Exeter and Huntingdon

as usual for a Tuesday, very moderate sport today. We have jumping from Exeter and Huntingdon as well as a poor all-weather card at Southwell. AP McCoy continues his farewell tour and is in action today at Huntingdon, where he has 3 rides, all with chances: Southfield Royale for Neil Mulholland at 15.10 CET, Flash Crash for Jim Best at 15.45 and A Little Bit Dusty for Conor Dore at 16.50. However our best bet here is Perfect Summer at 17.55; trained at Newmarket by Lady Cecil, and ridden by Jack Quinlan, he runs in the colours of Hoppegarten boss Gerhard Schöningh. Lady Cecil has never yet had a winner over jumps but that could change today as this one made a very promising debut here and this longer trip should be no problem.

There are only 5 runners in the 3 mile handicap chase at Exeter at 16.40, but it is still a wide open event. On Trend (Nick Gifford/ Tom Cannon) is his trainers only runner of the day; he won over this CD a year ago, and although his form this season has been poor, the form of that race should be good enough. Another one here who is his trainer´s only runner is Celestino (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) at 17.45. We don´t like backing maidens in handicaps, nor do we like 4yo´s racing against older horses over hurdles, but we shall make an exception here, as this one ran really well in a much stronger race at Newbury last time and a repetition of that form would certainly suffice here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gabriella Rose - Letter Exit - Iora Glas
2. Race: Vendredi Trois - Changeofluck - Phare Isle
3. Race: That`S The Deal - Ballyvoneen - Ultimatum Du Roy
4. Race: Mr Lando - Myboyalfie - Clock On Tom
5. Race: Bob Will - Roparta Avenue - Flichity
6. Race: Maypole Lass - Susie Sheep - Altesse De Guye

3 jumps meetings today

all jumping today, as the flat season gets off to its usual stuttering start. The ground is soft at Chepstow and Warwick but good at Kempton. Thje best race of the day is the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at Warwick at 16.25 CET in which Horizontal Speed (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) looks like going off as a strong favourite. He ran an excellent race at Cheltenham when 4th of 20, but has gone up in the weights as a result -which hardly seems fair- while No Buts (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore), who ran in a different race at the Festival, has actually come down in the weights and seems handicapped to win now. Of course we would really like to see German-bred Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Daryl Jacob) score here; the half-brother to Samum and co has had an excellent season, but seems handicapped to the hilt as a result. Mann does well with his ex-German horses and also has a chance with ex-Mario Hofer Verano in the novice handicap hurdle at 15.20 here, but this looks a very tricky race.
AP McCoy is riding at Chepstow, almost certainly for the last time, and has some decent chances, notably with Rouquine Sauvage for Antony Honeyball at 16.05, Ashes House for Rebecca Curtis half an nour laterand Jonjo O´Neill´s Rock´n´Rhythm at 17.40.

A German-bred running at Kempton is the ex-Löwe Mertesacker (Robin Dickin/ Charlie Poste) at 15.0; he must have a chance in a weak race but Cry Fury (Gary and Josh Moore), who was a bit better on the flat, is an obvious danger. Two possible each-way bets here are New Horizons (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) at 16.50 and the Moores´ Civil War at 17.55.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rayak - Rathealy - Cut The Corner
2. Race: Ready Token - Wing Mira - Bally Braes
3. Race: Seventh Sky - Foundation Man - Benefit Cut
4. Race: Saint John Henry - Heronshaw - Rolling Maul
5. Race: Coolking - Hi Vic - Lively Baron
6. Race: Oh Land Abloom - The Gipper - Ballydine

good racing on the flat and over jumps

for a Sunday the U.K. cards are quite strong, with the second day of the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster and the final N.H. card of the season from Ascot, while we have the Irish Lincolnshire on the opening day of the Curragh´s season in Ireland, as well as a decent jumps card from Limerick. It has been raining everywhere and this may well be an advantage for Stuccodor (Dermot Weld/ Luke Dempsey), who has top weight in the big Irish handicap at 17.55 CET. Stuccodor won the race last year and tries again off a 6 lbs higher mark, almost equalised by the claim of his good apprentice rider. The horse needs very soft ground and it looks as if everything will be in his favour, although a handicap with 26 runners is lof course not that simple. All the top Irish trainers have runners at the Curragh, including Aidan O´Brien, who will also be giving some of his classic hopes a racecourse gallop after racing. It is interesting that the O´Brien runners will be partnered by Ryan Moore., while the trainer´s eldest son Joseph, nominally the stable´s no. 1 jockey, will be riding for the first time ever over jumps at Limerick. His weight problems seem to have the better of him at the moment. At Limerick he partners his father´s Egyptian Warrior in the novice hurdle at 16.30. This looks a very tough race, and we fear that the going may be too soft for him; our preference is for Sambremont (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh).

There are huge fields at Doncaster, including 21 runners in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.20, in which we like the chances of Arnold Lane (Mick Channon/ Charlie Bishop); he has not won since landing Munich´s Silberne Peitsche in 2013 but has slipped to a very lenient handicap rating and if he is anywhere near his old form should go close today. Another one who looks really well handicapped on his öld form is Rock a Doodle Doo (Sally Hall/ Simon Walker) in the amateur riders handicap at 18.30; he is crtainly fit enough, as he won over hurdles recently, and he has the U.K.´s best amateur in the saddle.

Ascort looks very tricky, as we do not know how much rain will fall, but it is probably AP McCoy´s last opportunity to ride a winner here and he can take the opener at 15.00 on Rebecca Curtis´ Vintage Vinnie, with the Queen´s Special Agent (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) the obvious danger. Our each-way tip here is German-bred Sternrubin (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) in the handicap hurdle for 4yo´s at 16.05.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Zacynthus - Canyari - After The Sunset
2. Race: Hail The Hero - Fullon Clarets - Dark Red
3. Race: Nortron - Cabelo - Miracle Ninetynine
4. Race: Lexington Abbey - Withernsea - Basil Berry
5. Race: Elkaayed - First Mohican - Island Remede
6. Race: Darrington - Storm Rock - Logorrheic
7. Race: Trimoulet - Gone Viral - Ginger Jack
8. Race: Shalambar - Rock Of Leon - Houston Dynimo

the flat season starts today!

today is the official opening of the flat season in the U.K. with the traditional Lincoln Handicap over the straight mile at Doncaster at 16.45 CET the main event. This has become a high class event and the winner has to be up to listed class at least, Ocean Tempest (John Ryan/ Joe Doyle) won it last year, with Robert the Painter (David O´Meara/ Shelley Birkett) third and Gabrial´s kaka (Richard Fahey/ Jack Garrity) sixth, both now better off. The draw could play a major role here, and many people believe that the high numbers (stands side) have an advantage, which should be good news for the Kaka drawn 22 and Gm Hopkins (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) drawn 21. However this is not necessarily true and the likely favourite Mange All (William Haggas/ Graham Lee) is drawn 7, while our fancy Belgian Bill (George Baker/ Pat Smullen) is drawn 2. The consolation race at 16.10 is equally open, our hope here is Donny Rover (Mike Appleby/ Liam Jones). There are also gtwolisted races on the Card, and we like Baltic Knight (Richard hannon/ Lee) at 15.00 and Astaire (Kevoin TRyamn/ Jamie Spencer) at 15.35.
There is plenty more racing today and our best bet of the day is ex-Peter Schiergen Lanceur (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) over hurdles at 14.50 at Stratford.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: First Bombardment - Ravenhoe - General Alexander
2. Race: Baltic Knight - Glory Awaits - Penitent
3. Race: Aetna - Naadirr - Heaven`s Guest
4. Race: Buckstay - Donny Rover - King Torus
5. Race: Mange All - Zarwaan - Gabrial`s Kaka
6. Race: Captain Navarre - Dominada - Mr Cripps
7. Race: Mr Soprano - Sheriff Of Nawton - Nouvelle Ere
8. Race: Walk Like A Giant - Tamayuz Magic - Raging Bear

Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan

plenty of good racing today but clearly pride of place has to go to the world´s richest race meeting, the Dubai World Cup at Meydan. The world´s most valuable race is the Dubai World Cup itself over 10 furlongs on dirt at 18.00 CET and the local Godolphin stable has a tremendous record here. African Story (Saeed bin Suroor/ James Doyle) won it for them last year and tries again at the age of 8. He won his trial well enough, but today´s opposition löooks much stronger, especially the Americans and the Japanese. The track surface has been changed back to dirt to atract the Americams and California Chrome (Art Sherman/ Victor Espinoza) is going to be hard to breat. The second U.S, runner Lea (Bill Mott`/ Joel Rosario) and the main Japanese hope Hokko Tarumae (K Nishiura/ H Myuki) could be two main dangers; we think that the Godolphin runners will do well to be placed this time.

The rest of the card is equally high class and competitive, and with the dollar so strong, much more valuable than for the past years. The Sheema Classic over 1 1/2 miles on turf at 17.15 sees Main Sequence (Graham Motion/ R Maragh) and Flintshire (Andre Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), first and second in the Breeders Cup Turg, cölash again and the Japanese filly (H Matsuda/ Ryan Moore) as well as Hong Kong star Designs on Rome (John Moore/ Jose Moreira) add a new dimension. Main Sequence is unbeaten since joining Motion and perhaps he can maintain this admirable record in a very tough race.

The Dubai Turf (previously the Duty Free) over 9 furlongs at 16.40 is another race to have attracted top international stars and Solow (Freddie Head/ Maxime Guyon) is the likely favourite; he is much improved but the other French runner German-owned Clacodera (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon), already a winner twivce in Meydan this year, looks equally strong, while The Grey Gatsby (Kevin Ryan/ Ryan Moore) is still the one to beat on his excellent form in France and Ireland last season.
The sprint races at 15.30 (on Turf) and at 16.05 (on dirt) Looks really tricvky, but the U.S. and Hing Kong horses are likely to dominate. However we would obviously love to see Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Richard Hughes) win ths race for Ireland on his fifth attempt
The best chance of a British winner is probably Brkiwn Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) in the Gold Cup over 2 miles at 14.15. His Irish St. Leger win last season is easily the best form in the field and he runs best when fresh.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Manark - Versac Py - Bigg N Rich
2. Race: Tamarkuz - Surfer - Sloane Avenue
3. Race: Brown Panther - Bathyrhon - Ahzeemah
4. Race: Mubtaahij - Golden Barows - Maftool
5. Race: Peniaphobia - Bundle Of Joy - Sole Power
6. Race: Secret Circle - Rich Tapestry - Salutos Amigos
7. Race: Solow - The Grey Gatsby - Mshawish
8. Race: Harp Star - Designs On Rome - Flintshire
9. Race: California Chrome - Lea - African Story

Newcastle and Wetherby

the only jumps racing today comes from Newcastle and Wetherby and a glance at the map will show how stupid this is. However some trainers based much further south have sent runners, including Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has two fancied runners at Wetherby, Big Casino at 16.20 CET and Arthur´s Secret at 16.55, both partnered by son Sam. Both have run a couple of disappointing races but have been dropped in the weights and now look attractively handicapped if back to form. Sam also rides Philip Kirby´s Hail the Brave at 15.50; he has not been seen since winning easily over this CD on Boxing Day, but must have a good chance if in the same form, while Cowslip (George Moore/ Joseph Palmowski), a recent course winner, is the obvious danger.

These are all moderate handicaps, and they also make up most of the card at Newcastle. The best race here is the handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.40. Montoya´s Son (Keith Dalgleish/ Craig Nicol) is going for a five-timer here and De Vous a Moi (Sue Smith/ Jonathan England) for a hat-trick. Clearly they can score again but this is a very tricky race and our preference is for top-weight Shadows Lengthen (Mick Easterby/ Jake Greenall) who has plenty of winning form to his credit and is certainly capable of winning in this grade. An interesting pedigree here is that of Next Hight (Smith/ England) in the handicap chase at 16.50. He is from the third crop of High Chaparral, now a superstar stallion, out of German Oaks winner Night Petticoat; he is bred to win the German Derby, as did his half-brother Next Desert. He has been a total disappointment and is also very inconsistent, but we would not be at all surprised to see him pop up at a big price some time - possibly even today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mossies Well - Donna`s Pride - U Name It
2. Race: Gin Cobbler - Shine A Diamond - Rosquero
3. Race: Honourable Gent - King`S Chorister - Copt Hill
4. Race: De Vous A Moi - And The Man - Montoya`S Son
5. Race: Ivan Boru - Avidity - Pearl Castle
6. Race: Notonebuttwo - What A Dream - Ultra Du Chatelet
7. Race: Whichwaytobougie - Purple Harry - Lakefield Rebel

Newbury and Ffos Las

there has been quite a bit of overnight rain and the going will be much softer than indicated. This is particularly true of Ffos Las, where the going will be heavy and there will no doubt be non-runners with the fields even smaller than expected. Rebecca Curtis is the top trainer here and when she fetches Paul Townend over from Ireland to ride, then she means business and the combination could have several winners.They could well take the first 3 races with Veripek at 15.10 CET, Golden Milan at 15.40 and Red Devil Lads at 16.15, while Minella On Line at 16.50 would be very dangerous if recovering his form over hurdles after some abortive efforts over fences. However the interesting one in that race is Flintham (Mark Bradstock/ Sean Bowen), a half-brother to Carruthers and Coneygree; those were the last 2 runners for the Bradstock stable and we all know what they did. He is not particularly well handicapped here, but obviously has bags of potential, and although the Bradstocks must do without their favourite jockey, he must be the selection here.

That jockey is of course Nico de Boinville, who must do duty at Newbury to replace the injured Barry Geraghty. He could win the opening race on Might Bite for Nicky Henderson at 15.30, but in the next race at 16.05 we prefer the stable´s other runner Tistory (Andrew Tinkler); in both cases the Nicholls/ Twiston-Davies runners are the main dangers. Two recent winners that can follow up under a penalty are Kadalkin (Nigel Hawke/ Tom Scudamore) at 16.40 and Red Admirable (Graham McPherson/ Charlie Poste) at 17.45. Best bet here in our opinion is Remiluc (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) in the novice hurdle at 17.10; he had no chance last time in a very hot race, but should be hard to beat in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Thedrinkymeister - Berea Venture - Rikerty Bridge
2. Race: Tambura - Belmount - Gilzean
3. Race: Red Devil Lads - Paddy The Oscar - Cruising Bye
4. Race: Aigle De La See - Flintham - Hansupfordetroit
5. Race: Sweet Like You - Patricktom Boru - The Old Pretender
6. Race: Kilcullen Flem - Robert`s Star - Midnight Silver

Newton Abbot

the Devon track at Newton Abbot does not race during the winter and starts its 2015 season today with the only jumps meeting of the day. Main event is the stayers handicap chase at 16.10 CET, in which Velator (Peter and Sean Bowen) is the only CD winner in the field; he is still 6 lbs higher than when winning here last September, but his good claimer´s (the trainer´s son) allowance takes care of most of that. The main dangers could be Golden Chieftain (Colin Tizzard/Brendan Powell) and Ballypatrick (Mick Channon/ Conor O´Farrell), both of whom have been below form on heavy going but should be suited by this return to better ground. One runner that interests here is German-bred Global Thrill (Barney Llewellyn/ Robert Williams) in the opening maiden hurdle at 15.10. A Group winner in Germany for Jens Hirschberger, he has shown a bit of ability in his 4 runs over hurdles and looks certain to win a race or two, although here he is up against a formidable opponent in Seven Nation Army (Tom George/ Denis O´Regan), who has been runner-up three times in strong company and was earlier a smart bumper horse.

The best race at today´s 3 all-weather meetings is the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.20 at Southwell. This looks tricky, but the CD specialists Frontier Fighter (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) - who won the race last year off the same rating- and Two Moons (Brian Ellison/ Ben Curtis), up 4 lbs for winning here a fortnight ago, look the two to concentrate on.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Seven Nation Army - Act Now - Pengo`s Boy
2. Race: Otago Trail - Earthmoves - Drumlee Lad
3. Race: Achimota - Velator - Big Society
4. Race: Dont Call Me Oscar - Un Bleu A L`aam - Snowell
5. Race: Ballyegan - Bravo Riquet - Uhlan Bute
6. Race: Giveitachance - Bravo Bravo - Black Narcissus

3 poor meetings today

Tuesday is often a poor day, but it is hard to imagine weaker cards than the three today, Southwell and Hexham over jumps and Wolverhamptpn on the all-weather. It is possibly interesting that Philip Hobbs sends just one horse on the long journey to Hexham, Onenightinvienna (Tom O´Brien); he has clearly the best form in the 3 mile novice hurdle at 16.00 CET and looks the best bet of the day, although he will not be at a big price. The novice hurdle over 2 miles half an hour earlier should go to the penalised Cyrus Darius (Malcom Jefferson/ Brian Hughes), quite an impressive winner at Newcastle 3 weeks ago. Our other fancy here is Nalim (Harriet Bethell/ Jonathan England), who has a 7 lbs penalty for winning at Taunton last time but still looks well handicapped in the stsying handicap chase at 16.35.

AP McCoy is riding at Southwell, possibly for the last time. He has just 2 rides both for Jonjo O´Neill: Worthy Award at 16.10 and Champagne Present at 16.35, both with winning chances. Our main fancy here is Mighty Minnie (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson) in the mares maiden hurdle at 17.20; she has been placed on all her five starts and, although the form does not amount to much, she is a full sister to the smart hurdler Mighty Man who showed great improvement, and we hope that the same goes for her too.

At Wolverhampton Rat Catcher (Lisa Williamson/ Rob Hornby) can win the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.35; he is a real CD specialist who was caught on the line here last time but he can reverse that form today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Captain Hox - Cyrus Darius - Chain Of Beacons
2. Race: Kingswell Theatre - Major Ridge - Fromdusktilldawn
3. Race: Nalim - Flaming Thistle - Apache Pilot
4. Race: Suprise Vendor - Palm Grey - Total Assets
5. Race: Brother Scott - Bescot Springs - Better B Quick
6. Race: Ten Trees - Beer Goggles - Australasia
7. Race: Miss Tiggy - Buckled - Kara Tara

German-bred winners today?

Very low level jumps racing today at Taunton and Towcester, and although top trainers like Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have runners, they are very far from being the stable stars. They are also likely to start at very short prices, so that we can look for alternatives. In Towcester´s opening novice hurdle at 15.30 for example, Henderson´s Laurium (David Bass) is expected to start at long odds-on; he could win of course, but German-bred Aviator (James Eustace/ Jack Quinlan), from a top Ittlingen family and who won nicely enough on his hurdles debut. could be a good each-way bet here. 90 minutes later another Ittlingen-bred runs - the totally disappointing Lyssio (Jim Best/ John Storey), who has now dropped to a most attractive mark; his last performances were too bad to be true, and possibly this much faster surface may rekindle his interest.

At Taunton also there are a couple of German-breds engaged, Hartside (P & R Winks) at 17.20 and Ordensritter (Chris Down/ James Davies). there are small fields here and the former runs in the only race with each-way betting. he deserves to win after a series of good places, but he has top weight here and each-way may be a safer bet. Ordensritter, who has won twice on the all-weather, has never won yet over jumps, but the step up in distance should help.

Towcester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Aviator - Romulus Du Donjon - Abijoe
2. Race: Blameitalonmyroots - Iconic Rose - A Shade Of Bay
3. Race: Grand Article - Cabaret Girl - Cool Bob
4. Race: Reyno - Mighty Mambo - Lost In Newyork
5. Race: Midnight Dove - Tinelyra - Jolly Boys Outing
6. Race: Minstrel Royal - Danvinnie - Fingerontheswitch

Today´s jumping

Once again there is no flat racing today, but jumps racing at Wincanton, Market Rasen and Downpatrick, mainly at a very low level. The best race is probably the Ulster Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET, but this is a pretty feeble Imitation of the real thing. Bose Ikard (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) is the form choice here, but we also fancy More Madness (Thomas O´Brien/ Paul Townend), whose form in the Paddy Power Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting reads very well; that was on heavy ground, and he should be much better suited by today´s going, as will the favourite.

The safest way to bet at Wincanton is to follow local trainer Paul Nicholls and he should not go home without a winner or two today. San Benedetto (Sam Twiston-Davies) looks a near certainty in the opening novice hurdle at 14.50, but will be at an unbackable price. Mistress Mole at 15.50 and Southfield Vic at 17.30, both ridden by good claimer Sean Bowen, also have their chances, but in their races we prefer Knight Bachelor (Warren Greatrex/ Gavin Sheehan) and Brother Tedd (Philip Hobbs/ Ciaran Gethings) respectively. Mistress Mole is a half-sister to the smart Mister, but has so far shown little of that one´s ability; in that race we are also interested in outsider Catkin Copse (Richard Philipps/ Sam T-D), who comes to the start with meaningless form but could run much better on this drying ground; the same goes for By the Boardwalk (Kim Bailey/ Aidan Coleman) half an hour earlier.

The card at Market Rasen is very poor. Our best bet there is Grimley Girl (Henry Oliver/ James Davies), much improved since joining this stable and clearly well suited by these easy flat tracks. She won well enough over CD last time and can follow up, as she has only been raised 5 lbs, which seems lenient.

Downpatrick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Salsa Sensation - Utmost Zeal - Mystic Princess
2. Race: Knight`s Parade - Massini`s Trap - Sailors Warn
3. Race: Jumptoconclusions - Disputed - Paddy O Dee
4. Race: Heavenly Brook - Bose Ikard - Man With Van
5. Race: Ardmillan - Corporate Box - Halls Bridge
6. Race: Lord Fingal - Illusion Of Time - Mister To Mister
7. Race: John Monash - Lip Service - Celldomfed

Six jumps meetings today

There is no flat racing in the U.K. and Ireland today - but no fewer than six jumps meetings, with both Newbury and Kelso staging strong cards with some fiercely competitive handicaps.

The only black type race is the listed mares novice handicap hurdle at Newbury at 15.35 CET, although to be honest not many of the 17 runners are really up to listed class. Ron´s Dream (Peter Bowen/ Donal Devereux) finished runner-up in a similar event at Sandown with Queen of the Stage (Nick Williams/ Lizzie Kelly) third, Briery Belle (Henry Daly/ Paddy Brennan) fourth and Ballyhollow (Rebecca Curtis/ Paul Moloney) pulled up after leading for a long way; they have all been handicapped accordingly, and we would not be surprised to see Ballyhollow run much better now on this much faster ground. The top 3 in the weights have all been slaughtered by the handicapper after winning 3 times on soft/ heavy ground, and we much prefer those at the foot of the weights, especially Kalane (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily),Hannah´s Princess (Warren Greatrex/ Gavin Sheehan) and Spartan Angel (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty).

The staying chase at 16.10 is another hot handicap, but we like the two 12yo´s at the top of the weights- Ikorodu Road (Graham McPherson/ Sheehan) and Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Nicoi de Boinville) Both scored their major victories over this course back in the 2011-12 season, with the former winning this event and the latter the Hennessy. Carruthers was pulled out of the Midlands Grand National last week as the going was too heavy, which seems strange as he has shown most of his best form on the heavy; however after the stable won the Gold Cup last week with his younger brother, it is clear that they know what they are doing. For those looking for a younger alternative, we recommend Imperial Circus (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), from a team who did very well for us here yesterday, and this one looks very well handicapped now.

Kelso has a very similar race at 15.15 and again our eye is taken by a couple of 12yo´s : Knockara Beau (George Charlton/ Jan Faltejsek) and Major Malarkey (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Ryan Hatch), a very easy winner over this CD last time, but in a much weaker race. Knockara Beau led the field in the Gold Cup last year until the second last before finishing seventh, and if he runs to that form, must have a great chance here. However this is a very tricky affair, and we would normally fancy Harry the Viking (Sandy Thomson/ Dean Fox), just touched off last time at Haydock; however he has been put up 8 lbs for that which seems a bit unfair.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hassle - Centurius - Puisque Tu Pars
2. Race: Rebel Rebellion - O Maonlai - Wiesentraum
3. Race: Spartan Angel - Tara Mist - Rons Dream
4. Race: Sin Bin - Ikorodu Road - Imperial Circus
5. Race: Lil Rockerfeller - Eminent Poet - Alzammaar
6. Race: Cultivator - Aliandy - Mr Kit Cat
7. Race: Cernunnos - Tresor De Bontee - Owen Na View

Newbury and Sedgefield

there is flat racing at three all-weather tracks today, but in our opinion the jumps racing at Newbury and Sedgefield offers the most interesting sport as well as better betting opportunities.

Most of the top jockeys will be at Newbury and Barry Geraghty can get off to a winning start on Nicky Henderson´s Champagne Express at 15.10; this is quite a hot novice hurdle with all 6 runners having some decent form, but Champagne Express looked one to follow when winning so well at Chepstow last time. The Henderson/ Geraghty team can also go close with Shakalakaboomboom half an hour later; with the ground rapidly drying out, we can ignore his poor recent efforts on much softer going (a comment which will apply to several runners today). Last-time-out winner Mediaeval Chapel is another possible winner for the team at 16.45, but here we prefer The Skyfarmer (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who is up in distance but has shown all his best form on good going. The 2 mile handicap hurdle at 17.20 is the trickiest race of the day with many possibilities, so we shall go for a long shot, Red Merlin (Donald McCain/ Noel Fehily), who has been off the track since October; we don´t know the reason, but we hope that it was to avoid the winter ground.

Rather surprisingly, the most valuable race of the day is the handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.35 at Sedgefield. This is another very open race, in which 4 of the 11 runners are CD specialists; we choose Istimraar (Philip Kirby/ Adam Nicol), the only 4yo in the field; his good flat pedigree (he was bred by Hamdan al Maktoum) suggests that he will be well suited by drying conditions, and he was predictably outclassed last time on soft going against Cheltenham runners.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Champagne Express - Rock The Kasbah - Inner Drive
2. Race: Shuil Royale - Noble Legend - Phone Home
3. Race: Last Shadow - Hindon Road - Wild Rover
4. Race: Desert Joe - Medieval Chapel - Letbeso
5. Race: Gassin Golf - Royal Guardsman - Baby King
6. Race: Harbour Court - Twirling Magnet - Pateese
7. Race: Net Work Rouge - Border Breaker - Western Xpress

5 meetings today

jumps racing this afternoon at Ludlow and Chepstow, as well as Thurles in Ireland, and all-weather flat racing at Wolverhampton and this evening at Chelmsford. Easily the best performer running today is First Lieutenant (Edward O´Grady/ Bryan Cooper), who goes for the 3 mile conditions race over hurdles at 17.30 CET at Thurles. He won the Neptune at Cheltenham back in 2011 and since then has been racing mainly in the top chases- the Lexus, the Hennessy, the Ryanair etc. This is his first race over sticks for more than 3 years, but he is clearly the best horse and should win if getting back into the right rhythm. He has only 3 opponents, the best of which is obviously the lightly-raced Rolly Baby (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), representing top connections but with a mountain to climb on ratings.

Royale Knight (Dr. Newland/ Will Kennedy) is a similar case in England; he runs in the handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 17.15 at Chepstow, while his major successes have come in top staying chases like the Durham and Scottish Borders Nationals. He is entered for Aintree next month, which his trainer won last year, but is unlikely to get into the field. He is well handicapped over sticks, but we prefer Azure Aware (Kim Bailey/ David Bass).

Bailey also has runners at Ludlow, including the improving Faerie Reel in the mares handicap hurdle at 18.10, for which he has booked AP McCoy. This is a very tricky race and we would love to see our old friend, German-bred Favorite Girl (Mike Appleby/ Jonathan England), win her 4th race of the season, but at these weights we prefer Stephanie Frances (Dand and Harry Skelton). The 2 mile handicap chase at 17.05 has also attracted a small but select field in which the two top-weights could dominate - Mountain King (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Swaledale Lad (Richard Ford/ Harry Challoner).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Third Opinion - Deano - Native Que
2. Race: Romantic Fashion - Company Coming - Boxing Along
3. Race: Rolling Rocket - Akinspirit - West Council
4. Race: Alisier D`irlande - Getting Late - Frankie Ballou
5. Race: Rolly Baby - Archie Meade - Gold Patrol
6. Race: Kilcross Boy - Annie Alainn - Hannah`s Lane
7. Race: Alamein - For Pedro - On The Qt

Haydock and Warwick

if you are betting on U.K. jumps racing today, you must pay attention to the going, as it is drying out rapidly at Haydock, while it is still heavy at Warwick. As a result there are very small fields at the Midlands track, and German-bred Russian Bolero (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) has only 2 opponents in the novice hurdle at 15.30 CET. This full brother to the smart Russian Tango won on his hurdles debut in England, but has been beaten twice since; however he can get back on the winning track here.

Haydock has better-sized fields and also better betting opportunities. A German-bred we like here is Nexius (Keith Dalgleish/ Keith Renwick) in the handicap hurdle at 16.15; he was third to Novellist in the 2013 Union-Rennen for Waldemar Hickst and has shown talent for hurdling since sold to England. he is coming off a short break now, but has thus missed the worst of the heavy ground, which should be to his advantage. Main danger could be Masterful Act (Dan Skelton/ Bridget Andrews), penalised 7 lbs for a very easy win at Huntingdon last week with this good young jockey (6 wins from her last 10 rides!!).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: A Boy Named Suzi - Dark Dune - Satanic Beat
2. Race: Itstimeforapint - Shinooki - Blenheim Brook
3. Race: Masterful Act - Lightentertainment - Nexius
4. Race: Roberto Pegasus - Rowdy Rocher - Scotch Warrior
5. Race: Three Faces West - Indian Voyage - Wild Bill
6. Race: Board Of Trade - In The Hold - Wade Harper

St. Patrick´s Day

It´s St. Patrick´s Day today, an Irish holiday, amd although the big parades were held last Sunday, today is really the day for the celebration of Ireland´s national saint, and we have racing at two tracks as a result. At Downpatrick the best race is the Daily Mirror Chase over 3 1/4 miles at 17.45 CET but this has only 3 runners, so is not n attractive betting medium. Roi du Mee (Gordon Elliott/ Bryan Cooper) is a tough and classy stayer who will probablky make the running. He will be tough to pass, but he has to give 10 lbs to two smart opponents: Foildubh (JP Ryan/ Paul Carberry), only narrowly behind him last time and now better off at the weights, and Yes Tom (Stuart Crawford/ Barry Geraghty) who won this race last year- when the opponents were arguably weaker.

Willie Mullins had a sensational meeting at Cheltenham last week, but he has only one runner today, Listen Dear, with son Paddy up, in the mares bumper at 18.30 at Wexford. But Ruby Walsh has 3 rtides for other trainers, all of them with chances: I Shot the Sheriff for Tony Martin at 16.50, Davinia´s Tip for Adrian Maguire at 17.25 and Cootamundra for JA Berry at 18.00.

The two U.K. jumps meetings (as well as the all-weather racing at Southwell) are of less interest, but we like Jay Are (Gary and Josh Moore) at 16.20 at Exeter and Rock a Doodle Do (Sally Hall/ Adam Nicol) at 17.40 at Wetherby.

Low level racing today

No point in expecting classy racing today after the excitements of last week, and we have 3 very low level meetings, over jumps at Taunton and Southwell and on the all-weather at Chelmsford. There are some very small foields aswell, woith normal each-way betting totally impossible at Chelmsford, where the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.30 CET is the best race. Oriental Relation (James Given/ Tom Eaves) is our choice here; he won over this CD a month ago and has run well twice since, although he clearly had no chance in a listed race on Saturday. Related (David Simcock/ Fergus Sweeney) looks the main anger; he is best at seven furlongs but is down in grade here.

Local trainers Paul Nicholls and David PIpe are the trainers to follow at Taunton. Pipe has made several entries in the two divisions of the novice hurdle and can win them both with Perspicace at 15.50 and Vayland an hour later, both the choice of stable jockey Tom Scudamore. Nicholls can reply with It´s A Close Call at 15.15 and The Chuckmeister at 17.20, both with Sam Twiston-Davies, and the jockey can also take the staying chase at 17.50 on his father´s Pigeon Island; he has not won for ages, but has been running in much better company.

At Southwell we hope that a couple of German-breds run well- Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), a half-brother to Altano, at 15.35 has been disappointing so far, but must have a chance in this weak race, while both All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Peter Carberry) and Mr.Lando (Anne Batchelor/ Tom Cannon) could be placed in the handicap hjurdle at 17.10.

Graded races in Ireland

With Ffos Las abandoned, Carlisle stages the only racing in the U.K., but it is a fairly weak card, and as usual on a Sunday, the best racing comes from Ireland, where there are two graded races - both for mares- at Limerick. After Willie Mullins sent over 50 runners to Cheltenham last week- winning with a record 8 of them - one might think that he has no ammunition left, but in fact we think that he can win both these events, the novice hurdle at 15.55 CET with Lyrical Theatre and the novice chase at 17.00 with Vroom Vroom Mag. Both will be ridden by Ruby Walsh and are likely to start at odds on, but it is hard to see them being beaten. The Mullins/ Walsh team also has a chance with their only other runner here,Tarabiyn in the opening 4yo hurdle at15.25, but here we prefer Chatham House Rule (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon).

Mullins can also score at the other Irish meeting with Vedetarriat at 17.15 at Navan, although Fine Article (Paul Nolan/ Mikey Fogarty) looks a tough opponent, and Townend can double up here with Tony Martin´s Heathfield half an hour later.

At Carlisle we shall take a chance on Tutchec (Nicky Roichards/ Brian Harding) in the main evemt, a staying handicap chase at 17.05. Although he was pulled up the last twice, he has an excellent course record, was third in this race last year and is now much better handicapped. Richard and Harding should also take the novice chase an hour earlier on Duke of Navan, who can reverse placings with Just Cameron on better terms

Midlands Grand National and more

Traditionally the Uttoxeter meeting featuring the Midlands Grand National over 4 miles 1 /2 furlongs at 16.50 CET, ends Cheltenham week and most of the big guns will be there, including AP McCoy who rides ther strong favourite Catching On for Jonjo O´Neill; he was a very easy winner of the Devon National 11days ago and clearly can go in again under a fixed pnalty of 6 lbs. However we had a fairy tale result yesterday when Coneygree won the Gold Cup for a small trainer Mark Bradstock and a relatively young jockey Nico de Boinville (and if you read our comments yesterday, you should have backed him!) and they can repeat the feat today with his elder half-brother Carruthers, who has been given a real chance by the handicapper and will find the very soft ground to his liking. David Pipe usually targets this race and has won it for the past 4 years; he has no runners today, but could still land a double in the supporting races with Top Wood at 15.40 and Shotavodka at 16.15, both partnered by Conor O´Farrell.

There is also a good jumping card at Kempton, with a valuable hurdle handicap at 15.20 as the main feature. Like the Uttoxeter race, this has a big field and looks as tricky as any Cheltenham handicap, but we like Communicator (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon), who has shown great promise in his 3 races over sticks and could have been let in here lightly. Katgary (Paul Nicholls/ Sean Bowen) and CD winner Under the Phone (Robin Dickin/ Joseph Palmowski) are two of the main dangers.

Limngfiueld stages the first European Group race of 2015, the Winter Derby at 16.05 over 10 furlongs. Most of the runners ran in the trial here 3 weeks ago, with Grendisar (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) just holding on in a very tight finish; Grandeur (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) was a close fourth after not getting a clear run, he can reverse the form this time. There are also two listed races on the card, and we expect the much-improved Four Seasons (Charlie Appleby/ Adam Kirby) to win his fourth race in succession (and third over this CD=) at 15.30, and Dungannon (Andrew Balding/ Thomas Brown) to score at 16.40.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The big race today on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival is in fact the best race of the year for serious N.H. fans - the Gold Cup over 3 1/4 miles at 16.20 CET. This has attracted its biggest field for many years with doubts over many of the leading contenders and a new dimension now added by the rain, which means that the ground will now be much softer than expected.

The first five from last year´s turbulent race reappear. Lord Windermere (Jim Culloty/ Davy Russell) was the narrow winner, followed by On His Own (Willie and Paddy Mullins), The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore), Silviniaco Conti (Paul Nicholls/ Noel Fehily) and the 2013 winner Bobsworth (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). Had the rain stayed away we would have fancied Lord Windermere to follow up, but now we are not so sure.

Silviniaco Conti was favourite last year and looks like starting favourite again, and if the race were run at Kempton we are sure that he would win by miles. He is the best horse in the field but the fact remains that he has always underperformed at Cheltenham and we cannot forget the way he weakened and wandered after the last a year ago.

The Giant Bolster, who is German-bred, has finished in the first four here three times running and we can ignore all his piueces of form sinc last year, as he simply runs much better in this race than anywhere else. He is probably the best outsider, but what we are looking for is a Young up-and-coming type, and the three that fill the bill are Coneygree (Mark Bradstock/ Nico de Boinville), Djakadam (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Many Clouds (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell). The last two have won big handicaps this season and are much improved, but we have been really impressed by Coneygree´s last two runs and make him the selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Peace And Co - Hargam - Beltor
2. Race: Quick Jack - The Game Changer - Sempre Medici
3. Race: Black Hercules - No More Heroes - Value At Risk
4. Race: Silviniaco Conti - Djakadam - Holywell
5. Race: Paint The Clouds - On The Fringe - Current Event
6. Race: Roi Des Francs - Le Mercurey - Mckinley
7. Race: Ned Buntline - Eastlake - Blood Cotil

Rest of Cheltenham: fourth and final day

The card opens with the Triumph Hurdle at 14.30 CET, and bioth Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins have 3 runners each here. Despite Mullins´ fantastic form this week, we prefer the Lambourn runners and think that Preace and Co (Barry Gerasghty) and Top Notch (Daryl Jacob) could well make it a 1-2 for the Henderson stable. Favourites have a very poor record here, but Peace and Co, unbeaten in 3 starts including once in France and once over this CD, was very impressive in both his British races and he is the selection.

The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle over 3 miles at 15.40 again sees Mullins, with 5 runners, and Henderson with 2 in opposition. This looks very tricky and could lie between Black Hercules (Mullins/ Walsh) and Out Sam (Henderson/ Geraghty), but Martello Tower (Mags Mullins/ Adrian Heskin) is just one of many alternatives. Obviously it would be nice for David Pipe to win the race named after his father at 17.40, but we don´t really believe it and expect one of the Mullins runners to win, while the ultimate dream result would be for AP McCoy to win the last race at 18.15 on his last ride at Cheltenham and in a race specially named after him today; he rides Ned Buntline for Noel Meade in the colours of his JP McManus, and this horse has an obvious chance, but he is likely to start at a false price, and we would rather go for an outsider like Astracad (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Ryan Hatch).

We are left with 3 very trappy handicaps and the Foxhunters at 17.00, all with 24 (!) runners. Almost anything can happen here, but the Irish have a strong hand in all of them and should certainly take the Foxhunters, either with Salsify, who has already won it twice, or On the Fringe, third last year.

rest of Cheltenham: third day

the Card opens with the JLT Novice Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 14.30 CET with another Irish victory looking likely. Willie Mullins saddles two here, Valseur Lido (Bryan Cooper) and Vautour (Ruby Walsh) and it is difficult to choose between them, but the former was in fact just beaten last time by Apache Stronghold (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry), so we make him the selection. The only Brit with a chance is probably P´tit Zig (Paul Nicholls/ Sam T-D), but he fell last time, which is always a bit of a downer.
The Ryanair Chase over slightly further at 15.40 is another very open race, but German-bred Don Cossack (Gordon Elliott/ Cooper) Looks cerzain to be involved. he is unbeaten in 4 starts this season and has become a really reliable Performer at this Level. The danger could be Ma Filleule (Henderson/ Geraghty) who can benefit from the mares´ allowance, while Foxrock (Ted Walsh/ Adrian Heskin) has been supplemented so mist be considered, while Ted´s son Ruby rides Ballycasey for Willie Mullins, who twice beat Don Cossack last year and is also not out of it. Daughter Katie rides her father´s Champagne James in the Kim Muir for amateur riders at 17.40 and he can make it a great day for the Walsh family.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vautour - Ptit Zig - Valseur Lido
2. Race: Edeymi - Call The Cops - Regal Encore
3. Race: Don Cossack - Ma Filleule - Balder Succes
4. Race: Zarkandar - Saphir Du Rheu - Lieutenant Colonel
5. Race: Monetaire - Buywise - Un Ace
6. Race: Masters Hill - Gold Bullet - Grand Vision

Ladbrokes World Hurdle

the Ladbrokes World Hurdle over 3 miles at 16.20 CET is the top race at Cheltenham today and the sponsors must be very happy with the huge field of 17 runners with very open betting, To be honest, this is a slightly substandard affair with no obvious star running, such as previous winners Bib Buck´s, Baracouda or Inglis Drever. Paul Nichools, who hadf 3 winners here yesterday, trained Big Buck´s and must be hoping that he can win again with either Saphir Du Rheu (Sam Twiston-Davies) or Zarkandar (Noel Fehily). Connections are hoping to repeat their trick with Big Buck´s by bringing him back from chasing and he won the main trial here, the Cleeve, but only narrowly from Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob), Un Temps Pour Tous (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Cole Harden (Warren Greatrex/ Gavin Sheehan). We are not convinced that this form is good enough and much prefer Zarkandar, who was a good fourth here last year in a stronger renewal; he finished just behind At Fishers Cross (Rebecca Curtis / AP McCoy), who has been below form this season., but the Trainer´s horses are now running much bgetter and he is possibly AP´s best Chance to win a race at his last Cheltenham. Nicky Henderson also has yet to score at the meeting and has two runners, both of which are in with a good chance, Blue Fashion (David Bass) and Whisper with the stable jockey Barry Geraghty. This race is as tricky as any handicap, but in our opinion Zarkandar each-way is the safest bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vautour - Ptit Zig - Valseur Lido
2. Race: Edeymi - Call The Cops - Regal Encore
3. Race: Don Cossack - Ma Filleule - Balder Succes
4. Race: Zarkandar - Saphir Du Rheu - Lieutenant Colonel
5. Race: Monetaire - Buywise - Un Ace
6. Race: Masters Hill - Gold Bullet - Grand Vision

rest of Cheltenham

Willie Mullins won the first two races yesterday and hopes to repeat the feat today. In the opening Neptune Novices Hurdle at 14.30 CET he saddles Nichols Canyon (Walsh) and Outlander (Bryan Cooper), both of whom hold good chances; however this is an open race and we also respect the Monsun gelding Parlour Games (John Ferguson/ McCoy) and Windsor Park (Dermot Weld/ Davy Russell), behind the Mullins horses last time but whose trainer knows how to win at these big meetings. In the RSA Chase at 15.05 Don Poli (Mullins/ Cooper) looks the obvious favourite, but we also like Kings Palace (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who has already won 4 times at this track..The other Grade One is the Champion Bumper that closes proceedings at 18.15; the Irish, and in particular Mullins, have an excellent record here, but the trainer now saddles no fewer than 7 runners; he may know which is the best of them, but we certainly don´t! Perhaps it is time for a British winner and both Moon Racer (Pipe/ Scu) and Wait for Me (Hobbs/ Johnson) are strongly fancied after easily winning first time.

The 3 handicaps, all with huge fields, look fiendishly difficult, but we like the two French runners in the Cross Country at 17.00, while Dell´Arca (Pipe / Scu) at 15.40 and Baron Alco (Gary and Jamie Moore) at 17.40 are our other fancies.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nichols Canyon - Outlander - Windsor Park
2. Race: Don Poli - Kings Palace - The Young Master
3. Race: Aux Ptits Soins - Activial - Blackmail
4. Race: Sprinter Sacre - Sire De Grugy - Dodging Bullets
5. Race: Any Currency - Toutancarmont - Sire Collonges
6. Race: Hostile Fire - All Yours - Arabian Revolution
7. Race: Bordini - Moon Racer - Supasundae

Champion Chase at Cheltenham

main feature on Cheltenham´s second day is the Queen Mother Champion Chase over 2 miles at 16.20 CET. This is one of the most spectacular races of the year and this time it is exceptionally tricky with 3 past winners in the field of 11, all of them with question marks ovetr them. We can probably discard old Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead /Jonathan Burke) as he is now 13, but he does have a really good record over this CD, having won the Arkle in 2010, this race in 2011 and has finished in the frame three times since. However 2013 winner Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and 2014 winner Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore) are a different matter; they were both convincing winners, especially the former who was at that time rated the best chaser since Arkle, but have had well documented health problems since. His problem was a heart tremor, but connections seem confident that he has got over it, even though he he was beaten on his comeback by Dodging Bullets (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Twiston-Davies) and we expect him to reverse that form this time. Nicholls also runs Mr. Mole (AP McCoy) who is much improved this season, but he is a tricky character and in our view mjust improve again to win here. When he won last time, Sire de Grugy fell after a round of sticky jumping, but he came back to form with an easy win against inferior opposiiton at Chepstow, although that was certainly an unorthodox preparation for this. Willie Mullins, the man of the meeting so far with 4 winners yesterday, saddles Champagne Fever (Ruby Walsh) in the Ricci colours and this one also has a good CD record, having won the bumper here in 2012, the Supreme in 2013 and was only narrowly defeated in last year´s Arkle; he should go close, although we are not sure that 2 miles is his best trip these days. The others all seem to be well held on form, and we hope to see Sprinter Sacre and Sire de Grugy confirm their status as tzhe best horses in the field and fight it out between them; is the former is anywhere near his old form, he should win.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nichols Canyon - Outlander - Windsor Park
2. Race: Don Poli - Kings Palace - The Young Master
3. Race: Aux Ptits Soins - Activial - Blackmail
4. Race: Sprinter Sacre - Sire De Grugy - Dodging Bullets
5. Race: Any Currency - Toutancarmont - Sire Collonges
6. Race: Hostile Fire - All Yours - Arabian Revolution
7. Race: Bordini - Moon Racer - Supasundae

Rest of Cheltenham

The card opens with the Supreme Novices Hurdle at 14.30 CET, in which Douvan (Mullins/ Walsh) is regarded as the Irish banker. 7 of the 12 runners are Irish-trained, including 3 more from the Mullins stable, but we are hoping for a British win here, either with L´Ami Serge (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) or Qewy (John Ferguson/ Noel Fehily). As in Faugheen´s case, Douvan - who has won both his irish races with the greatest of ease- could well win, but does not appeal as a good bet at the likely odds. This is a very strong field with 8 last-time-out winners.

The Arkle at 15.05, the championship race for novice chasers, also features a Mullins/ Walsh hotpot, the exciting Un de Sceaux, winner of 7 of his 8 starts. His problem is that he is extremely headstrong and will probably tear off at a suicidal pace; Cheltenham is not a good track for front-runners and there mjust be a Chance tjhat her will burn himself out, or make mistakes, so again at the likely very short Odds, we woulkd rather go against him, our reach waxy hoopes being Gods Owen (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) and Three Kingdoms (Ferguson/ McCoy).

However we do expect the odds-on Mullins/ Walsh favourite to win the Mares Hurdle at 17.00. Mullins has won this six years running with Quevega and has found an excellent replacement in Annoie Power. She has won 11 of her 12 starts, her only defeat coming here last year in the World Hurdle over 3 miles; today´s trip seems much more suitable for the daughter of Shirocco out of German Group race winner Anno Luce, and we think that she can outclass this opposition despite her long absence from the racecourse. Mullins´ other runner Glens Melody (Townend) is next best.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Douvan - L`Ami Serge - Jollyallan
2. Race: Vibrato Valtat - Josses Hill - Clarcam
3. Race: Pendra - Ned Stark - The Druids Nephew
4. Race: Faugheen - The New One - Jezki
5. Race: Glens Melody - Polly Peachum - L`Unique
6. Race: Very Wood - Sego Success - The Job Is Right
7. Race: Generous Ransom - Thomas Crapper - Little Jon

Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham

The Cheltenham N.H. Festival starts today, not only the biggest jumps meeting of the year, but also by far the biggest betting meeting, with 27 fiercely competitive races over the next 4 days. Not only do we have the best jumps horses in the U.K. in action, but also a huge raiding party from Ireland, spearheaded by Willie Mullins, who has sent 50 horses across the Irish Sea to compete, and - almost unbelievably- saddles the hot favourites for all 4 Grade One races today.

In the main feature, the Champion Hurdle at 16.20 CET, Mullins runs Faugheen (Ruby Walsh), who is unbeaten in 8 starts, including at this meeting last year. Obviously nobody will be surprised if he wins, but at the likely odds we do not think that he is a good bet: his won last year was over a much longer distance, while tjhe horses he has beaten so easily have not been out of the top drawer. Today he faces really strong Opposition, headed by two orthwer runners trained by Mullins, German-bred Arctic Fire (Danny Mullins) and the great Hurricane Fly (Paul Townend), who has won this race twice and has no fewer than 20 Grade One hurdle races to his credit.

However the one we like best is the reigning champion Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ AP McCoy). He has indeed finished behind Hurricane Fly on his 3 latest starts, but they were all on soft ground and the better going here will suit him much better than the Fly, and so will the expected strong pace.

Only 3 of the 8 runners are trained in the U.K. and only one of them has a real chance, that is The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who has won all his 4 starts this season and was so unlucky here last year, when he finished third after being badly hampered. His jumping has not always been totally convincing, but if he gets the luck of the race this time, he must be involved in the finish.

Clearly Faugheen can win, but will require a career-best performance, and in our view Jezki each way is a safer bet.

The lull before the storm

Everybody is now concentrating on Cheltenham, where the Festival starts tomorrow, so obviously today´s 3 U.K. jumps meetings are all of little importance. Stratford is not all that far away and some of the top jockeys are here - Richard Johnson and Paddy Brennan for example, while McCoy, Walsh and Geraghty, who will probably dominate the big meeting, are all having a day off. The best betting race is the handicap hurdle here at 16.40 CET and Johnson partners Scotsbrook Legend for Cotswolds trainer Shaun Lycett, while Brennan is on Conor Dore´s Gud Day, who has not been out since finishing runner-up 4 times in the autumn; both come on to our short list, together with Restraint of Trade (Jennie Candlish/ Peter Carberry). There are also some Irish runners here, and we would not be surprised to see Jim Culloty saddle a bumper winner, with Mighty Concorde at 17.40 or Midsommarkransen half an hour later. both partnered by Robbie McNamara.

Another Cotswolds trainer is Charlie Longsdon and realistically he knows that he will probably not saddle a winner his local meeting, but he has prospects of landing a double at Pliumpton with Simply the West (Noel Fehily) at 15.00 and Ready Token (Will Kennedy) half an hour later. Another one we like here is May Hay in the mares hurdle at 16.00; she is trained by Tony Carson for his famous father Willie and ridden by Jamie Moore, another member of a celebrated racing dynasty.

graded race in Ireland

with Cheltenham just around the corner, we cannot expect any top class jumping today, but there is in fact quite a decent card at Naas, with the Grade Three novice chase at 16.30 CET the main event. As is usually the case in Ireland, there is a small field with only 5 runners, two of them owned by Gigginstown, with their main jockey Bryan Cooper on Mouse Morris´ Rule the World, who is just top-rated and our selection. Noble Emperor (Tony Martin/ Barry Geraghty), runner-up to Cheltenham fancy Very Wood last time, looks his most dangerous opponent, but this trip of 2 1/2 miles looks on the short side. Gigginstown also have 3 runners in the listed novice hurdle at 15.55, with Cooper on Henry de Bromhead´s Identity Thief, but here we prefer Henry Higgins (Charles O´Brien/ Geraghty), who has been running well enough in smart company.

In the U.K. there are two rather humdrum jumps meetings at Market Rasen (with small fields) and Warwick. Our eye has been caught by two ex-German horses, Attimo (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who runs at 16.40 at Market Rasen, and Stanley (Donald McCain/ Wayne Hutchinson) who runs 10 minutes later at Warwick. They were both bred by Ittlingen and previously trained by Andreas Wöhler and are half-brothers to top flat performers Altano and Scalo respeciively; the other thing they have in common is that they might both win today! Ittlingen also bred the ex-Schiergen Lyssio, a half-brother to Lucky Speed; he has been a constant disappointment over hurdles, but has never met such feeble opposition as he faces at 17.50 at Warwick today so we shall give him another chance, especially as the drying ground should help. Another German-bred running here is Fredo (Ian Williams/ Rob McCarth) in the stayers handicap chase at 17.20; he won only a week ago at Huntingdon, but could go close again, although this is a very open race with several CD specialists in the line-up.
later: Identity Thief non-runner at Naas!

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tennis Cap - Written Inthestars - Rossvoss
2. Race: Henry Higgins - Phil`s Magic - Prince Of Scars
3. Race: Rule The World - Lots Of Memories - Azorian
4. Race: Peoples Park - Follow The Sign - Horendus Hulabaloo
5. Race: Golden Boot - Flight Plan - Captain Von Trappe
6. Race: Letter Of Credit - Owega Star - Knock Beauty
7. Race: Killahara Castle - Like A Demon - Ballybryan

Imperial Cup at Sandown

Sandown´s pre-Cheltenham meeting traditionally features the Imperial Cup, a valuable 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.10 CET, and the sponsors dangle an attractive carrot here by offering a 100,000 GBP bonus for any horse that wins this race and then goes on to score next week at the Festival. The Pipe stable have frequently targeted this bonus - and won it several times- and David Pipe today now saddles 2 runners, Heath Hunter (Kieron Edgar) and the likely hot favourite Bidourey (Tom Scudamore). The latter has won his last 5 races in good style, but we are not convinced: all these wins have been on soft ground, while it is drying out today, and the opposition today is far stronger than anything he has met before. In addition,he is the only 4yo in the field and it is very tough for this age group against hardy older handicappers. Our main hope here is Fascino Rustico (Dan and Harry Skelton), who fell when still going well in the Betfair Hurdle last time, a race in which several of today´s field ran. With the Henderson/ Geraghty team now in tremendous form, we are afraid of West Wizard, despite the fact that he has been a beaten favourite for his last 3 races, while First Avenue (Laura Mongan/ Tom Cannon), who won here in 2013 and runs his best races at this track, is our best outsider. The 15.00 is another extremely difficult handicap hurdle, this time over 2 1/2 miles for novices. German-bred L´Aigler Royal (John Quinn/ Jack Sherwood) is a good German-bred, but again, as the only 4yo in the field, we shall discard him, and think that Pipe/ Scudamore with Mount Haven and Henderson/ Geraghty with Aigle de la See must come on to our short list, together with Great Try (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) and Hello George (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). SAnotjher German-bred here is our old friend Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) at 17.20; he has won 3 times this season, but to our mind he is running much too often now, and in this race we have a sneaking fancy for bottom weight Cayman Islands (John Ferguson/ Sam Twiston-Davies).

For a German-bred winner today we go to Wales, where Floresco, who won on the flat at Düsseldorf in 2013, must have a solid each-way chance in the novice hurdle at 15.25 at Chepstow. There is also jumps racing in Scotland, where Titus Bolt (Jim Goldie/AP Lane) is our each-way selection for the 17.30 at Ayr, and in Ireland at Gowran Park.

On the flat, Wolverhampton stages ist best card of the year. Marco Botti holds a strong hand in the opening listed race at 15.15 with Grey Mirage (Ryan Moore) and Al Thakhira (Frankie Dettori), with preference for the latter. The Lincoln Trial at 15.50 can go to Billingsgate (Charlie Appleby/ Shane Grey), unplaced at Meydan last time, but who has good form at Kempton and we hope he acts here as well. Richard Kingscote makes his comeback from injury here and can enjoy a winner for his boss Tom Dascombe with Ballista in the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.00.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Princess Ombu - Golden Spear - Ultimate Act
2. Race: Aigle De La See - Kingfisher Creek - As De Mee
3. Race: Ballyheigue Bay - Umberto d`Olivate - Kings Apollo
4. Race: Bidourey - Calipto - Zip Top
5. Race: Whistle Dixie - Rose Revived - Babylone Des Motte
6. Race: Traffic Fluide - Ubaltique - Yorkist
7. Race: Saints And Sinners - Granville Island - Rouge Et Blanc

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown

The Grand Military Gold Cup, a 3 mile chase to be ridden by members of the armed forces, will be run this afternoon at 16.25 CET at Sandown and was always regarded as the late Queen Mother´s favourite race. It is one of those races in which the condition of the jockeys is more important than that of the horses, and much as we would like to see Guy Disney (who has an artificial leg) win it on Tom George´s Ballyalia Man, we do not really believe it. He is in any case held on latest CD form by Loose Chips (Charlie Longsdon/ Sally Randell), whose jockey has a good record here. However the team to watch is Paul Nicholls and Jody Sole, who won this 2 years ago with Merrion Square (now ridden by Harry Wallace), and they now have an excellent chance of scoring with Howlongisasfoot.The amateurs are also in action in the opening race, a handicap hurdle at 15.20, and here again we think Jody Sole has good prospects on Tony Carroll´s Smart Catch, with Kastani Beach (Seamus Mullins/ Erica Bridge), runner-up last year, again in with a shout. There are only 4 races left for the pros, but most of the top jockeys are here - McCoy, Geraghty, Fehily et al. McCoy can land a double for trainer Nick Williams on Greywell Boy at 17.35, trying to win this race for the third time, and Dolores Delightful at 18.10. There are 2 German-breds in the handicap hurdle at 17.00, the trickiest race of the day, Serienschock (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), both with decent each-way chances in an open race. The lightly-raced Lessons in Milan (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Ustica (O´Neil/ McCoy) are both moving up in grade and running in their first handicap, but both look progressive and are the obvious dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Smart Catch - Benefique Royale - Cafe Au Lait
2. Race: Sirabad - Seven Nation Army - Rainman
3. Race: Howlongisafoot - Loose Chips - Ballyallia Man
4. Race: Lessons In Milan - Ustica - Serienschock
5. Race: Pearls Legend - Sands Cove - Morgan`S Bay
6. Race: Dolores Delightful - Quiet Candid - Desert Queen

Carlisle today

With Wincanton off, the only jumps racing in the U.K. is at Carlisle, while there is also Irish jumps racing at Clonmel and all-weather flat racing this afternoon at Southwell and this evening at Chelmsford.

Quite a few trainers from down south have sent horses up to Carlisle and we would not be surprised to see Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex land a double here with Miss Estela (CM Walsh) at 15.00 CET and Alphabet Boy (Dougie Costello) at 16.10; the latter can take advantage of the 7 lbs he receives from the likely favourite Grove Silver (Jennie Candlish/ Peter Carberry). The Candlish/ Carberry Team should also go close in the 3 1/4 miles chase at 17.45 with Basford Ben. This is a field of plodders, but Basford Ben was runner-up here last year and is only 2 lbs higher although he was over this CD in the meantime. Another trainer to send his horses on a long journey is Nigel Hawke, and he can also land a double with Midnight Request at 15.35 and Greybougg at 17.15, both partnered by Tom Scudamore.

Main interest in a poor card at Southwell will centre on the attempt by 12yo La Estrella (Don Cantillon/ Graham Lee) to establish a new record for all-weather victories. He equaled the record of 26 when winning last time at Lingfield but has also won many times over this CD. However he is not well treated by the race conditions and in theory will find it difficult to beat Teajaybe and Media Hype at these weights.

Ryan Moore rode a winner for Godolphin yesterday and can do the same this evening with Emirates Skycargo at 20.15 at Chelmsford, where our main each-way fancy is Yeeow (Karl Burke/ Martin Harley) at 19.15

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Estela - Rayadour - Claude Carter
2. Race: Vasco D`ycy - Midnight Request - Whiskey Chaser
3. Race: Wolf Sword - Alphabet Bay - Westend Star
4. Race: Molko Jack - Grey Life - Sergeant Pink
5. Race: Greybougg - Poker School - Astrum
6. Race: Forty Crown - Snuker - Outlaw Tom
7. Race: Beer Goggles - Speredek - Mahler And Me

Fontwell off- still 4 meetings today

Even with Fontwell abandoned because of a waterlogged track (and the same tomorrow at Wincanton), we still have 4 meetings today - over jumps at Catterick and Downpatrick (N. Ireland) and on the all-weather at Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening.

There are small fields at Catterick, but they are still very tricky races. The ground is beginning to dry out a little here, which should suit Silver Shuffle (Dianne Sayer/ Colm McCormack), who is out of a Lando mare; he has won once in 53 starts, but this opposition is so feeble that he can double up here. Another runner with a German pedigree is Pindar (JE Foster/ Dougie Costello), who has bottom weight in the handicap chase at 17.10. This Tertullian gelding is extremely inconsistent, but certainly capable of winning off this modest rating if in the right mood. Best bet here could be Molasses (Harry Whittington/ Gavin Sheehan) in the mares novice hurdle at 16.10; she was quite impressive when winning at Plumpton a month ago, and the runner-up has since come out again and won easily. German-bred Dark Sunshine (Arthur Moore/ David Casey) could run well in a similar event at 15.50 at Downpatrick at 15.50. The daughter of Kallisto shaped quite well on her debut and should be capable of winning a small race.

Quite a few of the flat jockeys will be riding at both Lingfield and Kempton, but not Ryan Moore, who has just 3 rides in the afternoon. His best chance is with Godolphin´s Four Seasons in the 3yo handicap at 17.30.

Devon National at Exeter

the most interesting race today is the Devon National over 3 3/4 miles at 16.30 CET at Exeter and with testing conditions, this will really take some getting. Specialists are required here and several of the runners have been involved in the various other local "Nationals" run this year, usually of course also on heavy ground. Viking Blond (Peter and Sean Bowen) was for example was beaten 2 lengths when runner-up in the Sussex National at Plumpton with Gorgehous Liiege (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) just behind in fourth, while Coolking (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) was pulled up. This is a very open race and Viking Blond must be on every short list, together with Safran de Cotte (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall) and Ballypatrick (Mick Channon/ Gavin Sheehan), who also have form in these long distance chases. Amd we would not leave out Coolking despite his poor recent efforts; he is very inconsistent but was runner-up here last year and is now much better handicapped.

There is alspo jumping at Newcastle, where we like a couple of oldtimers. Categorical (Keith and James Reveley) is a CD specialist who can repeat his 2014 victory in the handicap chase at 17.50; he is up a bit in the weights, but has won again over CD in the meantime and ran a good race at Doncaster last Friday. The trainer also has a chance at 15.50 with Whichwaytobougie (Colm McCormack), but here we prefer Sam Lord (Jimmy Moffatt/ Tony Kelly) who looks very well handicapped on his old form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Spellbound - Lady Of Lamanver - Miss Sophierose
2. Race: Bravo Bravo - Brave Deed - Virtuose Du Chenet
3. Race: Catching On - Copper Birch - Finish The Story
4. Race: Silvergrove - Always Bold - Red Devil Lads
5. Race: Great Choice - At Your Pearl - Local Show
6. Race: Arrayan - Fred Le Macon - Greybougg

Modest Monday

A very modest start to the week, with low grade jumps meetings at Fakenham and Southwell as well as all-weather racing from Wolverhampton.

The best horse running today is probably Toby Lerone (Dan and Harry Skelton) who goes for the novice hurdle at 16.20 CET at Southwell. This is his first race over sticks for almost 2 years but he is a useful chaser, winning 3 times and running in decent races, and if he can adapt back to the smaller obstacles, he should win here. A German-bred to catch our eye here is A Keen Sense (David Dennis/ Brian Hughes) half an hour earlier. He has never yet troubled the judge in 9 outings, but he is on such a favourable mark here that he must have a chance of finally showing some proper form, especially as the opposition looks completely exposed.

There are also some German-breds running at Fakenham, including Aviator (James Eustace/ Jack Quinlan) at 15.30 and Aviador (Lucy Wadham/ Luke Ingram) at 17.30. Despite the similarity of the names, they are not related, but both could go close today. We also like Cafe au Lait (Tony Middleton/ Kevin Jones) at 16.30; he was runner-up in both the Austrian and Dutch Derbys for Christian von der Recke and has also showed useful form over hurdles. AP McCoy is here, and although we do not fancy him in the above races, he should not go home without a winner- his best chance is possibly Artifice Sivola for Wadham at 17.00.

The best bet at Wolverhampton is Godolphin´s 3yo Subcontinent (Charlie Appleby/ Tom Marquand) in the 9 1/2 furlongs maiden at 18.40. The stable is operating at a great strike rate and this well-bred Dubawi colt showed enough at two to suggest that he can get off the mark against this weak opposition.

German-breds at Huntingdon

Three low grade jumps meetings today in Britain and Ireland, and in our view Huntingdon stages the most interesting racing, with several horses with German connections running. In the opening maiden hurdle at 15.00 CET Perfect Summer (Lady Cecil/ Jack Quinlan) has attracted a lot of attentjon as he is the first ever runner over jumps saddled by Lady Cecil, whose late husband Henry would never have allowed it. He is owned by Hoppegarten boss Gerhard Schöningh and obviously will be expected to run well on his hurdling debut, but on flat form he is possibly inferior to Myboyalfie (John Jenkins/ Harry Haynes) and especially Lanceur (Lucy Wadham/ LeightonAspell), also making his jumping debut; this close relation to Lando was previously trained by Peter Schiergen and we fancy him to win today. Other runners here with a German background are North Germany (Warren Greatrex/ AP McCoy), making his British debut at 16.00 and 5 years ago one of the top lots at the Baden-Baden sales, as well as Fredo (Ian Williams/ McCoy) at 16.30 and Malanos (Tony Carroll/ Tom Whelan) half an hour later, both of whom have German pedigrees.

These are pretty weak races and all of the above could run well; McCoy looks set for another good afternoon, and we also hope that he wins the maiden hurdle at 17.30 on another Greatrex debutant, Boite, who two years ago was placed in the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot and is the best runner on flat form in action today.