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