today´s N.H. racing

there are 3 N.H. cards today, but the racing is mainly at a very low level and, with more rain about, the ground will be very testing everywhere.
The best sport comes as usual from Ireland and we expect top trainer Willie Mullins to continue on his winning ways at Punchestown. He has two runners in the 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 14.45 CET and they should take the first two places. Ruby Walsh partners Boston Bob, who has fallen the last twice - both in top chases - and now reverts to hurdles. He is apparently being aimed at the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, and if he keeps on his feet, has an obvious chance, even though this trip is on the short side. Stable companion Mourad (Paul Townend) looks the only danger, even though he has not run for 18 months. He is actually higher rated, but we assume Ruby knows what he is doing. Mullins and Walsh can also take the opening beginners chase with Touch the Eden at 13.45 and the 3yo hurdle at 15.15 with ex- French Adriana des Mottes, although in each case Paul Townend rides a dangerous second runner from the stable.
In England, German-bred Lord of House (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan) can follow up his Boxing Day win at Wincanton by taking the 2 mile handicap chase at 14.40 at Wincanton under a 7 lbs penalty. Another Boxing Day winner who can score under a penalty is Crookstown (Barry Case/ Daryl Jacob) at 16.10.
We are a bit doubtful about Samurai Way (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Roseneath (Andrew Hales/ Tony McCoy) in the staying handicap chase at 15.20, as we feel that the two favourites will not enjoy these conditions and we will therefore take a chance on Badgers Cove (Robin Dickin( Charlie Poste), who stays well and goes on the heavy. Another one who will like the ground is Todareistodo (Jim Old/ Micky Grant) at 16.20; he is up in trip here but ran last time as though that would be to his advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Touch The Eden - You Must Know Me - Rogue Angel
2. Race: Solstice Knight - Troll D`oudairies - Luke`S Benefit
3. Race: Mourad - Boston Bob - Un Beau Matin
4. Race: Indian Icon - Adriana Des Mottes - Ashjar
5. Race: Truckin All Night - Mireya - Gilgamboa
6. Race: De Chissler - Shanroe Society - Getoutwhenyoucan
7. Race: Midnight Streaker - Miss Mardan - Ballychorus

Lingfield: Richard Hannon´s last runners

normally we would not even look at today´s low level Lingfield card and certainly not recommend any bets - but this day will be memorable as it marks the retirement of Richard Hannon, who hands over to his son Richard junior at midnight. Hannon has been training since 1970, has been champion trainer 5 times and sent out 3644 winners of well over 15 million GBP in prize-money. He has 3 runners today - Sebs Sensei (Sean Levey) and Amontillado (Kieren O´Neill) in the 2yo handicap at 14.00 CET, and Lions Arch (Levey), who has top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.30. Obviously it would be nice if one of them were to win, but we would not bet on it.
Another trainer to watch today is Mark Johnston, who has just one runner, Outbacker (Adam Kirby) at 13.30. Johnston has sent out 216 winners in 2013, - which equals his personal record- so clearly would like to go one better here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mahadee - Hillbilly Boy - Ocean Applause
2. Race: Perfect Persuasion - Outbacker - Why Not Now
3. Race: Irish Tears - Applejack Lad - Sebs Sensei
4. Race: Swehan - Leitrim Pass - Aqua Ardens
5. Race: Just One Kiss - Fleckerl - Duke Of Grazeon
6. Race: Kakatosi - Nassau Storm - Glanely
7. Race: Street Power - Random Success - Perfect Venture
8. Race: Mossgo - Never A Quarrel - Novabridge

Haydock and Taunton

back to earth today after the excellent sport of the past few days with only modest cards at Haydock and Taunton to keep us interested, plus the usual low level all-weather racing at Lingfield. Haydock has the better fields - although some of them are small- and two German-breds have caught our eye: Amore Mio (Lucinda Russell/ Craig Nichol) at 13.20 CET and Gauvain (Philip Hobbs/ Mr. Smith) who has top-weight in the veterans chase at 13.50. Gauvain (by Sternkönig) is an old friend of ours and we still remember his victory in the Grade Two Peterborough Chase 2 years ago. He has not won since and his recent form is poor, so he is down a lot in the ratings, but a return to anything hear his old form would see him go close here. The obvious danger is Baby Run (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), who ran a great race at Aintree recently after a break of 30 months; the 13yo is not certain to repeat that performance however as the bounce factor could come into play. Amore Mio is rather inconsistent, but clearly has a chance in a weak event. The best race at Haydock is the 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 14.55; this will be quite a slog on the heavy ground, but the two top-weights are the obvious favourites - Across the Bay (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) - who finished 14th in the Grand National and is probably going to challenge for that race again, and Pete The Feat (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily), back to form last time at Fontwell and our selection. The Twiston-Davies runner Hunters Lodge and Bob Ford (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) are the others to consider; the latter is running in his first handicap and could be very leniently weighted.
Philip Hobbs could also be on the scorecard at Taunton, as we fancy both Milosam (Tom O´Brien) at 14.10, much improved and twice a CD winner in November, and the penalised Horizontal Speed (Richard Johnson) at 14.45. Best bet here is As I Am (Don Cantillon/ Conor Shoemark) in the mares novice hurdle at 15.20; she has already won 6 races this year, 3 of them with this Jockey, and stands out in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cloudingstar - Amore Mio - Upbeat Cobbler
2. Race: Baby Run - Gansey - Gauvain
3. Race: Goohar - Dibdabs - Highpower
4. Race: Pete The Feat - Bob Ford - Herdsman
5. Race: Urban Hymn - Algernon Pazham - Howaboutnow
6. Race: Bobcatbilly - Supreme Asset - Presence Felt
7. Race: Dundee - Teochew - No No Bingo