N.H. racing at Towcester, Wincanton and Clonmel (Ireland)

There should be no problems with today´s 3 N:H. meetings, although the very testing all over and a couple of jumps will be omitted at Wincanton. This is Paul Nicholls´ favourite track, but the stable has suffered a number of surprising reverses recently, so punters should tread carefully. Nicholls´ Recif de la Thaix (Mr. R.Mahon) has only 2 opponents in the novice handicap chase at 15.50 CET, but both look dangerous.

Green Belt Elite (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas) is arguably the form choice, but we cannot resist taking another chance with Franchoek (Alan King/ Tony McCoy), even though he has appeared to give up without a struggle in most of his recent races. Also at Wincanton, we expect Topsham Belle (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) to win the mares hurdle at 14.50 and Henry King (Vic Dartnall/ Jack Doyle), who fell 2 out when still going well last time, to take the the novice hurdle at 15.20

At Towcester, Ashleys Lad (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) must have a good chance in the opening novice hurdle at 14.40. He is no world-beater, but the level of form he has shown in finishing 3rd on all 3 career starts should suffice here. Devils River (Mrs AE Brooks/ Ian Popham) threw away gis wining chance by hanging badly her ast time, but can make up for that by winning the conditional jockjeys handovap chs at 15.10. Towcester is very much a track for specialists, and one of the most conspicuous is 12yo Woodlands Genpower (Paul Pritchard/ Paddy Brennan), who runs his best races here and despite a 7 lbs penalty for his latest CD success, can score again in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.10.

Best race at Clonmel today is the listed novice hurdle at 15.45. Only 5 runners, but all have good form, notably Glenstal Abbey(Charlie Swan/ David Casey) and Quadrillon (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh); however we prefer Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell), who is getting weight from both of them. Also at Clonmel, we expect ex- German Champus (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) to go well in the opening maiden hurdle at 14.45.