German runners at Cagnes-sur-mer today

The Cagnes-sur-mer meeting continues today with a very international atmosphere and runners from Germany, England, Italy and Austria. From the German pont of view, the most interesting race is the conditions event for older horses over 2000 metres at 14.35 CET, in which König Bernard (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) must have a good chance after his excellent run here last time. Main opposition comes from the English-trained Arlequin and Tominator and from the local hopes Villa Molitor and Tanga Speed. The 1300 metres handicap half an hour later could also result in a German victory as both Any Given Sunday (Baltromei/ Boeuf) and Asuluman (Mario and Steffi Hofer) - who ran well here last week- should be involved in the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Indian Drums - Splendido - Urkanie
2. Race: Ujadil Bere - Par Cing - Cenon
3. Race: Skallet - Gorgeous Sixty - Happy Monster
4. Race: Vlatypas - Fairy Dress - Papi Fernand
5. Race: König Bernard - Villa Molitor - Querry Boy
6. Race: Asulaman - Lisselan Muse - Zizany
7. Race: Almaguer - Szerelem - Raganeyev
8. Race: Loup Normand - Constant Lover - San Al Hajar

Ayr and Wolverhampton

With Ludlow off, Ayr now stages the only jumps racing today and Donald McCain can start the ball rolling by winning the first two races, both novice hurdles, with Desert Cry and Ballabriggs at 14.15 CET and 14.45 respectively, both with Jason Maguire in the saddle. Desert Cry, who had useful flat form in France, made a pleasing debut in the U.K. when 5th of 12 to the smart Credit Swap at Leicester, whil Ballabriggs is the most interesting runner of the day. He is regarded as the stable´s main hope for the Grand National (which McCain´s father won 4 times) and the 10yo won his first hurdle race recently when scoring easily at Wincanton; despite a penalty he should follow up today, as on his excellent chasing form (including a win at the Cheltenhm Festival) he is close to unbeatable.

The other race of interest at Ayr is the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.25. Blackpool Billy (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) is the obvious favourite here, having finished runner-up on both starts after a 2 year break, but we shall give another chance to German-bred Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Ryan Mania). Previously trained by the ill-fated Peter Monteith, he has been out of form on all recent starts but has as a consequence dropped to a very low rating. He runs his best races here, and in fact 3 of his 4 wins have come at Ayr.

The Wolverhampton card kicks off with two handicaps for amateurs, followed by a seller and a claimer - all races usually best left alone. The 3yo handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 16.15 has only 5 runners and should lie between Memorabilia (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who has won both his starts this year, including this CD, and Sir Randolf (Sylvester Kirk/ Dane O´Neill), runner-up last time at Lingfield to Aquilifer, a winner since. The Johnston/ Fanning also has a chance in the 3yo maiden at 17.50 with the well-bred debutant Falmouth Bay, but Crafty Roberto (Brian Meehan/ Shane Kelly) could have a fitness advantage here and is preferred. Broughtons Day (Willie Musson/ Chris Catlin) won yesterday at Kempton; if he turns out again for the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.20 he can land a quick 24 hour double.

Irish cracks at Punchestown today

Easily the best race in Britain and Ireland today is the Grade Two Tied Cottage Chase over 2 miles at 14.50 CET at Punchestown. The 5 runners include Ireland´s four best two-milers plus the pacemaker Changing Course. He is in the field to help Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), winner of the Arkle at Cheltenham last March, who still has a choice of targets for this year´s Festival as it is still not clear what is his best trip.

We do not believe that he can beat Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Barry Geraghty) over this distance, who won this race last year en route to taking the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Willie Mullins´ pair Golden Silver (Paul Townend) and Scotsirish (Davy Condon) are smart two-milers but well held by Big Zeb. Indeed Goldensilver - who will probably finish runner-up today - has won his 6 of his last 10 races and on the other 4 always finished behind Big Zeb. There seems to be no logical reason at all why Big Zeb should not win today.

The Grade Two novice hurdle at 15.50 looks much more open. Willie Mullins again saddles two runners - Gagewell Flyer (Townend) and ex-French Earlson Gray, partnered by his nephew Emmet, who does not look good enough. Gagewell Flyer scored in good style at Naas last time, but is penalised for that success and we are nor sure that he can concede the weight to the promising Big Game Hunter (Mouse Morris/ Geraghty) and Joe Smooth (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell)

As mentioned earlier, the cross-country race, due to open the card at 14.20, has been cancelled because of frozen patches of ground.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Garde Champetre - Sizing Australia - One Cool Cookie
2. Race: Big Zeb - Sizing Europe - Golden Silver
3. Race: Rocco`S Hall - Some Target - Droim Toll
4. Race: Gagewell Flyer - Tornedo Shay - Joe Smooth
5. Race: Jetson - Harpsy Cord - Westmeath
6. Race: Lough Ferrib - Benash - Golden Sunbird
7. Race: Celtic Folklore - Steele`S Rock - Starling Lady