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