Abbaye winners at Hamilton

another very uninspiring day, but there is one really interesting race - the 5 furlongs conditions event at Hamilton at 16.45 CET. Unfortunately two runners have been pulled out, but we are still left with a field of 5 - and two of them are past winners of the Group One Prix de l´Abbaye, France´s top race over this distance. Quite a surprise in a race worth just under 10,000 GBP to the winner! Move In Time (David O´Meara/ David Nolan) won the Longchamp race last October, while Tangerine Trees (Bryan Smart/ TomEaves), now a 10yo, scored in 2011. The former has a hefty penalty for that win and has not raced since, but is still preferred to the latter, who seems no longer capable of running at that level; in fact he looks well held by Pipers Note (Richard Whitaker/ George Chaloner) on their latest Beverley form. PIpers Note is a much improved sprint specialist who has won 3 of his 4 starts this year, and in view of the weight concession and his probable fitness advantage, he must be the selection. There is another good sprint here half an hour later, this time a handicap over 6 furlongs. Scott Dixon clearly wanted to win this as he declared 4 runners, but he has now taken two of them out, including our fancy, leaving the way possibly clear for top-weight Stonefield Flyer (Keith Dalgleish/ Phillip Makin), who has run two excellent races over this CD.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fast And Furious - St Georges Cross - Avenue Of Stars
2. Race: Cheers Buddy - Rioja Day - Coreczka
3. Race: Kerrymerry - Latin Rebel - More Mischief
4. Race: Move In Time - Tangerine Trees - Silvanus
5. Race: Stonefield Flyer - Jubilee Brig - Danot
6. Race: Postulant - Jillanar - Gathurst
7. Race: Henry Morgan - Fujin - Desire

Poor start to the week

A very low level start to the week with 2 poor flat cards this afternoon and 2 more this evening. Ryan Moore does not often ride at Pontefract, but he is at the Yorkshire track today and should go home with a couple of winners. He rides Age of Empire for Richard Hannon in the 2yo conditions race at 16.00 CET; this is a tricky little race, but this one was a respectable sixth of 17 at Royal Ascot and that is the best form offer here. He can double up for the same trainer at 18.00 with Paint the Star. He rides CD winner Augusta Ada for Ollie Pears in the fillies handicap at 17.00 and this one certainly has a chance in an open race; hpwever we prefer top-weight Gran Canaria Qiueen (Tim Easterby/ Rachel Richardson) who won in good style at York last time and is partnered by a very talented claimer.

More loqw-level racing this evening at Musselburgh and Windsor. At the former meeting. we fancy CD specialist Just Paul (Micky Hammond/ Jack Garrity)in the 7 furlongs handicap at 21.45, while at Windsor the nicely-named Inspector Norse (Sylvester Kirk/ Richard Hughes) and Red Warrior (Ismail Mohammed/ Martin Harley) - second here last year- are on the short list for the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.30.

Pretty Polly at the Curragh

today´s 3 meetings in the U.K. are of little account, but it is a different matter at the Curragh, where the Irish Derby meeting ends with a flourish. Main feature is the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 17.30 CET. In recent years the older fillies have dominated, but this time the younger generation is very strongly represented with two classic winners: Legatissimo (David Wachman/ Ryan Moore) and Pleascach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), winners of the Newmarket and Curragh 1,000 Guineas respectively. Both of them were runners-up next time over a longer distance - the former in the Oaks and the latter at Royal Ascot, but today´s neutral distance should be ideal. Best of the older runners are the very consistent 5yo Secret Gesture (Ralph Beckett/ Andrea Atzeni), runner-up in both the English and German Oaks in 2013, and the unbeaten Brooch (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who is moving up to Group One competition for the first time but has always looked to have the required ability. In-foal Pollyanna (John Hammond/ Colin Keane) is a challenger from France, but it will probably need to rain all day before she has any chance. Diamondsandrubies (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamie Heffernan) was fifth in the Oaks after being badly hampered, but it is still hard to see her gettting the better of Legatissimo, and jockey bookings would seem to confirm this. The 3yo´s receive 12 lbs from their elders here and this is probably a couple of pounds too much, so they could well come out on top this time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kitten Loves Roses - Sanus Per Aquam - Zig Zag
2. Race: Air Pilot - Roheryn - Parish Hall
3. Race: Cenotaph - Doc Holliday - Lady Ranger
4. Race: Great Page - Miss Elizabeth - Miss Katie Mae
5. Race: Pleascach - Diamondsandrubies - Ribbons
6. Race: Master Speaker - Desert Law - Bainne
7. Race: Forgotten Rules - Order Of St George - Bondi Beach
8. Race: Witty Repartee - Long Journey Home - Tar Isteach

Pitmen´s Derby at Newcastle

the best race in the U.K.today is the Northumberland Plate, aka the Pitmen´s Derby, a valuable handicap over 2 miles at 16.45 CET at Newcastle. This race has a long history and it is sad to think that this might be the last time it is run on turf - as the track is to be an all-weather course next year, a great shame. With 20 runners, today´s edition looks very difficult indeed. Dr. Marwan Koukash likes to win here and had the first 2 last year in Angel Gabrial (Richard Fahey/ Jack Garrity) and Suegioo (Marco Botti/ Martin Lane), who both try again, together with Gabrial´s Star (Tony Hamilton) and Gabrial´s King (Paul Hanagan), both trained by Fahey; impossible to tell who will come out best, but "King" has the first colours. Another with 4 chances is trainer Brian Ellison, who saddles Totalize (Peter McDonald), Montefeltro (Robert Tart),Buthelezi (Ben Curtis) and Seamour (Silvestre de Sousa); the last-named is shortest in the betting, but his outside draw is a big disadvantage. Others for the short list are Nearly Caught (Hughie Morrison/ Rab Havlin) and Quest for More (Roger Charlton/ George Baker), while wily Irishman Willie Mullins sends over Max Dynamite (Martin Harley), a good hurdler who has not run on the flat for almost 2 years; Mullins certainly knows the time of day as far as these big staying races are concerned and we make his runner a tentative choice.

Also on the Newcastle card is the Chipchase Stakes over 6 furlongs at 15.00, one only 2 group races in the U.K. today Danzeno (Mike Appleby/ Andrew Mullen) won it last year and he can double up, although the smart 3yo Mattmu (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) looks a big threat. The other group race is the Criterion Stakes over 7 furlongs at Newmarket at 16.25.Hors de Combat (James Fanshawe/ Tom Queally) failed to make any Impression against the top milers in the Lockinge, but in this lower grade he should go close. Ryan Moore rides in the first 2 races here before jetting off (or helicoptering?) to Ireland.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Geno - Plagiarism - Paddy Power
2. Race: Danzeno - Watchable - Mattmu
3. Race: Bushcraft - Tanzeel - Major Jack
4. Race: Zarwaan - Russian Realm - Lulu The Zulu
5. Race: Quest For More - Seamour - Gabrial`s King
6. Race: Interconnection - Memory Cloth - Snowmane
7. Race: Woofie - Volunteer Point - Ythan Waters

Irish Derby at the Curragh

the Irish Derby, which will be run for the 160th time at the Curragh at 19.30 CET this evening, is with 1.15 million euros in prize-money one of the most valuable races in Europe, and today s field is very strong. Classic form is well represented and in fact the unbeaten Aga Khan colt Radanpour (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) is the only runner not to have run in the top classics; despite our huge respect for this owner, trainer and jockey, we cannot see him winning as he will to have improve enormously on his latest narrow listed race victory. The Epsom Derby looks the key race as 5 of the 8 runners were last seen there, with Jack Hobbs (John Gosden/ William Buick) an excellent runner-up behind his stable companion Golden Horn, who had also beaten him in the Dante. Storm the Stars (William Haggas/ Pat Cosgrave) ran on to finish third - 4 1/2 lengths back- with Giovanni Canaletto (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) fourth, Kilimanjaro (O´Brien/ Seamie Heffernan) sixth and Carbon Dating (Pat Shanahan/ Robbie Whelan) eighth. There has to be a very slight doubt about Jack Hobbs´stamina, but logically there sems to be no reason why he should not confirm the form. We certainly expect Giovanni Canaletto to finish closer today, but O´Brien - who has won this race 11 times!- probably has better possibilities in the filly Qualify (Colm O´Donoghue), who won the Oaks at odds of 50-1, and especially Highland Reel (Ryan Moore) runner-up in the French Derby; The last-named was running for the first time over a trip then and is up another 2 1/2 furlongs today, but shapes like a stayer and has been well backed since Moore was confirmed as the jockey. No doubt O´Brien will have some tactical plan up his sleeve with 4 runners to take on Jack Hobbs (named after one of England´s greatest-ever cricketers) but we can´t see any reason why the Epsom form should not stand up.

The rest of the card is also strong with a Group Two for 2yo´s at 18.50 and two listed faces. The group race can go to Richard Hannon, whose stable has won it twice in the past 4 years, with Log Out Island (Buick), whose second place at Royal Ascot is the best form in the race. The listed race over 6 furlongs at 16.35 can go to Dermot Weld´s filly Tested (Smullen), who is down in trip but very reliable; Gordon Lord Byron (Tom Hogan/ Wayne Lordan) is the best horse in the field, but has been below form so far this season. The mile race at 17.45 could see anotjher winner for the O´Brien/ Moore team, as War Envoy, who won the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot last time, should be able to take this step up in class.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Adelena - Antelope Canyon - Aspar
2. Race: Gordon Lord Byron - Tested - Line Of Reason
3. Race: Duchess Andorra - Byzantium - Sparkle Factor
4. Race: War Envoy - Sovereign Debt - Flight Risk
5. Race: Hasanour - Katimavik - Vitally Important
6. Race: Log Out Island - Argentero - Rockaway Valley
7. Race: Highland Reel - Storm The Stars - Giovanni Canaletto
8. Race: Awesome Star - Daneking - Silwana

Listed race at Newcastle

Plenty of racing today, but most of the racecourses are gearing up to much better cards tomorrow, e.g. at the Curragh, with the Irish Derby, or Newcastle with the Northumberland Plate. Newcastle does have however the only black type race of the day, a listed race for fillies over 10 furlongs at 20.15 CET. Seven 4yo´s line up here against four 3yo´s, and although the younger horses have a big weight advantage, we expect a 4yo to come out on top- Talmada (Roger Varian/ James Doyle), who has plenty of good form at this level, despite having only ever won once. Best of the 3yo´s should be Winters Moon (Saeed bin Suroor/ Harry Bentley).

Many of the leading jockeys will be at Doncaster this afternoon, including Doyle who rides Saeed bin Suroor´s Highest Level in the handicap for 3yo´s at 16.35; he has good all-weather form, but top-weight Azraff (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) and German-bred Goring (Eve Johnson Johnson Houghton/ William Buick) both look dangerous. While Doyle then heads North, Moore and Buick return to Newmarket flor the evening racing, and we would not be surprised to see Moore land a treble with Rain Wind and Fire for Jeremy Noseda at 19.55, Love Island for Richard Whitaker an hour later and Newton´s Law for Brian Meehan at 22.00.

6 of today´s meetings are on the flat, but there is also jumps racing at the pretty Lake District track of Cartmel. There is a strong Irish raiding party here and Gordon Elliott has booked Richard Johnson to partner his 4 runners, all of whom have chances. The best of them is probably From Frost at 16.10, although locally-trained Maybe I Wont (Jimmy Moffatt/ Brian Hughes) could be a threat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Madame Butterfly - Lord Of The Rock - Cymraeg Bounty
2. Race: Bollihope - Chadic - Krissy`s Kisses
3. Race: Talmada - Goodyearforroses - Kleo
4. Race: Northgate Lad - Ashpan Sam - Pearl Acclaim
5. Race: Margaret`s Mission - Arcano Gold - Sarah Joyce
6. Race: Buckland Beau - Exotic Guest - Qaffaal
7. Race: Classic Flyer - Savannah Beau - Final Venture

Newmarket and Newcastle

Six meetings today, all on the flat this time, and the afternoon cards at Newmarket and Newcastle are the best. At the former track, now running on the July course, the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.20 CET looks a pretty hot affair, with Double Up (Roger Varian/ Ryan Moore) the likely favourite. He is bred to be very fast, and while he was not getting home last season over 6 furlongs, he has been a revelation this year over the minimum distance, winning both his starts in good style. He has however gone up 18 lbs for his pains and is therefore no certainty, as he meets Top Boy (Derek Shaw/ Pat Mathers) - runner-up to him earlier and also by the speedy Australian sire Exceed and Excel - on 8 lbs worse terms. Stunned (Robert Cowell/ Andrea Atzeni) is very consistent and his trainer has a great record in these big sprint handicaps; he is a clear threat, but our main hope is Smoothtalkingrascal (Peter Crate/ Fergus Sweeney), an absolute 5 furlongs specialist and not beaten far when 6th of 20 last time in the Dash at Epsom on Derby day, with several of these behind.

Newmarket - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dark Forest - Experto Crede - Muatadel
2. Race: Avocadeau - International Name - Thecornishcowboy
3. Race: Plucky Dip - Strategic Force - Fullon Clarets
4. Race: Holland Park - Abertillery - Wickedly Smart
5. Race: Double Up - Stunned - Fairway To Heaven
6. Race: Cilento - Khalaas - Dagher
7. Race: Imtiyaaz - Guishan - Lady Horatia



The big handicap at Newcastle, on the first day of their biggest flat meeting of the year, is the Seaton Delaval (another historic name) over a mile at 16.20. Even with only 8 runners, this looks very tricky as most of them have questions to answer. Red Avenger (Ed Dunlop/ Graham Lee) won the big mile handicap at Glorious Goodwood last year, but has been out of form ever since, although clearly a repetition of that form would be good enough. The dsame kis true of Dance and Dance (Ed Vaughan/ Martin Lane), who won this race last year of the same mark but has run badly ever since. Dream Walker (Ed Vaughan/ Silvestre de Sousa) has a good record over this CD and must be respected, while on recent form Lacan (Marco Botti/ Martk Monaghan) and Wilde Inspiration (Julie Camacho/ Ian Brennan) must be considered. Top-weight Market Share (David O´Meara/ Sam James) has been unplaced on both his U.K. starts but ran in group races in France last year- without troubling the judge, it is true, but he still be the class act here.

Newcastle - betting forecast:
1. Race: Gifted Master - Quick N Quirky - Dressed In Fur
2. Race: Prince Hellvelyn - Garcia - Ediye
3. Race: Wilde Inspiration - Manchestar - Lacan
4. Race: King Of The Picts - Knightly Escapade - Russian Royale
5. Race: Call Of Duty - Spokesperson - Outlaw Torn
6. Race: Mysterial - It`s Only Business - Glasgon
7. Race: Scoppio Del Carro - King Of Paradise - Quest Of Colour
8. Race: Sovereign Bounty - Devious Spirit - Myboydaniel

Historic races at Carlisle

Much better racing today and in particular at Carlisle, which stages its best card of the flat season, including the historic Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate, races going back to the 16th century. Although they are now only class 4 handicaps, over a mile and eleven furlongs respectively, they carry very good prize-money for this grade and have attracted very competitive fields. The former event at 16.35 CET could go to Ginger Jack (Keith Dalgleish/ Phillip Maiin), whose trainer usually does well here; he was only 6th in this last year, but won nicely last time at Thirsk. Trinity Star (Michael Dods/ Paiul Mulrennan), third that day and now 5 lbs better off, and the lightly-raced Art Obsession (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons) are two of the many dangers. The Plate at 17.45 looks even trickier, but German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Ian Brennan) who won it last year at the age of 11, tries again and is better handicapped this time. However Comedy King (Luca Cumani/ Adam Kirby) and the Monsun gelding Modernism (Mark Johnston/ Tony Hamilton) look very threatening. The best race of the day is the listed race for 3yo fillies at 17.10 and the interesting one here is Letters of Note (Michael O´Callaghan/ Andrea Atzeni), the first runner in England for this young Irish trainer. The filly was 6th last time in the German 1,000 Guineas; the trainer was very disappointed when it started to rain as she dislikes soft ground, but she will find conditions to her liking here.

The Naas Oaks Trial at 20.30 is another listed race for 3yo fillies over a slightly longer trip. Runners from top Irish stables line up and we give slight preference to Variable (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen).

There is also a historic race at Salisbury this afternoon, another one of England´s oldest racecourses. This is the Bibury Cup, a 3yo handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.45. Most of the runners are trying this trip for the first time and we select Simple Verse (Ralph Beckett/ Oisin Murphy) who looks certain to stay the distance. The mile handicap here at 17.55 is anotjher good race, with Lightning Spear (Olly Stevens/ Murphy) carrying top weight; the 4yo ran once at two and once at 3, winning both times, and has also won his only start this year. He could be much better than a handicapper, but is meeting better opposition this time and we are not sure that he can concede the weight to another lightly-raced 4yo Man of Harlech (Andrew Balding/ David Probert).

5 more poor meetings today

Very weak sport today with nothing at the 4 flat meetings - Brighton and Beverley this afternoon, Leicester and Ballinrobe (Ireland) this evening, and the jumps card this evening at Newton Abbot grabbing one´s attention.

To be honest, class 6 handicaps at Brighton and Beverley do not in our opinion offer many betting opportunities, but that is basically what we have this afternoon, with both tracks offering one lonely class 4 handicap as their "best" race of the day. At Beverley it is over 10 furlongs at 16.15, with the two 7yo´s at the bottom of the handicap, Tin Pan Alley (David Griffiths/ David Allan) and King of the Celts (Tim Easterby/ Rachel Richardson) worth a second look. The former had never won a race until a fortnight ago, but has now won twice- both this CD- in quick succession; however he has gone up 12 lbs for his pains, and we prefer the latter, whose jockey is good value for her 5 lbs allowance. At Brighton we also like the bottom weight - Midlander (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton) in the 5 furlongs race at 16.00; the Yorkshire trainer has a good record here and it could be significant that this, the only 3yo in the field, is his only runner here today.

Another trainer with a good course record is Paul Nicholls at Newton Abbot, where he has a 33% strike rate. He saddles Dormello Mo (Sam Twiston-Davies) in the novice chase at 20.00, who was the best of these over hurdles. However he only scrambled home on his chasing debut and has never raced as far as today´s trip of 2 1/2 miles. Sporting Boy (Johnny Farrelly/ Noel Fehily) has already won twice over fences, including tjhis CD., but has to give him weight, so it might be worth chancing the mare My Legal Lady (HS Howe/ Tom Scudamore), who stays well and is getting lots of weight, although chasing for the first time. Weight could also be decisive in the following handicap hurdle. Dubai Prince (John Ferguson/ Aidan Coleman) won two Group races on the flast and has shown good form over sticks; he is clearly the class act here but has to concede 17 lbs to ex-German Collodi (David Bridgwater/ Tom Cannon), who seemed to be coming back to form last time and was no slouch when trained on the flat by Peter Schiergen for Klaus Allofs.

5 poor meetings today

Nothing to get very excited about at today´s 5 meetings - with flat racing this afternoon at Chepstow and Wolverhamptpn (tapeta) and this evening at Wetherby (!) and Windsor, while there is Irish jumps racing from Kilbeggan.

Two German-breds however have caught our eye at Chepstow - Dandy (Andrew Balding/ Cathy Gannon) over 10 furlongs at 15.30 CET and Elle Shade in a 3yo race over a mile at 16.05. The former is a Röttgen-bred from one of their best fanilies but has so far been mainly inconsistent and disappointing in the U.K.; however it could be significant that he is 2 from 2 over this CD, including when once ridden by this jockey, so a return to his best form is at least a possibility. The latter is Godolphin-owned and is out of the Group One winner Elle Danzig; his form so far is modest, but this is a very weak race and he would not need to be anything special to win in this company.
Flat racing at Wetherby is a rarity, but we like Oldjoesaid (Paul Midgley/ Graham Lee) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.15. This is another extremely inconsistent sort, but the 11yo was previously much better class and is now on his lowest rating for several years.

Chepstow - betting forecast:
1. Race: Mill Springs - Fern Owl - Ballynanty
2. Race: Prim And Proper - Mister Mayday - Abyaat
3. Race: Elle Shade - Thunder In Myheart - Farletti
4. Race: Carnachy - Teosroyal - Fly Alone
5. Race: Orlando Rogue - Guiding Light - Falconize
6. Race: Spirit Of Wedza - Gold Club - Jaganory
7. Race: Lucky Clover - Diamond Vine - Trending

Listed race at Pontefract

After 5 days of superb sport from Royal Ascot, today´s 4 cards -two of them over jumps- come as a complete anti-climax. The only black type race of the day is the listed Pontefract Castle Stakes over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40, with only 5 runners. Gatewood (John Gosden/ Joe Fanning) stands out here, he has plenty of good form at this level and is well clear on ratings. There should be an all-Newmarket finish, as Connectitut (Luca Cumani/ Adam Kirby) and Red Galileo (Ed Dunlop/ Graham Lee) can follow him home. A better betting heat is the Pontefract Cup, a handicap over 2 1/ 4 miles at 17.10, in which the consistent Tuscan Gold (Micky Hammond/ Peter McDonald) attempts to repeat his CD victory of a fortnight ago; Waterclock (Jedd O´Keeffe/ Graham Lee) was fourth then and can possibly reverse the form on 5 lbs better terms. Earlier, German-bred Liberty Red (James Given/ Lee), from the Ittlingen Lando family, can start off a good day for the jockey at 16.10.

The Irish card at Gowran Park is surprisngly weak for a Sunday, and boring too, as all the races are over middle distances. More interesting are the two U.K. jumps cards, and the best race here is the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 18.20 at Worcester. Dubh Eile (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) has won his last 2 races very easily, but has been raised a massive 27 lbs for his pains, while Aficionado (Dr. Newland/ Will Kennedy) was beaten in a photo-finish over this CD last time, but also faces much stronger opposition today. Laudatory (Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Boinville) ran welllast time, but is running over this trip for the first time. Our preference is for the two runners owned by JP McManus, and while Rum and Butter (Jonjo O´Neill/ Dougie Costello) carries the first colours, Vulcanite (Charlie Longsdon/ Ger Fox) won this race last year, is better handicapped now and comes from a stable in good form.

Pontefract - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dawaa - Big Sky - Sunnua
2. Race: Faith Matters - Spring Dixie - Europa
3. Race: Abbey Angel - The Character - Sellingallthetime
4. Race: Gatewood - Connecticut - Red Galileo
5. Race: Tuscan Gold - Samtu - Awaywiththegreys
6. Race: Arethusa - Two In The Pink - La Dorotea
7. Race: Aprovado - Bacall - Ocean Sheridan

Royal Ascot: rest of final day

Sir Michael Stoute has had a pretty disastrous week so far -no winners but several injuries - but he has good prospects of landing today´s main supporting feature, the Hardwicke Stakes over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40 CET, a race he has won 5 times in the last 9 years. He saddles 3 of the 7 runners, including the first two from last year, Telescope (Ryan Moore) and Hillstar (Ted Durcan), as well as Snow Sky (Pat Smullen), easy winner of the Yorkshire Cup last time. However that one is held on last season´s form by Postponed (Luca Cumani/ Adam Kirby), just beaten in a three-way photo in an irish Group One last time, but Eagle Top (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori) is another danger.The going is firming up, which will suit Telescope, although heavy showers are possible.

Aidan O´Brien´s 2yo´s have been in fantastic form this week, especially when partnered by Ryan Moore, and they can score again with Ballydoyle in the opening Chesham Stakes at 15.30; he had no chance on his debut in lesser company, but, as we have seen this week, this is not necessarily significant, as they all improve tremendously for their first run. Coolmore always keep their best names for their best horses so that is another point in his favour.

The handicaps are as always very toiugh. The unbeaten Mahsoob (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) is unbeaten in 3 starts and clearly very smart; he will be clear favourite for the Wolverton at 16.05, but we shall take a chance on the tough Sennockian Statr (Mark Johnston Franny Norton), a non-runner yesterday, who was 4th here last year but is now better handicapped despite winning 4 times in the meantime. The Wokingham over 6 furlongs at 18.00 is a minefield with 29 runners. If the rain stays away it is likely that those drawn low (far side) will have an advantage, although most of the favourires are drawn high. So we shall stick with those drawn under 10 and make Zarwaan (Ed Dunlop/ Paul Hanagan) a very speculative selection to give Hamdan al Maktoum a big handicap double.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ballydoyle - Tonkinese - Cymric
2. Race: Mahsoob - Provenance - First Flight
3. Race: Telescope - Eagle Top - Postponed
4. Race: Brazen Beau - Mustajeeb - Due Diligence
5. Race: Huntsmans Close - Intrinsic - Gamesome
6. Race: Wicklow Brave - Marzocco - Rawaki

Royal Ascot: Diamond Jubilee Stakes

The Diamond Jubilee over 6 furlongs at 17.20 is the main event on the final day of Royal Ascot, and is, we believe, one of the two races during the week for which the Queen personally presents the trophies. It is a truly international affair, with 5 Irish runners, 2 Australian and one American as well as the top British performers over this distance. The Aussies in particular have a good record here and their riunners Brazen Beau /Chris Waller/ Craig Williams) and Wandjina (Gai Waterhouse/ Damien Oliver) both looking dangerous, especially the former, whose form looks very strong.

However we expect another Irish victory. Aidan O´Brien and Ryan Moore are already assured of being this week´s champions and their runner Due Diligence is an obvious contender; he was runner-up here last year, with several of these behind. But we also like Mustajeeb (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who won over 7 furlongs at the meeting last year but is better at this trip; some rain (as is forecast) would probably help. A British win Looks unliely, but Tropöics (Dean Ivory/ Robert EWinston) should go well; he won oin good style at Windsor but was well beaten here a year ago. Pearl Secret (David Barron/ Andrea Atzeni) ran on well when a close 4th here in the King´s Stand on Tuesday, but this extra furlong could be his undoing. However we think it will be the Australians against the Irish in the final furlong, with advantage to the Emerald isle.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ballydoyle - Tonkinese - Cymric
2. Race: Mahsoob - Provenance - First Flight
3. Race: Telescope - Eagle Top - Postponed
4. Race: Brazen Beau - Mustajeeb - Due Diligence
5. Race: Huntsmans Close - Intrinsic - Gamesome
6. Race: Wicklow Brave - Marzocco - Rawaki

Royal Ascot: rest of day 4

The Commonwealth Cup for 3yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.40 CET is a new race which fits well into the programme and has been rewarded with Group One status for its first ever running. This is justified by a large and high class entry and it is one of the best races of the week.

It is also an international field, with two runners each from France (no chance in our opinion) and the USA as well as a strongly fancied Irish runner, Anthem Alexander (Eddie Lynam/ Pat Smullen). She won the Queen Mary at this meeting last year from Tiggy Wiggy (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), although the latter then beat her twice later on, and there is little between them. ;Limato (Henry Candy/ James Doyle) could well be the best British 3yo sprinter, but lost his unbeaten record last time when defeated by Adaay (William Haggas/ Paul Hanagan) at Haydock; however the ground was against him that day and he can reverse that form on today´s faster going. However we expect the Americans to come out on top now- either the supplemented Cyclogenisis (George Weaver/ John Velasquez) or preferably Hootenanny (Wesley Ward/ Ryan Moore), also a winner here last year and according to his trainer, in the form of his life right now.

Wesley Ward has an excellent record at this meeting and can also take the opening Albany Stakes for 2yo fillies with Back at the Ranch (Joel Rosario), although this race with 19 runners - 9 of them still unbeaten- is extremely tricky. The following King Edward VII Stakes for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05 only has 7 runners and we hope to see Ol´Man River (O´Brien/ Moore) make a comeback here; he was regarded as one of the stable´s main Derby hopes over the winter, but flopped disastrously in both the 2,000 Guineas and the Dante; he can bounce back now with the stable in irresistable form.

The card ends with the Queen´s Vase for 3yo´s over 2 miles - budding stayers and two of the last 3 winners went on to take the following year´s Gold Cup. None of the runners has ever attempted this distance before so we have to take a lot on trust here. Aloft (O´Brien/ Moore) is the obvious favourite, but are not at all sure that he stays this trip; we shall take a chance on German-bred Vive Ma Fille (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), a brother to the German group race winner Vif Monsieur and whose trainer also knows how to win these long distance races.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Illuminate - Back At The Ranch - Laxfield Road
2. Race: Stravagante - Ol` Man River - Festive Fare
3. Race: Limato - Hootenanny - Tiggy Wiggy
4. Race: Lucida - Found - Ervedya
5. Race: Arab Dawn - Warrior Of Light - Ajman Bridge
6. Race: Aloft - Bantry Bay - Great Glen

Royal Ascot: Coronation Stakes

Main feature at Royal Ascot today is the Coronation Stakes for 3yo fillies over a mile at 17.20 CET and the fillies classic form from 3 different countries will be tested here. The Aga Khan´s Ervedya (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Soumillon) won the French 1,000 Guineas from Irish Rookie (Martyn Meade/ Fergus Sweeney), while Lucida (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) was runner-up at Newmarket and Found (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) also runner-up at the Curragh. It is difficult to compare these performances,but our instinct tells us that the Newmarket form is the strongest. L;ucida went for home too early there, and the winner Legatissimo certainly did tjhe form no harm when narrowly beaten in the Oaks, so we go for Godolphin´s Bolger filly. Obviously Found, who was also a smart 2yo, is a big danger, especially in view of the fantastic form this week of the O´Brien/ Moore runners, while the French will no doubt fancy their chances as well.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Illuminate - Back At The Ranch - Laxfield Road
2. Race: Stravagante - Ol` Man River - Festive Fare
3. Race: Limato - Hootenanny - Tiggy Wiggy
4. Race: Lucida - Found - Ervedya
5. Race: Arab Dawn - Warrior Of Light - Ajman Bridge
6. Race: Aloft - Bantry Bay - Great Glen

Royal Ascot: rest of day 3

There are 3 more group races at Ascot today, starting with the Norfolk Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 15.30 CET. Richard Hannon holds a strong hand here and his two runners King of Rooks (Frankie Dettori) and Log Out Island (William Buick) appear to have the best form and could easily fill the first two places.

The Tercentenary Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 16.05 looks miuch more open, though the well-bred Time Test (Roger Charlton/ Dettori) is a clear favourite after easily winning at Newbury last time. However he is up in grade here, and the Queen´s runner Peacock (Hannon/ Richard Hughes) seems to have at least the same chance. Maftool (Saeed bin Suroor/ James Doyle), who won the UAE 2,000 Guineas, and Master Apprentice (Andrew Balding / David Probert), who won the Sandown Classic Trial, are both penalised but certainly not out of it. However the really interesting one could be the only filly in the field, Bocca Baciata (Jessica Harrington/ Fran Berry), 5th in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and getting weight all rlound here.

The form of the Irish 1,000 will be tested again35 minutes later when the winner of that race Pleascach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) runs in the Ribblesdale Stakes over 1 1/2 miles. If she stays this extra distance, she should win, as that is clearly the best form in the race. Another Irish filly Curvy (David Wachman/ Ryan Moore) - also untested over the trip- could be the one to chase her home.

The card ends with 2 ferociously difficult handicaps. The Britannia for 3yo´s over a mile at 18.00 could go to Mutarakez (Brian Meehan/ Paul Hanagan), who has won his last 3 races in the style of a serious horse, while we are certainly interested in how top-weight Rocky Roder (Balding/ Edsard Greatrex) runs in the King George V at 18.35 as he is still in the German Derby and would have to win this to have any chance at Hamburg.

Note: Master Apprentice non-runner at 16.05.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Log Out Island - Shanghai Glory - Waterloo Bridge
2. Race: Time Test - Peacock - Bocca Baciata
3. Race: Pamona - Curvy - Pandora
4. Race: Forgotten Rules - Mizzou - Vent De Force
5. Race: Mutarakez - Sahaafy - Capel Path
6. Race: Dissolution - King Bolete - Scottish

Royal Ascot: Gold Cup

The Gold Cup over 2 1/2 miles at 17.20 is the main feature of Royal Ascot´s third day, also known as Ladies´ Day. This extreme distance means that it is a race for specialists, and even more of a problem this year is the fast ground; there has been no rain for ages, and although the track was watered again during the night, it is still good to firm, which will not suit all the runners, including Tac de Boitron (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley), the best stayer in Europe on soft ground.

It could also be a problem for the likely favourite Forgotten Rules (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). Weld and Smullen took yesterday´s big race with a very lightly-raced sort in the same colours and can complete the double today, as we are sure the trainer would not risk his runner if he was not satisfied with the ground. He is unbeaten in 4 starts so far (including a bumper!) but has never raced on ground as fast as this. Mizzou (Luca Cumani/ William Buick) won the Sagaro her in lyte April from Vent de Fotrce (Hughie Mporrison/ Richard Hughes) and Forever Knlow (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori), while thazt runnetr-upo then won the Henry II from Trip to Paris (Ed CDunlop/ Graham Lee), with Forever Now fourth and Simenon (Willie Mullins/ James Doyle) fifth.

Those races were over 2 miles and the extra half mile can find some of These out; it would be no surporise tzo see Simenon, who has run well here before, come out best lof them. Kingfisher (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) is an obvious danger from the trainer who has won this race 6 times in the last 9 years, biut he has never run a long distance race at all so far. French raider, the German-bred Bathyrhon (Pia Brandt/ Maxime Guyon) could be more of a threat, having been runner-up last year in the Cadran; he is by Monsun, who jhas already sired a winner of this race, Estimate. It will be a great training feat if Forgotten Rules can win this race on only his fifth career start, but if anybody, then Weld is the man who can do it, and we remember his winning this race in 2010 with a horse that has had his previous start over jumps at Cheltenham.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Log Out Island - Shanghai Glory - Waterloo Bridge
2. Race: Time Test - Peacock - Bocca Baciata
3. Race: Pamona - Curvy - Pandora
4. Race: Forgotten Rules - Mizzou - Vent De Force
5. Race: Mutarakez - Sahaafy - Capel Path
6. Race: Dissolution - King Bolete - Scottish

Royal Ascot: Prince of Wales´s Stakes

The Prince of Wales´s Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 17.20 CET is always one of the highlights of the week and today is no exception. Even after the withdrawal of 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome this is still a high class cosmopolitan field, with runners from Australia, France, Ireland, and Japan as well as from the U.K.

The Japanese hope Spielberg (Kazuo Fujkisawa/ Christophe Spoumillon) should certainly not be underestimated, although no Japanese horse has ever won at Royal Ascot; however the form in that country is very strong and Spielberg defeated Gentildonna, well enough known in the West, last year. Australian runner runner Criterion (David Hayes/ Chad Schofield) was third in the HK Cup last year and is a Group One winner in his native country. The Grey Gatsby (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) is top-rated here, but that is based on 2014 form and his latest outing was less impressive, although he can certainly bounce back now. Lightly-raced Cannock Chase (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) needs to improve but is confidently expected to do so. The two French challengers Ectot (Elie Lellouche/ Gregory Benoist) and Gailo Chop (Antoine de Watrigant/ Julian Augé) must be respected, although the former has not run since running below form in the Arc, for which he was second favourite. Free Eagle (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smuöllen) has only run four times and also comes off a long break - last time he was third in the Champion Stakes here in October and holds Western Hymn (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori) on that form. The very soft ground then was against him and he will be much better suited by today´s faster conditions. The trainer has always regarded him as a top class performer and despite his lack of experience he can prove this today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ivawood - Bossy Guest - Fadhayyil
2. Race: Besharah - Easton Angel - Acapulco
3. Race: Integral - Euro Charline - Rizeena
4. Race: Free Eagle - Ectot - The Grey Gatsby
5. Race: Speculative Bid - Ayaar - Spark Plug
6. Race: Always Smile - Touchline - Osaila

Royal Ascot: rest of day 2

The card opens with the Jersey Stakes for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.30 CET. Ivawood (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) is the class act here, having finished third in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas, whose winner scored here in excellent style yesterday. He is penalised today and in theory will find it difficult to concede 5 lbs to Bossy Guest (Mick Channon/ Charles Bishop), who was only just behind him at Newmarket and is now 5 lbs better off, but we expect him to confirm the form. A bigger danger could be Sir Isaac Newton (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore), best known for flopping at Chester at odds of 6-1 on. However today´s distance and fast ground will suit him much better - but so they will Ivawood, who has the form in the book and should win.

The Queen Mary for 2yo fillies at 16.05 has a field of 22 speedy filllies, most of whom are totally unexposed, so that almost anything is possible. Out 3 against the field are all unbeaten (but so are plenty more of these): Bersharah (William Haggas/ Pat Cosgrave), Bruised Orange (Wesley Ward/ Frankie Dettori) and Delizia (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa).

Older fillies run over a mile at 16.40 and our ewye here is taken by two CD specialists- Integral (Stoute/ Moore), who won this last year, and especially Rizeena (Clive Brittain/ William Buick), who is 3 from 3 at SAsxot, and has won ag the Royal Meeting for ther past two years. She was well behind Bragging (Stoute/ Pat Smullen) last time, but if back to anywhere near her best, can score here in receipt of 5 lbs from Integral. The card ends with two hot handicaps, including the Royal Hunt Cup over the straight mile at 18.00 which is one of the biggest betting races of the meeting, but with 30 runners looks almost impossible.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ivawood - Bossy Guest - Fadhayyil
2. Race: Besharah - Easton Angel - Acapulco
3. Race: Integral - Euro Charline - Rizeena
4. Race: Free Eagle - Ectot - The Grey Gatsby
5. Race: Speculative Bid - Ayaar - Spark Plug
6. Race: Always Smile - Touchline - Osaila

Royal Ascot: rest of day 1

Quite apart from the Queen Anne, Royal Ascot today stages two more Group One races, the King´s Stand over 5 furlongs at 16.,40 CET and the St. James´s Palace for 3yo´s over a mile at 17.20. The latter event has only 6 runners, but they include the winner of the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas Gleneagles (Aidan O´Btrien/ Ryan Moofre) and of the French equivalent Make Believe (André Fabre/ Olivier Peslier). They are on that form the two best 3yo milers in Europe, but the very lightly-raced Consort (Sir Michael Stoute/ Frankie Dettori), moving up dramatically in grade, could be a danger, while the other 3 look well held. This is going to be a tactical affair, but Gleneagles had quite a hard race in Ireland and possibly the French horse will prove superior.

The KIng´s Stand has been won for the past 2 years by Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Richard Hughes) who is now going for an unprecented hat-trick. Everything has to fall right here, but conditions are in his favour and we think he can do it. He is certainly the best European 5 furlong horse of recent years. The Australians are always dangerous in these sprints, so the mare Shamal Wind (R Smerdon/ Ryan Moore) must be considered, but her form does not look as strong as that of some of their other raiders. Mecca´s Angel (Michael Dods/ Paul Mulrennan) looks a champion sprinter in waiting, but we feel that she needs softer ground to show her best form, while G Force (David O´Meara/ Pat Smullen) is possibly better over 6 furlongs. Very tricky as the run of the race will be decisive, but we shall stick with the proven CD specialist Sole Power.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Solow - Able Friend - Night Of Thunder
2. Race: Round Two - Finnegan - Air Force Blue
3. Race: Sole Power - Muthmir - Mecca`s Angel
4. Race: Gleneagles - Make Believe - Consort
5. Race: Ray Ward - Clondaw Warrior - Fun Mac
6. Race: Washington Dc - Soapy Aitken - Orvar

Royal Ascot: Queen Anne Stakes

Royal Ascot begins today and the first race is traditionally the Quieen Anne Stakes over a mile at 15.30, named after the monarch who built the racecourse over 300 years ago. This is always a great race - who can forget Frankel beating Excelebration by 11 lengths in 2012 or Goldikova winning by a neck from Paco Boy in 2010- but this time it looks the best race of the whole week. We have two superstars - Able Friend (John Moore/ Joao Moreira) from Hong Kong and Solow (Freddie Head/ Maxime Guyon) from France, both of whom have won their last 6 races and are the two highest-rated milers in the world. Then we also have the two star milers from the Richard Hannon stable, Night of Thunder (James Doyle) and Toormore (Richard Hughes), first and second recently in the Lockinge, with Here Comes When (Andrea Balding/ Jim Crowley) 6th and Cougar Mountain (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore)11th, as well as another French raider Esoterique (André Fabre/ Pierre-.Charles Boudot). Night of Thunder beat Kingman in last year´s 2,000 Guineas, whjch is excellent form and has beaten Toormore on the four occasions they have met, although there has never been much in it. It is unusual to see the O´Brien and Fabre runners as total´outsiders here, but it will be a shock if they can win, and basically the race revolves around the two favourites- and in particular Able Friend, who has looked sensational in Asia. The questions are: can he reproduce that form on the other side of the earth- and can he cope with Ascot´s straight mile, very different from the much easier track, and round a bend, in HK? Ascot has gone to great effort to attract the world´s best horses to run at this meeting and they have succeeded here; we hope that Able Friend wins to justify all their efforts.

Royal Ascot starts tomorrow!

The most eagerly-awaited flat meeting of the year starts tomorrow with some fantastic racing - which also means that today´s 5 cards are all very low key with no races better than class 4.

The best race at Carlisle this afternoon is the handicap for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 16.45 CET.This Looks wide open, but the two we like are the consistent Bright Flash (David Brown/ Hector Crouch), who won over this CD last year and has finished fourth on all her other starts, and Three Gracez (Charlie McBride/ Graham Lee) who has won 3 times and been placed 4 tumes already and still looks fairly handicapped. We just prefer tje former., who could have more scope for improvement. We also llike Night Generatiopn (Sir Mark Prescpott/ Luke Morris) in the concluding 3yo handicap at 18.15. This full brother to German Champion Night Magic has been given a typical Prescott preparation and is now moving up in distance - as his pedigree demands- off a very low rating.

A fillies handicap, this time over 6 furlongs, is also the main event this evening at Nottingham at 20.10. Even with only 6 runners this looks tricky, but we shall take a chance on top-weight Capelita (Clive Brittain/ Harry Bentley), who has been running in better company and whose veteran trainer, after a slow start to the season, is now coming into form.
The most interesting runner at Windsor this evening is Godolphin´s well-bred Think Ahead in the 10 furlongs maiden at 21.30; he was placed in both his races two, but has now been off the track for 19 months. If he has any of his old ability left, he should beat this modest opposition without much trouble.

We also have N.H. racing this afternoon at Southwell and Irish flat racing tjhis evening from Sligo. At the latter fixture, Rock Critic (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) should win the rated stakes at 20.00 ; this lightly-raced 10yo is mainly used as a lead horse and pacemaker for the stable stars, but is probably good enough to win a race of this sort on his own account.

Black type races today

As usual on a Sunday, the best racing today comes from Ireland where Cork stages one of its top cards of the year, featuring the Group Three Munster Oaks for filles and mares over 1 1/2 miles at 17.05 CET. There are only 4 runners andf the kinteresting one is clearly the only 3yo in the field, Words (Aidan O´Brein/ Seamie Heffernan) not seen out since winning her maiden at the Curragh a year ago. She could be anything, but is extremely well-bred (by Dansili out of an Irish Oaks winner) and the stable has a good line to fillies´form, so we expect her to win. Best of the older runners is clearly Carla Bianca (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), from a stable with a good record here, who won 4 successive races at the end of last year including a Group Three over 9 furlongs, but she is up in trip now and has to concede 17 lbs to the O´Brien filly, which may be impossible. The listed sprint at 16.30 will probably go across the Irish Sea as the 3 top-rated runners are all trained in the U.K. Mirza (Rae Guest/ Fran Berry) won this race back in 2012; he was a disappointment in Chantilly last time, but is always a factor in this grade.

There is also a listed race in the U.K.today- the 6 furlongs event at Salisbury at 17.00. Absolutely So (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) is just top rated here and has an obvious chance, although the firm ground could be a problem. also for some of the others, looking at a list of non-runners. The Queen´s Musical Comedy (Richard Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) could be a danger, and so is the lightly-weighted 3yo Markaz (Barry Hills/ Paul Hanagan) in even more prominent and successful colours.

Listed races and hot handicaps

No fewer than eleven meetings today, but surprisingly for a Saturday, no group races - due no doubt to the proximity of Royal Ascot which starts on Tuesday. However we have listed races at both Sandown and York, and both these courses - as well as Chéster and Musselburgh- also stage some valuable handicaps.

Sandow s listed event is for 3yo´s over 5 furlongs at 15.55 CET and Profitable (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby), who won a similar race at York last time, must concede 3 lbs all round. Waady (John Gosden/ Dame O´Neill) looks very dangerous, and so does the filly Likely (David Barron/ Andrea Atzeni), who won her only race in excellent style more than a year ago. German-breds do not normally shine at this distance, but this Fährhof-bred could be the exception to the rule and looks an exciting prospect if she comes back in the same form. Another German-btred we like here is Basem (Saeed bin Suroor/ James Doyle) at 15..20; he is also coming off a long break, but we remember the way his half-brother Farhh improved with Age and hope he does the same; their dam Gonbarda (by Lando) was a German Group One winner. bin Suroor and Doyle can double up Classic Win at 17.05; this Godolphin 3yo has also won his only race very easily and is expected to show dramatic improvement, although the same is probably true of Sir Alex Ferguson´s Grand Inquisitor (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), obviously the main danger here.

At York the listed event is over a mile at 16.10, and although it is open to 3yo´s, only older horses are running, including Baltic Knight (Richard Hannon/ Jamie Spencer), who won this in 2013. He can go close again, but our preferencer is for Hord de Combat (James Fanshawe/ Tom Queally), from a stable with an excellent strike rate. The top handicap here is over 6 furlongs for 3yo´s at 16.45 and the field has some candidates who will be contesting group races before long, notably Scalzo (Martyn Meade/ Paul Hanagan), who has won both his 2015 starts very easily, and Twilight Son (Henry Candy/ Fergus Sweeney), who is still unbeaten; both of them have ahot up the weights, so there no certainties here, and both Burnt Sugar (Hannon/ Pat Dobbs) and Magical Memory (Charlie Hills/ Martin Harley) could be dangerous. The card opens with the top race of the year for lady amateur riders; Pearl Castle (John Quinn/ Serena Brotherton) won this last year and looks as if he can score again for this very experienced jockey, but we also like the much-improved Ralphy Lad (Alan Swinbank/ Sarah O´Brien), who has won his last 3 starts; the rider has the perfect pedigree, as both her paents were champion amateurs, and she has in fact won on her last 4 mounts - all Irish bumpers trained by her father Aidan.

Handicaps at York and Sandown

Once again, the day´s sport is dominated by handicaps, and there are some competitive ones at both York and Sandown, although both tracks will be staging better racing tomorrow. However with Royal Ascot next week, there is no point in expecting many group class runners this weekend.

York´s races are better, but the question here is always: what are the Easterbys up to? Mick and his nephew Tim are very shrewd operators who love to have it off at this track, and they have multiple runners today. Our guess is that Tim´s best chances are Silvery Moon (David Allan) at 15.30 CET -not related to the celebrated German horse ofg the same name- and Chivers (Graham Gibbons) at 17.40, while Gibbons can also score on Mick´s Kalk Bay at 16.40. The hottest race here is the fillies handicap over 6 furlongs at 17.10, and the two top-weights Willbeme (Neville Bycroft/ Phillip Makin) and Lulu the Zulu (Mick Appleby/ Andrew Mullen) are both consistent and classy performers who have earned their high rating. We shall however take a chance on Mu´ajiza (Paul Midgley/ Tom Queally), who was just behind Lulu in a listed race last time and is now 4 lbs better off; her trainer is making quite a name for himself in these sprint handicaps.

At Sandown the 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.20 has attracted a decent field, with some unexposed types who could be big improvers- notably Muntadab (Sir Michael Stoute/ Paul Hanagan), who won his maiden very easily and could well be better than a handicapper. The same applies to the 3yo fillies handicap over a mile at 15.40, in which Fruity (Clive Cox/ Andrea ATzeni is just preferred. The 10 furlongs handicap for older horses at 16.50 could go to top-weight Rembrandt van Rijn (David Lanigan/ George Baker); he earned trhe dreaded Timeform squiggle last year for his wayward performances, but the penny seems to have dropped this season and he can win his third race in succession.

Two listed races today

Six meetings today, two of them over jumps, but the majority of races again at a very low level, but amongst all the dross there are two races that stand out - listed events at Newbury this afternoon and this evening in Ireland.

The Newbury race is at 16.25 CET and is for 3yo fillies over ten furlongs. Black type races for fillies usually attract large fields, and 12 line up here, although it must be said that there are no real stars entered. Most of the runners are moving up in class after winning a maiden, the exception being Alonsoa (Henry Candy/ Dane O´Neill), who won last year at this level and has 3 lbs more to carry as a result; she has not run since running badly at Doncaster in September, so we would rather leave her out. Encore l´Amour (David Sincock/ Ryan Moore) is top-rated after running a good race at Goodwood, where she was runner-up to Lady of Dubai, subsequently third in the Oaks, with two of these well back. That is the best form on offer but she seems certain to start favourite - especially with this jockey on board- and looks a bit exposed, so we shall take a chance on very lighly-raced Speedy Boarding (James Fanshawe/ Freddie Tylicki), who won a maiden at Goodwood over a mile in promising style and can possibly also score at this much better level.

The Irish race is over a mile at 20.30 at Leopardstown, and as is usual in Ireland, with a small field. However it is a much classier affair than at Newbury as 3 of the 5 runners are definitely of group-race ability. My Titania (John Oxx/ Declan McDonough), the only filly in the field, is the likely favourite; the four-year-old from the first crop of Sea The Stars (and running in the same colours) has only ever run 5 times but has shown a lot of talent, her best performance coming on her seasonal reappearance last year when fourth in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. She has only run once since, but that should be on problem. The good to firm going should be ideal, but so it should for War Envoy (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamie Heffernan), who has run unplaced in both French classics this year and is taking a huge drop in class. He has only won once - on his debut- but has been set some pretty tough tasks. In-form Ger Lyons runs two here, with Andrea Atzeni flying over from England to partner Brendan Brackan, who has been group-placed many times; however he has to give 8 lbs to My Titania, which will not be easy. Captain Joy (Tracy Collins/ Pat Smullen) has been in good form, but was well beaten here last year, and he and Lyons´ other runner Tennnessee Wildcat (Colin Keane) can only spring a surprise if the 3 mentioned earlier all run below form.

Mainly handicaps

6 meetings today, all flat racing, but once again mainly handicaps, the best of which are run this afternoon at Haydock. There are some potentially smart 3yo´s running over a mile at 16.10 CET, but top-weight Bartholomew Fair (Luca Cumani/ Adam Kirby), who is closely related to last week´s Derby winner Golden Horn, has clearly the best form and we think that he can concede the weight here. Half an hour later we have older handicappers running over the same trip, and this time we go for the bottom-weight Express Himself (Ed McMahon/ Ryan Moore), who is very consistdnt and a CD winner to boot. Chosen Character (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) is also a CD winner- in fact he won this race last year off a higher rating, but the ground was very soft that day and he won´t find those conditions this time. There is also a decent field over 1 1/2 miles at 18.10, including ex-German Tahira (John Quinn/ Phillip Makin), who won two valuable sales races in 2013 in Germany when trained by Uwe Stech. He has failed to shine in England so far, but is up in distance here and down in the weights, and he could have a sporting chance, although the opposition -led by Satellite (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore) and the very lightly-raced Tamasha (Ralph Beckett/ Kingscote)- looks strong.

There are also some competitive handicaps at Beverley, a track where if often pays to follow course specialists. With that in mind, we like the chances of Choc´a´Moca (Paul Midgeley/ Graham Lee) at 15.30, Toto Skyllachy (David O´Meara/ Josh Doyle) at 16.30 and Saint Thomas (Jim Mackie/ Dale Swift) half an hour later.

The best of the evening racing comes from Ireland, where are some large fields at Fairyhouse, but as so often only a very small field in the main event, a 7 furlongs conditions race at 20.00. The most interesting runner is Geoffrey Chaucer (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who looked so promising in the early part of last season before flopping in both the English and German Derby. He is now tried over a new distance, but we would not trust him at the moment, and prefer both last year´s winner Slipper Orchid (Mike Halford/ Shane Foley), and especially the 3yo filly Tamadhor (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Hayes), who was only beaten about 4 lengths when 6th of 18 in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last time.

5 more poor meetings

Another rather dismal Tuesday with nothing much to get excited about. This afternoon we have flat racing at Salisbury and jumping at Fontwell. The fillies handicap at the former track at 16.55 CET looks the best betting race of the day and Stockhill Diva (Brendan Powell/ Liam Keniry) has a chance, after running a good second in a large field at Newbury on her seasonal debut last time, her best form for ages. However the handicapper has put her up 6 lbs which seems a bit unfair, so we prefer the 3 3yo´s in the field. Both Sweet Selection (Hughie Morrison/ Nicky Mackay) and Vanishing (Ed Walker/ Antonio Fresu) have also gone up, for winning this year, so we shall take a Chance with Haalan (Clive Brittain/ Louis Steward), who has actually come down in the weights and could be well handicapped with a decent claimer on board.

At Southwell, Lolli (Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Boinville) should win the mares maiden hurdle at 19.20 but will be at a very short price; she has been placed in both her hurdles races so far and does not appear to have much to beat today.

The Irish track of Roscommon continues today with an all-hurdles card and some very large fields. Howvere there are only 6 runners in the main event, a novice hurdle over 2 miles at 19.10, which has some useful prospects entered. Riviera Sun (Henry de Bromhead/ Mark Walsh) is the likely favourite, but we like Space Ship (Robbie Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch), who has an exellent flat race pedigree and has won his last two races in good style.

Only handicaps today

Mainly low level racing at today´s 5 meetings, with handicaps dominating all 5 cards. The best of them is arguably the 6 furlongs race at Ayr at 18.30 CET, and quite a few of these runners will no doubt be aimed at the big handicaps over this trip here in September. My Name is Rio (Michael Dods/ Paul Mulrennan) indeed ran third last year in the Bronze Cup. he should run well again, but has gone uip in the weights and is looking a bit exposed, so we prefer the two above him in the handicap- Boy in the Bar (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) and Shared Equity (Jedd O´Keeffe/ Graham Lee), both very consistent over this trip and relatively lightly raced. The former was runner-up in a hot handicap at York last time but we just prefer the latter.

There is also a competitive 6 furlongs handicap at 20.40 at Pontefract this evening, but this one is for 3yo´s only. In this case we go for the bottom weights, Dawn´s Early Light (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote), Shootingsta (Bryan Smart/ Paul Hanagan) and Midlander (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa). The first-named has been placed on all 3 career starts, including this CD, while the second won cosily last time after being placed 3 times, but we also like Midlander; Johnston has been trying him over various distances, but this trip could be ideal.

There is Irish racing at Roscommon this evening, with 4 flat races followed by 3 chases, including the Connacht National over 3 miles at 21.30, which is the most valuable race of the day. This looks really tricky with 15 runners, none of whom can be readily discarded, but we shall take a chance on oldtimer Prince Rudi (Sandra Nolan/ Ian McCarthy); the 13yo is much better over hurdles than over fences, but he ran third in this race last year and is nicely handicapped now.

Ayr - betting forecast:
1. Race: King`s Pavilion - Birkdale - Causey Arch
2. Race: Donna Graciosa - Moon Arc - Haymarket
3. Race: Finn Class - Evanescent - Grissom
4. Race: Royal Duchess - Tanawar - Diatomic
5. Race: Blue Jacket - Sewn Up - Our Man Phil
6. Race: Quest Of Colour - Strong Steps - Warfare
7. Race: Boy In The Bar - My Name Is Rio - Shared Equity
8. Race: El Massivo - Rainford Glory - Hatton Springs

Off to Baden-Baden

This column is away at Baden-Baden for the next 4 days and expects to be back on Monday.

Today´s /Thursday) racing in the U.K. and Ireland is only of minor interest, but tomorrow (Friday) we have the first day of the Epsom Derby Meeting, with The Oaks at 17.30 CET, while on Saturday The Derby itself will be run also at 17.30 with the Coronation Cup at 16.10. The Dante is usually the best trial for The Derby and the first 3 from that race lock horns again- Golden Horn, Jack Hobbs and Elm Park, while there has been heavy support for Giovanni Canaletto, the choice of Ryan Moore from Aidan O´Brien´s 3 entries. And not to forget our own Rogue Runner (Andreas Wöhler/ Oisin Murphy), who is a total outsider but who the trainer thinks could run into the money if the ground dries out out.

Nottinghamshire Oaks

Easily the best of today´s 6 cards is at Nottingham, where the listed Nottinghamshire Oaks at 17.20 CET is the main feature. The race is for fillies and mares, but any resemblance with Friday´s classic race at Epsom ends there, as this event is for older horses over 10 furlongs. Almost all the 13 runners are in fact 4yo´s and none of them is probably up to winning a group race, with the possible exception of Godolphin´s extremely consistent Dream Child (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick). She is best known as an all-weather performer and all her 5 wins so far have come at Wolverhampton, but she showed last time at Goodwood that she is equally effective on turf when she was beaten a neck in a similar race by Miss Marjurie, who won a Group Three last week at Haydock. Tioga Pass, 5th, Momentus, 8th, and Mutatis Mutandis, 10th, all finished behind her at Goodwood and we see no reason why the form should not stand up. 2 possible opponents are Pleasant View (Luca Cumani/ Adam Kirby), an easy winner of a lesser race at Pontefract last time, and Solar Magic (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori), runner-up in decent company on both her 2015 starts and now up in trip.

Some fair handicappers line up here over a mile at 16.50, and the interesting one here could be top-weight Market Share (David O´Meara/ David Nolan) who was trained in France last year by Pascal Bary and ran mainly in black type events. Big Baz (Willie Muir/ Martin Dwyer), third in the Newbury Spring Cup, and Spa´s Dancer (James Eustace/ Kirby), third in that race last year, are just two of the possible opponents in a very open race.

Equally open is the mile handicap for 3yo fillies half an hour earlier, in which some very well-bred and unexposed types are entered.Beautiful Ending (Saeed bin Suroor/ James Doyle) is a half-sister to Group One winner Sky Hunter, while Godolphin´ s other runner Elle Shade (Gosden/ Nicky Mackay) is out of German Group One winner Elle Danzig and Roxy Dancer (William Haggas/ Pat Cosgrave) is the grand-daughter of an Oaks winner. This race is too tricky to call but should certainly be watched; however the Haggas/ Cosgrave combination is in great form at present and all their runners today must be respected.

note: Beautiful Ending non-runner at 16.20

Nottingham - betting forecast:
1. Race: Cinders - Love On The Rocks - Modest
2. Race: Point North - Borough Boy - Gold Club
3. Race: Deep Blue Sea - Roxy Star - Zoella
4. Race: Big Baz - Market Share - Spa`S Dancer
5. Race: Pleasant Valley - Dream Child - My Spirit
6. Race: Atalan - Galileano - The Cashel Man
7. Race: Calrissian - Mysterial - Roxy Lane

4 poor meetings today

Tuesday is often the weakest day of the week, and it certainly is today with just 4 very low-level meetings in the U.K. and nothing at all in Ireland. The only jumping comes from Southwell this evening, while there is flat racing at Brighton and Ripon this afternoon and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton this evening.

Easily the best race of the day is the mile handicap at Ripon at 16.55 CET and Birdman (David O´Meara/ Sam James), bidding to win his 4th race in succession, is the likely favourite. He was a smart performer for David Simcock in younger days, but lost his form completely last year so that he started out this year for his trainer on a very low rating. He has been put up 21 lbs for his 3 successes and faces tougher opposition now, and while he could easily win again - he is still below his top rating of 2013- he is no good thing here. Top-weight Off Art (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) is an obvious danger, dropping in grade here, but we like the each-way chances of oldtimer Dubai Dynamo (Ruth Carr/ Peter McDonald). The 10yo has run 133 times and keeps his form remarkably well, with 15 wins and 29 places to his credit, many of them over this CD. He won this race in 2011 and has run respectably in it every year since, and we hope that will be the case again today.

Ripon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fashionable Spirit - Zeeda - Bossipop
2. Race: Mythical City - Secret Lightning - Taraz
3. Race: Hydrant - Ventura Quest - Memory Cloth
4. Race: Birdman - Off Art - Instant Attraction
5. Race: Kyllach Me - Alaskan Wing - Final Venture
6. Race: Synodic - Alnashama - Talyani
7. Race: Jacobs Son - Valantino Oyster - In Vino Veritas

Group race in Ireland

The best racing at today´s 6 meetings comes from Ireland and specifically from Naas which has a strong card, featuring a group race and three listed events, all over short distances. The Group trasce is the Lasckemn Stakes for 3yo´s pover 6 furlongs at 17.45 CET and we could be seeing some Royal Ascot runners here. Toscanini (Mike Halford/ James Doyle) had good 2yo form last year and started off this season with a win, and holds the useful Beach Bunny (Kevin Prendergast/ Andrea Atzeni) on that form, but the dangers could be The Happy Prince (Aidan and James O´Brien) and especially Anthem Alexander (Eddie Lynam/ Pat Smullen), a Royal Ascot winner last year who has not been seen out since finishing runner-up in the Cheveley Park, which is clearly the best form in the race. The 7 furlongs race at 15.40 has a large field looking for black type, with top trainers like O´Brien, Weld, Bolger and Lyons all represented, but Eastern Rules (Halford/ Shane Foley) has the best form, while Military Angel (Michael O´callaghan/ Fran Berry) looks a likely outsider here. The otjer listed races are over 6 furlongs fior 2yo´s - for Colts at 16.40 and for fillies at 17.15. In the former event the smart Birchwood (Richard Fahey/ James Doyle) and Argentero (Lyons/ Colin Keane), two of the best juveniles seen out so far, are faced by the well-bred debutant Air Vice Marshal (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien). Birdcage (Lyons/ Atzeni) has good prospects in the fillies´ race with Rue Bonaparate (Prendergast/ Colin Hayes), a CD winner last tome, the main danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mulkeyya - Catalyst - Ortiga
2. Race: Father Frost - Eastern Rules - Heaven`s Guest
3. Race: Trinity Force - Strait Of Zanzibar - Abushamah
4. Race: Birchwood - Argentero - Air Vice Marshal
5. Race: Promised Money - Birdcage - Rue Bonaparte
6. Race: Toscanini - The Happy Prince - Anthem Alexander
7. Race: Sacrificial - Indian Tomahawk - Ohh Lala