German runners in France today

Flat racing in the Paris area is almost finished for the year, but the provinces are still going strong and today there are several German-trained runners at Lyon, all from the Iffezheim stables of Werner Hefter, Horst Steinmetz and Wolfgang Gülcher. Hefter saddles Tingly (Jean-Michael Breux) in the opening 2yo race at 12.50, Best Joking (Ioritz Mendizabal) in the aptly-named La Fleche (the arrow) over 1000 metres at 13.20 and Ange d´Azur (Breux) in the first division of the 2200 metres handicap at 14.55, in which race Steinmetz has entered Nasibow (Thibault Dachis) and Queen Petra (Mikael Forest). In the second division half an hour later, Albenga (Steinmetz/ Gaetan Masure) and Ostrava (Gülcher/ Eric Wehrel) are the German runners. Best Joking has clearly the best chance of these and we make this speedy filly the best bet of the day, but would also not be surprised to see Queen Petra also run well off a very light weight.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Redondelle - Balsaking - Chamouille
2. Race: Choparlas - Bermeco - Wangokaye
3. Race: Symphonie Du Seuil - Sampion Du Monde - Sappo
4. Race: Poly Dance - Distrayante - Teenie Boy
5. Race: Beaujeu - Menandros - Marmoom Flower
6. Race: La Maddalena - Warrenton - Maratima
7. Race: Fligane - Page`s Boy - Blue Fang
8. Race: Barhill - Loch Dancer - Shin Kan Sen

Fakenham (N.H.), Folkestone (N.H.) and Wolverhampton (a.w.)

Very modest sport on offer at today´s 3 meetings and generally small fields as well. The only glimmer of class is offered by Nicky Henderson, who saddles 4 runners at Fakenham, all ridden by stable jockey Barry Geraghty and all with winning possibilities. Working Title, in the novice chase at 14.20 CET, and The Polomoche in the beginners chase at 15.50 both have excellent chances, while Strawberry, top weight in the handicap chase at 15.20 and the Queen´s Pipe Banner in the maiden hurdle at 16.20 also have good prospects. At Folkestone, where the going will be very heavy, we expect the penalised German-bred Quartano (Warren Greatrex/ Paddy Brennan) to follow up his recent win in the novice hurdle at 14.30, while the most interesting runner here could be Gary Moore´s Numide (Tony McCoy) in the beginners chase half an hour earlier. This one-time useful flat horse (5th in the French Derby!) started off in good style over hurdles and then rather lost form; he jumped badly on his chase debut, but is still the class act in this field, and the booking of AP is an obvious advantage. There are bigger fields on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, but the standard is very low, and 7 of the 8 races are low-grade handicaps, the "best" being a class 5 race over 2 miles at 17.10. Bottom-weight Follow the Dream (Karen George/ Darryll Holland) and Zuwaar (Ian Williams/ Eddie Ahern) both ran placed here last time and could fight out the finish. Elswhere we fancy Grudge (Ollie Pears/ Franny Norton) and Cayman Fox (Jimmy Moffatt/ Matthew Lawson), both overdue for a win, can take the two divisions of the 5 furlongs handicap at 15.40 and 18.40 respectively.

Fairyhouse abandoned!

today´s top-class Fairyhouse meeting has been abandoned following further heavy rain, another blow to the Irish racing industry, which has suffered heavy losses in 2009 due to the incessant bad weather. It is hoped to stage the entire card, which includes 3 Grade One races. this coming Wednesday, weather permitting

N.H. racing at Carlisle and Leicester

Carlisle has survived an early morning inspection and racing goes ahead, but the going will be very heavy, while surprisingly it is given as good to firm at Leicester. Nicky Henderson can continue his winning run at the latter track with Peveril (Andrew Tinkler), last seen winning bumper in April, who can get off the mark over hurdles at 13.45 CET. He also has a chance in the handicap chase at 15.20 with You and I (Felix de Giles), but our preference here is for top-weight Free World (Warren Greatrex/ Noel Fehily), who is dropping in grade. Best race here is the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 15.55 in which top-weight Good Old Thyme (Dr. Richard Newland/ Daryl Jacob) and Catch Bob (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) are our main fancies. Donald McCain and Howard Johnson, with their respective stable jockeys Jason Maguire and Denis O´Regan, look the teams to follow at Carlisle. In the first 3 races they can take the first two places with Washington Irving (Johnson) and German-bred Alpha Wa y (McCain) at 13.55, Alvarado (Johnson) and Whiteabbey (McCain) at 14.25, and Diamond Frontier (Johnson) and Comhla Ri Coig (McCain) at 15.00. Washington Irving is certainly an interesting recruit to N.H. racing, as this former Aidan O´ Brien horse last ran in the Ascot Gold Cup!

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Washington Irving - Rosbay - Midnite Blews
2. Race: Alvarado - Whiteabbey - Against The Wind
3. Race: Comhla Ri Coig - Diamond Frontier - Classic Cut
4. Race: Prince De Beauchene - Newman Des Plages - Reel Charmer
5. Race: Nevsky Bridge - Kempski - Star Tenor
6. Race: Of Course - Samizdat - Briery Star

German runners in France today

plenty more German runners today at Le Croise´ Laroche, where there is an early evening meeting. A total of 13 German-trained runners challenge for the first 7 races, 6 of them trained by Werner Baltromei. His best chances would appear to be the consistent White Bull (William Mongil) in the 1800 metres handicap at 19.00 and Naxon (Yann Lerner) in a claimer over the same distance half an hour later; we would like Electric Roi (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Gaetan Masure) for this race, but fear the trip may be too far. Otherwise Christian von der Recke, who almost brought off a sensational win in the listed race yesterday, has good chances in the opening 1100 metres race for 3yo´s with top-weight Isi Going (Masure).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Agnes Champ - Isi Going - Attaches Moi
2. Race: Astronom - Libia - Napoli
3. Race: Nice Girl - Prince Elidane - Freedom Light
4. Race: Grand Lao - Kaloschka - Starcos
5. Race: Bavaria Rose - Pale Captive - Snowburst
6. Race: White Bull - Versoix - Minikos
7. Race: Churriana - Raganeyev - Malachito
8. Race: Theorique - Mana Glint - Akfaras
9. Race: Andrei Roublev - Montzar - Molitor

rest of today´s N.H. racing

there is plenty more good jumps racing today, as the undercards at Newbury and Newcastle are also strong, more U.K. jumping at Towcester, and Irish N.H. racing at Fairyhouse, although Wexford has been abandoned. Top staying hurdler Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) makes his reappearance in the Long Distance Hurdle at 14.35 CET at Newbury, and looks virtually unbeatable. On a day on which several German-breds have winning chances, we hope to see ex-Schlenderhan Sereth (Barney Curley/ Paul Moloney) win the novice hurdle at 13.25 here, while Passato (Jo Davis/ Seamus Durack) at 14.00, Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) at 15.05 and Fairyland (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) could all repay a small each-way investment. At Newcastle, ex-smart flat stayer Donegal (Robert Hennessy/ Philip Carberry) can take the novice hurdle at 13.40, while Nicky Henderson´s good run can continue with Quantitativeeasing (Tony McCoy) at 15.25 and Golden Flight (Felix de Giles) expected to run much better now equipped with blinkers, in a very open handicap chase at 16.25. There are only 4 runners in Towcester´s top race, a novice chase over 2 3/4 miles at 15.00; two of them are last time out winners over fences, but we prefer Great Endeavour (David Pipe/ Danny Cook), third over hurdles to Lie Forrit (winner again yesterday) last time at Cheltenham. In Ireland, Perce Rock (Tommy Stack/ Alan Crowe) can take the handicap hurdle at 14.55 at Fairyhouse, to kick-start a big day for owner JP McManus, but ex-German group winner Sweet Wake (Noel Meade/ Roger Loughran) would be dangerous if back to his best. L´Ami (Enda Bolger/ JT McNamara) can be another winner for JP under top-weight in the staying handicap chase at 15.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bathwick Quest - Kahsabelle - Here`S The Key
2. Race: Stop The Show - Mr Prickle - Wheels Up
3. Race: Punjabi Army - Flexi Time - Double Dash
4. Race: Great Endeavour - Jaunty Journey - Its A Classic
5. Race: Olmeto Collonges - Crouch End Flyer - Badly Bruised
6. Race: Ayemdee - Cartier Opera - Kinkeel
7. Race: Evella - Teenage Kicks - The Rustlin Rhino

Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle

in terms of class, the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle over 2 miles at 14.50 CET at Newcastle, is the best race of the day and should have a strong bearing on the Champion Hurdle, with several leading fancies entered. Binocular (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), favourite for the Champion Hurdle last March and only beaten half a length, is our selection here, especially with the stable in such good form. He is one of only 2 British-trained runners, the other 5 coming over from Ireland. Best of them on recent form is clearly the hugely-improved Solwhit (Charley Byrnes/ Davy Russell), who has won 6 of his last 7 races, including the last 4, but we also expect Sublimity (Robert Hennessy/ Philip Carberry) - who after all won at Cheltenham in 2007 - to run a big race. Al Eile (John Queally/ Timmy Murphy) also has a chance, but seems to reserve his best form for Aintree. Henderson broke the Irish monopoly on the Champion Hurdle last time and we fancy that he has good prospects again, w ith Binocular possibly (though by no means certainly!) his best shot.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Something Silver - Pamak D`Airy - Justtheoneforyou
2. Race: Donegal - Heez A Steel - Diklers Oscar
3. Race: Weapon`S Amnesty - Abbeybraney - Lucky Wish
4. Race: Binocular - Solwhit - Sublimity
5. Race: Quantitativeeasing - Wave Power - St Devote
6. Race: Seek The Truth - Treehouse - Indy Mood
7. Race: The Last Derby - According To John - Coe

Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

it´s only a handicap, but the Hennessy Gold Cup over 3 1/4 miles at 15.40 CET today is clearly the top event of a star-studded weekend in Britain and Ireland. It has attracted a really strong field with 19 runners likely to go to post, with all eyes on top-weight Denman (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who will be attempting to repeat his famous 2007 victory here. Since then he has beaten Kauto Star in the Gold Cup, suffered heart problems and then ran another good race against Kauto Star when runner-up in the latest Gold Cup. He won two years ago with exactly the same weight, 11st 12 lbs, but the difference is that he is now rated 13 lbs higher and the opposition looks much better this time. He is clearly the class act in the field and looks certain to start a warm favourite, but, personally, we do not believe that he can give so much weight away today. His own stable companions My Will (Nick Scholfield) and What a Friend (Sam Thomas) look very dangerous on these terms, while we strongly fancy the Queen´s Barbers Shop (Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty), whose trainer is in great form (4 winners already at this meeting). Northern challenger Killiglen (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan) is another big hopeful, as well as the Irish raiders headed by Snowy Mountain (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and War of Attrition (Mouse Morris/ Niall Madden), while Evan Williams, who won here in 2006 with State of Play, tries again with the same horse (Paul Moloney) as well as top hunter-chaser Cappa Bleu (Wayne Hutchinson), both of whom look very leniently handicapped on bottom weight. Denman represents the top N.H. team and it would be great if he could win, but our 3 against the field are Barbers Shop, Killiglen and Cappa Bleu.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Finian`S Rainbow - Sereth - Highest Start
2. Race: Fistral Beach - Sharajan - Quinz
3. Race: Big Buck`S - Blazing Bailey - Duc De Regniere
4. Race: Au Courant - Pasco - Or Bleu
5. Race: Denman - Barbers Shop - What A Friend
6. Race: Fairyland - Nampour - Silk Hall
7. Race: Shillingstone - Scots Dragoon - Borero

German runners in France today

today´s meeting at Fontainebleau is just about the last flat racing on turf in France this season and there are some huge fields, including no less than 14 runners from Germany. The main event is the listed Prix Belle de Nuit for fillies over 2500 metres at 14.40, in which La Tournesol (Peter Schiergen/ Gaetan Masure) and Lunduv (Christian von der Recke/ Sebastien Maillot) are both engaged, as well as the German-breds Andrea, La Boum and Majura. With 18 runners on the expected heavy going, this looks a very tough race. In our view, Peter Schiergen´s La Buena (Williams Saraiva) in the 3yo claimer at 15.45 could have the best chance of all the German runners, but all these races look tricky.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Makfi - Wily Fox - Wazn
2. Race: Zephira - Paterna - Terra Messa
3. Race: Tenacious Spring - Kenmour - Affaire de Famille
4. Race: Deliberate - Greylady - Wysiwyg Lucky
5. Race: Question d`Or - Solitary - Silver Lady
6. Race: Silver Mountain - Para Elisa - Ligne Claire
7. Race: Post Star - Arakawa - Port Manech
8. Race: Barefoot`s Park - Sumatra Tiger - Austria

3 all-weather meetings today

all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield, and this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk. At the latter track it is the last flat meeting of the Irish season, and gives Pat Smullen one more last chance to reach Johnny Murtagh´s total of winners and become Irish champion jockey again. Murtagh does not ride today but leads by 93-88, but although Smullen has rides in all 7 races, several of them good chances, it will be a miracle if he can score the 5 points necessary. At Lingfield, John Gosden´s Trooping the Colour (Jimmy Fortune), runner-up on all 4 starts so far, can finally get off the mark in the 3yo maiden at 14.20 CET, while Jarrow (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) should outclass the opposition in the 2yo conditions race at 15.30. At Wolverhampton the two main events, handicaps over 7 furlongs at 20.30 and over 8 1/2 furlongs at 21.50 are both very competitive, but Street Power (Jeremy Gask/ Steve Drowne) and Spinning (David Barron/ Phillip Makin) should have decent ea ch-way chances.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: Bee Stinger - Dream Of Fortune - Guiseppe Verdi
2. Race: Troopingthecolour - Capeability - Shakalaka
3. Race: Gillburg - So Surreal - Cuthbert
4. Race: Jarrow - Ramamara - Transfixed
5. Race: Johnstown Lad - Capone - River Kirov
6. Race: Femme De Fer - Ability N Delivery - Caledonia Princess

Musselburgh and Thurles

there is also jumps racing, but at a lower level, at Musselburgh in Scotland and Thurles in Ireland. At the latter track, we expect Willie Mullins to continue his winning run with Rhyl Accord at 15.10 CET and Scotsirish at 16.20, both partnered by Paul Townend. Paul Carberry, who is currently suspended but able to ride today owing to an anomaly in the rules, can take the maiden hurdle at 14.05 on Noel Meade´s Prima Vista, just beaten at odds-on last time, while Luska Lad (JJ Hanlon/ Barry O´Connell), denied a run on several occasions recently by the weather, should win the hurdle race at 14.35. One factor punters always need to make a profit is "Viel Glück" and we expect the horse of that name, trained by Ferdy Murphy and ridden by Graham Lee, to have a good chance in the handicap chase at 14.10 at Musselburgh. There are several Irish runners at this meeting, and two of them, Meath All Star (Gordon Elliott/ Jason Maguire) and Dooney Rock (Niall Moran/ Luke McNiff) can fight o ut the finish to the maiden hurdle at 14.45.

Betting forecast Musselburgh:
1. Race: Sonara - Strongpoint - Wor Rom
2. Race: Regal Lyric - Ravati - Melange
3. Race: Rakamasi - Braddock Island - Lahib The Fifth
4. Race: Meath All Star - Dooney Rock - Hold Fast
5. Race: Haka Dancer - Best Horse - High Stand Lad
6. Race: Cybora - Bright Sparky - High Bird Humphrey
7. Race: Definite All Star - World Of Events - Allow Me

Newbury Hennessy meeting: day two

another good card at Newbury today in the build-up to tomorrow´s Hennessy Gold Cup, which looks like being a terrific race. Main event is the Grade Two novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40 CET. Unforunately, as so often, this race has cut up badly and there are only 4 runners. The reason for these small fields is that there is only a limited number of top novice chasers around, and most of them are in the same top stables. This time it is Nicky Henderson´s Punchestowns (Barry Geraghty) who has scared off the opposition. He was a top-class stayng hurdler last year last time finishing an excellent runner-up in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. He is expected to go right to the top over fences and it will be a big disappointment if he fails to win easily today. Dee Ee Williams (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) is the one for the forecast. Punchestowns has already been well backed for the 2010 Cheltenham Festival and so has another Henderson star making his seasonal debut today, Ger man-bred Bellvano (Tony McCoy), who runs in the maiden hurdle at 16.45. The Silvano gelding (out of a Königsstuhl mare) made a tremendous impression when winning a bumper this CD when last seen out in February. Henderson also has good chances of taking the handicap chase at 16.15, in which he has two runners, top-weight Afsoun (Andrew Tinkler) and likely favourite Pepsyrock (Geraghty). Earlier, Paul Nicholls saddles two ex-French horses for their first races in the U.K., Royal Mix in the 3yo hurdle at 14.00 and Rivalliste in the novices handicap chase half an hour later, and both of them, ridden by Ruby Walsh, must have good prospects. The 3 miles handicap hurdle at 15.05 has 20 runners and looks very tricky, but Lie Forrit (W. Amos/ Campbell Gillies) is greatly improved, having won 4 of his last 6 starts, and showed such speed when winning a similar event at Cheltenham last time, that he seems almost certain to be involved in the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mille Chief - Royal Mix - Prince Pippin
2. Race: Rivaliste - Like A Duke - Bob`S Dream
3. Race: Lie Forrit - Ainama - Factotum
4. Race: Punchestowns - Dee Ee Williams - Red Admiral
5. Race: Pepsyrock - Gaelic Flight - Consigliere
6. Race: Bellvano - Henry King - Tocca Ferro

All-weather racing this evening

There is an early-evening fixture at Kempton today and an evening meeting in Ireland at Dundalk. Dundalk, were they also raced yesterday, has it final meeeting of 2009 tomorrow, so the battle for the Irish jockeys championship is almost over. Johnny Murtagh looks home and dried, as he leads his rival Pat Smullen by 93 to 87 winners, but Smullen has arguably the better rides this evening and certainly does so tomorrow, as Murtagh is suspended then. However his chances of riding more than 6 winners in 2 days is obviously slim, although Smullen does have possibilities toiday on Curl Cat at 18.15 CET, Scopey at 19.15, and Keep it Cool at 19.45, while Murtagh´s best chance appears to be Street Legal at 22.15. The most interesting event at Kempton looks to be the 2yo handicap at 18.30. Living it Large (Roger Fisher/ Tony Hamilton) is clearly useful and has won 4 races this season, including his last 3, but has a huge weight. Six Wives (Jeremy Glover/ Chris Catlin) is still a maiden , but now meets him on 7 lbs better terms, while Imjin River (Mark Tompkins/ Ashley Morgan), a CD winner last time, is even better off. Best bet of the evening should be Mark Johnston´s only runner Mannlichen (Greg Fairley) in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 20.00, a very easy winner here last time.

N.H. racing at Taunton, Uttoxeter and Thurles (Ireland)

Uttoxeter and Thurles have both survived early morning inspections, but the going will be very heavy at both meetings. It often pays follow top jockeys when they are not riding at the main fixture, and we think that Richard Johnson at Taunton and Tom Scudamore at Uttoxeter could be among the winners today. Johnson´s rides with winning chances at Taunton include Serious Choice and Duke of Lucca in the maiden hurdles at 14.05 and 15.50 CET, Doctor Foxtrot in the novice hurdle at 15.15, and French Saulaie in the handicap hurdle at 16.55, all trained by his main employer Philip Hobbs. Tom Scudamore could do equally well at Taunton on David Pipe-trained runners, notably Northern Jem and Horsford in the novice hurdles at 13.15 and 13.45 , and Another Display in the beginners chase at 14.55, although Ernst Blofeld looks a tough not to crack here. In Ireland it could be Ruby Walsh´s turn to shine yet again, and he can score on Willie Mullins´ Equus Maximus at 14.00 and Otay Kawn at 1 5.40. Most interesting runner here however is Noel Meade´s one-time top hurdler Nicanor (Davy Condon), who can finally get off the mark over fences in the beginners chase at 14.35.

Newbury Hennessy meeting: first day

Saturday´s Hennessy Gold Cup is always one of the best races of the N.H. season - and promises to be a cracker this time with Denman as top-weight, but the meeting starts today on a lower note. However there are some good races, although only 4 turn out for the main event, a Grade Two novices chase over 3 miles at 15.05 CET.

Bench Warrant (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) and Pettiofour (Nogel Twiston-Dvies/ Paddy Brennan) have alrady shown good winning form over fences, but they have to give weight to the promising Michel le Bon (Paul Nicholls/ Tony McCoy), last sen easily winning this CD over hurldles in March. Paul Nicholls is slowly coming into top form and could have a profitable day here. Lady An Co (Harry Skelton), an ex-French 4yo filly could also benefit from a low weight in the beginners chase at 13.55, while Super Formen (Liam Heard) has a chance in a very open handicap chase at 15.40 (German-bred Victoria´s Groom looks one the main dangers here) and Harouet (Skelton) cam complete a good afternoon for the stable in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 16.15.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Midnight Queen - Queen Poline - Palmito
2. Race: Lady An Co - Riverside Theatre - Captain Americo
3. Race: Ragamuffin Man - Colombard - The Big Orse
4. Race: Michel Le Bon - Pettifour - Bench Warrent
5. Race: Super Formen - Mister Potter - Supreme Keano
6. Race: Harouet - Get Me Out Of Here - Spirit River
7. Race: Oscar Whisky - Eight Palms - Rock On Ruby

All-weather racing at Lingfield, Kempton and Dundalk

Chris Wall´s Wake up Call (Jack Mitrchell) looks the best bet at Lingfield this afternoon. The lightly-raced 3yo was an easy winner last time, and although that was no great race, he should still be good enough to dispose of the mainly exposed opposition in the 6 furlongs handicap at 14.00 CET.

The best betting race here is the mile handicap at 16.10, and Kieren Fallon can make his trip pay off by winning this on Gay Kelleway´s Hawaana before travelling on to the evening meeting at Kempton, where he can take the 2yo handicap at 21.20 on Luca Cumani´ s Blue Lyric. Best race here is the 5 furlongs handicap at 19.50, with numerous course and distance specialists. Lesley´s Choice (Roger Curtos/ Frankie McDonald) and Bahamian Lad (Reg Hollinshead/ Jerry O´Dwyer) are well drawn and appear to be two of the likelier candidates. At the evening Irish meeting at Dundalk, Johnny Murtagh can finally wrap up the Irish jockeys´ championship for 2009, as he has a better book of rides than rival Pat Smullen. Ger Lyons´ Wit and Wisdom at 19.30, Michael Grassick´s Majestic Pearl at 21.00 and Tony Martin´s Avanti Albert half an hour later, all seem to have good chances, while we expect Willie Mullins and Paul Townend (better known for their N.H. exploits) to take the main event at 22. 00 with Mourad.

Chepstow and Wetherby

The going will be very heavy at Chepstow today and also very soft at Wetherby. Punters are advised to check for non-runners, especially at Chepstow, where it appears that some of the jumps may be omitted. Our idea of the best bet of the day is the ex-German Loom (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who runs in the selling hurdle there at 14.40 CET. Loom was a major hope for Baron Ullmann in younger years, but continually failed to live up to expectations.

After some poor performances in Britain as well, he suddenly hit form when dropped to this grade and scored very easily last time on heavy ground at Uttoxeter. Best race at Chepstow is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 15.50, in which Magnifico (David Evans/ Andrew Glassonbury), going for a hat-trick, easy CD winner Dance Island (Barry Case/ Peter Toole) and Chesapeake (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) appear to have the best chances. At Wetherby, the novice hurdle at 14.20 should mainly concern bumper winners Cunning Clarets (Richard Fahey/ Brian Hughes) and Birch Hill Bedouin (Sue Smith/ Tjade Collier) and Smith also has prospects in the following handicap chase with Killkenny All Star (Richard McGrath). There are only 4 runners in the beginners chase at 16.00, which should be won by either Teamgeist (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) or Passport Control (Howard Johnson / Denis O´Regan)

German runners in France today

The Paris turf season is almost at an end but there is a good card at Saint-Cloud today, featuring two listed races, both with German runners. In the race for 2yo´s over a mile at 14.10 Peter Schiergen runs the much-improved Good Hope (Andrasch Starke), who ran an excellent second at Munich last time, while Andreas Löwe´s Classic Summer (Gaetan Masure) contests the 1400 metres for 3yo fillies at 15.10.

There are several more German runners on the undercard. In the opening race for 2yo´s over 2000 metres, Werner Baltromei runs Sommertraum(Dominique Boeuf). In the first division of the 2400 metres handicap at 13.40, Nelson (Michael Trybuhl/ Ioritz Mendizibal) and Captain Camelot (Dr. Bolte/ Henk Grewe) both run, while in the second division Andreas Trybuhl´s Gyrona, also with Mendi in the saddle, is a challenger. The German handicappers are all in good form, but these two races have huge fields and look very tough. Good Hope seems the most likely of the German runners to bring home some prize-money today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Brigantin - Nova Med - Waldhorn
2. Race: Le Bacardy - Devoir De Memoire - Seabreeze d`Ho
3. Race: Red Barn - Santa Agata - Good Hope
4. Race: Ginger Bazouka - Dariole - Scandola
5. Race: Pietra Santa - Go Lovely Rose - Classic Summer
6. Race: Sister Palma - Saint Gratien - Fairplay Du Pecos
7. Race: Lion Des Flandres - Gyrona - Act Ken
8. Race: Bamarok - Doukanane - Carioca Tune

Lingfield, Sedgefield, Southwell (a.w.) and Gowran Park (Ireland)

Still plenty of rain about in the U.K. and Ireland but it seems that today´s meetings are safe, and Gowran Park has passed an early morning inspection. However the going will be very testing at the Irish track, where Willie Mullins and Paul Townend can take the first two races of an all-hurdles card with Doctor Deejay at 14.05 CET and Enterprise Park half an hour later. In England, we expect the winning run of Donald McCain (4 winners yesterday) to continue and he can score twice at Sedgefield with Master Fong at 13.50 and Seedless at 15.20, both ridden by Jason Maguire. German-bred Suntini (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle) has a good chance in the handicap chase that opens Lingfield´s card at 13.40; although a son of Platini he seems to act well on the heavy. Tony McCoy can land a double here on James Fanshawe´s La Sarrazine in the mares novice hurdle at 14.10 (she has been off the track for over a year, but is easily the best of these on flat form) and Jonjo O´Neill´s Sunnyhillboy in the beginners chase at 14.40. On the all-weather at Southwell we think that Barney Curley´s CD winner Elusive Hawk can run well under top-weight at 16.30, now that the stable has come back into form, while the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 15.30 has 11 runners but on form looks a match between Time Book (John Gosden/ Nicky Mackay) and Inflammable (Sir Mark Prescott/ Steven Donohoe).

Ffos Las, Kempton and Ludlow

Three N.H.meetings today in the U.K. with the best card at Kempton. Nicky Henderson and Tony McCoy can combine there to win the novice hurdle at 13.20 CET with Candy Creek and the novice chase half an hour later with You´re the Top, both making their debuts in these disciplines. In the main event, a listed hurdle race for mares over 3 miles at 14.25, they field the enigmatic My Petra, who has failed to complte in her lst 4 outings, but should not be written off. However Whiteoak (Donld McCain/ Jason Maguire) looks the pick here, although French raider Quaspia (Francois Doumen/ Robert Thornton) and Amber Brook (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan) are also dangerous, Doumen´s runners here must always be respected and he also saddles Doctor Pat (McCoy) in the beginners chase over 3 miles at 15.00. It could be a big day for McCain, who also has good prospects of a double at Ffos Las with Riptide in the 3yo hurdle at 13.40 and Rosie all Over in the mares handicap chase at 15.25, both partnered by Paul Benson. Paul Nicholls also has a couple of runners here ridden by Harry Skelton, but he has booked Ruby Walsh to partner his two runners at Ludlow - Royal Collonges in the novice hurdle at 13.30 and Hell´s Bay, a decent hurdler making his debut over fences at 14.05, and it would be no surprise to see them both win.

Musselburgh, Towcester and Navan (Ireland)

Apart from Aintree, there is N.H. racing today at Musselburgh and Towcester, as well as a good card at Navan in Ireland where the main event is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 13.55 CET. Only 6 runners, but 3 of them have won their last 2 races, and clear top-rated is Judge Roy Bean, who can continue the good run of trainer Edward O´Grady and jockey Andrew McNamara. Otherwise there are huge fields here, and the main supporting feature is the Troytown Chase, a valuable handicap, in which Treacle (Tom Taaffe/ John Cullen), winner of the Munster National last time, and Operation Houdini (Danny Fitzgerald/ Niall Madden), who trotted up over hurdles last time, look likely contenders. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have several decent chances in the other events, notably with Sports Line in the beginners chase at 16.05, while the trainer can also win the listed mares bumper with Killvitagh, partnered by son Paddy. There are also several Irish runners at the Scottish track at Musselbu rgh, and it could be interesting that Jessica Harrington sends her debutant Manuels Sister (Dougie Costello) to contest the bumper at 16.40. It is of course impossible to say how good she might be, but she is out of German Group winner Anno Luce. David Pipe send his stable jockey Ton Scudamore to a low-level meeting at Towcester and they certainly have each-way chances in the handicap chases at 14.35 with Master Overseer and at 16.20 with Mayeul.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Annie May - Amanda Carter - Just For Jean
2. Race: Still At Lunch - Irish Poli - Border Tale
3. Race: Tazbar - Logans Run - Strobe
4. Race: Mesbaah - Los Nadis - Sea Storm
5. Race: Always Bold - Saveiro - Ergo
6. Race: River Shanakill - Super Baby - Categorical
7. Race: Eastern Supreme - Bachelor Lad - That`S All

Grand Sefton and Bechers Chase at Aintree

Today´s Aintree fixture features two valuable handicap chases run over the Grand National fences - the Grand Sefton over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 13.35 CET and the Becher Chase over 3 1/4 miles at 14.45. Nigel Twiston-Davies has his string in great form - and almost turned over Kauto Star yesterday - and has good chances in both races. In the former he saddles the consistent Nudge and Nurdle (Paddy Brennan), who won in good style last time, while in the latter he has two fancied runners, Hello Bud (Brennan), winner of last year´s Scottish National, and Irish Raptor (Timmy Murphy), a course specialist - always an advantage here. The one they both have to beat is top-weight Vic Venturi (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), whose stable won this last year. In the opening maiden hurdle, Sitting Tennant (Howard Johnson/ Denis O´Regan), beaten at long odds-on last time, can make up for this embarrassment, although Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is an interesting recruit from the flat . We also like the look of German-bred Wendel (Charlie Mann/ Paul Moloney) in the handicap hurdle at 14.10. He was a non-runner in a much tougher race yesterday at Haydock and despite top weight, should account for this much weaker opposition.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sitting Tennant - Overturn - Kensington Oval
2. Race: Nudge And Nurdle - Bible Lord - Craiglands
3. Race: Wendel - Woody Waller - Dancing Dik
4. Race: Vic Venturi - Irish Raptor - Hello Bud
5. Race: Fourty Acers - Justwhateverulike - Silly Wupple
6. Race: Shadow Dancer - King Fontaine - Paddy Live

A.W. racing at Lingfield, Kempton and Wolverhampton

Three all-weather meetings today, in the early afternoon at Lingfield, early evening at Kempton and evening at Wolverhampton, allowing several jockeys to ride at 2 meetings (none at all 3 as far as we can see). Easily the best sport is at Lingfield, with 2 listed races. The 10 furlongs race that closes the card at 16.40 has even attracted a Group One winner, Presvis (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), who is being prepared for the Hong Kong meeting next month. In theory he has to win this, even though he is conceding weight to such useful performers as Tranquil Tiger (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Plum Pudding (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore). Kevin Ryan holds a strong hand in the 6 furlongs race at 16.05 with Arganil (Neil Callan) and Green Manalishi (Jamie Spencer). The former is unbeaten in 5 races on the all-weather, but his best form is all at 5 furlongs. However it may be that another all-weather specialist, Ceremonial Jade (Marco Botti/ Fallon) can defeat the pair of them.

Lingfield - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bubbly Braveheart - Indigo Ink - Rainsborough
2. Race: Decider - Punching - Lord Deevert
3. Race: Forest Dane - Fantasy Fighter - Grand Palace
4. Race: Zubova - Sakile - Youcanalwaysdream
5. Race: Hellbender - Orchard Supreme - Everymanforhimself
6. Race: Beautiful Filly - Spiritual Art - My Best Bet
7. Race: Green Manalishi - Arganil - Rowe Park
8. Race: Presvis - Tranquil Tiger - Plum Pudding

N.H. racing at Ascot, Huntingdon and Gowran Park (Ireland)

There is also excellent jumps racing on view at Ascot, where the two Grade Two events are both over 2 miles 3 furlongs. The Ascot Hurdle at 15.35 has attracted a strong field. Lough Derg (David Pipe/ Richard Johnson) is an admirably tough campaigner, but faces a stiff task in giving weight to such as the unbeaten Zaynar (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) and Alan King´s pair Katchit (Robert Thornton) and Karabak (Tony McCoy). Katchit, who has after all won the Champion Hurdle, is best in at the weights, but he seems to be more of a Cheltenham specialist, and we prefer Karabak, who has plenty of potential. The Amlin 1965 Chase at 16.10 also has a high-class field, but we feel it can be narrowed down to Vor por Ustedes (Alan King/ Thornton) and Monet´s Garden (Nicky Richards/ Paul Carberry), while Irish raider Schindlers Hunt (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) and bottom-weight Alberta´s Run (Jonjo O Neill/ Tony McCoy) also come into the reckoning on their best form.
Nothing at Huntingdon or Gowran Park can compare with these races, but we expect Willie Mullins and Paul Townend to land a short-price double at the Irish track with Doctor Deejay at 13.40 and Enterprise Park half an hour later, while the veteran´s chase at 15.45 at Huntingdon is also a nice race. 12yo Mister McGoldrick (Sue Smith/ Shane Bryne) can take this, although Bob Bob Bobbin (Colin Tizzard/ Charlie Huxley), a sprightly youngster of 10, looks a big threat. German-bred Bergo (Gary Moore/ Andrew Glassonbury) made a good debut over fences recently and can take the novice chase at 13.35.

Ascot - betting forecast:
1. Race: Grangeclare Gold - Oamaru Stone - Arkose
2. Race: Skipper`S Lad - Pure Genius - Plane Painter
3. Race: Easter Legend - Ravello Bay - Daraz Rose
4. Race: Cornas - Master Medic - Fix The Rib
5. Race: Zaynar - Karabak - Katchit
6. Race: Voy Por Ustedes - Schindlers Hunt - Planet Of Sound
7. Race: Lush Life - Gus Macrae - Any The Wiser

Kauto the Star at Haydock

All eyes today will be on Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) as he begins his 2009-2010 campaign in the Betfair Chase at 15.55 over 3 miles at Haydock. The best chaser for many years, he has won 14 races, including this one twice (although he famously fell at the last a year ago), the Gold Cup twice and the King George 3 times. On ratings he has nothing to fear, having 17lbs at least in hand of his 7 opponents. Howeever he is no certainty to win today, as the Nicholls stable is not yet really firing on all fronts, and Master Minded in the same colours went down to an odds-on defeat last week. Irish raider Notre Pere (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch) has been heavily backed to beat him, although he too fell last time. However he is expected to cope better with the heavy ground. The ground should be against the chances of Madison du Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Imperial Commander (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), but heavy going holds no fears for Halcon Genelard ais (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who however finished miles behind Kauto Star at Cheltenham. Logically, Kauto Star should win this easily, but we would not want to back him at less than evens. The main supporting feature is the valuable handicap hurdle over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.20. Top-weight Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Timmy Murphy) is the class act here, winning his first 6 races in excellent style before running an excellent third at Cheltenham, but he has a huge weight. Burton Port (Nicky Henderson/ Walsh) looks a big danger, having win over fences recently while the two German-breds Wendel (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) and Lysander (Ian Williams/ Michael Murphy) both have a chance - especially the latter, whose stamina is proven in a race where several runners my be found out by the distance.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Any Given Day - Pepe Simo - Quatro Pierji
2. Race: Calatagan - Sa Suffit - Tidal Fury
3. Race: Mr Thriller - Starluck - Thumbs Up
4. Race: Sure Josie Sure - Fiddlers Reel - Vicarage Lane
5. Race: Diamond Harry - Burton Port - Pause And Clause
6. Race: Kauto Star - Notre Pere - Madison Du Berlais
7. Race: The Vicar - Shining Gale - Kia Kaha

Strong German challenge at Lyon

There is a strong German challenge at Lyon today for the listed Prix du Grand Camp over 2400 metres at 14.20. Poseidon Adventure (Wolfgang Figge), Elle Gala (Peter Schiergen/ Dominique Boeuf) and Eminem (Norbert Sauer/ Henk Grewe) face 9 French-trained opponents. Although Poseidon Adventure, racing for the first time in new colours, is the best of them on ratings, he has a lot of weight to carry and we prefer Eminem, who is moving up in grade but will have ground conditions to suit. Best of the locals should be Mores Wells (Richard Gibson/ Stephane Pasquier).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: High Trick - Tagar Bere - Fly Tartare
2. Race: Pearl Harbour - Divapour - Space Ranger
3. Race: Fairy Heart - Templiere - Foundation Filly
4. Race: Le Pierreux - Finalline - Balingo
5. Race: Fleur Enchantee - Eminem - Stikine
6. Race: Gallardo - Lawick - Slick The Dreamer
7. Race: Quick Net - Mister No - Quiss Mi
8. Race: Andrei Roublev - Paradis Bay - River Boyne

All-weather action this evening

There is all-weather action this evening at Wolverhampton and at Dundalk in Ireland, where the main event is a valuable handicap over 10 1/2 furlongs at 21.50 CET. Like all the 7 races on the card, this looks very open, but Pat Smullen certainly has a chance here on Dermot Weld´ s Bob´s Pride. However his rival for the Irish jockeys´ championship Johnny Murtagh could wrap things up this evening, as he appears to have a much better book or rodes, with Edwrd Lynam´s Iron Major at 20.00, Ger Lyons´ Shirley Blake at 20.30, Pat Flynn´s Impressionist Art at 21.30 and Peter Casey´s Inis Ceithleann at 22.25 all looking potential winners. Best race at Wolverhampton is the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 21.50, which is also wide open. Laterly (Steve Gollings/ Ian Mongan), Merchant of Dubai (Alan Swinbank/ Robert Winston) and Trip the Light (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) are the 3 for our short list. Elsewhere on the card Feeling Fragile (Pat Eddery/ Winston) and First Service (Roger Charlton/ Steve Drowne) look likely winning favourites in the maiden races at 20.50 and 21.20 respectively.

N.H. racing at Ascot, Exeter and Kelso

Some quite good jumps racing today, particularly at Ascot and Exeter. At the former track we expect Barney Curley´s Zabeel Palace (Paul Moloney) to get bak on the winning trail in the handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET. After 3 easy wins, he was far from disgraced when runner-up last time to Harry Trucker, who ran an excellent race at Cheltenham last weekend. German-bred Oldrik (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be the main danger. Hobbs and Johnson can already be on the scorecard thanks to Prince Taime, a faller last time, but still the form choice in the beginners chase at 14.30, and the stable also has chances in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.15 with top-weight Out the Black, with good claimer Giles Hawkins aboard.

Best bet at Ascot should be Manyriverstocross (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) in the introductory hurdle at 15.05, although CD bumper winner Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore) is an interesting opponent. Despite the attractions of Ascot, top jockeys Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh are in action at Exeter. Ruby has two rides for Paul Nicholls, There´s no Panic in the novice hurdle at 14.05, and Forest Pennant in the novice chase at 14.40 (only 4 runners but quite a decent race), and has winning prospects on both. AP can counter with Jonjo O´Neill´s Signatory (making his comeback after 2 years) at 15.50 and Charlie Longsdon´s Tara Taylor at 16.25. At Kelso, Donald McCain and Jason Maguire can land a double with Wymott at 13.15 and Fabalu at 14,45, while Denis O´Regan can win his first race since returning from injury on Howard Johnson´ s Percussionist in the handicap hurdle at 15.25. German-bred Le Platino (Brian Storey/ Brian Hughes) was a surprise winner last week, but can follow up i n the handicap hurdle at 16.35.

German runners in France today

Two flat meetings in France today, in the afternoon at Fontainebleau and in the early evening at le Croisé Laroche, with German runners at both including in the two listed races at Fontainebleau. The two Witteskindhof fillies Serienhoehe (Peter Schiergen/ Filip Minarik) and Sworn Pro (Mario Hofer/ Andrash Starke) run in the race for 3yo fillies over 1800 metres at14.40 and could both be involved in the finish. Starke rides Sworn Pro as he partnered her to victory in a similar race in Milan last time. Best of the locals should be Andre ´Fabre´s Russiana (Mikael Barzalona). Bella Platina (Uwe Stoltefuss/ Minarik) faces a stiff task in the 1200 metres race at 15.10. Normally she cannot defeat such useful sprinters as Tiza or Salut l´Africain, who are both group class. Sascha Smczrek also has two runners here, of which Fareion is worth a note in the 1200 metres handicap at 13.40 with Dominique Boeuf aboard, although this is a tough race.

At le Croisé Laroche, the best German chances are probably Christian von der Recke´s two runners, Readymade in the 2yo maiden race at 17.00 and Swinging Hawk in the 3yo claimer over 2500 metres at 20.00, both partnered by Williams Saraiva, although in view of Hans Blume´s excellent strike rate in France, Unavita (Romain Perruchot) must be given a chance in the 1800 metres race for 3yp maiden fillies at 18.00.

Hereford, Huntingdon and Wincanton

3 jumps meetings today (Thurles off), and the most interesting race from the German point of view if the first division if the novice hurdle at 13.40 CET at Huntingdon, which has been chosen by Barney Curley for the N.H. debut of the smart ex-Schlenderhan stayer Sereth. Like most of Curley´s German imports, this one lost form for a while but he put up easily his best performance when third last time out in the Cesarewitch and if he can jump well, which can be assumed, will be hard to beat here. The best race at Huntingdon is the novice chase at 15.10. As the only winner over fences Matuhi (Ben de Haan/ Liam Heard) has to give weight away all round, and it is unlikely that he can defeat some smart hurdlers making their chasing debuts, notably Dave´ s Dream (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), Numide (Gary and Jamie Moore) and Michael Flips (Andrew Turnell/ Nick Scholfield). Henderson can also score at Wincanton with Carole´s Legacy (Andrew Tinkler), who has little to beat in the mar es novice chase at 15.00.

Wincanton is normally a happy hunting ground for local trainer Paul Nicholls, but today he has only one runner, the ex-Irish point-to-point winner Vico (Christian Williams) in the novice hurdle at 14.00, so the hint should be taken. At Hereford, in-form trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies can land a double with Diablo (Paddy Brennan) in the novice chase at 15.20 (which like the above races has a very small field) and Go West, ridden by son Sam, in the amateur riders handicap chase half an hour later. In Ireland, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh can continue their winning streak with Sports Line at 13.35 and Dooney´s Gate at 15.05, while An Toilenach (Jedd O´Keeffe/ Davy Russell), who was runner-up to the ultra-smart Dunguib last time, can go one better in the novice hurdle at 15.35.

Kempton (a.w.) this evening

Today´s only flat racing in Britain and Ireland takes place at an early evening meeting at Kempton. There are no Godolphin runners this time, which gives the others a chance! The Maktoum-owned stable had another double yesterday, bringing the total of 2009 wins worldwide up to 200, an impressive figure considering that hardly anything went right for the stable in the first 7 months of the year. Best race this evening is the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.00 CET, which looks very open. Fantasy Believer (John Quinn/ Darryll Holland) is in good form, and finished 3rd at Wolverhampton on Monday, but on his earlier CD running has little in hand of Earls Medic (Steve Williams/ Andrea Atzeni), who finished third to him but now has a useful pull in the weights, while Beckermet (Roger Fisher/ Neil Callan) ran well last time and also comes into the reckoning. Satwa Gold (Ed Dunlop/ Kieren Fallon) has been bit of a disppointment, but must surely be good enough to win the 3yo claimer over 1 1/2 miles at 19.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Contredanse - Clairvoyance - Ship`S Biscuit
2. Race: Eleanora Duse - Inner Angel - Leaving Alone
3. Race: Mainstay - Penzena - Piccolo Mondo
4. Race: Imjin River - Excellent Thought - Cape Kimberley
5. Race: Beckermet - Fantasy Explorer - Sundae
6. Race: Satwa Gold - Mile High Lad - The Dial House
7. Race: Seek The Fair Land - Bennelong - Red Suede Shoes

3 all-weather meetings today

There is flat racing on the all-weather this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Kempton and in Ireland at Dundalk. At Lingfield, the German-bred Diam Queen (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), a daughter of Lando, can win the 2yo handicap at 13.30 CET, while Mark Johnston´ s Jarrow (Joe Fanning) looks almost unbeatable in the 2o maiden an hour later. The most interesting race here is the 10 furlongs maiden at 16.00; John Gosden´s Trooping the Colour (Ryan Moore) is the obvious form choice, having finished second in all 3 starts so far, but faces two well-bred newcomers in New Couture (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Alan Munro) and especially Royaaty (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan). In view of the Godolphin stable´s amazing strike rate at present, we go all along with the latter, and his team can follow up with Khor Dubai in Kempton´s main event, a 7 furlongs conditions race at 21.50. He is a CD specialist, as are Confuchias and Wigrams Turn, who look the main dangers. At Dundalk, Johnny Murtagh and Pat Smullen resume their battle for the Irish jockeys´ championship, with the former currently enjoying the lead. All the races here have large fields and look wide open. In our view, German-bred Indian Wind at 19.30 and Paintmaker at 22.35 look Murtagh´s best prospects, while Smullen can possibly counter with Dotada at 20.30 and Sole Power half an hour later.

N.H. racing at Market Rasen and Clonmel

With Hexham off, we are left with two jumps meetings today, with easily the best racing at Clonmel in Ireland, with the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase at 15.05 CET as the main feature. Glenfinn Captain (Tom Taaffe/ Martin Walsh) made no show on his sasonal reappearance, but won this last year and can follow up today, at the main expense of Watson Lake (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Gungadu, having his first race for new trainer Gordon Elliott, but ridden as usual by Ruby Walsh. Ruby also has chances in the novice hurdle at 13.35 on Willie Mullins´ Fionnegas and at 15.35, in the Grade Three mares chase, on Paul Nolan´s Moskova, who has not run since the Punchestown meeting in April, but all of whose best form is on heavy ground, which is certain to prevail today. At Market Rasen, the 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 15.10 looks quite open, but top-weight Bannister Lane (Donald McCain/ Paul Benson), Hockenheim (Howard Johnson/ Timmy Murphy) and Nirvana Swing (Sue Smith/ Shane Byrn e) runner-up the last twice, seem to hold the best chances. In the equivalent race over hurdles half an hour later, there is a clear lack of good recent form, so we go with River Logic (John Hetherton/ Keith Mercer), who won an easier race here last time, and can make his fitness advantage tell against higher-rated opponents. Best thing here should be top-weight Calzaghe (Jim Best/ Gemma Gracey-Davison) in the concluding handicap hurdle for lady riders. He should be able to shrug off a 7 lbs penalty for a ridiculously easy win this CD last time out.

German runners in France today

There was another German winner in France yesterday and there could well be more today at Compiegne, a track in easy reach of the German border, where no fewer than 15 German-trained runners try their luck on n all-apprentice race card. All 4 races in which the Germans run are claiming reces. Amuse Gueule (Werner Baltromei/ Frankie Leroy) and Kadmeia (Waldemar Hickst/ Romain Perruchot) run in the 2800 metres event for 3Yo´s at 13.55, and Astronom (Baltromei/ Leroy), Event Dash (Norbert Sauer/ Anthony Caramanolis), Marangu (Waldemar Hickst/ Williams Saraiva) and Principe Urumonte (Mario Hofer/ Jerome Claudic) all contest the mile race for 3yo´s at 14.55.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Campo Queen - Prince Elidane - Kaloschka
2. Race: Posh - Jazz Protegee - Benalup
3. Race: Maille Perfect - Belondine - Salpare
4. Race: Marangu - Astronom - Principe Uromonte
5. Race: Volez - Damacita - Sweet Tsarina
6. Race: Abson - Montana Moon - Incentive
7. Race: White Bull - Sigvati - De La Vista
8. Race: Bamarok - Beleniene - Adios Padre

Fakenham, Folkestone and Southwell (a.w.)

It is not often that Folkestone stages the best races, but that is the case today, and the handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs there at 15.40 CET is not only the most valuable but also the best contested event today. With 15 runners it is wíde open and our short list includes Ammunition (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), from a team bang in form, consistent William Bonney (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), Pauillac (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), who has been off since Cheltenham in March, and Far more Serious (Charlie Longsdon/ Tom Scudamore), who made an excellent comeback from a long break when winning easily 9 days ago. Elsewhere on the card, Sue Alner can land a double with Aegean Dawn (Robert Walford) in the novice hurdle at 14.10 and Vodka Brook (Daryl Jacob) in the novice chase half an hour later, while German-bred Princess Flame (Brendan Powell( Jimmy McCarthy) has a chance in th mares handicap hurdle at 15.10. At Fakenham also there are some German-breeds with good cha nces, including Evening Sunset (Mick Quinlan/ Tony McCoy) in the 3yo hurdle at 15.00 and Weststern (Gary Moore/ Joseph Akehurst) and Andorn (Peter Kirby/ James Revely) in the novice handicap hurdle at 16.30, although possibly Irish raider Stretch the Truth (Tom Taaffe/ Liam Treadwell) will be hard to beat here judging by his latest performance.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Southwell. Solicitor (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) looks a good thing to win the 2yo maiden at 14.20, while the mile handicap at 15.50 looks much more difficult. Iron Out (Reg Hollinshead/ Robert Winston) has only one career win in his record, but has been runner-up 8 times and perhaps can get back on the winning trail this time. Consistent The Grey One (Milton Bradley/ Robert Kingscote) and Waahej (Peter Hiatt/ Liam Keniry), dropping back in distance, look two of the main dangers.

German runners in France today

Several races for unraced 2yo´s with German runners are on today´s low-key card at Fontainebleau. In the opening event for fillies over 1800 metres, Peter Schiergen´s Shine on (Johan Victoire) and Christian von der Recke´s Dancin´Dream, (Maxime Guyon) are both entered, while Werner Baltromei runs 2 in the colts race at14.40, Everton (Victoire) and Titus Claudius (Dominique Bouf) and von der Recke has Velassio (Victoire) in the second division half an hour later. Two more German runners run in the 3yo claimer for "jeunes jockeys" at 16.15, La Poesie (Baltromei/ Frankie Leroy) and Terre Neuve (Andreas Wöhler/ Jerome Claudic). With so little form to go on, it is impossible to make any recommendations.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Almahroosa - Prison Break - Dariole
2. Race: Zibeling - Adrar - Lord Vati
3. Race: Ribadesella - Driven Snow - Roman Eagle
4. Race: Melodyman - Help From Heaven - Silent Shoda
5. Race: Cartesien - Lancelot - Everton
6. Race: Monarch`s Way - Marendabaa - Your Song
7. Race: Maria Medici - Skull And Bones - Akton City
8. Race: Cartel - La Poesie - Terre Neuve
9. Race: Riberalta - Vera`s Moscou - Question d`Or

Leicester and Plumpton

Alan King and his stable jockey Choc Thornton have had a relatively quiet season so far, but that could change at Plumpton today, where they have fancied runners in several races. The Betchworth Kid, third in the Goodwood Cup, is one the most interesting new recruits to N.H. racing, and if he can jump should certainly win the novice hurdle at 14.50 CET. It is a simi.lar situation half an hour later with Stormhoek, an easy winer of a bumper on his only run so far, while smart hurdler Bensalem, winner of 4 of his 5 starts so far, makes his chasing debut at 15.20. At Leicester there is an all-hurdles card and the best race is the 2 mile handicap at 15.40. This lpooks wide open and a case can be made for many of the 14 runners. Top-weight Zanir (Tom George/ Giles Hawkins) has been running in better events and is dropped in grade here, while Lustra Bad (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Clova Road (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) will have their supporters. However the most interestin g runners are Basalt (Tim Pitt/ Phil Kinsella), winner of his only start over hurdles back in the summer of 2008, and bottom-weight The Cayterers (Tony Carroll/ Paddy Merrigan), who has not run over jumps for even longer, but has won 3 times on the level this year.

Wolverhampton today

The only flat racing in Britain and Ireland takes place on the all-weather track at Wolverhampton, but the only good betting race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.00 CET with12 runners. Orpenindeed (Marco Botti/ Andrea Atzeni) was an easy winner last time here over 6 furlongs, but is hard to fancy at this trip against the distance specialists, especially with his outside draw. Rebel Duke (Ollie Pears/ Franny Norton) is very consistent and should be involved, while Ivory Sílk (Jeremy Gask/ Steve Drowne) has been running on turf but is better suited by an all-weather surface and should go well. The interesting one is Bosun Breeze (David Barron/ Liam Jones), who has been off for over a year, but arguably runs best fresh and seems very well handicapped on his old form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ramamara - Sabatini - Little Perisher
2. Race: Sweet Applause - Sanjay`S Choice - Zegna
3. Race: Northern Desert - Gap Princess - Sendreni
4. Race: Traphalgar - Order Order - Force Group
5. Race: Orpenindeed - Fantasy Explorer - Rebel Duke
6. Race: Dubai Diva - Ingenue - Follow The Dream
7. Race: Mighty Mover - Gifted Heir - Marmooq
8. Race: Vamos - Fine Ruler - Golden Prospect

Willie Mullins stars to shine in Ireland?

Willie Mullins, already firing on all cylinders, brings out several of his stable stars today and looks set to clean up at both Punchestown and Cork. Top race of the day in Ireland is the Grade One Dobbins and Madigans Hurdle at 15.40 CET at Punchestown, in which Hurricane Fly (Mullins/ Paul Townend) must defeat Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) and Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) to maintain his position as favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Only 4 runners but still a highly informative event. Another Cheltenham favourite is on view at Punchestown, Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), who runs in the Grade Two novice chase at 14.05; a repetition of the form he showed when murdering Harchibald & co this CD last month would be more than enough. Clan Tara, just beaten by the smart Pandorama here last time, can take the Grade Three novice chase at 13.35 for Paul Nolan and Davy Russell. At Cork, Mullins and jockey David Casey can dominate proceedings. They c an win the Grade Three novice hurdle at 15.30 with Definitive Edge, the Cork Grand National at 13.45 with Our Monty, despite his moving up in class and distance, and also have excellent prospects with Lillyshite Dancer at 13.156, Skorcher at 14.20 and Quadrillon at 14.55, while Mullins can also win at 16.35 with Sicilian Secret with Emmett Mullins in the saddle.

Fontwell and Market Rasen

The ground will be very heavy at Fontwell today, where the main event is the Southern Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 16.10. Peut Etre Sivola (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is fancied here after winning at Chepstow last time, but Rebel Melody (Charlie Mann/ Peter Toole), who fell then, is now much better at the weights. However we like the look of L´Aventure (Nick Williams/ Nick Scholfield), who is at his best when the mud is flying. The handicap hurdle at 15.35 sees the return of Mont Present (Philip Hobbs/ Rhys Flint), who has not run since scoring here a year ago, but on recent form Dontpaytheferryman (Brian Ellison/ Kyle James) can be preferred. Ferdy Murphy and Graham Lee, who teamed up with great effect at Cheltenham yesterday, can be back on the scoring board at Market Rasen, where De Boitron is our choice for the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.10, and also have a chance with April San (having his first race for 19 months) in the novice handicap chase at 15.45, while Lee also has prospects with Edwin Tuer´ s Sphinx in the handicap hurdle at 14.35.

Cheltenham Open meeting: day three

Today is the third and final day of Cheltenham´ s Open meeting and the highlight (although not the main feature) is undoubtedly the clash between Master Minded (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Well Chief (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) in the 2 mile chase at 14.45 CET. Master Minded is the best 2-miler seen for many a year, but Well Chief, the best of many smart German-breds in British and Irish N.H. racing, is not far behind him.

They met in the Champion Chase over this CD last March and Master Minded won by 7 lengths. But Well Chief, who has had his fair share of problems, was having his first run for 2 years and in addition now receives 10 lbs from his rival, so should be a lot closer today. Well Chief has not run since, while Master Minded is also having his first race of the season, so there is the question of race fitness to consider, as well as the very soft ground, which will be to neither of their tastes. While it would be a surprise of neither to the big two win, the chances of Irish raider Newmill (JJ Murphy/ EFPower) and Mahogany Blaze, representing the in-form team of Nigel Twiston-Davies and Paddy Brennan, cannot be totally ignored.

Big betting race is the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at 15.20, with the usual huge field. The 3 highest-weighted runners Medermit (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), Raise your Heart (Joanna Morgan/ Davy Condon) and German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) will all have their supporters, but Harry Tricker (Gary Moore/ Andrew Glassonbury) is the logical favourite here after his stylish win at Sandown last time. There are only 4 runners in the Grade Two novice chase at 14.10, which Paul Nicholls should dominate with his 2 runners Tatatiano (Walsh) and Five Dream (Christian Williams), while Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) should go well in the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.30, having won a similar event easily at Chepstow last time.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tataniano - Fosters Cross - Five Dream
2. Race: Master Minded - Well Chief - Mahogany Blaze
3. Race: Harry Tricker - Ronaldo des Mottes - James De Vassy
4. Race: Erzen - Balthazar King - Silk Affair
5. Race: Reve De Sivola - Rebel Du Maquis - Tell Massini
6. Race: Lidar - Ghizao - Age Benefit

Final Group One at Saint-Cloud

Saint-Cloud today stages the final European Group One of 2009, the Criterium de Saint-Cloud for 2yo´s over a testing 2000 metres at 14.35. Only 2 of the 9 runners are French-trained, Kaafe (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) and Simon de Montfort (André Fabre/ Mikael Barzalona), who looks to be Godolphin´s second string. Their main hope is probably Passion for Gold (Saeed bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori), one of 3 British runners.

There are also 3 runners from Ireland, all trained by Aidan O´Brien, best of whom on jockey bookings could be German-bred Don Carlos (Johnny Murtagh). Then there is the German challenger Zazou (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon), winner of valuable sales races at Cologne and Baden-Baden. Hofer won this race with Paita a few years back and expects Zazou to run well, although he is meeting stiffer opposition than ever before. He could well be placed and probably has a better chance than the 2 German runners in the listed race over 3100 metres at 15.40, Classical Song (Christian von der Recke/ Joe Fanning) and Tres Rock Danon (Waldemar Hickst/ Johan Victoire).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Jeu De Memoire - Fred Lalloupet - Oui Non
2. Race: Compton Effect - Tierra Luna - Around Me
3. Race: Polytechnicien - Peinture Texane - Numerologie
4. Race: Simon de Montfort - Zazou - Passion For Gold
5. Race: Adjuvence - Prima Porta - Miss Stream
6. Race: Roatan - Hekatompylos - Green Tango
7. Race: Rousquille - Quristine - Quanicire
8. Race: You Wait - Polidina - Retake

All-weather racing at Lingfield and Wolverhampton

Saeed bin Suroor, who is ending the season with a tremendous run, can chalk up more winners on the all-weather today. At Lingfield he saddles Con Artist in the 2yo maiden at 14.00 CET, Black Eagle in the main event, a 10 furlongs handicap, at 15.30 and Global City in a 6 furlongs conditions race at 16.05. All 3 have good chances and will be partnered by Ted Durcan, who then moves on to Wolverhamptons evening meeting to ride Huroof in the 2yo maiden fillies race at 18.50 and the debutant Willing Foe (accompanied by stable companion Powerful Melody with Dane O´Neill) in the 2yo maiden at 20.50. They also team up with the consistent Samaaha in the 2 mile handicap at 21.50 and look certain to start favourite here; but this is a tricky race, and we like the look of Irish raider Genari (Gordon Elliott/ Robert Winston), who has not run on the flat for 2 years, but is in good form over hurdles and won at Ludlow just 2 days ago.

Wetherby, Uttoxeter and Punchestown

The Irish meeting at Punchestown goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the going will be very testing. Some smart performers will be on view, including last season´s champion bumper Dunguib (Philip Fenton/ Mr. BTO´Connell) in the hurdle race at 14.50 CET, and L´Ami (Enda Bolger/ JTMcNamara) in the cross country at 14.15, as well as another smart bumper Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) in the maiden hurdle at 16.30; all 3 are likely to start at very short odds. In England, Charlie Mann, whose string is in good form, can land an across-the-card double with German-bred Sullumo (Noel Fehily) in the beginners chase at 14.05 at Uttoxeter, and Gaora Lane (Peter Toole) in the staying handicap chase at 16.25 at Wetherby.

Cheltenham Open meeting: day two

The Paddy Power Gold Cup, a valuable handicap chase over 2 miles 4 1/2 furlongs at 15.35 CET, is the main event at Cheltenham today, and with 18 runners,looks very difficult indeed. After rain yesterday, more last night and more expected today, the ground will be soft, which will not suit some of the more fancied runners. One who will appreciate the going is Ballyfitz /Paddy Brennan) from Nigel Twiston-Davies´ in-form stable, and he is likey to start favourite.

Paul Nicholls has never won this race, and fields 3 candidates today, of whom Tatenen (Christian Williams) will possibly be the best on this ground. Irish runners also have a poor record here, although Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ AJMcNamara) must have chances now. Our Vic (David Pipe/ Danny Cook) is the class act here, a course specialist who will like the ground, but he has a huge weight; however at the likely odds could still be an interesting each-way bet. The other races are all very comoetitive except for the novice chase at 14.20 with only 3 runners. The Twiston-Davies/ Brennan team can take this with Pettifour, who is making his chase debut but was the best of these over hurdles and gets weight from the other 2; his second place to Fair Along last time was a good performance. Chelsea Harbour (Tom Mullins/ Davy Russell) has good prospects in the 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 14.55, and the same trainer and jockey also have a chance with Time Electric in the listed hand icap hurdle at 16.10; they will certainly have no problems with heavy ground, which has been normal in Ireland all year.

We think that Trumpstoo (Richard Fahey/ Richard Johnson) has a chance of beating the favourite Barizan (Evan Williams/ Tony McCoy) in the 3yo hurdle which opens the card at 13.50, while we fancy Gary Moore´s two runners Psi (Jamie Moore) and L´Homme de Nuit (Philip Hide) could both run well in the concluding novices handicap hurdle at 16.45.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barizan - Roseska - Trumpstoo
2. Race: Pettifour - Toby Jug - Kanpai
3. Race: Russian Trigger - Galant Nuit - Maljimar
4. Race: Tranquil Sea - Ballyfitz - Chapoturgeon
5. Race: Earth Planet - Time Electric - Green Mile
6. Race: Alazan - Psi - Vinnes Friend

3 all-weather meetings today

There is all-weather racing this afternoon at Lingfield and this evening at Wolverhampton and Dundalk (Ireland), but once again, nothing to get too excited about. Best race at Lingfield is the 3yo fillies handicap at 15.50 CET, in which Accede (Johnny Portman/ Tom Queally), who ran in a listed race here last time, has to give weight away to the consistent Poyle Meg (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) and Critical Path (Andrew Balding/ Chris Catlin), who was hampered last time. Queally also teams up with Barney Curtley´s Sure Fire in the 1 1/2 mile maiden at 16.25.

This one has a super German pedigree but was a bit disappointing last time in a bumper; however he should improve for that but the one to beat is clearly John Gosden´s Kinetix (Jimmy Fortune), placed in all career starts so far. Main feature at Wolverhampton is the class 2 handicap over 8 1/2 furlongs at 21.50, which has attracted quite a strong field. Carcinetto (David and Richard Evans) was 4th in the Lingfield race in which Accede ran, so we might have a guide to his chances here; otherwise Fanulalter (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore) and Flowing Cape (Reg Hollinshead/ Jamie Spencer) look the two likeliest candidates here. The best flat race today is the listed fillies race over a mile at 21.00 at Dundalk. Dermot Weld saddles two here, with stable jockey Pat Smullen on Silver Shoon, but that one is held by Riobamba (Eddie Lynam/ Fran Berry), but Joanna Morgan can win this with either top-weight San Sicharia (Kevin Manning) - engaged in a Group One last time- or easy CD winner Four penny Lane (Johnny Murtagh).

Cheltenham Open meeting: day one

The first big fixture of the N.H. season, Cheltenham´s Open meeting, begins today with an excellent card. Main feature is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 14.50 CET, which looks booked for Ireland, with either Some Present (Tom Mullins/ Davy Russell) or Loosen my Load (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) looking the likeliest winners. Paul Nicholls´ Tito Bustillo (Ruby Walsh), a very easy winner at Chepstow of his only start, is the best of the Brits but meets much tougher opposition now.

Some Present, runner-up here in the Champion Bumper lst March., is the selection. There are also likely to be some future stars on view on the novice chase at 17.05. Ashkazar (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) was not far off the top rank over hurdles and has already made a winning start over fences; he can defeat Nicky Henderson´s Aigle d´Or (Barry Geraghty) and top-weight Knockara Beau (George Charlton/ Jan Feltjesek). The cross-country race over 3 miles 7 furlongs at 16.00 is a great spectacle and Enda Bolger is the specialist here. His Garde Champetre (Nina Carberry) has won 3 times from 4 starts over this CD, and Nina is unbeaten on the horse in 6 starts. However, if weight means anything in contests of this sort, and not everyone agrees, he cannot give 20 lb to 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch (Gordon Elliott/ Robbie Power). The field of 12 also includes 3 who ran last time in the Grand Pardubitzer, 2 of them Czech-trained, but it will be a big surprise if anything can b eat the two mentioned.

The 3 handicaps look very trappy, but our very tentative each-way suggestions are Mister Apples in the amateur riders chase at 14.15, Safari Adventures in the 2 mile chase at 15.25 and French Saulaie in the conditional jockeys hurdle at 16.35.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: My Lord Oscar - Never So Blue - Mister Apple`S
2. Race: Some Present - Tito Bustillo - Loosen My Load
3. Race: French Opera - Tramantano - Safari Journey
4. Race: Garde Champetre - Silver Birch - Sizing Australia
5. Race: Lord Ragnar - Colombard - Crazy Eyes
6. Race: Ashkazar - Knockara Beau - Aigle D`Or

N.H. racing at Ludlow and Taunton

With the Irish meeting at Clonmel abandoned, jumping fans today have to make do with two modest cards at Ludlow and Taunton.The introductory hurdle at 15.30 CET at Ludlow looks the most interesting event and it is possible that some of these runners will be seen later in much better races, for example Paul Nicholls´ Al Amaan (Christian Williams). The beginners chase at 16.00 has some useful hurdlers making their chasing debuts, including German-bred First Point (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Noble Request (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). This could be the second leg of a double for Henderson and Geraghty, who also have good prospects of taking the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.00 with You and I, also making his debut over fences. At Taunton, the novice hurdle at 15.40 also sees some potentially useful performers line up. Consistent Consulate (GF Edwards/ Daryl Jacob) sets the standard, having already won twice, but we doubt that he can give the weight awy. Australia Day (Paul Webber/ Wayne Kennedy) has also shown good form, and is also useful on the flat, but he fell early last time out. Two hurdling debutants from top stables- Saltagioo (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Slate Gem (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton)- could be the two to beat here.

All-weather racing at Southwell and Wolverhampton

Two all-weather meetings today, this afternoon at Southwell, and this evening at Wolverhampton. All 8 races at Southwell are class 5 or 6, so there is not much to excite the connoisseur, but the much-improved Angie´s Nap (Phil McEntee/ Chris Catlin) can complete a course four-timer in the 2yo seller at 15.20 CET. The best betting race here is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.50, with familiar faces and CD specialists in the field of 14. Milton Bradley´s pair Lithaam and Cape Royal as well as Guto all come into this category, but our suggestion is top-weight Tartatafutata; Jams Given´s mare has not won for ages but has a good record here and has come down
quite a bit in the weights. She was left at the post last time though no fault of her own and make up for that mishap now. The quality is slightly better at Wolverhampton, and in view of Godolphin´s amazing strike rate (2 runners and 2 winners again yesterday) we expect another double for the boys in blue with Nafura in the 2yo handicap at 18.50 and Naseehah in the 9 furlongs handícap half an hour later, both partnered by Ted Durcan and both easy CD winners last time out.

3 all-weather meetings today

There is all-weather racing this afternoon at Southwell and this evening at Kempton and Dundalk (Ireland) but no highlights at any of them, even at Dundalk, where the main interest will be in the continued battle between Johnny Murtagh and Pat Smullen for the Irish jockeys´ championship. Both ride in all 6 races open to them (2 races are reserved for apprentices); possibly their best chances are Curl Cat (Smullen) at 20.00 CET and Inch Rebel (Murtagh) at 22.00. At Southwell, the most interesting events are the two nursery handicaps for 2yo´s, nd we expect that CD runners-up last time out, Cape Kimberley (James Given/ Seb Sanders) at 15.00, and Comradeship (John Gosden/ Robert Havlin) an hour later, can now go one better.

At Kempton also the 2yo events are the most interesting and several top trainers have made entries in the two divisions of the 2yo maiden at 19.50 and 20.20. Mass Rally (Gosden /Jimmy Fortune) is the clear form choice in the first division, while well-bred debutant Next Move (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) can continue Godolphin´s good run in the second. The classiest race today is the opening conditions race over 10 furlongs at 18.50 at Kempton; Godolphin´s Anmar has not run for over a year, while Mike de Kock´s Russian Sage, who had good form in Dubai, has been below form his latest starts, so we prefer Gerald Butler´s Pachattack, just touched off in a listed race at Newmarket last time.

N.H. racing at Bangor and Warwick

More fairly low-level jumps racing today, but the graduation chase at 14.40 CET at Bangor could be quite informative, even though there are only 4 runners. Free World (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), whose team is now coming into top form (3 winners yesterday) is the likely favourite, but this race will be no pushover and the two German-breds Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) and Irish-trained Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ David Casey) both look very dangerous.The 3 miles handicap chase at 15.10 here looks very open, and is difficult to assess as most of the runners are coming off a break. Top-weight Skippers Brig (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) is a tentative suggestion. The best race at Warwick is the novice chase for 4yo´s at 15.20, again with a small field. Paul Nicholls also has the likely favourite here with Recif de Thaix (Christian Williams), a bumper winner at Sandown in February, who is going chasing straight away without a run over hurdles. Rory Boy and Agglestone Rock are both penalised for winning recently, but we rather fancy the chances of Nicky Henderson´s filly Miss Sarenne (Felix de Giles), who is getting weight all round.

German runners in France today

Plenty of German-trained runners at Saint-Cloud today, where the going is certain to be very soft. The best chances of a German winner would appear to be in the mile conditions race at 15.20 and in the 2100 metres claiming race at 16.25, with 4 German-trained runners in each. In the former event, Freminius (Werner Baltromei/ Dominique Boeuf), Setareh (Petr Olsanik /Rene Campos), Forthemillionkiss (Uwe Ostmann/ Yann Lerner) and the supplemented Beltanus (Friedel Willenbrock/ Johan Vic toire), face some tough local opposition, while in the latter Thanatos (Peter Schiergen/ Filip Minarik), Bee Keen (Dr. Bolte/ Henk Grewe), Classic Dancer( Michael Trybuhl/ Johan Victoire) and Manada (Baltromei/ Boeuf) are the German hopes. Both these races have large fields and look tricky, but a small each-way bet on Forthemillionkiss and Thanatos would be our suggestion.There are several more Germans running, with Palao (Werner Hefter/ Brigitte Renk) in the race for lady jockeys at 13.50 holdin g the best chance in our view.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maita - Mythie - Daewoo Ling
2. Race: Fastback - Kolkata - Canall
3. Race: Anabasis - Roots Of Gold - Sallenelles
4. Race: Morar - Polynikova - Carioca Tune
5. Race: Freminius - Mesa Marauder - Kougouar
6. Race: Andrei Roublev - Asserdoun - Sunrise Sunrise
7. Race: Sisu - Montagne Lointaine - Silky Steps
8. Race: Source De Vie - Austria - La Pailhette

N.H. racing at Exeter, Lingfield and Sedgefield

Star of the show at Exeter today is Gold Cup winner Denman, but he will not be taking part in any of the races, rather galloping on the track and then opening the new building and bar named after him. However his trainer Paul Nicholls and (sometimes) jockey Ruby Walsh will be there and have 3 good chances. The Minack, an Irish point-to-point winner when last seen in March, possibly has the best chance in the novice hurdle at 17.10 CET,.
but Inchidaly, in the novice chase at 15.40, has to worry about Giles Cross (Vic Dartnall/ Timmy Murphy) - not far behind him on hurdles form - while Take the Breeze in the beginners chase at 16.10 may have to give best to Philip Hobbs´ Copper Bleu (Richard Johnson), one of the best novice hurdlers last season. Although today´s best races are at Exeter, champion Tony McCoy is at Lingfield, where he has several winning chances, notably Wild Rhubarb in the mares novice hurdle at 14.00, Sonowyouno in the novice hurdle an hour later, and Stratford Stroller in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, all trained by Jonjo O´Neill. Zorro de la Vega (Sarah Humphreys/ Charlie Huxley) attempts to complete a four-timer in the handicap chase at 16.00 here, but has gone up an awful lot in the weights and would not like any rain to fall. At Sedgefield, rge 2 1/2 mil hndocap huredle at 15.20 is the main feature, but looks very tricky. Pemberton (Howard Johnson/ Brian Hughes) and Pagan Starprincess (Ge orge Moore/ Dougie Costello) are probably the two best performers here, but neither has run since being pulled up at Cheltenham many months ago. A better bet should be Kilkenny All Star (Sue Smith/ Richard McGrath) in the maiden chase over the same trip at 14.50. He has been placed several times against better opposition and can open his account here.

German runners in France today

Main German interest in today´s card at Maisons-Laffitte is in the 6th race at 16.00, a claiming race over a mile for professional lady jockeys, in which 4 of the 17 runners are German-trained, plus some more German-breds. The best horse on ratings is Laokoon (Mario and Steffi Hofer), but this distance could be too far for him, and we prefer Electric Roi (Hans Walter Hiller/ C. Launay), while Song of Tiger (Werner Baltromei/ Delphine Santiago) and Thalamon (Peter Schiergen/ Brigitte Renk) also have possibilities.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lifting Cloud - Isla Canela - Speedy Catcher
2. Race: Rewilding - Kokouchu - Rewilding
3. Race: Gotlandia - Terra Nova - Frozen Ardour
4. Race: Chamouille - Chicago May - Akton City
5. Race: You Rock Me - Easterland - Lone Rider
6. Race: A Million Dollars - Laokoon - Alpe d`Huez
7. Race: Go Lovely Rose - Voie De Printemps - Reine Des Mers
8. Race: Agnes Champ - Maille Perfect - Diable de Jim

Wolverhampton today

With flat racing on turf finished for the season in Britain and Ireland, it will now be an unrelieved diet of all-weather racing for the next 4 1/2 months, not a pleasant prospect if today´s card at Wolverhampton is anything to go by. At this time of the year it generally pays to follow horses in form, and so we suggest that La Gifted (Mick Channon/ Ian Brennan), going for her 4th successive win- including 3 this CD- can take the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.10, and that Irish-trained Alqaahir (Lee Smyth/ Liam Jones) can complete a quick CD hat-trick in the 8 1/2 furlongs handicap half an hour later.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pan American - Goddess Of Light - Gramercy
2. Race: Order Order - Meml - Ishismart
3. Race: Shark Man - Vito Volterra - Lord Victor
4. Race: Dream Number - Gobama - Master Of Dance
5. Race: La Gifted - Tangerine Trees - Fiefdom
6. Race: Alqaahir - Spinning - Gaily Noble

Irish racing today

Two Irish N.H.meetings today, with easily the best sport on offer at Navan. Unusually, there are small fields for all the top events. Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Barry Geraghty) needs only to reproduce the form shown when narrowly beaten by Master Minded at Punchestown in April to win the main event, the Grade Two Fortria Chase at 15.30 CET. The Grade Three novice hurdle at 14.25 can go to Judge Roy Bean (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), an easy Galway winner last time, while the two other feature races can go to German-breds: the Grade two hurdle at 13.55 to either Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) or Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley), and the listed novice chase at 16.30 to Catch Me (O´Grady/ McNamara). Surprisingly Ruby Walsh is at Limerick, mainly to ride Willie Mullins´ Morning Supreme in the maiden hurdle for 6yo´s + at 15.40. Mullins can also take a similar race for 5yo´s at 14.05 with another smart bumper horse, Quinola des Obeaux (Emmett Mullins).

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Puyol - Ballymak - Lucky William
2. Race: Aitmatov - Oscar Dan Dan - Ninetieth Minute
3. Race: Judge Roy Bean - Baron De`L - Alice Bradys Call
4. Race: Operation Houdini - Casey Supreme - Theribtickler
5. Race: Big Zeb - Carthalawn - Made In Taipan
6. Race: Osana - Realt Dubh - An Cathaoir Mor
7. Race: Catch Me - Oscar Looby - Copsiano
8. Race: Perfect Smile - Rockfield Abbey - Definite All Star

Limerick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Quinola Des Obeaux - Fennis Boy - Binocular
2. Race: Clan Music - The Paddy Premium - Chiraaz
3. Race: Greengables - Old Parish - Mountain Heather
4. Race: Morning Supreme - Kilflora - Keep Movin
5. Race: Paddy Pub - Harbour View - Away We Go
6. Race: Weapon`S Amnesty - Taradoun - Inistioge
7. Race: Gleanntan - Midnight Socialite - Gortnagros

Excellent card at Auteuil

Today´s Auteuil card is one of the best of the year in France, with the Prix La Haye Jousselin over 5500 metres at 15.45 the main event. Last year´s winner Remember Rose (JP Gallorini/ Christophe Pieux) tries again, but on recent form stable companions Mid Dancer (Christo Aubert/ Jacques Roícou) and Or Noir de Somoza (Cyril Gombeau) can be preferred, while the mare Princesse d´Anjou (FM Cottin/ Philip Carberry) also has a chance. The Grande Course de Haies des 3 Ans at 13.55 should lie between Temple Lord (Guy Cherel/ Gombeau) and Kauto Stone- half- brother to the Star- (JB de Balanda/ Pieux), while Long Run (Macaire/ David Cottin) is certain to start a warm favourite for the Prix Maurice Gillois for 4yo´s at 14.30.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gastibellzza - Formosa Joana Has - Source Limpide
2. Race: Renomme - Rennais - Reglisse D`Alene
3. Race: Temple Lord - Kauto Stone - Sable des Dunes
4. Race: Long Run - Rubi Ball - Earlson Gray
5. Race: Orcaline - Elixir du Berlais - Quadrette Collonges
6. Race: Mid Dancer - Polar Rochelais - Or Noir De Somoza
7. Race: Springer - Six des Champs - Rescato de l`Oust
8. Race: Quatre Bleue - Valaway - Monika

Ffos Las, Hereford and Market Rasen

After the excitements of the last few days, the 3 N.H. meetings in the U.K, today come as an anti-climax. Although the fields are quite small, the new Welsh track at Ffos Las probably offers the best sport, with several Irish-trained runners, and Tony McCoy looks the jockey to follow here. Get Me out of Here at 14.10 CET, Factotum at 16.15 and Foxesbow at 16.45, all trained by Jonjo O´Neill, are all forecast to start favourite, while Next Week at 14.40 and Francis du Mesnil at 15.45, for the Irish trainers JJ Mangan and Arthur Moore also have their chances, as does Danehill Willy for local trainer Evan Williams at 15.15. The best race at Market Rasen is the novice chase at 15.55, in which there is little between the 6 runners. Bench Warrant (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) gets a narrow vote and the same team can follow up with Teamgeist half an hour later. At Hereford, Bureaucrat (Philip Hobbs/ Giles Hawkins), who fell last time, should outclass the opposition in the selling hurd le at 15.00, while top-weight and a 7 lbs penalty should not stop Midnight Haze (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire) in the handicap chase at 15.35, judging by the manner of his recent success at Kempton. Peppertree Lane (AP Boxhall/ Aidan Coleman) is an interesting runner in the novice hurdle at 16.35; a group race performer on the flat, he was a huge disappointment over sticks last season. Now with a new trainer, he must have a good chance here if he has in the meantime learned to jump properly.

Ffos Las - betting forecast:
1. Race: Get Me Out Of Here - Walamo - Pure Faith
2. Race: Next Week - Punjabi Army - House Of Bourbon
3. Race: The God Of Love - Norther Bay - Danehill Willy
4. Race: Dev - Francis Du Mesnil - Sou`Wester
5. Race: Factotum - Another Brother - Sir Tantallus Hawk
6. Race: Foxesbow - Rio Laine - Sydney Sling
7. Race: Nelson`S Chief - Astracad - Alarming Alacrity

Hereford - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dew Drop Inn - Sir Bumble - Petroglyph
2. Race: Cartier Opera - Lough Rynn - Particle
3. Race: Bureaucrat - Little Firecracker - Ballabrook
4. Race: Midnight Haze - Nawow - Friends Of Tina
5. Race: Quideo De Touzaine - Timeshift - Jau
6. Race: The Jigsaw Man - Ravethebrave - Peppertree Lane
7. Race: Quetzal - Another Kate - No Principles

Market Rasen - betting forecast:
1. Race: Dark Oasis - Mille Chief - Bocamix
2. Race: Night Orbit - King O`The Gypsies - Raduis Bleu
3. Race: Civil Servant - Intersky Music - Mansonn Leda
4. Race: Bench Warrent - Kilvergan Boy - Circus Of Dreams
5. Race: Teamgeist - Shrewd Investor - Rosie All Over
6. Race: Furze Hill - Pagan Sword - Carrickmines

Longest day!

This is the longest day of the year for racing fans, with non-stop action starting at 12.55 CET with the first race at Doncaster (the final flat meeting on turf in Britain this year) and ending almost 12 hours later with the Breeders Cup Classic, the last race of a sensational Breeders Cup card at Santa Anita in California. In fact, if you also follow trotting, racing starts even earlier with the first race at Chartres at 11.45! Quite apart from the Breeders Cup this evening, there are highlights galore, with Doncaster´s November Handicap, excellent jumping cards at Sandown and Wincanton, while the Jnwine Champion Chase, won last year by Kauto Star, is the feature race at Down Royal. There is also an excellent jumping card at Auteuil.

Then in the evening there is an all-weather meeting at Dundalk, in which Pat Smullen has good prospects of catching up with Johnny Murtagh (riding in California) in their battle for the Irish championship. Murtagh led by 7 when leaving for the Breeders Cup, but Smullen had 3 winners on Thursday and has 6 rides tonight, several of them strongly fancied. The other jockeys´ battle has been decided - Freddie Tylicki is now officially champion apprentice wth 68 winners to 67 by David Probert, who is banned from riding today, the last day that counts. Ryan Moore, who has had an unassailable lead for months, is also at the Breeders Cup, but is well clear in the British jockeys table.

There are too many races today for us to analyse them all, but we hope to see ex-German Baila Me run well in the November Handicap, where another German-bred Salden Licht looks a big danger; Paul Nicholls has not made a fantastic start to the season, but launches a strong attack today at his local track Wincanton, and could even go through the card; Notre Pere and Forpadytheplasterer can take the main events at Down Royal; and Emma Lavelle´s Crack Away Jack, 4th in the Champion Hurdle, appears to have a simple task against only 2 opponents on his chasing debut at Sandown.

Breeders Cup: second day

This evening is the second, and much stronger, day of the Breeders Cup meeting at Santa Anita, with 8 top-class races beginning at 19.45 CET with the Juvenile Turf over a mile. The turf races give the Europeans their best chances and there are 4 of them in this field- Pounced (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori), Viscount Nelson (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh), Awesome Act (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) and Buzzword (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ahmed Ajtebi). This is followed by the Turd Sprint at 20.23, in which surprisingly there is only one European runner - Noseda´s Strike the Deal (Kieren Fallon). However Richard Mandella´s Lord Shanakill was formerly trained by Karl Burke, but local hope California Flag is the likely favourite here. Noseda also has a runner in the BC Sprint at 21.20, Fleeting Spirit (Dettori) who has been first or second on all his starts in top European races this season; but Zensational and Gayego, from Godolphin´s U.S. string, look the two strongest in this race.

Betting forecast:
2. Race: Interactif - Pounced - Viscount Nelson
3. Race: California Flag - Diamondrella - Silver Timber
4. Race: Zensational - Gayego - Fatal Bullet
5. Race: Lookin At Lucky - D` Funnybone - Noble`S Promise
6. Race: Goldikova - Delegator - Cowboy Cal
7. Race: Mastercraftsman - Bullsbay - Midshipman
8. Race: Conduit - Spanish Moon - Dar Re Mi
9. Race: Zenyatta - Rip Van Winkle - Girolamo

Breeders Cup - First day

The annual racing jamboree that is the Breeders Cup begins today at Santa Anita in Los Angeles with a very strong European challenge. The Europeans won 5 races here last year and hopes are high that this total can be equalled this time. Because of the time difference, the races are run in the late evening CET, with the first event this evening, the Marathon, at 21.35. This should go to a European runner, with Mastery (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) holding the best chance.

He holds Father Time (Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern) on St. Leger form, and last year´s winner Ralph Beckett´s Muhannak (Ryan Moore) appears to be out of form. The Juvenile Fillis Turf at 22.08 has the only German runner of the meeting in the line-up, Peter Schiergen´ s Junia Tepzia (Kieren Fallon). The filly, who stays in the States after the race, is unbeaten after two runs in Italy but will do well to be placed. Lillie Langtry (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) is regarded as the Irish banker of the meeting, while House of Grace (Kenneth McPeek/ Michael Luzzi) looks the best American. McPeek also has good prospects in the following Juvenile Fillies at 22.45, where he has two runners, but we prefer Always a Princess (Bob Baffert/ Garrett Gomez). The Fillies and Mares Turf at 23.23 looks between Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and last year´s winner Forever Together (Jonathan Sheppard/ Julien Leparoux).

The hottest favourite of the evening is likely to be another 2008 winner, Ventura (Bobby Frankel/ Garrett Gomez) in the Filly and Mare Sprint at 00.02, but we are interested in a longshot here - Only Green (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier); she has come basically as a travelling companion to the much higher profile Goldikova, who runs in the mile tomorrow, but won in good style last time and may be up to this huge leap in class. Finally, the Ladies Classic, to be run at 00.45 (!) looks much more open now that Zenyatta goes for tomorrow´s Classic. Godolphin´s Music Note (Rajiv Maragh) and Cocoa Beach (Richard Migliore) finished second and third to Zenyatta last year and could move up a place, but Careless Jewel (Josie Campbell/ Robert Landry) looks a big danger, while the Europeans will be rooting for Rainbow View (John Gosden/ Leparoux).

Betting forecast:
3. Race: Mastery - Father Time - Nite Light
4. Race: Lillie Langtry - House Of Grace - Junia Tepzia
5. Race: Blind Luck - Connie And Michael - Negligee
6. Race: Forever Together - Magical Fantasy - Midday
7. Race: Ventura - Informed Decision - Sara Louise
8. Race: Music Note - Careless Jewel - Rainbow View

N.H. racing at Fontwell, Hexham and Down Royal (N. Ireland)

Down Royal stages its best meeting of the year this weekend, and Ruby Walsh, making his comeback from foot injury, can take the opening 3yo hurdle at 14.05 CET on Willie Mullins´ Doctor Deejay. In the main event, a Grade 3 hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 he partners Luska Lad for Jonjo Hanlon, but this one will need to improve to trouble the more experienced Go Native (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Voler La Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Matt O´Connor). The mares novice hurdle at 14.35 is also a Grade Three and here Premier Victory (Tom Hogan/ John Cullen) and Golden Sunbird (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley) seem to hold the best chences. Meade and Carberry also hve a good chance in the beginners chase at 16.05, when they run the top hurdler Nicanor. The racing at the two British jumps tracks is of much lower standard. Tony McCoy can with both divisions of the novice hurdle at Hexham for trainer Howard Johnson, with Sitting Tenant at 15.50 and River Music half an hour later. At Fontwell, Jump Jet (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), who made an impressive winning comeback last week, can follow up under top weight in the handicap chase at 15.40.

All-weather racing at Southwell and Wolverhampton

Plenty of racing today, but obviously nothing that remotely compares to the sport on offer tonight in California. The Godolphin team are strongly represented at Santa Anita, but they continue to score regularly at a more modest level in the U.K. and could well win 3 more races today, 2 this afternoon at Southwell and one at Wolverhmpton´s evening meeting. At Southwell their candidates are debutant Con Artist (Daragh O´Donohoe) and Judiciary (Ted Durcan) in the 2yo mile maiden at 14.00 CET, and Tertiary (Durcan) in a 2yo handicap half an hour later. At Wolverhampton La De Two (DaneO´Neill) looks a near-certainty to win the 9 1/2 furlongs maiden at 21.20. He was trained last year by Barry Hills, and his form when runner-up in a hot Doncaster maiden on his only start, is more than good enough to win this. Otherwise the battle between Freddie Tylicki and David Probert goes into its final phase today and Tylicki must be favourite to be crowned champion, as Probert is suspended tom orrow. Both have several promising rides today.

Haydock (N.H.), Towcester (N.H.) and Lingfield (a.w.)

Haydock´s N.H. fixture today goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the ground will be very testing and there must be the possibility of non-runners, leaving the fields even smaller. The 3 mile handicap chase at 14.55 CET will be tricky, but we fancy two horses that both flopped last time - Sue Smith´s Daldini (Tjade Collier) and Jonjo O´Neill´s Fresh Air and Fun (Tony McCoy). The handicap hurdle at 16.05 can go to top-weight, Philip Hobbs´ Hectors Choice, who will be ridden by promising claimer Giles Hawkins. There are two German-breds wth chances in the novice hurdle at 16.40, Alpha Way (Donald McCain/ Jasom Maguire) and Le Platino (Brian Storey/ Brian Hughes), but the one to beat is probably Sonny Mullen (Kim Bailey/ Tom Siddall), an easy bumper winner on his only start so far. At Towcester, the much-improved Wolf Moon (Martin Keighley/ Warren Marston) is moving up in grade but can still complete a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle at 15.40, while Alfatrax (Neil Mulholland/ Robert Thornton) can make up for a narrow defeat here last time by winning the novice handicap chase at 16.15. The Godolphin stable´s winning run continues (3 more yesterday) and they can take the 7 furlongs race for 2yo novices at 14.45 at Lingfield with Sahara Kingdom (Ted Durcan), an easy winner this CD on his only start. Benozzo Gozzoli (Hughie Morrison/ Nicky Mackay) won in a canter at Nottingham last time, and if he adapts to the surface, should follow up in the 2 mile handicap here at 17.00.

Ireland today

There is flat racing today in Ireland - the abandoned final meeting from last Saturday at Leopardstown- and N.H. racing at Thurles, both with listed races. Main event at Thurles is the Thurles Chase over 2 3/4 miles at 15.25 CET, in which the smart In Compliance, now trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Paddy Flood, makes his comeback after almost 2 years off the track. If anywhere near his best, he should win this, but top-weight Chelsea Harbour (Tom and Emmett Mullins), a consistent performer at this level, is an obvious danger. The beginners chase over 2 miles at 16.00 here is also interesting: Essex (Mike O´Brien/ Andrew Lynch), Whatuthink (Oliver McKiernan/ Barry Geraghty) and Zaarito (Colm Murphy/ Matt O´Connor) are all expected to make the grade over fences, but our selection is Jessica Harrington´s Give it Time (Adrian Leigh), who fell at the last last time out when going like a winner.At Leopardstown, the 7 furlongs race at 14.40 should go to the Aga Khan´s Rayeni (John Oxx/ Mick Kinane), the clear form choice based on his second place in the Irish 2000 and recent listed win. The 2yo race over 9 furlongs at 15.15 looks more tricky. Jim Bolger´s Marfach (Kevin Manning) was only beaten a short head in the Goffs Million, but Aidan O´Brien´s two runners Mikhail Glinka (Seamus Heffenan) and Banyan Tree (Colm O´Donoghue) could be troublesome. The November Hndicap over 2 miles at 15.50 is the big betting race here, and several of the 21 runners have been running over jumps; the two promising claimers GF and TC Carroll are on Willie Mullins´ Dani California and Noel Meade´s Donnas Palm respectively and we expect these two to be involved in the finish.

German runners in France today

Last week was very successful for German-trained runners in France, this week so far much less so. However today´s Saint-Cloud card offers several interesting possibilities. The main event is the listed mile race for 3yo fillies at 13.50, in which Andreas Löwe´s Fabiana (Terry Hellier) has been declared. She has run well in several good races and must have a decent chance. Löwe and Hellier also team up with Magazin in the 1400 metres race at 15.55, in which Fareion (Sascha Sczmrek/ Dominique Boeuf) and Balios (Friedel Willenbrock/ Johan Victoire) are also entered. There are also 3 German runners in the claiming race for amateur riders at 16.25: Godfreyson (Andreas Trybuhl/ Patrick Pailhes), Quadraga (Hans Blume/ Jeremie Laurent-Joye) and Sina (Waldemar Hickst/ Arthur Hoyeau), while Queen Petra (Horst Steinmetz/ Maxime Guyon) runs in the final 2400 metres handicap for 3yo´s at 16.55. However in our view the race which is the most likely to end in a German victory is the condit ions race over a mile for 4yo+ fillies and mares at 14.20, in which Masquenada (Werner Baltromei/ Boeuf) and Kanzlerin (Steinmetz/ Gaetan Masure) are engaged.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ville D`Avray - Jeunopse - Teshali
2. Race: Calm - Fabiana - Surpressa
3. Race: Halong Bay - Rockette - Chasing Stars
4. Race: Agnes Champ - Vera`s Moscou - Djemilla
5. Race: Kimcum - Hyawatha - Zillione Beauty
6. Race: Staraco - Without Precedent - Fareion
7. Race: Kalishnoo - Sina - Quadraga
8. Race: Nota Bene - Airwoman - Kahya Springs