Competitive handicaps

With Cheltenham now only 10 days away, there are no races today for the top performers, but there are some very competitive handicaps, especially at Newbury and Doncaster.

At the Berkshire course we think that ´Venetia Williams could have a good day. She runs two in the veterans handicap chase at 15.15 CET and we prefer Relax (the choice of stable jockey Aidan Coleman), who now seems quite nicely handicapped. We also like Benny´s Mist at 16.25, but are worried here about ex-German Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Barry Geraghty), a brother to Samum and co, who has been in great form this season but is up quite a bit in the weights. King of Glory at 17.35 is another Williams/ Coleman runner with good prospects. Another stable coming into form is Alan King´s and we like his First Mohican (Denis O´regan) at 15.50; this smart flat handicapper has been a disappointment over hurdles but is surely capable of winning here.

At Doncaster the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.45 is the main event and to us the top two in the weights stand out- Mon Parrain (Paul Nicholls/ Sean Bowen) and Night in Milan (Keith and James Revely); the latter won this last year and although 10 lbs higher now, can go in again. AP McCoy is here and can win the first 2 races on Fort Worth at 14.25 and Festive Affair at 15.00, both for Jonjo O´Neill, while the trainer - who is red hot now-. can also take the 16.10 with Kelvingrove (Maurice Lineham).

The main feature in Ireland, on Leopardstown´s last jumping fixture of the season, is also a handicap chase at 16.50. Colbert Station (Ted and Ruby Walsh) likes it here and has come down in the weights, so he is the choice in another very tricky affair.

Newbury and Doncaster

The two N.H. tracks today both have much stronger cards tomorrow. but Newbury and Doncaster have some competitive racing today as well, and are much more interesting than the all-weather meetings.

AP McCoy continues his triumphant farewell tour of Britain at Newbury and we expect him to have another good day. He can certainly win the first two races on Sebastian Beach at 15.00 CET and Minella Rocco half an hour later, both trained by Jonjo O´Neill and likely to start warm favourites. O´Neill is also the trainer of Bandit Country, who makes his chasing debut at 16.35; this is always a risk, but we think that he is quite well handicapped here on his hurdling form, and although owned by Coolmore, he is bred to be a chaser. O`Neill and McCoy also team up with Official Ben at 17.40, but this looks trickier, especially as he is up considerably in trip. Island Cruise (Pat Murphy/ Leighton Aspell) ran well enough last time at Warwick to suggest that he can score here.

A coiuple of old German-breds catch our eye at Doncaster, Favorite Girl (Mike Appleby/ Jonathan England), who hads top-weight in the Mares´handicap hurdle at 17.20, and Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Lucy Alexander). The former had no chance in a better race here last time, but in this grade must go close, while the latter, now a veteran of 12, has done us many good turns over the years and loves Doncaster, here he has won 3 times; he is extremely well handicapped on his old form, and while he has probably deteriorated a bit since then, can still show today that there is life in the old dog yet.

Racing all over today

We have racing all over the place today, with 2 U.K. jumps meetings, 2 U.K.all-weather meetings, Irish jumping and of course the latest card in the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Main event at Meydan is the UAE Oaks at 16.55 CET. Saeed bin Suroor usually wins this race and should saddle the first two today with Local Time (James Doyle) and Good Place (William Buick), who finished first and second in the UAE 1,000 Guineas last time; Sharasai (Mike de Kock/ Paul Hanagan) finished third then, but Local Time won so easily that it is hard to see her getting beaten today and the extra 300 yards should be no major problem. Godolphin could also take the other group race, over a mile at 18.40, with either Safety Check (Buick) or Outstrip (Doyle), both trained by Charlie Appleby. Mike de Kock has 3 runners here, with Christophe Soumillon presumably riding the one with the best chance Darwin. Ex-German Empire Storm (Mike Attwater/ Paul Hanagan) has been running well here and could run into a place.

The best race in Britain and Ireland is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.15 at Thurles. One wonders what the point of such a race can be just 12 days before Cheltenham and the field is pretty weak. Willie Mullins obviously thinks that Milsean (Bryan Cooper) is not good enough for Gloucestershire but he could certainly be good enough here.

Of the German-breds running in the U.K. today, we like Low Key (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) in the novice hurdle at 14.50 at Ludlow; he had decent form in Germany and was not disgraced on his first race over sticks. He is closely ralted to Lycidas (Charlie Fellowes/ Steve Donohue) who runs on the flat at 16.40 at Southwell; he has not run since finishing down the field in the 2012 Dr. Busch-Memorial and is probably best watched today.

More small fields

Again nothing of great interest today, with low level N.H. racing this afternoon at Bangor and Wincanton (with very soft/ heavy going at both tracks) and all-weather flat racing this evening at Kempton. Both the jumps cards feature very small fields - with normal each-way betting only possible in one of the 12 races. AP McCoy is at Bangor where he has 2 rides, both for Jonjo O´Neill. Lightly-raced Mackeraye End goes for the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.25 CET; he stayed on well to win on heavy ground at Chepstow last time, and could well be very leniently handicapped here. Saint John Henry (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), a CD winner last time, could be the main danger. McCoy´s other ride Suit Yourself is a bit of a dark horse as he makes his debut in the bumper at 17.55; he was quite an expensive purchase and it would be no surprise if he could win at the first time of asking.

Mark Gillard is in good form and could land a double at Wincanton with Revaader (Tom Phelan) at 16.40 and Dont Call me Oscar (Tom Bellamy), both last-time-out winners, half an hour later. Best thing here is Big Fella Thanks (Tom George/ Walter Biddick) in the hunter chase at 17.40; on all known form he should outclass his 3 opponents today, but is unlikely to be at a working man´s price. Ryan Moore has 2 rides at kempton this evening, debutant Librias Breeze for Jeremy Noseda at 18.45 and Baltic Knight for Richard Hannon at 19.45. Both could win, as Moore has an excellent strike rate when riding for Noseda (a winner again yesterday) and Hannon´s runner is best at the weights for this conditions race over a mile.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Boboli Gardens - Flamborough Breeze - Hierarch
2. Race: Prussian Blue - Librisa Breeze - Shipwright
3. Race: Water Dancer - Happy Dreams - Skye Morning
4. Race: Baltic Knight - The Rectifier - Lady Dutch
5. Race: Aldeburgh - Puzzle Time - Roman Flight
6. Race: Sandy Cove - Lucky Dottie - Estibdaad
7. Race: For Ayman - New Leyf - Oriental Relation
8. Race: Beach Plaza - Misu Pete - Bouncing Czech

Tuesday cards

Tuesday usually has the poorest cards of the week and today is certainly no exception, indeed it is hard to imagine lower quality racing than that on offer at Leicester and Catterick over jumps today and on the all-weather track at Lingfield - where incidentally tomorrow´s N.H. meeting has already been abandoned as the turf track is waterlogged. Best race there today is the 2 mile handicap at 17.10 CET. Feb Thirtyfirst (Charles Bishop), one of two runners for Sheena West, both also hurdles winners, has been in good form this year with a close third at Kempton last week following two wins over this CD, but our preference is for top-weight Keep Kicking (Simon Dow/ Jim Crowley), who is not the most consistent but came back to form at Chelmsford last time and is only 3 lbs higher today.

There are only 3 runners in the novice chase at 16.50 at Leicester; Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell) has failed to complete the last twice, but on all known form he is far superior to his two opponents, and if he jumps round safely, ought to win this easily enough.

AP McCoy is taking a day off, but Jonjo O´Neill has sent three horses up to Catterick with Richie McLernon to partner them, and they must all have decent prospects: Gold Medal at 16.00, Less Time half an hour later and Saint Lucy another half hour on. Richard Fahey rarely runs his horses over jumps, but when he does they have to be taken seriously, which gives debutant Woodbridge (Andrew Tinkler) an obvious Chance in the maiden hurdle at 15.30, Fahey had 4 winners yesterday at Wolverhampton, so the stable could hardly be in better form.

Slowfoot debut over hurdles

The most interesting runner from the German point of view at today´s 3 U.K. meetings is Slowfoot (Jim Best/ AP McCoy), who makes his hurdles debut at 15.05 CET at Plumpton. When trained by Markus Klug he had very useful form in Germany, including at group and listed level, and he is easily the best of today´s runners on flat form. If he can jump hurdles, he should go very close, with Keys (Tony Carroll/ Daryl Jaconb) and Santa´s Secret (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell), who have both shown form over sticks, the main threats. The rest of the Plumpton card is unappealing, with very small fields and the ground will again be very testing.

The going at Ayr is also heavy. In form trainer Nicky Richards could land a double here with his only 2 runners of the day -Duke of Navan at 15.50, who on all known form should beat his two opponents with the greatest of ease, and Mister Marker half an hour later, both partnered by Brian Harding. The latter has run a couple of stinkers this season, but if anywhere near his best, should outclass these opponents under top weight.

Easily the best horse running at Wolverhampton´s all-weather meeting is the Godolphin filly Dream Child (Charlie Appleby/ Kevin Stott), who must concede 13 lbs or more to her 4 opponents in the mares handicap at 18.00. She clearly loves the new tapeta surface and is unbeaten in 4 starts here, 3 of them over today´s distance of 9 furlongs. The handicapper has put her on quite a demanding rating, but if she is up to running in black type races, as connections seem to think, then she should be capable of scoring again today.

Graded races in Ireland

As usual, the best Sunday racing comes from Ireland, where there are two graded races at Naas. Both have small fields with a likely Willie Mullins favourite -but what else is new? In the novice hurdle at 16.20 CET Mullins saddles two of the 6 runners, with Max Dynamite (Ruby Walsh), once a classic hope in France, clearly preferred to Aminabad (Paul Townend), but All Hell Let Loose (Sandra Hughes/ Bryan Cooper), in the Gigginstown first colours, an obvious danger. In the 2 mile chase half an hour later Twinlight (Mullins/ Walsh) must concede 5 lbs to his 4 opponents, which will not be that easy. At the Leopardstown Christmas Meeting, he won well with Moscow Mannon (Henry de Bromhead/ Alfred Lynch) and Mallowney (Tom Doyle/ Davy Russell) back in 5th and 6th, but Mallowney has won impressively since, and as he is 3/3 at Naas, we give him a narrow vote.

The two U.K. cards are over jumps, at Southwell and Fontwell. The latter meeting goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the going will be desperate and there are tiny fields. Main event is the Grade Two Nationbal Spirit Hurdle at 16.10, which has a pretty poor field considering the prestige of this event. German-bred Silsol (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) won the Welsh Champion Hurdle in good style - that is actually a handicap, but that form is still good enough here, especially as the Soldier Hollow gelding clearly loves heavy ground. Kilcooley (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) is next best.

The most interesting race at Southwell is the novice hurdle at 16.00, in which the penalised Burtons Well (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Zip Top (John Ferguson/ AP McCoy) must concede 6 lbs to the other 11 runners, including the Queen´s late debutant Killiecrankie (Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Blonville), who has a very nice jumping pedigree. Burtons Well´s winning from from October reads very well, but we shall stick to Zip Top, as we have not forgotten that he once runner-up to Camelot in the Racing Post Trophy on the flat; that was quite a while ago, but he has also shown good form over hurdles.

Naas - betting forecast:
1. Race: A Hardy Nailer - Arctic Skipper - Hold The Line
2. Race: Lilshane - A Grey Matter - Miradane
3. Race: Bishops Road - Empire Of Dirt - Champagne James
4. Race: Max Dynamite - All Hell Let Loose - Lean Araig
5. Race: Mallowney - Twinlight - Moscow Mannon
6. Race: Jupitor - Kilcrea - West Of The Edge
7. Race: Tycoon Prince - Tombstone - Tycoon Prince

Big day for the Moore family

It´s a big day for the Moore family today, with Gary Moore´s stable star Sire de Grugy, partnered by eldst son Jamie, attempts to atone for his his rather feeble reappearance last time by winning the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.35 CET at Chepstow. Sire de Grugy won the Champion Chase last year and that is obviously his target again, but needs to brush up on his jumping today to give him the final prep for Cheltenham. It is a bit surprising to see him run in a handicap, but there is nothing much else for him before the Festival and he has to give lumps of weight to his 3 opponents, the best of whom are Far West (Paul Nicholls/Jack Sherwood) and Grey Gold (Richard Lee/ Tom Scudamore), both of whom will fancy their chances at these weights, but Sire de Grugy is the class act here (indeed he is easily the best horse running today) and we hope he wins.

Meanwhile Moore´s second son Ryan return to England for his first rides since October, having in the meantime won top races all over the world. He partners CD specialist Grandeur for Jeremy Noseda in the listed 10 furlongs event at 16.25; the combination won the race last year, and went on to take the valuable Easter Classic, also over this CD. Moore rides Alan Bailey´s Go Far in the other listed race, over 6 furlongs at 14.45, but this one has to improve and we prefer Rivellino (Karl Burke/ Danny Tudhope), just beaten here last year.

The best card of the day is at Kempton with 3 Grade Two races. Ex-German Russian Bolero (David Bridgwater/ Richard Johnson) runs in the Adonis Hurdle for 4yo´s at 15.00; he was a bit of a flop last time, but we still think he has an each-way chance here. The Pendil Novice Chase at 15.35 sees Melodic Rendezvous (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) trying to take advantage of the 7 lbs he receives from Gods Own ((Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) and Irish Saint (Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies);he was the best of these over hurdles and every drop of rain that falls will improve his chances. The Dovecote Novice Hurdle at 16.10 shpould lie between Days of Heaven (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Vago Collonges (Nicholls/ ST-D) with preference for the former, who had won his last 2 races in excellent style.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Roc D`apsis - Comeonginger - Polisky
2. Race: Bivouac - Beltor - All Yours
3. Race: God`s Own - Irish Saint - Melodic Rendezvous
4. Race: Days Of Heaven - Vago Collonges - The Grey Taylor
5. Race: Easter Day - Fox Appeal - Le Reve
6. Race: No No Mac - Shammick Boy - Foggy`s Wall
7. Race: Ghost River - Beau Phil - Mr Mountain

Exeter today

With Warwick abandoned, Exeter now hosts the only jumps racing today, but there is also all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland).

Exeter´s card is quite attractive with some competitive handicaps and two novice hurdles whch should go to ex-French Qualando (Paul Nicholls/Sam Twiston-Davies) at 15.20 CET - he ran an excellent race on his British debut- and Twentytwo´s Taken (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) an hour later - although in the latter mares race Magic Magnolia (Mark Gillard/ Tom Phelan) could also be interesting if she condescends to put her best foot forward - she has often been very slowly away.

AP McCoy is here and has good chances of taking the handicap hurdle at 17.20 with top-weight, Jonjo O´Neill´s Master Malt - although this is a much more open race than the betting might suggest and we are certainly afraid of last yeat´s winner Storm Alert (Sue and Lucy Gardner)- and the handicap chase half an hour later on Rebecca Curtis´ Tara Road, where the main dangers are Ballyculla (Warren Greatrex/ Dougie Costello) - from a stable that has just hit top form - and consistent bottom-weight Big Society (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan).

The flat racing is only of minor interest, but Saskia´s Dream (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Adam Kirby), a close fourth over this CD last time, must have a solid chance in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.30 at Lingfield.

Small Fields

There are 3 jumps meetings in the U.K. today, but with some small fields, especially at Huntingdon, where there are 4 races with only 4 runners each. They include today´s main event, the listed Sidney Banks Memorial for novice hurdlers at 16.50 CET. They are all moving up in grade and it is quite tricky. Different Gravey (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) finished in front of Brother Tedd (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) at Cheltenham at New Year, but not by far and is now 4 lbs worse off, so there could be little between them. We prefer Kylemoire Lough (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste), who is unbeaten since moving here and running over sticks; he looks greatly improved and can improve again past these. AP McCoy is here for just one ride, Alex Hales´ Valiant Creek, who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 17.55. He ran badly last time, but if back to form, must have decent prospscts here; his trainer has another good chance with Ultimatum du Roy (Noel Fehily) at 15.40, who won easily enlough over this Cd last time. We also like Polo (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the opener at 15.10; he has a German pedigree and Need not be anything special to beat these modest opponents.

The cards at Musselburgh and Sedgefield are very low level, but we notice that Donald McCain, Brian Ellison and Dianne Sayer have runners at both meetings, and could well be among the winners.

The fields are bigger at the Irish meeting at Clonmel, but this is mainly a question of quantity rather than quality. The best race is the opening hurdle at 14.45, where Willie Mullins saddles 3 of the 8 runners, with Ruby Walsh on Aklan, runner-up in a similar event last time. Our preference is for Killer Crow, who is ridden by Gigginstown´s retained jockey Bryan Cooper; he had no chance in a Grade Two race last time, but the form of his earlier maiden win has worked out well.

Obviously the Meydan card is by far the best of the day and the main feature here is the Group Two Balanchine for fillies and mares over 9 furlongs on turf at 18.40. 7 of the 9 runners met in the Cape Verdi over a mile here 3 weeks ago, with German-owned Cladocera (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Soumillon) running out an easy winner. She has a small penalty now but can score again.

Doncaster today

A lot of racing today, but easily the best card is at Doncaster, where most of the top jockeys will be in action, including AP McCoy, who continues his farewell tour ; he was out of luck yesterday, but we certainly expect him to ride some winners today, with John Ferguson possibly supplying him with his best rides - Devilment in the 4yo hurdle at 15.55 and debutant Bengo in the bumper at 17.55. McCoy partners Burton Port for Jonjo O´Neill in the veterans chase at 16.25, and this one is certainly of interest as he is being aimed at the Grand National; so is Alvarado (Fergal O´Brien/ Paul Moloney), who has not run since running on well to finish fourth at Aintree last year and was today Pricewise´s tip for this year´s edition. Burton Port ran badly last time, but with the stable now in good form, we expect him to do mich better today although he actually finished behind Aachen (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) imn this race last year and the latter is now better off. German-bred Neck or Nothing (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson)made a couple of jumping errors when only fourth over this CD last time; if he jumps better today he must have decent prospects in the opening novice hurdle at 15.20. Another German-bred we hope runs better today is Dawn Twister (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) in the handicap hurdle at 16.55; this is a very tricky race, wkith the O´Neill/ McCoy contender Milan Bound one of several with a chance.

Wetherby and Taunton

very little to get excited about at today´s 3 U.K. meetings - over jumps at Wetherby and Taunton and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. AP McCoy continues his "farewell tour" at Wetherby today. he has 3 rides at the Yorkshire track, Rainman at 15.50 and At Reception at 16.55, both for Jonjo O´Neill, and debutant Ten Trees for Alan Swinbank in the first dfivision of the mares bumper at 17.25. The last-named is an unknown quantity and At Reception looks his best chance, as Rainman faces an opponent who on his latest form can hardly be beaten - One Track Mind (Warren Greatrex/ Gavin Sheehan), fourth in top company last time at Sandown. At Reception himself is no star but he is consistent enough and looks very likely to be involved in the finish, with top-weight Always Tipsy possibly the main danger.

The best race of the day is the handicap hurdle at 16.45 at Taunton. Even with only 6 runners this looks very competitive. Dell´Arca (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who has a German pedigree, was just run out of it at Cheltenham last time. He is the class act here and although it will not be easy to concede the weight to 5 smart opponents, he is our choice.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nefyn Bay - Amtired - Honourable Gent
2. Race: The Flaming Matron - Makadamia - Iconic Rose
3. Race: Hainan - Rainman - Thecorruptor
4. Race: Aye Well - Blackwater King - Trust Thomas
5. Race: Always Tipsy - Waterclock - At Reception
6. Race: Surtee Du Berlais - Ten Trees - Libby Mae
7. Race: Timeforfirth - La Dama De Hierro - Isla Fernandos

Carlisle and Lingfield

back to low grade racing again today, with jumps racing at Carlisle and Lingfield and flat racing on the all-weather tapeta track at Wolverhampton. It is certainly significant that AP McCoy travels the long way north to Carlise, where he has just 3 rides, all for Jonjo O´Neill, whose stable after a poor start to the season is now in tremendous form. They run Rock´n´Rhythm in the opening novoce hurdle at 15.25 CET, Upswing in the handicap hurdle at 17.00 and Beg To Differ in a lower grade hurdle over a shorter distance an hour later. All can be expected to run well, although these races both look quite tricky and penalised Gone Forever (Brian Ellison/ Nathan Moscrop), top-weight Conquisto Ellison/ Craig Gallagher) - who has been running in miuch better races - and lightly-raced Cathedral (Philip Kirby/ Sam Twiston-Davies) look dangers in their respective races.

Lingfield has survived an early morning inspection, but the going will be very testing, especially with more rain possible. Specialists are called for here, and one we would love to see win is 17yo Victory Gunner (Richard Lee/ Michael Nolan), the oldest horse in training, who loves this ground and is certainly capable of winning the handicap chase at 15.45 under top weight, as long as he gets the run of the race, which was certainly not the case last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gone Forever - Present Flight - Overtoyoulou
2. Race: Jonny Eager - Omid - Madam Lilibet
3. Race: Another Mattie - Billy Cuckoo - Dashing George
4. Race: Spanish Fleet - Gold Futures - Hartforth
5. Race: Sir Mangan - Indian Castle - Pinerolo
6. Race: Cathedral - Stylish Chap - Vodka Wells

graded races in Ireland

once again, Ireland rides to the rescue on a Sunday, as while there is only modest racing at the two U.K.meetings, Navan stages a strong programme with three Grade Two races, all unfortunately with small fields. Willie Mullins usually mops up these events but does not play such a strong hand today. He saddles 3 runners in the Boyne Hurdle at 15.15 CET, but Back in Focus (David Casey) is making a comeback after almost 2 years off, while Briar Hill (Ruby Walsh) and Zaidpour (Paul Townend) both finished well behind Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Bryan Cooper) in a similar race last time at Gowran. Mullins has no runner at all in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at 16.20, in which Gilgamboa (Enda Bolger/ Mark Walsh) should easily beat his 3 opponents; although a well-beaten last on his latrest outing, that was in fact an excellent effort against two superstars. In the Ten-Up Novice Chase at 16.55, Mullins runs Urano (Walsh), who won easily enough last time but faces much better opposition now. This is quite a tricky race, but Cooper has chosen Noel Meade´s Very Wood of the two Gigginstown runners and we think he has made the right decision. Also of interest at Navan are two German-breds, Elis Gury (Tony and Danny Mullins) at 14.45 and Apisata (M & S Torrens) at 17.25, of whom the former, winner of 3 of his 4 starts in Germany last year, must have a good chance if he can jump hurdles, while the latter has shown very little so far and runs in very modest company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mike Mccann - Flaviana - Cisro
2. Race: Zaidpour - Back In Focus - Alderwood
3. Race: Ravished - Railway Tommy - Montana Slim
4. Race: Rawnaq - Dromnea - Real Steel
5. Race: Urano - Very Wood - Thunder And Roses
6. Race: Peoples Park - Bloomsday - Noble Call
7. Race: Cogryhill - Thatshowhedidit - Free Stone Hill

graded races at 4 meetings

a very busy Saturday today, with graded races at 4 meetings and several interesting Cheltenham and Grand National prospects on view.
The only Grade One of the day is the Ascot Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.50., which like all the races here has attracted a small but select field. This is a trial for the Ryanair Chase, in which Rajdhani Express (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) finished third last year. If her can repeat that form, he has an obvious chance, but hisd recent efforts have been very poor. His stable companion Ma Filleule (Barry Geraghty) on the other hand looks very dangerous in receipt of the mares allowance. The big question here is whether the very smart novice Ptit Zig (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies), unbeaten in 4 starts this season, can beat the seasoned Performers. If so, he can complete a big day for his connections as we also think that Arpege D´alene and Virak can win the first two races here. We also like oldtimer Cappa Bleu (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) in the handicap chase at 15.40; he probably needs to win this to get into the field for the Grand National, in whiuch he has twice finished in the frame.
The real National trial is at 15.55 at Haydock, where the field includes 2 winners of the Welsh version Monbeg Dude (Michael Scudamore/ AP McCoy) and Mountainous (Richard Lee/ Jamie Moore), as well as Rigadin de Beauchene (Venetia William/ RT Dunne), who won this race last year but is otherwise always pulled up. McCoy should certainly win the Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle here at 15.20 on At Fishers Cross; he has not really lived up to earlier expectations, but trainer Rebecca Curtis is now in top form and he can win his first race for almost 2 years. The Grade Two novice hurdle here at 17.00 can go to Ballagh (Barry Case/ Daryl Jacob), with Fletchers Flyer (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) an obvious threat despite the weight concession.
More top hurdlers in action at Wincanton, where we hope to see German-bred Irving (Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) get back on the winning trail at 16.35 en route to the Champion Hurdle. Another German-bred of interest here is Memphis Magic (Brendan Powell/ Sam Jones) at 17.10; this half-brother to Martillo could run well, but Zarib (Dan and Harry Skelton) looks almost unbeatable in this grade.
In Ireland, Kitten Rock (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) jhas to win the Grade Two hurdle at 16.20 at Gowran if he is to keep alive his Cheltenham ambitions.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Arpege D`alene - Forever Field - Buckhorn Timothy
2. Race: Virak - Ainsi Fideles - Deputy Dan
3. Race: Clondaw Knight - Carole`s Destrier - Shangani
4. Race: Padge - Rolling Star - Minstrels Gallery
5. Race: Balder Succes - Ptit Zig - Ballycasey
6. Race: Otago Trail - Saint Charles - Sirabad
7. Race: Joe Farrell - Always Lion - Big Chief Benny

McCoy in Kelso

AP McCoy continues his farewell tour of Britain today and is back in the Scottish Border Country at Kelso, where he has 4 rides, two of them for Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. They could both win, Tanerko Emery in the most valuable race of the day, a conditions race over hurdles at 16.00 CET, although there are couple of dangers there, and Flying Eagle in the handicap hurdle at 17.00, although this also looks a very open race. However his main reason for being there is surely tpo Partner Jonjo O´neill´s Holywell in the 3 1/4 miles chase at 16.30; this one has been well backed for the Gold Cup and has to win easily here to justify the support für Cheltenham. He has run badly on both his starts this season, but would be a certainty if anywhere near his form of last season, which he finished with 4 successive victories, including at Cheltenham and Aintree. McCoy has not had a blank day for ages and we ecpect him to be among the winners again today.

At the other jumps meetings today, we like Christopher Wren (Nick Gifford/ Nick Scholfield) in the 16.40 at Leicester and German-bred Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) at 15.50 at Fontwell, especially now the ground is beginning to dry out, while in Ireland the Williue Mullins/ Ruby Walsh bandwagon can continue to roll with Lockstockandbarrel at 16.35 at Thurles.

There is another high class Card at Meydan with 3 Group races. The UAE 2000 Guineas at 16.55 sees the first 3 from the Trial race lock horns again: Miubtaahij (Mike de Kock/ Pat Dobbs), Ajwad (de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) and Maftool (Saaed bin Suroor/ Paul Hanagan) took the first 3 places then, but it would come as no surprise if they finished in a different order this ti,me.

McCoy in Wales today

Once again, there is no jumps racing in England today, but just like yesterday in Scotland (Musselburgh), Wales (Chepstow) and Ireland (Down Royal in the North).

The best card is at Chepstow and AP McCoy, who has certainly been getting around in the few days since he announced his retirement, will be there. He has rides in the first 3 races with chances in all 3, especially the two trained by Jonjo O´Neill- Sebastian Beach in the 4yo hurdle at 14.50 - who has run well on both hurdles starts and does not appear to have much to beat here- and German-bred Kamool in the second division of the maiden hurdle at 15.55, who probably has the Queen´s Special Agent (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) to beat. In the first division McCoy partners Rebecca Curtis´ Imagine the Chat, who is coming off a long break but certainly has a chance, although Henderson again fields a strong opponent- Champagne Express (Nico de Boinville). Later on, we hope that Pitter Patter (Fergal O´Brien/ Paddy Brennan) can make up for her mishap last time- when she fell at the last at Exter when looking all over the winner- in tzhe mares handicap hurdle at 17.05. We also like veteran Pigeon Island (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davis) in the3 mile handicap chase at 18.05, who has been running in much better company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Libeccio - Tea In Transvaal - Trendsetter
2. Race: Leave It Be - Wicker Man - Champagne Chaser
3. Race: Thedrinkymeister - Charlie Breekie - Carningli
4. Race: Going Concern - Moujik Borget - Dresden
5. Race: Jackies Solitaire - Pitter Patter - Lights Of Broadway
6. Race: Bredon Hill Lad - Marmalade Man - King`s Song
7. Race: Buckhorn Tom - Dont Do Mondays - Strollawaynow

graded race in Ireland today

the usual poor programme for a Tuesday has been improved as Clonmel´s abandoned meeting from last week is to staged today. Main feature, and easily the best race of the day, is the Grade Three novice hurdle at 15.35 CET, with runners from some of the top Irish trainers, including two from the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable, Measureofmydreams (Ruby Walsh) and Roi des Francs (Bryan Cooper) in the first Gigginstown colours. 6 of the 9 runners are last-time-out winners and this looks very open, but we shall take a chance on the consistent Shantou Flyer (Colin Bowe/ Andrew McNamara).

There are large fields in Clonmel, but much smaller ones at the U.K. meetings in Wales (Ffos Las) and Scotland (Ayr). The latter fixture is graced by the presence of AP McCoy, who has 3 rides, two of them for fellow Ulsterman Stuart Crawford - Yes Tom in the handicap chase at 17.20 and debutant Cornerman in the bumper at 17.55. That one is clearly an unknown quantity, but the former must have a good chance, even though the distance is on the short side - we remember him running well in the Scottish National here last April. McCoy´s first ride is Brian Ellison´s Top of the Glas in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.10, who also has a clear chance., having won 3 times on the flat and been placed on all hurdles starts, although he would not want the going to get too testing.
Certainty of the day is Buywise (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) in the novice hurdle at 15.55 at Ffos Las, but he will be at long odds-on and a better bet at the Welsh track could be Cash Injection (Robert Woollacott/ Noel Fehily), who has gone up 6 lbs for his latest win but seems to be still improving.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: I Knew Well - Shake It Up - Master Appeal
2. Race: Dalmatia - What Lies Ahead - Iamtoldiamgrand
3. Race: Kauto Grand Mogol - Roi Des Francs - Measureofmydreams
4. Race: Annakrista - Rebel Cry - Thepartysover
5. Race: Turban - Rubi Light - Baily Green
6. Race: Black Zero - Company Coming - Kilcarry Bridge
7. Race: Wish Ye Didnt - Court Frontier - Harpor

McCoy at Catterick today

after the excitements of the weekend, it is back to normal today, with two low-level jumps meetings at Catterick and Plumpton and an even poorer all-weather card at Wolverhampton.
Tony McCoy grabbed most of the headlines yesterday, first because he won two of the top races in Ireland and the previous day at Newbury, but more because of the unexpected announcement of his impending retirement. He showed yesterday by his brilliant ride in the Hennessy Gold Cup that he is as good as ever and he cam improve his record still further when he rides at Catterick today. He has two rides, both with good chances. In the handicap hurdle at 16.10 CET he partners Mike Appleby´s Dewala, who is penalised 8 lbs for winning at Doncaster a month ago; this is quite an open race but the mare won so well that she can go in again. Half an hour later he rides John Ferguson´s Red Devil Boys in a handicap chase; Ferguson is better known for winning hurdle races with ex-flat horses, but this one looks a proper chaser and although he is up quite a bit in distance, can score here. Saint Are (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who has been running in better company, is the obvious danger.
At Plumptpn we hope that German-bred Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) can continue his winning run at 15.50. This half-brother to German Derby winners Samum and Schiaparelli took a long time to find his feet in the U.K. but the penny has finally dropped and he has won his two starts this year in good style. He is up in the weights and meets 3 opponents who all have decent form, but he is on such a roll that he can concede the weight.


Betting forecast:
1. Race: Landmarque - Lough Derg Walk - Harleys Max
2. Race: Ballyvoque - Nautical Twilight - Brave Spartacus
3. Race: Askamore Darsi - Who Owns Me - Cyrien Star
4. Race: Dewala - Bogside - Short Takes
5. Race: Sixty Something - Saint Are - Everaard
6. Race: Sand Blast - Halkirk - On The Vine
7. Race: Jessie Pinkman - Exclusive Tara - Dibble Bridge

Grade One races at Leopardstown

an exceptionally strong card at Leopardstown today in which many of Ireland´s leading hopes for Cheltenham will be running. The field for the Hennessy Gold Cup at 16.50 CET includes the first two from last season´s controversial Gold Cup finish - Lord Windermere (Jim Cullotty/ Davy Russell) and On His Own (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh); most of these runners have met before., including in the Lexus Chase where On His Own was runner-up, with Boston Bob (Mullins/ Paul Townend), Carlingford Lough (Jon Kiely/ Tony McCoy), First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper) and Lord Windermere all behind, while First Lieutenant was third here last year (and has a good course record) ahead of Texas Jack (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Lord Windermere. New kid on the block is Foxrock (Ted Walsh( Adrian Heskin), an impressive handicap winner here last time, and almost any of these could win. The ground is getting better which will suit Lord Windermere and we hope that he can put down a marker for Cheltenham.

The otjher Grade Onbes are the 4yo hurdle at 14.15, the Deloitte Novice Hudle an hour later and the novice chase at 15.45 and Willlie Mulins has multiple entries in all 3, including several already well backed for Cjheltenham, such as Kalkir (Walsh) in the first-named and Valseur Lido (Cooper) in the last-named, who will probably be warm favourites today. The Deloitte looks tricky, with Mullins saddling Alvisio Ville (McCoy) for JP, Nichols Canyon (Walsh) for Ricci, as well as Sempre Medici (Townend) and McKinley (David Casey). We shall desert the stable and go for Dermot Weld´s two runners, Silver Concorde (Robbie McNamara) and Windsor Park (Russell), who could complete a big race double for Dr. Lambe, also owner of Lord Windermere; Silver Concorde, winner of the Cheltenham Champion Bumper, is our selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vercingetorix - Petite Parisienne - Officieux
2. Race: Mount Corkish Girl - I`m All You Need - Josephine Marcus
3. Race: Nichols Canyon - Windsor Park - Silver Concorde
4. Race: Le Vent D`antan - Jarry D`honneur - Adriana Des Mottes
5. Race: Blue Hell - Captain Carleton - Hisaabaat
6. Race: Boston Bob - Carlingford Lough - Foxrock
7. Race: On The Fringe - Salsify - Mossey Joe
8. Race: Archive - Heron Heights - Ben Button

top card at Newbury today

with the weather improving, we have a full programme today and some top racing, especially at Newbury.
The highest rated runner today is Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore) who runs there in the Grade Two Game Spirit Chase over 2 miles at 16.00 CET. In theory he has to win, but as he has been off with an injury for quite a while, we would be a ittle cautious. JP McManus owns the two main dangers Uxizandre (Alan King/ Barry Geraghty) and Mr. Mole (Paul Nicholls/ AP McCoy) and one must assume that McCoy is on the right one, although on ratings he is slightly below the owner´s other runner. The trainer seems quite optimistic that Sire de Grugy is almost back to his best, in which case we exoect him to score.
There is another small but very select field for the Denman Chase over 3 miles at 15.25. Houblon des Obeaux (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Unioniste (Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) both ran in the Hennessy here in November, with the former doing much better in second and now also better off at the weights, so he should hold his rival again. However we are afraid of Taquin du Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy), with the stable back in top form, and the fast-improving Coneygree (Mark Bradstock/ Richard Johnson).
O´Neill has 2 runners in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 14.50 and Merry King (Geraghty) also ran in the Hennessy, finishing 3rd - he has not run over hurdles for ages and McCoy´s mount Milan Bound is easily preferred. For lovers of outsiders we recommend here Shotavodka (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who is on a long losing run but is now very nicely handicapped.
Of course the big betting race of the day is the Betfair Hurdle at 16.35, the most valuable hurdle handicap of the year and with 23 runners impossible to solve. Any of them could win, but our 3 against the field are Fascino Rustico (Dan and Harry Skelton), Balgarry (Pipe/ Scu) and Ballybolley (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Daryl Jacob). Wicklow Brave (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) is of obvious interest here as well, but we prefer Mullins´ runners at Warwick, where he can land a double with Arbre de Vie at 14.00 and Glens Melody at 15.40, both partnered by Paul Townend.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Risk A Fine - Qewy - Cloonacool
2. Race: Milan Bound - Milansbar - Rydon Pynes
3. Race: Unioniste - Taquin Du Seuil - Harry Topper
4. Race: Uxizandre - Upsilon Bleu - Sire De Grugy
5. Race: Activial - Jolly`s Cracked It - Sign Of A Victory
6. Race: Vivaldi Collonges - Kings Palace - Vivaldi Collonges
7. Race: Barters Hill - Duke Des Champs - Present Man

Kempton today

trainer Nicky Henderson and his jockey Barry Geraghty have been by far the most successful team at Kempton in recent years and can improve their record further today when we expect them to have several winners. They can take the main event, a graduation chgase at 16.05 CET with the very promising Josses Hill; he has only 3 opponents today, and threy are also all very useful, but he was the best of These over hurdles and we hope that he can also stay so over fences. He has never been out of the first 2 so far and as long as his jumping holds up, he can keep up this record today. Another we hope whose jumping will be a bit better is the Queen´s Open Hearted in the handicap chase at 16.35. Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) is the obvious danger on form, but we would also not leave out top-weight Cantlow (Paul Webber/ AP McCoy) despite his appalling form figures, as he is down a lot in the weights and dropping in grade here. Henderson also has a decent chance in the opening handicap hurdle with Vodka ´n´Tonic (Jerry McGrath) - where Celestino (Paul Nicholls/ Jack Sherwood) is a clear threat- and Geraghty can also partner West Wizard (from a top German family) to victory in the novice hurdle at 15.00, as well the debutant Newsworthy, (who is apparently highly rated) in the bumper at 17.10; the combination could even take the second division of the bumper half an hour later with Ok Corral, although this one looks trickier.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vodka `n Tonic - In The Crowd - Carry On Sydney
2. Race: Rock On Oscar - Minella Rocco - Scorpiancer
3. Race: Well Rewarded - Last Shadow - Gamain
4. Race: Ceasar Milan - Third Intention - Thomas Crapper
5. Race: Umberto d`Olivate - Firm Order - Baby Shine
6. Race: Kayf Adventure - Symphony Of Kings - Bilzic
7. Race: Ok Corral - High Bridge - Florrie Boy

Taunton and Huntingon

finally we have some jumps racing today after several blank days, and both Taunton and Huntingdon offer some compettiive racing, though not at a very high level, but with some decent fields and of course any racing is better than nothing.

At Taunton our eye is caught by several German-bred runners and we like the chances of Amanto (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) in the novices handicap hurdle at 16.45 CET. This five-year-old, from a top Ittlingen Family, has run well on both his U.K. starts and although this race is possibly the toughest of the day, we feel that the handicapper has let him in lightly. Another possible winner here is Global Thrill (Bernard Llewellyn/ Robert Williams)in the maiden hurdle at 15.05; he was a group race winner in Germany, and although his U.K. form so far is not inspiring, he is surely capable of scoring at this level, while Sternrubin (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) runs in the same race. Northern Bay (David Piper/ T Greatrex) was last time out third in a similar race at Ludlow with this young rider aboard and could be placed again in the opener at 14.35.

A German-bred at Huntingdon is Double Handful (Lawnay( Nick Scjholfield), who runs in the novices handicap chase at 16.00; we remember this one leading for a long way in the 2009 German Derby, but we are not so keen today as he is coming off a 14 months break. Top race here is the 4yo hurdle at 16.35, with several unexposed types running, but on all known form this should lie between Chatez (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Arabian Revolution (John Ferguson/ Noel Fehily), both of whom look very talented: as the latter receives weight from his rival, we make him the choice.

Betting forecast Taunton:
1. Race: Pinkneys Prince - Kastani Beach - The Game Is A Foot
2. Race: Global Thrill - What A Scorcher - Sir Frank Morgan
3. Race: Gold Medal - Bella - Zanstra
4. Race: Kings Apollo - Merchant Of Milan - Sivron
5. Race: Amanto - Auvergnat - Winning Spark
6. Race: Strawberry Hill - Bobby Dove - Diamond Tammy
7. Race: Olympian Boy - Follow The Tracks - Riversbridge

No jumps racing again

Once again, all jumps racing today has been abandoned on account of the frozen ground. Tomorrow´s Irish meeting at Clonmel has also been abandoned, but there is a slight hope that there might be N.H. racing in England.

Today´s Kempton meeting, originally scheduled for the evening, had been brought forward to the afternoon; this is a good idea, but unfortunately the quality of racing is very poor, and the card opens with 2 class 7 races. The card at Chelmsford is much better, even though the fields are small and normal each-way betting is only possible in one race. That is the main event, a conditions race over 5 furlongs for 3yo´s with exactly 8 runners at 16.40 CET, a qualifying race for Good Friday´s big meeting. Squats (William Haggas/ Joe Fanning) and Wentworth Falls (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick) are the two top-rated here and also the likely favourites. However we prefer Merdon Castle (David Elsworth/ Liam Keniry), bred to be very speedy, who was runner-up at Kempton over 6 furlongs last time but should be better suited by this minimum trip.

Chelmsford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Rockfast - Duke Street - Qatar Falcon
2. Race: India`s Song - Pirate Cove - Great Expectations
3. Race: Plaisir - Glorious Dancer - Mojawiz
4. Race: Wentworth Falls - Squats - Merdon Castle
5. Race: Aldo - Born To Reign - Black Iceman
6. Race: Oratorio`s Joy - Asia Minor - Precision Five

Musselburgh OFF today

today´s N.H. Meeting at Musselburgh has been abandoned because of a frozen track, and tomorrow´s meeting at Sedgefield has also been cancelled for the same reason. The cold weather is likely to cause more abandonments this week. The only racing in the U.K. today is now on the all-weather tracks at Lingfield and Wolverhampton

Musselburgh and Punchestown

The only racing in England today is a low grade all-weather affair at Chelmsford, but there is much better jumps racing in Scotland at Musselburgh and in Ireland at Punchestown, both with the upcoming Cheltenham Festival firmly in their sights.

Most of the races at Musselburgh are indeed billed as Cheltenham trials and, with the going much better than has usually been the case in recent weeks, the track has been rewarded with runners from all over, including from Ireland and especially a strong team from Nicky Henderson. He should certainly take the listed Triumph Hurdle Trial at 15.00 CET with Hargam (AP McCoy), who looks to be one of his main Festival hopes. McCoy can also win the novice hurdle that opens the card at 14.00 with John Ferguson´s Namoose, who won his only hurdle race easily enough after showing smart bumper form. Ferguson is best known for turning good flat rac Performers into hurdlers and he has one in the handicap hurdle at 16.00 with Retriueve (Jack Quinlan), who was a liszted winner on the flat and clould be well handicapped here with bottom weight; however Ferguson also saddles the top weight here Sea Lord (McCoy), who has an entry in the Champion Hurdle, and if he is to have a chance at Cheltenham he must run well here despite his huge weight. The danger could be Streets of Newyork (Conor O´Farrell), one of 4 Brian Ellison runners here.

The Future Champions Novice Chase at 15.30 has attracted a relatively weak field, and ex-German Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), who won well enough last time, could well be a contender, although he is certainly far removed from championship class, unlike his siblings Samum and co. There are certainly some potential champions on view at Punchestown in the Grade Two Tied Cottage Chase at 16.40. Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ Andrew McNamara) has not won for ages, and has never won a Grade One yet despite finishing runner-up 4 times in this grade- should win this in receipt of 8 lbs from the main danger Twinlight (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) is he is to underline his Cheltenham Champion Chase credentials.