Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh

The Irish Derby Meeting continues today with another strong card, and once again Aidan O´Brien has a very strong hand, with fancied runners in all the top races. He won 3 of the 4 top races yesterday, including yet another 1-2-3 in the Irish Derby, which he was winning for the 11th time. However his task was made easier when Roger Varian withdrew Kingston Hill because of the firm ground. Varian has a chance of a kind of revenge when he saddles Ambivalent (Andrea Atzeni) in today´s main event, the Group One Pretty Polly for fillies and mares at 17.20 CET. Ambivalent won the race last year and has put up some good performances at this level. O´Brien saddles 3 runners here, with his main jockey, son Joseph, partnering Venus de Milo. She was an easy winner at Cork last time but this looks much tougher, and Marvellous (Seamus Heffernan) Looks the stable´s best hope. She is one of two 3yo´s in the field and finished 6th in the Oaks last time; Joseph could not do this weight in any case so the choice of jockey is simple and she looks the main threat to Ambivalent.

There are 3 more group races on the undercard and the Curragh Cup overt 1 3/4 miles at 16.15 Looks particularly interesting. O´Brien saddles 2 here, with Joseph on Ernest Hemingway, who won the race last year but looks held on Dubai form by Certerach (Mike Halford/ Jamie Spencer). Teenage daughter Ana rides El Salvador, runner-up over an extreme distance at Royal Ascot, but that form cannot be good enough. Dermot Weld is a very shrewd trainer of stayers and his lightly-raced mare Pale Mimosa (Pat Smullen) is surely the one to beat, as long as she can handle the ground.

Racing in the U.K. today is less interesting, and the best betting race is the Summer Cup, a handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.50 at Uttoxeter. Several of last year´s field turn out again, including tje first 3. Jonjo O´Neill´s Storm Survivor won it at 28-1, but he won´t pay so much today as he is the choice of Tony McCoy from the stable´s 3 runners. He is up in the weights now, but has been in good form in similar events and can score again.

Pitmans Derby at Newcastle

The Irish Derby is not the only Derby run today, as the Northumberland Plate, a valuable 2 mile handicap at 16.50 CET at Newcastle, is known as the Pitmans Derby in reference to the days when coalmining was a big industry in N. England. With 20 runners this is wide open, with Angel Gabrial (Richard Fahey/ George Chaloner), an unlucky second in the Chester Cup, the likely favourite. He can certainly reverse the Chester form with the winner Suegioo (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley), but there are plenty more dangers, and we like German-bred top-weight Oriental Fox (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning). He was just touched off in this race last year, and although he is not well handicapped, has plenty of smart form, including a sixth place in the Ascot Gold Cup. That was only 9 days ago, but he is very tough and we do not see that as a problem. Best of the strong Irish contingent could be Lucky Bridle (Willie Mullins/ Paul Hanagan), especially as the trainer has pulled out his Royal Ascot winner.

There is racing all over today and Newmarket also has a strong card. Fahey is having a great run and we like his Garswood (Ryan Moore) in the Group Three over 7 furlongs at 16.30. And we are certainly interested in the fillies listed race over a mile at 17.05 in which German 1,000 Guineas fourth Evita Peron (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) reappears. This is a strong field for a listed race, but Evita Peron, who was slowly away at Düsseldorf, should be thereabouts.

Irish Derby at the Curragh

The premier Irish racecourse at the Curragh stages its biggest meeting of the year this weekend and the Irish Derby at 18.30 CET today is obviously the top European race of the weekend. With well over a million euros in prize-money it is also easily the most valuable, but one could hardly call it a competitive race. Aidan O´Brien has already won it 10 times and an 11th victory seems almost a formality.

He saddles four of the 7 runners, including red-hot favourite Australia with his son Joseph in the saddle, and a miracle will be needed to stop him winning again. He was hyped up to the eyeballs before running in the Derby at Epsom and the convincing way he won that race showed that he is clearly the best 3yo in Europe over the classic distance. 5 of today´s opponents ran at Epsom, with Kingston Hill (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) running a great race in second, but he never looked lilke beating Australia and we cannot imagine his doing so today. Even the weather favours Australia, as O´Brien has made it clear that he wants good, fast ground for the favourite, while Kingston Hill clearly would prefer softer going. However it has not rained for ages, and despite a lot of watering, the going is officially good to firm, exactly what Australia wants and Kingston Hill doesn´t. In fact it is still possible that he may not run if Varian is not satisfied with the ground, and Fascinating Rock (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) - 8th at Epsom,- is another one who needs softer going. Geoffrey Chaucer (Seamus Heffernan) is probably, despite finishing last at Epsom, is probably next best of the O´Brien runners, but we cannot see beyond Australia here.

The Derby is not the only big race at the Curragh today, and the Group Two Railway Stakes for 2yo´s at 17.50 has attracted a good field. Royal Ascot form could be the key here, with Ahlan Emerati (Peter Chapple-Hyam/Pat Smullen) finishing third in the Norfolk, while Cappella Sansevero )(Ger Lyons/ Colin Keane) was runner up in the Coventry, with both Kool Kompany (Richard Hannon/ Fran Berry) and War Envoy (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) disappointing. The Coventry form is probably reliable and Cappella Sansevero, sold for a seven figure sum the day before the race, can get back on the winning trail here.

The Group Three Sapphire Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.45 should in theory go to Maarek (Evanna McCutcheon/ Decan McDonogh), who is clearly the best horse in the race and best in at the weihts despite conceding a lot of weight. However this fast ground will not be to his liking and we shall take a chance on 3yo British raider Extortionist (Olly Stevens/ Keane), who we know acts on this going. LATER: Maarek non-.runner!

There are plenty more British raiders in the big betting race of the day, the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15. With 25 runners this is extremely tricky; Richard Fahey had winners at 4 different tracks yesterday and can take this with Alben Star (Joseph O`Brien), 4th in the Wokingham last week. He is drawn 25 and historically high numbers have a huge advantage here.

Listed race this evening

Once again there is plenty of racing today with 7 meetings in all - and all of them on the flat today- but most of the races are at a low level and the best racing, as often happens at this time of year, is in the evening. There is some decent racing at Newmarket and also in Ireland at the Curragh - both gearing up for their top races of the year tomorrow- but the only black type race is the listed event for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 20.10 CET at Newcastle. 4 runners are 4yo´s and 3 are 3yo´s and we have no hesitation in suggesting that the younger generation, in receipt of 12 lbs, will come out on top.Two of them ran in the Oaks, Lily Rules (Barry McHugh) and Regardez (Ralph Beckett/ Graham Gibbons). They were both unplaced, and while the former finished 10 lengths in front of Regardez there, we would not be surprised to see the latter come out on top this time; she was clearly not suited to the track and also possibly found the trip too far. However we expect neither of them to beat Pelerin (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley)., a very unlucky runner-up in a similar race at Newbury last time.

The best betting race of the day is also to be run at Newcastle´s evening meeting - and that is the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.45. With 15 runners this is very tricky, and most of them have met before. Magical Macey (David Barron/ Phillip Makin) won the race last year and runs off the same rating now, but his trainer has another iron in the fire with Robot Boy, who won a similar race at Musselburgh last time with several of these behind. Doc Hay (Brian Ellison/ Ian Brennan) was well back then but is much better off at the weights now, and despite some weaker performances this year, looks an interesting each-way shot. However our main hope is Algar Lad (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), a very easy winner 8 days ago and value for much more than the obligatory 6 lbs penalty he must carry today.


Betting forecast at Newcastle:
1. Race: Mr Mclaren - Alquimia - Secret Suspect
2. Race: Free Rein - Gotcha - Cloud Line
3. Race: Pelerin - Lily Rules - Regardez
4. Race: Robot Boy - Algar Lad - Another Wise Kid
5. Race: Anderiego - Sbraase - Anderiego
6. Race: Cadeaux Pearl - Diamond Blue - Penina
7. Race: Rozene - Noble Asset - Skye`s The Limit

listed race this evening

once again there is plenty of racing today with 7 meetings in all - and all of them on the flat today- but most of the races are at a low level and the best racing, as often happens at this time of year, is in the evening. There is some decent racing at Newmarket and also in Ireland at the Curragh - both gearing up for their top races of the year tomorrow- but the only black type race is the listed event for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 20.10 CET at Newcastle. 4 runners are 4yo´s and 3 are 3yo´s and we have no hesitation in suggesting that the younger generation, in receipt of 12 lbs, will come out on top.Two of them ran in the Oaks, Lily Rules (Barry McHugh) and Regardez (Ralph Beckett/ Graham Gibbons). They were both unplaced, and while the former finished 10 lengths in front of Regardez there, we would not be surprised to see the latter come out on top this time; she was clearly not suited to the track and also possibly found the trip too far. However we expect neither of them to beat Pelerin (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley)., a very unlucky runner-up in a similar race at Newbury last time.
The best betting race of the day is also to be run at Newcastle´s evening meeting - and that is the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.45. With 15 runners this is very tricky, and most of them have met before. Magical Macey (David Barron/ Phillip Makin) won the race last year and runs off the same rating now, but his trainer has another iron in the fire with Robot Boy, who won a similar race at Musselburgh last time with several of these behind. Doc Hay (Brian Ellison/ Ian Brennan) was well back then but is much better off at the weights now, and despite some weaker performances this year, looks an interesting each-way shot. However our main hope is Algar Lad (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), a very easy winner 8 days ago and value for much more than the obligatory 6 lbs penalty he must carry today.


Betting forecast at Newcastle:
1. Race: Mr Mclaren - Alquimia - Secret Suspect
2. Race: Free Rein - Gotcha - Cloud Line
3. Race: Pelerin - Lily Rules - Regardez
4. Race: Robot Boy - Algar Lad - Another Wise Kid
5. Race: Anderiego - Sbraase - Anderiego
6. Race: Cadeaux Pearl - Diamond Blue - Penina
7. Race: Rozene - Noble Asset - Skye`s The Limit

Start of Newcastle´s main meeting

Once again, plenty of low-level racing today, and the main feature is the start of the big 3-day meeting at Newcastle, with the Northumberland Plate due on Saturday. The best race of the day is the Seaton Delaval handicap over a mile at 16.30 CET which looks wide open, with every one of the 8 runners having shown good form this month. Ex-French Baraweez (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift) has bottom weight and will probably start favourite after winning 2 of his last 3 races. He is certainly less exposed than most of the others, but is up in grade here and meeting much stronger opposition this time. Dubai Dynamo (Ruth Carr/ Peter McDonald) and Norse Blues (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons) were second and fourth in a similar race at Ayr last Saturday, and the same day saw Heavy Metal (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) running out an easy winner at Redcar, for which he has a 6 lbs penalty. He can certainly win again, but our main fancy is Dance and Dance(Ed Vaughan/ Richard Kingscote), 6th in a huge field at Epsom on Derby Day after a very slow start; he has not won for 2 years, but is now well handicapped and if gets off on terms and his jockey can deliver him at the right moment, must gave good prospects here.

Carlisle races again today and although the card is much weaker than yesterday, there are still two interesting maiden races, over 7 furlongs at 16.10 and over 9 furlongs half an hour later. We expect James Doyle to win them both for top Southern trainers and very prominent owners - the former race on the Queen´s Enliven, (Andrew Balding) and the latter on Khalid Abdullah´s Scallop (Sir Michael Stoute). There are plenty of Doyles in racing, and as far as we know, James is not related to the good Irish-born apprentice Joe Doyle, who is riding at the same meeting and might win the apprentice race at 17.40 on David O´Meara´s Dansili Dutch.

Otherwise we shall be interested to see how Sir Mark Prescott´s runners fare today. He had his first runner of 2014 at Windsor on Monday and although the horse did not win, he ran well enough to suggest that the stable should be followed from now on. At Yarmouth this afternoon he saddles Libra Romana at 15.50 and Don´t Be half an hour later, and at Leicester this evening Threetimesalady at 20.10, all with Luke Morris in the saddle.

historic races at Carlisle today

Carlisle stages its biggest race day of the year today with the Carlisle Bell over a mile at 17.10 CET and the Cumberland Plate over 1 /2 miles at 17.45 the main features. They are only class 4 handicaps, but with each worth 30,000 GBP much more valuable than your average handicap. They are also the oldest races still run, both dating back to the late 16th century when Elizabeth I was on the throne and Shakespeare was writing his plays. In fact they can claim to be the oldest sporting events in the world.
Both have large fields today and look extremely competitive. In the Bell Johnno (David and Adrian Nicholls) could start favourite after winning over CD a month ago, but we also like topweight Balducci (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), back to form with an easy win at Nottingham 9 days ago; he has a 6 lbs penalty for that but is still well handicapped on his old form. O´Mearas´s other runner Toto Skyllachy (Sam James) is also in with a Chance, as are Party Royal (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) and especially Lord of the Dance (Michael Mullineaux/ Ryan Clark), who won the consolation race over this CD last year and is also on a very handy mark.
Some of the runners in the Plate look as if they have been laid out for the race and it is a really hot handicap. Cousin Khee (Hughie Morrison/ Jamie Spencer) was beaten in a photo-finish here last year and should be thereabouts again, but he has not run since November. Bottom-.weight Eltheeb (Philip Kirby/ Paul Mulrennan) ran here in both 2012 and 2013 and although unplaced was not far away and is well handicapped. Endless Credit (Luca Cumani/ Graham Gibbons) has been heavily backed; he is very lightly-raced and could be much better than his rating, but he lost his chance last time by pulling hard and must settle better today. German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Ian Brennan) is no spring chicken at 11, but is certainly capanle of winning off this mark.
Another oldtimer we like at this meeting is Tax Free (David and Adrian Nicholls) over 5 furlongs at 16.00. At 12 he is obviously not as fast as he used to be, but he is now running off his lowest rating for several years and we think he has a definite each-way chance today.
Another historic race being run today is the Bibury Cup at 17.20 at Salisbury, now a handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles. Cumani has another fancied runner here in Kinshasa (Andrea Atzeni), but we just prefer Norse Star (Sylvester Kirk/ Ryan Moore).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Songye - Twin Turbo - George Bowen
2. Race: Bahamian Sunrise - Fast Act - Straightothepoint
3. Race: Avon Breeze - Boxing Shadows - Hadaj
4. Race: Border Bandit - Al Muheer - George Rooke
5. Race: Barren Brook - Balducci - Sound Advice
6. Race: Dance King - Endless Credit - Aramist
7. Race: Angel Flores - Miaplacidus - Penina

5 more poor meetings today

plenty of racing today, but all at a low level, with flat racing this afternoon at Beverley and Brighton and this evening at Newbury, when there is also jumps racing at Newton Abbot and in Ireland, an all-hurdles card at Ballinrobe.
Beverley and Brighton are both idiosynchratic tracks where CD experience is a huge advantage. So we are certainly interested in the chances of Eeny Mac (Neil Bycroft/Andrew Elliott) at 15.45 CET at Beverley, as 5 of his 6 career victories have come at this track and he also won there on his only start this season. However he is not so well handicapped these days and possibly Aryal (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton) and Tafawuk (Roger Varian/ Freddie Tylicki) can be preferred.
At Brighton, both Auden (John Jenkins/ Pat Dobbs) at 16.30 and Elle Rebelle (Mark Brisbourne/ Cam Hardie) half an hour later carry top weight after winning over this CD last time, but they can both go in again against very moderate opposition.
All the top jockeys are at Newbury this evening, although it is a very modest card for the track. 3 of the 6 races are reserved for fillies, including the 10 furlongs handicap at 21.35, the most interesting race of the day. My Spirit (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) is unbeaten after winning both her starts in very good style, but they were weak events and she faces better opponents now. She may well prove to be better than a handicapper in time, but for the moment we prefer Asyad (Sir Michael Stoute/ Frankie Dettori); she has not run since October and the Stoute runners often need their first run of the season, but the stable - for whom of course Moore normally rides -is in great form and with Frankie getting down to his lowest weight for some time, we prefer this filly, a daughter of German champion Elle Danzig.

Betting forecast at Newbury:
1. Race: Hector`s Chance - Eton Rambler - Emman Bee
2. Race: Secret Spirit - Baronessa - Dubai Breeze
3. Race: Abaq - All Rounder - Hound Music
4. Race: Prim And Proper - Woodbridge - Glebe Spirit
5. Race: My Spirit - Asyad - Wahgah
6. Race: Perfect Muse - Dark Lane - Monarch Maid

5 poor meetings today

Down to earth with a bump today, with low level racing all round - at this afternoon´s fixtures at Chepstow and Lingfield (Polytrack) as well as this evening at Thirsk and Windsor with evening jumps racing from Kilbeggan (Ireland) as well.

Perhaps the most interesting event is the 3yo maiden at 17.25 CET at Lingfield which looks a match between Telefono (Amanda Perrett/ James Doyle) and Wrood (James Fanshawe/ Shane Kelly), both of whom have been runner-up on all their few starts so far. The former runs in the colours of Khalid Abdullah, but certainly cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Kingman and co. His pedigree is also less than exciting; he is a half-brother to Intercom, a poor handicapper in Germany a couple of years ago, and to Beep, who runs in a poor race at Windsor this evening. Wrood was runner-up over this CD on her debut 6 weeks ago; as a filly she gets 5 lbs from Telefono, which might just swing the balance.

At Windsor also the most interesting race is the 3yo maiden at 20.10 over the same distance of a mile, which has runners from some of the top stables. Among them Mountain Kingdom (Sir Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris), who is amazingly his trainer´s first runner of the season. We do not recommend betting on him, as he is probably just on a sighting mission, but his running should be monitored as it well give us a guide to the prospects of Sir Mark´s runners in the coming days. A better bet could be Polybius in the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s an hour later. He was an easy winner over this CD 3 weeks ago and on his debut was only just behind Telefono at Newbury, so the running of the earlier Lingfield race could give us a clue.

Glamorous Pontefract

After 5 days of fantastic racing at Royal Ascot, there is obvíously little to get excited about today and even the Irish racing at Gowran is at a very low level. Indeed the best racing comes from Pontefract, rather less glamorous than Ascot, and the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40 CET is the only black type race of the day. Harris Tweed (William Haggas/ George Baker) has been running in better company, but has been out of form this season and possibly needs easier ground, as does Rawaki (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy). In our view the two to beat are the lightly-raced fillies Freedoms Light (John Gosden/ William Buick) and Waila (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), for the stables that did so well at the royal meeting. David O´Meara is another trainer in top form and seems to have found the key to Hit The Jackpot (Danny Tudhope), who can win his fourth race of 2014 at 16.10; he has a lot of weight here but is in great shape and scored very easily at Ripon on Thursday. Comedy King (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) has been well backed in receipt of 21 lbs, but the form of his maiden win seems nothing special and he has to prove that he is up to this rating. The Pontefract Cup over 2 1/4 miles at 17.10 is one of a series of long distance handicaps here and CD experience is always a bonus at this track; we therefore go along with Herostratus (Jason Ward/ Kieren Fallon) who won the race last year. His form since - both on the flat and over hurdles- has been very dodgy, but perhaps a return to the scene of his biggest success will rekindle his will to win.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lacing - Lady Moscou - Rose Of Kiev
2. Race: Smiling Stranger - Strawberry Martini - Stout Cortez
3. Race: Hit The Jackpot - Comedy King - Legal Waves
4. Race: Waila - Harris Tweed - Rawaki
5. Race: Sir Frank Morgan - Rosairlie - Embsay Crag
6. Race: Thurayaat - Likelihood - By Jupiter
7. Race: Foxy Clarets - Jaeger Train - My Inspiration

Royal Ascot: rest of final day

The main supporting feature at Royal Ascot is the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at 16.45 CET. This is often a good guide to next month´s King George over the same CD, but to be honest, this looks a weaker edition than normal. Sir Michael Stoute is usually the trainer to follow here, and he has two fancied runners Telescope, with stable jockey Ryan Moore, and Hillstar (Frankie Dettori), third in the King George last year. That is possibly the best form here, but Ryan knows what he is doing and Telescope who has never yet been out of the first two, is the selection, even though he has yet to score at this level. Best outsider here is Ektihaam (Roger Varian/ Paul Hanagan), a strong front-runner who might just last home of this fast ground.

The 6 furlongs Wokingham Stakes at 18.00 is the big betting race but this handicap with 28 runners looks almost impossible. York Glory (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) won it last year and is not out of it off 9 lbs more, but we shall stick to horses drawn near the stands rail and make Absolutely So (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy, drawn 24), Seeking Magic (Clive Cox/ Ryan Tate, 30) and Rocky Ground (Varian/ Dettori, 29) our three against the field.
The Queen Alexandra Stakes that ends the meeting at 18.35 is the longest flat race in the British calendar and as usual has attracted the attention of several N.H. Trainers. Wllie Mullins, Nicky Henderson and Alan King all have fancied runners, and we like Mullins´ runner Pique Sous, especially as the trainer has booked Ryan Moore, who won this for him on Simenon a couple of years ago. We also like another Irish runner El Salvador (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who is rather inconsistent but finished 6th in the Gold Cup last year - form that is surely good enough for this.

This being a Saturday, there is plenty more fracing and our Scottish correspondent tells us to look out for two runners at Ayr - Norse Blues (David Barron/ Jason Hart) at 15.55 and One Pekan (Varian/ Freddie Tylicki) at 16.35.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dick Whittington - Toscanini - Crown The Kitten
2. Race: Arab Spring - Groundbreaking - Hamelin
3. Race: Telescope - Hillstar - Eye Of The Storm
4. Race: Slade Power - Aljamaaheer - Due Diligence
5. Race: Ninjago - Rocky Ground - Seeking Magic
6. Race: Tiger Cliff - El Salvador - Brass Ring

Royal Ascot: final four: Diamond Jubilee

Today is the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot with another extremely high class card headed by the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs at 17.25 CET. It is another sunny day and going is certain to be very fast, horses that need soft ground have been out of luck this week. The evidence so far shows clearly that horses drawn on the stands side (high numbers) have an advantage in races on the straight course and, although this can change, we expect this trend to continue today and will confine our tips to horses that we consider to be well drawn.

This could therefore be a problem for Aljamasheer (Roger Varian/ Paul Hanagan), who is drawn 6 but would otherwise be a strong fancy. He has been running over a mile - and was runner-up in the Queen Anne here last year- but looks as if a furious and stiff 6 furlongs would be ideal. Slade Power (Eddie Lynam/ Wayne Lordan) is also drawn low, although he is likely to start favourite. He runs in the same colours as Sole Power, who won the Kings Stand here on Tuesday and is himself a CD winner It would be a fantastic result for the stable and the owner, Sabena Power (mother of Paddy) if they can bring off the double, but the draw and the fast ground are not in his favour. There are 3 more Irish runners, all with chances and 2 of them trained by Aidan O´Brien, Darwin (with son Joseph in the saddle) and Due Diligence (Ryan Moore); the latter is one of two 3yo´s in the field- fhe other being Astaire (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer), and although we respect them both, we don´t think a 3yo can beat his elders in a race of this nature this early in the season.

The other Irish runner is even worse drawn- Gordon Lord Byron (Tom Hogan/ William Buick), although he has arguably the best form. He won the Prix de la Foret in 2012 and was runner-up last year in that race to Moonlight Cloud, who famously almost defeated the great Black Caviar in this race 2 years ago. However he is another one who might not like the ground and he has had a pretty hard time of it already this year, with his last 2 races coming in Australia and Hong Kong.

There has not been a French winner here so far this week, but American Devil (Eric Libaud/ Pierre-Charles Boudot) looks a really interesting outsider. We were impressed by the way he won last time at Longchamp, and although this is a far tougher race, we make him our each-way suggestion. Despite their poor draw, Aljamasheer and Slade Power should not be far away,

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dick Whittington - Toscanini - Crown The Kitten
2. Race: Arab Spring - Groundbreaking - Hamelin
3. Race: Telescope - Hillstar - Eye Of The Storm
4. Race: Slade Power - Aljamaaheer - Due Diligence
5. Race: Ninjago - Rocky Ground - Seeking Magic
6. Race: Tiger Cliff - El Salvador - Brass Ring

Royal Ascot: day four: Coronation Stakes

the Royal Ascot meeting continues with dry weather and very fast going; they have watered again, but the ground will not suit everyone. Today´ s main feature is the Group One Coronation Stakes for 3yo fillies, which has runners at the start from the English, Irish and French 1,000 Guineas as well as US-trained Rosalind, a Group One winner at Keeneland earlier in the year.
The logical winner has to be Lightning Thunder (Olly Stevens/ Olivier Peslier) runner-up in both Newmarket and the Curragh, but our preference is for a filly that ran in none of the classics -indeed has not run since last September- and that is My Titania (John Oxx/ Declan McDonogh) She has a huge reputation and Oxx is a past master at preparing such fillies for the big occasion; a daughter of Sea The Stars she runs in the colours of the Tsui family, who owned that great Arc winner. An interesting outsider here is J Wonder (Brian Meehan/ Jimmy Fortune) who did not run at all badly in the French Guineas despite getting no run at all. With the O´Brien stable backl in form, Tapestry - who finished last at Newmarlet, cannot be left out and neither can Rizeena (Clive Brittain/ Ryan Moore) on her 2yo form; she was another one to run below expectations at Newmarket, while Lesstalk in Paris (JC Rouget/ Christophe Soumillon) was the beaten favourite at Longchamp and must also put the record straight.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sunset Glow - Patience Alexander - Bitter Lake
2. Race: Bold Sniper - Dick Doughtywylie - Saxo Jack
3. Race: Adelaide - Snow Sky - Miner`s Lamp
4. Race: My Titania - Lightning Thunder - Rizeena
5. Race: Marzocco - Hartnell - Century
6. Race: Russian Realm - Horsted Keynes - Blessington

Royal Ascot: rest of Ladies Day

as always, the undercard at Royal Ascot is also very strong, and the first race, the Norfolk Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs, has some of the speediest juveniles so far seen out in the line-up. The only maiden in the field is To Be Determined (Wesley Ward/ Victor Espinoza), also the only filly, but she must not be underestimated; Ward´s 2yo´s are running well, and he won the race last year. However the one to beat has to be The Great War (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) who has won both his starts in impressive style and has a tremendous reputation.
The other 4 races are all restricted to 3yo´s and the Ribblesdale Stakes is for fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.45. Inchila (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer) should win this; she was fourth in the Oaks after a bad run and should have been runner-up; however that was only 13 days ago, and this quick reappearance may not be ideal. If she is to be beaten, the most likely candidate otherwise is the French-trained Vazira (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Soumillon), runner-up last time in the Prox Saint-Alary.
The Tercentary Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.05 is another strong race, although with only 8 runners it has the smallest field of the day. Barley Mow (Richard Hannon/ Hughes) made all to beat several of these at Newmarket on Guineas Day but this form looks a bit dodgy to us. Cannock Chase (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) has won both his starts this season in excellent style and is an own brother to 2011 winner Pisco Sour. He will start favourite and has an obvious chance, but at the likely odds we like the unbeaten Spark Plug (Brian Meehan/ Jimmy Fortune) who is undefeated and looks a great each-way bet.
The handicaps are as difficult as ever, i.e. virtually impossible, but for the record our hopes here are Bilimbi (William Haggas/ Andrea Atzeni) at 18.00 and Elite Army (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kieren Fallon) at 18.35.

Royal Ascot: day three: Gold Cup

it´s Ladies Day at Royal Ascot with the Gold Cup at 17.25 the main event and probably the best stayers race of the year with a very strong field including a German runner with good prospects: Andreas Wöhler´s Altano with Eddie Pedroza in the saddle. He is one of the few runners who can be guaranteed to stay the distance of 2 1/2 miles and he won the Cadran last year over this trip as well as finishing fifth here. He is again faced by 2013 winner, the Queen´s Estimate (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and runner-up Simenon (Willie Mullins/ Frankie Dettori), but the Queen´s mare, a daughter of Monsun, has had an interrupted preparation and is hard to fancy here. She has not run since beaten over 2 miles here in October, in a race win by Royal Diamond (Johnny Murtagh/ Richard Hughes) with several of these behind. However half a mile further is a hige differenc and plenty of 2-milers have failefd to stay the full trip. The question mark here is Leading Light (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who won the Queens Vase here last year (2 miles) as well as the St.Leger (1 3/4). He is the highest-rated runner and would certainly win over 2 miles, but the distance could be a problem; however we believe he can do it and his trainer has an excellent record here. The fast going will also be a help, while it will definitely count against some of the others, notably Altano, Tac de Boitron (Marco Botti( Martin Harley) and Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote), beaten favourite in the 2011 German Derby. Another runner with German connections is Oriental Fox (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), by Lomitas out of a Big Shuffle mare, but he is probably our of his depth here. Obviously we hope that Altano will run well, bit some rain would be welcome, and it does not come, we will side with Leading Light.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: The Great War - Baitha Alga - Mukhmal
2. Race: Cannock Chase - Mutakayyef - Barley Mow
3. Race: Vazira - Inchila - Bracelet
4. Race: Leading Light - Brown Panther - Estimate
5. Race: Idea - Table Rock - Third Dimension
6. Race: Windshear - Elite Army - Carlo Bugatti

Royal Ascot: rest of day two

the card opens with the Jersey Stakes for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.30 CET and this looks very tricky with a huge field of 23 runners. Plenty of them have good group race form and our selection is Mustajeeb (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) to give the Irish their third success of the meeting. He was third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and this distance will probably suit him better; the biggest danger could be the same owner´s Muwaary (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan), fourth in the French equivalent.
The Queen Mary Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.05 is the best race of the season so far for 2yo fillies and we have another huge field. 12 of the 22 runners are last-time-out winners, but anyone who saw Hootenanny win the last race yesterday will want to be with the U.S. filly Spanish Pipedream (Wesley Ward/ Victor Espinoza), whose trainer does so well with his 2yo´s in Europe.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes at 17.25 is also for fillies - this time older ones over a mile, and this is another tricky race. We shall take a chance on another Irish runner Fiesolana (Willie McCreery/ Billy Lee), but French raider Esoterique (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) is a big danger, while Sky Lantern (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Integral (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) look the best of the home side.
The card ends with two wide open handicaps with huge fields, where almost anything is possible. Abseil (Stoute/ James Doyle) is clear favourite for the Royal Hunt Cup at 18.00, but there is little value at the likely price, and we shall go for last year´s winner Belgian Bill (George Baker/ Pat Cosgrave), while there could be another Yorkshire winner at 18.35, courtesy of Dutch Courage (Richard Fahey/ Graham Lee).

Royal Ascot: day two: Prince of Wales´s Stakes

another very high class card at Royal Ascot, with the Prince of Wales´s Stakes over ten furlongs at 16.45 CET the main feature. This is always won by a top performer and today´s field is graced by the presence of the highest-rated horse in the world, Treve (Criquette Head/ Frankie Dettori). The Arc winner went down to tjhe first defeat of her career when narrowly run out of it by Cirrus des Aigles at Longchamp at the end of April, but there was no disgrace in that, and she will be a very hot favourite today. She has plenty in hand on official ratings and is clearly the one to beat. However there are two factors that could be to her disadvantage - the distance is probably short of her best and the going will be much faster than anything she has encountered before. Her trainer is confident tnat there will no problems today, but at the likely odds she does not appeal as a good bet.
The opposition includes Mukhadram (William Haggas/ Paul Hanagan) and The Fugue (John Gosden/ William Buick), second and third last year - but there was no Treve in the field then. The former is accompanied by Elkaayed (Roger Varian/ Dane O´Neill) who will presumably act as pacemaker in the owner´s second colours and set a furious pace. However this will not only help Mukhadram, but also the favourite - and also Magician (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) who will find conditions exactly to his liking. Although his latest form is not so convincing,. We have not forgotten the way he quickened off a strong pace in the Breeders Cup Turf to reel in The Fugue. He is our each-way selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Muwaary - Mustajeeb - Giovanni Boldini
2. Race: Anthem Alexander - Spanish Pipedream - Tiggy Wiggy
3. Race: Magician - Mukhadram - The Fugue
4. Race: Sky Lantern - Integral - Esoterique
5. Race: Abseil - Short Squeeze - Chil The Kite
6. Race: Muteela - Majeyda - Dutch Courage

Royal Ascot: day one, St. James´ s Palace

The St. James´s Place Stakes over a mile for 3yo´s at 17.15 CET sees one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the season, between Night of Thunder (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Kingman (John Gosden/ James Doyle). Kingman beat his rival first time out this season, but Night of Thunder took his revenge in the2,000 Guineas, probably the best race of the season so far. Night of Thunder has not run since, but KIngman was back on the winning trail in the Irish 2,00 which he won most impressively. In our opinion Kingman was a bit unlucky at Newmarket - his only career defeat so far- and we expect him to put the record straight this time. This is the smallest field of the day with only 7 runners, and is probably a two-horse race, although Hannon´s other runner Toormore (Ryan Moore) must be respected after leading much of the way in the 2,000, where Outstrip (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) finished last. War Command (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) also ran there without making much show, but will certainly do better today. Prince of Ali (Peter Deegan/ Chris Hayes) and Yuften (Wlliam Haggas/ Andrea Atzeni) are both unbeaten this season, but in much less exalted company, and have a mountain to climb here.

Royal Ascot: day one, King´s Stand

The King´s Stand Stakes over 5 furlongs at 16.45 hys attracted an extremely strong field, and although there are this year no Australian runners, it still loks very internatioal, with S. African and Irish runners. The latter are headed by last year´s winner Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Richatd Hughes), who finished fast to beat Shea Shea (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) with Pearl Secret (David Barron/ Olivier Peslier) third and Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) fourth.

However Shea Shea has beaten Sole Power several times, including at Medan this year, and we expect him to do so again. Although (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) also had excellent Meydan form and looks a big threat, while the two new kids on the block are the 3yo´s Guerre (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) and Hot Streak (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer). Horses from this age group rarely win here, but they also rarely run, and both these two look up to Group One standard. We don´t believe it yet and expect the proven Shea Shea, whose trainer seems very confident, to confirm his status as one of the best horses in the world over this distance.

Royal Ascot: day one, Queen Anne

The Royal Ascot meeting which starts today and goes on until Saturday is the best race meeting of the whole year and today´s card is well up to standard with three Group One races. No other meeting in the world would be bold enough to start off with the main feature, but that is the case here with the card opening with the Queen Anne Stakes for older milers at 15.30 CET.

This is a really hot race with Toronado (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) clear top-rated and the obvious favourite. He was just beaten in the St. James Palace here last year and went on to win the Sussex Stakes, form which is easily the best in the race. However he has not run since finishing last in the International in York last August, which could be a Problem

His main opponents are the French-trained Anodin (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) and Irish-trained Verrazano (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien). The former is a brother of Goldikova, who won this race in 2010 and his trainer certainly knows the time of day with these top milers. His form so far is not really good enoiugh, but Head is convinced that he is still improving, and this puts him in here with an excellent each-way chance. Verrazano was trained by Todd Pletcher in the USA last year and put up some strong performances; on his first start for O´Brien he was noted running on well when third in the Lockinge, behind Tullius (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) We are sure that he will reverse those placings now and he looks a big danger to the favourite with the O´Brien stable now back in top form.

Listed race at Nottingham

With Royal Ascot with its 18 group races starting tomorrow, one could not expect much black type action today, but there is in fact a good race this evening at Nottingham- the listed Warwickshrire Oaks at 20.50 CET. Quite why it should be run in Nottingham with this title is beyond us and it is a race for 4yo and older fillies as well, but it does have one genuine Oaks performer in the field- Secret Gesture (Ralph Beckett/ Jamie Spencer), runner-up in both the Epsom and Düsseldorf versions last year, and recently runner-up to the smart Ambivalent at York. Obviously with all these second places, connections would like to se a black type victory as well, and this race looks a good opportunity. However she does have one serious opponent - Irish challenger We´ll Go Walking (Johnny Murtagh/ Seamus Heffernan), runner-up in similar company the last twice, and her form when sedond to Tarfasha with Dazzling third now reads very well. These two should probably have the race to themselves.

There us also the usuallow-level Windsor Monday eveninhg Card, whiel th7this afternoon there is flat racing at Carlisle and jumps racing at Newton Abbot. At the latter fixture we hope that ex-German Engai (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) can defy a 9 lb rise in the weights and win the 2 mile handicap chase at 17.00. He often failed to deliver over sticks but seems to enjoy racing over fences miuch better.

Group race at Cork

as is often the case, the best Sunday race comes from Ireland, where the Group Three Munster Oaks will be run at 16.50 CET at Cork. Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen have won this 3 times in the past 5 years and they can score again with Edelmira, who can give the Aga Khan his second Oaks success within a few minutes if his Chantilly runner also delivers the goods. She won her only start in good style and can make the most of the 17 lbs weight concession she gets from Venus de Milo (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who looks easily the best of the older horses.

There is also a listed sprint on the card at 16.15; if the ground comes up soft we would expect British raider Eton Rifles (Steve Williams/ Joseph O´Brien) to score, but he has to have the right ground, the heavier the better, Otherwise last year´s winner Cape of Approval (Tommy Stack/ Billy Lee) looks best despite a long break.

Top race in the U.K. is the listed 6 furlongs event at 16.55 at Salisbury Highland Colori (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) won the Ayr Gold Cup last year and has moved up to listed class well enough, although he was behind Professor (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) last time at Windsor. The Hannon/ Hughes team have dominated this race in recent years and could do so again, although Artistic Jewel (Ed McMahon/ Graham Lee) could be a threat in receipt of 5 lbs. The two 3yo´s in the field do not look good enough, but we expect this age group to come out on top in Doncaster´s main feature, a 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15. Golden Steps (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) and Crisis Averted (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) both receive lots of weight from their elders, are very lightly raced and will probably be running in a much better grade before long.

York and Sandown

With 18 group races coming up at Royal Ascot next week, it is obvious that there are no races of this category at today´s 9 (!!) meetings, but there is plenty of good racing, with some very competitive and valuable handicaps as the main events.

York stages ist very popular charity meeting and the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.50 CET is the most valuable race of the day. With 20 runners, some of them totally unexposed, this is extremely difficult and luck in running could be decisive. On the whole we feel that high numbers have a slight advantage here and we therefore choose Gamesome (Olly Stevens/ Harry Bentley), drawn 16; he had no chance in a listed race last time, but looked good when winning his maiden last year and this race has apparently been his target ever since. Of the many dangers, Danzeno (Mike Appleby/ Andrew Mullen) will probably start favourite after winning his last 2 races, but he is now not so well handicapped; we are more interested in the same trainer and jockey and Cordite, the only 3yo in the field for the listed mile race at 16.15. This was the horse that caused all the trouble in the German 2,000 Guineas when running straight ahead at the bend into the straight. He still did well to finish fifth and could well run a big race here at a good price. The card opens with the Queen Mothers Cup at 15.05, one of the best races of the year for lady riders and we hope that Saptapadi (Brian Ellison/ Katie Walsh) can do the business; his only win came 4 years ago but he has been running in better races and seems very nicely handicapped here.despite top weight. Fury (William Haggas/ Frankie Dettori) is another horse that seldom wins, but he has also been given a chance by the handicapper in the 9 furlongs race at 15.40; he ran well enough at Epsom last week to give him good prospects here.

Despite the much beztter porize-money at York, leading jockeys Ryan Moore, Richard Hughes, William Buick and Jamie Spencer are all at Sandown, where we like Spencer´s chances on John Best´s Lupo d´Oro at 16.30; he won the race last year and as he has not scored since, runs now off a more lenient rating. Ryan Moore can start off with a double for Sir Michael Stoute on Gothic at 14.50 and Enobled half an hour later, though both are very open, while the main feature is a 5 furlongs listed race for 3yo´s. David O´Meara is in great form and has runners at several meetings today, but sends his main jockey Danny Tudhope to partner G Force here, who was most impressive last time at York; however this looks much tougher and his outside draw could be a problem, so we prefer Extortionist (Olly Stevens/ Jim Crowley), who has been running in smart company and won at Royal Ascot last year.

There isd also a highly interesting and valuable handicap at Chester, over 10 furlongs at 17.15. The two most interesring runners here are the top-weights Energia Davos (Marco Botti/ Marc Monaghan) and Tahira (John Quinn/ Philipp Makiin), both of whom have only ever run once in the U.K. The latter was trained by Uwe Stech last year and had smart form in German sales races. while the former has been all over the place and actually ran in the Grosser Preis von Baden two years ago. However we suspect that they may have other targets and prefer some of the lightweights, notably Running Deer (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Louis Steward) and Las Verglas Star (Richard Fahey/ Pat Mathers), who have both run well this year over this CD. Another ex-German running here is Magic Art (Botti/ Monaghan) at 16.50; this half-sister to Magic Artist won the Austrian Derby last year and could be well handicapped here.

Finally - a handicap certainty! Of course there is no such thing, but ex-German Lysino (Keith Dalgleish/ Tom Eaves) must be close in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at Musselburgh at 15.00. He ran without much success over hurdles during the winter, but on his first start for his new trainer won very easily at Ayr on Monday and still seems thrown in on a mark of 71; he was at one time Peter Schiergen´s Derby horse! He will however be at odds-on today, so is not necessarily a good betting proposition.

Friday the thirteenth!

some very tricky races today with very competitve handicaps, so we shall need all the luck that is going on Friday the thirteenth. There is plenty of racing, including jumping this evening at Aintree and Clonmel, but by far the best card is at York. The best race here is the fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.10 CET. Most of these have met before, and Bondesire (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) won a similar event at Chester in May from Royal Rascal (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) and Love Island (Richard Whitaker/ Ryan Moore). At the revised weights there should be little between this trio, but we fancy Royal Rascal, who has already won 3 times over this CD. Godolphin´s Mar Mar, who is very consistent but rarely wins, could be a big danger and so is bottom weight Willbeme (Neil Bycroft/ Andrew Miullen). The 1 3/4 mile handicap that follows half an hour later looks wide open, but we like German-bred Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Paul Hanagan), a useful hurdler but who should also be capable of winning a flat race at this level. His own brother Liquido won the German and Italian St. Leger, and he would not need to be anywhere near as good to score here. The 7 furlongs handicap at 16.40 is another tricky one. O´Meara has 3 runners here, with Tudfhope on Duibai Hillsd, who is up 8 lbs for an easy win at Haydock, while Johnny Cavagin (Richard Guest/ Steve FDonohoe) and Dusky Queen (Richjard fahey/ Ryan Moore) are also up in the weights after winning last time; the latter scored over this CD, but it was a close thing and he no longer seems so well handicapped. There are likely to be some improvers in the 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 15.30; Connecticut (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) and Tabreek (Richard Hannon/ Paul Hanagan) could both be well handicapped after easily winning their maidens, but Snow Squall (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa), who is more exposed but could improve for his recent change of stables could be a big threat.
The mile handicap for 3yo fillies at 16.15 at Sandown is another open race. Token of Love (William Haggas/ Richard Hughes) is the obvious favourite here, but it is by no means that simple, and we wonder if she concede 8 lbs to the well-bred Darting (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy), having her first run in a handicap off a very reasonable rating. The 10 furlongs handicap for older horses at 16.50 sees CD specialist Chain of Events (Michael Wigham/ William Buick) and Kastini (Denis Coakley/ Hughes) renew rivalry. When they met here a forttnight ago, the former just got the upper hand, but the latter is now 2 lbs better off, so there should be little in it.

Betting forecast at York:
1. Race: Al Gomry - Pres Rapide - Fast Lola
2. Race: Tabreek - Arabian Comet - Connecticut
3. Race: Studio Star - Sudest - Binky Blue
4. Race: Dusky Queen - Foxtrot Romeo - Dubai Hills
5. Race: Love Island - Royal Rascal - Bondesire
6. Race: Phaenomena - Bin Singspiel - Totalize
7. Race: Saved By The Bell - High Office - Mallory Heights

Group race at Leopardstown this evening

the Irish evening meeting at Leopardstown has easily the best racing of the day, with the Group Three Ballyogan Ttakes for fillies over 6 furlongs at 20.50 CET the main feature. 4 4yo´s and 4 3yo´s line up. with the younger fillies clearly the most interesting, and in particular two extremely well-bred daughters of Oasis Dream. Joyeuse (Lady Cecil/ James Doyle) is a half-sister to Frankel, while Sparrow (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is out of a full sister to Galileo. Pedigrees do not come much better than that. From the form point of view Joyeuse can possibly be preferred after her easy listed win last time at Haydock (runner-up Gathering Poser/ Eddie Lynam/ Ferrgal Lynch) well held), but Sparrow, though easily beaten on her seasonal debut in March, should not be overlooked. Seas of Wells (John Oxx/ Declan McDonogh), unplaced in a listed race at Naas last time, looks next best. Also on the Leopardstown Card is a listed mile race at 20.20 and that can go to the oldest horse in the field, 6yo Along Came Casey (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). She has been off the track for 9 months, but won the race last year and is easily top-rated. Pearl of Africa (Lynam/ Colin Keane) is the main danger.

The best racing in the U.K. today comes from Newbury, where there is a listed race for 3yo fillies over 10 furlongs at 16.25. To be honest, this does not look a strong race and most of the fillies are running in the hope of picking up some cheap black type as they are not good enough to run in group races. 3 of the runners met in a similar race at Goodwood last time, where Eastern Belle (Jophn Gosden/ William Buick) was runner-up, while Uchenna (David Simcock/ Adam Kirby) and Jordan Princess (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) took the last two places. Eastern Belle is therefore the logical choice here, but she is still a maiden and we shall take a chance on Jordan Princess, who could not have given her true form in that race and whose earlier form reads well.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sugar Mill - Simply A Star - Star Street
2. Race: U S Navy Seal - Tombelaine - Voice Of Choice
3. Race: The Ring Is King - Rathealy - Focussed
4. Race: Along Came Casey - Pearl Of Africa - Leitir Mor
5. Race: Gathering Power - Seas Of Wells - Sparrow
6. Race: Punta Marroqui - Empress Toorah - Punch Bag
7. Race: Artful Artist - Maggie Dalton - Pay Day Kitten

group race at Leopardstown this evening

the Irish evening meeting at Leopardstown has easily the best racing of the day, with the Group Three Ballyogan Stakes for fillies over 6 furlongs at 20.50 CET the main feature. 4 4yo´s and 4 3yo´s line up. with the younger fillies clearly the most interesting, and in particular two extremely well-bred daughters of Oasis Dream. Joyeuse (Lady Cecil/ James Doyle) is a half-sister to Frankel, while Sparrow (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is out of a full sister to Galileo. Pedigrees do not come much better than that. From the form point of view Joyeuse can possibly be preferred after her easy listed win last time at Haydock (runner-up Gathering Poser/ Eddie Lynam/ Ferrgal Lynch) well held), but Sparrow, though easily beaten on her seasonal debut in March, should not be overlooked. Seas of Wells (John Oxx/ Declan McDonogh), unplaced in a listed race at Naas last time, looks next best. Also on the Leopardstown Card is a listed mile race at 20.20 and that can go to the oldest horse in the field, 6yo Along Came Casey (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). She has been off the track for 9 months, but won the race last year and is easily top-rated. Pearl of Africa (Lynam/ Colin Keane) is the main danger.
The best racing in the U.K. today comes from Newbury, where there is a listed race for 3yo fillies over 10 furlongs at 16.25. To be honest, this does not look a strong race and most of the fillies are running in the hope of picking up some cheap black type as they are not good enough to run in group races. 3 of the runners met in a similar race at Goodwood last time, where Eastern Belle (Jophn Gosden/ William Buick) was runner-up, while Uchenna (David Simcock/ Adam Kirby) and Jordan Princess (Luca Cumani/ Andrea Atzeni) took the last two places. Eastern Belle is therefore the logical choice here, but she is still a maiden and we shall take a chance on Jordan Princess, who could not have given her true form in that race and whose earlier form reads well.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sugar Mill - Simply A Star - Star Street
2. Race: U S Navy Seal - Tombelaine - Voice Of Choice
3. Race: The Ring Is King - Rathealy - Focussed
4. Race: Along Came Casey - Pearl Of Africa - Leitir Mor
5. Race: Gathering Power - Seas Of Wells - Sparrow
6. Race: Punta Marroqui - Empress Toorah - Punch Bag
7. Race: Artful Artist - Maggie Dalton - Pay Day Kitten

6 more poor meetings today

Mainly poor grade sport again today, with the vast majority of races at class 5 or 6 level. The best card is at Haydock this afternoon - but be warned - there has been heavy overnight rain, leaving the going much softer than forecast and of course with the likelihood of non-runners. The most interesting runner here is Baarez (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni), who has top weight in the 3yo mile handicap at 16.10. He was a non-runner last week and in fact has only run twice, winning a maiden here in October in good style when last seen. He seems to be highly regarded and is expected to be better than a handicapper. Although one would not think so from the name, he is actually out of the Monsun mare Sortita, an own sister to such Germans stars as Samum and Schiaparelli. Lady Cecil also launches a strong raid on Haydock, and has wnining chances at 15.10 with Button Down, at 16.40 with Magic of Reality at 17.40, at 17.10 with Morning Watch and half an hour later with Sea Meets Sky, all of them partnered by Richard Hughes.

The best race at Yarmouth this afternoon is the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00, where the lightly-raced Foxy Forever (Michael Wigham( Jamie Spencer) is our selection after his encouraging seasonal debut against stronger opposition at Newmarket. That was over 5 furlongs, but he should stay this trip here.

At Kempton this evening, we like Rome (Gary and Ryan Moore) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.50; he is still a maiden, but has been placed on all his 6 starts, all of them on the all-weather, and although he cannot be said to be well handicapped, can finally get off the mark today.

The best event at this evening´s Irish meeting at Fairyhouse is the 7 furlongs conditions race at 19.00. Hidden Oasis (David Wachman/ Fran Berry) is the only one of the 6 runners not to have run so far this year, but he is top-rated after showing useful form last season and cannot perhaps defeat his fitter rivals.

5 poor meetings today

The week between the Derby and Royal Ascot is always very slow and we can expect little in the way of top class sport in the next few days. Today´s 5 meetings, flat racing at Salisbury this afternoon and Lingfield this evening, and N.H. racing at Fontwell this afternoon and Worcester this evening, as well as an all hurdles card in Ireland at Roscommon is very low key.

The most interesting race of the day is the fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.55 CET at Salisbury, in which 7 of the 9 runners are 3yo´s and we certainly expect the winner to come from this group. John Gosden saddles two runners, Seagull (William Buick), who is by Sea the Stars who sired the stable´s Oaks winner, and Likelihood, partnered by the owner´s retained jockey James Doyle. Seagull won well last time at Newmarket, but we are not sure why she is down in trip now. Crystal Nymph (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) won a handicap over this CD just under a month ago, with Rosehill Artist (Charlie Hills/ Jamie Spencer) third and now 5 lbs better off. A>ll of These could all go well, but the one to beat is surely Godolphin´s Hidden Gold (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) who won a maiden over this CD on the same day. She certainly has the best pedigree, being by Shamardal out of Melikah, who was placed in both the English and Irish Oaks and was a daughter of Arc winner Urban Sea, making her a half-sister to Galileo and Sea the Stars.

At Lingfield the first 4 races are on turf - getting firmer as the weather has improved - and the last 3 on polytrack. The 7 1 /2 furlongs handicap at 18.55 is a pretty dreadful race, but we shall stay true to Lutine Charlie (Pat Eddery/ Tom Queally), who we fancied last week at Brighton; he led a furlong out, but was run out of it by Last Minute Lisa (Sylvester Kirk/ Richard Hughes, one of several jockeys riding at both flat meetings), however we hope that he can reverse that form today on 6 lbs better terms.

Over jumps, we think that Dollar Bill (Nick Gifford/ Tom Cannon) has a decent each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.20 at Fontwell, while Barton Heather (Neil Mulholland/ Michael Byrne) has an obvious chance of following up last week´s CD win here at 18.10; as that was a conditionals´ race he has no penalty.

The handicap hurdle over 2 miles 7 furlongs at 21.35 is the best betting race at Worcester. Bob Keown (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Foggys Wall (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) will probably be the favourites, as they are both in good form and represent powerful stables. However they do not seem well handicapped, and we shall take a chance on Princely Player (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a winner over fences in the winter but capable of also winning off this mark over sticks.

back to normal

after the excitements of Derby Day, we are down to earth again today, with three cards at a much lower level. The only black type race of the day is the listed 10 furlongs race at 16.40 CET at the Curragh. Top-rated here is Parish Hall, whose trainer/ jockey combination of Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning took this event last year. They can win it again, as Parish Hall, despite giving weight away, is clearly the best horse in the field, and last time out ran the Group One performer Magician to a neck over this CD. The question mark in the race is the once-raced Nonchalant (Dermot EWeld/ Pat Smullen), the only 3yo in the line-up. He won a maiden at Cork and on the face of it would need to improve dramatically to figure here, but this trainer is always dangerous in such events, especially as his colt, as the only 3yo in the field, is getting lots of weight.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cape Clear Island - Popularity - U S Navy Seal
2. Race: Monsieur Power - Bush Pilot - Eriniya
3. Race: Wishyouwerehere - Invincible Ridge - Kiss The Stars
4. Race: Parish Hall - Ursa Major - Harasiya
5. Race: System Overload - Leliani - Tarziyna
6. Race: Just Gorgeous - Abby Cadabby - Princess Pearlita
7. Race: Iniesta - Gentry - Urban Moon
8. Race: Gypsy King - Emerita - Ode To Psyche

German winner at Epsom??

the rest of the Derby Day card is also strong with some very competitive handicaps and a good international field for the Group One Coronation Cup at 15.40 CET. Our German hope Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Adrie de Vries) takes on two well-fencied French runners, Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barbe/ Christophe Soumillon) and Flintshire (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), as well as globetrotter Joshua Tree (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) and last year´s Oaks winner Talent (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley). Joshua Tree seems to run his best races in Canada, so we will leave him out, and we shall also oppose Cirrus des Aigles, even though he is by far the best horse in the race on ratings; however a mile and a quarter seems his best trip these days, he needs more rain (although they have already had a very heavy shower) and we are not sure that he will act on this track, where he is running for the first time. Empoli did not finish that far behind Cirrus and Ambivalent (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) in the Sheema Classic at Meydan, and the trainer considers that he has improved since then. If all 8 run, we think he has a decent each-way chance at odds of around 10-1.
The otjher big betting race of the day is the 5 furlongs Dash at 16.15. With 20 runners, this is bound to be run at a furious pace, with several strong front-runners in the field. Generally high numbers (stands side) are favoured here, so we have picked out 3 runners drawn near the rail - Smoothtalkingrascal (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), Seeking Magic (Clive Cox/ Ryan Tate) and Taajub (Peter Crate/ Richard Kingscote). We shall also go for longshots Zampa Manos (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy) at 14.35 and Christopher Wren at 17.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Yenhaab - Al Busayyir - Galizzi
2. Race: Baitha Alga - Ballymore Castle - Red Icon
3. Race: Flintshire - Talent - Empoli
4. Race: Smoothtalkinrascal - Caspian Prince - Steps
5. Race: Australia - Kingston Hill - Geoffrey Chaucer
6. Race: Stomachion - Dare To Achieve - Miss Marjurie
7. Race: Ashpan Sam - Bondesire - Desert Command

German winner at Epsom??

the rest of the Derby Day card is also strong with some very competitive handicaps and a good international field for the Group One Coronation Cup at 15.40 CET. Our German hope Empoli (Peter Schiergen/ Adrie de Vries) takes on two well-fencied French runners, Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barbe/ Christophe Soumillon) and Flintshire (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), as well as globetrotter Joshua Tree (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) and last year´s Oaks winner Talent (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley). Joshua Tree seems to run his best races in Canada, so we will leave him out, and we shall also oppose Cirrus des Aigles, even though he is by far the best horse in the race on ratings; however a mile and a quarter seems his best trip these days, he needs more rain (although they have already had a very heavy shower) and we are not sure that he will act on this track, where he is running for the first time. Empoli did not finish that far behind Cirrus and Ambivalent (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) in the Sheema Classic at Meydan, and the trainer considers that he has improved since then. If all 8 run, we think he has a decent each-way chance at odds of around 10-1.
The otjher big betting race of the day is the 5 furlongs Dash at 16.15. With 20 runners, this is bound to be run at a furious pace, with several strong front-runners in the field. Generally high numbers (stands side) are favoured here, so we have picked out 3 runners drawn near the rail - Smoothtalkingrascal (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), Seeking Magic (Clive Cox/ Ryan Tate) and Taajub (Peter Crate/ Richard Kingscote). We shall also go for longshots Zampa Manos (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy) at 14.35 and Christopher Wren at 17.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Yenhaab - Al Busayyir - Galizzi
2. Race: Baitha Alga - Ballymore Castle - Red Icon
3. Race: Flintshire - Talent - Empoli
4. Race: Smoothtalkinrascal - Caspian Prince - Steps
5. Race: Australia - Kingston Hill - Geoffrey Chaucer
6. Race: Stomachion - Dare To Achieve - Miss Marjurie
7. Race: Ashpan Sam - Bondesire - Desert Command

Derby Day!

there are 8 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland today, but one race stands out - the Investec Derby to be run at Epsom at 17.00 CET. The days are long gone when it was regarded as the most important race in the world and when the British parliament would recess so that MPs could travel down to Surrey to see the race, but it is still a major sporting event and also worth almost a million euros to the winner.
No trainer has ever won this race three years running, but Aidan O´Brien has a good chance today. he saddles 4 runners: Australia, with his son and main jockey Joseph in the saddle, Geoffrey Chaucer (Ryan Moore), Orchestra (Seamus Heffernan) and Kingfisher (Colm O´Donoghue). All are of course beautifully-bred, especially Australia, who is by Derby winner Galileo out of Oaks winner Ouija Board, and this one has been the hot favourite ever since betting opened.This is partly because of his reputation, which has been helped by the usual hype from the trainer himself ("best we have ever had" etc - we have heard all this before), but it is also justified by his latest performance when third in the 2,000 Guineas, form which has been strongly boosted since and is clearly the best in the race. To our mind, there are only 3 problems - he is still very inexperienced, has never raced beyond a mile, and he seems to be dependent on good going. At the moment the ground is just right, but heavy showers are forecast for Epsom today which could well change the complexion of the race. He is certainly the most likely winner, but his odds are still skinny (although lengthening by the hour!). Of O´Brien´s other runners, Kingfisher won the Dee Stakes, but that form is hardly good enough, while Orchestra won a better race at Chester by a nose from the supplemented Romsdal (John Gosden/ Richard Hughes), while Geoffrey Chaucer has the best big-race jockey in the saddle. He was only third in a very messy race at Leopardstown last time, behind Ebanoran (John Oxx/ Declan McDonough), who was disqualified in favour of Fascinating Rock (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). Amazingly, Dermot Weld has never yet won the Derby, but to be honest we don´t think he will win it today and expect the other two to be in front of him now.
We expect an Irish winner and Kingston Hill (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) appears to be the best British hope. He is the only Group One winner in the field, having won the Racing Post Trophy on heavy ground, and probably needs the rain to come to give him a chance. Gosden´s two runners could also figure, especially Western Hymn )William Buick), who is still unbeaten, while we certainly expect True Story (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kieren Fallon) to run much better than he did at York, when he finished behind Arod (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Jamie Spencer); those two clearly prefer faster ground, which they might still get. Godolphin have two more runners in the field, but they need to improve, although we would love to see the Monsun colt Pinzolo run well.
The weather in the next few hours (as we write, it is six hours to post time) could well be decisive, but if it remnains on top we expect Australia to justify the hype and give O´Brien hjs third successive victory.
Another historic classic to be run today (actually in the early hour of tomorrow morning) is the Belmont Stakes, due off at 0.52 CET in New York. California Chrome (Art Sherman/ Victor Espinoza) is clearly the top American 3yo after his wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and he will attempt to be the 12th winner of the Triple Crown. On pedigree he is not at all certain to stay the longer distance - but nor are any of his rivals. No horse has managed to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1979, and 12 have failed since, but we think Californa Chrome can do it and bring off a huge success for his small stable and veteran trainer.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Yenhaab - Al Busayyir - Galizzi
2. Race: Baitha Alga - Ballymore Castle - Red Icon
3. Race: Flintshire - Talent - Empoli
4. Race: Smoothtalkinrascal - Caspian Prince - Steps
5. Race: Australia - Kingston Hill - Geoffrey Chaucer
6. Race: Stomachion - Dare To Achieve - Miss Marjurie
7. Race: Ashpan Sam - Bondesire - Desert Command

The Oaks et Epsom

an excellent card at Epsom today to start off the Derby Meeting, and obviously The Oaks at 17.00 CET is the main Feature. This Group One race for 3yo fillies over 1 1/2 miles has 17 runners and looks wide open. Punters must bear in mind that historically this is a very bad race for favourites; that dubious honour probably goes to Marvellous (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) after her easy win in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. That race was only 12 days ago, and this is a totally different track and the race is over a much longer distance. The draw on the inside is also a disadvantage here, and we shall not be backing her, although it would be no surprise if she were to win. O´Brien has pulled this off before, but he also has two other runners Palace (Ryan Moore) and Dazzling (Seamus Heffernan) and they also cannot be totally ignored. However we prefer another Irish filly Tarfasha (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), even though she wears the owner´s second colours, with Taghrooda (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) the number one. An outsider could well win today, and the two longshots we like best are Anipa (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and Momentus)(David Simcock/ Harry Bentley), who both have the right pedigree for the race and are quoted at 40-1 or better.
There are also two Group Threes on the card, both over the extended mile. Thistle Bird (Roger Charltpon/ James Doyle) is the likely favourite for the opening Princess Elizabeth Stakes at 14.35; she won the race last year and is top-rated today. Just The Judge (Charlie Hills/ Jamie Spencer) won the Irish 1,000 last year but has been disappointing since, while Odeliz (Karl Burke/ Danny Tudhope) and Mango Diva (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) both finished in front of Thistle Bird at York last time. Last year´s winner also runs in the Diomed at 15,45; that is Gregorian (Gosden/ William Buick), who however has not run since October, and possibly Graphic (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) can be preferred, while the two Godolphin runners are also dangerous.
CD experience is always an advantage at this tricky track, so it is no surprise tjhat last year´s winners show up again in the two most difficult handicaps - Resurge (Wilf Kittow/ Tom Queally) at 15.10 and Vainglory (Simcock/ Martin Lane) at 16.20. Obviously they should go on the short list again, but we prefer Hi There (Richard Fahey/ Ryan Moore) in the former event and Abseil (Stoute/ Doyle) in the latter, although both are very difficult.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Thistle Bird - Odeliz - Mango Diva
2. Race: Soviet Rock - Tres Coronas - Air Pilot
3. Race: Gregorian - Graphic - French Navy
4. Race: Abseil - Farlow - Dance And Dance
5. Race: Marvellous - Taghrooda - Tarfasha
6. Race: That Is The Spirit - Parbold - Penny Drops
7. Race: Legend Rising - Kafeel - Bretherton

6 more meetings today

once again. 6 meetings today - 3 this afternoon and 3 in the evening- but mainly low level handicaps. The evening card at Kempton is probably the best of the day, and there are some potentially useful 3yo´s entered in the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.30 CET. 4 of them are last-time winners, of whom the best might be Ralph Beckett´s Bowie Boy (jockey as yet unclear as Jim Crowley had a nasty fall yesterday, although he hopes to be back for Epdom tomorrow), but we shall go for the very lightly-raced Idea (Sir Michael Stoute/ James Doyle); he did not show a great deal on his seasonal debut, but Stoute´s horses usually come on a lot for their first run. In the following mile handicap, Whipper Snapper )William Knight/ Oisin Murphy) is the form choice, having won over this CD in late April and followed up with a good second at Lingfield, but we prefer the relatively unexposed Don´t Stare (James Fanshawe/ Freddie Tylicki).

The meetings at Lingfield (where the first 5 races are on grass, the last 3 on polytrack), Southwell and Hamilton are probably best ignored, while there is jumping this evening at Ffos Las and a mixed meeting at Tipperary (4 flat races, 2 over hurdles and a bumper). At the Welsh track, we hope that Santo Thomas (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) can concede the weight in the handicap chase at 19.20, while German-bred Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge) might be worth a tiny each-way bet at 21.05. There are also two ex-German horses running in Ireland, Coolfighter at 20.10 and Erlkönig at 20.45, both with chances. The most interesting runner at Tipperary however is the O´Brien´s Masai in the 5 furlongs handicap at 19.05, who is apparently being prepared for Royal Ascot; if he considered good enough for that high-class meeting, he certainly ought to win here and get the O´Brien weekend off to a good start.

6 meetings today

Plenty of racing again, but most of it at a low level. We have two flat meetings on turf, two on the all-weather and two meetings over jumps. The best horse running today is almost certainly Khalid Abdullah´s Remote (John Gosden/ James Doyle) who has top weight in the mile handicap at 16.50 CET at Nottingham. This very well-bred 4yo (a half-brother to Kingman) has won 3 of his career starts and is probably much better than his current rating. Even so, he may not be a good bet today as he is coming off a break of 11 months, since Royal Ascot last year, and the ground may not be as firm as he seems to like. The Rectifier (Seamus Durack/ Adam Kirby) and Fort Bastion (Ruth Carr/ James Sullivan) are both in good form, receive weight, and may possibly have a fitness advantage.

The best race over jumps is the 2 3/4 mile chase at 19.20 at POiunchestown. We would love to see German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Robbie Power) win here, but this is a surprisingly strong field for the prize-money and he has to give weight to some useful performers. Another German-bred we like over jumps today is Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) in the novice chase at 15.40 at Fontwell. This half-brother to Samum & co has so far not lived up to expectations, but he has been placed in his two runs over fences and can make it third time lucky today..

Mainly handicaps

4 U.K. meetings today, but all at a low level and mainly handicaps: Brighton and Ripon this afternoon, and Yarmouth this evening, as well as Southwell where they go over jumps. These are not punter-friendly cards, and with the Derby Meeting coming up at the weekend, punters are advised to keep stakes low and save up for a decent bet at Epsom.

The "best" race of the day is the mile handicap at 16.55 at Ripon, which features several oldtimers, most of whom have met repeatedly. 11yo Suits Me (David Barron/ Phillip Makin), one of several front-runners in the field, won this last year, with 2011 winner Dubai Dynamo (Ruth Carr/ Peter McDonald) third and Osteopathic Remedy (Michael CDods/ Connor Beasley) 4th. The last-named ran badly .last time in the race in which Bold Prediction(Karl Burke/ Joey Haynes) was runner-up and Dubai Dynamo third. Bold Prediction, a 4yo, is the youngest horse in the field and possibly the only one with much scope for improvement, but on the score of handicapping we just prefer 9yo Dubai Dynamo, who is at least more consistent than most of these and currently in good form.

At Brighton 6 of the 7 races are low grade handicaps. The mile handicap at 17.40 has the biggest field of the day with 13 runners, but most of them are thoroughly unreliable. We shall take a chance on Lutine Charlie (Pat Eddery/ Oisin Murphy), whose last win was almost 2 years ago over this CD and has this season´s hottest apprentice in the saddle.

Although some of the top Newmarket trainers have runners at Yarmouth this evening, this is all third division stuff. Troy Boy (Robin Bastiman/ Silvestre de Sousa) was an 80-1shot last time when runner-up at Ayr 12 days ago, easily the best performance of his career. That was a poor race, but the 10 furlongs handicap here at 19.25 is even worse, and if he can repeat that form, he should go close.

Our each-way hope at Southwell is Tinseltown (Brian Rothwell/ Lynn Alexander) at 20.45; he is another very inconsistent performer, but was runner-up in this race last year and is also a CD winner with this rider off a higher rating.

4 listed races at Naas

Easily the best card today is at Naas, and the Irish track has no fewer than 4 listed races, all over short distances. They kick off with a 7 furlongs race at 15.50 CET, in which we expect the 3yo´s in the field to come out on top. They have a good weight advantage - especially the fillies. Giovanni Boldoni (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is favourite here, and his second place in the Breeders Cup Juvenile last year is clearly the best form on offer, but we also like Dermot Weld´s filly Tested (Pat Smullen), who got bogged down in the mud in the Irish 1,000 Guineas; this better ground should suit her.

There are two listed races for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs - for colts and geldings at 17.00 and for fillies half an hour later. The former race should go to the O´Brien´s War Envoy, regarded as a Royal Ascot prospect, although British raider Kool Kompany (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs), also unbeaten, is not just coming for the Guinness. In the fillies race we like Beach Belle (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) best.

The 6 furlongs race at 18.05 is restricted to 3yo´s and Sudirman (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) is the highest-rated here. However he is coming off a Long btreak and is also penalised for winning a Group One last year, and we are not sure if he can concede 5 lbs to the O´Brien´s Due Diligence or Weld´s Sailors Swan, both colts of great potential. However John Oxx´ filly Seas of Wells (Declan McDonogh), running in the Tsui colours and winner of her only start, gets even more weight and is an interesting each-way bet.

There is also a listed race at Windsor this evening - also over 6 furlongs but for all ages. Boomerang Bob won this last year, and there will not be a dry eye in the place if he scores again, as his popular trainer John Hills died at the weekend. However he faces a tough task on form and has run only once since that success; on ratings Montiridge (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Highland Colori (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) must be preferred, while course specialist Rex Imperator (William Haggas/ Frankie Dettori), coming off a long break, must also be respected.