oneXtwo.com - England

3 poor meetings today

2012-01-30T13:59:00.001+01:00

After an excellent weekend´s sport, in which we were privileged to see the two best hurdlers in the world in action, today´s cards are very much an anti-climax. Ayr goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the ground will be testing and some of the fields very small. Irish raiders always do well here and we expect Yes Tom (RTJ Wilson/ Paddy Brennan), who has only one opponent at 14.50 CET, and Radharc Na Mara (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), top weight in the handicap chase at 15.20, to score. We also like CD specialist Sammy Spiderman (Alistair and Ernie Whillans) at 15.55 here and the same team may double up half an hour later with Lady Bluesky. Best bet here is Diocles (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice hurdle at 13.50, but he won´t pay much.

Montbazon (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) will be at an even shorter price in the maiden hurdle at 14.10 at Plumpton; this one really does look a certainty. King also has 2 runners in the novice hurdle here an hour later, but Aikideau /Richard Rowe/ Leighton Aspell) looks the likeliest winner here. The German-bred Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Charlie Poste) has been a constant disappointment so far, but we have not given up hope yet; he could run well at a big price in the handicap hurdle at 16.50.

All 8 races at Wolverhampton are class 5 or 6. Chabada (Ian Williams/ Martin Lane) was an easy winner here last week and can follow up under a penalty in the fillies handicap at 18.40.

Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown

2012-01-29T11:55:00.001+01:00

an excellent card at Leopardstown today is headed by the Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle at 15.30 CET. Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) is the hot favourite here. He won the race last year and followed up on the "real thing" at Cheltenham. However he has not run since winning at Punchestown in May. Mullins is always very cautious with his stars and the long break should be no problem, and "the Fly" has won off a similar break before. In fact he has won 10 of his last 11 starts, including 9 Grade Ones and his last defeat was back in 2008. He has already defeated stable companion Thousand Stars (Paul Townend) 5 times and we expect him to do so again. Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) is another smart performer but also looks well held. The obvious danger is the mare Unaccompanied (Dermot Weld /Davy Russell), who showed excellent speed to win here from Thousand Stars and Oscars Well at the Christmas. Hurricane Fly and his trainer are great champions, but w e are huge admirers of Dermot Weld, and if there is a chink in the Fly´s armour, Unaccompanied will find it.

Mullins and Walsh also have a clear chance of winning the other Grade One on the card, the Arkle Novice Chase at 14.25, with Blackstairmountain, a smart hurdler who can go right to the top over fences. However he has little in hand of the equally promising Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch). Mullins should certainly win the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.05, where he saddles two favourites, Boston Bob (Walsh) and Make your Mark (Davy Russell). Russell rides the latter as he is retained by the owner, and in receipt of 10 lbs, we expect him to win. The opening maiden hurdle at 13.55 is another strong race; Tony McCoy has not yet ridden a winner since his comeback from injury, but his turn could come here on Tony Martin´s Thomas Edison, an impressive bumper winner here at Christmas.

The card at Ffos Las pales into insignificance by comparison, but one horse does stand out: Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) who makes his hurdling debut at 14.15. This half-brother to German Derby winners Samum and Schiaparelli failed to live up to the high expectations in Germany, but did at least win a listed race and if he jumps properly could well score at the first time of asking for his new connections.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tennis Cap - Burn And Turn - Double Double
2. Race: Blackstairmountain - Flemenstar - Notus de la Tour
3. Race: Luke`S Benefit - Senior Again - Jigalo
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Unaccompanied - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Make Your Mark - Boston Bob - Sea Of Thunder
6. Race: Vast Consumption - Alfa Beat - King Of The Refs
7. Race: Ted Veale - Rear View - Six Stone Ned

rest of U.K. and Irish racing

2012-01-28T13:16:00.001+01:00

there is plenty more action today and the Doncaster card, featuring the Great Yorkshire Chase, a listed handicap over 3 miles at 15.50 CET , is also strong. With 15 runners, the feature looks wide open and our 3 against the field are Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), Galaxy Rock (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Calgary Bay (Henrietta Knight/ David Elsworth). It is certainly significant that McCoy and Geraghty are riding here and not at Cheltenham. Henderson and Geraghty can also take the opening mares hurdle at 14.15 with Lifestyle, while Philip Hobbs and Tom O´Brien can land a double with Menorah at 14.50 and German-bred Big Easy half an hour later. We would also like to see our old friend Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes) get back on the winning trail at 16.55, but this handicap chase looks very tricky indeed.
Our best bet at Uttoxeter is Araucaria (Donald McCain/ Keith Renwick) in the novice chase at 15.10. There is also a pretty good jumps card in Irland at Leopardstown, with some huge fields, including 30 in the valuable handicap hurdle at 15.45 and 22 in the handicap chase at 16.20. Only incurable optimists would bet much on these races, although we think that Stephanie Kate (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) looks a solid each-way bet in the latter event. There should be a German-bred winner of the beginners chase here at 16.50, Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon), Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Niall Madden) and High Desert (Arthur Moore/ Andrew McNamara) all carry the (GER) suffix.The first-named is our selection.
One-time German classic winner Aviso (David Evans/ Martin Lane) is finally back to form at the age of 8 and has won his last 3 races, including one over hurdles. The 10 furlongs handicap at Lingfield at 13.50, today´s only flat meeting, is a stronger race but he can still complete a fourtimer.

Betting forecast Doncaster:
1. Race: Lifestyle - Alasi - Silver Gypsy
2. Race: Menorah - Kid Cassidy - Kumbeshwar
3. Race: Corkage - Bocciani - Big Easy
4. Race: Shakalakaboomboom - Qianshan Leader - Wayward Prince
5. Race: Gullinbursti - Lovcen - Rocky Creek
6. Race: Anquetta - Dan Breen - Stagecoach Pearl
7. Race: Forever Present - La Calinda - Diligent

super card at Cheltenham trials day

2012-01-28T11:41:00.001+01:00

today´s card at Cheltenham is intended to feature some trials for the top events at the N.H. Festival here in just over 6 weeks time and in this it has succeeded as many of today´s runners will certainly be in the shake-up for the big meeting. First and foremost, the outstanding Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), the highest-rated hurdler in training, who is going for his 15th successive win in the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle at 3 miles at 16.40 CET. He is hot favourite for the World Hurdle, which he has won for the past 3 years, and of course looks almost unbeatable this afternoon. Mourad (Willie and Danny Mullins), third to him in the 2011 World Hurdle look next best, but we also expect Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), ridden too aggressively against him last time at Ascot, to finish much closer now. Anything other than a clear victory for Big Bucks, who is bound to start at long odds-on, would be the shock of the season.
The Grade Two Argento Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.35 is intended as a Gold Cup trial, but the two favourites for that race. Kauto Star and Long Run, are missing. In their absense Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a well-beaten third to that pair in the King George, can take top spot now. He won the Arkle over 2 miles at the 2011 Festival, but is unproven at today´s distance. There are also doubts about most of the others. Midnight Chase (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello and Tidal Bay (Nicholls/ Walsh) finished fifth and sixth in last year´s Gold Cup; of these we prefer the latter, now with the champion trainer. Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily) has only run once since winning the 2010 Hennessy. Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) usually runs well here and should definitely be placed, but we hope that Captain Chris stays the trip and wins.
Th othr rc with strong baring on th Fstovl i th 4o hurdl trht opn th crd t13.55. Only 6 runners, but all with good form and they include Grumeti (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), Baby Mix (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) and Hollow Tree (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), all prominent in the Triumph betting. The unbeaten Pearl Swan (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Tango de Juilley (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) are also possible here. Baby Mix started at 14-1 on his British debut but was impressive when beating Hinterland over this CD at the December meeting. A good performance now would certainly point to Hinterland´s chances in the handicap hurdle at 17.15, who could round off a good day for the Nicholls/ Walsh team.They also have a chance with Aerial in the handicap chase at 15.05, but Nicholls has 3 runners here and we fancy his course specialist and top-weight Poquelin (Harry Derham).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grumeti - Baby Mix - Hollow Tree
2. Race: Royale`S Charter - Mr Chow - Made In Time
3. Race: Aerial - The Giant Bolster - Woolcombe Folly
4. Race: Captain Chris - Time For Rupert - Diamond Harry
5. Race: Broadbackbob - Knight Pass - Batonnier
6. Race: Big Buck`S - Mourad - Dynaste
7. Race: Hinterland - Dare Me - Sivola De Sivola

German runner at Fontwell

2012-01-27T10:14:00.001+01:00

the sport at all 5 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland today is very low-key, but from the German point of view the bumper over 1 /4 miles at 17.30 CET is by far the most interesting event - Andreas Wöhler saddles here his so far unraced Il Presidente (Alain Cawley). "The horse has had all sorts of minor problems," the trainer said yesterday, "but is in good form now and is well-bred. He is jointly owned by myself and my wife Susie, whose birthday it is today, so we are hoping for a good performance." On form it is hard to say what chance, if any. he might have, as 6 of the other 10 runners are also unraced. Of those that have run, only Rugged Jack (Vic Dartnall/ Edward Glassonbury), penalised for winning a similar event at Uttoxeter, and Unex Degas (David Ppe/ Tom Scudamore), third at Exeter, need to be feared.
Tony McCoy continues his comeback today with two rides at Huntingdon, both for owner JP McManus: Saves Time in the novice handicap hurdle at 14.40 and Favoured Nation, who makes his hurdling debut at 17.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Brough Academy - Quousko De L`Isop - Go Set Go
2. Race: Oncle Kid - Rateable Value - Monsieur Georges
3. Race: Clever Dick - Terra Bleu - Solaise Express
4. Race: Sir Du Bearn - Gunna Sound - Cuckoo Pen
5. Race: Nagpur - Mirific - Amirico
6. Race: Goring Two - Tecktal - Body Gold
7. Race: Rugged Jack - Unex Degas - Il Presidente

Al Rashidiya at Meydan

2012-01-26T13:17:00.001+01:00

The Group Two Al Rashidiya, to be run this afternoon at 18.15 CET at Meydan, is the best race so far of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The ten furlongs event on turf is seen as a major prep race for the Dubai Duty Free, and Presvis (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore), who won both races in 2011, is now going for the double. He has not since April, but always goes well fresh, so that should be no trouble.

He needs a fast-run race in which he can come from the rear, but is not certain to get that today. The most serious opponent is undoubtedly course specialist Musir (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), who has an easy win at Meydan already to his credit; that was on tapeta, but he goes equally well on turf. Ex-German Win for Sure (Xavier Nakkachdi/ Gregory Benoist) and ex-French (Al Raihe/ Royston Ffrench) are both genuine Group Two performers but are probably not good enough to trouble the two principals. The rest of the card consists of handicaps and we expect Godolphin´s winning run at the meeting to continue. African Story (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) at 16.20, Time Prisoner (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Dettori) at 17.00 and Capponi (ditto) at 17.40 all have winning chances.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tertio Bloom - Sir Reginald - Internationaldebut
2. Race: Barbecue Eddie - Escape Route - Il Grande Maurizio
3. Race: Hunting Tower - Otaared - Time Prisoner
4. Race: Capponi - Sarrsar - Ibn Al Nafis
5. Race: Musir - Presvis - Rajsaman
6. Race: Quick Wit - Bank Of Burden - Manjakani

Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park

2012-01-26T13:15:00.001+01:00

The Irish meeting at Gowran Park offers much better sport than the U.K. meetings today, and the 3 mile Thyestes Handicap Chase at 16.05 is always one of the hottest handicaps of the season. There is a very strong field of 18, 4 of which are trained by Willie Mullins. Presumably Ruby Walsh partners the stable´s main hope Shakervilz, who had a prep over hurdles last time but has repeatedly run well at this level.

Glam Gerry (Colm Murphy/ B Hayes) landed gamble in great style at Leopardstown at Christmas, but is racing over this trip for the first time, now faces much stronger opposition, and has been bumped up 20 lbs by the handicapper. Our very tentative selection is Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) and the more rain that falls the better. The other big race is the Galmoy Hurdle (Grade Two, 3 miles) at 14.35, which features two of Ireland´s best hurdlers Zaidpour (Mullins/ Walsh) and Voler la Vedette (Murphy/ Andrew Lynch). Both have been in great form this season and we have slight preference for Murphy´s mare, who runs here rather than in Sunday´s Irish Champion Hurdle, in which Mullins is expected to saddle Cheltenham favourite Hurricane Fly.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gorgeous Sixty - Arnaud - One Cool Shabra
2. Race: Voler La Vedette - Zaidpour - Chicago Grey
3. Race: Szabo`S Destiny - Golanbrook - Warrior One
4. Race: Primroseandblue - Inish Island - Alf Wright
5. Race: Glam Gerry - Adams Island - Shakervilz
6. Race: Jack Absolute - Quarryvale - Cloughmile
7. Race: Morning Royalty - Casablanca Lily - Blue Bicycle

McCoy returns today!

2012-01-26T13:14:00.001+01:00

Tony McCoy returns to action today after missing the last 3 weeks with broken ribs. He partners the expensive (125,000 euros) purchase Key to the West for Nicky Henderson in the bumper at Warwick at 17.25 CET. Obviously under these circumstances, the horse will almost certainly astart as hot favourite, and another expensive debutant Whisky Yankee (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks an alternative. The race for 4yo maidens over hurdles at 14.25 is another interesting event at Warwick. The proven performers Fire Fighter (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Nova Sam (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) are up against newcomers such as Shalloon (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) or Tadabeer (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello), part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. We do not recommend betting much in these races; from the betting point of view German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Matt Crawley in the handicap hurdle at 15.25 and Reginaldhino (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the handicap chase a t 16.25, both each way, are our selections.

Warwick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fire Fighter - Shalloon - Nova Sam
2. Race: Quelqu`Un Comme Toi - One More Dinar - Amroth Bay
3. Race: Bellflower Boy - Godsmejudge - What An Oscar
4. Race: Pacha Du Polder - Carribs Leap - Downward Spiral
5. Race: Ockey De Neulliac - Arctic Ben - Romulus D`Artaix
6. Race: Sizing America - The Shoe - Kornati Kid
7. Race: Key To The West - Whisky Yankee - Ballyalton

At Newcastle, we like Allanard (Mike Todhunter/ Graham Lee) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.45. He won with great authority last time, and although this is a much tougher race, he is getting weight all round. Eyre Square (Keith and James Reveley) looks the danger, but this trip could be on the short side. We do not normally like betting on maidens in handicaps, but ex-Irish Realignment (Donald McCain/ Jon KIngton) may be an exception in the handicap hurdle at 16.15. He has run well on both starts for his new connections and does not have much to beat here.

Newcastle - betting forecast:
1. Race: South Leinster - Brindisi Breeze - Nodform Richard
2. Race: Degas Art - Vosges - Chester Lad
3. Race: Dramatic Jewel - King`S Chorister - Dice
4. Race: Eyre Square - Allanard - Rolecarr
5. Race: Realignment - Funky Munky - Mahfal
6. Race: Shadow Boxer - Celian - Toy Gun
7. Race: Lucia Bay - Charlie`S Vic - Goodlukin Lucy

The only all-weather racing today takes place this evening at Kempton. The best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.05, which looks wide open. Our token selection is CD specialist Earlsmedic (Steve Wiliams/ Ryan Clark).

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Storm Runner - Karate - Qeethaara
2. Race: Royal Acclamation - Fearless Poet - Jackie Love
3. Race: Kalokagathia - Red Trump - Remix
4. Race: Steady Gaze - Unex Picasso - First Rock
5. Race: Rasheed - Switched Off - Rocky Rebel
6. Race: Bandstand - Whaileyy - Rylee Mooch
7. Race: Rightcar - Cut The Cackle - Prince Namid
8. Race: Nacho Libre - Welcome Approach - Metropolitan Chief

5 meetings today

2012-01-26T13:09:00.001+01:00

Plenty of action today, but nothing of high quality. At Hereford, Tour d´ Argent (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) and Destroyer Deployed (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) will be odds-on to win the 2 hurdle races that open the card at 14.30 and15.00 respectively. They will probably win, the well-bred Albertus Pictor (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Gospel Preacher (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) are possibly each-way alternatives. German-bred Alpha Way (Tom Symons/ Felix de GIles) has shown tremendous improvement this winter and has won 3 of his last 4 starts, twice here, and athough he is up in grade can take the handicap chase at 15.30. Another German-bred who could run well here is Home Run (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who makes his handicap debut at 16.30 after finishing 9th on all 3 U.K. starts so far; bred by Gestüt Ammerland, he is a close relation to Hurricane Run and his mark appears very lenient.

Leopold (Derek Thompson/Adam Nicol) was bred in Slovakia but also has a German pedigree, and we expect him to run well at 15.10 at Musselburgh. Irish trainer Gordon Elliott always does well with his runners here, and his best chance today is Mae´s Choice (Jason Maguire) in the mares novice hurdle at 14.40. Red Tanber (Brian McTaggart/ Lucy Alexander) is another improver and has won his last 3 races, all here and all with this rider; he can continue his winning run at 16.40.

There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Limerick, with some huge fields. Ruby Walsh has two rides here and it is quite possible that he will win on them both - Castlerock Rose (D.Rohan) at 14.05 and Catleen (Willie Mullins) an hour later.

Lingfield stages all-weather racing this afternoon and Kempton this evening, with quite a few jockeys riding at both meetings. Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan can land a double at the former fixture with Aquarian Spirit at 15.50 and Podgie´s Boy an hour later, both last-time-out winners. Two German-breds who should be in the money at Kempton are Querido (Paddy Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler) - the Acatenango gelding has top weight in the mile handicap at 18.40 - and Sovento (Steve and Martin Harley) over a mile and a half at 20.10; he is not always the most reliable but his record over this CD reads 212.

3 meetings today

2012-01-24T11:45:00.001+01:00

Leicester stages the only N.H, racing today, and with more rain forecast, the going could turn very heavy. This may not be to the liking of Crystal Rock (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) wh0 makes his fencing debut in the novice chase at 16.10 CET, but going by his decent hurdles form, he should still win this. Henderson´s only other runner here, Zama Zama in the opening novice hurdle at 14.35, should also win, although the concession of 7 lbs to Tarn Hows (Jennie Candlish/ Alan O´Keeffe) will not be easy. Two recent easy winners clash in the handicap chase at 15.05, Drom (Robin Dickin/ Ryan Mahon) and Esteem (David Evans/ Peter Hatton) and we prefer the former, even though he has a huge weight and has to concede 21 lbs to his rival. Tempest River (Barry Cash/ Daryl Jacob looks the logical choice to win the mares novice hurdle 15.40; her main rival could be Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), but she finished well in front of that one when winning a listed bumper at t he Grand National meeting. Wadham and Aspell possibly have a better chance in the concluding handicap hurdle at 17.10 with German-bred Wiesentraum, who looks a good each-way bet in a very modest event.

At this time of year it usually pays to follow horses turned out quickly under a penalty for an easy win, and the Kempton all-weather card includes two runners who scored only two days ago, Kai Mook (Roger Ingram/ Martin Coumbe) in the fillies handicap at 18.00 and Torres del Paine (Jimmy Fox/ KT O´Neill) the 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later. both of whom won here in Sunday and can go in again. Best thing here is Mark Johnston´s Prussian (Joe Fanning), an eye-catching runner-up when running very green on her debut 10 day ago; she should certainly take the mile maiden at 17.00 but will probably be at a very short price.

Mark Johnston can also score at Southwell with Moataz (Franny Norton), who can follow up his Lingfield win on Saturday by taking the 3yo handicap at 16.50. Two CD specialists to watch here are Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Lee McNiff) in the seller at 14.50, who always runs well here and is equally effective st 6 and 7 furlongs, and Even Stevens (Scott Dixon(Ryan Clark), 6 of whose 7 career wins have come at this track, mostly over today´s distance of 5 furlongs.

German-breds to score at Fairyhouse today?

2012-01-22T12:21:00.001+01:00

Today´s main event is the Grade Two Normans Grove Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.50 CET at Fairyhouse, and German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Davy Russell) is clear top-rated. The super-consistent 8yo is one of the best Irish performers over this distance, and was runner-up to top-class Big Zeb on his last two starts; those pieces of form would see him the winner today.

Blazing Tempo (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) seems much improved and looks the main danger. The next race, a beginners chase over the same trip at 15.25, should also go to a German-bred, the Monsun gelding Shot from the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh); he was a smart hurdler, and although he did not jump that brilliantly on his fencing debut, should still be too good for these opponents. The rest of the Fairyhouse card looks like being another Willie Mullins benefit, and we expect him to win the opening maiden hurdle with either Vesper Bell (Ruby Walsh) or Lord Gale (Paul Townend), the listed mares novice hurdle at 1420 with Ceol Rua (Walsh) and the concluding bumper with Champagne Fever, with the trainer´s son Paddy in the saddle.

The racing at the 3 British tracks looks much less exciting despite some large fields. Nicky Henderson sends runners to Market Rasen and can take the opening novice hurdle at 14.30 with ex-French Trozulon (David Bass). Thanks for Coming (Jerry McGrath) at 15.30 and Great Reason (RJ Killoran) at 16 .05 also have chances, but both races look very tricky. Our best bet here is O Crotaigh (AD Brown/ Richie McGrath) in the handicap chase at 16.35. Since arriving from Ireland he has shown great improvement, and has won twice very easily at this track, making all on each occasion; he is up quite a lot in the weights but we think he can defy the extra weight and score again.
Henderson also has runners in both divisions of the novice hurdle that open the card at Towcester- Native Beauty at 14.10 and Floreat half an hour later, both ridden by Andrew Tinkler. Both could go well, but we have a slight preference for Bygones Sovereign (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Record Breaker (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) respectively. Ex- German Engai (David Bridgwater/ Tom Phelan) runs in the second division, but his U.K. debut was very disappointing and we would rather wait to see how he acclimatises before betting on him.

Pipe and Scudamore can also take the beginners chase at 16.45 with Chartreux, who would probably have won last time at Hereford if he had kept on his feet; he was odds-on that day and can recover losses this time.
Best race on the all-weather at Kempton is the conditions event over 7 furlongs at 17.25. Hazzard County (David Simcock/ Laura Pike) and Nazreef (Húghie Morrison/ Hayley Turner) can fight out the finish here. They finished second and third over this CD in a very close finish last time, but we would not be surprised to see Nazreef reverse the placings today. Our best bet here is Shaunas Spirit (Dean Ivory/ Shane Kelly), who has top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.25. She was an easy winner over this CD on Wednesday and probably had much more in hand than the 6 lbs penalty she carries today.

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

2012-01-21T13:25:00.001+01:00

The ground will be very testing at Haydock today and there are some small fields. However 11 line up for the main event, the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase, a limited handicap over 3 miles at 16.30 CET. 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) ran on well when runner-up at Cheltenham last time, and if he handles the ground must have good prospects. Pearlysteps (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler) fell here last time, but if he stays on his feet, looks the main danger, although the lightly-weighted The Sawyer (Bob Buckler/ Nathan Sweeney) and Bold Ransom (Keith Reveley/ Graham Lee) also have chances in a very open event. Tinkler can also score on State Benefit at 14.10 and Giorgio Quercus at 17.05, both trained by Nicky Henderson.

There are also small fields at Naas, where Willie Mullins can clean up as usual. With his main jockey Ruby Walsh riding in England, Paul Townend can win the Grade Three hurdle at 14.05 on Mikael d´Haguenet and the Grade Two novice chase at 14.40 on Allee Garde, while Davy Russell partners the stable´s Midnight Game at 15.15.
The fields are bigger, but the quality lower at Wincanton. Paul Nicholls is always the trainer to follow here, and although he will be more interested in the goings-on at Ascot, he can land a hat-trick at his local course with Billy Merriott at 15.45 and Unpartou at 17.25, both ridden by Ryan Mahon, and with Minella Stars (Harry Skelton) at 16.55

Meydan today

2012-01-21T13:24:00.003+01:00

Today´s card is one of the weakest of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and all 6 races (5 of them on the all-weather) are handicaps, most of them with maximum fields. To be honest, we don´t like the look of these races at all for betting purposes. Our main fancy here is Bridgefield (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona), one of 3 Godolphin runners in the 7 furlongs race at 18.20 CET. He was runner-up to a better-fancied stable companion here 16 days ago and a similar performance would see him go very close this time.

Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot

2012-01-21T13:24:00.001+01:00

A very strong card Ascot today is headed by the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 16.10 CET. 8 runners and some of the top two milers engaged, although none of them are quite as good as Master Minded, winner of the last 2 editions. His trainer Paul Nicholls now saddles Al Ferof (Ruby Walsh), who has won his last 5 races, two of them over fences, and obviously he is one of the favourites.

We are not totally convinced and definitely prefer Finian´s Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), whose second place in the Arkle was his only defeat so far over fences and he has a career record of 8 wins from 11 races in N.H. events; despite a bad mistake he won last time at Kempton from Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Oiseau de Nuit (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and can beat them again on the same terms. Somersby (Henrietta Knight/ David Elsworth) was runner-up here a year ago and if he could reproduce that form would have a great chance, but he is a puzzling performer and this distance is probably not ideal. German-bred Gauvain (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily) beat Somersby easily enough at Huntingdon a month ago, but is not always in the same mood. The Irish hope Forpadydeplasterer is very consistent bur very rarely wins; he was pulled up in the King George last year- over clearly the wrong distance- but has otherwise been placed in all his races for alm ost 4 years. If you can bet place only, he is the obvious candidate, but for win purposes Finian´s Rainbow, the only runner who might well prove to be a champion, has to be the selection.

The Grade Two mares hurdle over 3 miles at 15.05 can go to Kentford Grey Lady (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle), who beat Violin Davis (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Cloudy Spirit (Reg Hollinshead/ Paul Moloney) in a similar race at the Kempton Christmas meeting. She is 11 lbs worse off today but won with such authority that we expect the same result.

The 3 handicaps look extremely difficult. We hope to see German-bred Oldrik (Hobbs/ Johnson) cpmplete a hat-trick in the novice chase at 14.00, although this is undoubtedly a much tougher race than the two Taunton events he has won. Johnson and Hobbs also have a good chance with Pateese in the limited handicap hurdle at 15.35, but we slightly prefer Ciceron (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas), who won nicely at Sandown last time.
The valuable handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.45 is the toughest race of all, and any of the 14 runners could win. Our 3 against the field are Zaynar (Nick Williams/ James Reveley), Noland (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Tatenen (Richard Rowe/ Andrew Thornton); the last-named won this last year and although his later performances were not so hot, he could well come back to form today.

Catterick and Chepstow

2012-01-20T15:55:00.001+01:00

The most exciting feature at the two U.K. jumps meetings today is that Ruby Walsh will be in action at Chepstow, where he has 3 rides for Paul Nicholls, all of which are likely to start favourite: Cristal Bonus in the beginners chase at 14.45 CET, Jump City in the handicap hurdle at 15.20 and Hawkes Point in the maiden hurdle at 15.50. With very testing ground expected, we would be in no hurry to take any very short prices here, but it would be no surprise if all 3 were to win. Otherwise we expect Mentalist (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas) to take the opening 4yo hurdle at 13.40 and Dreambrook Lady (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) to follow up her easy Huntingdon win half an hour later.
The going will probably be better at Catterick, but winners harder to find. Karingreason (Keith and James Reveley) is one of several likely candidates in the handicap chase at 15.10 and the same goes for Shadows Lengthen (Mick Easterby/ Richard Johnson) in the handicap hurdle half an hour later, but both races look very tricky.

Early start at Meydan

2012-01-20T15:54:00.001+01:00

the Dubai World Cup Carnival continues with racing today and tomorrow at Meydan. There is an early start today, with the first race, handicap over 1 mile 3 furlongs on tapeta, off at 12.00 CET. An interesting runner here is ex-German Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ Jack Doyle), who ran on well when runner-up over this CD a fortnight ago. A repetition of that form would certainly give him a chance today, and the three Godolphin runners, with Frankie Dettori on Club Oceanic, probably the main dangers. Once again Godolphin and Mike de Kock look set to dominate proceedings, but there are no Godolphin runners in the main feature, the Group Two Cape Verdi over one mile for fillies on turf at 14.20, in which de Kock could well take the first two places with Mahbooba (Christophe Soumillon) and Reem (Kevin Shea), who were 1-2 here last year in the UAE 1,000 Guineas. Mahbooba won that race and should come out on top again today. Royal Ascot winner Rhythm of Light (Tom Dascombe/ Kieren Fallon) , runner-up to the smart German filly Vanjura in Turkey last September, could also finish in the money.

De Kock can also take the 9 furlongs handicap at 13.10 with Mutahadee (Soumillon) or Viscount Nelson (Shea), while Godolphin can counter with Prince Bishop (Dettori) and Spring of Fame (Barzalona) over 10 furlongs at 13.35.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield this afternoon and Wolverhampton and Dundalk this evening. Obviously all these races are at a much lower lveel than the events in Dubai, but we like the chances of Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Jake Payne) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.55 at Wolverhampton, and also of German-bred Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ David Casey) in the 1 1/2 miles maiden at 21.50 at Dundalk. The latter is very lightly raced on the flat, but ran well here 2 weeks ago and is also a winner both over hurdles and over fences.

4 jumps meetings today

2012-01-19T12:42:00.001+01:00

The frost is all gone and there should no problems at today´s 4 N.H. meetings, the best of which is at Thurles, with surprisingly small fields for an Irish fixture. The main event is the Grade Two Kinloch Brae Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35, with just 5 runners. Follow the Plan (Oliver McKiernan/ Tom Doyle) won this last year from Roberto Goldback (Dessie Hughes/ Nina Carberry), but the latter can reverse the placings on better terms today. Apt Approach (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), much improved this season, is the obvious danger but is held on earlier form by Roberto Goldback, who is therefore our selection. Mullins and Walsh still look likely to have a good day and can take the Grade Three novice chase at 15.05 with Dare to Doubt and also the novice chase half an hour later with Bishopsfurze. The opening novice hurdle at 14.05 is a hot race, with 7 of the 8 runners being last-time-out winners. Walsh here rides Benefficient for Tony Martin, while Mullins puts up his son Pa ddy on top-weight Pickapocketortwo; these two can fight out the finish, with slight preference fo the former, impressive last time out at Navan. The hunters chase that closes the card at 17.05 is another interesting race, with the smart Merchant Royal (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) set to give 7 lbs to The Tother One (Stnners/ Quelly), who last ran in the Grand National. In theory The Tother One should win, but we are great Weld fans and hope Merchant Royal can score.

In the U.K. there are several German-breds running who should give a good account of themselves. Val Mondo (Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman) won the German St. Leger in 2010, but his 3 British starts over hurdles have been disastrous; however his trainer is now in much better form and we shall give him one more chance in the novice hurdle at 14.00 at Lingfield. However we do not like Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Edmond Lineham), who runs in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, whose form is equally bad, as we feel he needs better ground.
Another ex -German classic winner is Aviso (David Evans/ Lee Stephens) who goes for the selling hurdle at 14.10 at Ludlow. He has suddenly hit form on the flat, winning his last two races, and if he jumps better than on his previous efforts over sticks, must have a good chance in this company. Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty can land a short-priced double here with Kid Cassidy at 16.10 and Brave Alliance half an hour later.

At Taunton, the Lando gelding Passato must have a solid each-way chance in the handicap chase at 16.50, while the well-bred Suspect (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), closely related to Shirocco, could go well in the bumper at 17.20. Nicholls also runs the lightly-raced Ranjaan in the handicap hurdle at 16.20, who will start a hot favourite after his easy win last time at Kempton, but we shall take a chance here with Numide (Rod Millman/Johnny Farrelly), who has come down a lot in the weights.

frost at Fakenham and Folkestone (?)

2012-01-17T12:16:00.001+01:00

Winter has finally arrived in the U.K. and today´s meeting at Fakenham has been abandoned because of frost. It´s very cold at Folkestone too and a second inspection has been called. Should racing go ahead there, One Lucky Lady (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) looks a good thing to win the opening 4yo maiden hurdle at 14.30 CET, but will not be at a punter-friendly price.

It is not normally a good idea to back a 8yo maiden with top weight in a handicap, but Only Hope (Jim Best/ Brendan Powell) should win the handicap hurdle at 15.30; he has been placed 9 times in succession and has easily the best form in this poor race for conditional jockeys - and has one of the best riders in the saddle as well.

There should be no problems at Ayr. where local trainer Lucinda Russell has runners in all 7 race and she could well have several winners. Certainly Cadore, in the opening maiden hurdle at 14.10, Blenheim Brook in the novice chase half an hour later, both ridden by stable jockey Peter Buchanan, should win, while we also expect Delightfully /Grant Cockburn) at 15.40 and Stormion (Campbell Gillies) at 16.10 to have good chances. Our main fancy here however is course specialist Sammy Spiderman (Alistair and Ewan Whillans), who has bottom weight in the handicap chase at 15.10; he runs a stone better at this course than anywhere else.

Navan (Ireland) and Kempton (a.w.)

2012-01-15T12:18:00.001+01:00

the two remaining fixtures in the U.K. and Ireland today are nothing special. By normal Irish Sunday standards, the card at Navan looks modest and it seems that Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh will clean up in again. Ex-French Terminal in the maiden hurdle at 14.00 CET, So Young in the conditions hurdle half an hour later, Are Ya Right Chief in another maiden hurdle, over a longer distance, at 15.30 and Bagber in the beginners chase at 16.00 all have obvious chances and it is by no means impossible that all four will win.
At Kempton there could well be a German-bred winner as the Samum gelding All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Ryan Powell) must have a good chance of following up his recent CD win in the 1 12 miles handicap at 16.40. The danger is clearly Refractor (James Fanshawe/ Martin Lane), also a CD winner last time out, but in a maiden. She is lightly raced and should improve, but the form of All the Winds, who also has decent form over hurdles, looks more solid. Best bet of the day is Boudoir (Richard Hannon/ Dane O´Neill) in the 7 furlongs maiden race for fillies at 15.40; although the race is open to older fillies, only 3yo´s run and Boudoir´s latest effort, when a close third here just before Christmas, should be good enough in the context of this race.

Betting forecast Kempton:
1. Race: Storm Runner - Rock Anthem - Indian Violet
2. Race: Fistful Of Dollars - Next Cry - Majestic Zafeen
3. Race: Boudoir - Kickingthelilly - Alhira
4. Race: Stevie Gee - Desert Strike - Zip Lock
5. Race: Refractor - All The Winds - Big Creek
6. Race: Now - Regal Rave - Cantor
7. Race: Oratorian - Le King Beau - Chester`slittlegem

Kelso abandoned

2012-01-15T10:10:00.001+01:00

today´s meeting at Kelso has been abandoned because of frost. That leaves the low-key all-weather fixture at Kempton ath only racing in the U.K. while there is also N.H. racing at Navan in Ireland

Warwick today

2012-01-14T13:50:00.000+01:00

Warwick stages its best meeting of the year today and the main event is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.05 CET. All 8 runners are winners and two of them unbeaten - Cotton Mill (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) and Highland Lodge (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle, and we expect these two to fight out the finish. Lavelle has won this race 3 times in the past 4 years, but our preference is for Cotton Mill, who was quite useful on the flat in 2010, and after missing the 2011 flat season has shown a lot of talent over sticks.

The novice chase at 14.25 also features several runners who could well be mixing it in top company before long. Frascati Park (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is one of them, but we are not sure that he really stays today´s extended 3 miles; all his wins have come over much shorter. Emma Lavelle has another good chance here with Court Victory /Noel Fehily), disqualified last time, but our main fancy is Alfie Spinner (Nick Williams/ James Reveley) who scored in good style last time at Chepstow and who stays really well.

The rest of the card consists of very tricky handicaps, with the Classic Chase, a Grade Three handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs, the most valuable race and the big betting event. Obviousy stamina is a major issue here and the field includes some potential Grand National runners, notably Neptune Equester (Brian Ellison/ Aidan Coleman), who is prominent in Aintree betting. He is clearly one for the short list, but we are not so sure about Hey Big Spender (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) who is the best horse in the field but weighted up to the hilt.
We much prefer Blazing Bailey (Alan King/ Charlie Huxley) and David Pipe´s two runners Faasel (Conor O´Farrell) and Sona Sasta (Hadden Frost) while Fredo (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton) - by Lomitas out of an Acatenango mare -is a definite danger if the race is run to suit.

Another runner with a German pedigree who could run well is Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the 2 mile handicap chase at 15.00; he needs to come from behind off a strong pace, and that looks guaranteed here with tearaway Marodima in the field. There are also two German-breds in the handicap hurdle at 15.30, but El Dancer and Lightning Strike both look more likely to run at Kempton; in their absense our selection would be Aachen (Venetia Williams/ RTDunne) in a very open race. We also like consistent Up to the Mark (Henry Daly/ Andrew Thornton) in the opening handicap hurdle; he may not necessarily win but looks a cast-iron each way bet.

5 more poor meetings today

2012-01-13T13:46:00.001+01:00

It certainly seems that that there is only good racing on Saturdays at the moment, and today´s five cards - two over jumps and 3 on the all-weather, are very poor, with some small fields as well. The most interesting racing is at Huntingdon, where Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty may well land a treble. Ericht was a smart bumper horse last season, and although he could only finish third on his two starts so far over hurdles - very heavily backed each time- they were in quite good company, and he faces very moderate opposition in the novice hurdle at 14.50 CET. Problema Tic, an easy winner on his chasing debut at Fontwell, could follow up under a penalty in the novice chase half an hour later, and Brigadier Miller can complete the stable´s hat-trick in the bumper at 16.50. However all three are likely to start at very short odds.

Huntingdon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hohlethelonely - Clever Dick - Goat Castle
2. Race: Free Speech - Sambelucky - Royaume Bleu
3. Race: Ericht - Cousin Khee - Hollow Heartbeat
4. Race: Problema Tic - Kauto Relko - Canni Thinkaar
5. Race: Phoenix Des Mottes - Bohemian Rock - Kinkeel
6. Race: Mangonel - Pampelonne - Dane Cottage
7. Race: Brigadier Miller - Special Mate - Little Chip

It could be more profitable to follow Lucy Alexander at Musselburgh. She is one of the best lady jockey over jumps and is riding in top form at the moment. She can take the handicap chase at 15.10 on Bruce McTaggart´s Red Tamber, going for a quick course hat-trick, while her father´s Forcefield, top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.40 and Sue Bradburne´s Rossini´s Dancer at 16.10 also have chances. Otherwise we like Bowdler´s Magic (Mark Johnston/ Richie McGrath) in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.40, who can possibly defeat likely favourite Lemon Drop Red (Paul Webber/ David Elsworth); the latter made a good debut over hurdles, but the former was his superior by quite a margin on the flat.

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Lemon Drop Red - Makbullet - Bowdler`S Magic
2. Race: Charminster - Vosges - Bogside
3. Race: Philharmonic Hall - Kickahead - Dontpaytheferryman
4. Race: Red Tanber - Markadam - Ballymacduff
5. Race: Raining Horse - Forcefield - Via Archimede
6. Race: Key Cutter - Everaard - Lutin Du Moulin
7. Race: Keeneland - Harris Garden - Phoenix Returns

Meydan moves up a gear

2012-01-12T14:16:00.001+01:00

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with a much stronger card than was the case last week. Main event is the Group Three Al Maktoum Challenge (Round One) over a mile at 18.35 CET. All known form suggests that this will be a straight fight between Mendip (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Musir (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) and both have smart form at this course.

Musir actually beat Mendip in the UAE Derby in 2010, but over this trip we prefer the Godolphin runner, whose stable has made an excellent start to the meeting and was an easy winner of this a year ago. Fanunalter (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore), a solid Group Three performer in England last year, and bin Suroor´s other runner Secrecy (Kieren Fallon) can take the minor places. We also expect a Godolphin victory in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial over 7 furlongs at 16.55. Indeed their two runners Rassam (Dettori) and Kinglet (Mikeal Barzalona) could well take the first two places, with clear preference for Dettori´s mount.

Today´s U.K. racing is very poor by comparison. The best race is the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick at 15.15, but this event is unlikely to have any bearing at all on the real thing at Aintree. Our selection here is Pegasus Prince (Keith and James Reveley), who is trying this distance of 3 3/4 miles for the first time, but was staying on well enough whn winning last time at Sedgefield. The main dangers are the last-time-out winners Apache Blue (John Wade/ Keith Renwick) and Dermatologist (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton), who are both getting quite a bit of weight from Pegasus Prince. Otherwise we expect John Ferguson, out of luck yesterday, to continue his winning run with the one time useful flat horses Creekside at 13.45 and Cry of Freedom an hour later, both with Jack Quinlan in the saddle.

4 meetings today

2012-01-11T12:56:00.001+01:00

There is no all-weather flat racing this afternoon, just Kempton this evening, but with good weather everywhere there should be no problems for the 3 N.H. meetings, Ffos Las in Wales, Fairyhouse in Ireland, and Doncaster in England, and the last-named has arguably the best card on offer. The card opens with a decent novice hurdle at 14.05 CET, in which Barenger (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) looks like starting awarm favourite; he ran out an easy winner on his only racecourse appearance, a bumper at Newbury 2 months ago, and is regarded as a big prospect. Another hurdling debutant Theology (Steve Gollings/ Brian Hughes) looks the main danger, as he was listed class on the flat for Jeremy Noseda.

There follows a 4yo hurdle, which should go to Art History (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan), whose team is in great form; Gottany O´s (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is the danger here. McCain and Maguire can follow up with Edge of Town in the novice chase at 15.15, but Henderson´s Loose Preformer (Jerry McGrath) is the big threat here. Henderson has another good chance with Arctic Actress in the handicap hurdle at 15.10; he was a CD winner last time and goes well for jockey RJ Killoran, however we are also interested here an top-weight Corkage (Keith and James Reveley), who was going like a winner when falling two out last time. There are the usual big fields at the Irish meeting at Fairyhouse. The most interesting runner here is Our Monty (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who runs in the rated hurdle at 14.00. He looked a major prospect when winning his last 3 races in 2009, but has not run since, but that need not be a problem with these connections. Otherwise we hope to see Germa n-bred Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) run well in the beginners chase at 14.30. He was the best of these over hurdles and although he has so far failed to win over fences, he ran well enough over this CD last time to suggest that he can score today.

The fields are much smaller at Ffos Las and tha quality is not inspiring. Mountainous (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) seems much improved and can defy a sharp rise in the weights in the handicap hurdle at 14.50.
This evening´s Kempton meeting looks very tricky for punters. The best race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.15, which is wide open.Our suggestion is bottom weight Earlsmedic (Stuart Williams/ Ryan Clark) each way.

Leicester and Southwell

2012-01-10T13:25:00.001+01:00

Once again, very poor sport at today´s 2 meetings. Anything Nicky Henderson saddles these days must be taken seriously, and he sends his novice chaser Larks Lad (David Bass) to run in the 16.10 CET race at Leicester. There are only 4 runners here, but it still looks the most interesting race of the day. He was a decent hurdler, but has not been so convincing over fences and now carries a penalty for "winning" a walkover; on balance, we prefer Soir d´Estruval (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), although the other penalised runner Baile Anrai (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton) also looked good when winning at Towcester last time. The novice hurdle at 14.10 also could be interesting; Kazlian (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) won by 50 lengths (!) last time, but probably did not beat much and will start at a very short price, but Tuscan Gold (KIng / Hutchinson), while Swaling (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan), runner-up on his only race so far, a bumper at Exeter last April, and the one-time dece nt flat horse Enroller (Willie Muir/ Noel Fehily) are also not out of it. Phar Again (Claire Dyson/ Nick Scholfield) is an abolute CD specialist and can repeat his 2011 win in the handicap chase at 14.40. German-breds did well yesterday, so we shall keep an eye on Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Tom Siddall); he has been dropped in the weights and as long as the ground is not too soft, could have an each way chance in the handicap hurdle at 16.40.

It is difficult to get excited about any of the races on the all-weather at Southwell. Hada Men (Brian Ellison/ Barry McHugh) won here very easily last week over 1 3/4 miles and should be able to follow up over the extra 2 furlongs at 14.55, although last year´s winner Delorain (Wilf Stone/ Ryan Powell) could be dangerous. The 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.25 looks very tricky; top-weight Laffan (Kevin Ryan/ Peter Makin) and MJ Woodward (Paul Green/ Luke Morris) both won over this CD last week and should be thereabouts again under a 6 lbs penalty, but from the handicapping point of view Sunny Side Up (Richard Fahey/ Shane B.Kelly) might beat them both.
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Taunton and Wolverhampton

2012-01-09T13:15:00.001+01:00

Taunton stage one of their better meetings today and the track is graced by the presence of the top Irish jockeys Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty, riding for the Nicholls and Henderson stables respectively. They do not have many rides but we expect them both to be among the winners. The most interesting event is the novice hurdle at 15.40 CET, in which Geraghty partners the unbeaten Darlan, aleading Cheltenham fancy, and although he only just scrambled home last time at Cheltenham, we still expect him to win again. The other penalised runner, Walsh´s mount Jump City, is back in distance here but look the main danger, while Giordano Bruno (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be the fly in the ointment; he was a smart bumper horse 3 years ago but has not run since. The two jockeys go head to head again in the limited handicap chase at 15.10, but here we expect Walsh on Rangitoto to come out on top. The lightly-raced Rangitoto has won his last 3 races and looks capable of furthe r improvement. Master Fiddler (Geraghty) and Balzaccio (AAlan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) are the dangers here. Walsh also has a chance on Tigre d´Aron, who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.10, but this looks an open race and Carrickmines (Dr. Newland/ Johnson), a CD winner on his only start here a month ago, is the selection.

Th crd t Wolvrhmpton i a uual vrypooor. Our eye is taken by Aviso (David Evans/ Matthew Cosham) in the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 16.25. He is a long away from the form he showed when winning the German 2,000 Guineas 5 years ago, but must have a chance in this lowly company. Consistent CD specialist Idol Deputy (Mark Usher/ Racheal Kneller) and top-weight Mataajir (Derek Shaw/ Joe Fanning), who has won his last 3 races, are the dangers here. Another ex-Schlenderhan runner is Sommersturm (Barney Curley/ Micky Fenton), who runs half an hour later; his form in the U.K. is too bad to be true and we prefer Arisea (Jimmy Moffatt/ Paul Hanagan), who has shown much improved form over hurdles since he last ran on the flat.

graded race at Naas

2012-01-08T12:51:00.001+01:00

a poor afternoon´s sport in Britain and Ireland, with the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.40 CET at Naas the best event. There are only 6 runners, with Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), winner of his last two, expected to be able to give 3 lbs to Lyreen Legend (Dessie Hughes/ BJ Cooper). Otherwise the day could once again be dominated by the in-form team of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. They can take the novice chase at 14.10 with the promising Lambro and also the maiden hurdle at 15.10 with the mare Hats and Heels, making her debut over timber after two useful performances in bumpers. Mullins also runs Un Atout in today´s bumper at 16.40 with son Paddy in the saddle, and in view of the stable´s excellent strike rate in such events he has to be respected. However there are two very well-bred opponents in the field, Director´s Forum (Jessica Harrington/ Mr.M.Fahey) and Silver Concorde (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) who could prove dangerous, especially the former, a very rare N.H. runner for top flat owner Ballymacoll Stud.
The two U.K. meetings are much lower grade. At Hereford it usually pays to follow local trainer Venetia Williams, even more so now that she has hit form. We like the chances of German-bred Lightning Strike, who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.30. He was previously quite a smart performer, but missed all of 2010 and showed nothing in his 3 starts last year. However he has been dropped quite a lot in the ratings and it is a long time since he ran in such lowly company. We hope that he can continue his trainer´s hot run and she also has chances with Sawpit Samba in the maiden hurdle at 14.00 and the unraced Dungeness in the bumper at 17.00; all those mentioned are partnered by stable jockey Aidan Coleman.
The card at the all-weather fixture at Southwell is dreadful and bets should be kept to a minimum. The best race is the 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.50, but there are only 5 runners and the consistent Ishiamiracle (Phil McEntee/ Danny Brock), who ended a long run of placed efforts with an easy win here over 5 furlongs 10 days ago, should win again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gentleman Duke - Sportsmaster - Hisaabaat
2. Race: Lambro - Flemenstar - Monastrell
3. Race: Dedigout - Lyreen Legend - Monksland
4. Race: Hats And Heels - Beef To The Heels - Done En Dusted
5. Race: Luke`S Benefit - Hans Crescent - Moville
6. Race: Szabo`S Destiny - Some Say - William Wordsworth
7. Race: Un Atout - Silver Concorde - Director`s Forum

rest of today´s racing

2012-01-07T13:19:00.000+01:00

In Ireland, the Thurles card opens with a Grade Three chase over 2 1/4 miles, but this looks a very substandard affair and at the mercy of Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who has a stone or more in hand in official ratings.
Back in England, Paul Nicholls´ runners in Wincanton are usually worth following, and he could land a double with Pasco, top weight in the handicap chase at 15.50, and No Loose Change in the handicap hurdle at 16.25; in the latter event we also hope to see Numide (Rod Millman/ Johnny Farrelly) much better and possibly run into a place at a big price.
Newcastle´s card is really poor for a Saturday, but we hope to see Political Paddy (Ray Nixon/ Ryan Mania) run another good race following his third ar Kelso last week; he has not won for almost 3 years but seems ripe now.
Lingfield stages the only flat racing today, and the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.45 is a very open race with numerous form horses. Oasis Dream (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) showed good form when winning last time at Wolverhampton and can follow up under a penalty.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Quel Esprit - Whodoyouthink - Chamirey
2. Race: Berties Dream - Marlay Park - Saville Row
3. Race: Cochise - Vardas Supreme - Hold Em Cowboy
4. Race: Quaquo De Flotte - Jack Bene - Noble Pageant
5. Race: Galianna - Espresso Lady - Tellherimnothere
6. Race: On My Own - Mark Me Up - Diamond Shower
7. Race: Mozoltov - Governor Jack - Bulletproof

Sandown today

2012-01-07T11:57:00.001+01:00

by normal Saturday standards, today´s cards are not very strong, and easily the best racing takes place at Sandown. Main event is the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle for novices at 15.35 CET, only 5 runners, but some of them still with Cheltenham pretensions. Prospect Wells (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) is the likely favourite here after a good performance in a top handicap at Ascot last time; he was also smart on the flat, having finished runner-up in the Grand Prix de Paris and also a listed winner in the U.K. We are not totally convinced and oppose him with Colour Squadron (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who is moving up sharply in grade and looked good at Newbury last time, despite running very green. French import Captain Conan (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is another interesting candidate on his British debut.
Henderson and Geraghty have another ex-French runner in the 4yo hurdle at 14.35, Soliwery, runner-up at Auteuil last time, but here we like Fire Fighter (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), making his debut over hurdles but was previously quite busy on the flat and a winner of 4 races; King is very strong in the juvenile hurdlers department, and this one is reputed to be one of his best.
The handicap chase over 3 miles at 16.10 is the richest race on the card, and both Henderson and Nicholls saddle two runners. Ruby Walsh rides top-weight Neptune Collonges, and he is our selection; he ran well at Ascot last time, and has been facing much stronger opposition in most of his races. Henderson also has two runners in the handicap hurdle at 15.05, the top-weights Tanks for That (Geraghty) and Dave´s Dream (David Bass), both of whom have been running mainly at Cheltenham. We prefer Dave´s Dream, whose form is better than his recent figures might indicate.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kaffie - Kells Belle - The Strawberry One
2. Race: Fire Fighter - Soliwery - Colebrooke
3. Race: All For Free - Tanks For That - Rileyev
4. Race: Prospect Wells - Colour Squadron - Captain Conan
5. Race: Master Of The Hall - The Knoxs - Hold On Julio
6. Race: Alarazi - Higgy`S Ragazzo - Havingotascoobydo

Dubai World Cup Carnival Meeting starts today

2012-01-06T14:34:00.001+01:00

Today sees the start of one of the world´s best - and certainly its most valuable- race meeting - the Dubai World Cup Carnival, which goes on until the end of March. There has been racing in the Emirates since the end of November, but this is the first meeting of 2012 at the main racecourse Meydan. 3 of today´s races are on turf and 4 on tapeta, and 6 of them are handicaps. As there is no betting in Dubai, bets will be settled at the British bookmakers´ industry prices, but today´s card look very tricky, with little current form to go on.

Normally they race only on Thursdays in the early stages of the meeting, but this week there is a double meeting, today and tomorrow, with the Meydan Masters International Jockeys Championship in the focus of media interest, with one race today at 16.45 CET and 3 more races on Friday. Most of the world´s top jockeys are taking part with Germany represented by Andrasch Starke, who partners Shemoli from the Selvaratnam stable. It is hard to sum up his prospects, but he must have an each-way chance and the bookies make him second favourite.

Main event today is the conditions race over 9 furlongs on turf at 18.35. Mahbooba (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), the only filly in the field and thus getting weight all round, is our selection, but Derbaas (Ali Rashid al Raihe/ Richard Hills), who won 4 races here last year looks a big danger, as is Sea Lord (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), who won 6 races for Mark Johnston in 2010 but has been off for a long time. Al Raihe already has his string in top form and has another good chance in the 5 furlongs handicap on turf at 17.20, in which he saddles two runners, top-weight Happy Dubai (Soumillon) and Green Beret (Royston Ffrench). From the German point of view the 11 furlongs handicap at 16.05 is also of interest with ex-Peter Schiergen Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ James Doyle) entered.

Bangor only jumps meeting today

2012-01-06T14:33:00.003+01:00

With Chepstow abandoned because of flooding, Bangor now stages the only jumps racing today, but the card is very low level and there are some very small fields as well. Nicky Henderson, who is currently enjoying a purple patch (4 more winners yesterday) sends three runners up to the Welsh border, but they are clearly not among the stable´s leading lights and none of them really stand out as worth betting. Instead local trainer Donald McCain could be the man to follow. He saddles useful flat handicapper Absinthe (Jason Maguire), who makes his hurdling debut at 14.30 CET and he could well get off the mark at the first time of asking, while Seedless (Callum Whillans) in the mares novice hurdle at 13.55 and Diocles (Maguire) in the maiden hurdle at 16.10 also have good chances.

3 all-weather meetings today

2012-01-06T14:33:00.001+01:00

Plenty of all-weather action today, but one looks in vain for any decent sport. At Lingfield this afternoon we see that German-bred Querido (Paddy Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler) run in the mile seller at 14.10 CET; he was due to run in very poor race last night at Wolverhampton, but connections prefer this race where he has only 3 opponents; however they are all more highly-rated than he is, so we are not quite so confident this time. Our main fancy here is Royal Bajan (James Given/ Tom Eaves) who has top weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.25. He is a real Lingfield specialist and was an easy CD winner only last Saturday. We expect him to defy his 6 lbs penalty.

At Wolverhampton this evening we also expect a recent CD winner to follow up - Woolfall Sovereign (George Margarson/ Ian Mongan) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.45. For those who like coincidences, we also recommend Appealing (Marco Botti/ Adam Beschizza) at 17.15 and Appeal (Air Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris) an hour later.

Dundalk, the only all-weather track in Ireland, reopens this evening after a 3 weeks break. There are maximum fields in most races, but the quality is very poor. It is interesting that top trainer Dermot Weld and Irish Kitten (Shane Gorey) to run in the 10 furlongs maiden at 21.45, but she appears to have little ability. The logical form choice here is Aragorn Rouge (Eddie Lynam/ Johnny Murtagh) and the same trainer-jockey combination can also take the 3yo maiden at 18.55 with Muck´n´Brass and the 10 furlongs handicap at 21.20 with Word for Word.

early start today at Meydan

2012-01-06T14:32:00.001+01:00

Today´s Friday meeting at Meydan, the second day of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, gets off to a very early start and the main event, the UAE 1,000 Guineas Trial for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs is run at 12.35 CET. This looks at the mercy of Gamilati (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), who won the Cherry Hinton last year and should keep up Godolphin´s excellent start to the meeting.

Otherwise the fixture is dominated by low level handicaps (by Meydan standards), and the main point of interest will be the Meydan Masters International Jockeys competition, the last 3 legs of which will be run today. These races look wide open, so we will hope for some good performances by our friend Andrasch Starke, who partners Covert Desire at 13.15, Ektibaas at 13.55 and Kaiss at 14.30.

Two poor meetings today

2012-01-03T15:12:00.001+01:00

We are only at the very beginning of the year, but it is hard to imagine that there will be a worse day´ s racing in the U.K. in 2012 than today´s cards at Ayr and Southwell. In addition there are some very small fields, for example the first two races at Ayr where the likely odds-on favourites Cadore (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) at 13,35 CET and Edge of Town (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) at 14.05 look near certainties. Lucinda Russell can also take the handicap chase at 14.35 with Hole in One (Campbell Gillies), who is still a maiden but does not have much to beat, and the 3 mile chase at 15.40 with Delightfully (Grant Cockburn), one of the few runners here who is guaranteed to stay the distance.

Hayley Turner could be the jockey to follow on Southwell´s all-weather track. She rides CD specialist Punching at 13.25, both for Conor Dore, but her best chance is probably Phil McEntee´s Johnny Skull in the selling handicap at 14.25. This horse runs almost every week but keeps his form well, which is more than can be said for the other runners here. Bet best however is On the Cusp (Richard Guest/ Martin Harley), who can complete a quick CD hat-trick in the mile handicap at 14.55. Please remember that all northern hemisphere thoroughbreds celebrated their birthday on Sunday; this means that the runners in the 3yo handicap at 16.30 were 2yo´s last week; top-weight Point at Issue (David and Adrian Nicholls) ran well here on Sunday and can possibly win this.

Testing ground today

2012-01-02T11:50:00.001+01:00

The ground will be testing at all 4 N.H. meetings today, and good betting opportunities look rare, there are some very small fields as well. The best race is the Sussex National, a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 15.45 CET at Plumpton, but this is a very substandard affair when one considers the other Nationals run. Top weight Strongbow Legend (Charlie Longsdon/ Kielan Woods) made all to win over an extended 3 miles at Hereford last time but has been up a stone for his efforte, so faces no easy task over this extra half-mile. Mid Div and Creep (Lawnay Hill/ Gina Andrews) is a useful hunter-chaser but difficult to evaluate in a handicap, while Diamond Brook (Nick Williams/ Wayne Hutchinson) has been a bit below form. In our view the safest bet is Rate of Knots (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon) who has not won for almost 2 years, but usually runs into the money and goes well on this ground. Earlier, trainer Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson can land a double with Balder Succes at 13.40 and Kumbeshwar at 14.15

The team to follow at Ayr should be Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, who have good chances with Super Duty at 13.20, Amron Lad at 13,55, Nowurhurlin at 16.00 and Realignment at 16.35, but our best bet here is German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke), who has top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.25; he failed to get home over 3 miles last time, but this trip of 2 1/2 miles looks his ideal distance.

Another German-bred we like today is Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon), who showed much improved form last time over hurdles and can win on his first outing over fences at 16.10 at Folkestone; another recent winner Triangular (Tom George / Paddy Brennan) is the obvious danger. Paul Nicholls could have a hort-priced double here with Castletownsend at 13.30 and Picture This at 15.05, both with Harry Skelton on board.

The fields are bigger, but not much better in terms of quality, at the Irish meeting at Cork. Ruby Walsh had a day to forget at Cheltenham yesterday, but can get back on the winning trail here with Final Approach at 14.10 and Simenon half an hour later, both trained by Willie Mullins, who can also take the bumper at 16.45 with Perfect Gentleman, with son Paddy in the saddle.

New Year´s Day at Cheltenham

2012-01-01T11:00:00.001+01:00

the traditional New Year´s Day fixture at Cheltenham has frequently been spoilt by the weather, but that is not the case today and conditions look perfect for a very classy and interesting card. As so often, the powerful Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh team is very strongly represented with fancied runners in 5 of the 7 races. They can start by taking the opening novice hurdle at 13.30 CET with Jump City, although strictly speaking he is held on form by Barbatos (Ian Williams/ Paddy Brennan), who finished in front of him last time; however we feel that the Nicholls runner is capable of further improvement. One of Nicholls´ big hopes for 2012 runs in the next race, the Grade Two Dipper Novices Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 14.05- Sonofvic, who ran Grands Crus to 2 lengths last time. He faces two tough opponents here, Solix (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who has his last 2 races very easily, despite not jumping too well, and Invictus (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who has won his last 3 races and was particularly impressive in much lesser company last time. However Sonofvic gets weight from them both and we expect him to win here.

Nicholls has withdrawn his runner from the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 14.35, in which the 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has top weight. At these weights however we think that Minella Theatre (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) and last year´s runner-up Richards Sundance (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) have better chances. In both the next two races, competitive handicaps, a chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.10 and a 3 miles hurdle race at 15.45, Nicholls saddles two runners, the top-weight ridden by claimer Ryan Mahon and a much more strongly fancied lightweight with Ruby in the saddle. Both these events look very open, but Ruby certainly has good chances here with German-bred Ghizao and Oscargo respectively.

The next race, a conditions event over hurdles at 15.20, could be the most interesting event of the day, despite having only 4 runners. Nicholls runs his lightly-raced but very promising Poungach, who gets 8 lbs from the proven performer Oscar Whisky (Henderson/Geraghty). Oscar Whisky is a leading hope for the Champion Hurdle, in which he finished 3rd last year, and we think that he will be up to the task, but Poungach should certainly not be underestimated. Finally the listed juvenile bumper at 16.50 rounds off the day with a large field, including 5 unbeaten runners. Trespassing (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) was most impressive on his debut; he has an excellent pedigree and we hope that he is good enough to beat this field.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barbatos - Hard To Swallow - One Term
2. Race: Sonofvic - Invictus - Solix
3. Race: Minella Theatre - Richard`S Sundance - Earth Planet
4. Race: Ghizao - Duke Of Lucca - Havingotascoobydo
5. Race: Oscargo - Kayf Aramis - Get Me Out Of Here
6. Race: Oscar Whisky - Poungach - Cockney Trucker
7. Race: Trespasser - The New One - Flaming Arrow

Newbury action on New Year´s Eve

2011-12-31T12:06:00.003+01:00

Six meetings today, and the best racing comes from Newbury, where the highlight is the Grade One Challow Hurdle for novices over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.05 CET. Only six runners, but a select field, and the clear favourite is the unbeaten Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). He has already won two Grade Two´s and is expected to take this step up in his stride and go to the very top of this category. Top of the Range (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) is also unbeaten, but in just two relatively low-key affairs at Ffos Las (the track belongs to his owner Dai Walters); he needs to improve to beat Fingal Bay but still looks the only serious danger.

The most valuable race on the card is the handicap hurdle at 16.40, which looks really tough. Celestial Halo (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is the class act here; he has been running in top company, and has twice finished close up in the Champion Hurdle. However he is rated accordingly and we are not sure that he can concede such a lot of weight to several smart and in-form handicappers. Rigidity (Tim Vaughan/ Aidan Coleman) ran a great race at Ascot last time, but he is one of three 4yo´s in the field, and we prefer to go against the younger horses here. We like Olofi (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), but he missed his last engagement, and we slightly prefer Torphichen (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), from a stable that is now coming into top form. King and Hutchinson can also win the 3yo hurdle at 13.55 with the ex-French Vendor (reported to be one of their top juveniles) and the novice chase at 15.05 with the smart Walkon.

The other meetings are of only limited interest, but we make Back Bob Back (Tom George/ Liam Heard), topweight in the 2 mile chase at 15.30, our best bet at Uttoxeter; he was a most impressive winner last time at Newbury, and his runner-up then, The Boss (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield), runs 20 minutes later at Warwick.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Night Alliance - Ben`S Folly - Way Back When
2. Race: Vendor - Tango De Juilley - Stentorian
3. Race: All The Aces - Destroyer Deployed - Douchkirk
4. Race: For Non Stop - Walkon - Cue Card
5. Race: Quotica De Poyans - Rey Nacarado - Ballyegan
6. Race: Fingal Bay - Top Of The Range - Fill The Power
7. Race: Lifestyle - Ubi Ace - Rigidity

Tony McCoy injured

2011-12-31T12:06:00.001+01:00

Champion jockey Tony McCoy was injured in a fall at Taunton yesterday and is reported to have broken two (possibly three) ribs. He will be out of action for about two weeks. He was due to ride at Warwick this afternoon, but obviously will not now be able to do so, so please watch for jockey changes there.

4 low-level meetings today

2011-12-30T12:58:00.001+01:00

Nothing very special at today´s 4 U.K. meetings, although the novice hurdles at Taunton are of some interest, wth several decent ex-flat horses in action. The best horse running here is Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who faces only 2 opponents in the novice chase at 14.10; it will be a shock if he is beaten, but he will be at an unbackable price. Hobbs and Johnson also have a chance with the decent bumper Talkonthestreet, who makes his hurdling debut at 13.40, but here we prefer Black Thunder (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), whose latest form has been well boosted since. Nicholls and Jacob can also score with Ted Spread at 15.20, a listed winner on the flat who made a good hurdling debut. Ex-German Home Run (David Pipe/ Mr.K. Edgar) is probably not good enough - even though he is closely related to Hurricane Run, and stable companion War Singer (Tom Scudamore), a multiple winner in France, looks much more dangerous. Enroller (William Muir/ Noel Fehily) won a group race on the flat in April last year; even though he has been disappointing since, and was well beaten on his debut over sticks, we expect him to run much better at 14.45.

After a lot of rain the ground will be heavy at Haydock, and punters should tread carefully. Three horses that are in form and handle the ground are Mr. Chippy (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the handicap chase at 13.50, Camden George (Sue Smith/ Henry Oliver) in the veterans chase at 15.00, and Knock a Hand (Richard Lee/ Charlie Poste), who can defy a double penalty in the novice hurdle at 16.10. McCain should certainly win the novice hurdle at 14.25, where he saddles 3 of the 5 runners, with stable jockey Maguire on the hot favourite Cinders and Ashes.

The two all-weather meetings are as usual very low grade. At Lingfield this afternoon, we expect CD specialist Wilfred Pickles (Jo Crowley/ Ian Mongan) to run well in the mile handicap at 15.45,while at Wolverhampton this evening, Dorback (Neil Wilson/ Barry McHugh) can follow up a recent CD victory under a 6 lbs penalty at 17.40.

Taunton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Black Thunder - Mister Dillon - Captain Sunshine
2. Race: Menorah - Royale`S Charter - Suburban Bay
3. Race: Zama Zama - Carrigmorna King - Gleann Eagas
4. Race: Battlecat - Rowan Tiger - Ted Spread
5. Race: Laudatory - Drumshambo - Rob Conti
6. Race: Mr Chow - Hopeful Start - Manmoon
7. Race: Dubai Crest - Mister Chancer - Street Entertainer

4 low-level meetings today

2011-12-30T11:06:00.001+01:00

Leopardstown Christmas meeting ends today

2011-12-29T11:34:00.001+01:00

the two big Irish Christmas meetings at Leopardstown and Limerick both end today, with by far the best card at the former track, where the main event is the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at 14.55 CET. The race has lost some of its allure with the news that Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly, who won last year. will not run, but trainer Willie Mullins seems to have an excellent deputy in the shape of Thousand Stars (Ruby Walsh). The grey was an easy winner of the French champion hurdle over 3 miles but is equally effective at today´s much shorter distance. Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch) won here yesterday and we cannot imagine that she will turn out again, so the obvious danger now appears to be Unaccompanied (Dermot Weld/ Paul Townend), who as a 4yo filly receives 10 lbs from the other runners and looks a typical dual purpose horse from this high class stable. She was a listed winner on the flat and over hurdles was runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle and can give Thousand Stars plenty to think about. The rest should not really play any part, but The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) and Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) can fight it out for third place.
Walsh can also win the grade 3 mares hurdle at 14.25 on Paul Nolan´s Golden Sunbird, while the beginners chase half an hour earlier has also attracted a good field. Hidden Cyclone (Shark Hanlon/ J McNamara) is the one beat here, he has won 6 of his 7 races, but the German-bred Shot from the Hip (O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) looks a dangerous opponent; both of them are running for the first time since winning a big race in the spring. Another German-bred we like here is Catch Me (O´Grady/ McNamara) in the big handicap hurdle at 15.30, but with 26 runners this is very difficult. Prince Erik (Weld/ Davy Condon) won this last year and should go close again, but there are plenty of possibilities here.
The British cards today are all of much lower standard, but we expect Willie Amos to have a good day at Kelso. He saddles Lie Forrit in the novice chase at 13.30 - only 3 runners here but all last-time-out winners- Bobs Dream in the handicap chase at 14.35 and Vivona Hill in the handicap hurdle at 15.10, all partnered by Campbell Gillies, while Eurohunter (Lucy Alexander) also has a chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.20, and it will be disappointing if he does not leave with course without a winner or two.
At Doncaster, Harry the Viking (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Graduation Night (Jamie Snowden/ Tom O´Brien) clash in the handicap chase over 3 1/ 4 miles at 14.45; they are both unbeaten in 3 starts this season, but the lightly-weighted Lively Baron (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) can upstage them both. Trainer and jockey can follow up with A Bridge too Far in the handicap hurdle at 15.20.

Betting forecast Leopardstown:
1. Race: Glam Gerry - Noble Commander - Torre Del Greco
2. Race: Hidden Cyclone - Shot From The Hip - Stonemaster
3. Race: Magen`S Star - Golden Sunbird - Oilily
4. Race: Thousand Stars - Unaccompanied - Voler La Vedette
5. Race: Sweet My Lord - Tillahow - Rourke`S Cross
6. Race: Star Neuville - Vesper Bell - Shrapnel
7. Race: Sands Cove - Mumbo Jumbo - Van Diemens Land

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:37:00.001+01:00

this column is taking a short Christmas break and will be back on Thursday December 29th.
We wish all readers, friends, customers and colleagues a very Happy Christmas!

stars out in force on Boxing Day

2011-12-24T09:36:00.001+01:00

the big Boxing Day (St. Stephen´s Day for our Irish friends) cards have often been spoilt by bad weather, but there appear to be no problems this year and all fixtures are expected to go ahead.
Kempton has pride of place and stages 3 Grade One races, all with exceptionally strong, but not very large, fields. At 15.00 CET the Feltham Novices Chase over 3 miles has 6 runners, 3 of them with clear claims to championship honours - Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), Bobs Worth (Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty) and Silvianico Conti (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh). Our preference is for the first named, who stays this trip well and over hurdles was only beaten by Big Bucks, but the other two are almost equally smart. Th Christma Hurdle at 15.35 has only 5 runners, but again 3 of them are serious Chletenham contenders: Binocular (Henderson/ Tony McCoy), Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Rock on Ruby (Nicholls/ Walsh). Binocular is not the most consistent, but was an easy winner of this race last year, beating the tough Overturn by 4 lengths. Although the strong front-runner Overturn reversed the form when they met at Newastle last time, we expect Binocular to com e out on top again, but the top class handicapper Rock on Ruby cannot be lightly discarded.
The King George VI Chase at 16.10 is the main event and is the best race of the season so far, with the Clive Smith-owned and Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star (Walsh) and Master Minded (Daryl Jacob) being taken on by Long Run (Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) among others. Long Run won this last year and went on to score at Cheltenham as well, but on his only race since was put in his place at Haydock by Kauto Star, who had won this previously four times in succession. Kauto Star turns 12 next week, and there must be a question over his keeping his form, and last year he appeared to be below his best, while the much younger Long Run, who jumped poorly at Haydock, can be expected to give a much better performance this time. Long Run is the reigning champ and bookmakers and punters seemed convinced that he will repeat his victory of last season, but we are not so sure. Master Minded is trying the distance of 3 miles for the first time, but if he gets it will be a danger to all, whi le Captain Chris and Somersby are others not proven over the distance. With two front-runners in the field, this will be a true test and we expect the two past winners to come out on top- but in which order??
Big race on Tuesday the 28th is the Welsh Grand National at 15.10 at Chepstow. The ground will be very testing here and not all the runners can be guaranteed to stay the trip. Jonjo O´Neill´s Synchronising won this last year, and if he turns out again (not certain as yet) will be our selection, otherwise we will go for his stable cpmpanion Galaxy Rock, but this is always a very tough race.
There is also an excellent meeting in Ireland at Leopardstown, with the main events being the Lexus Chase on Wednesday, usually the top Irish prep for the Gold Cup, and the Festival Hurdle on Thursday, in which Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly could make his seasonal debut - but this also is not yet 100% certain.

No racing for next 3 days

2011-12-23T16:16:00.001+01:00

There is an evening meeting today at Dundalk in Ireland, but there will be no racing of any kind in the U.K. for the next 3 days, as stable staff and betting shop employees take a well-deserved Christmas break.

4 low-level meetings today

2011-12-22T14:30:00.001+01:00

Racing continues at a very low level today, before the Christmas break beginning in the U.K. tomorrow. Easily the best race on today´s 4 cards is the listed hurdle race at 14,35 CET at Thurles, but even this has a very poor field for the money, with only 4 runners and only one of them with any worthwhile form- So Young (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh). The Lavirco gelding has to give weight away to the other 3 runners, but is in a different league and should win easily. The following mares hurdle at 15.05 also has 4 runners and should also go to the top-weight, Is Herself About (DM O´Brien/ Davy Russell). Willie Mullins has several other good chances at the Irish track, and Bundle of Fun at 14.05, Sin Palo at 15.35, both partnered by Walsh, as well as Rockyaboyo at 16.05 and the debutant Douneve in the concluding bumper, both ridden by the trainer´s son Paddy, are also possible winners.

No race at any of today´s 3 U.K. meetings is better than class 4 - and most of them are even lower grade, so that betting opportunities are few and far between. Venetia Williams is having a very moderate season, but usually does well at her local track Hereford and we think that Reginaldinho (Sam Thomas) has a decent each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.10. The best horse on view at Sedgefield is Charminster (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the beginners chase at 13.50. A promising hurdler last year, he has not been seen since winning here in January, but if he copes with the larger obstacles, should outclass these opponents. The 5 handicaps at Southwell look impossible to unravel; Bold Cuffs (Sir Mark Prescott/ Steven Donohue) and Dark Falcon (James Tate/ Kieren Fallon) appear to have the 2yo maiden at 14.30 here between them.

5 meetings today

2011-12-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

Plenty of action today, with 5 meetings, but none of it at a very high level. The best racing comes from Ludlow, and the main event here is the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.35 CET. Leading owner JP McManus has two runners here, Made in Time (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) and Chesapeake (Jonjo O´Neill/ Alan Berry), and the presence of the champion jockey on the former´s back suggests that he is the number one hope.

This is an open race and German-bred and ex-Irish Ten Fires (Tor Sturgis/ Felix de Giles), having his first race for this trainer, and Time for Spring (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) are others with chances. Felix de Giles can also win the chase at 14.00 on another German-bred, Alpha Way, who has won his last two races, both at Hereford, very easily , making most of the running each time, and still on a lenient mark. McCoy can finish the afternoon by riding the last two winners for Nicky Henderson, Brave Alliance in the mares novice hurdle at 16.10 and My Tent or Yours in the bumper at 16.40; both are debutants, but the stable could hardly be in better form.

David Pipe and Tom Scudamore look the team to follow at Ffos Las. They can take the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.40 with Kazlian, the handicap chase over 3 miles+ at 15,45 with Take Over Sivola, the handicap hurdle at 16.20 with Sure Josie San own brother to the smart Grands Crus. They also have a good chance in the novice hurdle at 14.10 with another debutant Ashbrittle, out of a German mare, while Big Easy (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), out of a Monsun mare, looks the main danger. In the handicap hurdle at 15.15 we like the chances of top-weight Numide (Rod Millman/ Nick Scholfield); his recent form is uninspiring, but he is dropping in grade here. The Irish meeting at Downpatrick has nothing special on offer, but Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh can continue their winning ways with Felix Yonger and Tawaagg in the first two races.

The all-weather meetings, at Wolverhampton this afternoon and Kempton this evening, are also very ordinary. At the former meeting Woolfall Soverign (George Margarson/ Ian Mongan) may benefit from a drop in distance in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.00, while at Kempton Reach for the Bucks (Rae Guest/ Kieren Fallon), who won 3 races within a week in February, including this CD, can get back on the winning trail at 19.15.

Musselburgh and Taunton

2011-12-20T11:32:00.001+01:00

The most interesting race at Musselburgh today could be the novice hurdle at 13.50 CET. 14 runners, several of whom were quite useful on the flat, notably Bowdlers Magic (Mark Johnston/ Richie McGrath), Ingleby Spirit (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes) and Merchant of Dubai (Jim Goldie/ James Reveley). They have all run over hurdles, and the last-named showed the best form when runner-up at Kelso, so he is the logical choice, but we would not be at all surprised to see Bowdlers Magic run much better than he did at Huntingdon, as that looked a strong race and he will know more about the game now. The best event here is the handicap hurdle at 15.20. We do not like betting 3yo´s against older horses, but Royal Opera (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook) is an exception. He has looked really promising in his 3 outings over sticks, and can take advantage of the weight he receives from hat-trick-seeking Simply Ned (Nicky Richards/ Fearghal Davis).

Paul Nicholls has sent two runners on the short journey to Taunton and they both carry top weight - Doeslessthanme (Daryl Jacob) over fences at 14.30 and Prince Tom (Harry Derham) over sticks half an hour later. Both have obvious chances, although German-bred Oldrik (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and the same team´s Magic Marmalade look dangerous. One of the finds of the season is the young jockey Brendan Powell, son of the trainer with the same name, and he rode 3 winners yesterday. He can ascore again today on Wine´n Dine in the novice handicap hurdle at 14.00, where Monarch´s Way (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) looks the chief threat.

Hayley Turner returns!

2011-12-20T11:31:00.001+01:00

One ray of light in these gloomy times is the return of one of Britain´s most popular jockeys, Hayley Turner. Easily the most successful lady jockey of all time in the U.K., Hayley was enjoying her best ever season, with two Group One wins, when she broke her ankle in August. After 4 months off, she makes her comeback today with 3 rides at Kempton´s all-weather track.

She starts with Brendan Powell´s Copper Falls in the 2yo handicap at 15.10 CET. This is very poor race and Copper Falls clearly has an each-way chance, but like her other mounts could start at an unreasonably short price because of the Hayley factor. Her other two rides are for Conor Dore, for whom she has often ridden in the past: Opus Maximus in the 10 furlongs handicap at 15.45 and Lucky Art in the second division of the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45. Again, they both have chances, especially Opus Maximus, who has been 1-2 on his last 5 starts, but has not usually shone at this track. We would love to see Hayley in the winner´s enclosure today, but she will have many better chances in the weeks to come.

Our best bet here is Perfect Act (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) in the seller at 17.15; he has been rather disappointing, but has never faced opposition as weak as this and is clear top-rated here.

4 low-level meetings today

2011-12-19T15:28:00.001+01:00

There is not likely to be much high class racing in Britain and Ireland this week, with the big Christmas meetings coming up. The most interesting runner today, from the German point of view, is Val Mondo (Venetia Williams/ RT Dunne), who won the German St. Leger last year and runs in the maiden hurdle at 14.10 CET at Bangor.
At Plumpton, West Brit (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles), previously with Ed Dunlop, is another ex-flat horse who can make a winning debut over hurdles at 13.30, while half an hour later Cucumber Run (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) should oblige at a very short price in the novice chase.

In Ireland there is an all-hurdles card at Navan on very testing ground. Jessica Harrington could land a double here with Jenari (Robbie Power) at 13.20 and German-bred Glamorous (KC Sexton) in the handicap an hour later.

racing on at Navan

2011-12-18T10:29:00.001+01:00

after an early morning inspection, racing goes ahead at Navan - at least for the hurdles races. There are still bad patches on the chase track, but the ground will in any case be terrible. The two main events are the first two races on the card, both graded hurdles races with only 4 runners apiece. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, both of whom continue in tremendous form, can take them both with Zaidpour at 13.35 CET and Boston Bob half an hour later.
At Carlisle there is a second inspection due at 11.00 but prospects are not great, and here also the ground will be very bad. Should racing go ahead, there will be an all-hurdles card. On this ground, and with plenty of non-runners likely, the best bet is probably no bet, but trainer Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire appear to have decent chances of winning a couple of races.
There is in any case all-weather racing at Kempton, but the standard is awful. "Best" race is the 3yo handicap at 15.10, which could go to top-weight Emma´s Gift (Julia Feilden/ Adam Beschizza), who has been runner-up on his last two starts and who was running in listed races earlier in the year. Peace Seeker (Tony and William Carson)was an easy winner this CD on Wednesday and can follow up in slightly better company at 17.45.His trainer and jockey are the son and grandson respectively of the great Willie.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Zaidpour - Prima Vista - Powerstation
2. Race: Mount Benbulben - Boston Bob - Ipsos Du Berlais
3. Race: Down Under - Toner D`Oudairies - Ghareer
4. Race: Don Cossack - Bridgets Pet - Shu Lewis
5. Race: Perfect Smile - Ninetieth Minute - Grey Soldier
6. Race: Sea Stallion - Last Time D`Albain - Leggy Lad
7. Race: Cadogan - Medical Card - Talab

rest of U.K. and Irish racing

2011-12-17T11:45:00.001+01:00

the only race of note at Lingfield´s all-weather fixture is the listed event over 10 furlongs at 15.20, which with 13 runners looks as open as any handicap. An interesting runner here is the ex-German Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who did not really run up to expectations for Peter Schiergen, but would have a chance on ratings here. However we would prefer to wait see how he settles down in the U.K. and how he handles the track. Our preference is for Suits Me (David Barron/ Micky Fenton), who usually runs well here.
It could be significant that David Pipe has sent his main jockey Tom Scudamore on the long journey to Newcastle, and hence we expect his old warrior Madison du Berlais to run much better over hurdles at 15.05 than he did over fences at Sandown last time. Our main hope here is Afsoun in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 14.05.
Another ex-German runner today is Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Niall Madden) in the beginners chase at 15.15 at Fairyhouse, He unseated his rider at the first last time, but that was a much better race and he must have a chance in this company.
Haydock has passed its inspection and racing goes ahead, but the ground will be testing and will probably be plenty of non-runners. Two valuable handicaps are the main features, over hurdle at 15.10 and a 3 mile chase at 15.45. Our fancy in the former event is Pateese (Philip Hobs Matt Griffiths) but th cha look tricky. Wymott /Doinald McCain/ Jason Maguire) was a respectable sixth in the Hennessy, and if he has got over that tough race is the selection here, but top-weight Cape Tribulation (Malcolm Jefferson/ Paddy Brennan) is just one of many dangers.

Betting forecas Lingfieldt:
1. Race: Mr Knightley - Berlusca - Le King Beau
2. Race: Delft - Colorful Notion - Not Bad For A Boy
3. Race: Guards Chapel - Who Loves Ya Baby - Novel Dancer
4. Race: Mabait - Clockmaker - Loyalty
5. Race: Ceilidh House - Navajo Chief - Circumvent
6. Race: True To Form - Brigadoon - Where`S Susie
7. Race: Black Baccara - Triple Dream - Even Bolder

Ascot today - Big Buck´s for 14th successive win

2011-12-17T10:22:00.001+01:00

Feature of an excellent Saturday card at Ascot is the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle over 3 miles at 15.30 CET. In theory this should be easy for Big Buck´s (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who is unbeaten since his unlucky defeat in the 2008 Hennessy and is going for his 14th successive win. He is the highest-rated hurdler in training and on official ratings has more than a stone in hand here. The only danger would appear to be the improving Dynaste (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) who won in a canter at Haydock last time and is regarded in the stable as the successor to the very smart Grands Crus. However Grand Crus could never beat Big Buck´s , so why should this one? One slight problem could be the fact that Big Buck´s has scored all his victories (including this race twice, when it was run at Newbury) on left-handed tracks, whereas Ascot is the other way round; however it is a straightforward track, and basically there should be no problem for Big Buck´s. However he is hardly wor th a bet at the likely price.
Nicholls and Walsh can also win the graduation chase at 14.55 with the promising Aerial; Hell´s Bay (Colin and Joe Tizzard) is top-rated here, but we prefer Giorgio Quercus (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) as the likeliest danger.
It could be another good day for the champion trainer, as we expect him to win the final two handicaps on the card as well. Ruby Walsh rides The Minack at 16.05 and Prospect Wells half an hour later and both are likely to atart favourite, but we would not be surprised to see Nicholls´ top-weights Neptune Collonges and Brampour, both partnered by the trainer´s teenage nephew Harry Derham, run into the places as well. However Irish hope Sailors Warn (Edward O´Grady/ Tony McCoy) looks a big danger in the last race, the most valuable event of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Foxbridge - Water Garden - Grabtheglory
2. Race: Renard - Tara Royal - Hold Fast
3. Race: Hell`S Bay - Aerial - Giorgio Quercus
4. Race: Big Buck`S - Dynaste - Restless Harry
5. Race: The Minack - Benbane Head - Massini`S Maguire
6. Race: Prospect Wells - Gibb River - Abergavenny

Stormy weather

2011-12-16T14:21:00.001+01:00

Storms are forecast for many parts of Britain today, with high winds, heavy rain and possibly snow as well so that the ground conditions could change quickly. This is particularly true of today´s main meeting at Ascot where the going was officially good to soft this morning, but may well change before racing gets under way. The main events are Grade Two races for novices at 14.55 and 15.30. The former event, a 2 mile hurdles race, could go to Hazy Tom (Charlie Longsdon/ Richard Johnson), who is unbeaten in 5 starts and easily beat the smart Sea of Thunder last time at Wetherby. He is up in grade and meeting better opposition here, but that is also true of all the others, the best of whom could be Molotof (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty).There are 6 runners in the 2 miles 3 furlongs chase, and all of them could have a chance. In fact the one we like is Zaynar (Nick Williams/ James Reveley), the only one that did not win last time out. However his second place to Walkon was a lso a good performance, and he seems to be coming bask to his excellent earlier form. Henderson and Geraghty, who are as usual strongly represented in almost every race, have a chance here with another unbeaten runner Chablais, but his wins came in very modest company, and possibly Frascati Park (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is the bigger danger. However the Henderson team can score with Hadrian´s Approach, easy winner of an Irish point-to-point and making his U.K. debut in the maiden hurdle at 13.45. Once again, Tony McCoy misses the main meeting and he rides today at Uttoxeter, where he has several fancied rides. W eect him to win at 13.05 on David Pipe´s Wings of Icarus, and on Where´s the Hare at 13.35 and Thehillofusneach at 15.20, both for Jonjo O´Neill. Best bet here could be Tornado Bob (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice chase at 14.1o; he fell on his fencing debut, but was easily the best of these over to sticks, and if he gets round safely should win thi s.

Ascot - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hadrian`s Approach - Denali Highway - Fighting Flynn
2. Race: Drumlang - Osmosia - Celtic Wish
3. Race: Hazy Tom - Molotof - Peckhamecho
4. Race: Chablais - Kumbeshwar - Pacha Du Polder
5. Race: Dancing Dude - Sir Du Bearn - Our Father
6. Race: Josh`S Dreamway - Claret Cloak - Shutthefrontdoor

Qúinn and Milczarek banned

2011-12-15T21:46:00.001+01:00

Jimmy Quinn has two rides booked at Southwell today and Kirsty Milczarek two at Kempton this evening, but neither will be able to ride following the BHA´s decision yesterday to ban them with immediate effect - Quinn for 6 months and Milczarek for 24. This is result of the investigation into corruption in racing, and the others concerned, including ex-jockeys Paul Doe and Greg Fairley- received much longer supensions. However these two bans seem totally unjustified and the decision against Quinn- who has ridden often in Germany- is especially outrageous, as it appears that he was found guilty of no offence.

Heavy going at Exeter

2011-12-15T21:44:00.001+01:00

Today´s main meeting is Exeter, but the ground will be very testing there following heavy rain and strong winds. It will therefore be advisable to stick to horses that can handle the conditions, e.g. Dun See Dee (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the opening mares novice hurdle at 13.50, German-bred All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Peter Carberry) - by Samum!- at 14.20, Araucaria (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) at 15.20 or Massini Sunset /Richard Mitchell/ James Best) at 16.20. The best race on the card is the graduation chase at 14.50 with only 4 runners. Royal Charm (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks a stand-out here; he is unproven on the ground, but has won twice over this CD, and although he fell last time, that was in a much better race. Tony McCoy is at Towcester and can score on Rate of Knots (Jonjo O´Neill), and also has possibilities on the same trainer´s Vimiero at 14.10 and Deputy Dog half an hour later. His best chance however could be Nicky Henderon´s Tony Dinozzo (by Lavi rco), who looked unlucky at Folketone last time; Valid Reason (Dean Ivory/ Paul Moloney), an easy Ascot winner, looks the obvious danger.

Walsh and Geraghty at Newbury today

2011-12-14T12:12:00.001+01:00

it is unusual to find the two top Irish jockeys Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty riding at a relatively harmless midweek meeting, but that is the case at Newbury today. Walsh has 3 rides, all for Paul Nicholls, and Geraghty two for Nicky Henderson, and we expect both to be among the winners. The y ggo head to hed in the novice hurdle at 15.00 CET, with the latter on the penalised Broadbackbob and Walsh possibly having the better chance on Polisky in receipt of 7 lbs. Geraghty´s best chance is Ericht in the maiden hurdle at 14.5, although Montbazon (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) provides stern opposition here. Walsh rides Pasco in the main event, the graduation chase over 3 miles at 15.35, but we have our doubts about his getting the trip. The Giaant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) and Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) have no stamina problems and could outstay him; we prefer Time for Rupert, who had no chance against Kauto Star and Long Run last time, but is clear top-rated here.
Not all the top jockeys are at Newbury, and Tony McCoy and Jason Maguire are at Bangor. McCoy can take the opener here on Henderson´s Skint and has another winning chance with Jonjo O´Neill´s Ballyclough at 14.45, ss well as Arbor Supreme in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.20; this one has fallen in the last 2 Grand Nationals, when trained by Willie Mullins, and the National is presumably his main target again. We also hope to see Incentivise (Richard Lee/ Jake Greenall) repeat his 2010 victory in the 3 3/4 miles chase at 14.10.

The Tatling runs his last race

2011-12-12T12:55:00.001+01:00

Highlight of a very poor all-weather card at Wolverhampton today is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.45 CET, in which the popular veteran The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Richard Kingscote) gives his farewell performance. At 14, he is the oldest horse in training on the flat in Britain and has quite a fan club. He has run 166 times, winning 17 races (including aat Royal Ascot in his heyday) and placing 49 times.

We would love to see him go out with a win today, but do not really believe it. He has a dreadful draw (11 of 13) and has been racing without his usual zest this year. Although he has been placed on numerous occasions, he has only won once in the last 2 years. With some regret we pass him over today in favour of the better-drawn Namir (Herbie Evans/ Dane O´Neill), Grand Stitch (Declan Carroll/ Danny Tudhope) and Mosa Mine (Brian Palling/ Eddie Ahern).

John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed´s bloodstock adviser, has discovered a way of passing the winter- training hurdlers, and has made an amazing start to his new career, with a strike rate of 38%. We expect him to continue in this vein today at Fakenham by winning the maiden hurdle at 14.00 with Showmanship and the novice hurdle at 16.30 with Cotton Bill; Jack Quinlan rides them both.

Graded races in Ireland

2011-12-11T13:04:00.001+01:00

Nothing very exciting at today´s two U.K. meetings - over jumps at Hereford and on the all-weather at Southwell- but it is a different matter in Ireland, where both Cork and Punchestown stage good N.H. cards. Top race is the Grade One John Durkan Memorial, a 2 1/2 mile chase at 15.05 CET at the latter track. The field of 7 includes two previous winners - Joncol (Paul Nolan/ Paul Carberry), who scored in 2009, and last year´s winner Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty). We definitely prefer Joncol, who will love the heavy ground, and make him a confident selection. He slammed the useful Cooldine (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) last time, and the main danger could be the up-and-coming Rubi Light (Robbie Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch). This could be the second leg of a black-type double for Carberry as we also expect him to win the listed novice hurdle at 14.05 on Noel Meade´s Dylan Ross.

Punchestown - betting forecast:
1. Race: Not For Converting - A Fine Young Man - Please Talk
2. Race: Dylan Ross - Laganbank - Ballysteen
3. Race: That`ll Do Me - Would You Do That - Bonifacio
4. Race: Rubi Light - Joncol - Tranquil Sea
5. Race: Paddysparks - Miss Brownstown - Crash
6. Race: Conem - Seabass - Hidden Crack
7. Race: Morning Royalty - Pat Garrett - Star Of Massini

At Cork there are 3 graded races and the outstanding runner is Golden Silver (Willie and Emmet Mullins), who will be at long odds-on to win the Hilly Way Chase over 2 miles at 14.50; he has won this race before and is one of Ireland´s top 2-milers. On ratings he has nothing to fear today. Davy Russell could win the other two big races on Michael Hourigan´s Best Served Cold at 14.20 and Charlie Byrnes´ Knockfierna an hour later.

Cork - betting forecast:
1. Race: Trifolium - King Malik - Plato
2. Race: Corbally Ghost - Days Of Glory - Florida Express
3. Race: Golden Silver - Uncle Tom Cobley - Hughies Grey
4. Race: Shop Dj - Streamtown - Our Victoria
5. Race: Madame Mado - Norah Starr - Goidelic
6. Race: Edmundo - Mirador Del Conde - Really Unique
7. Race: Hasty Times - The Rattler Obrien - Think Alive

At Hereford, we would not be surprised to see the top-weights Moleskin (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) and Cross the Flags (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) triumph at 15.15 and 15.45 respectively, while German-bred Alpha Way (Tom Symonds/ Felix de Giles) showed greatly improved form to win here last time over 2 miles and can follow up over three furlongs further at 16.15.

Hereford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Milborne - Tarbeck - Saint Roque
2. Race: One Term - High On A Hill - Off The Ground
3. Race: Ascendant - King Fingal - Sahrati
4. Race: Epee Celeste - Western Whisky - Sea Saffron
5. Race: Kateal - Cross The Flags - Annimation
6. Race: Alpha Way - Sawpit Supreme - Brimham Boy
7. Race: Tip Of My Tongue - Derwen Pryde - Border Lad

It is hard to recommend anything at Southwell, but Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Graham Gibbons), a course specialist at 6 furlongs, can take the claiming race over seven at 15.30 if he gets the extra furlong. He is the oldest horse in the field, but at his peak was far better than these opponents, and it is just a question of the distance.

Southwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bivouac - Overrule - Lifetime
2. Race: Sistine - Sky High Diver - Thank You Joy
3. Race: Sky Crossing - Availed Speaker - Bold Cuffs
4. Race: Adranian - Fouracres - Rio Grande
5. Race: Jobe - Autumn Blades - Ingleby Arch
6. Race: Il Battista - Beautiful Day - Absolute Princess
7. Race: Michael`S Nook - Greenhead High - Gracie`S Gift

Cheltenham International meeting: second day

2011-12-10T14:45:00.005+01:00

The second and most important day of Cheltenham´s International Meeting features some very competitive racing, headed by the big handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 1.30. This event now sponsored by leading owner Andy Stewart (Big Bucks) and in aid of his charity for spinal research, is almost a re-run of the Paddy Power Chase over this CD 4 weeks ago. Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) was an easy winner of that race, with Quantitativeeasing (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Divers (Ferdy Murphy/ Keith Mercer) taking the places. Great Endeavour has gone up 10 lbs for that success, and more significantly has had another hard race in the meantime, when 4th in the Hennessy over a distance that was too far; under these circumstances we opposo him today. From a handicapping point of view, Divers should come out best of these today, but the stable is not really firing while Henderson is going great guns, so we prefer Quantitativeeasing; but he is owned by JP McMa nus, who has two other runners here and his jockey Tony McCoy prefers to get down to his lowest weight to partner Jonjo O´Neill´s Sunnyhillboy, third here a year ago and an eye-catching 7th over hurdles last time. German-bred Ghizao (Ruby Walsh) looks the better of Paul Nicholls two runners, while Roudoudou Ville (Vic Dartnall/ Andrew Glassonbury) won nicely at Sandown despite making several mistakes. He can´t afford to jump sloppily here and our 3 against the field are Ghizao, Quantitativeeasing and Sunnyhillboy.

Main supporting feature is the Grade Two International Hurdle at 16.05. Another strong field but we have no hesitation in making Menorah Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) a confident selection. He unseated his jockey on his first attempt over fences, but is a top hurdler, finishing fifth in the Champion Hurdle and is otherwise unbeaten in 3 starts over this CD, including this race last year. Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is a strong front-runner and in top form, but he finished behind Menorah in the Champion- as did Clerk´s Choice (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell), and we see no reason why it should turn out differently today. Grandouet (Nicky Henderson/ Geraghty) looks a bigger threat, but it is not easy for 4yo´s against older horses. Nicholls also has 2 runners here, another 4yo Brampour (Harry Derham) and Sanctuaire (Walsh) but we shall be surprised if any of them can trouble Menorah.

As usual, Nicholls and Henderson look to dominate the card, and we expect the former to take the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.10 with the very promising -French performer Hinterland, while Henderson can counter with Mossley at 13.45. They each have 2 runners in the handicap chase at 14.20, but here we have a slight preference for Oh Crick (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), whose stable seems to be coming back to top form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hinterland - Highly Efficient - Canna
2. Race: Champion Court - Mossley - Join Together
3. Race: Astracad - Havingotascoobydo - Tanks For That
4. Race: Halley - Deireadh Re - Rev It Up
5. Race: Quantitativeeasing - Ghizao - Great Endeavour
6. Race: Grandouet - Menorah - Overturn
7. Race: Oscar Whisky - Any Given Day - The Knoxs

Later: Lingfield off

2011-12-10T14:45:00.003+01:00

Lingfield has been called off following a second inspection, while Doncaster have called for a third inpection, but time is running short before the first race.

Inspections at Doncaster and Lingfield

2011-12-10T14:45:00.001+01:00

Both Doncaster and Lingfield have called for second inspections today following overnight frost. Navan however goes ahead, while there should be no problems at today´s main meeting Cheltenham.

Cheltenham International meeting

2011-12-09T16:42:00.001+01:00

Cheltenham´s two-day International Meeting starts today with a strong card. Main event is the Grade Three handicap chase over an extended 3 miles at 14.45 CET; only 6 runners but quite tricky for punters. Mon Parrain (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) has top weight, but is the likely favourite. However he was a bit disappointing here last time when second favourite for the Paddy Power and we feel that he is still a bit high in the weights for what he has actually achieved. Philip Hobbs has two chances here with German-bred Fair Along (Rhys Flint) and bottom-weight Mostly Bob /Richard Johnson), both of whom could finish in the money; we especially like Fair Along, who has run many good races at this track and finished really well when third in the Hennessy last time.
Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is an obvious danger, but has not run since winning at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Nicholls and Henderson could once again dominate racing and between them they have the fancied runners in almost every race. They can start by taking the novice chase at 13.00, where Solix (Henderson/ Geraghty) is our choice to defeat Sam Winner (Nicholls/ Walsh). Nicholls´ best chance is probably Oscargo (Walsh) in the handicap hurdle at 15.55; he is still inexperienced but looks likely to make the grade; German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) could be placed here, as he has had a great year and is still well handicapped. Henderson should certainly take the final novice hurdle at 16.30with the unbeaten Darlan (Tony McCoy), who will be at long odds-on.

The cross country chase over just short of 4 miles at 15.20 is always a popular event and is run this time as a handicap. An Irish winner look highly likely, but they have more than half the field, so the question is always - which one? Top weight Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ JT McNamara) is a CD specialist and always runs well here, but his stable companion Chamirey (Nina Carberry) could be a dark horse under a much lighter weight. Willie Mullins saddles Uncle Junior (Emmet Mullins), who beat Garde Champetre here last time, and Scotsirish (Paddy Mullins) an easy winner at Punchestown but racing for the first time beyond 3 miles.

Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon

2011-12-08T12:42:00.001+01:00

Huntingdon has its best card of the year today, with the Grade Two Peterborough Chase at 15.00 CET the main feature. The race over 2 1/2 miles has been won by many top-notchers and trainer Henrietta Knight has an excellent record here. Her CD specialist Ederdon Blue won it four years running not so long ago, and she can improve her record here with Somersby (Dominic Elsworth) today.

Although Knight has expressed reservations regarding the tight track, conditions seem ideal for Somersby today and his second place to Master Minded last time is clearly the best form in the field. The Nightingale (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks the main danger; he ran a good race in Down Royal on ground that was too testing and over a distance that was too far. Tartak (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan),who won the race last year when it was run at Newbury, but was very disappointing last time at Autueil, and German-bred Gauvain (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily), who fell early in the Tingle Creek on Saturday, could fight it out for the minor placings.

The other race of interest here is the novice hurdle at 16.00. Bedouin Bay (ln McCab/ Conor O´Frrll) and Grman-.bred Dwn ommndr (Chli Lomgdpn/ Fhily) lrdy sgown decnt form, but the only wunnr ver stick in th field h to cincde 7 lb all round. Italian Master (Nicholls/ Jacob) and Hit the Headlines (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), representing top stables, must obviously be respected, while Tuscan Gold (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Bowdler´ s Magic (Mark Johnson/ Richie McGrath) are two good flat handicappers making their N.H. debut. It is very unusual for Mark Johnston, one of the very best trainers on the flat, to have a runner over jumps so we make his runner a very speculative selection.

The most interesting runner at today´s other meetings is Blackstairmountain (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) who runs over fences for the first time in the beginners chase at 15.05 at Clonmel. He was easily the best of these over hurdles and if he jumps round safely should win this by a wide margin. German-bred and -owned Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Davy Russell) could run into a place here.

2 N.H. and 2 all-weather flat meetings

2011-12-07T12:17:00.001+01:00

More poor level racing at today´s 4 meetings, but still some interesting betting opportunities. The opening race at Leicester, a novice hurdle at 14.00 CET, has several runners from big stables - Henderson & co- but we are quite keen on the German-bred Salomo (Rebecca Curtis/ Kielan Woods). The Monsun gelding showed definite improvement last time and we think he could run a big race at decent odds.

The best race at Leicester is the handicap hurdle at 16.00. Fiendish Flame (/Jennie Candlish/Alan O´Keeffe) will probably start favourite here after a very easy CD success last week, for which he carries a 7 lb penalty, However this field looks much stronger. Dhaafer (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) from a stable back in form, is an obvious danger, as are JP McManus´ two runners; Tony McCoy has chosen to ride the very lightly-raced Christopher Wren (Nick Gifford) over the more exposed City Theater (RP McLernon), but we are not sure he has made the right decision. We shall take a chance on Afsoun (Neil King/ Alex Merriam), who is clearly no longer the force he was in 2007, when he was third in the Champion Hurdle, but if anywhere near his best form would laugh at this opposition.

The ground will be very testing at Hexham, so stakes should be kept to a minimum and punters should stick to runners who go well on the ground. One such is Le Roi Rouge (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee), who has top weight in the handicap chase at 14.20.

Of the two all-weather meetings, this evening´s Kempton fixture is the more interesting from the point of view of German pedigrees. Night Flash (James Given/ Jim Crowley) attempts a quick course hat-trick in the 2yo handicap at 18.50. He has shot up the weights, but we think he is up to the task - he is after all a half-brother to Night Magic . There are two German-breds in the 1 1/2 mile handicap half an hour later, both last time-out-winners. Sovento (Steve and Martin Harley) scored only on Monday at Lingfield, but we prefer Valdan (David Evans/ Matthew Cosham), who won over CD 13 days ago and is none other than a half-brother to Danedream!

3 poor meetings today

2011-12-06T11:28:00.001+01:00

As is usually the case on a Tuesday, today´s cards are for the most part very poor. The most interesting race could be the beginners chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.10 CET at Fontwell, where the ground will be quite testing. Kauto The Roc (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) made a good debut over fences when runner-up to a useful performer at Huntingdon , while his main rivals are making their chase debut now.

Brackloon High (Noel Chance/ Richard Johnson) missed most of last year, biut had looked potentially smart earlier and made a satisfactory comeback when fifth at Cheltenham last month. State Benefit (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Real Treasure (Kim Bailey/ Sean Quinkan) are both running for the first time this season but are expected to go well. A tricky race, bur we give slight preference to Brackloon High. The novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles half an hour later is equally tricky. Fox Appeal (Emma Lavelle/ Stephen O´Donovan) looked useful when winning over this CD last time, but has to give away 7 lbs here, which will not be easy. Let´s Get Serious (Henderson/ McCoy) and Medinas (King/ Choc), both bumper winners when last seen, look dangerous, as is Duke of Monmouth (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), runner-up over this CD last time on heavy going. King and Thornton have another winning chance with Secret Edge in the opening 3yo hurdle at 13.40, who ran well in better company at Cheltenham last time; But Colebrooke (Pauline Robeson/ Tom O´Brien), a very easy CD winner last time and Hi Note (Sheena West/ Marc Goldstein), getting weight from this pair, are both dangerous.

The best betting race at Sedgefield is the handicap hurdle at 14.50. Top-weight Mickmacmagoole (Evan Williams/ Mr JE Tudor) is obviously the best horse in the field and came back to form with an easy win at Ffos Las last week. However he must give away a lot of weight here, and on these terms we prefer Bob´s Dream (Willie Amos/ Campbell Gillies), who has been runner-up on his last 3 starts, and whose stable is coming into form. Amos and Gillies can follow up with Ravensbill in the handicap chase half an hour later.

The best races on a very poor card on the all-weather track at Southwell are the two divisions of the 5 furlongs sprint at 14.00 and 14.30. These sprints always very tricky here, but in the first division we hope to see CD specialist Monsieur Jamie (John Jenkins/ Joe Fanning) score his 5th CD win; if he runs well, that would be an obvious pointer to top-weight Lenny Bee (Mrs. Sanderson/ Silvestre de Sousa) in the second division, who was runner-up to him not long ago; he was ridden then by an apprentice and now has a top jockey in the saddle.

3 meetings today

2011-12-05T12:28:00.001+01:00

Very little to get excited about in today´s 3 U.K. meetings. Possibly the "best" race is the novice chase at 14.10 CET at Plumpton. Only 5 runners, but 4 of them could meke their way, and it is significant that Irish trainer Tony Martin , successful in a Grade One yesterday, sends over Gift of Dgab (Davy Russell) to contest this. He won by 17 lengths Limerick last time and looks the one to beat, but Invictus (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) was also an easy winner over fences last time, while Indian Daudaie (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), making his debut over fences, gets a stone from those two and had roughly the same ability over sticks. Also at Plumpton the German-bred Kruzhlinin (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), an Irish point to point winner, is an interesting runner in the bumper at 16.40.

There are also German-breds with possibilities at the other two meetings. Soprano (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) is in good form and should win the opener at 13.20 at Musselburgh, while at Lingfield´s all-weather fixture, the 3 top-wights in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.00 are all German-bred. On recent form Querido (P Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler), by Acatenango, has the best chance, but it should not be forgotten that Sommersturm (Barney Curley/ Micky Fenton) was once fourth in the Union -Rennen. However like many Schlenderhan-breds in this yard, he has lost form completely since coming to England.

Stamina required at Kelso

2011-12-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

Of the two British racecourses staging racing today, Kelso has by far the bettr card, with the Scottish Borders National over 4 miles at 15.30 CET the main feature. Obviously stamina will be at a premium here, and the three that make most appeal are Ballyfitz (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England), Eyre Square (Keith and James Reveley) and Beamazed (Malcolm Jefferson/ Brian Harding), all of whom were noted staying on atrongly last time out over slightly shorter distances. The 2 3/4 mile handicap chase half an hour earlier is arguably a better race. Always Right (John Wade/ Reveley) was third in this year´s Scottish National, while Merigo (Andrew Parker/ Timmy Murphy) won that race last year, while Nicky Richard´s pair Skippers Brig (Brian Harding) and Premier Sagas (Dougie Costello) also deserve respect. However the likeliest winner is Take the Breeze, a rare runner here for champion Paul Nicholls with the trainer´s nephew Harry Derham aboard. Local trainer Willie Amos has ent ered his one time smart staying hurdler in the novice chase at 14.00, and if he is anywhere near his old form he can score on his chasing debut in receipt of a stone from the in-form The Panama Kid (Jefferson/ Harry Haynes), who has won his last 3 races, two of them over this CD.

At Warwick, El Mondo (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), a dual winner in France but coming off a break of two years, can take the beginners chase at 14.10. Tony McCoy can also take the maiden hurdle at 15.10 on the same trainer´s Tour d´Argent, and also has a chance on Jonjo O´Neill´s Factotum in the handicap hurdle at 16.10. who has been out of form but has been dropped significantly in the weights.

3 Grade One races at Fairyhouse

2011-12-04T11:58:00.001+01:00

Today´s Fairyhouse card is one of the strongest of the season in Ireland and features 3 Grade One races. All have small fields but are nonetheless highly competitive. The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 13.50 CET could go to the smart Galileo´s Choice (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara), whose shrewd trainer considered a crack at the Melbourne Cup with him after his debut victory at Galway. Galileo´s Choice has won twice on the flat since Galway, but did not go to Australia; however Weld is brilliant at handling these dual-purpose performers and he is an exciting prospect. Sous les Cieux /Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Il Fenomeno (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) - who was group class on the flat in France - are obvious dangers.

Three of the 6 runners in the Drinmore Novice Chase at 14.20 run in the colours of Michael O´Leary´s Gigginstown Stud - Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh), First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) and Rivage d´Or (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Townend); they could well dominate the finish, and as Russell is the number one Gigginstown jockey, he looks the one to beat. Paul Nolan´s two runners Alpha Ridge (Paul Carberry) and Shinrock Paddy (Barry Geraghty) must also be considered.

Willie Mullins has 3 of the 5 entries in the Hatton´s Grace Hurdle at 14.50, but Mikael d´Haguenet, a winner here yesterday, is most unlikely to run. Mourad, fourth here last year to brilliant stable companion Hurricane Fly, is clearly the main hope, but he has very little in hand of Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch), while The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) is also in top form and another close finish is probable.

With the ground riding very heavy, the 3 miles 5 furlongs handicap chase at 15.50 will be a real test of stamina. The race looks wide open, but Sang Bleu (Mrs. Gavin/ David Casey), who does not win very often but is consistent, stays well and loves the ground, could be a solid each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sam Bass - One Cool Shabra - Burrenbridge Lodge
2. Race: Sous Les Cieux - Il Fenomeno - Galileo`S Choice
3. Race: First Lieutenant - Bog Warrior - Shinrock Paddy
4. Race: Mourad - Voler La Vedette - The Real Article
5. Race: Miss Pepperpot - Cloughmile - Quiet Thought
6. Race: Smoking Aces - Sang Bleu - Hold The Pin
7. Race: Thomas Edison - Starkie - The Boys Dont Know

Becher Chase at Aintree

2011-12-04T11:57:00.001+01:00

For the first time since the Grand National itself in early April, the National fences will be used at today´s Aintree meeting. Two races today will be run over the National course, the Becher Chase over 3 1/ miles at 15.10 and the Grand Sefton over half a mile shorter at 16.20. Both of last year´s winners Hello Bud (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Frankie Figg (Paul Nicholls/ Brian Hughes) will try to defend their titles, and as course experience is big advantage here they will be well supported. We like oldtimers in these staying chases, but are still a bit dubious about Hello Bud, whose performances since that win have been very poor; he turns 14 next month and cannot be getting any better. Most of the runners in the Becher have the Grand National their target, and the one we like best is Rare Bob (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Brennan), whose trainer has won this twice in the past 3 years. Course specialists Always Waining (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) and Pak Jack (Richard Phill ips/ Mattie Batchelor) also have each-way chances.

Frankie Figg was trained by Howard Johnson last year and is having his first run for the champion trainer, but the same jockey stays on board. He goes in the short list again, as does 2010 runner-up Nikola (N&S Twiston-Davies). Others to consider are top-weight Fine Parchment (Charlie Mann/ Richie McGrath) and Buffalo Bob (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire)

Maguire can also be thereabouts in Cinders and Ashes at 13.00 and Red Rocco at 14.05, both trained by Donald McCain, while we expect front-runner Nacarat (Tom George/ Brennan) to defy top weight and outclass the opposition in the listed chase at 15.45.

3 all-weather meetings today

2011-12-02T14:34:00.001+01:00

the most interesting reces at Lingfield this afternoon are the two divisions of the 2yo fillies mile maiden, with some very well-bred fillies making their debut, notably Between Us (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) who runs at 13.40 CET. She is a daughter of Galileo out of a half-sister to classic winner Confidential Lady. Half nn hour later Zaina (Gerald Butler/ Dane O´Neill), a daughter of Shirocco, can take the second division.

Easily the best race at Wolverhampton this evening is the 6 furlongs conditions event at 18.00. Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ Luke Morris) ran a great race when beaten a short head by Clinical 4 weeks ago, but she has been well beaten since and we prefer Ocean Bay (John Ryan/ Ryan Powell), who showed tremendous improvement when winning on his first all-weather start at Kempton. Famusa (Marco Botti/ Adam Beschizza) had decent form in Italy but has a huge weight here, which puts her at quite a disadvantage.

At the Irish Dundalk meeting, where there are maximum fields in all races, the top race is also a 6 furlongs conditions event at 19.30. That tough and consistent campaigner Duff (Eddie Lynam/ Kevin Manning) is a confident selection here. He was only narrowly beaten last time over this CD by Gordon Lord Byron (Tom Hogan/ Seamus Heffernan) and reopposes on 17 lbs better terms. Angels Pursuit (Dvaid Marnane/ Shane Foley), having his first race for this trainer, looks a big danger. Lynam can complete a double with CD specialist Denny Crane (Pat Smullen) in the 11 furlongs handicap at 22.25.

Good N.H. cards at Sandown and Exeter

2011-12-02T14:33:00.001+01:00

Some good jumping today, although the fields at Sandown are very small, with normal each-way betting possible in only one race. Main feature here is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.55 CET, the best race of its type this season so far. The field includes Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Simonsig (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), currently the 2 favourites for the big novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Fingal Bay is clearly the one to beat on form, and was especially impressive when winning at Cheltenham despite a bad mistake, but Simonsig looks an exciting prospect after winning his only U.K, start with the greatest of ease. It is by no means two horse race either, as both Jump City (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), a very easy Exeter winner, and Irish challenger Sizing Symphony (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), who has won his last 3 races, are also potentially very smart. Definitely a race to watch rather than bet on.

Main supporting feature is the listed chase over 3 miles at 15.30, where Irish Grade One winner Bostons Angel (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), who fell at Down Royal last time, has to concede weight to Royal Charm (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Quinz (Hobbs/ Johnson). According to official ratings, Quinz is best in here, but we hope that Bostons Angel is up to the task. The opening 3yo hurdle at 13.50 is a very poor race by Sandown standards, but we are interested in Malanos (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards), who has an excellent German pedigree and is a half-brother to Diana winner Mystic Lips. He won a desperate affair at Leicester last time, but today´s opposition looks no stronger.

The fields are bigger at Exeter, although only 6 line up for the main event, a novice chase at 14,.00. Notus de la Tour (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) should win this after winning his last 2 races in good style, but he faces strong opposition from Walkon (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), a one time Grade One winner over hurdles and Zaynar (Nick Williams/ Tony McCoy). The last-named looked a star when winning his first 5 races for Nicky Henderson, but has struggled a bit since, though racing meinly in top company. He was third last time to Grands Crus at Cheltenham, which is certainly no disgrace, and can possibly get back on the winning trail here.

The Devon Marathon, a 4 mile handicap chase at 14.30 looks a minefield for punters, as none of the 13 runners has any worthwhile form at the distance, and most of them have never rven tried it. Our 3 against the field are Shaking Hands (Pipe/ Scudamore), front-runner Power Pack Tack (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Diamond Brook (Nick Williams/ James Reveley) but best advice is probably to leave the race alone.

4 low-level meetings today

2011-12-01T12:56:00.001+01:00

There is an all-hurdles card at Leicester today and Tony McCoy, with over 150 wins to his name already this season, can further increase his tally. Jonjo O´Neill´s Schism in the 3yo fillies hurdle at 14.00 CET, and Kells Belle at 15.00 as well as Zama Zama at 16.10, both trained by Nicky Henderson, should all win, as could Phoenix Flight in the novice hurdle at 16.40. The one we are dubious about is O´Neill´s Amuse Me, who has top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.35, as his recent efforts are all very poor. However this is a very weak race and a return to his best form would make him hard to beat.

Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at his local track Wincanton, but he has only one runner there today, so we make him the selection - the ex-French Sang Bleu (Daryl Jacob) in the beginners chase at 14.40. He has not run since falling at Cheltenham on New Years Day, but his earlier French form looks good. This is the day´s best race, and Duke of Lucca (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), Habbie Simpson (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Joker Choker (Nicky Henderson/ RJ Killoran) were all decent hurdlers and must be respected. The handicap hurdle here at 15.45 looks very tough, but we hope that Brunston (Henderson/ Killoran), below form when last seen at Stratford in July, can come back with a win in a very open race.

At Catterick, we expect the useful flat handicapper Crackentorp (Tim Easterby/ Richie McGrath) to get off the mark over hurdles at 14.20; he receives 7 lbs from his main rival, the recent winner Hawk Mountain (John Quinn/ Dougie Costello). The handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 14.50 is very demanding, but Matmata de Tendron (Andy Crook/ Nathan Moscrop) could be the answer. He is slow, but stays forever and is a sound jumper although strictly speaking he is held on Carlisle form last month by Canal Bank (O´Neill/ RP McLernon). Our Columbus (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is another danger, but has been off the track since April.

All-weather racing is for the most part very uninspiring at this time of year, and we can recommend nothing in this evening´s 8 low level races at Wolverhampton.

Listed race this evening at Kempton

2011-11-30T10:42:00.001+01:00

Easily the best race at today´s 4 meetings in the U.K. is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 18.30 CET at this evening´s all-weather meeting at Kempton. Ex-German Bolivia (Lucy Wadham/ Luke Morris) runs here; she had smart form in Germany in 2009, but has shown very little on her U.K. starts so far. On her best German form, she would have a good chance, but we would rather wait and see, and prefer Laaheb (Roger Varian/ Richard Hills), who usually makes the running; he has not won this year, but has mainly been running in much stronger events. Barbican (Alan Bailey/ Ryan Moore) keeps on improving, but probably needs to improve further to trouble Laaheb.

Nicky Henderson has a tremendous strike rate this season, and we expect him to score with both of his runners today. He has booked Tony McCoy for the Queen´s Open Hearted, who makes his debut over hurdles at 13.40 at Uttoxeter and is expected to go on to much better things. At Hereford, Henderson saddles Floreat (David Bass) in the bumper at 16.50. There is very little form to go on here - more than half the field are running for the first time under rules, as is Floreat, but the stable´s reputation ensures that he is likely to start a hot favourite.

Paul Nicholls and Donald McCain are two more trainers in great form, and they can also both land a double. Nicholls with Escort´Men at 14.20 at Hereford and Final Gift half an hour later, both partnered by Daryl Jacob; and McCain with Cuban Piece at 14.30 at Catterick and Our Mick at 16.00, both ridden by Jason Maguire.

Southwell (N.H.) and Lingfield (a.w.)

2011-11-29T13:46:00.001+01:00

With Ayr off, there are now only 2 very modest meetings in the U.K. today. Southwell stages N.H. racing, with some small fields and several likely odds-on favourites. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire are in tremendous form and can land a double with Lively Baron in the novices chase at 13.50 CET and Golden Call in the novice hurdle half an hour later. Mister Dillon (Nicky Henderson/ RJ Killortan) is another probable short-priced winner at 16.30. John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed´s bloodstock adviser, have an amazing strike rate with ex-Maktoum horses running over hurdles and can take the maiden hurdle at 14.55 with debutant Commemorate (Paul Moloney), who was listed class on the flat. The fields are bigger at Lingfield but the betting opportunities equally poor. Easily the best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.50, but this looks very tricky. Top-weight Secret Witness (Ron Harris/ Joe Fanning) was just caught in a listed race over this CD 17 days ago, with Cochabamba (Ron Tea l/ John Fahy) fourth, Five Star Junior (Linda Stubbs/ James Sullivan) seventh, and Norville (David Evans/ Matthew Cosham) 11th of 12. Secret Witness could of course go one better in this lower grade, but it was a very tight finish and he has been raised 6 lbs for that second place. There are plenty of possibilities here and we suggest, but without much confidence, Cochabamba.

3 meetings today

2011-11-28T12:44:00.001+01:00

3 very poor meetings today and the cards at Ffos Las, Folkestone and Wolverhampton (all-weather flat racing) are not at all punter-friendly. The "best" race is the 3 miles handicap chase at Ffos Las at 15.20 CET with 9 runners, 3 of whom were pulled up last time, two have not run for ages and two were beaten out of sight on their latest outing That leaves Red Rouble (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), runner-up over this CD last time, the only runner with halfway decent ferm, so he is the logical selection. Two German-breds with chances here are Super Directa (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) in the beginners chase at 14.15 and Indian Tiger (Pat Murphy/ Jason Maguire) in the maiden hurdle half an hour later.

At Folkestone, the card is even weaker. Two likely hot favourites who can score here are Lifestyle (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass), a useful hurdler making his chasing debut at 14.00 and Golden Firebird (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) in the mares bumper at 16.40.

The card is even worse at Wolverhampton, where 7 of the 8 races are class 6. The exception is the class 5 (great!) handicap over 2 miles at 18.20. Top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott runs Priors Gold (Brendan Powell) here; he was an easy winner of a maiden here last Friday and can score gain under a penalty. It seems ages since Lovelace (Richard Fahey/ William Carson) won a Group Two at Baden-Baden and it is depressing to see him run now in the 7 furlongs seller at15.45, but we hope that he can at least run well in this lowly company.

4 N.H. meetings today

2011-11-27T10:57:00.001+01:00

4 jumps meetings today, two each in Britain and Ireland, and the best racing comes from Navan in Ireland. There are some huge fields here, with 26 running in the main feature, the Troytown Chase at 15.20 CET, one of Ireland´s top 3 mile handicaps. Prince de Beauchene (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) are the classiest runners, but also have the highest weights, and we expect the winner to come from lower down the card. German-bred Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ David Casey) out of an Acatenango mare -seems fairly weighted and could have an each-way chance in a very competitive event. Elliott also has a fancied runner in the Grade Two novice hurdle at 13.45 with Mount Balbunben (Davy Condon), but we just prefer the unbeaten Texas Jack (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry). Mullins has booked Ruby´s sister Katie to partner Hats and Heels in the listed mares bumper at 16.25 and she must have a good chance.
Mullins has put his nephew Emmet up on Ceol Rua in the mares novice hurdle at Wexford at 14.25 and she will probably be the hottest favourite of the day. Another likely winner here is Merchant Royal in the hunter chase at 16.05. It seems rather unfair of Dermot Weld to book Robbie McNamara in these events for amateur riders only, as he is a better jockey than most of the professionals!
In the U.K. we expect Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, who brought off the unusual feat of winning the top events at two meetings yesterday, to continue their good run at Carlisle with Avenging Aces at 13.50, Mountain Hiker at 14.55, Glenwood Knight at 15.25 and Chester Lad at 16.00. None of these is bombproof, but we think that Chester Lad, having his first run for the stable, is probably the best bet.
The card at Leicester is poor, but Tony McCoy graces proceedings and he can land a double with Not til Monday for John Jenkins at 15.10 and Speed Master for Nicky Henderson at 15.40. We are less convinced by Jonjo O´Neill´s Castlerock in the handicap hurdle at 16.45 and prefer the consistent Taste the Wine (Bernard Llewellyn/ Robert Williams).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: His Excellency - Chill - Argocat
2. Race: Texas Jack - Mount Benbulben - Rebel Fitz
3. Race: Down Under - Starling Lady - Lochan Lacha
4. Race: Formidableopponent - Dantes King - True Character
5. Race: Prince De Beauchene - Groody Hill - Some Target
6. Race: Flemenstar - Nearest The Pin - High Desert
7. Race: Hats And Heels - Supreme Carolina - Missunited

rest of today´s racing

2011-11-26T10:49:00.001+01:00

the other big race at Newbury is the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at 15.35 CET, which looks at the mercy of Big Buck´s (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh). This brilliant 8yo, officially rated the best hurdler in Britain and Ireland, despite running over the unfashionable distance of 3 miles, has not been defeated since unseating his rider the last in the Hennessy here 3 years ago. He was switched back to hurdles after that and has won all his 12 races since, including this event twice (in fact he is 4 from 4 over CD) and the Cheltnham race 3 times. Barring accidents, he cannot lose today, but he will be at an unbackable price. Sparky May (Kieren Burke/ Timmy Murphy) and Duc de Regniere (Tom Symonds/ Denis O´Regan), both having their first run for a new trainer, can chase him home.
Nicholls look set for another profitable Saturday and we expect him also to take the handicap hurdle at 15.05, where he has 2 runners, top-weight Rock on Ruby (Walsh) and Empire Levant (Harry Derham), who was an easy winner over this CD on Thursday and can go in again. Bottom-weight Dream Function (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) looks the main danger. Nicholls and Walsh can also win the novice hurdle at 13.55 with Prospect Wells, who looks a very nice prospect, but he may have hie work cut out to concede 5lbs to All the Aces (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Graghty), who is making his debut over sticks but was group class on the flat.
Main interest otherwise will be centred on trainer Donald McCain and his stable jockey Jason Maguire, who should win the opener Bangor at 13.10 with the smart Peddlers Cross. Then they get in the helicopter and it´s off to Newcastle and Overturn in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at 15.20. Even though there are only 5 runners here, and 2 of them no-hopers, this is still a fascinating contest. Overturn, a strong front-runner and equally at home over hurdles and on the flat, was arguably lucky to win at Ascot last week, but is very smart. He now faces Binocular (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Celestial Hero (Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), the Champion Hurdle hopes of the top two .NH. stables. Binocular in fact won the Cheltenham race in 2010, but has been well put in his place by Hurricane Fly since. He has also twice been beaten at odds-on in the Fighting Fifth. Despite that, we expect him to win today, although this is more a race to watch than to bet on.

Betting forecast Bangor:
1. Race: Peddlers Cross - Minella Class - Brother Bob
2. Race: Titeuf de Tierce - Coolbeg - Laneguy
3. Race: Quotica De Poyans - Oscar Prairie - Chapolimoss
4. Race: Sydney Paget - Grove Pride - Arbor Supreme
5. Race: Peckhamecho - The Weatherman - Pampanito
6. Race: Johns Spirit - Banyan Tree - Houston Dynimo
7. Race: Brave Alliance - Scholastica - Fortuna Rose

Ruby Walsh fit to ride today?

2011-11-26T09:54:00.001+01:00

Ruby Walsh took a nasty fall at Newbury yesterday and had to give up his remaining rides, but it appears he will be able to ride today. He has 5 rides booked at Newbury, all of them trained by Paul Nicholls and strongly fancied, including the brilliant Big Buck´s, hot favourite for the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle.

Hennessy Gold Cup day at Newbury

2011-11-26T09:52:00.001+01:00

the Newbury card today is one of the best of the season, with the Hennessy Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.10 CET, the main feature. With 18 runners this is its usual difficult puzzle for punters and one has to start with Paul Nicholls´ 3 runners- top-weight Neptune Collonges (Harry Derham), Aiteen Thirtythree (Ruby Walsh) and Michel le Bon (Noel Fehily) representing the champion who has taken this race twice recently with Denman. Ruby ´s choice automatically makes 1833 the favourite, but we are not totally convinced, while Michel le Bon is very lightly raced and has not run for 2 years. We would not be at all urprised to see Neptune Collonges come out best of this trio, even though he has to concede lumps of weight all round. He is a class act and has run in the last 4 Gold Cups at Cheltenham, twice finishing in the money. However he is well held on Scottish Grand National form by Beshabar (Tim Vaughan/ Aidan Coleman), who has not run since then and is stil l on what looks a decent weight. Stamina could well be an important factor here, with several runners unproven at the distance, notably Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), now running over 3/4 mile further. He is officially 6 lbs well in at the weight, but we do not believe he will get the trip. The race looks certain to be run at a strong pace with several front-runners in the field, among them Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Mattie Batchelor), who needs softer ground, and German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Nina Carberry), who is possibly better over hurdles. Hobbs also runs Planet of Sound /Richard Johnson) and Balthazar King (Giles Hawkins), of which the former is certainly the stable´s main hope. Also heavily backed this week have been Wayward Prince (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello) and Wymott (Donald McCain/ Graham Lee). There are at least a dozen possible winners here, but we shall go with Beshabar, while Neptune Collonges could be wor th a small each-way bet at the likely prices.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Earth Planet - Horsham Lad - Battlecry
2. Race: Prospect Wells - All The Aces - Carrigmorna King
3. Race: Master Fiddle - Made In Time - Iron Chancellor
4. Race: Empire Levant - Rock On Ruby - Titan De Sarti
5. Race: Big Buck`S - Sparky May - Duc De Regniere
6. Race: Aiteen Thirtythree - Great Endeavour - Wymott
7. Race: Fistral Beach - Hector`S Choice - Coup Royale

Newbury: Hennessy meeting continues

2011-11-25T13:12:00.001+01:00

today is the second day of Newbury´s Hennessy meeting and once again a novice chase with only 4 runners is the most interesting event - this time over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35 CET. Nicky Henderson has 2 runners here, with Bobs Worth (Barry Geraghty) his main contender; he is making his debut over fences here but was a very smart novice hurdler last season and has won his last 5 races.

The one to beat is Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard), champion bumper 2 years ago, a top hurdler last year, and already a winner over fences. However he fell at Cheltenham last time and has to give the Henderson duo 7 lbs, so Bobs Worth is preferred. Paul Nicholls does not have a runner in that race, but otherwise he and Henderson look set to dominate proceedings once again. We particularly like the hurdling debutants Ranjaan at 13.00 and Broomfield at 16.50, both trained by Nicholls and partnered by Ruby Walsh. The handicap chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 16.15 is a very open race, in which all 7 runners have a chance, including the two German-breds Passato (Jo Davis/ Richard Johnson) and Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily); however we just have a tiny preference for top-weight Oh Crick (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) who ran better than the placings suggest in a much hotter race at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson sends just one runner north to Doncaster, Eradicate (David Bass) in the novice chase at 14.25, and he can continue the stable´s fine run here, with only two inferior rivals to beat. We also like German-bred Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Nick Scholfield) in the 2 mile 3 furlongs handicap chase here at 15.35; the brother to Quijano should be able to concede weight all round in this company. Ewart can also score at Musselburgh with the consistent Allow Me (Brian Hughes), who has been in the money all career starts aad can finally get his head in front in the maiden hurdle at 14.50.

Hennessy meeting starts today

2011-11-24T12:43:00.001+01:00

There are 5 meetings today, but easily the best racing comes from Newbury, where the first day of the Hennessy meeting is scheduled. Obviously the strongest card will be on Saturday, but today´s programme is also very decent and the highlight is the Grade Two novice chase over 3 miles at 15.10 CET. Only 4 runners here, but they are all useful and Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is the clear favourite. He was the second best hurdler last year over this trip, and Big Bucks the only horse to have defeated him in the U.K. for almost two years. He began his chasing career with an easy win at Cheltenham, and it will be a big disappointment if he does not score again today. Sonofvic (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) has won his last 3 races and is also expected to go places over fences; however his form cannot compare with that of Grands Crus and he is also trying this trip for the first time.

Also at Newbury, we hope that Lidar (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) can take the novice handicap chase at 14.00 - another race with only 4 runners while German-bred Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) has an each-way chnc in the novo s handoap hurdle at 14.35. The Monsun gelding has bottom weight here and has finished runner-up on his last two outings; however this is a much tougher race. Buffalo Bob (Kim Bailey/ Charles Greene) won the handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles and goes for the double at 15.45. However his form since is very poor, so we prefer Zarrafakt, who was pulled-up in this last year, but who always runs his best race first time out and after a long break, which is the case today.

There are several German-breds running today, but by far the most interesting is Val Mondo (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who goes for the novice hurdle that opens the card at 13.20 at Uttoxeter. He is making his N.H. debut here, and with 18 runners engaged - quite a few of them highly regarded - he is no good thing, especially as the stable is not in great form. But he was easily the best of these on the flat, winning the German St. Leger lest year and running fifth to Lucas Cranach in the Hansa-Preis in June of this year. Mangonel (Jim Best/ Colin Bolger) looks the best bet here. She has won twice in the past ten days and can complete a quick hat-trick at 15.00, as she is still very well handicapped.

Although Paul Nicholls has some fancied runners today, Ruby Walsh is riding at Thurles in Irland for Willie Mullins, and can win on Bishopsfurze at 13.35, Apt Approach at 14.05 and Zaidpour in the hurdle race at 15.40. Zaidpour, one of the top novices last year and now has to defeat Oscar Time (MM Lynch/ Sam Waley-Cohen), runner-up last year not only in this but also in the Grand National.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tempest River - Kentford Grey Lady - Arctic Actress
2. Race: The Cockney Mackem - Celtus - Gandalfe
3. Race: Sentimentaljourney - Beside The Fire - Di Kaprio
4. Race: Grands Crus - Sonofvic - Viking Blond
5. Race: That`Lldoboy - Rackham Lerouge - Vino Griego
6. Race: Empire Levant - Right Stuff - Dubai Crest
7. Race: Captain Kelly - Barenger - Sammyman

5 meetings today

2011-11-23T12:12:00.001+01:00

5 meetings today, and the best event is the listed race over a mile at 19.35 CET this evening´s Kempton fixture on the all-weather. Clinical (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) is in great form and has won listed races in 3 different countries recently (including Germany) but they were all fillies events and it will not be so easy against the colts. This is quite open and our preference is for Riggins (Ed Walker/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who won this (in a dead heat) last year and came back to form with a CD victory over Mull of Kullough. That one (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) can boost the form by winning at 16.15 at Lingfield this afternoon, at today´s other all-weather meeting. The most interesting events at Lingfield are the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 13.40 and 14.10, with runners from several top stables, e.g. Cecil, Gosden, Balding, Ed Dunlop et al; with very little form to go on, these races are not good betting opportunities, but they should be watched with care.

Over jumps, it is significant that Irish trainer Charlie Byrnes has booked Tony McCoy for his two runners at Wetherby - Fists of Fury 13.55 and Sea of Thunder at 14.30; both of them have winning possibilities, but there is some tough opposition. McCoy can also win the 3yo hurdle at 15.35 on School for Scandal (Jim Best), who was quite consistent on the flat and makes his N.H. debut here. We also hope that German-bred Bocciani runs well in the handicap chase at 15.00. There is a poor card at Fontwell, where Martin Keighley and Aidan Cawley can land a double with Always Bold at 14.50 and Ukrainian Star half an hour later. In Ireland, Sunday´s abandoned N.H. meeting at Cork is now staged today. New Phase (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) is a very useful hurdler and can concede the weight to the smart, but exposed, Kempes (Willie Mullins/ David Casey) and Psycho (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh).

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Cliffords Reprieve - Bailadeira - Abadejo
2. Race: Nially Noo - Scarlet Rocks - Absa Lutte
3. Race: Lisahane Bog - Sand Skier - Hurricane Spirit
4. Race: Compton Bird - Hesperides - Hey Fiddle Fiddle
5. Race: Woop Woop - Layla`S King - Black Iceman
6. Race: Clinical - Riggins - Edinburgh Knight
7. Race: Sermons Mount - Abriachan - Tislaam

Henderson to continue winning streak

2011-11-22T11:20:00.001+01:00

After Nicky Henderson brought off the tremendous feat yesterday of saddling 7 winners from 7 runners, we expect his winning run to continue today at Lingfield, which stages one of its rare N.H. meetings. Heather Royal (Andrew Tinkler) won a similar race over CD last time and can follow up in the mares novice hurdle at 13.50 CET. She carries 7 lbs penalty however which gives Elegent Touch (Emma Lavelle/ Noel Fehily), 4 1/2 lengths behind her in third then, chance of gaining revenge. Half an hour later Kid Cassidy can complete a double for the Henderson/ Tinkler team; he was a smart novice hurdler and is expected to make a winning debut over fences. Another interesting race here is the novice hurdle over just short of 2 1/2 miles at 14.50 with several debutants, among them the ex-German Next Hight (Charlie Mann/ Fehily), who is out of Preis der Diana winner Night Petticoat.

There is very little quality on view at the other N.H. meeting at Sedgefield. The best horse running here is Countrywide Flame (John Quinn/ Dean Pratt), who has been in good form this year winning 3 times on the flat and twice over hurdles. Despite a huge weight he can take the 3yo hurdle at 15.00; the debutant Eagle Rock (Tom Tate/ Graham Lee) looks the only danger. Bound for Glory (Donald Mcain/ Henry Brooke) can win the novice hurdle at 14.00 here.

The card for the all-weather meeting at Southwell is uninspiring to say the least. If you want to have a bet here, our advice is to stick to CD specialists, such as Equileus Pictor (John Spearing/ Sophie Doyle)( at 13.10, Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Lee McNiff) or Calculating (Mark Usher/ Lee Newnes) at 16.10.

Henderson to bounce back

2011-11-21T13:01:00.001+01:00

Nicky Henderson has his string in great form, but was upstaged over the weekend by runners from the Paul Nicholls (Saturday) and Willie Mullins (Sunday) stables. However we expect him to bounce back with winners at all 3 U.K. meetings. The best card today is at Kempton, which stages above-average racing for a Monday, and Henderson saddles Whoops a Daisy (Barry Geraghty) in the main event, a listed mares hurdles race at 14.30 CET. She was runner-up in a similar race last time and could go on better here, although Irish raider Elyaadi (Jon Queally/ Timmy Murphy) could be dangerous. Henderson and Geraghty have even better chances in the first two races with Darlaan in the opening novice hurdle at 13.30 and Chablais in the novice chase half an hour later. Both are among the stables most promising novices. The same team should also take the beginners chase at 15.05 with Mossley, who in theory only has to jump round to defeat his 3 modest opponents. German-bred Amore Mio (Richard P hillips/ Robert Thornton) has only ever won once, almost 2 years go, but still appears to have a good each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 15.35.

Henderson´s likely winner at Ffos Las is Top of the Range (David Bass) in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.50 Valley Lad (Richard Johnson), one of 3 Tim Vaughan entries here, looks the main danger. Later on, the much improved My Brother Sylvester (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who has won his last 3 races - all in October- has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.00. Obviously he has good prospects of completing a fourtimer, but he has gone up a massive 29 lb in the weights, and we make Dantari (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge) a possible each-way alterntive in receipt of 18lb, including the jockeys allowance He has been running - admittedly without much success- in better races.

Henderson has more good chances at Ludlow, where Owen Glendower at 14.10 and Foxbridge at 14,45 will both start short-priced favourites for jockey Andrew Tinkler. The selling hurdle at 13.40 also looks interesting. Numen (Lucy Jones/ Jake Greenall) is the obvious choice here, having won 3 times before being outclassed at Cheltenham, but one time German classic winner Aviso (David Evans/ Jimmy McCarthy) is also interesting on his N.H. debut.

Exeter and Towcester

2011-11-20T12:40:00.001+01:00

Today´s U.K, jump racing is very low grade compared to the excellent sport we saw yesterday, when the highlight was Paul Nicholls´ magnificient double with Master Minded and Kauto Star. However the Ditcheat trainer could be on the scoresheet at both of today´ s meetings, with Minella Stars at 14.30 CET and Flaming Gorge at 15.00, both ridden by Daryl Jacob at Exeter, and Harry the Viking at 14.45 at Towcester.

Two horses with interesting pedigrees also catch our eye at Exeter, though both are likely to start at long odds.The novice hurdle at 16.00 looks a better than average race, with the highly-rated Knight Pass (Warren Greatrex/ Noel Fehily) and the last-time-faller Outrageous Request (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) the likely favourites. But Hobbs also saddles the German-bred Big Easy (Giles Hawkins), who has a nice pedigree, but not as good as that of Albertus Pictor (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman),who makes his N.H. debut here and is out of German Group One winner Albanova. And what about Waldsee (Jo Davis/ Brendan Powell), who has top weight in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 16.30? He has shown next to nothing so far, but meets very feeble opposition here and is out of the great Wurftaube and thus a member of Germany´s currently most successful family.

Exeter - betting forecast:
1. Race: Inkberrow Rose - Far From Blonde - Painter Man
2. Race: Minella Stars - Old Wigmore - Simply Wings
3. Race: Flaming Gorge - Bless The Wings - Scoter Fontaine
4. Race: Renard - Robin De Creuse - Baseball Ted
5. Race: Knight Pass - Outrageous Request - Greywell Boy
6. Race: Hector`S House - Rimini - Water Garden

At Towcester we expect two easy winners from last Monday at Plumpton to score again under a 7 lbs penalty - Shernaz (Jim Dreaper/ Richie McGrath) in the handicap chase at 15.15 and Master Milan (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richard McLernon) in the handicap hurdle at 15.45.

Towcester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tea Caddy - Cross The Flags - Delays Expected
2. Race: Jolibob - Road Train Bob - Bertenbar
3. Race: Harry The Viking - Legendary Hop - Rhythm Seeker
4. Race: Shernaz - Jolly Boys Outing - Timpo
5. Race: Master Milan - Dot Or Feather - Consult
6. Race: Spot The Ball - Safe Investment - Monsieur Georges
7. Race: Typhon De Guye - Great Boss - Wilde Ruby

Ireland: tiny fields at Punchestown

2011-11-20T12:37:00.001+01:00

the main meeting today is at Punchestown, but unfortunately the fields have cut up badly. Only 4 line up for the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle at 15.10 CET. This is partly because Willie Mullins´Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly was due to make his seasonal debut here and scared off much of the opposition. However Mullins was not happy with the horse´s work and he was taken out on Thursday.

The trainer is now representd by Thousand Stars (Ruby Walsh), a winner at Atuteuil in June over a much longer distance, and clear best here on ratings. He is by no means a certainty here, as both Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) and Pittoni (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) are serious dangers, especially the latter who is unbeaten in 4 starts in 2011, two of them on the flat, and could be a major contender for the top hurdles races.

Last time out Pittoni beat Donnas Palm (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) by 12 lengths and that one can boost the form by winning the Grade 2 novice chase half an hour earlier, only his second attempt over fences. Last Instalment (Philip Fenton/ Davy Russell), also chasing for second time, is the obvious danger.

The novice chase over 2 miles at 14.10 is the other graded race and has a slightly bigger field with 7 runners. Lucky William (Tom Cooper/ Barry Geraghty) beat Whodoyouthink (Oliver McKiernan/ Tom Doyle) here last time, but there should be little in it now with the latter 3 lbs better off. The one to beat could be Days Hotel (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), a very easy CD winner last time, while Monastrell (Meade/ Carberry) is also in with a chance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: So Young - Fully Funded - Askanna
2. Race: Lucky William - Whodoyouthink - Days Hotel
3. Race: Donnas Palm - Last Instalment - Four Commanders
4. Race: Pittoni - Oscars Well - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Not For Converting - Andunowhat - Dedigout
6. Race: Some Present - Dare To Doubt - Capellanus
7. Race: Make Your Mark - Our Vinnie - Thomond Park

Master Minded v Somersby at Ascot

2011-11-19T13:47:00.001+01:00

It is impossible to be in two places at once, and trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson must be wishing that it were, as they both have fancied runners in several races at both Haydock and Ascot. Even more galling must it be for owner Clive Smith, with his two superstars Kauto Star in action at Haydock and Master Minded at Ascot. We expect Kauto to run a big race but are less optimistic about Master Minded, who although younger, appears to be fading, judged on his recent performances. At his best he would obviously win the Amlin 1955 Chase at 15.10 CET at Ascot, a race he won last year, but we are sceptical, even though he is unbeaten in 3 runs at this track. We strongly fancy Somersby (Hanrietta Knight/ Dominic Elsworth), who has been behind the Nicholls chaser on all 3 occasions they have so far met, but ran him to a short head on one occasion last year and we think can finally pull it off today. Medermit (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) could be a threat to both after his lucky win (his leading rivals all fell) in the Haldon Gold Cup, while Kalahari King (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) can also finish in the money, but we will stick with Somersby.

The Grade Two Coral Hurdle at 15.45 is another strong race, in which Oscar Whisky (Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) will be a hot favourite; he has won 7 of his 9 races and finished an excellent third in the Champion Hurdle. However he has to concede 8 lbs all round, no easy task. The much improved King of the Night (Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), who has a nice German pedigree, is a definite threat, as is front-runner Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mush Mir - Deireadh Re - Bowntobebad
2. Race: Bounds And Leaps - Graduation Night - Ballagio
3. Race: Benefique - Lady Karinga - Synthe Davis
4. Race: Master Minded - Somersby - Medermit
5. Race: Oscar Whisky - Overturn - King Of The Night
6. Race: Anquetta - Dan Breen - Takeroc
7. Race: Population - Harry Topper - Be All Man

Long Run, Kauto Star et al at Haydock Park

2011-11-19T13:46:00.001+01:00

A fantastic card today at Haydock, headed by the Grade One Betfair Chase over 3 miles at 16.05 CET. Although the field has only 6 runners, 5 of them have pretensions to the highest honours, and two of them have the Cheltenham Gold Cup on their record, the reigning champion Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) and the long time top chaser Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh).

Long Run also won the King George last season so has twice left Kauto Star well behind, and many feel that the Nicholls star will never again defeat his 5 years younger rival. Time is certainy against him, as he will be 12 in a few weeks time, but the vibes from the stable are positive and we hope to see Kauto Star win this race for the fourth time. It is certainly premature to write him off, and in our view he is better value than the favourite, who has not been seen out since his brillint win in the Gold Cup. However the stable is in top form (5 winners yesterday!) and if he is fit enough to do himself justice, then he will be a hard not to crack. It is by no means a two horse race. Weird Al (Donald McCain/ Timmy Murphy) ran on strongly to defeat Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Will Kennedy) in the Charlie Hall Chase, and is better off at the weights this time so in theory should beat him again, but there could be little in it. Dimnond Hrry (Nick Williams/ Jm Rvly) would hav tartd for tht rc, but was pulld ou ftr minot stbk. If he is back to full fitness, he must play a prominent role, but we feel that he is also no value, having been heavily backed this week, and he is now second favourite. He runs well fresh, so the long break since winning last year´s Hennessy is no problem, but we cannot believe that he is shorter in the betting than Kauto Star. In our view, the race lies between Long Run and Kauto Star and at the likely odds we must go for the old champion.

There is a great supporting card, with the handicap hurdle over 3 miles at 15.30 a very competitive race with 20 runners and as many possible winners. Nicholls and Henderson are also well represented here with Robinson Collonges (Walsh) and Sentry Duty (Jeremiah McGrath) respectively. The former is not so exposed, but we prefer Sentry Duty, who was smart on the flat; he has not really lived up to expectations over hurdles, but could well bounce back here. German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Lucy Alexander), who likes to make the running, is in great form and could also run well, while Benny be Good and Sa Suffit (better handicapped over hurdles than over fences) also make the short list.

We expect Grandouet (Henderson/ McCoy) to defy top weight in the opening 4yo hurdle at 13.15; he looked the likely winner when falling last time out, and is a cut above these opponents; while another top weight who could score here is Any Given Day (McCain Henry Brooke) in the handicap hurdle at 13.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grandouet - Domtaline - Marsh Warbler
2. Race: Arthurian Legend - Indian Daudaie - Get Me Out Of Here
3. Race: Diocles - Balinroab - Herecomesthehollow
4. Race: Neptune Equester - Eyre Square - You Know Yourself
5. Race: Robinson Collonges - Global Power - Dynaste
6. Race: Long Run - Kauto Star - Diamond Harry
7. Race: Gansey - Summery Justice - Merigo

Competitive jumps racing at Haydock and Ascot

2011-11-18T13:05:00.001+01:00

Haydock and Ascot both stage top class racing tomorrow (Long Run, Master Minded et al) but they also offer some very competitive racing today, despite generally small fields. At Haydock, the card opens with a very open handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 13.50 CET. The favourite here is Remember Now (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), but we are not totally convinced. His reputation owes much to his top connections and to the fact that he is a brother to Binocular. We will take a chance on Afsoun (Neil King/ Alex Merriam) -trained by Henderson to finish 3rd in the 2007 Champion Hurdle, but a long way off that form ever since - and Sir Tantallus Hawk (Alan Swinbank/ Fearghal Davis),whose stable is in good form. Th n 3 racs ll hve 5 runnrs or lss, but gill look very tricky. The graduation chase at 14.20 can go to Toubab (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), but Doctor David (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) could be dangerous despite being off for 18 months. Nicholls and Walsh can also take the n ovice chase at 14.55 with Bold Addition, a smart hurdler making his debut over fences. The listed novice hurdle at 15.30, won last year by Toubab, can also go to the same team with Plenty Pocket, although Molotof (Henderson/ McCoy) is a big danger; the other 3 runners are all running over sticks for the first time, but they are all flat winners and receiving weight, so cannot be totally ignored. Super Duty (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is the hot favourite after his Carlisle romp for the novice hurdle at 16.05, but The Fonz (Pauline Robeson/ Jimmy McCarthy) could be an alternative. He was a decent handicapper on the flat for Sir Michael Stoute and has shown promise on his two hurdles starts.

Haydock - betting forecast:
1. Race: Remember Now - Desert Cry - Sure Josie Sure
2. Race: Toubab - Nadiya De La Vega - Silk Drum
3. Race: Mr Moonshine - Tornado Bob - Bold Addition
4. Race: Molotof - Plenty Pocket - Our Joe Mac
5. Race: Super Duty - The Fonz - City Press
6. Race: Hi George - Eligible - Phoenix Returns

Nicky Henderson is also strongly represented at Ascot and has his main jockey Barry Geraghty riding there. They can win the first two races with Simonsig at 14.00 and Solix at 14.35, and also have a chance with Broadbackbob in the introductory hurdle at 15.10. This however has several interesting runners, for example the smart flat horse Ted Spread (Mark Tompkins/ Daryl Jacob), who makes his hurdling debut here. The handicap chase at 15.45 looks another very open event and we have decided on an each-way bet on outsider Gee Dee Nen (Gary and Jamie Moore). He has been well beaten on his recent starts, but likes this track- where he has already won on the flat and over hurdles. We expect David Pipe to win the last 2 races with Swing Bill (Tom Bellamy) at 16.20 and Decoy (Conor O´Farrell) at 16.55; both won at Cheltenham´s big meeting a week ago and follow up here under the same jockeys.

Ascot - betting forecast:
1. Race: Simonsig - Western King - Bobcatbilly
2. Race: Solix - Duke Of Lucca - No Secrets
3. Race: Broadbackbob - Ted Spread - Cinders And Ashes
4. Race: Restezen D`Armor - Balzaccio - Court In Session
5. Race: Swing Bill - Vincitore - Stoney`S Treasure
6. Race: Decoy - Rajnagan - Pantxoa

4 N.H. meetings today

2011-11-18T13:02:00.001+01:00

4 jumps meetings today (plus a very poor all-weather card this evening at Kempton), and the most valuable race in the U.K. is the handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 15.20 CET at Market Rasen. This looks very open and Daldini (Sue Smith/ Henry Oliver), put up 4 lbs for running second at Haydock last time, would be our selection, except for the fact that he would probably prefer much softer ground. Babysitter (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) won here in April, but was pulled up on his only start since, so we have decided to tip the consistent North Island, who has twice won over this CD. The beginners chase over the same trip at 14.50 is also interesting. McMurrough (Malcolm Jefferson( Harry Haynes) would have a definite chance on his old hurdling form, but has been off the track for 18 months. Moonlight Drive (John Quinn/ McCoy) has not run since being pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival and obviously this opposition is nowhere near as strong. Storming Gale (Donaald McCain/ Brian Harding) has also been off since the spring, so the one with the fewest questions to answer is Carpincho (Sarah Humphrey/ Aidan Coleman), a well-beaten fifth in a decent race at Chepstow last month.

Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at Wincanton, his local track, but today he only has 3 runners - and they are all in the same race. No Loose Change (Noel Fehily), Oscarslad /Ryan Mahon) and Rolling Aces (Nick Scholfield), all Irish point-to-point winners last time, are his runners in the novice hurdle at 15.10, and frankly it is impossible for an outsider to know which is the best of them. A better bet could be course specialist Heir to Be (Michael Blake/ Scholfield) in the opening handicap hurdle at 14.05.

Nicholls also has a possible winner at Hereford in Doeslessthanme (Daryl Jacob), who has top-weight in the handicap chase at 15.30 at Hereford. This ex-Howard Johnson runner was an easy winner on his only start for his new stable, but has been hit quite hard by the handicapper for that success, so is no certainty. Most of the other top jockeys are at the other meetings, so it is interesting to see Robert Thornton here and he can land a double for Alan King with Reyamour at 14.30 and Way Back When half an hour later.

There are the usual large fields at the Irish meeting at Thurles, but only 5 turn out for the novice hurdle at 15.45, which features the best horse in action at any of today´s meetings - the unbeaten Ipsos du Berlais (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) . He was a very easy winner on his hurdles debut a fortnight ago at Down Royal and it will be a surprise if he is beaten today.

2 all-weather meetings today

2011-11-16T13:16:00.001+01:00

The best races at Lingfield this afternoon are the 2 divisions of the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.20 and 15.50, both very Tpen affairs with 12 runners apiece. In the first division we expect the two top-weights Seek the Fair Land (James Boyle/ Eddie Ahern) and Santefisio (Peter Makin/ William Buick), to play a leading role, while Amitola (David Barron/ Jamie Spencer) is our choice for the later event.

We are always on the lookout for German-breds and our eye has been caught by Querido (Patrick Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler) in the mile handicap at 14.50. The Acatenango gelding has an excellent pedigree, and is running here off the lowly mark of 51. Of course that is the result of his terrible form, but he has run several good races at Wolverhampton which is quite similar to Lingfield, where he is running for the first time.

At Kempton this evening, Estonia (Michael Squance/ Adam Kirby), who showed improved form to win over this CD a fortnight ago and is now only 3 lbs higher, can follow up in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.40. The conditions race over 7 furlongs, the last race of the day at 20.10, was won last year by Andrew Balding, and he can take it again this time with Katakosi (William Buick - one of several jockeys riding at both meetings).

3 N.H.meetings today

2011-11-16T13:15:00.001+01:00

3 more low level jumps meetings today, but at least there are some bigger fields, especially at Warwick. However only 3 run in the 4yo chase at 15.30 CET, although the winner is still difficult to find. Perhaps Tornade d´Estruval (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), a filly by Network and getting weight from the other two, can succeed here. Paul Nicholls also has possibilities in this race, but we think he has better prospects with The Pretender (Daryl Jacob) at 16.00. Henrietta Knight had a bad season in 2010-11 but things look brighter this time; her Loch Ba (Dominic Elsworth) was undeniably lucky to win last time - when the leader fell at the last - but can score again in the novices handicap chase at 15.30.

Donald McCain usually does well at Hexham, and it would not be a surprise to see him take the first two races there today with Chester Lad (Brian Harding) at 14.10 and Kings Grace (NAP) (Timmy Murphy) at 14.40. With the Ferdy Murphy stable now coming back into form, we also like Domoly (Graham Lee), raised 5 lb for winning over this CD 12 days ago, at 16.10.

There is also competitive racing at Fairyhouse in Ireland nad Ruby Walsh looks the man to follow. He has several very promising rides, including his father´s Rossvoss in the 3yo hurdle at 13.55, and Ceol Rua at 14.55 and Sous les Cieux an hour later, both for Willie Mullins. We also hope to see German-bred Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Barry Cash) come back to form in the 2 mile hurdle race at 14.25.

3 dreadful cards today

2011-11-15T12:20:00.001+01:00

Tuesday is often the poorest day of the week in terms of quality racing, and this is certainly the case today, with 3 very bad meetings. The going is on the firm side at the two N.H. tracks, Fakenham and Folkestone, and the fields are very small in addition to being very low class. The field for the maiden hurdle at 14.30 CET at Folkestone includes 3 bumper winners; although there is no way to compare the form, we prefer Ballyclough (Jonjo O Neill/ Tony McCoy) to Tony Dinozzo (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass). In the next race, Henderson and McCoy team up with Bears Affair, winner of 3 bumpers, and if he jumps round safely, this one can hardly fail to beat two moderate opponents. Absolute Shambles (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon) won 3 races over hurdles in the summer, and he is another one who should win of he gets round safely on his chase debut at 16.30.

At Folkestone, there are 3 last-time-out winners in the noice chase at 15.40, including Henderson´s Larks Lad (Andrew Tinkler), who "won" walkover last week, but we prefer No Rules (Mark Tompkins/ Mattie Batchelor), who gets weight from them all. Tompkins and Batchelor also have a chance with the debutant Cotton Grass in the 3yo hurdle half an hour earlier. We don´t like backing 3yo´s against older horses over jumps, but Black Dragon (Mark Rimmer/ Matt Crawley) must have a chance in the handicap hurdle at 16.40.

The fields are bigger at the all-weather fixture at Southwell, but the quality just as bad. Our best bet here is Shot in the Dark (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) in the 2yo maiden at 14.50. He is unlikely to pay much, so a better bet might be all-weather specialist Ours (John Harris/ Seb Sanders) in the seller at 15.50; his recent performances, all on turf, have been poor, but he has won 3 times over this CD and has the best rating in this line-up.

4 meetings today

2011-11-14T15:29:00.001+01:00

The usual poor quality racing for a Monday today, and in addition there are some very small fields at the two British N.H. meetings, so that betting should be kept to a minimum. Tony McCoy is riding at Leicester where we expect him to land a short-priced double on Nick Gifford´s Christopher Wren at 14.20 CET and Tim Vaughan´s First Fandango at 15.50.

It could be David Pipe´s and Tom Scudamore´s turn to land a double at Plumpton, with Notus de la Tour at 14.30 -although Megastar could be a danger here in receipt of 7 lbs - and Bathwick Brave half an hour later. It is interesting to see an Irish raider in the novices handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 16.30 - Jim Dreaper´s Shernaz (Richie McGrath); the race is worth ls less than 2000 GBP to the winner, but on assumes the trainer is not just coming to admire the Sussex scenery.

The fields are much bigger at the Irish N.H. meeting at Limerick, but the standard is equally low. The two we like best here are Theleze (Willie Mullins/ Andrew Lynch) in the mares maiden hurdle at 14.10 and The Engineer (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), who makes his jumping debut in the beginners chase at 16.15.

All 8 races on the all-weather at Wolverhampton are class 5 or 6. John Dunlop hardly ever has runners at this low level, but sends Phonic (Eddie Ahern) to contest the 2 mile handicap at 17.10; he is probably the slowest horse in the Dunlop yard, but could still win this. We also like Amazing Blue Sky (Ruth Carr/ Tom Eaves), better handicpped on the all-weather than on turf, at 16.10, and Bavarian Princess (Elaine Burke/ Martin Harley), who showed improvement to win over this CD last time, at 17.40.

Cheltenham: open meeting, third and final day

2011-11-13T12:11:00.001+01:00

Cheltenham´s Open Meeting closes today with another fine card. These three days have shown conclusively that six top races are sufficient to guarantee an excellent day´s racing. Today´s main event is the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle over 2 miles at 15.20 CET; although only a handicap, this event has been won repeatedly by horses that have gone on to run well (and even win!) the Champion Hurdle and Philip Hobbs has a good record here, which he obviously hopes to improve, as he saddles 4 runners including the favourite Pateese (Richard Johnson). He won a Sandown handicap with the greatest of ease only 8 days ago, for which he now carries a 5 lbs penalty, while his rating has gone up by 10 lbs, so theoretically he is 5 lbs well in. However it is not a simple as that, and this race looks much more competitive -although we shall be surprised if any of the runners wins the Champion Hurdle!

Moon Dice (Paul Flynn/ Tom Doyle), one of 4 Irish runners, looks a big danger; he has run only twice this year, winning both times, and last time out landed the valuable Galway Hurdle in the summer. He is up in the weights, but looks one to follow. The Betchworth Kid (Alan King/ Jimmy McCarthy), 8th of 23 in the November Handicap a week ago, and Abergavenny, 13th of 33 in the Cesarewitch and unbeaten over hurdles, are useful flat handicappers who also go well over sticks, while Brampour (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) beat several of these last time when winning at Ascot. His penalty is to a large extent cancelled out by the allowance of his talented young rider, Nicholls´ nephew. Another one we like is Olofi (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan), who was fifth last year (when it was a stronger field) and whose stable is coming back to form. At the likely odds, he is our best each-way bet here.

In both the first two races there are two interesting runners with German pedigrees -Lancetto (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Bellvano (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) in the opening Grade Two novice chase, and West with the Wind (Williams/ Moloney again) and Gauvain (Nick Williams/Noel Fehily) in the Grade Two chase, also over 2 miles, at 14.45. Gauvain actually won this race last year, but all of them have to give weight to two Paul Nicholls hotpots- Al Ferof and Woolcombe Folly respectively, which will not be easy. Both will be ridden by Ruby Walsh (3 winners here yesterday) and Al Ferof in particular is highly regarded and expected to go right to the top.
Nicholls and Walsh also have chances with Rangitoto at 15.55, Polisky at 16.30 and Salubrious in the concluding bumper, but in these races we prefer John Ferguson´s Perpetually (Mick Quinlan), Fingal Bay (Hobbs/ Johnson) and the Mullins family entry respectively.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Al Ferof - Bellvano - Lancetto
2. Race: Woolcombe Folly - Gauvain - West With The Wind
3. Race: Pateese - Moon Dice - A Media Luz
4. Race: Perpetually - Rangitoto - Tenor Nivernais
5. Race: Fingal Bay - African Broadway - Grandads Horse
6. Race: Montbazon - Supreme Carolina - Salubrious

Rest of Cheltenham

2011-11-12T12:11:00.001+01:00

The remaining 5 races are also extremely competitive, and the card opens with the best 3yo hurdle of the season so far. French-breds always seem to do well here, and Nicky Henderson with Ozeta (Tony McCoy) and Paul Nicholls with Hinterland (Ruby Walsh) saddle a runner who scored at Auteuil last time and now make their British debut. The other runners, 3 of them unbeaten, cannot be totally ignored, but we expect one of this pair to win.

The Grade 3 handicap chase over 3 1/2 miles at 14.55 CET is a high class event and the field includes one runner, Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Noel Fehily), who ran in the Gold Cup; he is not without a chance off this rating now. German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint) is a very consistent performer who always runs well at this track. He was an excellent runner-up over hurdles last time, and is possibly not quite as good over fences, but is better handicapped in this sphere. The high-class Chicago Grey (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) and well-weighted Promising Anshan (Nicholls/ Walsh) must also be considered.

The listed handicap hurdle at 16.10 and the novice handicap hurdle at 16.40 are two more very tricky handicaps with huge fields. Our 3 against the field ehre are Raslan (Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell), Dorset Square (Willie and Danny Mullins) and Oscargo (Nicholls/ Walsh) at 16.10, and St. Kilians Run (Elliott/ Timmy Murphy), German-bred All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Tony McCoy) and Shallow Bay (Pipe/ Scudamore) in the later race.

Finally, the smart hurdler Restless Harry /Robin Dickin/ Henry Oliver), who easily defeated Fair Along at Wetherby last time, makes his chase debut at 17.10. If he jumps round safely, he should win, but Viking Blond (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who has already scored in good style over fences could be a big danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hinterland - Ozeta - Secret Edge
2. Race: Chicago Grey - Promising Anshan - Fair Along
3. Race: Mon Parrain - Wishfull Thinking - The Giant Bolster
4. Race: Oscargo - Cantlow - My Shamwari
5. Race: Edgardo Sol - St Killian`S Run - Cape Dutch
6. Race: Restless Harry - Viking Blond - Saint Are

Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

2011-11-12T12:08:00.001+01:00

Today´s Cheltenham card is not only the best of the season so far but it is hard to see it topped, except by the Festival itself. All 6 races are fascinating and the cherry on the cake is undoubtedly the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles. With 20 runners this is very open indeed, although the early betting has been concentrated on just two horses - Mon Parrain (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The latter has won 7 of his 13 starts and is possibly still improving, but he has a huge weight and will have to be championship class to win off this rating. We are sceptical, and shall therefore oppose him, and also Mon Parrain, who although better weighted, represents no value at all at the likely odds. This ex-French 5yo won on his British debut by 22 lengths and then finished an excellent 2nd of 30 at Aintree, but this looks a much tougher race.

Nicholls also saddles top-weight Poquelin (David Prichard), who is in the race presumebly to keep down the weight for his other runners, and Aerial (Ryan Mahon), one of 9 horses out of the handicap - but none by much - a result. Nicky Henderson is in great form- 8 of his last 12 runners have won- and saddles 2, both with chances. Stable jockey Barry Geraghty partners Dave´s Dream, off for 10 months but in our view very well handicapped, and Andrew Tinkker is on Quantitativeeasing.

Another trainer in top form is David Pipe, who had 3 winners here yesterday, and his Great Endeavour (Timmy Murphy) must be on the short list, even though he was disappointing in this race last year. We also like Irish raider Loosen my Load (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) and northern hope nd German-bred Noble Alan (Nicky Richards/ Dougie Costello), who fell last time when looking a possible winner at Market Rasen. Nigel Twiston-Davies has won this twice in the last 3 years, so his 2 runners, both out of the handicap, must also come into the reckoning, but our 4 against the field are Great Endeavour, Dave´s Dream, Noble Alan and Loosen my Load.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hinterland - Ozeta - Secret Edge
2. Race: Chicago Grey - Promising Anshan - Fair Along
3. Race: Mon Parrain - Wishfull Thinking - The Giant Bolster
4. Race: Oscargo - Cantlow - My Shamwari
5. Race: Edgardo Sol - St Killian`S Run - Cape Dutch
6. Race: Restless Harry - Viking Blond - Saint Are

Cheltenham: open meeting starts today

2011-11-12T12:06:00.001+01:00

Cheltenham´ s 3-day Open Meeting, which starts today, is the best fixture of the early part of the N.H. season and today´s card, while not as good as tomorrow´s, still offers 6 highly competitive events with good betting opportunities. The card opens with a handicap chase over 3 miles for amateur riders at 14.10 CET. The lightly-raced Time for Spring (Charlie Longsdon/ Sam Waley-Cohen) is our choice here, although the improving Irish challenger Barel of Laughs (Jim Culloty/ MrJT Carroll) and course pecialist Pigeon Island (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Derek O´Connor) both look dangerous. Then follows a 2 mile handicap chase at 14.45 with numerous Cheltenham specialists and several runners who have been competing in top company, such as Crack Away Jack (Paul Nicholls/ Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), having his first run since leaving Emma Lavelle, and I´msingingtheblues (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who is however on a long losing run. Oh Crick (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) is another on e for the short list, while the German-bred bottom weight Bocciani (Brian Ellison/ Will Kennedy) has won 5 races this year, but has never met such hot opposition.

The cross country race at 15.20 sees the return to his favourite course of Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry), an abolute CD specialist who has been first or second in this for the past 3 years. Theoretically he must win this, as he has17 lbs in hand according to official ratings, but we would not be surprised to see another Irish runner Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) make a race of it.The Grade 2 novice hurdle at 15.55 is one of the day´s highlights and features several contenders who will be running at the Festival. Steps to Freedom (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), a smart flat horse who has also won his last 2 hurdles starts, is an obvious candidate, but so is Ericht (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), not seen out since starting fevourite and finishing 6th in the Champion Bumper here, and Prospect Wells (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), one of the many Howard Johnson horses owned by Graham Wylie that have moved to the champion trainer. Our suggestion is Ohio Gold (Colin and Joe Tizzard) each-way in a very tricky event.

Even trickier is the handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys at 16.30 with 24 runners. Our 3 against the field are Enfant de Luxe (Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell),an easy winner at Sandown last week, the German-bred Kayef (Michael Scudamore/ John Kington) and the mare Kelles Bells (Henderson/ David Bass) but almost anything is possible here. Finally the most-eagerly awaited race of the day is the novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 17.05. Zaynar (Nick Williams/ Tony McCoy) was third in the 2010 Champion Hurdle, but his form tailed off afterwards. However he should be in the shake-up but the two principals here are Cue Card (father and son Tizzard) and Grands Crus (Pipe/ Scudamore). Both look destined for high honours, and we just prefer the Pipe runner, who ran badly in France in the summer, but in the U.K. has only ever been beaten by the outstanding Big Bucks in the last 21 months.

5 meetings today

2011-11-10T14:56:00.001+01:00

Plenty of racing today, but mainly of very low quality. The best event is the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET, but the Irish race has only attracted 4 runners. Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) won this last year and is the class act in the field, but has to give away quite a lot of weight. Psycho (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh) is next best on ratings.

He is not the most consistent and fell last time, but runs his best races for Ruby, who is 5 from 6 on him. Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) is an improving youngster, but he may not be ready for this, although he is certainly a major prospect. The Grade 3 mares chase, half an hour later, also features the 2010 winner who is attempting to follow up under top weight: Blazing Tempo ( Willie Mullins/ Walsh). However she was well beaten by Kauto Stone last Saturday and we prefer For Bill (Mervyn Winters/ Paul Carberry).

There is jumping in the U.K. at Taunton and Ludlow. At the former meeting we like Dormouse ( Marie King/ Mr.O.Murphy), who was 20-1 shot when winning last week at Warwick,but can now follow up at much shorter odds under a 7 lbs penalty. At Ludlow, the novice chase at 15.30 is the most interesting event and sees the chasing debut of the decent hurdlers Cucumber Run (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Cygnet (Donald McCain/ Brian Harding).

There are also two all-weather fixtures today. At Southwell this afternoon Lovelace (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) can win the Claiming Stakes at 14.20. This i a long way down from his Group 2 win at Baden-Baden 3 years ago, but his recent form leaves much to be desired- as does that of his main rival Autumn Blades (Ruth Carr/ Tom Eaves). At Kempton this evening the conditions race over 11 furlong at 19.50 also features two horses that have not visited the winners enclosure for a long time - Irish Flame (Mike de Kock/ Luke Morris) and Treasury Devil (John Gosden/ William Buick); despite their poor recent form, they should outclass this lot.

2 N.H. and 2 all-weather flat meetings

2011-11-09T12:40:00.001+01:00

There are 4 meetings today, two on the flat (all-weather racing at a very low level at Southwell this afternoon and Kempton this evening) and rather better N.H. racing at Exeter and Bangor. Star of the show is undoubtedly Peddlers Cross /Donald McCain/ Timmy Murphy) who makes his chasing debut at 14.40 CET at Bangor. The runner-up in the Champion Hurdle last March only has to jump round safely to defeat his 3 opponents today before we hope going on to much better things. The handicap chase here half an hour later is a more interesting betting event, and German-bred Air Force One (Charlie Mann Noel Fehily) could be a decent each-way bet. The Lando gelding has failed to complete in 5 of his last 6 races, but he has plenty of ability and has been dropped to a very favourable weight.

After a stuttering start to the season, the powerful Paul Nicholls stable has now hit form (6 winners on Saturday!) and looks likely to clean up at Exeter. Nicholls, with jockey Daryl Jacob, can take the two divisions of the novice hurdle at 13.50 and 14.20 with Curtain Razer and Ruben Cotter respectively, both Irish point-to-point winners last time out, as well as the handicap hurdle at 14.50 with ex-Howard Johnson The Knoxs. Our bst