3 poor meetings today

After an excellent weekend´s sport, in which we were privileged to see the two best hurdlers in the world in action, today´s cards are very much an anti-climax. Ayr goes ahead after an early morning inspection, but the ground will be testing and some of the fields very small. Irish raiders always do well here and we expect Yes Tom (RTJ Wilson/ Paddy Brennan), who has only one opponent at 14.50 CET, and Radharc Na Mara (Jim Dreaper/ Andrew Lynch), top weight in the handicap chase at 15.20, to score. We also like CD specialist Sammy Spiderman (Alistair and Ernie Whillans) at 15.55 here and the same team may double up half an hour later with Lady Bluesky. Best bet here is Diocles (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice hurdle at 13.50, but he won´t pay much.

Montbazon (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) will be at an even shorter price in the maiden hurdle at 14.10 at Plumpton; this one really does look a certainty. King also has 2 runners in the novice hurdle here an hour later, but Aikideau /Richard Rowe/ Leighton Aspell) looks the likeliest winner here. The German-bred Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Charlie Poste) has been a constant disappointment so far, but we have not given up hope yet; he could run well at a big price in the handicap hurdle at 16.50.

All 8 races at Wolverhampton are class 5 or 6. Chabada (Ian Williams/ Martin Lane) was an easy winner here last week and can follow up under a penalty in the fillies handicap at 18.40.

Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown

an excellent card at Leopardstown today is headed by the Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle at 15.30 CET. Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) is the hot favourite here. He won the race last year and followed up on the "real thing" at Cheltenham. However he has not run since winning at Punchestown in May. Mullins is always very cautious with his stars and the long break should be no problem, and "the Fly" has won off a similar break before. In fact he has won 10 of his last 11 starts, including 9 Grade Ones and his last defeat was back in 2008. He has already defeated stable companion Thousand Stars (Paul Townend) 5 times and we expect him to do so again. Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) is another smart performer but also looks well held. The obvious danger is the mare Unaccompanied (Dermot Weld /Davy Russell), who showed excellent speed to win here from Thousand Stars and Oscars Well at the Christmas. Hurricane Fly and his trainer are great champions, but w e are huge admirers of Dermot Weld, and if there is a chink in the Fly´s armour, Unaccompanied will find it.

Mullins and Walsh also have a clear chance of winning the other Grade One on the card, the Arkle Novice Chase at 14.25, with Blackstairmountain, a smart hurdler who can go right to the top over fences. However he has little in hand of the equally promising Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch). Mullins should certainly win the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.05, where he saddles two favourites, Boston Bob (Walsh) and Make your Mark (Davy Russell). Russell rides the latter as he is retained by the owner, and in receipt of 10 lbs, we expect him to win. The opening maiden hurdle at 13.55 is another strong race; Tony McCoy has not yet ridden a winner since his comeback from injury, but his turn could come here on Tony Martin´s Thomas Edison, an impressive bumper winner here at Christmas.

The card at Ffos Las pales into insignificance by comparison, but one horse does stand out: Seventh Sky (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) who makes his hurdling debut at 14.15. This half-brother to German Derby winners Samum and Schiaparelli failed to live up to the high expectations in Germany, but did at least win a listed race and if he jumps properly could well score at the first time of asking for his new connections.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tennis Cap - Burn And Turn - Double Double
2. Race: Blackstairmountain - Flemenstar - Notus de la Tour
3. Race: Luke`S Benefit - Senior Again - Jigalo
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Unaccompanied - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Make Your Mark - Boston Bob - Sea Of Thunder
6. Race: Vast Consumption - Alfa Beat - King Of The Refs
7. Race: Ted Veale - Rear View - Six Stone Ned

rest of U.K. and Irish racing

there is plenty more action today and the Doncaster card, featuring the Great Yorkshire Chase, a listed handicap over 3 miles at 15.50 CET , is also strong. With 15 runners, the feature looks wide open and our 3 against the field are Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), Galaxy Rock (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) and Calgary Bay (Henrietta Knight/ David Elsworth). It is certainly significant that McCoy and Geraghty are riding here and not at Cheltenham. Henderson and Geraghty can also take the opening mares hurdle at 14.15 with Lifestyle, while Philip Hobbs and Tom O´Brien can land a double with Menorah at 14.50 and German-bred Big Easy half an hour later. We would also like to see our old friend Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes) get back on the winning trail at 16.55, but this handicap chase looks very tricky indeed.
Our best bet at Uttoxeter is Araucaria (Donald McCain/ Keith Renwick) in the novice chase at 15.10. There is also a pretty good jumps card in Irland at Leopardstown, with some huge fields, including 30 in the valuable handicap hurdle at 15.45 and 22 in the handicap chase at 16.20. Only incurable optimists would bet much on these races, although we think that Stephanie Kate (Charlie Swan/ DG Hogan) looks a solid each-way bet in the latter event. There should be a German-bred winner of the beginners chase here at 16.50, Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Davy Condon), Der Spieler (JG Coogan/ Niall Madden) and High Desert (Arthur Moore/ Andrew McNamara) all carry the (GER) suffix.The first-named is our selection.
One-time German classic winner Aviso (David Evans/ Martin Lane) is finally back to form at the age of 8 and has won his last 3 races, including one over hurdles. The 10 furlongs handicap at Lingfield at 13.50, today´s only flat meeting, is a stronger race but he can still complete a fourtimer.

Betting forecast Doncaster:
1. Race: Lifestyle - Alasi - Silver Gypsy
2. Race: Menorah - Kid Cassidy - Kumbeshwar
3. Race: Corkage - Bocciani - Big Easy
4. Race: Shakalakaboomboom - Qianshan Leader - Wayward Prince
5. Race: Gullinbursti - Lovcen - Rocky Creek
6. Race: Anquetta - Dan Breen - Stagecoach Pearl
7. Race: Forever Present - La Calinda - Diligent

super card at Cheltenham trials day

today´s card at Cheltenham is intended to feature some trials for the top events at the N.H. Festival here in just over 6 weeks time and in this it has succeeded as many of today´s runners will certainly be in the shake-up for the big meeting. First and foremost, the outstanding Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), the highest-rated hurdler in training, who is going for his 15th successive win in the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle at 3 miles at 16.40 CET. He is hot favourite for the World Hurdle, which he has won for the past 3 years, and of course looks almost unbeatable this afternoon. Mourad (Willie and Danny Mullins), third to him in the 2011 World Hurdle look next best, but we also expect Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), ridden too aggressively against him last time at Ascot, to finish much closer now. Anything other than a clear victory for Big Bucks, who is bound to start at long odds-on, would be the shock of the season.
The Grade Two Argento Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.35 is intended as a Gold Cup trial, but the two favourites for that race. Kauto Star and Long Run, are missing. In their absense Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), a well-beaten third to that pair in the King George, can take top spot now. He won the Arkle over 2 miles at the 2011 Festival, but is unproven at today´s distance. There are also doubts about most of the others. Midnight Chase (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello and Tidal Bay (Nicholls/ Walsh) finished fifth and sixth in last year´s Gold Cup; of these we prefer the latter, now with the champion trainer. Diamond Harry (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily) has only run once since winning the 2010 Hennessy. Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) usually runs well here and should definitely be placed, but we hope that Captain Chris stays the trip and wins.
Th othr rc with strong baring on th Fstovl i th 4o hurdl trht opn th crd t13.55. Only 6 runners, but all with good form and they include Grumeti (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), Baby Mix (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) and Hollow Tree (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), all prominent in the Triumph betting. The unbeaten Pearl Swan (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Tango de Juilley (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) are also possible here. Baby Mix started at 14-1 on his British debut but was impressive when beating Hinterland over this CD at the December meeting. A good performance now would certainly point to Hinterland´s chances in the handicap hurdle at 17.15, who could round off a good day for the Nicholls/ Walsh team.They also have a chance with Aerial in the handicap chase at 15.05, but Nicholls has 3 runners here and we fancy his course specialist and top-weight Poquelin (Harry Derham).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Grumeti - Baby Mix - Hollow Tree
2. Race: Royale`S Charter - Mr Chow - Made In Time
3. Race: Aerial - The Giant Bolster - Woolcombe Folly
4. Race: Captain Chris - Time For Rupert - Diamond Harry
5. Race: Broadbackbob - Knight Pass - Batonnier
6. Race: Big Buck`S - Mourad - Dynaste
7. Race: Hinterland - Dare Me - Sivola De Sivola

German runner at Fontwell

the sport at all 5 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland today is very low-key, but from the German point of view the bumper over 1 /4 miles at 17.30 CET is by far the most interesting event - Andreas Wöhler saddles here his so far unraced Il Presidente (Alain Cawley). "The horse has had all sorts of minor problems," the trainer said yesterday, "but is in good form now and is well-bred. He is jointly owned by myself and my wife Susie, whose birthday it is today, so we are hoping for a good performance." On form it is hard to say what chance, if any. he might have, as 6 of the other 10 runners are also unraced. Of those that have run, only Rugged Jack (Vic Dartnall/ Edward Glassonbury), penalised for winning a similar event at Uttoxeter, and Unex Degas (David Ppe/ Tom Scudamore), third at Exeter, need to be feared.
Tony McCoy continues his comeback today with two rides at Huntingdon, both for owner JP McManus: Saves Time in the novice handicap hurdle at 14.40 and Favoured Nation, who makes his hurdling debut at 17.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Brough Academy - Quousko De L`Isop - Go Set Go
2. Race: Oncle Kid - Rateable Value - Monsieur Georges
3. Race: Clever Dick - Terra Bleu - Solaise Express
4. Race: Sir Du Bearn - Gunna Sound - Cuckoo Pen
5. Race: Nagpur - Mirific - Amirico
6. Race: Goring Two - Tecktal - Body Gold
7. Race: Rugged Jack - Unex Degas - Il Presidente

Al Rashidiya at Meydan

The Group Two Al Rashidiya, to be run this afternoon at 18.15 CET at Meydan, is the best race so far of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The ten furlongs event on turf is seen as a major prep race for the Dubai Duty Free, and Presvis (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore), who won both races in 2011, is now going for the double. He has not since April, but always goes well fresh, so that should be no trouble.

He needs a fast-run race in which he can come from the rear, but is not certain to get that today. The most serious opponent is undoubtedly course specialist Musir (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), who has an easy win at Meydan already to his credit; that was on tapeta, but he goes equally well on turf. Ex-German Win for Sure (Xavier Nakkachdi/ Gregory Benoist) and ex-French (Al Raihe/ Royston Ffrench) are both genuine Group Two performers but are probably not good enough to trouble the two principals. The rest of the card consists of handicaps and we expect Godolphin´s winning run at the meeting to continue. African Story (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) at 16.20, Time Prisoner (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Dettori) at 17.00 and Capponi (ditto) at 17.40 all have winning chances.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Tertio Bloom - Sir Reginald - Internationaldebut
2. Race: Barbecue Eddie - Escape Route - Il Grande Maurizio
3. Race: Hunting Tower - Otaared - Time Prisoner
4. Race: Capponi - Sarrsar - Ibn Al Nafis
5. Race: Musir - Presvis - Rajsaman
6. Race: Quick Wit - Bank Of Burden - Manjakani

Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park

The Irish meeting at Gowran Park offers much better sport than the U.K. meetings today, and the 3 mile Thyestes Handicap Chase at 16.05 is always one of the hottest handicaps of the season. There is a very strong field of 18, 4 of which are trained by Willie Mullins. Presumably Ruby Walsh partners the stable´s main hope Shakervilz, who had a prep over hurdles last time but has repeatedly run well at this level.

Glam Gerry (Colm Murphy/ B Hayes) landed gamble in great style at Leopardstown at Christmas, but is racing over this trip for the first time, now faces much stronger opposition, and has been bumped up 20 lbs by the handicapper. Our very tentative selection is Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) and the more rain that falls the better. The other big race is the Galmoy Hurdle (Grade Two, 3 miles) at 14.35, which features two of Ireland´s best hurdlers Zaidpour (Mullins/ Walsh) and Voler la Vedette (Murphy/ Andrew Lynch). Both have been in great form this season and we have slight preference for Murphy´s mare, who runs here rather than in Sunday´s Irish Champion Hurdle, in which Mullins is expected to saddle Cheltenham favourite Hurricane Fly.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gorgeous Sixty - Arnaud - One Cool Shabra
2. Race: Voler La Vedette - Zaidpour - Chicago Grey
3. Race: Szabo`S Destiny - Golanbrook - Warrior One
4. Race: Primroseandblue - Inish Island - Alf Wright
5. Race: Glam Gerry - Adams Island - Shakervilz
6. Race: Jack Absolute - Quarryvale - Cloughmile
7. Race: Morning Royalty - Casablanca Lily - Blue Bicycle

McCoy returns today!

Tony McCoy returns to action today after missing the last 3 weeks with broken ribs. He partners the expensive (125,000 euros) purchase Key to the West for Nicky Henderson in the bumper at Warwick at 17.25 CET. Obviously under these circumstances, the horse will almost certainly astart as hot favourite, and another expensive debutant Whisky Yankee (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) looks an alternative. The race for 4yo maidens over hurdles at 14.25 is another interesting event at Warwick. The proven performers Fire Fighter (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Nova Sam (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) are up against newcomers such as Shalloon (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) or Tadabeer (Ian Williams/ Dougie Costello), part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. We do not recommend betting much in these races; from the betting point of view German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Matt Crawley in the handicap hurdle at 15.25 and Reginaldhino (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the handicap chase a t 16.25, both each way, are our selections.

Warwick - betting forecast:
1. Race: Fire Fighter - Shalloon - Nova Sam
2. Race: Quelqu`Un Comme Toi - One More Dinar - Amroth Bay
3. Race: Bellflower Boy - Godsmejudge - What An Oscar
4. Race: Pacha Du Polder - Carribs Leap - Downward Spiral
5. Race: Ockey De Neulliac - Arctic Ben - Romulus D`Artaix
6. Race: Sizing America - The Shoe - Kornati Kid
7. Race: Key To The West - Whisky Yankee - Ballyalton


At Newcastle, we like Allanard (Mike Todhunter/ Graham Lee) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.45. He won with great authority last time, and although this is a much tougher race, he is getting weight all round. Eyre Square (Keith and James Reveley) looks the danger, but this trip could be on the short side. We do not normally like betting on maidens in handicaps, but ex-Irish Realignment (Donald McCain/ Jon KIngton) may be an exception in the handicap hurdle at 16.15. He has run well on both starts for his new connections and does not have much to beat here.

Newcastle - betting forecast:
1. Race: South Leinster - Brindisi Breeze - Nodform Richard
2. Race: Degas Art - Vosges - Chester Lad
3. Race: Dramatic Jewel - King`S Chorister - Dice
4. Race: Eyre Square - Allanard - Rolecarr
5. Race: Realignment - Funky Munky - Mahfal
6. Race: Shadow Boxer - Celian - Toy Gun
7. Race: Lucia Bay - Charlie`S Vic - Goodlukin Lucy


The only all-weather racing today takes place this evening at Kempton. The best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 20.05, which looks wide open. Our token selection is CD specialist Earlsmedic (Steve Wiliams/ Ryan Clark).

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Storm Runner - Karate - Qeethaara
2. Race: Royal Acclamation - Fearless Poet - Jackie Love
3. Race: Kalokagathia - Red Trump - Remix
4. Race: Steady Gaze - Unex Picasso - First Rock
5. Race: Rasheed - Switched Off - Rocky Rebel
6. Race: Bandstand - Whaileyy - Rylee Mooch
7. Race: Rightcar - Cut The Cackle - Prince Namid
8. Race: Nacho Libre - Welcome Approach - Metropolitan Chief

5 meetings today

Plenty of action today, but nothing of high quality. At Hereford, Tour d´ Argent (Nicky Henderson/ David Bass) and Destroyer Deployed (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson) will be odds-on to win the 2 hurdle races that open the card at 14.30 and15.00 respectively. They will probably win, the well-bred Albertus Pictor (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Gospel Preacher (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) are possibly each-way alternatives. German-bred Alpha Way (Tom Symons/ Felix de GIles) has shown tremendous improvement this winter and has won 3 of his last 4 starts, twice here, and athough he is up in grade can take the handicap chase at 15.30. Another German-bred who could run well here is Home Run (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who makes his handicap debut at 16.30 after finishing 9th on all 3 U.K. starts so far; bred by Gestüt Ammerland, he is a close relation to Hurricane Run and his mark appears very lenient.

Leopold (Derek Thompson/Adam Nicol) was bred in Slovakia but also has a German pedigree, and we expect him to run well at 15.10 at Musselburgh. Irish trainer Gordon Elliott always does well with his runners here, and his best chance today is Mae´s Choice (Jason Maguire) in the mares novice hurdle at 14.40. Red Tanber (Brian McTaggart/ Lucy Alexander) is another improver and has won his last 3 races, all here and all with this rider; he can continue his winning run at 16.40.

There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Limerick, with some huge fields. Ruby Walsh has two rides here and it is quite possible that he will win on them both - Castlerock Rose (D.Rohan) at 14.05 and Catleen (Willie Mullins) an hour later.

Lingfield stages all-weather racing this afternoon and Kempton this evening, with quite a few jockeys riding at both meetings. Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan can land a double at the former fixture with Aquarian Spirit at 15.50 and Podgie´s Boy an hour later, both last-time-out winners. Two German-breds who should be in the money at Kempton are Querido (Paddy Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler) - the Acatenango gelding has top weight in the mile handicap at 18.40 - and Sovento (Steve and Martin Harley) over a mile and a half at 20.10; he is not always the most reliable but his record over this CD reads 212.

3 meetings today

Leicester stages the only N.H, racing today, and with more rain forecast, the going could turn very heavy. This may not be to the liking of Crystal Rock (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) wh0 makes his fencing debut in the novice chase at 16.10 CET, but going by his decent hurdles form, he should still win this. Henderson´s only other runner here, Zama Zama in the opening novice hurdle at 14.35, should also win, although the concession of 7 lbs to Tarn Hows (Jennie Candlish/ Alan O´Keeffe) will not be easy. Two recent easy winners clash in the handicap chase at 15.05, Drom (Robin Dickin/ Ryan Mahon) and Esteem (David Evans/ Peter Hatton) and we prefer the former, even though he has a huge weight and has to concede 21 lbs to his rival. Tempest River (Barry Cash/ Daryl Jacob looks the logical choice to win the mares novice hurdle 15.40; her main rival could be Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), but she finished well in front of that one when winning a listed bumper at t he Grand National meeting. Wadham and Aspell possibly have a better chance in the concluding handicap hurdle at 17.10 with German-bred Wiesentraum, who looks a good each-way bet in a very modest event.

At this time of year it usually pays to follow horses turned out quickly under a penalty for an easy win, and the Kempton all-weather card includes two runners who scored only two days ago, Kai Mook (Roger Ingram/ Martin Coumbe) in the fillies handicap at 18.00 and Torres del Paine (Jimmy Fox/ KT O´Neill) the 6 furlongs handicap half an hour later. both of whom won here in Sunday and can go in again. Best thing here is Mark Johnston´s Prussian (Joe Fanning), an eye-catching runner-up when running very green on her debut 10 day ago; she should certainly take the mile maiden at 17.00 but will probably be at a very short price.

Mark Johnston can also score at Southwell with Moataz (Franny Norton), who can follow up his Lingfield win on Saturday by taking the 3yo handicap at 16.50. Two CD specialists to watch here are Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Lee McNiff) in the seller at 14.50, who always runs well here and is equally effective st 6 and 7 furlongs, and Even Stevens (Scott Dixon(Ryan Clark), 6 of whose 7 career wins have come at this track, mostly over today´s distance of 5 furlongs.

German-breds to score at Fairyhouse today?

Today´s main event is the Grade Two Normans Grove Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 14.50 CET at Fairyhouse, and German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Davy Russell) is clear top-rated. The super-consistent 8yo is one of the best Irish performers over this distance, and was runner-up to top-class Big Zeb on his last two starts; those pieces of form would see him the winner today.

Blazing Tempo (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) seems much improved and looks the main danger. The next race, a beginners chase over the same trip at 15.25, should also go to a German-bred, the Monsun gelding Shot from the Hip (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh); he was a smart hurdler, and although he did not jump that brilliantly on his fencing debut, should still be too good for these opponents. The rest of the Fairyhouse card looks like being another Willie Mullins benefit, and we expect him to win the opening maiden hurdle with either Vesper Bell (Ruby Walsh) or Lord Gale (Paul Townend), the listed mares novice hurdle at 1420 with Ceol Rua (Walsh) and the concluding bumper with Champagne Fever, with the trainer´s son Paddy in the saddle.

The racing at the 3 British tracks looks much less exciting despite some large fields. Nicky Henderson sends runners to Market Rasen and can take the opening novice hurdle at 14.30 with ex-French Trozulon (David Bass). Thanks for Coming (Jerry McGrath) at 15.30 and Great Reason (RJ Killoran) at 16 .05 also have chances, but both races look very tricky. Our best bet here is O Crotaigh (AD Brown/ Richie McGrath) in the handicap chase at 16.35. Since arriving from Ireland he has shown great improvement, and has won twice very easily at this track, making all on each occasion; he is up quite a lot in the weights but we think he can defy the extra weight and score again.
Henderson also has runners in both divisions of the novice hurdle that open the card at Towcester- Native Beauty at 14.10 and Floreat half an hour later, both ridden by Andrew Tinkler. Both could go well, but we have a slight preference for Bygones Sovereign (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) and Record Breaker (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) respectively. Ex- German Engai (David Bridgwater/ Tom Phelan) runs in the second division, but his U.K. debut was very disappointing and we would rather wait to see how he acclimatises before betting on him.

Pipe and Scudamore can also take the beginners chase at 16.45 with Chartreux, who would probably have won last time at Hereford if he had kept on his feet; he was odds-on that day and can recover losses this time.
Best race on the all-weather at Kempton is the conditions event over 7 furlongs at 17.25. Hazzard County (David Simcock/ Laura Pike) and Nazreef (Húghie Morrison/ Hayley Turner) can fight out the finish here. They finished second and third over this CD in a very close finish last time, but we would not be surprised to see Nazreef reverse the placings today. Our best bet here is Shaunas Spirit (Dean Ivory/ Shane Kelly), who has top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 16.25. She was an easy winner over this CD on Wednesday and probably had much more in hand than the 6 lbs penalty she carries today.

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

The ground will be very testing at Haydock today and there are some small fields. However 11 line up for the main event, the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase, a limited handicap over 3 miles at 16.30 CET. 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) ran on well when runner-up at Cheltenham last time, and if he handles the ground must have good prospects. Pearlysteps (Henry Daly/ Andrew Tinkler) fell here last time, but if he stays on his feet, looks the main danger, although the lightly-weighted The Sawyer (Bob Buckler/ Nathan Sweeney) and Bold Ransom (Keith Reveley/ Graham Lee) also have chances in a very open event. Tinkler can also score on State Benefit at 14.10 and Giorgio Quercus at 17.05, both trained by Nicky Henderson.

There are also small fields at Naas, where Willie Mullins can clean up as usual. With his main jockey Ruby Walsh riding in England, Paul Townend can win the Grade Three hurdle at 14.05 on Mikael d´Haguenet and the Grade Two novice chase at 14.40 on Allee Garde, while Davy Russell partners the stable´s Midnight Game at 15.15.
The fields are bigger, but the quality lower at Wincanton. Paul Nicholls is always the trainer to follow here, and although he will be more interested in the goings-on at Ascot, he can land a hat-trick at his local course with Billy Merriott at 15.45 and Unpartou at 17.25, both ridden by Ryan Mahon, and with Minella Stars (Harry Skelton) at 16.55

Meydan today

Today´s card is one of the weakest of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and all 6 races (5 of them on the all-weather) are handicaps, most of them with maximum fields. To be honest, we don´t like the look of these races at all for betting purposes. Our main fancy here is Bridgefield (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona), one of 3 Godolphin runners in the 7 furlongs race at 18.20 CET. He was runner-up to a better-fancied stable companion here 16 days ago and a similar performance would see him go very close this time.

Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot

A very strong card Ascot today is headed by the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 16.10 CET. 8 runners and some of the top two milers engaged, although none of them are quite as good as Master Minded, winner of the last 2 editions. His trainer Paul Nicholls now saddles Al Ferof (Ruby Walsh), who has won his last 5 races, two of them over fences, and obviously he is one of the favourites.

We are not totally convinced and definitely prefer Finian´s Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), whose second place in the Arkle was his only defeat so far over fences and he has a career record of 8 wins from 11 races in N.H. events; despite a bad mistake he won last time at Kempton from Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Oiseau de Nuit (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and can beat them again on the same terms. Somersby (Henrietta Knight/ David Elsworth) was runner-up here a year ago and if he could reproduce that form would have a great chance, but he is a puzzling performer and this distance is probably not ideal. German-bred Gauvain (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily) beat Somersby easily enough at Huntingdon a month ago, but is not always in the same mood. The Irish hope Forpadydeplasterer is very consistent bur very rarely wins; he was pulled up in the King George last year- over clearly the wrong distance- but has otherwise been placed in all his races for alm ost 4 years. If you can bet place only, he is the obvious candidate, but for win purposes Finian´s Rainbow, the only runner who might well prove to be a champion, has to be the selection.

The Grade Two mares hurdle over 3 miles at 15.05 can go to Kentford Grey Lady (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle), who beat Violin Davis (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Cloudy Spirit (Reg Hollinshead/ Paul Moloney) in a similar race at the Kempton Christmas meeting. She is 11 lbs worse off today but won with such authority that we expect the same result.

The 3 handicaps look extremely difficult. We hope to see German-bred Oldrik (Hobbs/ Johnson) cpmplete a hat-trick in the novice chase at 14.00, although this is undoubtedly a much tougher race than the two Taunton events he has won. Johnson and Hobbs also have a good chance with Pateese in the limited handicap hurdle at 15.35, but we slightly prefer Ciceron (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas), who won nicely at Sandown last time.
The valuable handicap chase over 2 3/4 miles at 16.45 is the toughest race of all, and any of the 14 runners could win. Our 3 against the field are Zaynar (Nick Williams/ James Reveley), Noland (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Tatenen (Richard Rowe/ Andrew Thornton); the last-named won this last year and although his later performances were not so hot, he could well come back to form today.

Catterick and Chepstow

The most exciting feature at the two U.K. jumps meetings today is that Ruby Walsh will be in action at Chepstow, where he has 3 rides for Paul Nicholls, all of which are likely to start favourite: Cristal Bonus in the beginners chase at 14.45 CET, Jump City in the handicap hurdle at 15.20 and Hawkes Point in the maiden hurdle at 15.50. With very testing ground expected, we would be in no hurry to take any very short prices here, but it would be no surprise if all 3 were to win. Otherwise we expect Mentalist (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas) to take the opening 4yo hurdle at 13.40 and Dreambrook Lady (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) to follow up her easy Huntingdon win half an hour later.
The going will probably be better at Catterick, but winners harder to find. Karingreason (Keith and James Reveley) is one of several likely candidates in the handicap chase at 15.10 and the same goes for Shadows Lengthen (Mick Easterby/ Richard Johnson) in the handicap hurdle half an hour later, but both races look very tricky.

Early start at Meydan

the Dubai World Cup Carnival continues with racing today and tomorrow at Meydan. There is an early start today, with the first race, handicap over 1 mile 3 furlongs on tapeta, off at 12.00 CET. An interesting runner here is ex-German Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ Jack Doyle), who ran on well when runner-up over this CD a fortnight ago. A repetition of that form would certainly give him a chance today, and the three Godolphin runners, with Frankie Dettori on Club Oceanic, probably the main dangers. Once again Godolphin and Mike de Kock look set to dominate proceedings, but there are no Godolphin runners in the main feature, the Group Two Cape Verdi over one mile for fillies on turf at 14.20, in which de Kock could well take the first two places with Mahbooba (Christophe Soumillon) and Reem (Kevin Shea), who were 1-2 here last year in the UAE 1,000 Guineas. Mahbooba won that race and should come out on top again today. Royal Ascot winner Rhythm of Light (Tom Dascombe/ Kieren Fallon) , runner-up to the smart German filly Vanjura in Turkey last September, could also finish in the money.

De Kock can also take the 9 furlongs handicap at 13.10 with Mutahadee (Soumillon) or Viscount Nelson (Shea), while Godolphin can counter with Prince Bishop (Dettori) and Spring of Fame (Barzalona) over 10 furlongs at 13.35.

There is also flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield this afternoon and Wolverhampton and Dundalk this evening. Obviously all these races are at a much lower lveel than the events in Dubai, but we like the chances of Canadian Danehill (Robert Cowell/ Jake Payne) in the 5 furlongs handicap at 17.55 at Wolverhampton, and also of German-bred Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ David Casey) in the 1 1/2 miles maiden at 21.50 at Dundalk. The latter is very lightly raced on the flat, but ran well here 2 weeks ago and is also a winner both over hurdles and over fences.

4 jumps meetings today

The frost is all gone and there should no problems at today´s 4 N.H. meetings, the best of which is at Thurles, with surprisingly small fields for an Irish fixture. The main event is the Grade Two Kinloch Brae Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 14.35, with just 5 runners. Follow the Plan (Oliver McKiernan/ Tom Doyle) won this last year from Roberto Goldback (Dessie Hughes/ Nina Carberry), but the latter can reverse the placings on better terms today. Apt Approach (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), much improved this season, is the obvious danger but is held on earlier form by Roberto Goldback, who is therefore our selection. Mullins and Walsh still look likely to have a good day and can take the Grade Three novice chase at 15.05 with Dare to Doubt and also the novice chase half an hour later with Bishopsfurze. The opening novice hurdle at 14.05 is a hot race, with 7 of the 8 runners being last-time-out winners. Walsh here rides Benefficient for Tony Martin, while Mullins puts up his son Pa ddy on top-weight Pickapocketortwo; these two can fight out the finish, with slight preference fo the former, impressive last time out at Navan. The hunters chase that closes the card at 17.05 is another interesting race, with the smart Merchant Royal (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) set to give 7 lbs to The Tother One (Stnners/ Quelly), who last ran in the Grand National. In theory The Tother One should win, but we are great Weld fans and hope Merchant Royal can score.

In the U.K. there are several German-breds running who should give a good account of themselves. Val Mondo (Venetia Williams/Aidan Coleman) won the German St. Leger in 2010, but his 3 British starts over hurdles have been disastrous; however his trainer is now in much better form and we shall give him one more chance in the novice hurdle at 14.00 at Lingfield. However we do not like Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Edmond Lineham), who runs in the handicap hurdle at 16.30, whose form is equally bad, as we feel he needs better ground.
Another ex -German classic winner is Aviso (David Evans/ Lee Stephens) who goes for the selling hurdle at 14.10 at Ludlow. He has suddenly hit form on the flat, winning his last two races, and if he jumps better than on his previous efforts over sticks, must have a good chance in this company. Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty can land a short-priced double here with Kid Cassidy at 16.10 and Brave Alliance half an hour later.

At Taunton, the Lando gelding Passato must have a solid each-way chance in the handicap chase at 16.50, while the well-bred Suspect (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob), closely related to Shirocco, could go well in the bumper at 17.20. Nicholls also runs the lightly-raced Ranjaan in the handicap hurdle at 16.20, who will start a hot favourite after his easy win last time at Kempton, but we shall take a chance here with Numide (Rod Millman/Johnny Farrelly), who has come down a lot in the weights.

frost at Fakenham and Folkestone (?)

Winter has finally arrived in the U.K. and today´s meeting at Fakenham has been abandoned because of frost. It´s very cold at Folkestone too and a second inspection has been called. Should racing go ahead there, One Lucky Lady (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) looks a good thing to win the opening 4yo maiden hurdle at 14.30 CET, but will not be at a punter-friendly price.

It is not normally a good idea to back a 8yo maiden with top weight in a handicap, but Only Hope (Jim Best/ Brendan Powell) should win the handicap hurdle at 15.30; he has been placed 9 times in succession and has easily the best form in this poor race for conditional jockeys - and has one of the best riders in the saddle as well.

There should be no problems at Ayr. where local trainer Lucinda Russell has runners in all 7 race and she could well have several winners. Certainly Cadore, in the opening maiden hurdle at 14.10, Blenheim Brook in the novice chase half an hour later, both ridden by stable jockey Peter Buchanan, should win, while we also expect Delightfully /Grant Cockburn) at 15.40 and Stormion (Campbell Gillies) at 16.10 to have good chances. Our main fancy here however is course specialist Sammy Spiderman (Alistair and Ewan Whillans), who has bottom weight in the handicap chase at 15.10; he runs a stone better at this course than anywhere else.

Navan (Ireland) and Kempton (a.w.)

the two remaining fixtures in the U.K. and Ireland today are nothing special. By normal Irish Sunday standards, the card at Navan looks modest and it seems that Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh will clean up in again. Ex-French Terminal in the maiden hurdle at 14.00 CET, So Young in the conditions hurdle half an hour later, Are Ya Right Chief in another maiden hurdle, over a longer distance, at 15.30 and Bagber in the beginners chase at 16.00 all have obvious chances and it is by no means impossible that all four will win.
At Kempton there could well be a German-bred winner as the Samum gelding All the Winds (Sam Lycett/ Ryan Powell) must have a good chance of following up his recent CD win in the 1 12 miles handicap at 16.40. The danger is clearly Refractor (James Fanshawe/ Martin Lane), also a CD winner last time out, but in a maiden. She is lightly raced and should improve, but the form of All the Winds, who also has decent form over hurdles, looks more solid. Best bet of the day is Boudoir (Richard Hannon/ Dane O´Neill) in the 7 furlongs maiden race for fillies at 15.40; although the race is open to older fillies, only 3yo´s run and Boudoir´s latest effort, when a close third here just before Christmas, should be good enough in the context of this race.

Betting forecast Kempton:
1. Race: Storm Runner - Rock Anthem - Indian Violet
2. Race: Fistful Of Dollars - Next Cry - Majestic Zafeen
3. Race: Boudoir - Kickingthelilly - Alhira
4. Race: Stevie Gee - Desert Strike - Zip Lock
5. Race: Refractor - All The Winds - Big Creek
6. Race: Now - Regal Rave - Cantor
7. Race: Oratorian - Le King Beau - Chester`slittlegem

Kelso abandoned

today´s meeting at Kelso has been abandoned because of frost. That leaves the low-key all-weather fixture at Kempton ath only racing in the U.K. while there is also N.H. racing at Navan in Ireland

Warwick today

Warwick stages its best meeting of the year today and the main event is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.05 CET. All 8 runners are winners and two of them unbeaten - Cotton Mill (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) and Highland Lodge (Emma Lavelle/ Jack Doyle, and we expect these two to fight out the finish. Lavelle has won this race 3 times in the past 4 years, but our preference is for Cotton Mill, who was quite useful on the flat in 2010, and after missing the 2011 flat season has shown a lot of talent over sticks.

The novice chase at 14.25 also features several runners who could well be mixing it in top company before long. Frascati Park (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) is one of them, but we are not sure that he really stays today´s extended 3 miles; all his wins have come over much shorter. Emma Lavelle has another good chance here with Court Victory /Noel Fehily), disqualified last time, but our main fancy is Alfie Spinner (Nick Williams/ James Reveley) who scored in good style last time at Chepstow and who stays really well.

The rest of the card consists of very tricky handicaps, with the Classic Chase, a Grade Three handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs, the most valuable race and the big betting event. Obviousy stamina is a major issue here and the field includes some potential Grand National runners, notably Neptune Equester (Brian Ellison/ Aidan Coleman), who is prominent in Aintree betting. He is clearly one for the short list, but we are not so sure about Hey Big Spender (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) who is the best horse in the field but weighted up to the hilt.
We much prefer Blazing Bailey (Alan King/ Charlie Huxley) and David Pipe´s two runners Faasel (Conor O´Farrell) and Sona Sasta (Hadden Frost) while Fredo (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton) - by Lomitas out of an Acatenango mare -is a definite danger if the race is run to suit.

Another runner with a German pedigree who could run well is Moon over Miami (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) in the 2 mile handicap chase at 15.00; he needs to come from behind off a strong pace, and that looks guaranteed here with tearaway Marodima in the field. There are also two German-breds in the handicap hurdle at 15.30, but El Dancer and Lightning Strike both look more likely to run at Kempton; in their absense our selection would be Aachen (Venetia Williams/ RTDunne) in a very open race. We also like consistent Up to the Mark (Henry Daly/ Andrew Thornton) in the opening handicap hurdle; he may not necessarily win but looks a cast-iron each way bet.

5 more poor meetings today

It certainly seems that that there is only good racing on Saturdays at the moment, and today´s five cards - two over jumps and 3 on the all-weather, are very poor, with some small fields as well. The most interesting racing is at Huntingdon, where Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty may well land a treble. Ericht was a smart bumper horse last season, and although he could only finish third on his two starts so far over hurdles - very heavily backed each time- they were in quite good company, and he faces very moderate opposition in the novice hurdle at 14.50 CET. Problema Tic, an easy winner on his chasing debut at Fontwell, could follow up under a penalty in the novice chase half an hour later, and Brigadier Miller can complete the stable´s hat-trick in the bumper at 16.50. However all three are likely to start at very short odds.

Huntingdon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Hohlethelonely - Clever Dick - Goat Castle
2. Race: Free Speech - Sambelucky - Royaume Bleu
3. Race: Ericht - Cousin Khee - Hollow Heartbeat
4. Race: Problema Tic - Kauto Relko - Canni Thinkaar
5. Race: Phoenix Des Mottes - Bohemian Rock - Kinkeel
6. Race: Mangonel - Pampelonne - Dane Cottage
7. Race: Brigadier Miller - Special Mate - Little Chip


It could be more profitable to follow Lucy Alexander at Musselburgh. She is one of the best lady jockey over jumps and is riding in top form at the moment. She can take the handicap chase at 15.10 on Bruce McTaggart´s Red Tamber, going for a quick course hat-trick, while her father´s Forcefield, top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.40 and Sue Bradburne´s Rossini´s Dancer at 16.10 also have chances. Otherwise we like Bowdler´s Magic (Mark Johnston/ Richie McGrath) in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.40, who can possibly defeat likely favourite Lemon Drop Red (Paul Webber/ David Elsworth); the latter made a good debut over hurdles, but the former was his superior by quite a margin on the flat.

Musselburgh - betting forecast:
1. Race: Lemon Drop Red - Makbullet - Bowdler`S Magic
2. Race: Charminster - Vosges - Bogside
3. Race: Philharmonic Hall - Kickahead - Dontpaytheferryman
4. Race: Red Tanber - Markadam - Ballymacduff
5. Race: Raining Horse - Forcefield - Via Archimede
6. Race: Key Cutter - Everaard - Lutin Du Moulin
7. Race: Keeneland - Harris Garden - Phoenix Returns

Meydan moves up a gear

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with a much stronger card than was the case last week. Main event is the Group Three Al Maktoum Challenge (Round One) over a mile at 18.35 CET. All known form suggests that this will be a straight fight between Mendip (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) and Musir (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon) and both have smart form at this course.

Musir actually beat Mendip in the UAE Derby in 2010, but over this trip we prefer the Godolphin runner, whose stable has made an excellent start to the meeting and was an easy winner of this a year ago. Fanunalter (Marco Botti/ Ryan Moore), a solid Group Three performer in England last year, and bin Suroor´s other runner Secrecy (Kieren Fallon) can take the minor places. We also expect a Godolphin victory in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial over 7 furlongs at 16.55. Indeed their two runners Rassam (Dettori) and Kinglet (Mikeal Barzalona) could well take the first two places, with clear preference for Dettori´s mount.

Today´s U.K. racing is very poor by comparison. The best race is the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick at 15.15, but this event is unlikely to have any bearing at all on the real thing at Aintree. Our selection here is Pegasus Prince (Keith and James Reveley), who is trying this distance of 3 3/4 miles for the first time, but was staying on well enough whn winning last time at Sedgefield. The main dangers are the last-time-out winners Apache Blue (John Wade/ Keith Renwick) and Dermatologist (Caroline Bailey/ Andrew Thornton), who are both getting quite a bit of weight from Pegasus Prince. Otherwise we expect John Ferguson, out of luck yesterday, to continue his winning run with the one time useful flat horses Creekside at 13.45 and Cry of Freedom an hour later, both with Jack Quinlan in the saddle.

4 meetings today

There is no all-weather flat racing this afternoon, just Kempton this evening, but with good weather everywhere there should be no problems for the 3 N.H. meetings, Ffos Las in Wales, Fairyhouse in Ireland, and Doncaster in England, and the last-named has arguably the best card on offer. The card opens with a decent novice hurdle at 14.05 CET, in which Barenger (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler) looks like starting awarm favourite; he ran out an easy winner on his only racecourse appearance, a bumper at Newbury 2 months ago, and is regarded as a big prospect. Another hurdling debutant Theology (Steve Gollings/ Brian Hughes) looks the main danger, as he was listed class on the flat for Jeremy Noseda.

There follows a 4yo hurdle, which should go to Art History (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan), whose team is in great form; Gottany O´s (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is the danger here. McCain and Maguire can follow up with Edge of Town in the novice chase at 15.15, but Henderson´s Loose Preformer (Jerry McGrath) is the big threat here. Henderson has another good chance with Arctic Actress in the handicap hurdle at 15.10; he was a CD winner last time and goes well for jockey RJ Killoran, however we are also interested here an top-weight Corkage (Keith and James Reveley), who was going like a winner when falling two out last time. There are the usual big fields at the Irish meeting at Fairyhouse. The most interesting runner here is Our Monty (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), who runs in the rated hurdle at 14.00. He looked a major prospect when winning his last 3 races in 2009, but has not run since, but that need not be a problem with these connections. Otherwise we hope to see Germa n-bred Aitmatov (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) run well in the beginners chase at 14.30. He was the best of these over hurdles and although he has so far failed to win over fences, he ran well enough over this CD last time to suggest that he can score today.


The fields are much smaller at Ffos Las and tha quality is not inspiring. Mountainous (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) seems much improved and can defy a sharp rise in the weights in the handicap hurdle at 14.50.
This evening´s Kempton meeting looks very tricky for punters. The best race is the 5 furlongs handicap at 18.15, which is wide open.Our suggestion is bottom weight Earlsmedic (Stuart Williams/ Ryan Clark) each way.

Leicester and Southwell

Once again, very poor sport at today´s 2 meetings. Anything Nicky Henderson saddles these days must be taken seriously, and he sends his novice chaser Larks Lad (David Bass) to run in the 16.10 CET race at Leicester. There are only 4 runners here, but it still looks the most interesting race of the day. He was a decent hurdler, but has not been so convincing over fences and now carries a penalty for "winning" a walkover; on balance, we prefer Soir d´Estruval (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), although the other penalised runner Baile Anrai (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton) also looked good when winning at Towcester last time. The novice hurdle at 14.10 also could be interesting; Kazlian (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) won by 50 lengths (!) last time, but probably did not beat much and will start at a very short price, but Tuscan Gold (KIng / Hutchinson), while Swaling (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan), runner-up on his only race so far, a bumper at Exeter last April, and the one-time dece nt flat horse Enroller (Willie Muir/ Noel Fehily) are also not out of it. Phar Again (Claire Dyson/ Nick Scholfield) is an abolute CD specialist and can repeat his 2011 win in the handicap chase at 14.40. German-breds did well yesterday, so we shall keep an eye on Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell/ Tom Siddall); he has been dropped in the weights and as long as the ground is not too soft, could have an each way chance in the handicap hurdle at 16.40.

It is difficult to get excited about any of the races on the all-weather at Southwell. Hada Men (Brian Ellison/ Barry McHugh) won here very easily last week over 1 3/4 miles and should be able to follow up over the extra 2 furlongs at 14.55, although last year´s winner Delorain (Wilf Stone/ Ryan Powell) could be dangerous. The 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.25 looks very tricky; top-weight Laffan (Kevin Ryan/ Peter Makin) and MJ Woodward (Paul Green/ Luke Morris) both won over this CD last week and should be thereabouts again under a 6 lbs penalty, but from the handicapping point of view Sunny Side Up (Richard Fahey/ Shane B.Kelly) might beat them both.
.

Taunton and Wolverhampton

Taunton stage one of their better meetings today and the track is graced by the presence of the top Irish jockeys Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty, riding for the Nicholls and Henderson stables respectively. They do not have many rides but we expect them both to be among the winners. The most interesting event is the novice hurdle at 15.40 CET, in which Geraghty partners the unbeaten Darlan, aleading Cheltenham fancy, and although he only just scrambled home last time at Cheltenham, we still expect him to win again. The other penalised runner, Walsh´s mount Jump City, is back in distance here but look the main danger, while Giordano Bruno (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) could be the fly in the ointment; he was a smart bumper horse 3 years ago but has not run since. The two jockeys go head to head again in the limited handicap chase at 15.10, but here we expect Walsh on Rangitoto to come out on top. The lightly-raced Rangitoto has won his last 3 races and looks capable of furthe r improvement. Master Fiddler (Geraghty) and Balzaccio (AAlan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) are the dangers here. Walsh also has a chance on Tigre d´Aron, who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.10, but this looks an open race and Carrickmines (Dr. Newland/ Johnson), a CD winner on his only start here a month ago, is the selection.

Th crd t Wolvrhmpton i a uual vrypooor. Our eye is taken by Aviso (David Evans/ Matthew Cosham) in the 9 1/2 furlongs handicap at 16.25. He is a long away from the form he showed when winning the German 2,000 Guineas 5 years ago, but must have a chance in this lowly company. Consistent CD specialist Idol Deputy (Mark Usher/ Racheal Kneller) and top-weight Mataajir (Derek Shaw/ Joe Fanning), who has won his last 3 races, are the dangers here. Another ex-Schlenderhan runner is Sommersturm (Barney Curley/ Micky Fenton), who runs half an hour later; his form in the U.K. is too bad to be true and we prefer Arisea (Jimmy Moffatt/ Paul Hanagan), who has shown much improved form over hurdles since he last ran on the flat.

graded race at Naas

a poor afternoon´s sport in Britain and Ireland, with the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.40 CET at Naas the best event. There are only 6 runners, with Dedigout (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell), winner of his last two, expected to be able to give 3 lbs to Lyreen Legend (Dessie Hughes/ BJ Cooper). Otherwise the day could once again be dominated by the in-form team of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. They can take the novice chase at 14.10 with the promising Lambro and also the maiden hurdle at 15.10 with the mare Hats and Heels, making her debut over timber after two useful performances in bumpers. Mullins also runs Un Atout in today´s bumper at 16.40 with son Paddy in the saddle, and in view of the stable´s excellent strike rate in such events he has to be respected. However there are two very well-bred opponents in the field, Director´s Forum (Jessica Harrington/ Mr.M.Fahey) and Silver Concorde (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) who could prove dangerous, especially the former, a very rare N.H. runner for top flat owner Ballymacoll Stud.
The two U.K. meetings are much lower grade. At Hereford it usually pays to follow local trainer Venetia Williams, even more so now that she has hit form. We like the chances of German-bred Lightning Strike, who has top weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.30. He was previously quite a smart performer, but missed all of 2010 and showed nothing in his 3 starts last year. However he has been dropped quite a lot in the ratings and it is a long time since he ran in such lowly company. We hope that he can continue his trainer´s hot run and she also has chances with Sawpit Samba in the maiden hurdle at 14.00 and the unraced Dungeness in the bumper at 17.00; all those mentioned are partnered by stable jockey Aidan Coleman.
The card at the all-weather fixture at Southwell is dreadful and bets should be kept to a minimum. The best race is the 3yo handicap over 6 furlongs at 15.50, but there are only 5 runners and the consistent Ishiamiracle (Phil McEntee/ Danny Brock), who ended a long run of placed efforts with an easy win here over 5 furlongs 10 days ago, should win again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gentleman Duke - Sportsmaster - Hisaabaat
2. Race: Lambro - Flemenstar - Monastrell
3. Race: Dedigout - Lyreen Legend - Monksland
4. Race: Hats And Heels - Beef To The Heels - Done En Dusted
5. Race: Luke`S Benefit - Hans Crescent - Moville
6. Race: Szabo`S Destiny - Some Say - William Wordsworth
7. Race: Un Atout - Silver Concorde - Director`s Forum

rest of today´s racing

In Ireland, the Thurles card opens with a Grade Three chase over 2 1/4 miles, but this looks a very substandard affair and at the mercy of Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend), who has a stone or more in hand in official ratings.
Back in England, Paul Nicholls´ runners in Wincanton are usually worth following, and he could land a double with Pasco, top weight in the handicap chase at 15.50, and No Loose Change in the handicap hurdle at 16.25; in the latter event we also hope to see Numide (Rod Millman/ Johnny Farrelly) much better and possibly run into a place at a big price.
Newcastle´s card is really poor for a Saturday, but we hope to see Political Paddy (Ray Nixon/ Ryan Mania) run another good race following his third ar Kelso last week; he has not won for almost 3 years but seems ripe now.
Lingfield stages the only flat racing today, and the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.45 is a very open race with numerous form horses. Oasis Dream (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) showed good form when winning last time at Wolverhampton and can follow up under a penalty.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Quel Esprit - Whodoyouthink - Chamirey
2. Race: Berties Dream - Marlay Park - Saville Row
3. Race: Cochise - Vardas Supreme - Hold Em Cowboy
4. Race: Quaquo De Flotte - Jack Bene - Noble Pageant
5. Race: Galianna - Espresso Lady - Tellherimnothere
6. Race: On My Own - Mark Me Up - Diamond Shower
7. Race: Mozoltov - Governor Jack - Bulletproof

Sandown today

by normal Saturday standards, today´s cards are not very strong, and easily the best racing takes place at Sandown. Main event is the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle for novices at 15.35 CET, only 5 runners, but some of them still with Cheltenham pretensions. Prospect Wells (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) is the likely favourite here after a good performance in a top handicap at Ascot last time; he was also smart on the flat, having finished runner-up in the Grand Prix de Paris and also a listed winner in the U.K. We are not totally convinced and oppose him with Colour Squadron (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who is moving up sharply in grade and looked good at Newbury last time, despite running very green. French import Captain Conan (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is another interesting candidate on his British debut.
Henderson and Geraghty have another ex-French runner in the 4yo hurdle at 14.35, Soliwery, runner-up at Auteuil last time, but here we like Fire Fighter (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), making his debut over hurdles but was previously quite busy on the flat and a winner of 4 races; King is very strong in the juvenile hurdlers department, and this one is reputed to be one of his best.
The handicap chase over 3 miles at 16.10 is the richest race on the card, and both Henderson and Nicholls saddle two runners. Ruby Walsh rides top-weight Neptune Collonges, and he is our selection; he ran well at Ascot last time, and has been facing much stronger opposition in most of his races. Henderson also has two runners in the handicap hurdle at 15.05, the top-weights Tanks for That (Geraghty) and Dave´s Dream (David Bass), both of whom have been running mainly at Cheltenham. We prefer Dave´s Dream, whose form is better than his recent figures might indicate.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Kaffie - Kells Belle - The Strawberry One
2. Race: Fire Fighter - Soliwery - Colebrooke
3. Race: All For Free - Tanks For That - Rileyev
4. Race: Prospect Wells - Colour Squadron - Captain Conan
5. Race: Master Of The Hall - The Knoxs - Hold On Julio
6. Race: Alarazi - Higgy`S Ragazzo - Havingotascoobydo

Dubai World Cup Carnival Meeting starts today

Today sees the start of one of the world´s best - and certainly its most valuable- race meeting - the Dubai World Cup Carnival, which goes on until the end of March. There has been racing in the Emirates since the end of November, but this is the first meeting of 2012 at the main racecourse Meydan. 3 of today´s races are on turf and 4 on tapeta, and 6 of them are handicaps. As there is no betting in Dubai, bets will be settled at the British bookmakers´ industry prices, but today´s card look very tricky, with little current form to go on.

Normally they race only on Thursdays in the early stages of the meeting, but this week there is a double meeting, today and tomorrow, with the Meydan Masters International Jockeys Championship in the focus of media interest, with one race today at 16.45 CET and 3 more races on Friday. Most of the world´s top jockeys are taking part with Germany represented by Andrasch Starke, who partners Shemoli from the Selvaratnam stable. It is hard to sum up his prospects, but he must have an each-way chance and the bookies make him second favourite.

Main event today is the conditions race over 9 furlongs on turf at 18.35. Mahbooba (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), the only filly in the field and thus getting weight all round, is our selection, but Derbaas (Ali Rashid al Raihe/ Richard Hills), who won 4 races here last year looks a big danger, as is Sea Lord (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), who won 6 races for Mark Johnston in 2010 but has been off for a long time. Al Raihe already has his string in top form and has another good chance in the 5 furlongs handicap on turf at 17.20, in which he saddles two runners, top-weight Happy Dubai (Soumillon) and Green Beret (Royston Ffrench). From the German point of view the 11 furlongs handicap at 16.05 is also of interest with ex-Peter Schiergen Lyssio (Mike Attwater/ James Doyle) entered.

Bangor only jumps meeting today

With Chepstow abandoned because of flooding, Bangor now stages the only jumps racing today, but the card is very low level and there are some very small fields as well. Nicky Henderson, who is currently enjoying a purple patch (4 more winners yesterday) sends three runners up to the Welsh border, but they are clearly not among the stable´s leading lights and none of them really stand out as worth betting. Instead local trainer Donald McCain could be the man to follow. He saddles useful flat handicapper Absinthe (Jason Maguire), who makes his hurdling debut at 14.30 CET and he could well get off the mark at the first time of asking, while Seedless (Callum Whillans) in the mares novice hurdle at 13.55 and Diocles (Maguire) in the maiden hurdle at 16.10 also have good chances.

3 all-weather meetings today

Plenty of all-weather action today, but one looks in vain for any decent sport. At Lingfield this afternoon we see that German-bred Querido (Paddy Butler/ Robert Lucey-Butler) run in the mile seller at 14.10 CET; he was due to run in very poor race last night at Wolverhampton, but connections prefer this race where he has only 3 opponents; however they are all more highly-rated than he is, so we are not quite so confident this time. Our main fancy here is Royal Bajan (James Given/ Tom Eaves) who has top weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.25. He is a real Lingfield specialist and was an easy CD winner only last Saturday. We expect him to defy his 6 lbs penalty.

At Wolverhampton this evening we also expect a recent CD winner to follow up - Woolfall Sovereign (George Margarson/ Ian Mongan) in the 6 furlongs handicap at 18.45. For those who like coincidences, we also recommend Appealing (Marco Botti/ Adam Beschizza) at 17.15 and Appeal (Air Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris) an hour later.

Dundalk, the only all-weather track in Ireland, reopens this evening after a 3 weeks break. There are maximum fields in most races, but the quality is very poor. It is interesting that top trainer Dermot Weld and Irish Kitten (Shane Gorey) to run in the 10 furlongs maiden at 21.45, but she appears to have little ability. The logical form choice here is Aragorn Rouge (Eddie Lynam/ Johnny Murtagh) and the same trainer-jockey combination can also take the 3yo maiden at 18.55 with Muck´n´Brass and the 10 furlongs handicap at 21.20 with Word for Word.

early start today at Meydan

Today´s Friday meeting at Meydan, the second day of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, gets off to a very early start and the main event, the UAE 1,000 Guineas Trial for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs is run at 12.35 CET. This looks at the mercy of Gamilati (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), who won the Cherry Hinton last year and should keep up Godolphin´s excellent start to the meeting.

Otherwise the fixture is dominated by low level handicaps (by Meydan standards), and the main point of interest will be the Meydan Masters International Jockeys competition, the last 3 legs of which will be run today. These races look wide open, so we will hope for some good performances by our friend Andrasch Starke, who partners Covert Desire at 13.15, Ektibaas at 13.55 and Kaiss at 14.30.

Two poor meetings today

We are only at the very beginning of the year, but it is hard to imagine that there will be a worse day´ s racing in the U.K. in 2012 than today´s cards at Ayr and Southwell. In addition there are some very small fields, for example the first two races at Ayr where the likely odds-on favourites Cadore (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) at 13,35 CET and Edge of Town (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) at 14.05 look near certainties. Lucinda Russell can also take the handicap chase at 14.35 with Hole in One (Campbell Gillies), who is still a maiden but does not have much to beat, and the 3 mile chase at 15.40 with Delightfully (Grant Cockburn), one of the few runners here who is guaranteed to stay the distance.

Hayley Turner could be the jockey to follow on Southwell´s all-weather track. She rides CD specialist Punching at 13.25, both for Conor Dore, but her best chance is probably Phil McEntee´s Johnny Skull in the selling handicap at 14.25. This horse runs almost every week but keeps his form well, which is more than can be said for the other runners here. Bet best however is On the Cusp (Richard Guest/ Martin Harley), who can complete a quick CD hat-trick in the mile handicap at 14.55. Please remember that all northern hemisphere thoroughbreds celebrated their birthday on Sunday; this means that the runners in the 3yo handicap at 16.30 were 2yo´s last week; top-weight Point at Issue (David and Adrian Nicholls) ran well here on Sunday and can possibly win this.

Testing ground today

The ground will be testing at all 4 N.H. meetings today, and good betting opportunities look rare, there are some very small fields as well. The best race is the Sussex National, a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 15.45 CET at Plumpton, but this is a very substandard affair when one considers the other Nationals run. Top weight Strongbow Legend (Charlie Longsdon/ Kielan Woods) made all to win over an extended 3 miles at Hereford last time but has been up a stone for his efforte, so faces no easy task over this extra half-mile. Mid Div and Creep (Lawnay Hill/ Gina Andrews) is a useful hunter-chaser but difficult to evaluate in a handicap, while Diamond Brook (Nick Williams/ Wayne Hutchinson) has been a bit below form. In our view the safest bet is Rate of Knots (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon) who has not won for almost 2 years, but usually runs into the money and goes well on this ground. Earlier, trainer Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson can land a double with Balder Succes at 13.40 and Kumbeshwar at 14.15

The team to follow at Ayr should be Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, who have good chances with Super Duty at 13.20, Amron Lad at 13,55, Nowurhurlin at 16.00 and Realignment at 16.35, but our best bet here is German-bred Los Nadis (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke), who has top-weight in the handicap hurdle at 15.25; he failed to get home over 3 miles last time, but this trip of 2 1/2 miles looks his ideal distance.

Another German-bred we like today is Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Tom Cannon), who showed much improved form last time over hurdles and can win on his first outing over fences at 16.10 at Folkestone; another recent winner Triangular (Tom George / Paddy Brennan) is the obvious danger. Paul Nicholls could have a hort-priced double here with Castletownsend at 13.30 and Picture This at 15.05, both with Harry Skelton on board.

The fields are bigger, but not much better in terms of quality, at the Irish meeting at Cork. Ruby Walsh had a day to forget at Cheltenham yesterday, but can get back on the winning trail here with Final Approach at 14.10 and Simenon half an hour later, both trained by Willie Mullins, who can also take the bumper at 16.45 with Perfect Gentleman, with son Paddy in the saddle.

New Year´s Day at Cheltenham

the traditional New Year´s Day fixture at Cheltenham has frequently been spoilt by the weather, but that is not the case today and conditions look perfect for a very classy and interesting card. As so often, the powerful Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh team is very strongly represented with fancied runners in 5 of the 7 races. They can start by taking the opening novice hurdle at 13.30 CET with Jump City, although strictly speaking he is held on form by Barbatos (Ian Williams/ Paddy Brennan), who finished in front of him last time; however we feel that the Nicholls runner is capable of further improvement. One of Nicholls´ big hopes for 2012 runs in the next race, the Grade Two Dipper Novices Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 14.05- Sonofvic, who ran Grands Crus to 2 lengths last time. He faces two tough opponents here, Solix (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who has his last 2 races very easily, despite not jumping too well, and Invictus (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), who has won his last 3 races and was particularly impressive in much lesser company last time. However Sonofvic gets weight from them both and we expect him to win here.

Nicholls has withdrawn his runner from the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 14.35, in which the 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has top weight. At these weights however we think that Minella Theatre (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) and last year´s runner-up Richards Sundance (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) have better chances. In both the next two races, competitive handicaps, a chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.10 and a 3 miles hurdle race at 15.45, Nicholls saddles two runners, the top-weight ridden by claimer Ryan Mahon and a much more strongly fancied lightweight with Ruby in the saddle. Both these events look very open, but Ruby certainly has good chances here with German-bred Ghizao and Oscargo respectively.

The next race, a conditions event over hurdles at 15.20, could be the most interesting event of the day, despite having only 4 runners. Nicholls runs his lightly-raced but very promising Poungach, who gets 8 lbs from the proven performer Oscar Whisky (Henderson/Geraghty). Oscar Whisky is a leading hope for the Champion Hurdle, in which he finished 3rd last year, and we think that he will be up to the task, but Poungach should certainly not be underestimated. Finally the listed juvenile bumper at 16.50 rounds off the day with a large field, including 5 unbeaten runners. Trespassing (John Ferguson/ Jack Quinlan) was most impressive on his debut; he has an excellent pedigree and we hope that he is good enough to beat this field.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barbatos - Hard To Swallow - One Term
2. Race: Sonofvic - Invictus - Solix
3. Race: Minella Theatre - Richard`S Sundance - Earth Planet
4. Race: Ghizao - Duke Of Lucca - Havingotascoobydo
5. Race: Oscargo - Kayf Aramis - Get Me Out Of Here
6. Race: Oscar Whisky - Poungach - Cockney Trucker
7. Race: Trespasser - The New One - Flaming Arrow