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