethyst Stakes over a mile at 15.55. The stable won this 3 times running with Famous Name and knows what is required. This lightly-raced 3yo -. the only runner of this age group- receives a lot of weight from the other runners, with the tough Penitent (David O´ Meara/ Danny Tudhope), who has plenty of good form at this level and will be well suited by soft ground, the obvious danger.
There is also jumps racing in Ireland at Killarney,and In the U.K. N.H.meetings at Ludlow and Plumpton. At Ludlow, German-breds Sacred Square at 15.15 and Lava Lamp at 16.15 might run better than their odds suggest, while we expect Josh Moore to have a good day at Plumpton; he can win the first two races on Civil War and Kingsfold Flare, both trained by his father Gary, and possibly the third race as well on Pauline Robeson´s Smart Exit.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Primo Uomo - Intenser - Splashtop
2. Race: Mustajeeb - Penitent - Qewy
3. Race: Palace - Harry`s Princess - Stars So Bright
4. Race: Geoffrey Chaucer - Fascinating Rock - Obliterator
5. Race: Fiosrach - Harley`s Harley - Shipyard
6. Race: Manhattan Swing - Egyptian Warrior - Sardinia
7. Race: Felix Mendelssohn - Marakoush - Granddukeoftuscany

Lingfield and Haydock

the best races of the day are the classic trials at Lingfield, though they are no longer as significant as was the case a few years ago. However Aidan O´Brien, who won two Derby Trials at Chester this week, sends two ovetr for the Group Three Derby Trial at 15.55 CET. Son Joseph partners Mekong River, who has the highest rating in the field but is also the most exposed, and possibly the once-raced Blue Hussar (Ryan Moore) can improve past him. Sudden Wonder (Chatlie Appleby/ Mikael Barzalona) won a valuable sales race at Newmarket last time and looks a big danger, while Munjaz (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) also won at that track and should come on a lot for that.
The Oaks Trial at 15.20 also looks quite open, and Ralph Beckett, who has a good record here, saddles three fillies. His main jockey Jim Crowley is on Moonrise Landing, one of 3 unbeaten fillies, and she could be the one. The Queen´s Queen´s Prize( Sir Michael Stoute/ Moore), also unbeaten, looks a big threat and so is Casusal Smile (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), whose dam actually won the Oaks.
Of great German interest is the Group Three Chartwell Fillies Stakes at 17.00, in which Peter Schiergen saddles Emerald Star (Daniele Porcu). She ran a good race when third at Cologne to Meerjungfrau and this distance of 7 furlongs is probably ideal. In our opinion she has a decent each-way chance, with the French raider Dalayna (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Soumillon) probably the one to beat.
There is plenty more good racing today and Haydock stages an excellent mixed meeting with two hot handicap hurdles. Our hopes here are Broadway Buffalo (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Cross Kennon (Jennie Candlish/ Sean Quinlan) in the 3-miler at 14.50, and last year´s winner Barizan (Donald McCain/ Tony McCoy) and lightly-weighted Titus Bolt (Jim Goldie/ Dale Irving) in the Swinton Hurdle at 16.30. Both these races are part of today´s Scoop 6 and anybody who gets all 6 winners is likely to become an instant millionaire- but it looks very tough indeed.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Wild Tobacco - Town Crier - King Crimson
2. Race: Casual Smile - Queen`s Prize - Island Remede
3. Race: Mekong River - Sudden Wonder - Blue Hussar
4. Race: Soviet Rock - Ajman Bridge - Ennistown
5. Race: Dalayna - Winning Express - Annecdote
6. Race: Yourartisonfire - Whipper Snapper - George Cinq
7. Race: Interception - Great Expectations - Born To Surprise

Ascot today

lots of racing today and after more rain and some blustery wind, the ground will be very soft almost everywhere. We shall start with Ascot which has a strong Saturday card with the big betting race of the day, the valuable Victoria Cup over 7 furlongs at 16.50 CET. With 29 runners on the straight course, this is a real cavalry charge. Most of these have met before, íncluding Excellent Guest (George Margarson/ Tom Queally), who won last year (on much faster ground) from Berriewhittle (David Barron/ Jack Garrity), while Heavens Guest (Rochatd Fahey/ George Chaloner) won a similar race over this CD last October, with several of these behind. On both occasions Loving Spirit (Jamie Toller/ Robert Tart) and Redvers (Ed Vaughan/ Freddie Tylicki) were close up, and they are both better handicapped today. They are on our short list, together with Ayaar (Luca Cumani/ Frankie Dettori), who won the Zukunfts.Rennen in 2012 and is a specialist for the distance.
The listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 15.40 is tricky, as some of the form looks rather unreliable and some of them will not like the soft going.. Harris Tweed (William Haggas/ George Baker) for instance is the best horse in the field and goes on the ground, but isvery inconsistent and ran really badly last time. In the right mood, he would win this, but we shall take a chance on the only filly in the field Cocktail Queen (David Elsworth/ Queally).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hamelin - Glorious Protector - Semeen
2. Race: Pether`s Moon - Harris Tweed - Gatewood
3. Race: Ribbons - Fashion Line - Feedyah
4. Race: Purcell - Loving Spirit - Brownsea Brink
5. Race: Sunset Sail - The Paco Kid - Winslow
6. Race: Multitask - Intrinsic - Kinglami

Chester May Meeting: third day

Today is the third and final day of Chester´s big meeting and unfortunately the heavy rain of the last couple of days has resulted in a large number of non-runners and some very small fields. There are now only 4 runners in the main event, the Ormonde Stakes over 1 mile 5 furlongs at 15,45 CET and it now looks a match between Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) and Hillstar (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). Hillstar is expected to start favourite after some excellent performances last year, including a third to Novellist in the King George, but we just prefer Brown Panther as the son of Shirocco is the better stayer and we know that he will act on the ground, whereas the Stoute candidate has never run beyond 12 furlongs and then mainly on fast going. The filly Banoffee (Hughie Morrison/ Oisin Murphy) won the Cheshire Oaks last year, but has a lot to find against this pair.

The other big race here is the Dee Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 15.15, another Derby Trial, although now only a listed event, which has been dominated by Aidan O´Brien in recent years. He saddles two runners today, Century (Ryan Moore) and Kingfisher (Joseph O´Brien). Century flopped in the Racing Post Trophy and the soft ground was blamed, but we still prefer him to his stable companion. Mark Johnston also has two runners, who both have to concede 3 lbs to the Irish hopes and also look rather exposed. On jockey bookings Somewhat (Joe Fanning) could be the stable´s main hope, but we like Bow Creek (Franny Norton), who has won here and also goes on the soft.
The handicaps are always very tricky here, even with the fields decimated by non-.runners; we like Pintura (Kevin Ryan/ Graham Lee) at 14.45 and Dr. Red Eye (Scott Dixon/ Matthew Hopkins) at 16.50, both of them CD specialists.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Abseil - Here Comes When - Big Johnny D
2. Race: Somewhat - Kingfisher - Century
3. Race: Brown Panther - Hillstar - Banoffee
4. Race: Fine Cut - Fine `n Dandy - See The Sun
5. Race: Gabrial`s Bounty - King Of Eden - Dancing Cosmos
6. Race: Polar Eyes - Sighora - Destiny`s Kitten
7. Race: Running Deer - Ultimate - Innsbruck

Chester May Meeting: second day

the Chester May Meeting goes into its second day with the Chester Vase for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET the main feature. This is a recognised Derby trial and Aidan O´Brien, who has won this race 4 times in the last 7 years, took it last year with Ruler of the World, who went on to score at Epsom. The great Shergar also won this race en route to Epsom. O´Brien now has 2 runners, Orchestra, ridden by our favourite jockey Ryan Moore, and Carlo Bugatti, ridden by the trainer´s favourite jockey, his son Joseph. Neither look superstars and the stable´s main Derby hope is surely Australia, 3rd last week in the 2,000 Guineas. We find it impossible to split them and therefore choose German-bred Scotland (Andrew Balding/ Jim Crowley), who as a son of Monsun will love the ground which is now much softer after yesterday´s rain.

The soft going will also suit Noble Mission (Lady Cecil/ James Doyle) in today´s other group race, the Huxley Stakes over 10 furlongs at 15.15. This one stays much better than his fill brother Frankel and was a very easy winner at Sandown from Telescope (Sir Michael Stoute/ Moore). The latter, who was fancied for last year´s Derby, is now 3 lbs better off and will probably finish much closer this time. This race could be tactically quite tricky with 3 front-runners in the field, one of them being Highland Knight (Balding/ David Probert), one of our favourite horses since winning at Baden-Baden 2 years ago. He was runner-up here last year and meets his conqueror Danadana (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) on slightly better forms, but that one also has to be considered.

As we suggested yesterday, horses owned by Dr.Marwan Koukash should always be followed at this meeting, and he duly took the first two places in the Chester Cup. He has several runners again today; his best chance is probably in the 7 furlongs for 3yo´s at 16.15, when he has two runners Our Gabrial (Jamie Spencer) and Brian Noble (Graham Lee), both trained by Richard Fahey. The trainer can also take the 2yo maiden at 16.50 with Ballymore Castle (Paul Hanagan), whose third place at Newbury is clearly the best form on offer here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gabrial The Great - Sennockian Star - Wigmore Hall
2. Race: Telescope - Noble Mission - Ektihaam
3. Race: Carlo Bugatti - Orchestra - Romsdal
4. Race: Muteela - Captain Bob - Hot Coffee
5. Race: Ballymore Castle - London Life - Beacon
6. Race: Thataboy - Jazz - Kickboxer
7. Race: Memory Cloth - Spes Nostra - Stellar Express

Chester May Meeting starts today

Chester´s May fixture is always one of the most enjoyable meetings of the year and there is always a tremendous atmosphere at this historic track inside the old Roman walls.The Roodee racetrack dates back to the 16th century and is the tightest in Britain, only a mile in circumference, and the runners in the most famous race, the Chester Cup, a 2 1/4 mile handicap run today at15.45 CET, pass the winning post 3 times. There are various rules for betting at Chester and one is to ignore any horse drawn higher than 10, a huge disadvantage, so 7 of the Chester Cup runners can be immediately discarded. Some trainers specialise in the races here, notably Tom Dascombe and Andfrew Hollinshead, who both train nearby, but Richard Fahey, Andrew Balding and Charlie Hills are others to shine here, while Aidan O´Brien often runs his better 3yo s in the various classic trials here.

Another rule is to back all horses owned by Dr. Marwan Koukash, easily the top owner here, but this is not so easy, as he has 5 runners in the Cup! Two of them are trained by Fahey, who saddled the first two last year, with Angel Gabriel (Jamie Spencer) preferred in the betting to Duke of Clarence (David Nolan), both of them running over such a long trip for the first time. The latter is however better drawn. This is a really tricky race, but our short list of 3 consists of Communicator (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy), Suegioo (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) and Mubaraza (Ed Dunlop/ Paul Hanagan), all well drawn and from top stables.

The listed Cheshire Oaks at 15.15 is the classiest race on the card and has often enough seen subsequent Epsom Oaks performers at the start. Today´ s race should mainly concern Bright Approach (John Gosden/ William Buick), an impressive maiden winner at Newbury on her debut but facing better opposition now, and Terrific (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), from the stable that has won this 3 times in tne last 6 years. Psychometry (Sir Michael Stoute/ Moore) ia another danger, but we choose the more experienced Irish filly, though it is not clear where she stands in the O´Brien pecking order. Gosden and Buick probably have better prospects in the 3yo maiden at 16.50 with the beautifully-bred Prince of Stars.

There are also a couple of really hot 5 furlongs races on the card which are bound to be run at a furious pace. CD experience is a big advantage here, so we choose Ballista (Tom Dascombe/ Richard KIngscote) at 16.15 and Masamah (Botti/ Spencer) at 17.25.

6 meetings today

A typical Tuesday with 6 meetings, 3 this afternoon and 3 this evening, but mainly at a very low level. There are some very small fields as well, and none of the races at Brighton this afternoon offer normal each-way betting. There are only 4 runners in the main event, a 10 furlongs handicap for fillies and mares at 16.50 CET. It is still quite a tricky race., with CD specialist Yojojo (Gay Kelleway/ Kieren Fallon) opposed by likely improver Familiarity (Roger Varian/ Dane O´Neill). However the one we likle best is top-weight Boonga Roogeta (Peter Charalambous/ Rosie Jessop), who has been running in better company, seems nicely handicapped and was pulled out of a group race at Newmarket on Sunday to run here. She goes especially well for her young jockey, who has won 5 times already on her.

The fields and also the quality are slightly better at Kempton´s all-weather meeting. The 3yo handicap over 11 furlongs at 16.40 looks interesting. Moontime (Charlie Appleby/ Mikael Barzalona) has top weight here; he won his only start last season, but then flopped in Epsom´s Derby Trial recently. This is more his level and he should run much better this time. There could be better 3yo´s running in the fillies maiden over a mile half an hour later; Colourful (Lady Cecil/ James Doyle) and Provenance (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) are both beautifully-bred debutantes who should be watched with interest.

There are also small fields at this afternoon´s jumps meeting at Fakenham. The bdest hofrse in Action here is almost cerztainly Lamb Or Cod (Philip Hobbs/ Richards), who runs in tnhe novivce chase at 17.00. He was a very easy winner against better ópposition at Cheltenham´s April Meeting, and although he has to concede weight all round now, that form should be good enough for him to score again.

There is also jumps racing this evening, with generally much larger fields, at Exeter and also in Ireland at Fairyhouse. At the former track, top-weight Karinga Dancer (Harry Fry/ Tony McCoy) is favourite for the handicap chase at 19.50, but we will take a chance on Lidar (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) coming back to form; he has not won for 2 years but is now very nicely handicapped. Half an hour later, Tinker Time (Bob Buckler/ Liam Heard), who put up a much improved performance to win last time at Cheltenham, can defy a 7 lbs rise in the weights.

With Jessica Harrington in such good form, her mare Cailin Annamh (Barry Geraghty) can take the beginners chase at 20.10. She was the best of these over hurdles and Busty Brown (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), also decent over sticks, looks the main danger.

two group races at the Curragh

today is a Bank Holiday in the U.K. and Ireland, so there is lots of racing this afternoon- none this evening - and mainly at a low level, with some small fields as well. There is flat racing at Bath. Beverley, Warwick, Windsor and the Curragh in Ireland, while they go over jumps at Ffos Las, Kempton and Down Royal (N. Ireland)
Easily tne best card is at the Curragh, where there are two group races on the menu. The Mooresbridge Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 17.15 CET is often used by Aidan O´Brien as the seasonal start for his best older horses and he has won it for the past 4 years. He can make it 5 today as Magician, partnered by his son Joseph, looks almost unbeatable; the winner of the Breeders Cup Turf stands out by a mile here and should have no problems with his 4 opponents, including a stable companion (as pacemaker?) and two trained by Jim Bolger. The O´Brien´s also have good prospects in the Athasi Stakes for fillies and mares over 7 furlongs at 18.25. Their runner Peace Burg had smart form in France when trained by JC Rouget and now makes his Irish debut. Dermot Weld´s two lightly-weighted 3yo´s Flying Jib (Kevin Manning) and Tahaany (Chris Hayes) look the main dangers. The O´Brien´s look set for a successful afternoon as their speedy 2yo The Great War, regarded as a Royal Ascot prospect, should take the opening juvenile race at 15.00, while the stable has 4 runners in the listed race for 3yo´s at 15.00, with Joseph´s mount Michaelmas probably the best of them.
Our best bet in the U.K. is Nordic Quest (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) in the novice hurdle at 14.45 at Kempton. This son of top German mare Nordtänzerin won in good style last time and can follow up; there are 14 opponents, but probably the only serious danger is Huff and Puff (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who has won 4 times on the flat and shown promise over sticks. Williams and Coleman have another good chance with Pepite Rose, who has top weight in the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.35. Another German-bred who could run well here is Hartside (P & R Winks) who has top weight in the amateur riders hurdle at 18.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bwana - Fresh Focus - Intense Style
2. Race: Jembatt - Catwilldo - Majestic Timeline
3. Race: Great White Eagle - Michaelmas - Shining Emerald
4. Race: Dynamite Dixie - Woodsophiesmile - Alvar
5. Race: Parish Hall - Paene Magnus - Hall Of Mirrors
6. Race: Urban Moon - Henry Higgins - Waver
7. Race: Flying Jib - Peace Burg - Chicago Girl
8. Race: Monsieur Power - Household Cavalry - Seas Of Wells

1,000 Guineas at Newmarket

5 meetings today, but with all due respect to the others, only one that counts - the second day of Newmarket´s Guineas Meeting with the 1,000 Guineas for 3yo fillies over the straight mile at 16.50 CET as the main event. With 18 runners, this is wide open, even more than yesterday´s 2,000 (in which we correctly predicted an upset, but unfortunately not the horse to pull it off). Just top-rated is the Godolphin filly Ihtimal (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa), but this is because of her two excellent performances in the UAE classics at Meydan. If she can repeat that form here, then she obviously has a good chance, but past experience has shown that does not always work out. On 2yo form, she is held by Rizeena (Clive Brittain/ Richard Hughes), who has the best juvenile form of these runners and would be a highly popular success for her veteran trainer.
The 2 French runners are undoubtedly dangerous - Miss France (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) and Vorda (Sogorb/ Christophe Lemaire), especially as they both ran and won over this course last autumn, Vorda finished in front of Miss France in their trial, but that does not necessarily mean much, and we prefer the Fabre filly, who looks certain to improve and should stay this mile better.
Equally dangerous are the 2 Irish runners, both trained by Aidan O´Brien, with his son Joseph on Tapestry and Ryan Moore on Bracelet, both lightly-raced and beautfifully-bred. It is hard to choose between them, but possibly Bracelet has a slight advantage. Yesterday´s results seemed to indicate that the far side - low numbers - were favoured, in which case they are both drawn in the right place.
There are plenty more possibilties here, such as Frankel´s half-sister Joyeuse (Lady Cecil/ James Doyle) or Betimes (John Gosden/ William Buick), who is actually the only unbeaten filly in the field.
Buick also has the mount on our main fancy on the undercard, German filly Quaduna in the Group Three Dahlia Stakes over 9 furlongs at 15.40. Trainer Andreas Wöhler seems very confident about the chances of his filly, as she should be ideally suited by the ground and this intermediate distance; her win at Hoppegarten last month has been boosted since and the main dangers should be Integral (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan More) and Esoterique (Fabre/ Guyon). However with 8 runners (if they all go) she looks a very interesting each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mighty Yar - Viewpoint - Van Percy
2. Race: Integral - Esoterique - Gifted Girl
3. Race: Secondo - Ashpan Sam - Ninjago
4. Race: Rizeena - Miss France - Tapestry
5. Race: Aktabantay - Barchan - Kassbaan
6. Race: Taghrooda - Sound Reflection - Night Fever
7. Race: Miner`s Lamp - Snow Trouble - Zee Zeely

2,000 Guineas at Newmarket

a huge day´s racing today, with the final day at Punchestown, Goodwood´s opening day of the season, Thirsk´s Hunt Cup and much more, but the headline act is undoubtedly the first classic of the season. the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket at 16.50 CET. This has one of the best fields in its history and looks a real classic -perhaps up to the level of the famous Brigadier Gerard- Mill Reef clash in 1971. There are at least half a dozen potential champions in the line-up, including 4 unbeaten horses and the winners of almost all of last season´s top 2yo races.
Kingman (John Gosden/ James Doyle) is the obvious place to start as he is unbeaten, was an impressive winner of the Greenham last time, runs in the Frankel colours and is the hot favourite. He could well win, but we won´t be backing him as we feel there is no value in his price and there are some negatives: the no.1 draw is not good, his trainer had never won the race, and he is not certain to stay the mile- all his races have been at 7 furlongs.
The second favourite Australia (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is another one who does not appeal, as his form is not as good as some of the others. He is beautifully bred, by a champion who won the Derby out of a champion mare who won the Oaks, so that the mile could well be on the short side. O´Brien of course has won the race 6 times, and this one has a huge home reputation, but the stable have another fancied runner in War Command (Ryan Moore), who won the Coventry and Dewhurst last year, which makes us wonder a bit.
The Spanish runner Noozhoh Canarias (Christophe Soumillon) is supposed to be the best thing to come out of Spain since Penelope Cruz and has excellent form in France, but we cannot see this one lasting home over this straight mile, although he will almost certainly lead at a strong pace for the first 6 furlongs. He will set the race up for a strong finisher, which brings us to our 3 suggestions: Charm Spirit (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier), Kingston Hill (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and Toormore (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes). Charm Spirit needs to improve on his win in the Prix Djebel -Bookrunner (Mikel Delzangles/ Christophe Lemaire) only inches behind- but his trainer knows how to win these top mile races and he has in our opinion the best big race jockey aboard. Kingston Hill and Toormore are still unbeaten and have done nothing wrong so far. The latter won the Craven over CD, while the former won the Racing Post Trophy and has been seen since.
Nobody will be surprised if Kingman or Australia wins, but in our eyes they still have a lot to prove., and we hope for an upset here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rock Choir - Bold Sniper - Stand My Ground
2. Race: Pearl Secret - Sole Power - Hot Streak
3. Race: Trading Leather - Penglai Pavilion - Gospel Choir
4. Race: Kingman - Australia - Toormore
5. Race: Stars Above Me - Perfect Alchemy - Tanseeb
6. Race: Cloudscape - Postponed - Pinzolo
7. Race: Golden Town - Monsea - Born In Bombay

Punchestown Festival: fourth day

the fourth day of the Punchestown Festival and one of the most eagerly-awaited races of the whole week, the Grade One Racing Post Champion Hurdle over 2 miles at 18.30 CET, the renewed clash between Hurricane Run (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Tony McCoy), the two best hurdlers currently in training. The score stands at 2-1 in the Fly´s favour, but Jezki - a half-brother to yesterday´s big winner Jetson, won the race that counts for most, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, where the Fly could only finish 4th. Hurricane Fly had won his previous 16 races, including the Punchestown race for the past four years, and he has 19 Grade One wins to his credit, a world record. Normally we would prefer the old champion to the young pretender, but in this case we are not so sure, as it could be that Hurricane Fly is not quite as strong as he used to be. Both stables are in top form, and it will be a fascinating tactical affair between two of the best jumps jockeys of all time. Unfortunately the big two have scared off most of the opposition, and the only other runner is Steps to Freedom (Harrington( Robbie Power); the trainer has made it clear that he is not a pacemaker for Jezki but running on his own account and we will pick up 18,000 euros for finishing third. This is definitely not a race to bet on, but if forced, we would prefer Jezki, although Hurricane Fly´s fantastic CD record will make him hard to beat..

However Hurricane Fly fares, we certainly expect Mullins and Walsh to take the Grade One Champion Novice Hurdle at 19.05 with Vautour. The ex-French runner in unbeaten in 4 starts since moving to Ireland and was particularly impressive when winning at Cheltenham. This race is over half a mile further, but that should be no problem. The Shirocco gelding Lac Fontana (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), also ex-French, is miuch improved and can take the runner-up spot.

Nicky Henderson has had a good meeting and sets punters a pretty poser in the valuable mares handicap chase at 17.55, where he saddles the 3 top weights Nadiya de la Vega (McCoy), Utopie des Bordes (Barry Geraghty) and Une Artiste (Paul Carberry), who are also the 3 favourites according to the betting. Any of them could win and our Irish colleague suggests Shes Got Grit (Tom O´Brien/ Adrian Heskin) as a possible e.w. alternative.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mtada Supreme - Rohan`s Pride - Hasty Times
2. Race: Balnaslow - Some Tikket - Road To Riches
3. Race: She`S Got Grit - Une Artiste - Utopie Des Bordes
4. Race: Jezki - Hurricane Fly - Steps To Freedom
5. Race: Lac Fontana - Lieutenant Colonel - Noble Emperor
6. Race: Arctic Fire - Double Irish - The Plan Man
7. Race: Morning Run - Queen Alphabet - Cleeves Steeple
8. Race: Warne - On The Fringe - Fort George

Punchestown Festival: third day

May Day is not a bank holiday in the British Isles so there are the usual low level Thursday Cards in the U.K., but there is also the Punchestown Festival going into its third day with another excellent card and some huge fields. Main Feature is the Grade One World Series Hurdle over 3 miles at 18.30 CET, which gives us another rare opportunity to admire the wonderful mare Quevega (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), whose record is almost unprecedented: since being defeated here in the Champion Hurdle over 2 miles in 2009, she has been switched to longer distances and has not lost a single race since. She has only run twice a year in that period, in the mares hurdle at the Festival and this race, winning easily every time. We expect her to win again, but the opposition is stronger than usual this time. Not only does Mullins have two more runners in the race, but there are also two strong raiders from the U.K., At Fishers Cross (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The latter won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, but the former looks stronger and is one of the best 3 mile hurdlers around. However we cannot see him giving 7 lbs sex allowance to the mare and hope that she keeps up her amazing sequence.

The other Grade One is the novice chase over 2 miles at 19.40, and once again Mullins holds two of the aces with Champagne Fever (Walsh) and Felix Yonger (Paul Townend). Charlie Byrnes is also double-handed here and no doubt fancies his chances with Trifolium (McCoy), but he is held on Aintree form by Balder Success (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who is in great form and can complete a fourtimer.

Philip Hobbs can take the cross-country at 17.50 with Duke of Lucca (Tom O´Brien), who finished fourth at Cheltenham - several of these behind- and then won over the conventional fences at Aintree. Quantativeeasing (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry) ran badly at Cheltenham, but is very well treated at the weights now and could be the danger for a team that always does well in these events. The handicaps look extremely difficult, but Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty are in such great form that we cannot resist a small wager on Tanks for That at 17.15.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pivot Bridge - Macnicholson - Usa
2. Race: Ned Buntline - Mallowney - Rupert Lamb
3. Race: Duke Of Lucca - Uncle Junior - Quantitativeeasing
4. Race: At Fishers Cross - Fingal Bay - Bog Warrior
5. Race: Inis Meain - Moonlight Boy - Our Man Zebo
6. Race: Champagne Fever - Balder Succes - Trifolium
7. Race: Urticaire - Vicky De L`oasis - Florishwells D`ete
8. Race: Kauto Grand Mogol - Most Peculiar - Champoleon