N.H. racing at Ffos Las, Kelso and Clonmel (Ireland)

There is still a doubt about today´s card at Kelso, where a second inspection will be held later, but if racing goes ahead, the most significant race of the day will be run here at 16.20 CET. This is the 2 1/4 mile hurdle race in which Zaynar (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) must give weight to his 4 opponents. The grey, unbeaten in 5 starts, should not be unduly troubled to win this, but his race must still be watched with care as he is currently joint-favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

The race is sponsored by bookmaker Victor Chandler, who is also one of the owners of Zaynar, so he has a double reason for hoping the race is on. So has his trainer, who yesterday lost one of his Champion Hurdle hopes with the announcement that Binocular will miss the rest of the season. Henderson still has the 2009 winner Punjabi, but at the moment Zaynar looks his main hope.

There should be no problems with the Welsh meeting at Ffos Las. The best event here is the novice chase at 17.20, in whic h some useful performers line up. They include the one-time smart flat horse Junior (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), and Irish hope Slash and Burn (Charlie Swan/ David Casey), but our selection is Quilinto (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who trotted up last time at Southwell. Swan and Casey have another chance in the second division of the novice hurdle at 15.35 with Long Strand, but Shakalakaboomboom (Henderson/ Tony McCoy) may prove stronger. The first division can go to the penalised Volador (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson).
In Ireland, there are the usual huge fields at Clonmel, but only 6 contest the best race, a 2 mile 1 furlong chase at 17.00. Quiscover Fontaine (Willie and Emmet Mullins) can take this, and Mullins can also score with Some Target (Ruby Walsh), an easy bumper winner last time, in the maiden hurdle at 15.25. There could be a German-bred winner in the beginners chase at 17.30, as both Diophas and Quartetto have chances in an open race.