German runners in France today

Several German-trained runners try their luck at the N. French track of Compiegne today. with Stella di Quattro (Uwe Ostmann/ Johan Victoire) contesting the main feature, a listed race over 2000 metres at 15.55. The likely favourite here is Urs Suter´s Barongo (Maxime Guyon). Captain Camelot (Dr.Bolte/ Stephane Pasquier) runs in the tiercé handicap, also over 2000 metres, at 14.25, while Kimbar (Ira Ferentschak/ Dominique Boeuf) goes for the conditions race over 2800 metres at 16.55 and Man on Fire (Uw Stoltefuss/ Jean-Michel Breux) the claiming race over a mile at 17.25. None of these races look exactly easy, and we feel the German runners will do well to win here today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Julia - Macassar - Al For You
2. Race: Captain Camelot - Zimri - Angel of Rain
3. Race: Martin Alonso - Teshali - Capellanus
4. Race: Shemiyla - Sovietica Zurda - Norwegian Wood
5. Race: Barongo - Inestimable - For Joy
6. Race: Lesperance - Gifted Icon - Alrescha
7. Race: Saturnine - Kimbar - Bella Ida
8. Race: Dolphin`s King - Bernando - Fire Flyer
9. Race: Marendinio - Freemix - Or Violet

Stratford (N.H.) and Thirsk this evening

It certainly looks significant that Godolphin have sent just one runner together with stable jockey Frankie Dettori up to Thirsk this evening for one modest race and Yirga should therefore win the mile handicap for 3yo´s at 21.00 CET. There are only 5 runners here, but all have good recent form, including Mark Johnston´s top-weight Fesko(Greg Fairley), a filly who won well over this CD last time. However she fares, Johnston and Fairley should pick up the 5 furlongs handicap an hour later with the unbeaten Crimea, who has top-weight Le Toreador (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) and consistent Artsu (Michael Dods/ Phillip Makin) to beat. There are some quite competitive fields at this evening´s jumps fixture at Stratford.

Commemoratiopn Day (Nigel Twiston-Davies) a multiple winner in Germany a couple of years ago for Christian von der Recke, has chances off top-weight in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 20.45, but may not be able to concede the weight to Keepitsecret (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), who might have won last time but for making a blunder at the second-last. McCoy also has a good chance with in-form Miss Phoebe (Giles Smyly) in the handicap hurdle half an hour later, who has already won three times this summer, but we prefer Maria Antonia (Alison Thorpe/ Richard Johnson), an easy winner last time at Newton Abbot.

Brighton and Hamilton

With much of Britain now suffering under a heatwave, the going this afternoon at Brighton and Hamilton will be on the firm side, and the quality of racing is very low, with all races either class 5 or 6. Several of the top jockeys are in action at Brighton and the 3 champions Ryan Moore, Jamie Spencer and Seb Sanders could be among the winners with Jeremy Noseda´s Rocky´s Pride at 16.00 CET, Halfway House (Michael Bell) at 17.00 and half an hour later Rough Sketch (Sir Mark Prescott) respectively. Rocky´s Pride looks the best thing of the day but is likely to start at very short odds. At Hamiton, Richard Fahey´s lightly-raced filly Stateside (Paul Hanagan), an easy winner at Ayr last time, can take the 9 furlongs handicap at 16.45, while another last-time-out winner who can score again is Mark Tompkins´ Outland (Salem Golan) in the 1 1/2 miles handicap for 3yo´s at 17.15.

Musselburgh and Windsor this evening

This evening´s racing at Musselburgh and Windsor is also very low level, but there could be an Irish winner at the former track, as Battimoore (Daniel Mark Loughnane/ Jerry O´Dwyer) seems dangerously well handicapped in the 7 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 22.25 CET. Kyber (Jim Goldie/ Mr. P. Norton) won the amateur riders handicap over 2 miles last year and can double up at 19.55. At Windsor Ryan Moore can continue his good run by taking the mile handicap at 22.10 on his father´s Tignello, while he can also win the 10 furlongs handicap at 21.10 on Jeremy Noseda´s lightly-raced Racing Hero.

Pontefract and Wolverhampton

It is difficult to get enthused about today´s racing in the U.K., and the main event at Pontefract, a class 3 race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.15 CET has cut up to only 4 runners. Decree Absolute (Julia Tooth/ Paul Fitzsimons) is unbeaten, but the form shown by Kylladdie (Tom Tate/ Micky Fenton) when winning last time at Ripon is probably better. The fillies handicap over the same distance at 16.45 is the best betting race here. Mango Music (Mick Quinn/ Tom Queally) won this last year and should go close again but we prefer Sioux Rising (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan),whose only start this year resulted in a CD win, and top-weight Artistic Licence (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland). Holland rides two more handicap top-weights with each-way chances, Sergeant Pink for Steve Gollins at 17.15 and Kipchak for Conor Dore at 18.45. With top-rated Harry Up a non-runner, the way should be clear for Northern Empire (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan), who has been running in much better races, to win Wolverhampton´s 5 furlongs seller at 16.00. The 3yo handicap over 1 1/2 miles here at 16.30 should lie between Decorum (John Gosden/ Richard Mullen) and Calalou (Charlie Egerton/ Steve Drowne), both of whom have finished third on their last two starts.

Chester, Newcastle, Newmarket and the Curragh (Ireland) this evening

There is plenty of racing this evening and the quality is better than this afternoon as well. The Curragh begins its 3 day Irish Derby meeting with an evening fixture when the listed race over 6 furlongs for 2yo fillies at 20.30 CET is the main event. Intapeace (Frank Ennis/ Danny Mullins) was an easy CD winner last time from Famous (AP O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), an own sister to Mastercraftsman, but as O´Brien´s runners often showed marked improvement second time out, this form is not certain to be confirmed. Gold Bubbles (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning)was runner-up to O´Brien´s smart Steinbeck last time and looks a big danger.

O´Brien will also be following the Apprentices Derby at 20.00 with keen interest, as his Viceroy of India will be ridden by teenage son Joseph. Newcastle, on th ve of the Northumbrland Plate, has as its mn fature the Gosforth Park Cup, a 5 furlongs handocap with 17 runnrs, most of thm familiar facs who have frquently run against ach othr before. David Nicholls is a specialkist for such events, and Indian Trail (Paul Quinn), winner of th Epsom Dash on Drby Day may be th best of his 4 runnrs, but on Epsom running h has nothing in hand of Captain Dunne (Tim asterby/ Frddi Tylicki), whbile bottom-wight Favershooz (Nil Wilson/ Duran Fentiman) won a simular rac at Musselburgh from Riv Falcon, with several more of these behind.

Fathom Five (Chris Wall/ Alan Munro) won his only start this year and is also expected to feature strongly. Only 6 run in the main event at Newmarket, a fillies conditions race over 6 furlongs at 21.05, in which Cake (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) and Mullein (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) stand out, while at Chester Mark Johnston, who is firing in the winners all over at present, can dominate the fillies handicap at 2045, in which his two entries Alpen Glen (Royston Ffrench) and Eastern Aria (Greg Fairley) can fill the first two places.

Folkestone, Doncaster and Market Rasen (N.H.)

Best race this afternoon at Folkestone is the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.15 CET, in which Luca Cumani´s Mubait (Chris Catlin), winner of his only start this year, should start favourite. This is quite a tricky race and bottom-weight Rio Royale (Amanda Perrett/ Darryll Holland) is just one of many dangers. An interesting runner here is the horse George Baker, trained by George Baker and ridden by another George Baker, who contests the opening 2yo maiden at 15.30; he ran well enough at Royal Ascot last week to suggest that he can score in this lesser company. At Doncaster, 2 handicaps ovr 7 furlongs are the best betting events. In the race at 16.25 for older horses, front-runner Xpres Maite (Steve Bowring/ Andrea Atjeni), consistent Tiger Dream and Castles in the Air (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) make up our short list, while in the 3yo race at 17.35 Jack Cool (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Adrian McCarthy), consistent Head Down (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) and hat-trick-seeking Legal Le gacy (Michael Dods/ Phillip Makin) are our 3 against the field. There is also N.H. racing this afternoon at Market Rasen, and with the ground still riding very fast, we would not be surprised to see the top-weights win the 3 handicap hurdles - Baron de Doc (Tim Vaughan/ Deam Coleman) ar 16.15, Come out Firing (Andy Haynes/ Dominic Elsworth) at 16.50 and Benetwood (Vic Dartnall/ Tony McCoy) at 17.55.

Hamilton, Leicester and Tipperary this evening

There are some small fields this evening and only 4 line up for Hamilton´s mile race for fillies at 21.00, a very disappointing turnout for the money. Just Lille (Amm Duffield/ Paul Mulrennan) won this 2 years ago, but the 3yo´s Silver Games (Mick Channon/ Catherine Gannon) and Feeling Fab (Mark Johnston/ Jo Fanning) could be stronger now. Mark Johnston is always a big supporter of this track and can in any cas win th maidn race half an hour latr with Hajar (Fanning). There are also only 4 runners in Leicester´s main event, a 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 21.10. Mark Johnston can be on the mark here as well with top-weight Matraash (Richard Hills), who has bottom-weight Cosimo (Stoute/ Spencer) to beat. At Tipperary as well there are 4 runners in the main feature, a 5 furlongs race for 3yo´s at 19.50. Rain Delayed (Ger Lyons/ Johnny Murtagh) was third in a listed race at Sandown last time, and that form stands out in this company.

Kempton, Newcastle and Warwick

Newcastle begins its 3-day Northumberland Plate meeting today, when the main feature is the listed race for fillies over 10 furlongs at 18.00 CET. The interesting runner here is Gestüt Ammerland´s Gripsholm Castle (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who beat a better fancied stable companion on her debut; the form of that race now looks smart enough for her to remain unbeaten here. The one to beat is clearly Mark Johnston s consistent Lady Jane Digby (Greg Fairley). The other good race at Newcastle is the Seaton Delaval handicap over the straight mile at 16.30, which looks wide open. Flipando (David Barron/ Neil Brown) and German-bred Raptor (Karl Burke/ Jim Crowley) have both been expensive to follow but could run better this time. There is also a listed race for fillies at Warwick, this time for 3yo´s only over 7 furlongs at 16.50.

The Queen´s Golden Stream ( Sir Michael Stoute/ Jamie Spencer). She is the likely favourite here after running very well at Royal Ascot last week. Damaniyat Girl (William Haggas/ Liam Jones) finished behind her then, but is now 6 lbs better off at the weights. The Queen also has a runner in the main race at Kempton´s all-weather meeting, a mile race for 3yo´s at 16.40. This is a very strong race for the money, and several of the runners, including the Queen´s Full Toss (Richard Hannon/ Seb Sanders) and the likely favourite, Godolphin´s Prince Siegfried (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) - runner-up in a French Group I when last seen- are making their seasonal debuts. Bridge of Gold (Mikael Magnusson/ Kevin Shea) has shown great promise and is our each-way selection.

Bath, Kempton (a.w.) and Naas (Ireland) this evening

The going at Bath this evening will be firm and the fields very small as a result. Only 5 show up for the 1 1/2 miles maiden at 21.40 CET, which should lie between Borromeo (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench) and Lords a Leaping (Jamie Osborne/ Shane Kelly), who both look certain to win a race before long. The fields are better at Kempton´s all-weather meeting, where the mile handicap at 21.50 looks the best race. Cool Hand Jake (Peter Makin/ Fergus Sweeney), who has won two of his last 3 starts, including this CD, gets our vote ahead of Uncle Fred (Paul Chamings/ Jim Crowley), a Newbury winner last time. There is also flat racing in Ireland this evening at Naas; the fields are generally large here, but there are only 6 runners in the main event, a conditions race over 10 furlongs for fillies at 21.00, which is between Casual (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Choose me (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonough).

Carlisle, Salisbury and Worcester (N.H.)

Carlisle, one of the oldest racecourses in the U.K., stages its top meeting today, with the historic Carlisle Bell (mile handicap, 16.35 CET) and Cumberland Plate (1 mile 3 1/2 furlongs, 17.10) as the main features. Both have 17 runners and look very open indeed. In the former event, German-bred Wind Shuffle (Jim Goldie/ Daniel Tudhope) is clearly one for the short list; the 6yo is extremely consistent and has finished in the first four on his last 17 outings, including twice winning over this CD. The long list of dangers is headed by Golden Penny and Observatory Star. In the latter race, the much improved Joe Joe Star (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki) looks the one to beat, he has been first or second all 5 starts this year. Salisbury also stages a historic race today, the Bibury Cup, a handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 16.50. Only 6 runners, but it still looks tricky, with both Akmal (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills) and Final Victory (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry) going for a hat-trick, while bottom weight History Lesson (Richard Hannon/ Jimmy Fortun) also looks a big danger. Balding also has a likely-looking runner in Yeamans Hall (William Buick) in the mile handicap at 17.55; he has not run since the 2008 Lincoln, but was highly-rated as a 3yo and, if anywhere near peak form, can win here. It could in any case be a good day for the Balding stable, as Swan Wings at 15.10, Cloudesley at 16.15 and Countess Zara at 17.20, all with Buick up, also have good chances. There is also some competitive jumps racing this afternoon at Worcester, and two German-breds, both last-time-out winners and well suited by fast ground, who should go well are Vacario (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the novice hurdle at 15.20 and Passato (Jo Davis/ Seamus Durack) in the handicap chase at 17.30.

Newbury, Newton Abbot and Sligo this evening

The two best races this evening at Newbury are both reserved for fillies - the maiden race over 1 1/2 miles at 20.55 CET and a 3yo handicap over 10 furlongs at 21.20. Both have fairly small fields, but have attracted runners from top stables. In the former event, Lady Artemesia (Eddie Ahern) can continue trainer Michael Bell´s good run, but Henry Cecil ´s Ramora (Tom Queally) looks a big danger. In the latter, top weight Coming Back (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) has Faldal (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) and Onemix (Barry and Michael Hills) to beat. At Newton Abbot´s jumps meeting, the novice chase at 20.35 is the most interesting race.

It is difficult to assss the form of the 2 Irish victories of Archie Boy (Paul Flynn/ Tony McCoy), but he is probably capable of giving the weight to Predateur (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton) and Beherayn (Henry Daly/ Richard Johnson), both of whom failed to complete last time and look rather difficult characters. There is a mixed meeting this evening in Ireland at Sligo - 3 flat races, 3 over hurdles and one bumper, all except one with maximum fields. The exception is the main event, a 10 furlongs handicap, which could go to Sonnium (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who has not run on the flat for 20 months, but has been in good form over jumps. He was a CD winner on his last flat appearance, beating todays top-weight Silver Tide, whom he now meets on much more favourable terms and should win again.

Beverley and Brighton

Typical Tuesday racing this afternoon in Britain, i.e. very low grade. At Beverley, Richard Hills, who is having a tremendous season, has good chances of winning both 3yo maidens with Aqwaas at 17.45 CET and Almuktahem half an hour later, both owned by Hamdan al Maktoum and trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Th handoicaps here look trickier; Snowd Undr (Jamie Bthll/ Farryll Holland) has top-wight but has a good recorder hre ad should go wll, but Hippolytus (John Quinn/ Jamie Kyn) is not penalised for an asy win in Saturday and can be preferred in the 10 furlongs race at 16.45, but Traphalgar (Paul Cole/ Greg Fairley) and Shady Gloom (Kevin Ryan/ Tom Eaves) also have chances here. Darryll Holland, this time riding for Kevin Ryan, also has prospects on Everymanforhimslf in the 5 furlongs race at 17.15, which he won last year, but top-weight Fol Hollow (David and Adrian Nicholls) is a danger. The latter is held by Aegean Dancer (Brian Smart/ Tom Eaves) on early season form, but that one has not run since April. Two ex-German horses have each-way chances on a very undistinguished card at Brighton; they are course specialist Napoletano (Simon Dow/ Tony Culhane) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.00 and Artreju in the claiming race an hour later.

German runners at Longchamp

Longchamp stages a good card today, including 2 group races, both with strong German participation. In the Prix Daphnis for 3yo´s over 1800 metres at 15.20 Uwe Ostmann´s Globus (Andrasch Starke) makes his rappearance after finishing third in the German 2,000 Guineas last month; this will be a good test of this year´s German classic form. The one to beat is clearly the British runner, Mark Johnston´s Jukebox Jury (Royston Ffrench), who has had a leg injury and has not run since finishing second in last October´s Racing Post Trophy. André Fabre´s improving Golden Century (Maxime Guyon) is another danger.

There are 3 German runners in the Prix de la Porte Maillot over 7 furlongs at 15.50; all 3 of them - Abbashiva (Torsten Mundry/ Andrasch Starke), Peace Royale (Manfred Hofer/ Andreas Suborics) and Smooth Operator (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon) were slightly disappointing last time, but their best form gives each of them a chance here. Other German-trained runners here today are Samiro (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) and Fair Lord (Dr. Bolte/ Thierry Jarnet) in the tiercé handicap over 3000 metres at 13.50, as well as Balboa (Baltromei/ Boeuf) in the second division at 17.20, while Butterfly Lady (Andreas Wöhler/ Eduardo Pedroza) and Elkantino (Dr. Bolte/ Thierry Thulliez) contest the mile claiming race for 3yo´s at 16.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Excentrique - Samiro - Mont Joux
2. Race: Belondine - Libia - Langrune
3. Race: Reve de Nuit - Zaidpour - Staol
4. Race: Golden Century - Allybar - Dovil Boy
5. Race: Dunkerque - Mariol - Varenar
6. Race: Money Box - Lac Majeur - Senorita Escarlata
7. Race: Key To The Stars - Vitassana - Cattelan
8. Race: Toninho - Spidello - Xakara

Chepstow, Windsor and Kilbeggan this evening

The evening´s cards are slightly better than the afternoon - but not by much. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are often the team to follow at Windsor´s popular Monday evening fixtures and that could be the case as they combine with Palisades Park in the 2yo maiden at 20.10 CET, Cumana Bay in the 3yo mile handicap at 21.10 and Salybia Bay over 1 1/2 miles at 22.10, all of whom have winning chances. We also expect Hughie Morrison´s Francis Walsingham (Stevee Drowne), an easy maiden winner last time, to move up successfully into handicap company over 6 furlongs at 20.40.

At Chepstow, it is depressing to see veteran trainer Milton Bradley running 5 horses in the 5 furlongs claimer at 19.50, including his grand oldtimer and ex-group winner The Tatling (Jack Dean). He is now 12 years old, but that did not stop our fancy Caracciola winning at Royal Ascot on Saturday, and it should not stop The Tatling now. Perfect Shot (John Dunlop/ Martin Dwyer) looks almost unbeatable in the 1 1/2 maiden at 20.20 but will be at long odds-on, Dwyer can also take the last race, a handicap for 3yo fillies, with When Doves Cry, Barry Hills´ only runner. There is also jumps racing at Kilbeggan in Irland, with the usual maximum fields. Johnny Two Keys (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) is an own brother to top class chaser Florida Pearl, and would need to be nearly as good to take the 3 mile novice hurdle at 19.30, and the same team can follow up with Trimbellina in the 2 miles 3 furlongs handicap hurdle.

Lingfield and Wolverhampton

Down with a bump! that must be the feeling of British racefans as they look at today´s cards and think back to the splendid racing of the past 2 weeks. This afternoon we have only a very moderate card on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and a meeting at Lingfield, where the first 3 races are on the all-weather and the last 4 on turf. At least there are two class 3 handicaps at Lingfield, over 5 furlongs on the a.w. at 16.15 CET and over 10 furlongs on turf at 16.45. In the latter event top-weight Seeking the Buck (Ralph Beckett/ George Baker), who missed all of last season, can remain unbeaten for 2009 after his excellent run at the Epsom Derby meeting.

There is clearly very little between Shavansky (Rod and James Millman) and Cosmea (Alan KIng/ Eddie Ahern) and in fact they dead-heated last time at Sandown and meet on the same terms today; they are the obvious dangers. On the a.w. there is a rematch between Lochstar (Andrw Balding/ William Buick) and Peak District (Kevin and Amy Ryan); the former came out on top the last time they met, but the latter has run well in the meantime and is now better off at the weights. We would still not be surprised to see Lochstar, whose dam Lochsong improved with age, to score again. Earlier German-bred Carmenero (Willie Muir/ William Buick) could be worth an each-way interest in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.45. Ar Wolverhampton the two last-time out winners Swiss Art (Ruth Carr/ Silvestre de Sousa) and Capo Regime (David and Adrian Nicholls) could dominate the 3yo claimer over 6 furlongs at 16.30, while the 3yo handicap over 5 furlongs as the final event at 18.30 should also concern recen t winners, the Greek-bred Silky Way (Paul Chamings/ Liam Keniry) and Mythical Blue (Milton Bradley/ Darryll Holland), while top-weight La Capriosa (Alan McCabe/ Andrew Elliott) is also dangerous at this level.

Top hurdles races in Auteuil

Auteuil stages one of its top meetings today when the Grande Course de Haies d´Auteuil at 16.55, the French Champion Hurdle, is the main feature. Only 7 line up and it could well end in a repeat of the main trial race, the Prix La Barka, a month ago, in which Portal s Toy (David Windrif/ Nathalie Desoutter) defeated Questarabad (Marcel Rolland/ René Schmidlin). The other big race over hurldes is restricted to 4yo´s and the Prix Alain de Breil at 15.50 has attracted a strong challenge from Ireland. Jumbo Rio (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) and Mourad (Willie Mullins/ David Casey) take on the top French hope Rendons Grace (Guy Cherel/ Cyril Gombeau). Jumbo Rio was only half a length behind Rendons Grace last time and had earlier beaten Mourad at Punchestown, so he is preferred.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tarla - Zandalee - Sept Verites
2. Race: Puligny Montrachet - Sable Des Ongrais - Quondor De Kerser
3. Race: Cokydal - Red Matrix - Royale Francois
4. Race: Kadabi - Rendons Grace - All Stars
5. Race: Polar Rochelais - En La Cruz - Pyla
6. Race: Questarabad - Portal`s Toy - Madox
7. Race: Saint Des Flos - Retour aux Sources - Crack d`Emble
8. Race: Dolelouis - Goldsens - Palk

Irish racing today

Both Irish meetings today, at Gowran Park and Downpatrick, are mixed affairs, with racing on the flat, over fences and over hurdles on the card. Most valuable event is the grandly-named Ulster Oaks at 16.45 CET at Downpatrick, which is in fact a handicap over 10 1/2 furlongs. Angels Storm (Jim Bolger/ Declan Moran) won this last year, but the ground was very soft then and on today´s much faster surface Whispering Wind (Joanna Morgan/ Danny Mullins) - fifth then- could well take revenge. Timoca (Edward Lynam/ Chris Hayes) and Temecola (Mike Halford/ Sean Foley) are both easy last-time-out winners moving up in grade and could prove troublesome. Joanna Morgan also has an interesting runner in the handicap over the same distance half an hour earlier in top-weight La Petite Bleue (Chris Geoghagan), who is out of German classic winner La Blue. Ex-German Green Mile (Tony Martin/ Robbie Power) is not the most consistent, but if in the right mood could win the 2 1/2 mile handicap chas e here at 17.45. Best bet at Gowran Park, where there are maximum fields in most races, should be the well-bred Spinning Well (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) in the 9 1 /2 furlongs fillies maiden at 16.25. She just failed last time and that is the best form in the race.

Gowran Park - betting forecast:
1. Race: Montecchio - Boxing Day - Palm Ridge
2. Race: Toufan Express - Quench The Flame - Aleonard
3. Race: Noble Galileo - Lac A Dancer - Spinning Well
4. Race: Samovar - Taralga - Equator
5. Race: Cloone Stream - Mutadarek - Shadow Of The Wind
6. Race: Rudi Tuesday - Le Reveur - Chronomatic
7. Race: Byeforthepresent - Definitive Edge - Coole Avenue

Down Royal - betting forecast:
1. Race: Indian Spring - Valain - Insan Flyer
2. Race: Ross Accord - Valhalla Vision - Mister Lucky
3. Race: La Petite Bleue - Rouvres Girl - View From The Top
4. Race: Whispering Wind - Angels Story - Miss Keller
5. Race: Nice Dream - Gold Blossom - Four Kicks
6. Race: Green Mile - Dream Champion - Air Of Confusion
7. Race: Sutherland Star - Ocean Swell Jelly - Remarkable Power

Jumps racing today

The rest of this afternoon´s racing in Britain is over jumps and there are some quite large fields at both Hexham and Hereford, with good to firm going at each track. Richard Johnson could well win both the main races at the latter track. He rides the lightly-weighted Runaround Sue for Alison Thorpe in the mares´ handicap hurdle at 16.00 CET and an hour later Wheelavit for Claire Dyson, who landed a huge gamble last time at Newton Abbot and could well defy a 15 lbs rise in the weights. At Hexham, German-bred Acambo (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) has a huge weight to carry in the handicap hurdle at 16.50, but is the class act in the field and should be up to the task. He is likely to start favourite, while another German-bred top-weight Tora Bora (Brendan Powell/ Brian Hughes) in the handicap chase half an hour later, could well run a good race at big odds.

Hexham - betting forecast:
1. Race: Shiwawa - Word Of Warning - Urban Tiger
2. Race: Super Ross - Insignia - Cooksgrove Lady
3. Race: Shore Thing - Armenian Boy - Flemross
4. Race: Acambo - Calculaite - Wikaala
5. Race: Changing Lanes - Catch The Perk - Snowy
6. Race: Mr Robert - Dead Or Alive - Come To The Party

Hereford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Levantine - Civil Servant - Alwaysablue
2. Race: Edgefour - Pure Genius - Cove Mountain
3. Race: Malakiya - Fishguard Filly - Black Mogul
4. Race: Wheelavit - Overstrand - Dreams Jewel
5. Race: Kisha King - Two Miles West - Fruitfull Citizen
6. Race: No Panic - Catch The Stars - Sandhurst
7. Race: M`Lady Eliza - Quedillac - Mountain Beat

Pontefract today

After a wonderful Royal Ascot meeting, there is a clear sense of anti-climax about today´s racing in the U.K. and Ireland. The top feature is a listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 16.40 CET at Pontefract. With the two highest-rated entries, All the Aces amd Halicarnassus, non-runners, this is however not a strong race. The Godolphin stable showed clear signs of coming back to form last week, and Sugar Ray (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dane O´Neill), who has not run since Dubai in February, is our selection here. Drumfire (Mark Johnston/ Darryll Holland) and Furmigadelagiusta (Karl Burke/ Phillip Makin) are the main dangers. Johnston has also a good chance in the best supporting race, a 10 furlongs handicap at 16.10, with William Blake (Greg Fairley). He is one of three joint top-rated here, with Bullet Man (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill) and German-bred Full Speed (Alan Swinbank/ Peter McDonald), both last-time-out winners, and these three could well fight out the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Caviar - Pure Nostalgia - Hafawa
2. Race: Luck Will Come - Singora Lady - Do The Deal
3. Race: Bullet Man - William Blake - Full Speed
4. Race: Drumfire - Furmigadelagiusta - Sugar Ray
5. Race: Inchpast - Miss Keck - Mr Crystal
6. Race: Spiekeroog - Shemoli - Longboat Key
7. Race: Billy Beetroot - Raimond Ridge - Mister Tinktastic

Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot

Main feature of the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot is the Group One Golden Jubilee over 6 furlongs at 16.45 CET. This has been a wonderful meeting with winners from all over - the U.S., Australia, France and Ireland - but this race (despite the absense of Budapest Bullet Overdose and Australian course specialist Takeover Target) is the most international of all. The two favourites are the South African JJ the Jet Plane (Mike de Kock/ Kevin Shea) and the Hong Kong star Sacred KIngdom (PF Yiu/ Brian Prebble), both of them among the world´s top performers at this distance. Then there is the unbeaten Greek sprinter Ialysos, now trained by Luca Cumani. The two 3yo´s in the field of 14, Bushranger (David Wachman/ Pat Smullen) and Art Connoisseur (Michael Bell/ Tom Queally) were among the best juveniles of 2008, but it is still tough for this age group against their elders. Kingsgate Native (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) won this last year, but today´s field is much stronger and he has had an unsuccessful spell at stud since. The American Cannonball (Wesley Ward/ Olivier Peslier) was not disgraced when 6th in the Kings Stand on Tuesday over an inadequate 5 furlongs. Godolphin´s Diabolical (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) has frequently run well in sich events, but Mike de Kock seems very confident about the chances of JJ the Jet Plane and he is our selection.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Honor In Peace - Beethoven - Emperor Claudius
2. Race: Doctor Fremantle - Campanologist - Bronze Cannon
3. Race: J J The Jet Plane - Sacred Kingdom - King`S Apostle
4. Race: Jimmy Styles - High Standing - Genki
5. Race: Crackentorp - Hatton Flight - Drill Sergeant
6. Race: Amerigo - Caracciola - Halla San

Rest of U.K. and Ireland

While Royal Ascot of course has easily the best racing, there is plenty more sport on offer today, with flat racing this afternoon at Redcar and Musselburgh, and this evening at Ayr, Goodwood and Newmarket in the U.K. and in Limerick and Down Royal (a mixed meeting) in Ireland. The listed race at Limerick over 11 furlongs at 20.00 CET is the best of these races; the two improving 3yo´s Aliyfa (John Oxx/ Niall McCullough) and Dance Pass (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) could well fight out the finish, although all 6 runners will have their supporters. In England, the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 21.20 at Goodwood looks the best event; Kirsty Milczarek has apparently been taking riding lessons from Kieren Fallon and she can take this on William Haggas´ Storyland.

Rest of Royal Ascot: day four

The remaining 5 races today at Royal Ascot are also high class and very competitive, with Aidan O´Brien, already successful in two of the top races with Mastercraftsman and Yeats, fielding a strong team; as stable jockey Johnny Murtagh is now suspended for today and tomorrow, several different jockeys partner his runners. The opening Albany Stakes at 15.30 CET (2yo fillies, 6 furlongs) promises to be a real thriller with 22 runners. Lillie Langtry (O´Brien/ Seamus Heffernan) is regarded by many Irish racegoers as their banker of the week, but the U.S. -trained Aegean (Wesley Ward/ John Velazquez) is equally strongly fancied, after the victories of two of his stablemates at this meeting. This one was always seen as the stable´s main hope here.

The King Edward VII Stakes over 1 1/2 miles for 3yo´s at 16.05 sees some Derby failures at the start- Debussy (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune),8th, Black Bear Island (O´Brien/Colm O´Donoghue),10th, and Montaff (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland), last of 12. As the Derby was only 13 days ago, we prefer to look at other form-lines and are mainly interested in Aqwaal (Ed Dunlop/ Richard Hills) and South Easter (William Haggas/ Neil Callan).
The Queen´s Vase over 2 miles for 3yo´s at 17.55 is also a very tricky event, especially as none of the 15 runners has ever run beyond 12 furlongs so far. Mastery (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) won the Italian Derby, but that was a substandard event and he is penalised 5 lbs which maks it tough. O´Brien´s two runners Stately Home (Colm O´Donoghue) and Yankee Doodle (Ryan Moore) deserve respect, as do Dhushan (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Holberg (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who look as if they will stay this distance.

The two handicaps offer the usual puzzle. Our short list for the 10 furlongs race at 17.20 comprises Halicarnassus, Kandidate and Perfect Stride, and for the 7 furlongs race at 18.30 Giganticus, Swift Gift and Tartan Gigha, but almost anything is possible here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Aegean - Lillie Langtry - She`S A Character
2. Race: Black Bear Island - Native Ruler - South Easter
3. Race: Ghanaati - Elusive Wave - Rainbow View
4. Race: Moonquake - Stone Of Scone - Perfect Stride
5. Race: Dhushan - Stately Home - Mastery
6. Race: Mister Hardy - Swift Gift - Redford

Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot

Highlight on the fourth day of Royal Ascot is the Group One Coronation Stakes for 3yo fillies over a mile at 16.45 CET and this promises to be one of the best races of the week. The winners of the English, Irish and French 1,000 Guineas- respectively Ghanaati (Barry and Richard Hills), Again (David Wachman/ Ryan Moore) and Elusive Wave (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire) respectively - line up here and there is plenty of opposition as well.

John Oxx, always to be feared at these big meetings has supplemented the Aga Khan´s Baliyana (Mick Kinane), Alain de Royer-Dupré has entered Reggane (Gerald Mossé) and then one must consider Rainbow View (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Heart Shaped (Aidan O´Brien/ Richard Hughes), who both ran well behind Ghanaati at Newmarket. Rainbow View started hot favourite there as a result of her outstanding juvenile form, but could not act on the firm going. She then finished an unlucky 4th in the Oaks after being badly hampered, but this trip may in any case be more suitable.

This race should certainly sort out the pecking order among the 3yo fillies at a mile (over a longer trip Stacelita seems impregnable) and with Again possibly needing softer going, we prefer the classic winners Ghanaati, who was most impressive at Newmarket, and Elusive Wave, who won equally easy at Longchamp. Both made all the running so the tactics here will play a major role and they could be playing into the hands of a strong finisher.

Betting forecast: 3. Race: Ghanaati - Elusive Wave - Rainbow View

Ffos Las opens doors

Ffos Las in South Wales is the first new British turf racecourse in over 80 years, and hopes are high that it will establish itself as a major presence for both flat and jumps racing. Conditions appear much more favourable than was the case at ill-fated all-weather track Great Leighs, forced to close after only a few months and whose future remains uncertain. The track this evening stages its first meeting (over jumps) and the most suitable winner would be Ffos Las Diamond (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) in the opening novice hurdle at 19.20 CET who is ownd by Welsh businessman Dai Walters, the man behind the new racecourse. Tony McCoy could well be the most successful performer this evening, as he also has winning chances on Sea Wall at 20.20 and No Strings Attached at 21.50, both trained by Jonjo O´Neill. However all races have attracted good fields, with several runners from Ireland and one can only wish the new venture a prosperous future.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ffos Las Diamond - Plunkett - Flexi Time
2. Race: Turf War - Tayarat - Rampant Ronnie
3. Race: Sea Wall - Bantry Bere - Tarsus
4. Race: Dishdasha - Danehill Willy - Cortinas
5. Race: Prince Balthasar - Captain Crackers - Will The Till
6. Race: Nostringsattached - I Hear Thunder - Warpath
7. Race: Minder - Key Regard - Double Act

Royal Ascot: rest of day three

The remaining 5 races at Royal Ascot today are also high class, competitive events and the card opens with the Group Two Norfolk Stakes for 2yo´s over 5 furlongs at 15.30 CET. Hot favourite here should be Richard Hannon´s Monsieur Chevalier (Richard Hughes), who has won all his 4 starts in the style of a really smart and speedy performer, but there could well a big danger in the shape of the U.S. challenger Yogaroo (Wesley Ward/ John Velazquez) after the sensational wins of his stable companions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tawaabb (Mick Channon/ Frankie Dettori) and Nosedive (William Haggas/ Ryan Moore), both easy winners of their only start, look next best. The Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes for 3yo fillies over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05 looks quit open.

Sir Michael Stoute´s unbeaten Leocorno (Ryan Moore) could start favourite here, but there are plenty of dangers, including stable companion July Jasmine (Mick Kinane), while John Gosden´s pair Mouakada (Richard Hills) and especially Take the Hint (Jimmy Fortune) must also be respected, and we also fancy Flame of Gibraltar (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), Flying Cloud (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) won nicely in France last time, but that was for Andre´ Fabre and she has since been transferred to Godolphin. There are also two French runners in the listed Hampton Court Stakes for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 17.55, with preference for Cashelgar (Alain de Royer-Dupre´/ Gerald Mossé), but this should go to Freemantle (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), who ran such a strong race in the Dante. Monitor Closely and Glass Harmonium finished behind him then, but a bigger threat could be the Queen´s Four Winds (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer).

The Queen also has a runner in the final race, a 1 1/2 miles handicap for 3yo´s - Highland Glen (Stoute/ Moore) and he is on our short list, together with Zarinski (John Oxx/ Niall McCullough) and Chiberta King (Andrew Balding/ William Buick), while Aidan O´Brien has booked his teenage son Joseph to partner Johann Zoffany - the boy can ride, so ignore him at your peril!

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Monsieur Chevalier - Tawaabb - Radiohead
2. Race: Leocorno - Take The Hint - July Jasmine
3. Race: Yeats - Patkai - Geordieland
4. Race: Desert Creek - Mirrored - Secret Society
5. Race: Freemantle - Glass Harmonium - Monitor Closely
6. Race: Opinion Poll - Johann Zoffany - Quai D`Orsay

Yeats for fourth Gold Cup?

The big question at today´s third day of the Royal Ascot meeting is whether Aidan O´Brien´s wonderful stayer Yeats (Johnny Murtagh) can set new standards by winning the Gold Cup for the fourth time. If he is in the form he showed when winning here last year (or the year before, or the year before that) then he will, but there is the small matter of a couple of below par performances since, in particular his poor showing at Navan in April, when beaten more than 30 lengths. However that was early in the season, when the stable was not yet in form, and the going was very heavy, which does not suit him at all. Today everything is in his favour and w expect him to create history by winning this historic race for the fourth time running.

Geordieland (Jamie Osborne/ Shane Kelly) has been runner-up the last twice and could well be booked for second place again. Like Yeats an 8yo, he is very consistent and although he rarely wins (earning him an unjustified reputation as a quitter) he is clear second best here. Previously it was expected that Patkai (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) would be Yeats´ main rival, but he could not live with Geordieland last time at Sandown and this trip, which he has never tried before, could be too far. Godolphin, whose stable form remains mysteriously poor, have 3 runners here, with stable jockey Frankie Dettori on Veracity, Ted Durcan riding Sagara and Ahmed Ajtebi on Eastern Anthem, on whom he won the Sheema Classic in Dubai., but at present it is hard to fancy any runners from this yard. We hope to see Yeats complete the four-timer, with Geordieland once again next best.

Betting forecast: Yeats - Patkai - Geordieland

Rest of U.K. racing today

Feature of Worcester´s N.H. meeting this afternoon is the novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.45, in which ex-German Group One winner Donaldson (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) has a chance of making up for last time´s bad luck, when he fell when going well in the lead. Chasing debutant Warsaw Pact (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be the main danger, although Predateur and Silmi, who beat lesser opposition by 32 lengths last time, cannot be ignored. Only modest racing at Hamilton, where Salerosa (Ann Duffield/ Phillip Makin) can follow up her Ayr win by taking the 9 furlongs handicap at 16.30.

There is racing this evening on turf at Ripon and on the all-weather at Kempton. Several of the top jockeys riding at Royal Ascot travel on to Kempton, where Richard Hughes and Jamie Spencer both have some good rides, and can possibly score with Simon Gray at 20.10 and Silver Symphony half an hour later respectively. At Ripon, German-bred Prince Evelith can win the 9 furlongs handicap at 21.20 after his easy win at York last time.

Royal Ascot: rest of day two

The remaining 5 races at Royal Ascot today look very tricky, although Lush Lashes (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) must surely have a good chance of taking the Group Two Windsor Forest for older fillies and mares over a mile at 16.05 CET. She has a 5 lbs penalty for winning the Coronation Stakes over this CD a year ago, but that is easily the best form on offer here; should she flop, Heaven Sent (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Proviso (André Fabre/ Stephane Pasquier) are the two alternatives. The opening Jersey Stakes (3yo, 7 furlongs, Group Three) is very difficult with question marks over several of the runners, and further complicated by the fact that some trainers are double-handed here, e.g. Brian Meehan with Nasri (Jamie Spencer) and Gallagher (Martin Dwyer), Saeed bin Suroor with Asaram (Frankie Dettori) and Donativum (Ted Durcan) and Barry Hills with Infiraad (Richard Hills) and Ouqba (Tadge O´Shea).

Donativum and Gallagher are best on 2008 form, but this could be the race for a surprise result and we will take a chance on Ouqba. After the success of an American 2yo yesterday, one has to give his stable companion Jealous Again (Wesley Ward/ John Velasquez) a chance in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes for 2yo fillies over 5 furlongs at 17.55. With 7 of the 13 runners still unbeaten, this looks very open, and Rose Blossom (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), Misheer (Clive Brittain/ Neil Callan) and Dont Tell Mary (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) must also be considered. Th 2 handicaps on today´s card ar of cours xtremely difficult. The Royal Hunt Cup over the straight mile at 17.20 has 28 runners (there are 3 non-runners) will be the usual cavalry charge. Forgotten Voice (Jeremy Noseda/ Johnny Murtagh) is unbeaten (in 3 races, all on the all-weather) and is the likely favourite, but he is drawn on, which is not necessarily an advantage here. The listed Sandringham handicap for 3yo fillies at 18.30, also over the straight mile, has 20 runnrs. Moonlife (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) was unlucky last time, and could be Godolphin´s best chance of the day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gallagher - Ashram - Donativum
2. Race: Lush Lashes - Heaven Sent - Eva`s Request
3. Race: Tartan Bearer - Vision D`Etat - Never On Sunday
4. Race: Forgotten Voice - Roaring Forte - Cadre
5. Race: Rose Blossom - Don`T Tell Mary - Lady Of The Desert
6. Race: Photographic - Moonlife - Damaniyat Girl

Royal Ascot: Prince of Wales´s Stakes

The Prince of Wales´s Stakes for older horses over 1 1/4 miles at 16.45 CET is the highlight of the second day of Royal Ascot. In previous seasons this has often been the best race of the entire year, e.g. when Manduro beat Dylan Thomas, but this years´ reunion is slightly below the normal level. Howver a fasconating contst is in prospect with runners from 3 countris. The German contender Estejo (Ralf Rohne/ Daniele Porcu) made all the running to win the Premio Roma on very heavy ground last autumn, but on this much faster ground and in this much hotter company, it will be surprising if he can finish in the frame.

The two French hopes Vision d´Etat (Eric Libaud/ Olivier Peslier) and Never on Sunday (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire) look much more dangerous. The former represents the all-conquering Rouget stable, but possibly needs some cut in the ground, while the latter won last year´s French Derby and also ran well in the "Arc". He is possibly the form choice, but the on to beat is Tartan Bearer (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), runner-up in the Epsom Derby a year ago, who can now score his first Group One victory. Virtual won the Lockinge over a mile in a desperate finish, with Twice Over a close third, but over this trip the latter is preferred and he can run into a place.

Betting forecast:
Tartan Bearer - Vision D`Etat - Never On Sunday

German runners at Saint-Cloud

There have been very mixed results for German raiders in France the past few weeks, and today 6 German-trained runners try their luck at Saint-Cloud, but it does not look easy. The main feature is a listed race over 3000 metres at 15.35, in which Dr. Bolte´s Caudillo (Thierry Jarnet) carries top weight as a result of his group victory at Baden-Baden a year ago; that form would be good enough, but his performances since have been mainly disappointing. The one to beat is probably the Wildenstein stable´s Blek (Elli Lellouche/ Antony Crastus), who has won 4 of his last 5 starts, 2 of them here. Werner Baltromei is finding it much harder to win races in France this season than in previous years, but tries again with Canall (William Mongil) in the 3yo maiden over 2400 metres at 14.35 and Solitary (Dominique Boeuf) in the fillies´ version half an hour later. Brass Damask (Peter Schiergen/ Johan Victoire) and Gainsbury (Pavel Vovcenko/ Christophe Soumillon) both go for the 1400 metr es claimer at 17.05, in whicn there are 20 runners.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Melisos - Manighar - Galateo
2. Race: Zakatal - Peintre Abstrait - Counterbid
3. Race: Vadiya - Galant Star - Social Butterfly
4. Race: Harbore - Blek - Wing Express
5. Race: Sweet Yasmina - Censure - Mina Hill
6. Race: The Quarterback - Springtime - Tangeante
7. Race: Flashmob - Meridian Line - Lisselan Rightcall
8. Race: Elle Of A Star - Turfani - Neris

Warwick, Windsor and Ballinrobe this evening

Easily the best race of the day is the listed Warwickshire Oaks over 1 mile 3 furlongs at Warwick at 21.10 CET this evening. This event is of course restricted to fillies and mares, but unlike the real thing, is for 4yo´s and up. Lady Deauville (Roger Curtis/ Darryll Holland) is the class act here- she won a group race in Germany last autumn- but she needs soft ground and is not certain to run. Cassique Lady (Lucy Wadham/ Eddie Ahern) comes out best at the weights, but we prefer the consistent Lady Jane Digby (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley), who has been first or second on her last 6 starts. Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes have a tremendous record in 2yo races at Windsor and can keep up the good work with Footstepsofspring in the 5 furlongs maiden at 20.00.

Hughes also has chances with Willie Musson´s Carleton in the 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later, but this is a very open race with 15 runners and top-weight Mymumsaysimthebest (Gary and Ryan Moore) looks the safest option. There are a couple of well-bred newcomers in the 10 furlongs maiden at 21.00, but on public form Buckie (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) is the logical choice. In Ireland, there is a mixed meeting at Ballinrobe (4 flat races, 4 N.H.). Edward Lynam´s Captain Henry should win the 9 furlongs maiden for 3yo´s at 18.50, even though he has never run over so far before. He will be partnered by Danny Mullins, yet another talented member of the Mullins clan, and trainer Willie can take the beginners chase at 20.20 with Coffee, Tea or Me (David Casey), who as the only 4yo in the field receives a very generous weight allowance.

The day before Royal Ascot

With Royal Ascot, and its 5 days of magnificient racing, starting tomorrow, it is clear that few fireworks can be expected in Britain and Ireland today.The flat fixture this afternoon at Carlisle is very low key, with the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.15 CET the best event. Top-weight Arabian Pearl (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) was an easy maiden winner last time but the handicapper has been quite severe, and we prefer Richard Fahey´s pair Darcey (Freddie Tylicki) and consistent Mo Mhuirnin; the latter has been placed on her last 7 starts, but it is not certain that stable jockey Paul Hanagan will be fit to ride.

The jumps card at Sedgefield is not much better, although numerous recent winners will be running, for example in the first race, a hurdle race for 3yo´s, the unbeaten Rupestrian (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) and Barizan (Evan Williams/ Tony McCoy); preference is for the latter, who receives 7 lbs from his main rival. Last-time-out winner Pilca (Malcolm Jefferson/ Phil Kinsella) can follow up in the handicap chase at 16.30. Later N. Irish trainer James Lambe and McCoy team up with two hat-trick-seekers, Breeze Out in the novice hurdle at 17.00 and Hunting Tower in the handicap hurdle half an hour later; however both have a lot of weight, and we prefer Grasscutter (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Newgat (Ruth Carr/ Oliver Williams) respectively.

Prix de Diane at Chantilly

For fashionistas the Prix de Diane fixture at Chantilly is the top event of the French season, and for racing fans too the French Oaks, run today at 16.10 over 2100 metres, is also a major Group One event. Last Sunday, at the Jockey-Club meeting here, Jean-Claude Rouget and his jockey Christophe Lemaire, dominated proceedings, winning the French Derby and all the main supporting features as well, and it could be a similar situation today, as their unbeaten filly Stacelita is a clear favourite for the Diane.

That would also be a good result for the German breeding industry, as Stacelita is a daughter of Monsun and is descended from a Schlenderhan family. Rouget has a second iron in the fire with Tamazirte (Ioritz Mendizibal), while the other main dangers are the Aga Khan´s Shedayama (Alain de Royer-Dupre´/ Christophe Soumillon) and the British challenger Fantasia (Luca Cumani/ Stephane Pasquier).

Of great interest to German racefans is the Group Three Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord over a mile at 17.30, in which there are no fewer than 3 German-trained runners - Precious Boy (Waldemar Hickst/ Andreas Suborics), Setareh (Petr Olsanik/ Dominique Boeuf) and Beltanus ( Friedel Willenbrock/ Jerome Lermyte). Of these Precious Boy, despite giving away weight all round, has easily the best chance and his best form of 2008 should be good enough for him to start favourite here and also win this.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pluie d`Or - Roatan - Cabaretune
2. Race: Audebelle - Question Day - Jotestamax
3. Race: Gallilei - Amico Mio - Almail
4. Race: Tamazirte - Stacelita - Celimene
5. Race: Kingvati - Mesa Marauder - Slickly Royal
6. Race: Sahpresa - Mccartney - Celebrissime
7. Race: Same As Gold - Kibaar - Star Rose
8. Race: Dana Spring - Knowledge - Reve d`Ailleur

Britain and Ireland today

Best race in the U.K. today is the listed 6 furlongs event at 16.40 CET at Salisbury. Only 6 are entered and it should develop into a match between Palace Moon (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) and Diana´s Choice (Mike de Kock/ Pat Cosgrave). The de Kock runner is a bit of an unknown quantity but will have to be smart to defeat Palace Moon, a half-brother to the July Ciup winner Sakhees Secret and potentially equally smart. Ar Doncaster the main event is a 20 runner handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.30. This is a typical puzzle, in which many of the runners have repeatedly met already and luck in running will probably be decisive. We would not be surprised to see one of the top-weights - Barney McGrew (Michael Dods( Phillip Makin), Excusez-Moi (Ruth Carr/ Tom Eaves) and Biniou (Robert Cowell/ Graham Gibbons) come out on top, but almost anything is possible.

Main feature in Ireland is the Group Three Noblesse Stakes for fillies and mares over 1 1/2 miles at 17.30 at Cork. The only foreign runner is Les Fazzani (Kevin Ryan/ Steven Donohoe), who has a good chance, especially if the ground is soft. The home defence is headed by 3 runners each from the John Oxx and David Wachman stables and two trained by Dermot Weld, of which Profound Beauty (Weld/ Pat Smullen) and Roses for the Lady (Oxx/ Mick Kinane) would appear to hold the best prospects. There is also N.H. racing today at Stratford and Downpatrick.

Triple-decker at Vincennes!

The French racing authorities make an interesting experiment today, when they stage no PMU flat racing at all, but three trotting meetings - all at Vincennes! In theory the meetings are in the morning (midi), afternoon (main meeting), and evening (soir) but in practise there are 24 races with virtually the same intervals between them thoughout the long day. Thoroughbred fans must make do with racing from the U.K., Ireland and Germany, and look forward to tomorrow´s Prix de Diane card at Chantilly.

Rest of U.K. and Ireland

The remaining meetings in the U.K. today are also dominated by handicaps, but Sandown has as its main feature the listed Scurry Stakes for 3yo´s over 5 furlongs at 16.25 CET. This is certain to be run at a furious pace, with speedy front-runner Noble Storm (Ed McMahon/ Steve Donohoe) drawn on the rail. He may just last home, but top-weight Triple Aspect (William Haggas/ Liam Jones) and Adorn (Jeremy Noseda/ William Buick) - who is best in at the weights on official ratings- may catch him in the final furlong. Buick is having a great run and may also win the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.50 on Andrew Balding´s Dingaan, who is not very consistent and has run badly both starts this year, but is now on a very favourable mark and shows his best form at this time of year. Balding can also take the 1 1/2 mile handicap for 3yo´s at 16.55 at Bath with Cool Strike (Liam Keniry), who did not get a clear run last time.

Another trainer with runners all over is Clive Cox, who can win the 7 furloongs handicap for 3yo´s at 21.40 this evening at Leicester with consistent Perfect Class (Seb Sanders). There is also evening racing at Lingfield (3 races on turf, 3 on the all-weather) and N.H. racing at Hexham (watch out for Jamés Lambe s runners) and in Ireland at Limerick with the usual huge fields. Best race here is the 4yo hurdle at 19.30 with several useful performers engaged, including Fist of God (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) Tarkari (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townnd) and Seenya (DA Kiely/ Keith Clarke)

York´s big charity meeting

With Royal Ascot starting next Tuesday, there is no point in looking for group races today, but there are some very competitive and valuable handicaps, particularly at York, which is staging its traditional charity day in support of various good causes. Top race here is the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.00 CET and with 20 runners this looks very tough to figure out. Master of Disguise (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) is the likely favourite; he won his last race very easily, and the placed horses have all come out and won since, but he has gone up significantly in the weights, and that race was over 5 furlongs - which was also the case with Sloop Johnb (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan), who has won his last 2. Proclaim (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is the class act here, having won 3 of his last 4 races, but faces a stiff task under top-weight. Our fancy is Stuart Kittow´s lightly-raced Macdillon, who has Frankie Dettori in the saddle and was beaten a neck at Newmarket last time.

Of the supporting features, the most difficult is the race for lady riders over 1 1/2 miles which kicks off the card at 15.05. The ability of the riders is equally important to the form of the runners in such races, and the two Irish stars Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh, riding Kevin Ryan´s Shady Gloom and Dr. Newland´s War Party respectively, must therefore both be on the short list; they have far more experience than most of the British girls riding. Front-runner Dunaskin (Brian Ellison/ Jodie Kidd) and last- time-out winner Gifted Leader (Ian Williams/ Serena Brotherton) must also be considered.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gifted Leader - Shady Gloom - Riguez Dancer
2. Race: Acrostic - Kavachi - Angel Rock
3. Race: Master Of Disguise - Proclaim - Parisian Pyramid
4. Race: Marching Time - Antinori - Sovereign Remedy
5. Race: Summerinthecity - William Morgan - Capacity
6. Race: Seaway - Mutawarath - French Applause
7. Race: Castles In The Air - River Kirov - Bravely

Rest of Chantilly

The rest of the Chantilly card is also strong, with 2 group 3 races the main supporting features. From the German point of view the Prix de Royaumont for 3yo fillies over 2400 metres at 16.15, as the field of 7 includes Gestüt Ammerland´s Bahama Bay (Andre´ Fabre/ Maxime Guyon), a daughter of German Derby winner Borgia, and Quetsche (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire), out of German classic winner Que Belle. The Aga Khan´s Shamayika and the Abdullah runner Atlas Silk are the two to beat. There is a German runner in the Prix Paul de Moussac for 3yo colts over a mile at 16.50, Christian von der Recke´s Sabantuy with Ioritz Mendizibal in the saddle, but he needs to improve to trouble such smart performers as Oiseau de Feu and Handsome Maestro. Other German-trained runners here are the tough and consistent Zadounevees (Waldemar Himmel/ Dominique Boeuf) with top-weight in the 2400 metres handicap at 15.05, and Fair Lord (Dr. Bolte/ Davy Bonilla) and Manaba (Werner Baltromei/ Boeuf), who run in the 2000 metres conditions race for 4yo´s at 15.40.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Karanga - Paradis Gagne - Dianeva
2. Race: Kelty In Love - Irish Cat - Colonial
3. Race: Doudyla - Zadounevees - Gassin
4. Race: Peachmelba - Midnight Dreamer - Assafair
5. Race: Shamakiya - Quetsche - Bahama Bay
6. Race: Handsome Maestro - Oiseau De Feu - Little Dreams
7. Race: Beheshtam - Feels All Right - Westphalia
8. Race: Schomir - Or Violet - Buttes Chaumont

Prix du Jockey Club

After the drama of Epsom´s Derby meeting, the action switches today to the French Derby track at Chantilly, where the Prix du Jockey Club will be run at 17.35 this afternoon. The change in distance to 2100 metres has not met with general approval, but it does guarantee a large field and 17 line up for todays race. Aidan O´Brien , whose runners finished 2,3,4,5 in yesterday´s Derby, has 4 entered here, and jockey bookings suggst that Westphalia (Johnny Murtagh) and Set Sail (Seamus Heffernan) are his main hopes. Godolphin, totally out of luck at present, have supplemented Parthenon (Frankie Dettori), a recent acquisition who has won twice for Mark Johnston this year, but is taking a huge leap in class. German form is represented by Zafisio (Roger Curtis/ Wayne Lordan), runner-up in the Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen; his prospects would be helped by some heavy rain, but he could run well at a big price. However the most likely result is a win for the home side. The Aga Khan has supplemen ted Beheshtam (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon) who has won both his starts in the style of a rapidly improving performer. Silver Frost (Yves de Nicolay/ Olivier Peslier) has the form in the book, having won his last 3 racs including the French 2,000 Guineas. Feels all Right has won both his 2009 starts and represents last year´s winning team of Eric Libaud and Ioritz Mendizibal. Le Havre, representing the highly-successful combination of Jean-Claude Rouget and Christophe Lemaire, is out of a German mare but needs to improve further. A very open race, in which Silver Frost seems the logical choice.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Karanga - Paradis Gagne - Dianeva
2. Race: Kelty In Love - Irish Cat - Colonial
3. Race: Doudyla - Zadounevees - Gassin
4. Race: Peachmelba - Midnight Dreamer - Assafair
5. Race: Shamakiya - Quetsche - Bahama Bay
6. Race: Handsome Maestro - Oiseau De Feu - Little Dreams
7. Race: Beheshtam - Feels All Right - Westphalia
8. Race: Schomir - Or Violet - Buttes Chaumont

Rest of U.K. and Ireland

There is plenty more racing today, with Musselburgh and Doncaster staging flat racing this afternoon, and Worcester and Hexham N.H. racing, while this evening there is flat racing at Newcastle and Lingfield (all-weather) as well as at the Curragh in Ireland. Obviously nothing can compare to Epsom, but the Curragh has a listed race over 10 furlongs at 19.30 CET. John Oxx´ Kargali (Fran Berry) caould wsin this, but it is significant that Jim Bolger has declared son-in-law Kevin Manning (rides in the Derby this afternoon!) to partner the once-raced and unbeaten L´Impresario. It could also be significant that David Nicholls has chosen his son Adrian to ride the top-weight Masta Plasta in the valuable 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 at Musselburgh, despite the large number of stable runners at Epsom. The top race at Doncaster, a fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 16.05, has also attracted a strong field. Several leading trainers have runners here, including Sir Michael Stoute with the lightly-raced Laughter (Louis-Philippe Beuzelin), Andrew Balding with Amanjana (William Buick), Luca Cumani with ex-Italian Short Affair (Shane Kelly) and Mark Johnston witrh top-weight Lady Jane Digby (Royston Ffrench).

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Capercaillie - Archers Road - North Central
2. Race: Holyrood - Kings Destiny - Alanbrooke
3. Race: Ishetoo - Hamish Mcgonagall - River Falcon
4. Race: Titus Andronicus - Thunder Bay - Blue Tomato
5. Race: Flores Sea - Lucayan Dancer - Solis
6. Race: Island Chief - Legal Legacy - Liberty Trail
7. Race: Dramatic Solo - Baizically - Dolly Penrose

Worcester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Pacha D`Oudairies - Shannon Springs - Just Silver
2. Race: Nosler - Alanna Castle - King Of Castile
3. Race: Early Wings - Sea Robber - Safe Investment
4. Race: Premier Des Marais - Celticello - Gold Reef
5. Race: Keepitsecret - Dead Or Alive - Lord Ryeford
6. Race: Paradise Expected - Winged Arrow - Dawn At Sea
7. Race: Hope Road - Aboukir Bay - Arniecoco

Rest of Epsom

The remaining 6 races at Epsom are also highly interesting and also extremely difficult to sum up, and anybody winning the jackpot or even the placepot will need to be a near-genius. The only other group race on the card is the Princess Elizabeth Stakes for fillies over an extended mile at 15.25 CET. Spacious (James Fanshawe/ Johnny Murtagh) has not run since October, but her 4th place in last year´s 1,000 Guineas is the best form on offer; However Alnadana (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Soumillon) has good recent form and represents a stable always to be feared in Britain. The race title of course refers to the present Queen, who always attends Derby Day (you can bet on the colour of her hat!) and a victory for her History Lesson (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) in the first race, a 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 14.25, would raise the roof; however this is a very difficult race with 17 runners and Marching Time (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) the likely favourite. Th e Hannon stable also has prospects in the second race, a listed event for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs, with 2 runners Desert Auction (Hughes) and Kings Approach (Moore). The Investec Dash over 5 furlongs at 16.00 is always a spectacular event, with 19 runners tearing downhill and up again in a time of around 53 seconds. David Nicholls, Kevin Ryan and Andrew Balding all have good records here and saddle 8 runners between them. We prefer Little Pete (Balding/ Franny Norton), but course specialist Safari Mischief (Peter Winkworth/ Luke Morris), third last year, looks a big danger. After the Derby, there are 2 more valuable handicaps with 17 runners each. Group Captain (Hugh Collingridge/ Robert Kingscote) is a sporting each-way selection over 1 1/2 miles at 17.30, while in the final 6 furlongs race at 18.05, sprint specialist David Nicholls does an O´Brien and saddles 7 runners. We cannot figure out which is the best of them, so suggest that last year´s winner Mac Gill Eoin (Jeff Gal lagher/ Jim Crowley) can follow up.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marching Time - London Bridge - Union Island
2. Race: Desert Auction - Walkingonthemoon - Little Perisher
3. Race: Spacious - Eva`s Request - Alnadana
4. Race: Safari Mischief - Wi Dud - Cake
5. Race: Sea The Stars - Fame And Glory - Rip Van Winkle
6. Race: Hot Diamond - Martyr - Coin Of The Realm
7. Race: Aye Aye Digby - Piscean - Something

Derby Day at Epsom

The days when parliament would adjourn for the Derby are long gone, but Derby Day is still one of the most important dates in the racing calendar and today´s Epsom card is excellent in every respect. The Derby, now sponsored by Investec, is run at 16.45 CET and has12 runners, 8 of them - including all the favourites- trained in Ireland. Aidan O´Brien saddles 6 of them, with stable jockey Johnny Murtagh having chosen Rip Van Winkle, 4th last time out in the 2,000 Guineas. Murtagh has won the Derby 3 times, so knows what is required, and clearly the horse must have been working extremely well, but it is still a surprising choice. Not only does he face two horses that finished in front of him at Newmarket, there is still a clear stamina doubt. There seem to be no such doubts about Fame and Glory (Seamus Heffernan), who is unbeaten in 4 starts and won the most important Irish trial in impressive fashion. Heffernan has often enough been a supersub for the stable and in fact the st able jockey has historically almost always chosen the wrong mount here. O´Brien has booked champion jockey Ryan Moore for Black Bear Island, who finished strongly to win the Dante, usually the best English trial, and is a brother to High Chaparral, so is bred for the job. O´Brien´s other runners Age of Aquarius (Pat Smullen), Master of the Horse (/Richard Hughes) and the possible pacemaker Golden Sword (Colm O´Donoghue) are also all in with a chance, and the doubts about the stable´s pecking order mean that 2,000 Guineas winner Sea of Stars (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane) is likely to start favourite. No 2,000 winner has gone on to win the Derby since Nashwan 20 years ago, and stamina is again the issue here, as Sea the Stars is by the miler Cape Cross; however his dam Urban Sea won the Arc and has also thrown the top-class Derby winner Galileo, so the odds are in his favour. The other Irish runner Gan Amhras, representing last years winning team of Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, sho uld have no stamina limitations; he is a son of Galileo and ran on well when third in the Guineas. An English winner here would be a miracle. Crowded House (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer) is possibly the best of them, but ran badly in the Dante when hot favourite. Godolphin is out of form, so Kite Wood (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) looks up against it while Momntaff (Mick Channon/ Richard Hills) and Debussy (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) are well held on form. The run of the race, and the tactics used by the O´Brien team may be decisive, as well as the ability (or not) of the suspect stayers Rip Van Winkle and Sea the Stars to get the trip. The record of Jim Bolger and John Oxx in big races demands the utmost respect, but for us the logical winner is Fame and Glory.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marching Time - London Bridge - Union Island
2. Race: Desert Auction - Walkingonthemoon - Little Perisher
3. Race: Spacious - Eva`s Request - Alnadana
4. Race: Safari Mischief - Wi Dud - Cake
5. Race: Sea The Stars - Fame And Glory - Rip Van Winkle
6. Race: Hot Diamond - Martyr - Coin Of The Realm
7. Race: Aye Aye Digby - Piscean - Something

Rest of UK and Ireland

Obviously the rest of today´s racing pales into insignificance beside Epsom´s top-class card, but it is interesting that several of the leading jockeys also ride this evening. The listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 20.20 CET at Goodwood has only 6 runners, but is a fascinating affair, with Mad Rush (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore), beaten favourite in last November´s Melbourne Cup, and Crime Scene (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), beaten only a neck by Eastern Anthem in Dubai last time out, in the line-up. While Goodwood is close to the south coast, several jockeye also make their way west to Bath´s evening meeting, where William Buick can win the 5 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s on Andrew Balding´s Celestial Dream. There is also racing this afternoon at Catterick (some small fields) and Wolverhampton (all-weather), and this evening at Doncaster, when there is also Irish racing at Cork (N.H.) and Navan (flat)

Coronation Cup

The other big feature at Epsom today is the Coronation Cup for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET. This is another tricky event, with another doubtful favourite in Youmzain (Mick Channon/ Richard Hills). Nobody doubts this horse´s abilitiy - he has finished runner-up in the last 2 "Arc"s - but the fact remains that he has a very poor strike rate and needs everything to fall right. Ask (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) was a very easy winner of the Yorkshire Cup and this distance is probably even more suitable. The much improved Duncan (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) is taking a huge leap in class but has won both his starts this season with the greatest of ease. Buccellati (Andrew Balding/ William Buick) won a farcical race at Chester with last year´s Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) last of 3. Eastern Anthem (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) won the Dubai Sheema Classic last time (Youmzain fourth), but the Godolphin stable is still not fir ing on all fronts.

The filly Look Here (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) could be a big danger; she won the Oaks over this CD a year ago, but has only run once since. Our fancy here is Ask, but almost anything could happen. Should Duncan run well, that would be a clear pointer to the chances of Lake Poet (Clive Brittain/ Ryan Moore) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.25. The Group 3 Diomed Stakes that opens the card at 14.40 could be another winner for the Stoute/ Moore team with Confront, although Lovelace (Mark Johnston/ Jamie Spencer), despite the concession of 5 lbs, looks dangerous; we have not forgotten the way he won last year at Baden-Baden.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Confront - General Eliott - Lovelace
2. Race: Philario - Plum Pudding - Bencoolen
3. Race: Youmzain - Look Here - Ask
4. Race: Lake Poet - Charm School - Seeking The Buck
5. Race: Sariska - Rainbow View - Midday
6. Race: Nasri - Mastoora - Croisultan
7. Race: All About You - Shamwari Lodge - Satwa Laird

Oaks day at Epsom

The Derby meeting starts today at Epsom with two Group One races on the card, including the OAKS, the most important race of the season for 3yo fillies at 17.05 CET. Although there are only 10 runners, this looks very open, with question marks over several of the runners. This applies in particular to the likely favourite Sariska (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer), an easy winner of the main trial, the Musidora Stakes at York. However that race looked substandard this year, and on breeding the daughter of Pivotal is not certain to stay the trip. The same applies to Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who won the Lingfield Oaks Trial in good style, but is by the miler Oasis Dream. Even more doubts surround Rainbow View (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune), easily the best of these on 2yo form, but who has never raced beyond a mile and was well-beaten at odds-on in the 1,000 Guineas. The fast ground was blamed for that that, but it could well be equally fast this time.

There are no stamina doubts about the two Irish fillies Oh Goodness Me (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and Perfect Truth (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), both daughters of Galileo, but it is not certain that they are good enough. Perfect Truth only just scrambled home last time at Chester from Phillipina (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), the only maiden in today´s field, who has been well backed this week. We do not believe that a maiden can win this, and our very tentative suggestion is Midday, whose trainer has won this race 8 times already.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Confront - General Eliott - Lovelace
2. Race: Philario - Plum Pudding - Bencoolen
3. Race: Youmzain - Look Here - Ask
4. Race: Lake Poet - Charm School - Seeking The Buck
5. Race: Sariska - Rainbow View - Midday
6. Race: Nasri - Mastoora - Croisultan
7. Race: All About You - Shamwari Lodge - Satwa Laird

Latest classic news

Although rain is forecast for the weekend in S. England, the ground is likely to be fast at Epsom for tomorrow´s Oaks and Coronation Cup, and probably on Saturday for the Derby as well. With Aidan O´Brien´s stable jockey expected to partner Rip Van Winkle in the Derby, punters are now unsure which of the stable´s 6 runners to support. In recent years, the no. 1 jockey has frequently chosen the wrong one, and in our view Fame and Glory (Seamus Heffernan) is still Ballydoyle´s best chance. Although Crowded Hoise, and expensive flop last time, has now been declared a definite runner by trainer Brian Meehan, it seems that an Irish victory on the Derby is almost certain, as the main danger to the O´Brien runners is Sea the Stars, the John Oxx-trained winner of the 2,000 Guineas. However the Oaks should be won by a Newmarket trainer if the betting is any guide, as Sariska (Michal Bell), Midday (Henry Cecil) and Philippina (Sir Michael Stoute) are the three fillies at th top of the market.

Ireland this evening

Easily the best racing of the day takes place at Leopardstown´s evening meeting, where the main feature is the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes for fillies and mares over 6 furlongs. 4 of the 10 runners are 3yo´s and they could well hold the whip hand. Pursuit of Glory (David Wachman/ Johnny Murtagh) has been running in top races and has been dropped in grade here; she had no chance in the 1,000 Guineas but must be feared in this company. Maoineach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and Sugar Free (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan) could also be dangerous, while the sole British raider Lesson in Humility (Karl Burke/ Andrew Elliott) looks the clear best of the older brigade. Festival Princess (Jssica Harrington/ Rory Cleary) showed her best ever form last time when beaten a head in a Group 3 and that form gives her an excellent chance in the listed race over a mile at 21.30. Shreyas (Bolger/ Manning) is going back in distance, but looks the main danger. Harrington also has a chance of winning the beginners chase at 19.15 at Tipperary with Farinelli (Robbie Power), but this is an interesting contest with several potentially useful performers, including Ebaziyan, Schindlers Gold and German-bred Negus.

Sandown and Uttoxeter this evening

This evening´s N.H. card at Wetherby has been abandoned because of the hard ground, leaving just flat racing at Sandown and jumping at Uttoxeter. Sandown´s card is relatively weak, but with the Derby meeting starting just round the corner tomorrow, this is no surprise. Luca Cumani has his string in great form, and he usually means business when he books Frankie Dettori to ride for him; they team up with 3 runners this evening, Major Phil in the 3yo handicap at 20.15 CET, Annabelle´s Charm in the mile handicap at 19.50 and Bourne in the 3yo maiden at 21.25, all of whom should run well. The team to follow at Uttoxeter could be Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, who can win the 2 mile novice hurdle at 18.50 with Any Given Day and the 3 mile novice hurdle half an hour later with Always Bold.

Hamilton, Lingfield and Newton Abbot this afternoon

This afternoon´s 3 British tracks have only very modest sport on offer. Both at Hamilton and Lingfield (where the first 3 races are run on the all-weather, the rest on turf) all races are class 5 or 6. If there is a good performer running at these tracks, it can only be Henry Cecil´s Flame of Gibraltar (Tom Queally) in the fillies maiden ovr 10 furlongs at 16.50 CET on turf at Lingfield. A very well-bred filly, she cost 900,000 euros as a yearling and made a decent debut recently at Newmarket; she also has a Royal Ascot entry and to justify her reputation should win this.

Otherwise the consistent all-weather specialist Ravi River (Jams Boyle/ Pat Cosgrave) shoud win the 7 furlongs seller here at 15.20, while Legal Eagle, representing the in-form team of David and Adrian Nicholls, should take the claiming race over 6 furlongs at 15.40 at Hamilton; dropped in grade, he has plenty in hand of this opposition on the ratings. There are some small fields at this afternoon´s jumps meeting at Newton Abbot, where trainer Tony Haynes and jockey Dominic Elsworth can team up to win the novice hurdle at 16.00 with Come Out Firig and the handicap chase an hour later with Noticeable, despite lumping a huge weight. Most interesting race here is the maiden hurdle at 15.00, where ex-California-trained Mississippian (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) makes his British debut.

Classic news

Penny´s Gift, trained in England by Richard Hannon, and Entre deux Eaux, trained in France by Robert Collet, are likely foreign challengers for Sunday´s German 1,000 Guineas at Düsseldorf. Richard Hughes and Jean-Pierre Guillambert respectively have been booked to ride.

Meanwhile Irish trainer Aidan O´Brien has announced provisional riding plans for his 6 runners in Saturday´s Derby at Epsom. Stabl jocky Johnny Murtagh will partner Rip Van Winkle, 4th in the 2,000 Guineas last time, while Seamus Heffernan rides Fame and Glory, who had looked on paper to be the stable´s best chance. Although O´Brien normally books Irish jockeys to partner his horses, it is significant that he has chosen English champion Ryan Moore to ride Dante winner Black Bear Island. The reaction of the bookies has been to shorten Rip Van Winkle and Black Bear Island, lengthen Fame and Glory, and they now make John Oxx´ Sea the Stars a narrow favourite. However for us Fame and Glory remains the logical choice.

Emotional win for Schlenderhan?

Following the sad news of the death of Karin von Ullmann earlier this week, a victory for Gestüt Schlenderhan today would be particularly appropriate, and Kalla (André Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) has an obvious chance in the listed Prix Melisande for 3yo fillies over 2000 metres at Fontainbleau at 15.35 this afternoon. Kalla, a daughter of Monsun out of the good mare Kittywake, was an impressive winner of her only start so far and can defeat her 4 opponents here, although they all have useful form to their credit as well. There is also trotting this afternoon at Laval, with the 5th round of the Grand National du Trot as the opening event at 13.50.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Legende Doree - American Nizzy - Quintalina
2. Race: Too Nice Name - De Viso - Crios
3. Race: Rappel - Bluster - Blue Fiji
4. Race: Excellent Girl - Gainful - Kalla
5. Race: Pink Candie - Sinologie - Zibeling
6. Race: Valedictory - Martin Alonso - Anticenter
7. Race: Polary - So Long - Natoire
8. Race: Winner Spirit - Alpenadler - Rock Of Asia

Fairyhouse (Ireland), Kempton (a.w.) and Ripon this evening

Easily the best race at Kempton´s all-weather evening meeting is the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.20 CET. With 14 runners, this looks fiercely competitive. Top weight Grand Passion (Chris Wall/ George Baker) was previously much better than this grade, but seems to have lost form completely, while Godolphin´s Covert Ambition (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan), an easy winner of his only start - at Nottingham last November - is difficult to assess. CD winner Dark Prospect (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) and Bugaku (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) look the most reliable options. At Ripon, Inchpast (Mark Tompkins/ Nail Callan), who beat probably better opposition at Goodwood last week.

Can follow up in the 2 mile handicap at 22.10, while the mile handicap an hour later looks very tricky; Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Fentiman) was runner-up recently at Sandown, but top-weights Acrostic (Luca Cumani/ Neil Callan) and Benanndoner (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) look the two to beat. The most interesting runner at Fairyhouse this evening is Aidan O´Brien´s Liszt, who has been used as a pacemaker for the stable´s Derby hopes the last two times and now drops into handicap class with good prospects at 21.00. He will be ridden by the trainer´s 16yo son Joseph, who has already shown that he knows how to win races.

Ayr, Fontwell (N.H.) and Nottingham

3 British meetings this afternoon, but no fireworks to be expected. Nottingham´s main feature is the class 2 conditions stakes over a mile at 17.10 CET. There are 6 runners, with Godolphin holding a strong hand, as their 2 entries Emmrooz (Frankie Dettori) and Royal God (Ahmed Ajtebi) being the top-rated runners. The former, a good second to Bankable in Nad al Sheba in February after a long lay-off, is the selection; Khateeb (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) and Dubai Touch (Mark Johnston/ Royston Ffrench) are the dangers. Also at Nottingham, Taste the Wine (Stan Moore/ Luke Morris), who stayed on strongly when winning over 1 1/2 mils at Chepstow last time, can win the 1 3/4 miles handicap for 3yo´s at 16.40. At Ayr, the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.50 is the best race, but few of the 7 runners have any good recent form to recommend them. The exception is Discanti (Tim Easterby/ David Allan), a close third last week at Redcar, and this form may be good enough.

A typical summer jumps card at Fontwell, where the most interesting event is the novice hurdle over 2 1/4 miles at 16.00. Master of Arms (David Loughnane/ Richard Johnson) and Tri Nations (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) are both easy recent winners, but may struggle to give weight to Black Jacari (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), coming back from a break after some disappointing performances in the winter, and Duty Free (Charlie Egerton/ Tony McCoy), third on his hurdles debut, but Dichoh (Michael Madgwick/ Dave Crosse), making his debut over the sticks, could be the joker in the pack.

Folkestone, Listowel (Ireland) and Sedgfield (N.H.) this evening

Top-weight Purus (Richard Teal/ Luke Morris), an unlucky runner-up after being hampered at Newmarket last time, is the obvious form choice for the 7 furlongs handicap at 20.50 this evening at Folkestone, but lightly-raced Monadeema (William Haggas/ Richard Hills), who has not run for a year, is a big danger if anywhere near peak fitness. There is a similar scenario half an hour later in the 1 1/2 mile handicap, where Luca Cumani´s Hada Men (William Buick), last seen in October, faces form-horse Gaia Prince (Amanda Perrett/ Jim Crowley) and fit-from
-hurdling Yossi (Jim Best/ Jimmy Quinn). There is a strong Irish challenge at this evening´s N.H. meeting at Sedgefield, and Kells Castle (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) can win the long-distance chase at 21.35. Hottest favourite here will be German-bred Nordwind (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) in the novice hurdle at 20.35; the son of Acatenango is in top form and despite giving weight away all round, should not be troubled to record his 4th win in his last 5 outings. In Ireland, there is a mixed meeting (3 flat races, 3 over hurdles and a bumper) at Listowel. The 3yo mile maiden at 19.00 should lie between the Aga Khan s Karkari (John Oxx/ Fran Berry) and Benji´s Babes (Tommy Stack/ Wayne Lordan), both runners-up in large fields last time. Alpine Glade (John Joseph Mangan/ Paul Carberry), third on the flat on Saturday, can take the mares hurdle race at 21.00.

Ripon and Southwell

This afternoon´s racing is very mediocre, and the class 3 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.30 CET at Ripon is by some margin the best race of the day. This is a very open affair, with almost all the 9 runners in good form. Excusez-Moi (Ruth Carr/ Paul Mulrennan), winner of 3 of his last 5 racs inluding this CD, course specialist Van Bossed (David and Adrian Nicholls) and Vhujon (David Evans/ Paul Hanagan) are our three against the field. An interesting runner at Ripon is ex-German Andorn (P.Kirby/Lee Vickers) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.00. He showed next to nothing for Barney Curley, but is now very leniently handicapped on his first start for new connections. At Southwell´s all-weather meeting, 6 of the 7 races are class 6, the exception being the class 5 handicap for 3yo´s over 7 furlongs at 16.45. This is very tricky, with our short list comprising Avoir Choisi (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro), Desire to Excel (Paul Cole/ George Baker), Arachnophobia (Pat Eddery/ Ti m Queally) and Michael Jarvis´ CD winner Silent Hero, Philip Robinson´s only ride here.

Death of Vincent O´Brien

More important than any race run today is the news that legendary Irish trainer Vincent O´Brien has died at the age of 92. Generally regarded as the best racehorse trainer of all time, O´Brien set new standards in both N.H. and flat racing. His achievements in jumps racing, including 4 Cheltenham Gold Cups, 3 Champion Hurdles and 3 successive Grand Nationals, are likely never to be equalled, while on the flat he sent out the winners of 16 British and 27 Irish classics, 25 races at Royal Ascot and 3 "Arc"s among many other big-race successes. Tributes have poured in from all over the racing world, with Lester Piggott (who partnered many of his top horses, including Triple Crown winner Nijinsky, dual "Arc" winner Alleged and Washington D.C. winner Sir Ivor) saying simply "he was the greatest", while Aidan O´Brien (no relation, but the current Irish champion and training from the same Ballydoyle stables) saying " he was my hero".

German runners at Saint-Cloud

There are 2 German-trained runners in the tierce´handicap over 2400 metres which opens today´s Saint-Cloud card at 13.50 - Samiro (Werner/ Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf) and Captain Camelot (Dr. Bolte/ Thierry Jarnet). Both have dcent form is such vents, but as usual this is a very tough race with 16 runners. Baltromei also saddles Farox (Thierry Thulliez) in the 3yo maiden half an hour later. Main feature at Saint-Cloud is the listed Prix Matchem for 3yo colts over 2000 metres at 15.20. This has attracted quite a strong field. Portus Blendium (Carlos Laffon-Parias/ Gerald Mosse´) and Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barbe/ Alxi Badel) have never finished out of the first 2 in 15 starts between them, but the most likely winner is Jean-Claude Rouget´s Nizamabad (Christophe Lemaire), who is taken to continue his trainer´s excellent run. There are also dozens of German runners at Wissemburg today, but this is not a PMU meeting.

Ireland today

Two meetings in Ireland this afternoon, with a good flat card at Naas and jumping from Listowel. Main feature at Naas is the Group 3 Fillies Sprint Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 17.40 CET. The top-class Cuis Ghaire won this last year for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, and they can follow up this time with Kitty Kiernan, an easy winner of her only start so far, beating Lillie Langtry (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) by 2 1/2 lengths over this CD. The latter renews rivalry and should make more of a race of it today, but there seems no obvious reason why she should reverse the form. What about Me (Brian Nolan/ Declan Moran) has also won her only start, beating Wrong Answer (Kevin Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) at Cork, and the latter has won twice since. Another unbeaten runner is Marco Botti´s Electric Feel (Pat Smullen), the only British runner, who scored in good style at Newmarket. This looks a strong race, and the winner can be expected to play in the top league this season. The listed sprint race over 5 furlongs at 16.40 should go to the in-form team of David and Adrian Nicholls with Inxile, disqualified after beating Mood Music at Longchamp last time, and a CD winner before that. Dahindar (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), who has not run since November 2007, is a possible danger. At Listowel there are the usual large fields. Willie Mullins continues in top form, and has chances in the 3 handicaps with Jasmin d´Oudaires at 16.20, top-weight Jim the Falcon at 16.50 and Polmar half an hour later; all will be ridden by David Casey, with Ruby Walsh still out of action with a broken ankle

JJ the Jet Plane at Windsor this evening

Whit Monday is no longer a holiday in the U.K., so we have a normal Monday programme, and easily the best racing is at Windsor´s evening fixture, where the main event is a listed race over 6 furlongs at 20.55 CET. All eyes will be on JJ the Jet Plane (Mike de Kock/ Ryan Moore), one of the world´s best sprinters, who is being prepared for a crack at Royal Ascot´s Golden Jubilee. The S. African champion, last seen winning at Dubai in February, will probably need the race and has to concede weight all round, but should still win this. Icelandic (Frank Sheridan/ Seb Sanders), third in an Irish Group Three last time, Edge Closer, from the in-form team of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes, and Hughie Morrison´s pair Intrepid Jack (George Baker) and Sohraab (Eddie Ahern), are the pick of the opposition. Feature of Thirsk´s evening card is the presence of top jockey Jamie Spencer, who can win the mile handicap at 19.40 with Alan McCabe´s Follow the Flag, the 7 furlongs maiden with Do c Jones and the handicap over the same trip half an hour later with Secret Society. This afternoon´s racing at Leicester and Carlisle is mainly poor; particularly disappointing is the feeble turn-out for Leicester´s class 2 event for fillies at 16.30. Only 4 run here, none of them normally up to this standard.

Chantilly today

Chantilly today stages the first of its big summer Sunday meetings, featuring 3 Group Two races. The Grand Prix d Chantilly over 2400 metres at 16.05 has attracted a weaker field than usual, and injured German hope Adlerflug would undoubtedly have had a big chance here. The much-improved Magadan (Elli Lellouche/ Antony Crastus) is now likely to start a hot favourite, although there is not much between him and Ideal World (André Fabre/ Stephane Pasquier). The Prix de Sandringham for 3yo fillies over a mile at 15.30 is a trial for the Diane here in 2 weeks time. German-owned Regane (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gerald Mossé) looked smart when winning first time out, but faces stiff opposition from Entre Deux Eaux (Robrt Collet/ Christophe Soumillon), Homebound (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Christophe Lemaire) and Celebra (Carlos Laffon-Parias/ Olivier Peslier). The Prix du Gros-Chene over 1000 metres at 16.40 is a rematch between Marchand d´Or (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla) and Equiano (Barry an d Michael Hills), first and second here last year.

Marchand dÓr is theoretically the best horse in the field, but has flopped disastrously his last 3 starts, including at Longchamp last time when well behind German challenger Mood Music (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon), who was awarded the race in the stewards room. With runners from 4 countries, this is a very open affair, and maybe Tax Free (David and Adrian Nicholls) can score. Other German runners here are Adamatinos (Erika Mäder/ Thierry Steeger) in the 1200 metres race for "gentleman-riders" at 14.10, Grazilla (Andreas Trybuhl/ Jerome Lermyte), who has bottom-weight in the mares handicap over 2200 metres at 14.50, Kazoma Kate (Manfred Weber/ Jean-Michel Breux) in the second division at 18.20, and Nanigata (Werner Baltromei/ Flavien Prat) in the mile claimer at 17.45.