Lots of runners

There is plenty of action today with 6 meetings and lot of runners. The only flat racing this afternoon is at Catterick, where the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.30 CET looks particularly trappy with 15 runners. David Nicholls saddles 4 of them, and in our opinion George Benjamin, partnered by his son Adrian, is the pick of them. Last Sovereign (Ollie Pears/ Tom Eaves), whose stable is having a good run, looks a big danger, but our main fancy is the much-improved Pelmanism (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin), who has won 5 races already this year (3 on the all-weather) and successfully moved up to this distance last time after mostly running over 6 furlongs and we think that there could be more successes to come.

Best race at Worcester is the handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 17.10, which should mainly concern top-weight Crystal Rock (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and Suburban Boy (Alan King/ Robert Thornton). King has had a tough time of it for the last 2 years, but Suburban Boy looks the real deal and has won his last two races with the greatest of ease. He has gone up 19 lbs in the weights, but we think that he can continue his winning run, as he still receives 9lbs from Crystal Rock, who has suffered at the hands of the handicapper for his consistency (placed his last 8 starts, but only one win).

At Perth, Sun Tzu (Peter Bowen/ Tom O´Brien) is another one who has shot up the weights after winning his last 4 races. He runs in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.50, but faces stronger opposition here, and we expect both Nudge and Nurdle (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Paddy Brennan), off the track since October, but from a stable that does well here and now on a decent weight, and top-weight Gray Mountain( Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan), who has been running in better races, to prove very dangerous.

This evening´s U.K. racing at Chepstow and Kempton (a.w.) is nothing special but Fairyhouse has a strong card, headed by the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes for fillies and mares over 7 furlongs at 20.30. The two British challengers Agony and Ecstacy (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) and Sharnberry (Ed Dunlop/ Kieren Fallon) should both go well, but preference is for Emulous (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). She has to concede weight all round, but her defeat of Lolly for Dolly last time was a good performance and that form could see her successful here.

5 bad meetings today

A typical Tuesday with very low level racing at all 5 meetings. Mark Johnston and Silvestre de Sousa are both in great form and look the team to follow at Hamilton. They can win the 3yo mile handicap at 16.15 with top-weight Carrowbeg, wearing first time blinkers, and can be back in the winner´s enclosure half an hour later with Circle of Angels. de Sousa has another winning chance on Anne Duffield´ s Tro Nesa in the claimer at 15.45.

Sir Mark Prescott´s Fire Fighter (Steve Donohoe) in the 3yo handicap over 1 17/2 miles at 17.15 is our best bet here. He was runner-up here last time as an odds-on favourite and can recover those losses now. Best thing at Brighton is Polperro (John Gosden/ William Buick) who runs in the 10 furlongs maiden at 16.30. He has improved from start to start and seems to have little to beat here. His second place (of 14) at Sandown last time is by far the best form in the race.

This evening there is racing on the all-weather at Southwell, on turf in Ireland at Sligo and over jumps at Stratford, but all three cards are instantly forgettable. At Stratford, Life of a Luso (Paul Henderson/ Tom O´Brien) would have completed a hat-trick but for falling at the last here, and can make up for that mishap at 20.40, while Stage Acclaim (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tony McCoy), who has been runner-up 3 times in succession, can finally get his head in front in the novice chase an hour later.

Anti-climax

After the weekend´s excitements a definite sense of anti-climax at today´s 4 meetings. At Pontefract, there are only 3 runners in the main event, a conditions race for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 16.15 CET. Two are trained by Mick Channon, but we prefer Sans Loi (Alan McCabe/ Robert Winston), who had no chance at Royal Ascot last time but should be able to score in this company. A bettr btting race is th follosa handpvap over 6 firlongs at 16.45.

Entitled (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) is the likely favourite, but the stable form is worrying. Mosaicist (James Fanshawe/ Kieren Fallon) has won both her 2011 starts and represents a stable that has now struck form and she is preferred, but bottom weight Blanche Dubawi (Noel Quinlan/ Tom Queally), one of two 3yo´s in the line-up, is very consistent and cannot be left out.

The only other racing this afternoon is on Wolverhampton´s all-weather track. There are only 4 runners in the top race here, a handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 18.00 and all 4 have a chance. Mojolika (Tim Easterby/
Graham Gibbons) made all to win at Redcar last time and is the one to beat, but we also like Hollow Tree (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry), who found 1 3/4 miles too far at Sandown.

At Windsor this evening, Willie Musson can land a double with Broughtons Swinger (Adam Beschizza) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 21.10 and Broughtons Paradis (Steve Donohoe) in the fillies handicap half an hour later. The card at Musselburgh´s evening meeting is very poor. There are two ex-Germans, both now trained by Jim Goldie, running in the opening race, an amateur riders handicap over 2 miles at 19.55 - Los Nadis (S.Fox), who won the race last year but is now higher in the weights, and Soprano (M. Allan), who has been hurdling and has not run on the flat on turf for ages.

Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud

Relatively small fields in the two big races today - 8 runners in the Irish Derby on the Curragh at 16.50 CET and only 5 in the Grand Prix de de Saint-Cloud at 15.45. Both are Group One races over 1 1/2 miles, with the obvious difference that the Irish race is for 3yo´s only and the French race for older horses. The latter event looks at the mercy of the Aga Khan´s filly Sarafina (Alain de Royer-Dupre´/ Chritoph Lemaire), third after a very unlucky run in the 2010 "Arc" and one of the favourites for this year. The Irish Derby is more trick,y and the field includes the second, third, fourth and fifth from Epsom. Clear favourite the Queen´s Carlton House (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) third at Epsom after being hampered and forced to race wide. Following the Queen´s highly successful visit to Ireland in May, he would be a very popular winner and is certain to start favourite again. H is not goodvalue t the likly pric, but we expect him to win and reverse Epsom form with runne r-up Treasure Beach, one of 4 Aidan 0 `Brien runners from the stable that has won this race for the past 5 seasons. Colm O´Donoghue partners this one, while Seamus Heffernan rides Seville, Wayne Lordan Roderic O´Connor and the trainer´ s son Joseph the likely pacemaker Memphis Tennessee. The going will be soft after a lot of rain in the past few days, which further complicates matters.

Betting forecast for Curragh:
1. Race: After - Taigan - Lady Wingshot
2. Race: Tough As Nails - Lilbourne Lad - Choir
3. Race: Anderiego - The Confessor - Tajneed
4. Race: Inxile - Hamish Mcgonagall - Invincible Ash
5. Race: Carlton House - Treasure Beach - Seville
6. Race: Redera - Celendine - Flowers Of Spring
7. Race: Creekside - Penitent - Luisant
8. Race: Great Huzzar - Back Burner - Keep It Cool


Betting forecast for Saint Cloud:
1. Race: Skallet - Riquita - Fille De Famille
2. Race: Genzy - Septime Severe - Aloeil
3. Race: Testosterone - Adventure Seeker - Chegei Has
4. Race: Le Bosphore - Angolaner - Khadar
5. Race: Cirrus des Aigles - Sarafina - Cirrus des Aigles
6. Race: Hilal Al Zaman - Nayef Al Khalidiah - Scoubidou de Carrere
7. Race: Eyes On Me - Rysckly - Lutece Eria
8. Race: Nireas - Secret Land - Un Air De Danse
9. Race: Pentathlon - Beau Marchand - By Dariole

Pretty Polly and other top races

A busy Saturday, but pride of place goes obviously to the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes for fillies and mares over 10 furlongs at 16.35 CET at the Curragh, the main feature of the second day of the Irish Derby meeting. With Snow Fairy out of the race because of the soft going, this now looks a match between English raider Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) and local hope Misty for Me (Aidan O´Brien/ Seamie Heffernan). The latter won the Irish 1,000 Guineas here, but there must be a doubt about her staying this trip, so preference is for the Newmarket filly, who is very consistent and has already 5 Group Ones to her credit. However this is a race to watch rather than to bet on.

Betting forecast for Curragh:
1. Race: Jimtown - Among Equals - All Approved
2. Race: Princess Sinead - Rigoletta - Soon
3. Race: Naseem Sea - Experience - Somasach
4. Race: Midday - Misty For Me - Claiomh Solais
5. Race: Times Up - Address Unknown - Red Cadeaux
6. Race: Radharcnafarraige - Mesariya - Future Generation
7. Race: Oneeightofamile - La Estrella - Bahrain Storm
8. Race: Freedom - Kayalar - Cape Of Good Grace


The big betting race of the day is the Northumberland Plate, aka the Pitmans Derby, a 2 mile handicap at 16.05 at Newcastle with 20 runners. Overdose (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke) won this last year with a bravura front-running performance, but we are not sure that he can repeat this feat, especially if the ground softens any further; he was pulled out of his race at Royal Ascot last week because of the soft going. Our 3 against the field in this very tricky race are Harlestone Times (John Dunlop/ Ted Durcan), Activate (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) and English Summer (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa).

Betting forecast for Newcastle:
1. Race: Regal Parade - Waffle - Genki
2. Race: Marvellous Value - Klynch - Singeur
3. Race: Overturn - Activate - Harlestone Times
4. Race: Xilerator - Vito Volterra - Man Of Action
5. Race: Kool Henry - Alnair - Majestic Manannan
6. Race: Mcbirney - Hakuna Matata - San Cassiano
7. Race: Agiaal - My Freedom - Nicola`S Dream


At Newmarket, the Group 3 Criterion Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.20 can go to Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/ Gerald Mossé), who ran very well in Chantilly last time. He gets 4 lbs from The Cheka (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Kieren Fallon), who won a similar race at Haydock and looks the chief danger. Mossé has another good chance on Jessica Harrington´ s Siren´s Song in the valuable Tattersalls sales race at 16.55.

Betting forecast for Newmarket:
1. Race: Rockinante - Paladin - Flying Trader
2. Race: Queens Revenge - Misty Conquest - Lily`S Angel
3. Race: Jukebox Jury - Cavalryman - Verdant
4. Race: The Cheka - Redford - Beacon Lodge
5. Race: Measuring Time - Questioning - Chef
6. Race: Udabaa - Naqshabban - Zain Shamardal
7. Race: Watneya - Wallis - Dark Promise

7 Meetings today

Plenty of racing today, but the only N.H. action is at Market Rasen, where we hope that German-bred Ostland (Charlie Longsdon/ Felix de Giles) can complete a hat-trick in the handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.50 CET. The 6yo, runner-up to Kamsin in the 2008 German Derby, took a long time to find his feet in the U.K. but has won his last 2 races very easily with this jockey aboard.

This race is tougher, but we hope that he can continue to improve. Top-weight Postmaster (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) and Nostringsattaached (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) look the main dangers. Another ex-German horse we fancy is Swordsman (Charlie Gordon/ Sam Hitchcott) in the stayers´ handicap at 17.15 at Folkestone. The Acatenango gelding loves this track and has won here both on the flat and over sticks a month ago. He has slipped to a very lenient mark on the flat and we rate him a good each-way bet.

The other meeting this afternoon is at Doncaster, where the 7 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.35 looks the best race, Top-weight Namwahjobo (Jim Goldie/ Danny Tudhope) has won both his starts this season, both over 6 furlongs, but this extra furlong is not expected to cause any problem. He can win again, with Elusivity (Brian Meehan/ Jamie Spencer) , runner-up three times running, the obvious threat.

Best race this evening is the listed event over 10 furlongs for fillies at 19.50 at Newcastle. Principal Role (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) won a similar race at Newbury last season and is top-rated here; she should win, although Piano (John Gosden/ William Buick) could be dangerous. The 5 furlongs handicap at 20.25 is another decnt race, in which we expect the three top-weights Ancient Cross (Mick Easterby/ Graham Gibbons), Confessional (Tim Easterby/ Robert Winston) and Silaah (David and Adrian Nicholls) to play the leading roles.

The Curragh opens its 3-day Derby meeting with a strong card, the feature of which is the Group Two International Stakes over 10 furlongs. Only 5 runners here, with Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) the obvious favourite despite giving weight away. Jan Vermeer (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), senselessly sacrificed last time at Royal Ascot, is an interesting opponent.

Listed race at Warwick

Main event in the U.K. today is the listed race for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs at Warwick at 17.05 CET. Luca Cumani and Kieren Fallon teamed up to win this last year with Seta, and they can score again with Khor Sheed, runner-up in a similar race at Nottingham last time. Eucharist (Richard Hannon/ Jimmy Fortune) and Masaya (Clive Brittain/ Chris Catlin) are the main dangers. Best betting race here is the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.30 which looks wide open. Flying Applause (Steve Bowring/ Jimmy Quinn?) has won his last two races, but he has gone up in the weights and we prefer Steel City Boy (Gary Woodward/ Martin Lane), who was second to him at Nottingham and is now 9 lbs better off and was also a CD winner in May.

Newcastle starts a 3 day meeting today, with the Northumberland Plate on Saturday as its top race of the year. Today´s card is less exciting, but the handicap over the straight mile at 16.20 is an interesting race with several possibilities. Mark Johnston won this last year with Tartan Gunna, and now saddles Tartan Gigha for the same connections, with form jockey Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle; he has been below form on his recent starts, but has now dropped to a very attractive mark and is wearing first-time blinkers. Last year´s runner-up Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) has also dropped to a nice mark, but our preference is for top-weight Tiger Reigns (Michael Dods/ Freddie Tylicki), who has been running in better company.

The same applies to The Jigsaw Man (Rebecca Curtis/ Jeremiah McGrath), who has to concede lumps of weight all round in the handicap hurdle over 2 miles at 16.45 at Ffos Las; he was less convincing last time over fences but has some smart hurdling form and even at these weights can outclass today´s opponents, 6 of whom are out of the handicap. Our best bet at Ffos Las is the German-bred Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), a half-brother to Lady Marian, who runs in the opening novice hurdle at 15.35.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kawssaj - Sea Soldier - Logans Legend
2. Race: Hootys Agogo - Albany Rose - Johnny Hancocks
3. Race: Flying Applause - Tyfos - Holiday Snap
4. Race: Khor Sheed - Eucharist - Sweetie Time
5. Race: Above Standard - Perfect Mission - Thunda
6. Race: Moonlight Rhapsody - Little Jazz - Ad Vitam
7. Race: Integria - Paradise Spectre - Bold Cross

Historic races at Carlisle

Today´s racing in the U.K. is much better than yesterday or Monday, and Carlisle stages its biggest meeting of the year, featuring the historic races Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate, dating back to 1599 (when the first Queen Elizabeth was on the throne). The Carlisle Bell is now a mile handicap at 16.35 CET and looks fiercely competitive, with 16 runners, 8 of whon are last-time-out winners.

Mont Ras (David O´Meara/ Silvestre de Sousa), from a team in great form, is our selection here. He showed nothing in 3 starts last year for Ed Dunlop, but was gelded after being sold cheaply to his present cnnections and was off the track for 10 months. However he has made tremendous progress this year winning all 3 starts, and although he is penalised for winning on Saturday, still looks very well handicapped. Pravda Street (Brian Ellison/ Tom Eaves) has a similar profile and is one of several dangers. The Cumberland Plate, a handicap over 11 1/2 furlongs at 17.10, looks equally difficult. Tweedledrum (Andrew Balding/Liam Keniry) could be the answer here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pen Bal Crag - Dazzlin Bluebell - See Clearly
2. Race: Bedlam - Joshua The First - Yeomanoftheguard
3. Race: Ailsa Craig - Marjury Daw - One Scoop Or Two
4. Race: Mont Ras - Pravda Street - Flipping
5. Race: Easy Terms - Praxiteles - Tweedledrum
6. Race: Elusive Sue - Fairlie Dinkum - Bianca De Medici
7. Race: Doc Hay - Timeless Elegance - Ryedane

There are also a couple of decent handicaps at Salisbury. The mile race at 16.50 has 2 runners trained by Richard Hannon, top-weight Invincible Soul (Richard Hughes) and Suited and Booted (Pat Dobbs), who have both been below form this season but would have an obvious chance on 2010 form. Even more extreme is the case of Ordnance Row (Rogr Varian/ Neil Callan, who used to be trained by Hannon and who won a group race over this CD in 2008; a return to that form would surely see him win this. But with doubts over these, we prefer the more up-to-date claims of bottom-weight Huzzah (Barry and Michael Hills). Half an hour later, the other Hills twin Richard, can score on his father´s Fadhaa in the Bibury Cup, a 1 1/2 miles handicap for 3yo´s. Fadhaa was runner-up at Chester to Brown Panther, an impressive Royal Ascot winner since and now on course for the German Derby next week.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pink Sapphire - Shannon Spree - Dressed In Lace
2. Race: Minal - Red Senor - Red Seventy
3. Race: Mundana - Lay Time - Totheendoftheearth
4. Race: Leviathan - Vainglory - Hot Spark
5. Race: Fadhaa - Kinyras - Ardlui
6. Race: Here To Eternity - Dead Cool - Royal Liaison
7. Race: Mr Udagawa - Scorn - Fitz

5 more bad meetings today

Once again, mainly very low-level racing at today´ s 5 meetings. The afternoon meetings in particular, at Beverley and Brighton, are very poor. At Beverley the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.15 CET is the most interesting race, but top-weight Osgood must be regarded as a most unlikely runner after winning last night at Chepstow. In his absence our choice would be course specialist Tribal Myth (Kevin Ryan/ Julie Burke).

At Brighton, the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.00 looks the best event. Bottom weight Foxtrot Alpha (Peter Winkworth/ J. Rogers) has to have a chance here after being beaten a head over this CD last time, while Ivory Lace (Steve Woodman/ Harry Bentley), just beaten at Goodwood and a CD winner, must also be considered, but is rather inconsistent. The most reliable option would be Lastkingofscotland (Conor Dore/ Hayley Turner), runner-up the last twice; he has been kept on the go for a long time - this is his 30th race is less than a year, but keeps his form well.

The racing is slightly better this evening at Newbury, but is still well below par for this track. The 10 furlongs handicap for 3yo fillies at 21.20 is quite a decent race and we like the top-weight Isolate (Hughie Morrison/ Jimmy Fortune), beaten a nose at Salisbury on his only start this year. Abdicate (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton) won a Ripon maiden, and her trainer does not send his horses down south for nothing, but the form still does not look strong enough. Sacred Shield (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) has been first or second on all her 2011 starts, but the main danger could be Masaraat (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills), who won a similar race at Nottingham last time.

There is N.H. racing this evening at Newton Abbot and we expect Bermuda Boy (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) to win the novice chase at 20.05 in receipt of 10 lbs from the penalised winner Wake Board (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tony McCoy), while Marigolds Way (Tony Honeyball/ Sam Thomas) is our choice in the handicap chase at 21.10.

The first 4 races at the Irish meeting at Ballinrobe this evening are on the flat and the last four over hurdles. Our best bets here are Dawariya (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) at 19.20 on the flat, and Uncle Taffy (Tony Martin/ Derek O´Connor), who can complete a quick four-timer over the sticks at 20.55.

5 bad meetings today

Monday is often a poor day for racing in the U.K., but even so, today´s cards are some of the weakest we have ever seen. There are two meetings this afternoon on the all-weather at Kempton and Wolverhampton and 9 of the 16 races are class 6, with 6 of the others class 5. John Gosden, whose stable is in good form, could be the trainer to follow and he can land a double at Kempton with Banksy in the 2yo maiden at 15.45 CET and Moment Juste in the fillies maiden at 17.15, both partnered by Nicky Mackay, and also score at Wolverhampton with Trumpington Street (Robert Havlin) in the 3yo maiden at 16.00.

The 3yo handicap over a mile at 21.10 this evening at Windsor is probably the day´s best race, although only a class 4 event. Sir Michael Stoute´s stable is not really firing at present, but he can win this with Profondo Rosso (Kieren Fallon), down in distance after finishing third at Goodwood over 10 furlongs. Topweight Laughing Jack is also down in distance, having won here over 10 furlongs and then been well beaten in the Lingfield Derby Trial and could be the main danger, although consistent maiden Whistle On By (Barry and Michael Hills) also has a chance. Earlier, Richard Hannon, who has an excellent strike rate with his 2yo´s here, can take the 6 furlongs maiden at 20.10 with Dixie´s Dream (Richard Hughes)

Two likely winners at Chepstow this evening are Galivant (John Hills/ Martin Dwyer) in the maiden at 19.30, and Burj Hatta (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) in another maiden at 21.30, but both will be at a very short price.
There is also jumps racing this evening in Ireland at Kilbeggan, but although the prize-money is much better than in the U.K., there is very little of interest.

4 meetings today

After the high class racing, glamour and excitement of Royal Ascot, it´ s back to more normal fare today with Pontefract staging the only flat racing, and low-level N.H. meetings at Hereford, Hexham and Gowran Park (Ireland). Easily the best race of the day is the listed event over 1 1/2 miles at 1710 CET. The problem here is that many of these runners are better at other distances, e.g. Distant Memories (Tom Tate/ Jamie Spencer), a 10 furlongs specialist, while Red Cadeaux (Ed Dunlop/ Tom McLaughlin) and the Queen´s Free Agent (Richard Hannon/ Jimmy Fortune) have been running in top staying races. Godolphin´ s La de Two (Saeed bin Suroor/ Ted Durcan) is an unknown quantity, having last run without much success in Meydan. Red Cadeaux has been tried over various distances, but he won last time over this distance at Hamilton with todays jockey on board and we make him a tentative selection.

The handicaps at Pontefract look tricky, but with the Hughie Morrison stable in good form at Ascot this week, we hope that his Cosimo de Medici (Fortune) can continue the stable´s good run over 2 1/4 miles at 17.40, while Zennor (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote) can take the 10 furlongs race at 16.40 under bottom weight. He was runner-up only on Friday with his owner in the saddle and is now ridden by the stable jockey.

Paul Nicholls is always very quiet at this time of year, but he saddles two runners at Hereford and they both have winning chances: Round Tom (Ian Popham) at 15.20 and Earth Planet (Daryl Jacob) at 17.20. At Hexham the Irish trainers Gordon Elliott and James Lambe could be the trainers to follow; they have fancied runners in almost every race.

At Gowran Park Tony Martin could be the trainer to land a double, with Pires (Paul Carberry) and Uncle Taffy( Ruby Walsh) in the two handicap hurdles at 17.05 and half an hour later. Best bet here is Magical Memoir (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) in the 4yo hurdle at 16.35

Rest of Royal Ascot (Saturday)

Things have not gone totally to plan so far this week for Ryan Moore but he can make up a lot of ground today and we expect him to win the first two races, the listed Chesham Stakes for 2yo´s 15.30 CET with Maybe and the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes over 1 1/2 miles at 16.05 with Await the Dawn, both trained by Aidan O´Brien. Await the Dawn is very lightly-raced but has won 4 of his 5 starts and has always been very highly rated by the trainer. He won in good style last time at Chester and we expect him to take this step up in class and distance in his stride. The 3 Godolphin runners are probably the main dangers; Campanologist (Ted Durcan) won two German Group Ones last year, but to be honest, they were not strong races; Calvados Blues (Murtagh) is by Lando and probably needs faster ground, while Passion for Gold (Mikael Barzalona) has won on very soft ground but missed all of 2010. Front-runner Poet (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) will love the ground, but this distance may be too fa r for him in this company.

The meeting traditionally ends with the U.K.´s longest flat race, the Queen Alexandra Stakes over almost 2 3/4 miles at 18.35. The logical favourite here is Overturn (Donald McCain/ Eddie Ahern), who has very smart form both on the flat (he won the Chester Cup last time) and over hurdles (7th in the Champion at Cheltenham). However he is a front-runner and this is an awfully long way to stay in the lead. We will oppose him with Irish-trained Elyaadi (Jon Queally/ Fran Berry), a 7yo mare who stays well and goes on the ground.

The handicaps are as usual wide open, especially the 6 furlongs Wokingham Stakes at 17.25; even with several non-runners there will be a field of almost 30. In the assumption that the middle to high numbers will still have an advantage we make Waffle (David Barron/ Fran Berry), drawn 15, and Prime Defender (Barry Hills/ Olivier Peslier), drawn 17, our two against the field, but basically anything is possible here.

LATER: Overturn non-runner in Queen Alexandra

Golden Jubilee on final day of Royal Ascot

The Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs at 16.45 CET is the main event at Royal Ascot today and is normally one of the world´s best sprint races, but the field this year does not look as strong as usual, and the news that Godolphin´ s Delegator, the ante-post favourite, will not run because of the soft ground has further weakened it. The change in the going poses plenty of problems for punters, as very few runners in any of today´s races have much experience of soft ground, conditions which have become a rarity in southern England these days. The effect of the draw on this ground is another factor to be considered, but we expect the bias in favour of horses drawn middle to high (stands side) to be continued.

The Irish filly Bewitched (Charles O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) acts on soft and she is now likely to start favourite; she is a much-improved filly and winner of 4 of her last 5 races, including this CD. However we are not sure that she is up to Group One class and her trainer has never won at this meeting - though his father Vincent had plenty of winners here.

The logical winner here must be Star Witness (Danny O´Brien/ Steven Arnold), runner-up in the King´s Stand here on Tuesday with some of these behind. He gets the extra furlong all right, we are not so sure about the going. Kingsgate Native (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) was 6th on Tuesday and will also be suited by today´s distance - he won this race in 2008 - and goes on the short list. Definighty (Roger Charlton/ Olivier Peslier) elso goes on the ground and is the pick of the stable´s 3 runners, although he is taking a leap in class here.
It would be nice if Alexander Pereira´s Amico Fritz /Henri-Alex Pantall/ Maxime Guyon), winner of the Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden last year, could win this, but he is another one who is probably suited by faster ground.
The one that ticks all the boxes is the 3yo filly Hooray (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders), who won the Cheveley Park on soft going last year and for whom this trip looks ideal. She is therefore our selction.

rest of Royal Ascot (Thursday)

in our opinion, today´s Royal Ascot card is the toughest of all for punters with every race presenting a pretty puzzle. However, as we suggested yesterday, the results so far indicate that the stands side and the middle of the track are favoured and the far side (low numbers) are at a disadvantage, so we shall hope that this remains the case, despite the going being possibly softer today following morning rain.
Our selections today must be therefore treated with caution, but we hope that the American 2yo Everyday Dave (Wesley Ward/ Jeffrey Sanchez), drawn 16, can win the opening Norfolk Stakes (5 furlongs, 15.30 CET), and make Baptist (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), Kuala Limper (David Elsworth/ Olivier Peslier) and Madawi (Clive Brittain/ Philip Robinson), drawn 29, our three against the field in a mammoth entry for the big betting race of the day, the Britannia Handicap over the straight mile for 3yo´s at 17.25.
The other 3 races are over further, so the draw will be less important. Saeed bin Suroor and Frankie Dettori, who took the big race yesterday, can win the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes for 3yo fillies at 16.05 with the German-bred Rumh, who is by Monsun. Another Monsun is Midsummer Sun (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) in the Tercentenery Stakes for 3yo´s at 18.00, but this race is a minefield with numerous unexposed and well-bred types and there is a strong Irish word out for the once-raced Marksmanship (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore). Finally there is a very competitive field for the King George V Stakes handicap for 3yo´s over 1 1/2 miles at 18.35, in which we have strong fancy for Brown Panther (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote), who has won his last two races very easily. The Shirocco colt has gone up a lot in the weights as a result but needs to go up even further to get into the field for the German Derby, which is apparently his main target.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bapak Chinta - Crown Dependency - Everyday Dave
2. Race: Banimpire - Rumh - Dorcas Lane
3. Race: Fame And Glory - Duncan - Holberg
4. Race: Sagramor - Ektibaas - Chain Lightning
5. Race: Tazahum - Alkimos - Marksmanship
6. Race: Census - Purification - Apache

Gold Cup on Royal Ascots Ladies´ Day

extreme stayers are out of fashion and the Gold Cup (Group One, 2 1/2 miles, 16.45 CET) is no longer the best race of the Royal Ascot meeting, but it is still the highlight of today´s Ladies´ Day card. The Irish have dominated this race in recent years, especially Aidan O´Brien, who sent out Yeats to win this event four times running. We expect another win for the stable today, as Fame and Glory (Jamie Spencer) is undoubtedly the best horse in the field and has 5 lbs and more in hand according to official ratings. Fame and Glory, who is out of a German mare, has already won at the highest level in the Irish Derby, Coronation Cup and Tattersalls Gold Cup, and none of today´s rivals would have any hope of finishing in the frame in such races. However the big problem is that he has never run beyond 1 3/4 miles, and is best form is at shorter. He has been especially prepared for this race and O´Brien certainly knows what is required, so we make him a confident choice despite the doubts about his stamina.
Duncan (John Gosden/ William Buick) is second best on ratings, but his stamina must also be taken on trust. He won the Yorkshire Cup over 1 13/4 miles last time from Blue Bajan (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) and Manighar (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), and the runner up has since won the Henry II Stakes over 2 miles with Holberg (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) third and Aaim to Prosper (Brian Meehan/ Ryan Moore) fourth.
Kasbah Bliss (Francois Doumen/ Thierry Thulliez) is one of two French runners, and looks more dangerous than Brigantin (André Fabre/ Pierre-Charles Boudot), despite Fabre´s fantastic form. Kasbah Bliss was only 6th last year, but has had a better preparation this time. Askar Tau (Marcus Tregoning/ George Baker), also out of a German mare, won here over 2 miles arlier this year and must hope that the rain stops. Tastahil (Barry and Richard Hills) was 8th last year and more recently runner-up under top weight in the Chester Cup, form which gives him a definite place chance, but in our view the best outsider is oldtimer Geordieland (Jamie Osborne/ Richard Hughes). He has not run for 21 months, but was placed three times running in this race - behind Yeats every time- and if anywhere near cherry-ripe could be placed again. Another one who has not run for a while is Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) who as a 4yo filly gets all the allowances and could also run well.
There are question marks over almost all the 15 runners here, but the only problem with Fame and Glory is his ability to get the trip and we hope and believe that he can manage it.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Bapak Chinta - Crown Dependency - Everyday Dave
2. Race: Banimpire - Rumh - Dorcas Lane
3. Race: Fame And Glory - Duncan - Holberg
4. Race: Sagramor - Ektibaas - Chain Lightning
5. Race: Tazahum - Alkimos - Marksmanship
6. Race: Census - Purification - Apache

St. James´ s Palace Stakes

This mile race for 3yo´s at 16.45 CET could even be the top race of the day, despite the strong fields for the first two races. However this event does not look nearly as competitive, as anything other than an easy win for the brilliant Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) would be a sensation. Frankel, whose trainer was knighted last week, is unbeaten in 6 races and is clearly the best 3yo in Europe His spectacular victory in the 2,000 Guineas was one of the best performnces seen this century. On that occasion he made all the running and soon set up an unassailable lead, and if he repeats that form he will be almost impossible to beat here. His trainer has said that he does not need to make the running and different tactics could well be employed here, especially with another front-runner in the field, Wootton Bassett (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan). That one was disappointing in the French 2,000 Guineas but is reported in top form now and soft going will certainly help his cause. However Frankel seems to act on any ground and would also have no problems with soft.

Another one that will like this easier going is Dream Ahead (David Simcock/ William Buick), who was rated the equal of Frankel last year; not sure why, as he was beaten out of sight when they met in the Dewhurst. He has been pulled out of all his possible races this year, waiting for softer ground, and could be a big danger. From the German point of view, Excelebartion (Marco Botti/ Adam Kirby) is the most interesting runner, as he was a very easy winner of the German 2,000 Guineas at Cologne just over 3 weeks ago and the runner-up then Gereon was third yesterday in the Union-Rennen.

However this is a far tougher race and the logical horse for the runner-up spot is Dubawi Gold (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), runner-up in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas - and very unlucky (or badly ridden!) on the latter occasion. This could well be a tactical race, with Queally trying to hold up Frankel -no easy task as he is very headstrong- and let Wootton Bassett or someone else do the donkey work, but basically Frankel has to win.

King´s Stand Stakes

The Ascot officials have gone to great trouble and expense to encourage more foreign runners to run at the royal meeting, and they have been rewarded with a truly international field for the King´ s Stand Stakes (Group One, 5 furlongs, 16.05 CET). 19 runners with 8 different countries represented, including the only German runner of the week, Rupert Plersch´s War Artist, who is now trained at Röttgen by Markus Klug and will be partnered as always by Olivier Peslier. He certainly has a chance based in his excellent Dubai form - when he was only beaten a head by JJ the Jet Plane, and he also finished runner-up here in 2008 to Kingsgate Native (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore); however the weekend´s rain has not helped. Kingsgate Native in our view looks the best -indeed the only - chance of a home win and we certainly expect him to reverse Haydock form with Irish hope Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Wayne Lordan), another one that would prefer firmer going.

Well beaten in the Temple Stakes was the "Budapest bullet", Overdose (Josef Roszival/ Andreas Suborics), but the easier going will suit him better and he may be able to come back to his best form here - but will need to.
However we expect one of the more exotic runners to win- either the Americans Bridgetown (Todd Pletcher/ John Velasquez) and Holiday for Kitten (Wesley Ward/ Joel Rosario), the Hong Kong runner Sweet Sanette (Tony Millard/ Jamie Spencer) and especially the Australian Star Witness (Danny O´Brien/ Steven Arnold). Australian sprinters are regarded as the best in the world and have won this race 4 times this century. Star Witness is not a patch on their star sprinter Black Caviar, but even the third-best Australian might be good enough to win here.

Queen Anne Stakes

The meeting traditionally opens with the Queen Anne Stakes, named after the monarch who built the track in 1711, and it is impossible to imagine a more dramatic curtain-raiser than today´s race at 15.30 CET. Canford Cliffs (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) against Goldikova (Freddie Head/Olivier Peslier)! The best British miler against the French champion and world record-holder (13 Group One races already won and the 14th possibly due today). The French mare is unbeaten in two starts in Britain, including this race last year when she held off Pako Boy, Canford Cliffs´stable companion; in fact poor Paco Boy raced against Goldikova 4 times last season and was beaten every time, so connections know what a stiff task they face. However they reckon that Canford Cliffs is better than Paco Boy, and to his advantage is the fact that he is unbeaten at Royal Ascot, having win the Coventry at 2 and the St. James´s Palace last year. He has won his last four races, including the Group O ne Lockinge last time, but that was a weak renewal and he has not yet faced Goldikova, who never knows when she is beaten and will be accompanied by pacemaker Flash Dance (Mikael Barzalona).

It is impossible to make a case for any of the others - unless the ground comes up really soft, which would suit neither of them. However the ground conditions, as far as one can tell, should be ideal for Goldikova, while Canford Cliffs would probably like it even faster. The same goes for Cape Blanco (Aidan O´Brien/ Jamie Spencer), winner of the 2010 Irish Derby, but running over this trip for the first time since his 2yo days. Cityscape (Roger Charlton/ Ryan Moore) and Rio de la Plata (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) are the ones who would benefit if the ground turned really soft.

We expect to see Goldikova lead into the final furlong with Canford Cliffs in pursuit. What happens then is the big question -it could be a tame finish, with one of them winning easily, or it could be the race of the century- we hope the latter and we hope to see the French mare come out victorious.

Opening day of Royal Ascot

the Royal Ascot meeting starts today, five days of pageantry and top-class racing, wgich is regarded by many racegoers as the best fixture of the entire season. Only Longchamp´s Arc weekend comes close in Europe, and worldwide perhaps the Breeders Cup. The two factors which are important for punters, at a meeting which is traditionally very tough, ar the state of the ground and the effect of the draw.

We can only guess at the latter until some races on the straight course have been run, but the general view seems to be that the middle is the best place to be. Please note that number one on the straight course is now on the inside, i.e. the far side; the stands side (favoured last year) is where the high numbers will be racing.

As for the going, after weeks of dry and hot weather there was a lot of rain on Saturday and Sunday, so that the ground is officially good, good to soft in places. Today is expected to be dry and sunny and a bit windy, so that the track could dry out a bit by the time of the first race; however there should be enough ease in the going to suit soft ground performers, and possibly too much for those who want it firm.

Sandown and York

The period between Epsom´s Derby meeting and Royal Ascot is always dull, but there is some fair racing today, especially at Sandown and York although both tracks have better cards tomorrow. With Saeed bin Suroor now coming into form -he won yesterday´s main feature at Newbury with the German-bred Rumh-, his runners at Sandown should be noted - Special Boy in the 2yo maiden at 16.25 CET and Sahafh in the handicap for 3yo fillies at 17.00, both partnered by Frankie Dettori. Best bet here however should be Verbeeck (d McMahon/ Jamie Spencer) in the opening 2yo maiden at 15.20. He has run two good races in decent company and is due for a win; however there are some well-bred newcomers here, notably El DIamante (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes), who cost 200,000 euros as a yearling, much more than his stable companions usually cost.

At York there are some hot handicaps, for example the 2 miler at 16.15 with 17 runners. The interesting one here is La Estrella (Don Cantillon/ Steve Donohoe) - despite the name, a gelding - who has won his last 6 races and altogether 11 of his last 13 races. However these have all been on the all-weather, usually at Southwell, and all low-grade events, mainly claimers. In fact he has not run in a flat race on turf for 3 1/2 years. It could be that he is thrown in off his current rating of 86, but we would not bet on it. Bollin Judith (Tim Easterby/ David Allan) is the likely favourite here, having won well at Newcastle last time, but has gone up 7 lbs for that success. We feel that Descaro (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope), who stays well, is generally consistent and whose trainer and jockey are in red-hot form, looks a reliable each-way alternative.

Quite a few of the top jockeys travel on from Sandown to Goodwood´s evening meeting, where Richard Hughes could take the 3yo maiden at 19.45 on Richard Hannon´s Puttingonthestyle, while Frankie can win the 3yo handicap at 20.55 on Jeremy Noseda´s top-weight Club Oceanic.

There is also 3 jumps meetings today, at Market Rasen in the afternoon and Aintree and Wexford (Ireland) in the evening. Most interesting runner here, and in fact our best bet of the day, is Smokey Oakey (Mark Tompkins/ Colin Bolger) in the maiden hurdle at 18.25 at Aintree. This smart flat performer, owned by Oscar-winning actor Judy Dench and winner of the Lincoln Handicap in 2008, ran a great race last November in a hot event at Ascot and a repetition of that form should see him score here (as long as the going is not too firm).

Listed race at Newbury

Newbury stages an above-average card for a Thursday today with the listed race for 3yo fillies over 10 furlongs at 16.05 CET the main feature. This looks quite competitive with Godophin running two well-bred candidates Rumh /Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Gracefield (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi). The latter won a maiden at Nottingham, but this looks much tougher and Rumh, who has an excellent German pedigree (by Monsun out of the smart Royal Dubai by Dashing Blade) is rsily prefered. Her third place last time over this CD to Izzi Top and Dancing Rain has been well advertised since by the running of those fillies in The Oaks last week. Imperial Pippin (John Gosden/ William Buick) also ran third last time to an Oaks contender - Beatrice Aurora- but that one was well beaten at Epsom. Albaraka (Sir Mark Prescott/ Seb Sanders) last ran in a minor all-weather event at Wolverhampton in February, but as a daughter of the great Alborada (twice winner of the Champion Stake s) cannot be totally discarded. However it´s Rumh for us, with Imperial Pippin next best.

There could also be some decent performers in the two divisions of the 7 furlongs main race here for 3yo fillies. The first division at 14.30 should go to Floral Beauty (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore), who made a very promising debut at Ascot, but the second division at 16.40 looks much trickier. Stoute and Moore try again here with Hairstyle, beaten in a photo last time, while Godolphin´s newcomer Inner Secret (al Zarooni/ Dettori) must be given a chance. Rainbow Strings (Gosden/ Buick) has been placed all 4 career starts and must be winning soon, but if Rumh runs well, that would be a clear pointer to Stella Point (Mick Channon/ Richard Hughes), only just behind her here last time.

There is also some good racing this evening at Leopardstown, with the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes over 6 furlongs at 19.55 the top event. British stables have always done well here, but neither Capercaillie (Clive Cox/ Luke Morris) nor Beyond Desire (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan) look quite good enough. Invincible Ash (Mike Halford/ Gary Carroll) has the highest rating and runs here in preference to a Group One at Royal Ascot next week. She is very consistent and looks bound to go close, but we slightly prefer Aidan O´Brien´s 3yo filly Sing Softly (Colm O´Donoghue). The listed race for 3yo´ s over 1 mile 3 furlongs at 21.55 is another good race. John Oxx has entered two, with Johnny Murtagh riding the Aga Khan´s filly Hazlyna; however she will have to improve to defeat Dermot Weld´s Notable Graduate (Pat Smullen), who has never yet been out of the first two.

4 low level meetings

Very humdrum racing at today´s 4 meetings, two this afternoon on the flat and 2 this evening over jumps. The most interesting event is the handicap over the straight mile at 16.35 CET at Redcar, with 12 runners. Boom and Bust (Marcus Tregoning/ Hayley Turner) has won both his starts this season and is our selection here, even though the handicapper has put him up 16 lbs. He is still quite lightly raced and looks as though he can improve further. David Nicholls runs 3 here, with son Adrian partnering Cara´s Request; he could be the best of them, but his 2011 form so far is poor. More dangerous could be the two oldtimers Just Bond (Geoff Oldroyd/ Paul Mulrennan) and Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allan), who are both capable of running well off this rating and are both CD winners. Best bet at Redcar should be Set Me Free (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), who runs in the mile maiden at 17.45, but he is likely to start at a very short price.

At Saisbury, the fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.30 could go to Miss Chicane (Walter Swinburn/ Luke Morris), a winner at Sandown last time, but well-bred Istishaara (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills), who beat her when they met last September, could be a big danger.

This evening, Jonjo O´Neill and Tony McCoy could land a double at Southwell with Sentimental Journey at 20.20 (holds Sara´s Smile on latest form) and lightly-raced Abnaki at 21.30. In the latter vnt German-bred Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Campbell Gillies) could be an interesting each-way alternative off bottom weight. He has a poor strike rate, but goes well on fast ground and stays this distance really well.

There are some small fields at Ffos Las with only4 going to post for the most valuable event, a 3 mile 1 1/2 furlongs handicap chase at 21.45. Course specialist Cold Harbour (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) is up on trip, but can win this at the main expense of Rickardstown (Barry Murphy/ Paddy Brennan), penalised 7 lbs for winning at Hexham on Saturday. There are some Irish-trained runners here, the best of which could be Asia to Cuba (Shark Hanlon/ Moloney) in the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 20.35.

4 low level meetings

very humdrum racing at today´s 4 meetings, two this afternoon on the flat and 2 this evening over jumps.
The most interesting event is the handicap over the straight mile at 16.35 CET at Redcar, with 12 runners. Boom and Bust (Marcus Tregoning/ Hayley Turner) has won both his starts this season and is our selection here, even though the handicapper has put him up 16 lbs. He is still quite lightly raced and looks as though he can improve further. David Nicholls runs 3 here, with son Adrian partnering Cara´s Request; he could be the best of them, but his 2011 form so far is poor. More dangerous could be the two oldtimers Just Bond (Geoff Oldroyd/ Paul Mulrennan) and Collateral Damage (Tim Easterby/ David Allan), who are both capable of running well off this rating and are both CD winners. Best bet at Redcar should be Set Me Free (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon), who runs in the mile maiden at 17.45, but he is likely to start at a very short price.
At Saisbury, the fillies handicap over 10 furlongs at 17.30 could go to Miss Chicane (Walter Swinburn/ Luke Morris), a winnr at Sandown last time, but well-bred Istishaara (John Dunlop/ Richard Hills), who beat her when they met last September, could be a big danger.
This evening, Jonjo O´Neill and Tony McCoy could land a double at Southwell with Sentimental Journey at 20.20 (holds Sara´s Smile on latest form) and lightly-raced Abnaki at 21.30. In the latter vnt German-
bred Moon Melody (Mike Sowersby/ Campbell Gillies) could be an interesting each-way alternative off bottom weight. He has a poor strike rate, but goes well on fast ground and stays this distance really well.

Betting forecast Redcar:
1. Race: Whisky Bravo - Ingleby Angel - Lexi`S Prince
2. Race: Let`S Face Facts - Alensgrove - Atyaab
3. Race: Maggie Mey - Ryedale Dancer - Sovereign Street
4. Race: Boom And Bust - Collateral Damage - Just Bond
5. Race: Pint Size - Latte - Mad For Fun
6. Race: Set Me Free - Born To Shine - Bella Montagna
7. Race: Goodmanyourself - Final Liberation - Alemaratiya

English and French Derby this weekend

With today´s cards (Thursday) looking very uninteresting, we shall have a quick look at the major races coming up this weekend, in particular the Derby meeting at Epsom on Friday and Saturday and the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on Sunday. The two big races on Friday at Epsom are the Coronation Cup at 15.45 CET and the Oaks at 17.05. Both races are run over 1 1/2 miles, the former event - which has cut up badly with only 5 runners- for older horses and the Oaks of course for 3yo fillies. Godolphin´s Blue Bunting (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) is clear favourite for the Oaks following her convincing win the 1,000 Guineas, where she finished very strongly and this trip should be more suitable. Aidan O´Brien saddles 3 runners here - Misty for Me (Seamus Heffernan), Why (Mikel Barzalona) and Wonder of Wonders (Kieren Fallon); although Misty for Me won the Irish 1,000, clear preference here is for Cheshire Oaks winner Wonder of Wonders, who is certainly the best-bred fi lly in the field. Others with chances are Beatrice Aurore (John Dunlop/ Ted Durcan) - owned by ABBA singer Benny Andersson- and the only unbeaten filly Zain al Boldan (Mick Channon/ Sam Hitchcott). If it rains (unlikely) then Havant (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) would also make the short list.

Stoute and Moore are also the team of the Queen´s Carlton House in Saturday´s Derby at 17.00. Until 2 days ago, Carlton House was hot favourite to give his owner her first Derby winner, but the news of a setback earlier in the week has thrown the betting market into total confusion. It is not even certain that he will run- a final decision is expected tomorrow (Friday). The two most heavily backed now are Pour Moi (Andre Fabre/ Barzalona) and Recital (O´ Brien/ Fallon), alrthough the trainer saddles 3 more runners here, of whom Seville (Christophe Soumillon) also has a big chance. The other French challenger Vadamar (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Lemaire), owned by the Aga Khan, is fancied to reverse earlier placings with Pour Moi, so there are plenty of possibilities here, but we hope that Carlton House runs and wins.

Sunday´s Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly is the French equivalent of the Derby, even though it is now run over the much shorter distance of 2100 metres. Several of those with hopes of winning at Epsom have another chance here, for example Godolphin with Casamento and Grand Vent (from their French stable), the Aga Khan with Baraan and Aidan O´Brien with Roderic O´Connor; the latter stayed on well when winning the Irish 2,000 under the trainer´s son Joseph and will now be partnered by Ryan Moore. The undercard here is extremely strong with 4 more group races. Note should be made of the Aga Khan´s Bekhabad, beaten favourite in the 2010 Arc, who makes his seasonal debut in the Grand Prix de Chantilly.

6 meetings today

Once again, very poor racing at today´s 6 meetings, 2 of which are over jumps. Most interesting event in this discipline is the veterans handicap chase over 3 3/4 miles at 16.55 CET at the pretty Lake District track Cartmel. This could go to Irish raider Volcanic Rock (JA Staunton/ Derek O´Connor), who has a good record here. Petite Margot (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) just squeaked home last time at Perth; she has a 5 lbs penalty for that narrow win, but still looks the main danger.

At Nottingham, Al Zir (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) has only two opponents in the mile conditions race at 17.15 and looks a nar certinty. The handicap over the same distance for 3yo fillies at 17.50 looks much more tricky, but Submission (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Manaaber (Barry and Richard Hills) look the likeliest candidates.

The 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 20.40 at Ripon this evening should go to Elusive Prince (David Barron/ Lee Newman), an easy CD winner last time, with top-weight Bassett Road (Tom Dascombe/ Ross Atkinson) the main danger.

At Kempton there are two tough handicaps, for 3yo´s over a mile at 21.50 and for older horses over 10 furlongs at 20.20. Point North (Jeremy Noseda(/ William Buick) is going for a hat-trick in the latter event; his main target is the Royal Hunt Cup, but he needs to win here to be sure of a place in the field at Royal Ascot. Richard Hannon saddles two runners in the former event, Humdrum (Richard Hughes) and Sinfonico (Ryan Moore), both with chances, but we think that Orientalist (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Tom Queally) could run well here at big price; he has been dropped in the weights and ran well for a long time in a hot race at Haydock last time.

There are huge fields at the Irish meeting at Tipperary. "The bigger the field, the bigger the certainty" is an old racing truism, and Zabarajad (Jphn Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) looks the best bet here in the 7 1/2 furlongs maiden at 19.30. He was 6th last time in the Irish 2000 Guineas and meets much lesser opposition here.