three Grade Ones at Fairyhouse

the two U.K.meetings today are of only minor significance, but there is a huge card in Ireland, where Fairyhouse stages one of its best meetings of the year, featuring three Grade One races. First up is the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 14.00 CET, where Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with Allez Colombieres (Ruby Walsh) and Nichols Canyon (Paul Townend), owned by his top owners Susannah Ricci and Graham Wylie respectively. One has to assume that Ruby has made the right choice, although the other riunner was much better on the flat, being a listed winner for John Gosden. Flat form does not always work out over jumps, but it is also worth remembering that Tandem (Dermot Weld/ Davy Russell) was also smart on the level and his shrewd trainer would not be running him here without good reason.
The Royal Bond was won last year by The Tullow Tank (Sandra Hughes/ Adrian Heskin), who is likely to start favourite for the Drinmore Novice Chase at 15.05, which has attracted 13 runners, the largest field in its history.
The Tullow Tank, a half-brother to yesterday´s Hennessy winner Many Clouds, is 3 from 3 here and was a convincing winner of his only start so far over fences. However the same can be said of Apache Stronghold (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Valseur Lido (Willie Mullins/ Bryan Cooper) -one of 4 Gigginstown entries. This is a race to be watched rather than bet on, but the winner must be followed through the whole season.
The other Grade One is the Hattons Grace Hurdle at 14.30 and the field here is somewhat substandard following the withdrawal of Annie Power. However her owner Ricci and trainer Mullins can still take this with CD specialist Zaidpour (Walsh), who won this in 2012 and was runner-up last year to Jezki- no disgrace there. Jezki´s half-brother Jetson (Jessica Harrington/ Russell) could be the main danger now - wjhile, talking of half-brothers, it is worth noting that Zaidpour´s Zaidiyn (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) runs in the novice hurdle at 13.50 at Carlisle., and if he jumps a bit better this time, should defy a 7 lbs penalty for winning at Bangor first time out.
In what could be another big day for Ricci, Mullins and Walsh, we also expect their highly-regarded ex-French Kalkir to win the Grade Three 3yo hurdle that opens the Fairyhouse card at 13.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tarabiyn - Kabjoy - Verawal
2. Race: Nichols Canyon - Tandem - Draco
3. Race: Zaidpour - Little King Robin - Jetson
4. Race: Apache Stronghold - Real Steel - Alelchi Inois
5. Race: Who Let De Dogsout - Down Ace - Pollywollydoodle
6. Race: Seefood - Embracing Change - Jupitor
7. Race: Akito - Art Of Security - Soft Seventeen

Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle

Newbury is not the only track staging top races today, and in fact the theoretical top event is the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at 15.05 CET at Newcastle, the best early season race for Champion Hurdle contenders. There could be a German-bred winner here as Arctic Fire (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Irving (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) are the two top-rated runners here. Irving is the interesting one, and what a double that would be if his half-brother Ivanhowe were to win the Japan Cup tomorrow morning (7.55 a.m.)! He would probably have won the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton but for falling at the last and is reunited with his regular jockey today.The 4yo filly Aurore d´Estruval (John Quinn/ James Reveley) is a danger to all off bottom weight. The 3 mile handicap chase which follows at 15.40 is another tough race; Hey Big Spender (Colin Tizzard/ Brendan Powell) and Vintage Star (Sue Smith/ Reveley) were first and second last year and should go close again, but at these weights we prefer Tutchek (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) whose stable is in great form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Moyode Wood - Straidnahanna - Ballyben
2. Race: Samson Collonges - Dingo Bay - Benefit In Kind
3. Race: Chidswell - Mister Spingsprong - Native River
4. Race: Oscar Lateen - Purcell`S Bridge - Kai Broon
5. Race: Sea Lord - Aurore d`Estruval - Swaledale Lad
6. Race: Broadway Buffalo - Victors Serenade - Lie Forrit
7. Race: Micky Fingers - Kingfisher Creek - Clan Chief

Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

the Hennessy Gold Cup, a 3 1/4 mile handicap chase to be run at 16.00 CET at Newbury today, is always one of the best races of the season and has been won by many N.H. stars including Gold Cup winners Denham and Bobsworth. It is also one of thr boiggest betting races of the whole year and the Money so far has come for Irish raider Dkakadam (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), but to be honest we are a bit dubious about them both - they are both relatively inexperienced and unproven at this trip, which will take a lot of getting on this heavy ground. We also think the ground will favour the light weights, so our 3 against the field are Unioniste (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily), Midnight Prayer (Alan King/ Tom Bellamy) and Merry King (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy).
The Grad Two Long FDistance Hurdle at 15.25 sees the reappearance of the unbeaten More Than That (O´Neill/ McCoy) one of the stars of last season and winner of the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. That form of course would suffice, but he has not run since, so we shall take a chance on front-runner Cole Harden (Warren Greatrex/ Gavin Sheehan) and Medinas (King/ Johnson), first and second at Wetherby recently.
The opening listed mares hurdle at13.20 looks quite tricky, with several of the runners unlikely to be suited by the going. We shall take a chance on A Doll in Milan (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) a very easy winner on soft ground last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Broxbourne - Ardnahoe - Taniokey
2. Race: Royal Regatta - Seventh Sky - Keltus
3. Race: Dushrembrandt - Listen Boy - Baby Shine
4. Race: Hammersly Lake - Albert Bridge - Silsol
5. Race: Cole Harden - Lac Fontana - Medinas
6. Race: Smad Place - Many Clouds - Fingal Bay
7. Race: Ut Majeur Aulmes - Next Sensation - Rio De Sivola

Grade Two chase at Newbury

easily the best of today´s 5 cards is that at Newbury, where the Grade Two novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 CET is the main event. In the past this has been won by subsequent Gold Cup winners such as Denman and Bobsworth, but it is unlikely that there is a horse of that calibre in today´s small field. If there is, it can only de Saphir du Rheu (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) described by the trainer as "the apple of my eye". He makes his chasing debut here, but was the best of these over hurdles. Dell´Arca (David PIpe/ Tom Scudamore) probably needs better ground - he is by Sholokhov out of an Acatenango mare- so Coneygree (Mark Bradstock/ Nico de Boinville), a brother to the smart staying mudder Carruthers, looks the main danger. He has not run for ages, but was controversially withdrawn at the start two weeks ago, so should be fit enough, but will certainly need longer distances in time.
The handicap chase over the same trip at 15.40 has attracted a useful field, including Irish raider The Paparazzi Kid (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh). He has not run since winning a graded novice chase at Limerick last Christmas, we are a bit sceptical, especially after the two Mullins runners here yesterday were both well beaten. It is no surprise that Tony McCoy prefers Pendra of owner JP McManus´ two runners, and although he has not run since being well beaten in the Irish Grand National, he will find this trip much more to his liking and is out selection. Ex-German Lamool (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne), unbeaten in his two U.K. starts, could be next best.
McCoy also Partners Unique de Coztte for David PIpe in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.30 and this one, unpenalisred for his Cheltenham success a fortnight ago, should score again. The bounce factor could be a problem- that his first start in almost 2 years, in which case the much improved Little Boy Boru (Suzy Smith/ Harry Bannister) looks a good each-way alternative.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Old Guard - Mick Jazz - Bassarabad
2. Race: Comeonginger - Quick Decisson - Wilton Milan
3. Race: Unique De Cotte - Tullyesker Hill - Little Boy Boru
4. Race: Coneygree - Dell` Arca - Deep Trouble
5. Race: The Paparrazi Kid - Sound Investment - Carrigmorna King
6. Race: Thomas Brown - Tea For Two - Out Sam
7. Race: Days Of Heaven - Different Gravey - Coyaba

more Mullins stars out today

Willie Mullins is currently operating at an amazing strike rate as he pulls more and more top novices and maidens out of his hat and it looks as if this run will continue today at Thurles. He starts off with Un de Sceaux (Ruby Walsh) in the opening beginners chase at 13.20 CET. This ex-French performer is unbeaten in 9 starts and regarded as one of the stable´s top hopes for this season - he is in fact already favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham..Despite the large field, he will be at an unbackable price today and although he is regarded as very headstrong it can be expected that he will win this easily on the way to better things.Mullins and Walsh can folloow up with Max Dynamite in the maiden hurdle at 14.25 - this one war running in Group One races on the flat in France last year and cost conndctions 200,000 euros- and another unbdeaten horse Clondaw Court at 15.00. The trainer might even complete a fourtimer with Kate Appleby Shoes, ridden by son Paddy, in the bumper at 16.40.
Mullins has also sent two runners over the Irish Sea to contest the listed hurdle race at 16.15 at Newbury - Wicklow Brave (Paul Townend) and Daneking (Danny Mullins); despite the misleading form figures we strongly prefer the former who has run some good races in top company. Of the two ex-French runners here we definitely prefer L´ami Serge (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) at these weights, while Astre de la Cour (Robert Walford/ Paul Moloney) should also be noted.This is easily the best race at Britain´s 3 N.H. meetings today, as Newbury as well as the lower grade cards at Taunton and Uttoxeter are composed mainly of very small fields, which make little appeal for betting purposes, especially on this heavy ground. However we shall risk a small e.w. flutter on ex-German Ordensritter (CJ Down/ James Davies) in the handicap hurdle at 17.00 at Taunton. He was regarded as good enough to run in the 2011 German Derby (in which his full brother finished third this year!) but has not lived up to expectations; his hurdles form is very wobbly, to put it mildly, but he is on a very lenient mark and this is an extremely weak race.

Betting forecast Thurles:
1. Race: Mr Fiftyone - Empire Of Dirt - Dromnea
2. Race: Federici - Shantalla - Mr Goodenough
3. Race: Baily Cloud - Phil`s Magic - Walk To Freedom
4. Race: Ttebbob - Mount Colah - Mister Red
5. Race: Golantilla - Soteira - Ryansbrook
6. Race: Flemerelle - Broadway Twist - Leave At Dawn
7. Race: Kate Appleby Shoes - Starry Knight - Westerner Point

listed race this evening

the most interesting race at today´s 3 all-weather meetings is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 19.45 CET this evening at Kempton. Grendisar (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) has to concede weight all round here but he is a real a.w. specialist and won a similar race over CD 3 weeks ago from Fire Fighting (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who reopposes on slightly better terms. Best in at the weights is Harris Tweed (William Haggas/ George Baker), third here last year, but he has been strugglling a bit this year. The 3yo filly Kalaafah (Saeed bin Suroor/ James Doyle) has won both her starts in a very promising manner but takes a huge leap in class here. An exotic note is provided by Moroccan-bred Billabong (Pascal Bary/ Cristian Demuro), a Casablanca specialist who ran well in France last time; Bary, who saddled the big winner at Chantilly yesterday, rarely ventures abroad and when he does it is for good reason, so we expect his horse to run well here.
Many of the jockeys will arrive here having ridden at Lingfield in the afternoon, and we expect Harley to take the 10 furlongs handicap there on Botti´s Brazilian-bred Energia Fox, who ran an excellent race when third last time in a listed race over this CD; Maverick Wave (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) is the obvious danger; he is in good form, but up in distance here. A German-bred we like here is Cabuchon (David Evans/ Harry Burns) in the apprentice handicap at 16.40; considering his dam was a Group One winner here, he has been basically a a big disappointment, but is surely good enough to run well in this modest company.
There are small fields at today´s two N.H. Meetings, and very low class racing as well. AP McCoy makes his comeback from injury at Fontwell, where he partners bumper winner Southfield Royale for Neil Mulholland in the novice hurdle at 13.40. Clearly the team will be expected to win, biut we just prefer Coologue (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), who made an excellent debut over hurdles at the end of last month.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jebediah Shine - Miss Jonh - Kyrenia Castle
2. Race: Archie`s Advice - Ze King - Dalgig
3. Race: Brazen Spirit - Spinaminnie - Optimystic
4. Race: Wentworth Falls - Showtime Blues - Lucky Leyf
5. Race: Kokovoko - Franco`s Secret - Summersault
6. Race: Grendisar - Fire Fighting - Rawaki
7. Race: Major Jack - Pipers Note - Lancelot Du Lac
8. Race: Brown Pete - Nouvelle Ere - Focail Mear

3 poor meetings today

very little to get excited about at today´s 3 meetings in the U.K.- jumping at Lingfield and Sedgefield and flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield. Not only is the quality of racing very low, there are also generally small fields, so that the whole programme is not at all punter-friendly. The very soft going also adds to the difficulties as we saw from yesterday´s Kempton results.
Southway Star (Neil King/ Trevor Whelan) goes for her fourth win in less than 3 weeks when she contests the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.00 CET at Lingfield. Normally we would not like this, but she seems to be in such good form that she can outclass her 3 opponents today despite having gone up 21 lbs. The handicap hurdle half an hour earller sees Sinndar´s Man (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) take on older horses for the first time after twice winnning easily against his own age group. In our view it usually pays to oppose 3y´s running against older horses over jumps, and here we prefer Malanos (Tony Carroll/ Whelan) who has a nice German pedigree and made alll to win easily at Leicester last week. Ex-German Cafe au Lait (Tony Middleton/ Richard Johnson) has run a couple of bad races., but has dropped to his lowest rating since moving to the U.K., and also has a chance.
It generally pays to follow CD specialists at Sedgefield and there are quite a few of them running today. Oldtimer Heez A Steel (Mrs Walton/ Alistair Findlay) loves it here; he was runner up in the 3 miles 3 furlongs handicap chase last year and can perhaps go one better at 14.20. Two CD specialists clash in the 2 miles 1 furlong handicap hurdle an hour later, in which we prefer last year´s winner Amir Pasha (Micky Hammond/ Jason Maguire) to Stanley Bridge (Ferdy Murtagh/ Lucy Alexander).


Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: The Green Ogre - Haatefina - Allthegear No Idea
2. Race: Leith Hill Legasi - Sand Artist - Ball Hopper
3. Race: Sinndar`s Man - Malanos - Dormouse
4. Race: Browns Brook - Arbeo - Gentle George
5. Race: Hel Tara - Millicent Silver - Grace And Fortune
6. Race: Little Jimmy - Sportsreport - Thinger Licht
7. Race: King Louis - Bleu Et Noir - Draco`s Code

Nicky Henderson the man to follow today

the last few days have been all about Willie Mullins, but Nicky Henderson looks the man to follow today and we expect him to have winners at both U.K. jumps meetings. Best race of the day is the listed mares hurdle over 3 miles at 15.10 CET at Kempton, in which Henderson saddles Mayfair Music (David Bass) and Polly Peachum (Barry Geraghty), with the latter clearly favoured after her easy win at Wincanton. The obvious danger is L´Unique (Alan King/ Aidan Colerman) - especially at these weights, as she is 10 lbs better off with Polly Peachum compared to their running in April at Cheltenham. Polly won well enough that day and has possibly improved since, but there should be little between them this time. However his runners fare here, Henderson should certainly take the first two races at Kempton with West Wizard at 13.35 and River Maigue, both ridden by Geraghty, and also has a chance with New Horizons at 16.15 and Lough Kent (Nico de Bloinville) at 16.45, although in those races we prefer Brother Tedd (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and German-bred Lyssio (Jim Best/ Jack Sherwood).
Henderson can also take the first two races at Ludlow with the Queen´s Jack Frost (Peter Carberry) at 13.50 and Tistory (Andrew Tinkler) at 14.20. Our best bet here however is Last Shot (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) in the handicap chase at 15.20; he was just touched off in this race last year and can make amends now.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: West Wizard - Alphabet Bay - Arzal
2. Race: River Maigue - Fayette County - Tango De Juilley
3. Race: Letemgo - Neville - Mister Snowball
4. Race: Polly Peachum - L`Unique - Clara Mc Cloud
5. Race: Frontier Spirit - King Edmund - Real Milan
6. Race: Brother Tedd - New Horizons - Dashaway
7. Race: Lough Kent - Theinval - Germany Calling

Next Mullins star out today

Champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins has brought out several of his top stars this week and most of them (not all!) have duly obliged in impressive fashion. Today we see the chasing debut of Vautour (Ruby Walsh) in the beginners chase at 14.55 CET at Navan. He was the best novice hurdler of all last season, winning championship events at both Cheltenham and Punchestown, and if he can bring the same ability to jumping fences should certainly beat these 15 opponents (of whom Clarcam is the best) easily enough. He is not necessarily a good bet as he will certainly start at long odds-on, as will stable companion Milsean (Bryan Cooper), who has smart bumper form, in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.25.

Navan stages an excellent card - much more interesting than the 2 U.K. Cards at Exeter and Towcester- and the main Event in theory is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 13.55. Unbeaten Free Expression (Gordon Elliott/ Mark Walsh) is clearly the best of his stable´s two runners, but meets better Opposition now. German-bred sang Tiger Needs to improve, while Martello Tower (Mags Mullins/ Adrian Heskin) has the best form, having won 4 of his 5 starts, all on soft ground. However we like best Kauto Grand Mogol (Liz Doyle/ Barry O´Connell), who will probably never be as good as his Star brother, but is not far off Martello Tower on bumper form and now gets 3 lbs.

The Troytown Chase at 15.25 is the big betting race of the day, and this 3 miles handicap with 27 runners is almost impossible to solve, especially with leading trainer Noel Meade saddling 4 runners and top owners McManus and Gigginstown also being multi-handed. Meade´s main jockey Paul Carberry has chosen to partner Pandorama, who has run only 4 times since his Lexus Chase win in 2010, but is very well handicapped on that form. Many punters will be hoping that Sandra Hughes, whose father Dessie died last week, can take this with Nearly Namad (Mark Walsh), who carries JP´s first colours, but we will take a chance on top-weight Colbert Station (Ted Walsh/ Niall Madden), who was third in this last year, and although he has mainly failed to complete since, has been running in top races.

Cheltenham Festival favourites in action

Some really excellent racing today, mainly at Ascot and Haydock with plenty of leading fancies for the Cheltenham Festival in action, including the two favourites for the Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins send the unbeaten Faugheen (Ruby Walsh) across the Irish Sea to contest the Coral Hurdle at 15.40 CET. If he has any pretensions to the hurdling crown, he should win today, with Lac Fontana (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield), a son of Shirocco who will be helped by every drop of rain that falls, his main danger. Blue Fashion (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) is next best, and the rest probably have no chance.

His main rival for the Champion Hurdle is The New Man (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who runs in the 14.50 at Haydock. He was an unlucky third last year at Cheltenham, but has won 11 of his 16 starts and is clearly right out of the top drawer.,He meets slightly stronger opposition than Faugheen at Ascot, and certainly Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Tom Scudamore), another one who needs plenty of rain - and looks as oif he is getting it!- and Zamdy Man (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) both hopeful, while the.lightly-raced 4yo Auror d´Estruval (John Quinn/ Barry Geraghty) is also dangerous in receipt of weight.

Main event at Haydock and the day´ s best race is the Betfair Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 16.00, in which several leading Gold Cup candidates line up. Most of these have already met on several occasions: Cue Card (Colin Tizzard/ Daryl Jacob) won last year from Dynaste (David PIpe/ Scudamore) and Silviani Conti (Nicholls/ STD). Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) won the Charlie Hall Chase, with Taquin de Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Geraghty) second, Double Ross (N+ STD) a close third, Medermit (Alan King/ Denis O´Regan) fourth and Silviniani Conti (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) fifth. The last-named started a hot favourite at Wetherby and we shall giver him another chance today, especially with the Nicholls stable now in great form.

Ascot and Haydock

there are 3 jumps cards this afternoon- Ffos Las, Ascot and Haydock, as well as racing on the
all-weather this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk. There are small fields at all the afternoon meetings and normal each-way betting will only be available on a handful of races.
Ascot and Haydock are both gearing up for tomorrow´s top class cards, when there will be plenty of stars in action, but today´s cards, though at a much lower level, are also of interest. Haydock is honoured today by the visit of Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, who runs Turban (Ruby Walsh) in the graduation chase at 14.,20 CET. His 3 opponents all have useful form, but Turban, only his trainer´s third runner at the track in the last 5 years, is clear top-rated here and should win. Otherwise Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies should be the team to follow here; they can take the listed novice hurdle at 14.55 with The Brock Again, a non-runner yesterday, the novice chase at 15.30 with smart hurdler Virak, and the "fixed brush" novice hurdle at 16.05 with ex-French Vago Collonges, runner-up on all his 3 U.K. starts so far and surely due to go one better today.
At Ascot, one of our favourite horses reappears: Lysino (Dr. Newland/ Noel Fehily), a half-brother to German Derby winner Lucky Speed, was an easy winner last month at Worcester and now tries to follow up in the handicap chase at 15.40; however the handicapper has put him up 15 lbs, which we think is ridiculous, At these weights we prefer Al Alfa from the in-form team of Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwod/ Leighton Aspell), a Grade Two novice hurdles winner here, can take the beginners chase at 14.30, while the introductory hurdle at15.05 sees the renewed clash between Jolly´s Cracked It (Harry Fry/ Nick Scholfield) and Clondaw Banker (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty); when they met over this CD 20 days ago, the former came out on top, but we suspect that the latter can reverse the form on 5 lbs better terms. Henderson and Geraghty will also fancy their chances of winning tjhe final handicap hurdle at 16.5o with Sweet Deal, who has won his races this season in pleasing style; however this race is much tougher and we prefer Starluck (David Arbuthnot/ Tom Cannon) who is down in grade here and has been running in much better company.

Betting forecast Ascot:
1. Race: Saint Charles - Heated Debate - Arpege D`alene
2. Race: The Skyfarmer - Killala Quay - Irish Cavalier
3. Race: Wilberdragon - Jebril - Jolly`s Cracked It
4. Race: Lysino - Niceonefrankie - Al Alfa
5. Race: Howard`S Legacy - Imperial Circus - Grandads Horse
6. Race: Le Fin Bois - Flute Bowl - Starluck

Mullins again?

as expected Willie Mullins won two races yesterday - although a couple more were beaten- and looks set to increase that tally again today at Thurles. Valyssa Monterg (Ruby Walsh), unbeaten in 3 French bumpers last season, is reckoned to be one of the stable´s big hopes and makes his Irish debut in the maiden hurdle at 15.00 CET. He faces 20 opponents, but if he is anywhere near as good as rumoured, should win. Mullins can also take the opening beginners chase at 13.25 with another French Import As de Ferbet (Bryan Cooper) and also the bumper at 16.35 with Bellshill, ridden by son Paddy. Surprisingly Mullins has no runner in the main event, the listed chase over 2 3/4 miles at 13.55, which looks at the mercy of Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara), who fell when favourite at the Punchestown Festival last time but had previously been placed in some top races and was runner-up both in Cheltenham´s Ryanair Chase and the Irish Champion Chase. He should be much too good for these opponents, of whom Foildubh (JP Ryan/ Paul Carberry) is probably the best.
The fields at today´s 3 U.K. meetings over jumps - Market Rasen, Wincanton and Chepstow are much smaller and also lacking in credible Cheltenham contenders. The best race is the handicap hurdle at 15.25 at Wincanton, in which local trainer Paul Nicholls saddles the ex-French The Brock Again (Sam Twiston-Davies), while Voix d´eau (Harry Fry/ Nick Scholfield) is another ex-French runner. We shall take a chance here on Roberto Pegasus (Alan King/ Jamie Moore), who is possibly the second string, but seems to be the runner best adapted tp the very soft ground. Two ex-German horses also catch our eye - Lochnagar (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the novice hurdle at 13.40 at Chepstow -a smart 3yo when trained by Waldemar Hickst - and Home Run (David Pipe/ Kieron Edgar) in the stayers handicap hurdle at 15.05 at Market Rasen.

Betting forecast Thurles:
1. Race: Aerlite Supreme - As De Ferbet - Drumlee
2. Race: Home Farm - Letter Of Credit - Some Tikket
3. Race: Drumacoo - Couleur France - Bosman Rule
4. Race: Mollyanna - Shuilamach - Oneforlill
5. Race: Deano - Notification - Street Party
6. Race: Western Promise - Ballinahow Oscar - Pocketfullapennies
7. Race: Attribution - Total Recall - High In The Clouds

Mullins again?

as expected Willie Mullins won two races yesterday - although a couple more were beaten- and looks set to increase that tally again today at Thurles. Valyssa Monterg (Ruby Walsh), unbeaten in 3 French bumpers last season, is reckoned to be one of the stable´s big hopes and makes his Irish debut in the maiden hurdle at 15.00 CET. He faces 20 opponents, but if he is anywhere near as good as rumoured, should win. Mullins can also take the opening beginners chase at 13.25 with another French Import As de Ferbet (Bryan Cooper) and also the bumper at 16.35 with Bellshill, ridden by son Paddy. Surprisingly Mullins has no runner in the main event, the listed chase over 2 3/4 miles at 13.55, which looks at the mercy of Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara), who fell when favourite at the Punchestown Festival last time but had previously been placed in some top races and was runner-up both in Cheltenham´s Ryanair Chase and the Irish Champion Chase. He should be much too good for these opponents, of whom Foildubh (JP Ryan/ Paul Carberry) is probably the best.
The fields at today´s 3 U.K. meetings over jumps - Market Rasen, Wincanton and Chepstow are much smaller and also lacking in credible Cheltenham contenders. The best race is the handicap hurdle at 15.25 at Wincanton, in which local trainer Paul Nicholls saddles the ex-French The Brock Again (Sam Twiston-Davies), while Voix d´eau (Harry Fry/ Nick Scholfield) is another ex-French runner. We shall take a chance here on Roberto Pegasus (Alan King/ Jamie Moore), who is possibly the second string, but seems to be the runner best adapted tp the very soft ground. Two ex-German horses also catch our eye - Lochnagar (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the novice hurdle at 13.40 at Chepstow -a smart 3yo when trained by Waldemar Hickst - and Home Run (David Pipe/ Kieron Edgar) in the stayers handicap hurdle at 15.05 at Market Rasen.

Betting forecast Thurles:
1. Race: Aerlite Supreme - As De Ferbet - Drumlee
2. Race: Home Farm - Letter Of Credit - Some Tikket
3. Race: Drumacoo - Couleur France - Bosman Rule
4. Race: Mollyanna - Shuilamach - Oneforlill
5. Race: Deano - Notification - Street Party
6. Race: Western Promise - Ballinahow Oscar - Pocketfullapennies
7. Race: Attribution - Total Recall - High In The Clouds

Mullins and Walsh

Yesterday we correctly predicted that all 3 runners at Wexford trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh would be successful, and today we expect their winning run to continue at Fairyhouse. They Team up with Aklan at 13.35 CET and Shaneshill an hour later. Aklan made an impressive winning debut over hurdles and his only danger is probably stable-companion Digeanta (Paul Townend), but the really interesting one is Shaneshill, a top bumper horses last year, runner-up at Cheltenham and winner at Punchestown, who is expected to go right to the top over hurdles. Mullins´ other runners here, Outlander (Bryan Cooper) at 14.05, and Arkrisht (ridden by son Paddy) could also win, so another highly successful day for the Co. Carlow trainer seems to be on the cards.

There is only one horse running in the U.K. today who can be mentiokned in the same breath, and that is Ptit Zig (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) who appears to have a simple task in the novice chase at Warwick at 15.10. A top hurdler and sixth in the Champion Hurdle, he won his first chase easily enough and a penalty should not stop him here; Arthur´s Secret (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Jamie Moore) can follow him home.

The rest of the Warwick card looks very uninspiring and the same goes for the other N.H. fixture at Hexham and also this afternoon´s all-weather card at Lingfield, but Kempton this evening stages a listed race over a mile at 19.25 which has atttracted a very strong field, including a runner from France, Cladocera (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Antoine Hamelin). Graphic (William Haggas/ Seb Sanders) was a beaten favourite here last year, while stable-companion, the Queen´s Prince´s Trust, won in very good style last time. But the one to beat is surely Captain Cat (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle), a proven group race performer and a close fifth last time in the Group One QE II, easily the best form on offer here. We also like oldtimer Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ George Baker), who has plenty of smart all-weather form to his credit

4 poor meetings today

more low grade stuff today, with jumping at Doncaster, Fakenham and Wexford (Ireland) plus a poor all-weather flat card at Southwell. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh should continue their winning run at Wexford, where we expect all 3 of their runners to win- Aminabad at 13.45 CET and Measureofmydreams half an hour later, both decent bumper winners making their debut over hurdles, and ex-French Vroom Vroom Mag at 15.45; however you will not get rich backing any of them, as they will all be very short in the betting.

There are very small fields at Fakenham and ir could be significant that Paul Nicholls has sent Sam Twiston-Davides for just one ride - Vicente, who makes his fencing debut at 15.30; he has smart hurdling form and if he jumps round, should win.

Doncaster certainly offers the best betting opportunities. although this is a relatively poor card for the track. Nick Scholfield partners the Nicholls runners here and Annalulu, a non-runner yesterday after the rain turned the track heavy at Leicester, can make up for lost time in the 3yo hurdle at 14.20. Saints and Sinners (Mick Easterby/ Jake Greenall), making his seasonal debut on a course where his trainer always does well, is our each-way selection at 14.50, while the handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles an hour later is the best race of the day. Mick Easterby can take this as well with top-weight Shadows Lengthen (Brian Harding), who is not especially well handicapped but has clearly the best form in the race. Lightly-weighted Crazy Jack (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire) is difficult to assess but could be the principal danger.


Betting forecast Fakenham:
1. Race: Seaside Shuffle - Inside Knowledge - Ruby Valentine
2. Race: Jewellery - Southway Star - Tea Caddy
3. Race: Nellie The Elegant - Grimley Girl - Istimraar
4. Race: Warden Hill - Hazzaat - Warden Hill
5. Race: Blue Sea Of Ibrox - Barton Heather - Cash For Steel
6. Race: Carobello - Larteta - Full Ov Beans

heavy going

the going is heavy at today´s 2 jumps meetings at Leicester and Plumpton, which does not make punting any easier. However some of the leading trainers are in action and we especially like the Nicholls/ Twiston-Davies team at Plumpton and the King/ Hutchinson combination at the Midlands track.
Nicholls starts off with As De Mee in the novice hurdle at 14.00 CET; he was favourite on his hurdles debut but did not jump too well, with the stable now in much better form he can perhaps defeat the likely odds-on favourite Seedling, penalised for an easy win over this CD a fortnight ago. Half an hour later he runs Far West in the novice chase; again he has a serious opponent in Deputy Dan, as they were of similar ability over hurdles. More Bucks,closely related to the stable´s star staying hurdler Big Bucks, makes his debut over sticks at 15.00; he would need only a fraction of his relative´s ability to win here.
At Leicester, King kicks off with Nyanza, who has a good German pedigree, in the hurdle race for 3yo fillies at 13.45; she made an impressive winning debut and the only danger looks to be the equally penalised Isabella Liberty. The King team can finish the day with Miles to Memphis at 16.50, who can remain unbeaten and looks a major prospect. In between KIng runs Mystery Drama in the handicap hurdle at 15.20, the best betting race of the day, and Gone Too Far in the beginners chase at 15.50; however that is a pretty tough race, with smart hurdlers Docs Trouble and Three Kingdoms both expected to do well on their chasing debut, while Thomas Crapper has already shown good form over fences.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: As De Mee - Sea Wall - Stars Royale
2. Race: Far West - Deputy Dan - Coneygree
3. Race: More Buck`s - Murrayana - Shantou River
4. Race: Jackies Solitaire - Cabimas - Midnight Lira
5. Race: Spartilla - Nouailhas - Mr Fickle
6. Race: Little Boy Boru - Fred Le Macon - Virtuose Du Chenet
7. Race: Tikkapick - Sadler`s Gold - Rude And Crude

Champion hurdlers clash at Punchestown

Cheltenham does not monopolise the headlines today, as the best race of the day is run in Ireland - the Morgiana Hurdle at 15.15 CET at Punchestown, which sees a fascinating clash between the champion hurdlers Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Mark Walsh). The 10yo Hurricane Fly has won 20 of his 24 stars, including the Champion Hurdle twice, but the younger Jezki put him in his place this year at Cheltenham and followed up by winning again at Punchestown. Neoitherf has rtun since that race in early May and Jezki will be favourite today, but the Fly is not easily dismissed and it could be a close thing, while any rain would definitely be in the older horse´s favour. Of their 3 opponents, two have no chance, but the mare Little King Robin (Colin Bowe/ Mr B O´Neill) is a strong front-runner who has already won 7 races over hurdles this year and may well expose any weakness in the two favourites. Mullins and Walsh should also have winners on the undercard, and Aleichi Inola and Indevan could take the other graded races at 14.05 and 14.40 respectively and see off a strong Gigginstown challenge.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Noah Webster - Black Spot On - The Herds Garden
2. Race: Alelchi Inois - Chancol - Un Beau Roman
3. Race: Indevan - Shanahan`s Turn - Very Wood
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Little King Robin - King Of The Picts
5. Race: No More Heroes - Outlander - Mells Theater
6. Race: Abolitionist - King Vuvuzela - Top Spin
7. Race: Bordini - Beau Et Sublime - Art Of Security

Cheltenham Open Meeting: day three

The final day of Cheltenham´s big November meeting has another strong card, although the fields for the 3 featured races, all trials for the Festival here in March, are this time much smaller. The novice hurdle at 14.35 CET includes two runners that have won both their starts this season, Commissioned (John Ferguson/ Noel Fehily) and Vyta Du Roc (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Gerahty), while the latter´s wins came in very modest company, while the former´s form stands up really well- and in addition the stable´s hurdlers are in tremendous form. Irish raider Pyromaniac (Tony Martin/ Denis O´Regan) is worth a second look, as is the only mare in the field The Govaness (Fergal O´Brien/ Paddy Brennan), but surely the main danger is Emerging Talent (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies).

That team have another good chance in the following novice chase at 15.10, a race Nicholls has won 5 times in the last 6 years, with Vibrato Valtat, but on their form over hurdles Court Minstrel (Evan Williams/ Paul Molloney) and Sgt. Reckless (Mick Channon/ Barry Hughes) can be preferred - althougn it does not always work out that way in this discipline.

The 2 mile chase at 15.50 has lost some of ist appeal with the news that Sire de Grugy has gone lame. Module (Tom George/ Brennan) was third to him in the Champion Chase, possibly the best form of offer here, but we cannot believe that he cam concede the weight to Dodging Bullets (Nicholls/ T-D) and Uxizandre (Alan KIng/ Geraghty); the latter won well enoiugh at Aintree with the fomrre well behind, but we prefer Dlodging Bullets today, who won at this Meeting last year and was also 4th in the Arkle. Yorkshire hope Simply Ned (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) actually comes out best at the weights, but he has never faced such strong oppposition before and we are not convinced.

The handicap hurdle at 16.15 is the big betting race of the day and looks very tough. Vaniteux (Henderson/ Geraghty) has top weight and is the likely favourite after his third place here at the Festival, but he seems handicapped to the hilt. Several runners are coming off ong breaks, which makes things even more difficilt; our 3 against the field are Olofi (George/ Brennan), a CD specialist who won this in 2012, the much improved Exitas (PW Middleton/ Charlie Deutsch), going for a four-timer, and Pine Creek (Ferguson/ Fehily), who has not run since December but is a horse we have always liked.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: In Fairness - Howlongisafoot - Jayo Time
2. Race: Emerging Talent - Vyta Du Roc - Commissioned
3. Race: Vibrato Valtat - Dunraven Storm - Sgt Reckless
4. Race: Simply Ned - Uxizandre - Dodging Bullets
5. Race: Vaniteux - Clondaw Warrior - Exitas
6. Race: Birch Hill - Definitly Red - Aqalim

Cheltenham Open Meeting: day two

The second day of Cheltenham´s big November Meeting and even stronger fields than yesterday. These are mainly hot handicaps rather than championship events, but we shall be seeing plenty of these runners at the March Festival here.

Main feature is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.30 CET, a really tiugh race with 18 runners. Oscar Whisky (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Johns Spirit (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie Mclernon) are the best horses in the gfield and both course specialists as well, but are weighted accordingly. They must be respected, but we cannot believe that they can score off this weight. When the latter won here at the October meeting.,Persian Snow (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Ericht (Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) finished second and third and they could both reverse the form on these revised terms. The super-consistent Present View (Jamie Snowden/ Brendan Powell) is the likely favourite and holds Buywise (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), winner of 5 of his last 6 races, on their meeting at the Festival.

The handicap chase over 3 miles 3 furlongs at 14.50 is another really tough event and again we cannot believe that the top weights can win. We like Cape Tribulation (Malcolm Jefferson/ Barry Hughes), 5th in the 2013 Gold Cup, but The Druids Nephew (Neil Mulholland/ Barry Geraghty) is an obvious danger and so is the tough Irish-trained veteran Chicago Grey (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire). The highest-rated race is the Grade Two 3yo hurdle at 16.35, with 2 German-breds holding chances -L´aigle Royale )(John Quinn/ Noel Fehily) and Golden Doyen (Hobbs/ Johnson), both of whom have alteady shown smart hurdling form. The one to beat could be Hargam (Henderson/ Geraghty). making his debut over sticks, but who showed good form on the flat in France.

There are more ex-flat horses running in the hurdle handicaps e.g. German-bred Big Easy (Hobbs/ Michael Nolen), who won the Cesarewitch last time out, at 16.00; Grand National winner Pineau de Re (Dr. Newland/ Daryl Jacobs) makes his seasonal reappearance here and is almost equally strong over hurdles, while Dawn Commander (Pauline Robeson/ Jamie Moore) is another German-bred to consider. The novice handicap hurdle at 13.40 also has plenty of ex-flat horses; John Ferguson, who is doing so well with his ex-Maktoum runners, saddles two of them, Chesterfield (Fehily) and Royal Skies (Mikey Ennis) and both must be considered, together with ex-German Verano (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) and Earth Amber (Henderson/ David Bass), who was almost group class on the flat and looks very nicely handicapped here.

Cheltenham - betting forecast:
1. Race: Earth Amber - Chesterfield - John Louis
2. Race: Kings Palace - Sausalito Sunrise - Creepy
3. Race: The Druids Nephew - The Package - Sam Winner
4. Race: Present View - Buywise - Oscar Whisky
5. Race: Vivaldi Collonges - Big Easy - Katkeau
6. Race: Hargam - Golden Doyen - Unanimite
7. Race: Daring Carlotta - Miss Estela - Bitofapuzzle

Cheltenham Open Meeting starts today

the N.H. season proper starts today with the first day of Cheltenham´s Open Meeting and easily the best jumps card we have so far had this season.All 6 races are extremely competitive, and really, when the racing is as good as this, 6 races is all you need.
The first race is an amateur riders handicap chase at 14.15 CET and the logical one here is Charingworth (Kim Bailey/ Harry Bannister), with both trainer and jockey in good form. He has been raised 4 lbs for his second place at the last meeting, but that form now looks good, as it was won by controversial The Young Master. The danger could be Oscar Time (Robert and Sam Waley-Cohen). 4th in the 2013 Grand National and dropped nicely in the weights since.
The 2 mile handicap chase at 14.50 is the best betting race of the day with 9 runners but looks very difficult. Horses with CD experience are always favoured here, so we like Anay Turge (Nigel Hawke/ Jamie Moore) and Sew on Target (Colin Tizzard/ Daryl Jacob), first and second here last year. Ex- French Monetaire (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is the big question mark here; he had having his first run in the U.K. but could well be very leniently treated and his stable love having it off at these Cheltenham meetings.
In-form-trainer Philip Hobbs has a strong hand in the novice chase at 15.25 with Champagne West (Richard Johnson), a top staying novice hurdler last season, and Colour Squadron (Tom O´Brien), who has not won for 3 years but has plenty of smart chasing form; he could have run in the big race tomorrow and we give him our vote
The Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.00 is the main event, and Champagne Present (Jonjo O´Neill/ Ruby Walsh) looks the obvious one here after his unlucky defeat last time. Blaklion (Twiston-Davies/ Moore) has won his last 5 races (3 bumpers, 2 over hurdles) and is clearly smart but has to concede 7 lbs.
CD specialist Balthazar King (Hobbs/ Johnson) looks the day´s banker in the cross country race at 16.35; he won this race last year and also the big cross country at the Festival, and holds all these runners on those bits of form and was also runner-up in the Grand National. Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) would be the danger on his old form - (he won here in 2011 and 2012) - but seems to be not so good these days.
The card ends with another tricky handicap at 17.05, where the lightly-raced maiden Cup Final (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is likely to start a short-priced favourite. He could well win, but for those looking for a value alternative, we suggest bottom-weight Cloudy Beach (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) each-way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Broadway Buffalo - Charingworth - Benbens
2. Race: Karinga Dancer - Festive Affair - Monetaire
3. Race: Champagne West - Dell` Arca - Urban Hymn
4. Race: Blaklion - Parlour Games - Champagne Present
5. Race: Balthazar King - Sire Collonges - Uncle Junior
6. Race: River Deep - Cassells Rock - Buster Dan Dan

Clonmel Oil Chase

four low-level cards in the U.K. today, but one race stands out in Ireland, the Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET, Clonmel´s biggest race of the year. This sometimes has an uncompetitive look, but not today as the race has attracted two of jumpings´s superstars, Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Johnathan Burke) and Champagne Fever (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and it is difficult to choose beween them. The former, now 12 years old, has been one of the most successful chasers of all time between 2 miles and today´s distance; he has won 22 of his 45 starts, including this race in 2012, the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2011 and 7 other Grade One races. The latter, a mere youngster of 7, has won 7 of his 14 starts including twice at Cheltenham Festival, where he was also runner-up in the Arkle last season. He is racing in open company for the first time, but gets 11 lbs from Sizing Europe which certainly could even things up a bit. It is raining heavily at Clonmel and the going might get heavy, which will probably be ideal for neither horse, but it is hard to see any of the other runners playing a leading role and we give our support to the older horse.
The undercard is headed by the Grade Three TA Morris Memorial, a mares chase over the same distance half an hour later. Une Artiste (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) are two raiders from England and could well dominate here, with the Henderson mare, running for the third time in Ireland this year and winner of as a similar event at Fairyhouse at Easter, preferred. She was earller narrowly defeated by Byerly Babe /Robert Tyner/ Mark Walsh) at Thurles but is now better off at the weights; Kates Benefit (D Budds/ Davy Russell) was fourth in that race, and these two are the main Irish hopes here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Killultagh Vic - The Mighty Milan - Why Not Thistle
2. Race: The Bold Beckey - Cloudy Morning - All Honours
3. Race: Clara Mc Cloud - Make A Track - Leavethelighton
4. Race: Champagne Fever - Sizing Europe - Alderwood
5. Race: Byerley Babe - Baby Shine - Une Artiste
6. Race: Elegant Statesman - Pumbaa - Spot Fine
7. Race: Railway Rule - Barbalicious - Kennady

memories of Arkle

3 jumps cards this afternoon, followed by two all-weather meetings on the flat this evening. Easily the best racing comes from Bangor, where the main event is the Anne, Duchess of Westminster Memorial, a 3 mile handicap chase at 15.00 CET. Memories will be revived here of the great Arkle, regarded as the best chaser of all time, who was bred and owned by the Duchess, who lived in the Westminster family seat at nearby Eaton Hall. There is cettainly no Arkle in today´s field, but the race looks quite competitive, and difficult for punters as most of the runners are coming off a long break. The only one with recent form is Tom Ford (Rebecca Curtis/ Paul Moloney), an easy winner at Chepstow last month; he is up in grade here but still seems the one to beat., although we also like bottom weight Howards Legacy (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell), who seems very well handicapped on his best form. The handicap hurdle an hour later is also a good race; Kentucky Hyden (Nicky Henderson/ Daryl Jacob), a leading juvenile last season and runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle, is one of the stable´s big hopes for this season and can win this on the way to better things.
It is interesting that Williams has sent her main jockey Aidan Coleman on the long journey to Exeter, where the ground is very soft indeed. He rides Jupiter Rex in the handicap hurdle at 14.40; this one won 7 successive races in the winter of 2012/13; to be honest, they were all pretty weak races and we are not sure that he is up to winning after this long break; Too Generous (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) has a good strike rate and loves heavy ground, he is our choice here., although bottom weight American LIfe (Tony Middleton/ James Banks), penalised 7 lbs for an easy win at Fontwell last week, is an obvious danger. German-bred Serienschock (Pipe/ Scu) has top weight in a handicap hurdle over a shorter trip an hour later; he had good form in France, but ran badly on his only U.K. start so far. We don´t fancy Venetia´s Leviathan either,so we choose Baby King (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who won his only race in Ireland in a huge field back in March and could be anything.
The best flat race today is the 7 furlongs conditions race at 21.10 at Kempton. Only 5 runners, bjut they are all decent. Marco Botti trains two of them and can take this with Patentar (Shane Kelly), who is top-rated here and has been running in better company.,

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Oscatara - Gus Macrae - Perfect Candidate
2. Race: Dundee - Askamore Darsi - Vujiyama
3. Race: Bob Ford - Knock A Hand - Herdsman
4. Race: Desert Recluse - Zaidiyn - Knight Bachelor
5. Race: Kentucky Hyden - Clondaw Kaempfer - El Macca
6. Race: Top Of The Glas - Sindarban - Guard Of Honour
7. Race: Wilcos Mo Chara - Racing Europe - Off Duty

Jamie Spencer over hurdles

3 N.H.meetings today, mainly at a low level, and the fields at Lingfield are very small as well. The most interesting race here is the handicap hurdle at 15.30 CET, where the 5 runners are all ridden by professional flat jockeys. The star of the show is Jamie Spencer, who partners German-bred Lyssio for Jim Best. Lyssio is a half-brother to German Derby winner Lucky Speed and also to several winning hurdlers, and we hope he wins here.

The best card today is at Huntingdon and Barry Geraghty once again looks the man to follow. He can take the noivice hurdle at 14.40 on John Ferguson´s El Namoosa and can follow up with two top-weights trained by Nicky Henderson- Volnay de Thaix at 15.10 and My Wigwam or Yours half an hour later.

There are more small fields at Sedgefield, where top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott saddles 3 runners. He has an extremely good strike rate on his raids in the U.K. so we expect a winner or two-or possibly all 3.

3 poor meetings today

the week begins with its usual very low key start, with jumps racing from Carlisle and Southwell and flat racing on the all-weather at Kempton. The fields are small at both N.H.meetings, but the card at Carlisle is clearly the strongest of the day and it is interesting that Jonjo O´Neill has booked Barry Geraghty for his 3 runners at the course, with AP McCoy still out of action. Shutthefrontdoor, winner of the Irish Grand National at Easter, should certainly take the main event, a graduation chase at 16.00 CET, while Presence Felt in the handicap chase half an hour later and Bronco Billy in the concluding bumper at 127.00 also have good chances. Fans of German pedigrees might look at Arrak (MM McNiff/ Dean Fox) in the novice hurdle at 14,15; he has not run for ages, but is from one of Schlenderhan´s best families and this is a very weak race.
Best bet at Southwell could be Definitely Better (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) in the handicap hurdle at 16.40; he has a 7 lbs penalty for a very easy win at Exeter last week and is likely to go up by much more than that when reassessed. We also like Net Work Rouge (Kim Bailey/ David Bass) in the novice hurdle at 16.10; a bumper winner in France, he was much too keen for his own good on his U.K. debut when 4th at Uttoxeter
William Buick will be at the centre of interest at Kempton following the news that he is to be one of Godolphin´s main jockeys next year..He rides Charlkie Appleby´s Holiday Magic for his new employer in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.50. This one has won his last 2 races, both here over a mile and both with Buick aboard, but is badly drawn today and we shall oppose him with the two top-weights Good Luck Charm (Gary Moore/Fergus Sweeney) and Kung Hei Fat Choy (James GIven/ Jim Crowley), who both ran well enough over this CD last time.

Betting forecast Carlisle:
1. Race: Little Glenshee - Rowdy Rocher - Billy Cuckoo
2. Race: Astrum - Assirem - Divine Port
3. Race: Ifandbutwhynot - Premier Grand Cru - Stopped Out
4. Race: Spanish Fleet - Just Chilly - Baltic Pathfinder
5. Race: Shutthefrontdoor - Mickie - Vintage Star
6. Race: Presence Felt - Whats Up Woody - Shouldavboughtgold
7. Race: Court Dismissed - Bronco Billy - Corner Creek

Graded races in Ireland today

2 jumps meetings today in the U.K. and 2 in Ireland, with easily the best card at Navan, where there are 3 graded races. The Fortria Chase over 2 miles at 15.25 CET is the best race of the day and Days Hotel (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) and Twinlight (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) have the best form, but it is by no means clear tjhat they can concede so much weight to the other runners. Arnaud (Charlie Byrnes/ Bryan Cooper) in particular. This is more a race to watch than to bet on, but the Mullins/ Walsh juggernaut is beginning to roll now and they could well win as well as picking up several races on the undercard. They can take the graded race at 14.30 with the smart hurdler Zaidpour, well beaten in the top French races but surely much better than these opponents, and have further good chances with ex-German Uradel at 13.20 and Blood Cotil at 16.30. The graded novice hurdle at 13.50 has a relatively weak field and Mullins runs McKinley, ridden by the owner´s retained jockey Cooper, but we just prefer the in-form Princely Conn (Tom Mullins/ Mark Walsh).

The U.K. racing is not so strong today, but our eye is taken by a couple of ex-Germans. Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), a half-brother to Samum, has finally found his form this season, and although he has gone up 12 lbs can win his third race of the campaign at 15.15 at Market Rasen, where ex-Christian von der Recke runner Cafe au Lait (Tony Middleton/ M McIntye) also has a good each-way chance at 16.55. There are 2 German-breds making their jumping debut at 14.0 at Ffos Las, including Global Thrill (Barnie Llewellyn/ Robert Williams), who was a Group race winner in Germany and might run well at a big price.

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Kabjoy - Pershing - Lady Clitico
2. Race: Princely Conn - Mckinley - Mumbo Bay
3. Race: Darwins Fox - Pittoni - Noble Endeavor
4. Race: Harvey Logan - Lo Siento - Living Next Door
5. Race: Twinlight - Days Hotel - Special Tiara
6. Race: Gallant Oscar - Cool Oscar - Nosey Box
7. Race: Blood Cotil - Gilgamboa - Legal Exit
8. Race: Whiskey No Ice - Iffjack - Hesbeengoodtome

And welcome to the jumps

The flat season bows out, but we have plenty of top jumping today, with Wincanton taking pride of place with the Elite Hurdle at 16.15 CET. This is Paul Nicholls´ local track and he has an excellent record in the this race and also the Grade Two novice chase at 14.30, which he should certainly take with Southfield Theatre (Sam Twiston-Davies). However the Elite Hurdle, now a handicap, is the most interesting event and we are especially keen to see Irving (Nicholls/ ST-D) back in action after his Cheltenham flop. Before that he had been unbeaten in the U.,K., while he was very useful on the flat in Germany and is of course a half-brother to last week´s big Munich winner Ivanhowe.

Despite top-weight Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) is the obvious danger, he won the Champion Hurdle back in 2012, but failed to make the grade over fences last year; we are also very wary of Forgotten Voice (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who made a good comeback recently. Ther big bezttimng race hetre is tjhr Badhgetr Ales Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.40; Standing Ovation (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is unbeaten here and won this last year. He is the favourite but we also like Opening Batsman (Fry/ Fehily), who is very unreliable but has an obvious chance if he is in the right mood.

There is also decent jumps racing at Sandown, at Kelso in Scotland and especially at Naas in Ireland. At the latter track, Willie Mullins and Bryan Cooper can land a double for Gigginstown with Analifet at 14.00 and Killer Crow at 15.45, while some interesting maidens run over hurdles at 14.35; we especially like Sizing Titanium (Jim Dreaper/ Jonathan Burke) here, who comes from a top German family.

Wincanton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Urubu D`irlande - Assam Black - Mccabe Creek
2. Race: Bincombe - Ballyallia Man - Bertie`s Desire
3. Race: Hollow Penny - Horizontal Speed - Tom Neary
4. Race: Tagrita - Polly Peachum - Blue Buttons
5. Race: Standing Ovation - Court By Surprise - The Young Master
6. Race: Irving - Rock On Ruby - Bertimont
7. Race: Forever Field - Present Man - General Ginger

Farewell to the flat for 2014

The 2014 flat season in the U.K. officially ends today with the November handicap at Doncaster at 6.35 CET the big betting race of the day. 8 extremely competitive races are on the card, with 23 runners in the main event and bookies going 10-1 the field. Obviously there are plenty of possibilties here. but jumps trainer Alan King, who also does well on the flat, has 2 interesting entries here in top-weight First Mohican (Louise Steward) and bottom weight Kings Bayonet (Hayley Turner), both winning hurdlers. We prefer the former, who has nt run since Royal Ascot, where he could not handle the fast ground, but he should find tions to his liking here. Open Eagle (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), who has a 45 lbs penalty for an easy win at Redcar on Tuesday is just one of many dangers.

There are also two listed races on the card and the 6 furlongs race at 15.25 has attracted some smart sprinters, including Tropics (Dean Ivory/ Robert Winston) and Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee), second and third in the big Ascot sprint last month. Jack Dexter has an excellent CD record, won this race last year, is slightly better off this time, is a real autumn specialist and we give him our vote.

The listed race for fillies over 10 furlongs at 16.00 can go to Princess Loulou (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni); she could only finish fourth here last year, but is much improved this season and her second place in a Deauville Group One in August is easily the best form in the race. Lady Tiana (Lucy Wadham/ Lee) as another improver and won easily enough last time in a lower grade; she could be the main danger.

Another previous winner who can score again is Levitate (John Quinn/ Martin Harley) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 14.50; he has not won since, but is now well handicapped as a result and seems to be coming back to form. Roachdale House could be the best of the 3 Richard Fahey runners and is the danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Stake Acclaim - Sacred Bond - Regal Missile
2. Race: Thahab - Mobsta - Beardwood
3. Race: Johnny B Goode - Anonymous John - Granola
4. Race: Levitate - Withernsea - Jamaican Bolt
5. Race: Jack Dexter - Tropics - Spinatrix
6. Race: Princess Loulou - Lady Tiana - La Banderilla
7. Race: Mount Logan - Old Town Boy - Open Eagle
8. Race: Personal Touch - Evanescent - Maggie Pink

5 meetings again today

5 meetings again today, with 3 jumps cards this afternoon and this evening flat racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and Dundalk. For a change, the British card looks better than the Irish one. There are two hot-looking handicaps at Wolverhampton, over 6 furlongs at 19.10 CET and over 1 3/4 miles at 20.40. Jamie Osborne just failed to bring off a huge coup at the Breeders Cup last weekend, but can strike with Amadeus Wolfe Tone (Tom Queally) in the former event; he is tremendously improved and has won 3 of his last 4 races, including over this CD a fortnight ago. The two big improvers in the stayers race are Godolphin´s Daaree (Saeed bin Suroor/ Graham Lee), who has won his last 3 races and is 2/2 here, and German-bred Norab (Marco Botti/ Luke Morris), a half-brother by Galileo to German champion Night Magic.´Norab won over this CD a fortnight ago and we hope tjhat he can continue winning, now that the penny has finally dropped.
Over jumps, there are some small fields at Fontwell and Hexham and the quality is mainly poor, but Musselburgh has quite a decent card. Wyse Hill Teabags (Jim Goldie/ James Reveley) usually runs here and looks an each-way possibility in the 3 miles handicap hurdle at 15.00, but the best race is the handicap hurdle over 2 1/4 miles an hour later. Here again we like a German-bred, Broughton (John Ferguson/ Sam Twiston-Davies), at one time the sales topper at the BBAG Baden-Baden yearling sale. He won the Scottish Triumph here in February and has run since then in much better company. Goldie and Reveley have one of the main dangers here in Titus Bolt, a course specialist who won recently here on the flat.

Betting forecast Wolverhampton:
1. Race: Spinning Cobblers - Boxing Shadows - Dazeen
2. Race: Mambo Spirit - Bush Beauty - Diamond Blue
3. Race: Jan Van Hoof - Silver Mirage - Nelson`s Pride
4. Race: Go Far - Hallelujah - Foxtrot Romeo
5. Race: George Bailey - Frozen Princess - Miss Jonh
6. Race: Ridgeway Storm - Gabrial`s Star - Bureau
7. Race: Daaree - Norab - I`m Fraam Govan
8. Race: El Mirage - Keene`s Pointe - Hawk Moth

5 meetings today

four jumps cards this afternoon and a poor all-weather card at Wolverhampton this evening comprise today´s racing. At Wolverhampton the only race of interest is the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 20.40 CET,in which Marco Botti has a strong hand with top-weight Solar Diety (Martin Harley) and ex-Brazilian Energia Flavia (Ryan Tate), with Ascot runner-up Maverick Wave (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) the obvious danger.
There are very small fields at Fakenham´s jumps meeting, where Nicky Henderson can land a hat-trick with Broxbourne at 15.20 and Nicolas Charvin half an hour later, both partnered by Barry Geraghty, and the Queen´s Jack Frost (Peter Carberry) in the bumper at 16.50, but none of them will pay much.
Henderson also has good propects at Towcester with Leaderofthedance (Andrew Tinkler) in the mares maiden hurdle at 16.10, but here we prefer Hurricanes Girl (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon), who made an excellent debut over sticks a fortnight ago.
Our best bet today is ex-German Nexius (Keith Dalgleish/ Wilson Renwick) in the handicap hurdle at 16.00 at Musselburgh. He was third to Novellist in the Union-Rennen when trained by Waldemar Hickst; he took some time to find his feet in the U.K. but won his last 2 races last season, and although he has been bumped up 22 lbs for that, we think that he is still better than this handicap rating.
In Ireland, Couleur France (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), who has been placed several times, both in bumpers and over sticks, can finally get off the mark in the maiden hurdle at 14.55 at Thurles.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Memorial Day - Nightlight - Gharaaneej
2. Race: Sky Steps - Treaty Of York - You`re Cool
3. Race: The Fairy - Bonfire Heart - Wink Oliver
4. Race: Cumbrianna - Percella - Rennie Mackintosh
5. Race: Ghany - Jacqueline Jouliac - Memoria
6. Race: Realize - Searchlight - Pandar
7. Race: Maverick Wave - Solar Deity - Earth Drummer
8. Race: Kalaatah - Gleese The Devil - Tears Of The Sun

listed race this evening

the only black type race today is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 20.10 CET on Kempton´s all-weather track. Chiberta King (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune) makes his comeback here but we cannot fancy him after almost a year off and over this trip, normally much too short for this out-and-out stayer. Consistent Grendisar (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) looks the best of the older horses but he is also coming off a break and we much prefer the 3yo Rydan (Robert Mills/ Tom Queally), a very easy winner here last time from Carnevale (Ralph Beckett/ Paul Hanagan), who reopposes on slightly better terms. Rydan is up sharply in grade, but this is a weak field for a listed race and he can win again.
The flat racing this afternoon at Nottingham is not inspiring, with 3 large-field handicaps over 5 furlongs. It Must be Faith (Mike Appleby/ Hayley Turner)won easily over this CD last week and could score again under a penalty at 15.20, and if so, this would point to the chances of Rylee Mooch (Richard Guest/ Andrew Elliott/ Andrew Mullen) at 16.25, who was the runner-up then.
Of today´s two jumps meetings, Warwick has the better card and Grumeti (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), a Grade One winner over hurdles, should win the novice chase at 15.30. German-bred Golden Doyen (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) made a good debut over sticks and can take the 3yo maiden hurdle at 15.00, while smart staying chaser Mendip Express (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) can also score over hurdles at 16.05.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: May Hay - Mighty Mambo - Medburn Cutler
2. Race: Tazffin - Waldnah - Alhania
3. Race: Caroline Norton - Mythical City - Prying
4. Race: Muqarred - Estikhraaj - Wally`s Wisdom
5. Race: Manshaa - Evening Rain - Four Seasons
6. Race: Grendisar - Fire Fighting - Chiberta King
7. Race: Khatiba - Sir Robert Cheval - Musaddas
8. Race: Fickle Feelings - Focail Mear - L Ge R

Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

easily the most interesting race today is the Haldon Gold Cup, a valuable handicap chase over an extended 2 miles at 15.15 CET at Exeter. Two previious winners are in the line-up today Cue Card (Colin Tizzard/ Daryl Jacob), who won in 2012 and nowmeets lat year´s winner Somersby (Mick Channlon/ Brian Hughes) on 9 lbs better trms than when he was third in 2013. Cue Card is clearly the best horse in the field, but has a massive weight, and despite his previous good form here, this distance is not ideal, as he is being prepared for the King George over 3 miles, in which he was runner-up last year. Somersby is a horse we really like, but he is not so well handicapped this time, and neither is last year´s smart novice Balder Succes (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who is held by God´s Own (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) on Punchestown form. These are all smart performers and could well win, but the one we fancy at these weights is Pepite Rose (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who gets weight from all the above-named. Williams usually takes time to get into top form, but her horses are running really well right now. Two ex-Gerrman horses who could run well at a big price on this card are Amanto at 14.45 and Ordensritter at 17.15.
Despite the stars running at Exeter, the potentially best horse running today is The Tullow Tank (Dessie Hughes/ Adrian Heskin) who makes his chasing debut at 15,55 at Fairyhouse in Ireland. He was a top novice hurdler last year, and a Grade One winner at this track, when trained by the disgraced Philip Fenton.
Flat racing on turf is almost finished for this year, but there are some large fields at Redcar, where we like German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Tom Eaves) at 15.30 and Armelle (Scott Dixon/ Louis Steward) at 17.00.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Thomas Brown - Vago Collonges - Kingscourt Native
2. Race: Hello George - Jollyallan - King`s Tempest
3. Race: Balder Succes - Cue Card - Somersby
4. Race: Carraig Mor - If In Doubt - Carole`s Destrier
5. Race: Ziga Boy - Ballinvarrig - Benbane Head
6. Race: Royal Native - Bilidn - Dream Deal
7. Race: Ullswater - Tashkaldou - Snowball

3 meetings today

two jumps meetings today, with some small fields, while there is also all-weather racing on tapeta at Wolverhampton. The best race is the 2 1/2 mile graduation chase at 16,10 CET at Kempton, where all 5 runners look distinctly useful. Our choice is Bear´s Affair (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who likes it here, and the same team can also win the previous race at 15.35 with Call the Cops. In fact Geraghty has good chances on his other two rides as well, both for John Ferguson: Commissioned at 14.00 and Ronnie Lawson half an hour later.

Henderson could also be on the scorecard at Plumpton with Taylor at 14.20, while Ferguson also has a fancied runner here - Bostonian (Jack Quinlan) at 13.50, although Seedling, having his first race for Warren Greatrex with Gavin Sheehan up looks hard to beat here.

The fields are bigger at Wolverhampton, wherte Godolphin´s Tayma (Saeed bin Suroor/ Kevin Stott) can follow up her easy win her last Friday with the same claimer up at 17.25. The best betting race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20. This looks wide open, although Sleep Walk (Roger Charlton/ George Baker) will probably start a warm favourite; he was won 3 of his 4 career starts, but they were all at 5 furlongs and he is not very leniently handicapped now. We shall take an each way chance on an outsider here , 9yo Solar Spirit (Tracy Waggott/ Robert Winston) who is certainly capable of winning off this mark if in the right mood.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Commissioned - Shear Rock - Medal Of Valour
2. Race: Ewings - Run On Sterling - Ambre Des Marais
3. Race: Tinker Time - By The Boardwalk - Sin Bin
4. Race: Royal Regatta - Master Malt - Westaway
5. Race: Theatre Guide - Bear`S Affair - Caid Du Berlais
6. Race: Bertie`s Desire - Gandalfe - Chicklemix
7. Race: Rayvin Black - Very Noble - Brave Helios

4 jumps meetings today

no flat racing in the U.K.or Ireland today, but 4 jumps meetings, with the best racing - as so often on a Sunday- coming from Ireland.
At Cork there is a Grade Three novice hurdle at 14.40 CET and novice chase at 15.45, both with small fields of mainly maiden winners moving up in grade. In the former race, Aidan O´Brien´s Marchese Marconi (Robbie Power) comes up against Willie Mullins´ Ask Vic (Ruby Walsh), who has won 4 of his 5 starts. Both have obvious potential but it is difficult to choose between them. It is the same situation in the chase, where Perfect Gentleman (Mullins/ Walsh), Un Beau Matin (Gordon Elliott/ Keith Sexton) and Sadlers Risk (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) all come into the race having easily won their only start over fences. The big betting race of the day -and also the biggest prize-money- is the Cork Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 16.20. Clearly specialists are required here, so 2011 winner The Bishop :Looney (Tom Nagle/ Danny Mullins) and last year´s winner Sword Fish (Cristy Roche/ Alan Crowe) both come on to the short list, even though their recent form is not so great. Unoccupied (Edward O´Grady/ Walsh), running for the first time since winning at the Punchestown Festival must also be considered, but in view of the tremendous stable form we shall go with Tom Horn (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), who was 5th here last year on his only attempt at this distance.
Noel Meade can also win the big handicap hurdle at 16.00 at Naas with Prima Vista (Shane Shortall), although this is highly speculative since he has not run over hurdles for 19 months, having been racing on the flat and over fences - without much success- in the meantime. The Grade Three chase here at 14.25 lkies between Felix Yonger (Mullkins/ Paul Townend) and Moscow Mannon (De Bromhead/ Davy Russell). When they met in May, Moscow Mannon
finished in front and is now 9 lbs better off, so in theory he should win, but we are not so sure.
By far the most interesting race in the U.K. is the intermediate chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 at Carlisle, which ´features two potential stars in Eduard (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) and Holywell (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy). The latter finished last season with wins at both Cheltenham and Aintree and is currently ante-post favourite for the Gold Cup. However we still prefer Eduard, who also looks as if he can go right to the top and will be better suited by this distance and also has a good record at this track.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Motown Bob - First Warning - Nichols Canyon
2. Race: Marchese Marconi - Elsie - Martello Tower
3. Race: Heck Thomas - Pulled Mussel - Young Dillon
4. Race: Perfect Gentleman - Un Beau Matin - The Crafty Butcher
5. Race: Tom Horn - Unoccupied - Sword Fish
6. Race: Mydor - May Dullea - Royal Chief
7. Race: Lady Aoife - Iamtoldiamgrand - Emcon

Breeders Cup tonight

last night´s 4 Breeders Cup races were very disapppointing from the European standpoint,. with none of our runners in the first two- although Frankie Dettori rode a winner when Hootananny took the BC Juvenile Turf for U.S. trainer Wesley Ward. However the European challenge is much stronger tonight, and we certainly expect European winners in the Mile and Turf, the two races which the Europeans have frequently dominated.
The Mile run at 24.40 CET is slightly weakened by the absense of the top U.S. miler Wise Dan (winner for the past 2 years) and the best European Kingman, but it is still a very strong renewal with Freddie Head hoping to repeat the glorious successes of the great Goldikova with her full brother Anodin (Olivier Peslier). However fellow-Frenchies Veda (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Soumillon) and Karakontie (Jonathan Pease/ Stephane Pasquier) look equally strong, although the latter is badly drawn. Toronado (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Trade Storm (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer) are the British runners, with the former clearly the better, although he may not be suited by this sharp track. However we are rooting for an Irish victory. Dermot Weld has won top races all over the world, but never at this meeting; he can break his B.C. duck here with Mustajeeb (Pat Smullen), winner of Royal Ascot´s Jersey Stakes, who should be ideally suited by the conditions of this race. Strong front-runner Obviously (Philip d´Amato/ Joaeph Tamado) and Seek Again (William Mott/ Rosie Napravnik) look best of the Americans, and it would be nice to Napravnik win as she has announced her retirement (she is pregnant) and this will be her last race. However we do not believe in a local success here, they certainly don´t have the class of Wise Dan.
Last year´s winner, Aidan O´Brien´s Magician, misses the Turf at 23.22, but the trainer still has a good shot with Chicquita (Dettori) although she looks a bit tricky. Ex-German Dery runner Brown Panther (Tom Dascombne/ Richatrd Kingscpote) does not loolk good enough, nor does ex-Epsom Derby runner-up Main Sequence (Graham Motion/ John Velazquez)- alkthough the latter is unbeaten this season. The two to beat here are very clearly Telescope (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Arc runner-up Flintshire (Andre Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), from trainers that both know how to win here. We shall be very surprised if one of this pair does not score here.
The B.C. Classic at 1.35 in the morning is the most U.S. valuable race of the year and is usually won by a tough older horse., However it seems that this year the 3yo´s have a definite advantage, and it could be a toss-up between Shared Belief (Jerry Hollendorfer/ Mike Smith), Tonalist (Christophe Clement/ Joel Rosario) and California Chrome (Art Sherman/ Vincent Espinoza)
Hong Kong-trained Rich Tapestry (CW Chang/ Olivier Doleuze) must have a good chance in the BC Sprint at 24.01 after beatiung last night´s easy winner Goldenv+cents over this CD on his U.S. debut, while Wesley Ward showed yesterday that hIs stable is in top form and can take the Trurf Sporint at 22.05 with No Nay Never (Dettori), while Dank(Stoute/ Moore), despite her poor form this year, is fancied to repeat her 2013 victory in the Filly and Mare Turf at 20.43 .

Betting forecast:
1. Race: - -
2. Race: - -
3. Race: - -
4. Race: Angela Renee - Conquest Eclipse - Cristina`s Journey
5. Race: Dank - Stephanie`s Kitten - Just The Judge
6. Race: Artemis Agrotera - Judy The Beauty - Sweet Reason
7. Race: No Nay Never - Reneesgotzip - Undrafted
8. Race: American Pharoah - Daredevil - Carpe Diem
9. Race: Flintshire - Telescope - Magician
10. Race: Secret Circle - Rich Tapestry - Palace
11. Race: Toronado - Anodin - Mustajeeb
12. Race: Shared Belief - Tonalist - California Chrome