Dubai World Cup

It is arguably the wrong time of the year and the wrong part of the world, but today´s Meydan card is undeniably one of the best ever and the meeting can certainly be compared to Longchamp on Arc day, the Breeders Cup or Hong Kong´s big meeting. Brilliant organisation and more than 27 million US$ in prize-money - the most ever paid for a single raceday and more than is on offer in Germany for the entire year - have had the desired effect and the result is an exceptionally strong international card with highly competitive events.

The only German runner is Zazou (Waldemar Hickst/ Olivier Peslier) in the World Cup itself, over 10 furlongs on tapeta at 19.40 CET. The horse does not know who pay the bills, so the fact that he has been sold to an unsavoury character makes no difference to his chances, and the traIner seems confident of good performance. We can certainly see him running into the money, although we don´t really believe he is good enough to win. There is no betting in Dubai, so bets are settled at the British bookmakers´ industry prices, which means that So You Think (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) is certain to start at a very short price. He can win, but represents no value at all. We can easily imagine another Japanese success and think that Eishin Flash (H Fujiwara/ Christophe Lemaire) might have the best chance of the 3 Japanese runners. It would be nice if Breeders Cup runner-up Game On Dude were to win, as his trainer Bob Baffert suffered a heart attack earlier in the week, while his joc key Chantal Sutherland is the first woman ever to ride in the race, but we feel the outside draw has scuppered his chances.

If a woman jockey is to win today, it is more likely to be Hayley Turner on Michael Bell´s Margot Did in the Al Quoz Sprint over 5 furlongs at 17.00, but again the draw is against her. We prefer here Sole Power (Eddie Lynam/ Johnny Murtagh) - also from an outside draw - while Rocket Man (Patrick Shaw/ Felix Coetzee) can repeat his 2011 victory in the Golden Shaheen over 6 furlongs at 17.35. Frankie Dettori considers that African Story in the Godolphin Mile at 15.10 is the best Godolphin chance of the day, but at the likely odds we much prefer Delegator, moving up in distance in the Duty Free at 18.25. Frankie has another winning chance on Opinion Poll in the Gold Cup over 2 miles at 15.45, although logically we see no reason why he should this time defeat his stable companion Fox Hunt (Silvestre de Sousa). It is good to see Kerrin McEvoy back and he can take the UAE Derby on the Australian -trained Helmet at 16.25. A win for Richard Hills, who retires after riding in the fi rst 4 races, would also be highly popular, but we cannot see this happening.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Nieshan - Seraphin du Paon - Timadit Al Mels
2. Race: African Story - Western Aristocrat - Sandagiyr
3. Race: Opinion Poll - Fox Hunt - Mikhail Glinka
4. Race: Wrote - Mickdaam - Daddy Long Legs
5. Race: Sole Power - Nocturnal Affair - Joy And Fun
6. Race: Rocket Man - Sepoy - The Factor
7. Race: Ambitious Dragon - Mutahadee - Dark Shadow
8. Race: Cirrus des Aigles - St Nicholas Abbey - Beaten Up
9. Race: So You Think - Smart Falcon - Zazou

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

There is also a decent all-weather card at Kempton, where the listed Magnolia Stakes at 15.20 is the main feature. This is not a good betting race, with question marks over the principals, notably Arctic Cosmos (John Gosden/ William Buick), who won the St. Leger in 2010 but has only run twice since and for whom today´s trip of 10 furlongs is possibly not ideal, while Fair Trade (Hughie Morrison/ Paul Hanagan) and Hurricane Higgins (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton) are both coming off long breaks. We do however expect Gosden to take the big handicap at 16.30 with the lightly-raced and progressive Eshtibaak, who can give Paul Hanagan the perfect start to his new job as Sheikh Hamdan´s number one jockey. Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey has plenty of runners at Doncaster but has described Alben Star (Hanagan) in the 7 furlongs conditions race at 17.05 as his best bet of the day, so we shall go along with that, although Palace Moon (Wilf Knight/ Luke Morris) and Primaeval /(Ja mes Fanshawe/ Steven Donohoe) will offer stern opposition.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Woodland Mill - Relay - Red Star Lady
2. Race: Arctic Cosmos - Fair Trade - Hurricane Higgins
3. Race: Trade Commissioner - Glen Moss - Bartolomeu
4. Race: Eshtibaak - William Haigh - Nazreef
5. Race: Primaeval - Alben Star - Palace Moon
6. Race: Triple Charm - Taajub - New Leyf
7. Race: Clean Bowled - Majestic Zafeen - Karma Chameleon



Today´s N.H. cards in Britain, at Uttoxeter and Stratford, are of very little interest, but there is some better jumps racing in Ireland at Navan. The Grade Two Webster Cup chase over 2 1/2 miles at 18.20 has attracted some smart performers, notably Realt Dubh (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry). He was not disgraced in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, when he was coming off a long break, and his previous form looks very strong in the context of this race. Zaarito (Colm Murphy/ Robbie Power), in receipt of 10 lbs, looks the main danger.

Navan - betting forecast:
1. Race: Flaming Pop - Chasing Shadows - Lough Roe Lady
2. Race: Beef To The Heels - Flying Light - Law Rebel
3. Race: Table Mountain - Sean Airgead - Tinas Exhibition
4. Race: Derinlaur - Saddlenomore - Its All Hush Hush
5. Race: Lisrose - Brookville - Gentle Paddy
6. Race: Realt Dubh - Zaarito - Tranquil Sea
7. Race: Slieveardagh - Perfect Smile - Original Option
8. Race: Hold Em Cowboy - Mirador Del Conde - China Goes Green

Rest of U.K. and Irish racing

There is also a decent all-weather card at Kempton, where the listed Magnolia Stakes at 15.20 is the main feature. This is not a good betting race, with question marks over the principals, notably Arctic Cosmos (John Gosden/ William Buick), who won the St. Leger in 2010 but has only run twice since and for whom today´s trip of 10 furlongs is possibly not ideal, while Fair Trade (Hughie Morrison/ Paul Hanagan) and Hurricane Higgins (Mark Johnston/ Franny Norton) are both coming off long breaks. We do however expect Gosden to take the big handicap at 16.30 with the lightly-raced and progressive Eshtibaak, who can give Paul Hanagan the perfect start to his new job as Sheikh Hamdan´s number one jockey. Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey has plenty of runners at Doncaster but has described Alben Star (Hanagan) in the 7 furlongs conditions race at 17.05 as his best bet of the day, so we shall go along with that, although Palace Moon (Wilf Knight/ Luke Morris) and Primaeval /(Ja mes Fanshawe/ Steven Donohoe) will offer stern opposition. Today´s N.H. cards in Britain, at Uttoxeter and Stratford, are of very little interest, but there is some better jumps racing in Ireland at Navan.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Woodland Mill - Relay - Red Star Lady
2. Race: Arctic Cosmos - Fair Trade - Hurricane Higgins
3. Race: Trade Commissioner - Glen Moss - Bartolomeu
4. Race: Eshtibaak - William Haigh - Nazreef
5. Race: Primaeval - Alben Star - Palace Moon
6. Race: Triple Charm - Taajub - New Leyf
7. Race: Clean Bowled - Majestic Zafeen - Karma Chameleon

They´re off! Flat season starts today

After 4 months of mainly very poor sport on the all-weather, the flat season proper finally starts today with the first turf fixture of the year at Doncaster. The traditional feature race is the Lincoln Handicap over a straight mile at 16.15 CET. With 22 runners this is as usual very difficult, but we shall try to make things easier by assuming (or hoping) that there is still a bias towards the stands side, i.e. a high number draw, although we won´t know for sure until the race is run. This means going against the likely favourite Eton Forever (Roger Varian/ Neil Callan), drawn 7, an easy winner of the Spring Mile a year ago and who ran really well in a similar race over this CD when last seen in September. We also oppose the second favourite Fury (William Haggas/ Adam Beschizza), drawn 9, whose stable has an excellent record here; he looked smart at 2 but lost his form completely last year and now returns as a gelding off what looks a very favourable rating. Obviousl y these two could easily win, but we do not think they represent good value and one has to draw the line somewhere. There are still plenty of possibilities and we take 4 against the field: Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Raul da Silva), drawn 14, Cocozza (Marco Botti/ Joe Fanning), drawn 15, Mull of Killough (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ Shane Kelly), drawn 21 and third here in 2010, and Light from Mars (John Quinn/ Tom Eaves). Obviously thie is very speculative, but our main selection is Mia´s Boy, who is not particularly well handicapped, but is very tough and consistent and goes well at this track.

The Spring Mile at 15.05 is equally tough, but using the same criteria, we take as our main hopes Reve de Nuit (Alan McCabe/ Pat Smullen), drawn 18, Shamdarley (Michael Dods/ Philip Makin), drawn 16, and Crown Counsel (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), drawn 15. The listed Cammidge Trophy over 6 furlongs at 15.40 has attracted a classy field. The 3yo Bannock (Johnston/ Fanning) is an interesting runner, who won 3 races from 10 starts last year and has made a good start to 2012, but we do not like this age group against older horses in March and prefer Royal Rock (Chris Wall/Chris Catlin) and Sirius Prospect (Dean Ivory/ Shane Kelly), who won 5 of his last 6 starts in 2011. However we select Royal Rock, who ended 2011 with an excellent fourth place in a much better race at Ascot.

Doncaster - betting forecast:
1. Race: Mont Ras - Captain Bertie - Shamdarley
2. Race: Sirius Prospect - Royal Rock - The Cheka
3. Race: Eton Forever - Fury - Cocozza
4. Race: Heavy Metal - Deepest Blue - Maypole Joe
5. Race: Sir Graham Wade - Kaafel - Lelaps
6. Race: Reachforthebucks - Yojimbo - The Fun Crusher
7. Race: Dunhoy - Alfred Hutchinson - Good Boy Jackson
8. Race: One For Joules - One Of Twins - Yorksters Prince

Small fields today

There are some small fields today - especially at the 3 afternoon meetings- and betting opportunities look very limited. One problem is that the ground is drying out rapidly after the long drought in most parts of the U.K. and not at all suitable for many N.H. performers. Prince Tam (Heather Graham/ Gary Rutherford) for example, who has top weight in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.00 CET at Newcastle, is a CD specialist, but all his wins have come on soft ground and we therefore cannot fancy him today. Ice Image (George Charlton/ Alistair Findlay), behind him last time but better off now, could be the answer here.

Charlton also has a winning chance at Wetherby with the lightly-raced Winstone (Jan Faltejsek) in the handicap hurdle at 16.15 at Wetherby. The one to beat is Winning Habit (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy), runner-up at Newbury last time, but he is likely to start at a very short price in view of his illustrious connections. We also like course specialist Border Reiver (Tim Easterby/ Richie McGrath) here, who will like the ground and all of whose wins have been at this track. An interesting runner on the all-weather is Red Hand (John Gosden/ William Buick) in the race for maiden fillies at 17.00 at Lingfield. She cost 425,000 guineas and connections have found an easy race to start her off; Of those that have run, Danube Rover (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is the only one to have shown any ability at all. The 3yo handicap at 18.05 looks tricky, with 4 of the 7 runners having won last time out. Incendiary (Hugo Palmer/ Noel Garbutt) paid 33-1 when scoring here 3 weeks ago, but won in good style and can follow up here.

Main interest at Wolverhampton this evening will be the battle for the all-weather jockeys championship, which will be decided today. Joe Fanning leads Luke Morris by one going into the final day and can wrap things up by taking the 6 furlongs handicap at 21.25 on Blown It, who meets hat-trick-seeking Captain Dimitrios on 10 lbs better terms for less than 2 lengths.

Even the Irish meeting at Dundalk is of only minor interest, but Exhortation (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) looks a promising sort and can take the 3yo maiden at 20.45.

Back for 5 meetings today

After a short break in hospital, this column is back today to look at 5 mainly undistinguished meetings. Thoughts are concentrated on the opening of the British flat season on Saturday well as the same day´s immensely valuable Dubai World Cup fixture, compared to which today´s racing looks very second rate. At Ffos Las, we hope that German-bred Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge), an easy CD winner last time after a string of places, can take the handicap hurdle at 17.30 CET. Despite his poor form, Glenstal Abbey(Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), could be the main danger, but his team possibly have a better chance with top-weight Mission Complete in the 3 mile race at 15.50.

At Newcastle there could be another German-bred winner - Snooker (Rose Dobbin/ Keith Renwick) in the handicap hurdle at 17.20, while Rolecarr (Mrs. Hamilton/ Lucy Alexander) could take the handicap chase half an hour later; he was third against better opposition last time out.

Of today´s three flat meetings, easily the best horses are to be seen on turf at Limerick in Ireland. Dermot Weld and his jockey Pat Smullen look the team to follow here. They have several fancied runners and we especially líke the 3yo´s Crimson Sunrise at 17.25 and Diplomat at 19.05, who could both turn out to be very useful. On the all-weather Koko Loca (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) in the 3yo handicap at 17.40 at Wolverhampton and Colour Guard (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) in the mile handicap at 21.25 at Kempton, both look likely winners.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

We have had wonderful racing at Cheltenham so far, but today sees the best race of the whole meeting - the Gold Cup at 16.20 CET. 15 horses are entered, but it´s all about just two of them - Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), the 2011 winner, and Kauto Star (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), now back to his brilliant best at the age of 12 and a past dual winner of this race.

Long Run is 5 years younger than his rival, but we don´t think that will make any difference - staying chasers can be fully effective at the age of 12 and Kauto Star´s two victories this season- both with Long Run behind- show that he is as good as ever. Some people feel that Long Run is a better stayer than Kauto Star, but we do not really believe this in view of Kauto Star´s fine record (including in this race). More troubling perhaps is the slight setback he suffered 3 weeks ago and the fact that the Nicholls stable has not been firing on all fronts this week. Nicky Henderson on the other hand has been setting new records and has had an astonishing run of success (with one of his stable lads reportedly having won over a million betting on the stable´s runners this week!). The fact that Long Run is ridden by an amateur (the son of the owner) is no disadvantage, as he knows the horse inside out, but his slightly suspect jumping could be a major problem.

we hope that on the big two wins, but there are plenty of possibilities if they run below form. Henderson´s second string Burton Point (Barry Geraghty) made an excellent comback from injury last month and is ridden by a jockey at the top of his game. Nicholl´s second string What a Friend (Daryl Jacob) could also run well, but he, like course specialist Midnight Chase (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello) look well held on their form against the principals.The main danger to the favourites in our view is Irish challenger Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend)

Cheltenham: World Hurdle

The Cheltenham Festival goes into its third day with the World Hurdle over 3 miles at 16.20 CET the main feature. Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) has won this for the past 3 years - he is in fact unbeaten in 15 races since November 2008- and is odds-on to score again. However he never wins in spectacular style, which continues to give the others hope that he can be beaten, so that 11 rivals will turn up today to try and wrest the crown from him. Oscar Whisky (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is clearly the best of them and his stable could not be in better form (4 winners here yesterday!);he has won 10 of his 13 starts, 3 of them here, and was third in last year´s Chmpion Hurdle. The problem here is that he has never run over the distance, whereas Big Bucks stays on forever.

Willie Mullins and four challengers into the fray, including Mourad (Katie Walsh), who was third last year (with Cross Kennon fourth), but there seems no reason why that form should not hold up. His best hope is probably Thousand Stars (Paul Townend) who won the French equivalent last year. Of the others Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who chased home Big Bucks over this CD in January, could well be placed again, but logically there is no reason to oppose Big Bucks.

Rest of Cheltenham

The rest of the Cheltenham card looks very difficult with some huge and competitive fields. The opening National Hunt Chase over 4 miles for amateur riders at 14.30 CET looks wide open. Paul Nicholls has the likely favourite here with Harry the Viking (Walter Biddick), unbeaten in 4 starts this season, but we like the McNamara brothers - RP on Dermot Weld´s Daffern Seal and JT on Rebecca Curtis´ Teaforthree.

The following Neptune Novice Hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs with the usual strong Irish challenge, but we think the race can be kept at home with Simonsig (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) the main hope. Henderson needs just one more winner to become the most successful Festival trainer ever, and we expect him to reach this target today. At the other end of the scale is John Ferguson, who has never even had a runner before at the Festival, but saddles three with chances today, including Cotton Mill (Denis O´Regan) in this race, His best chance is probably New Year´s Eve (Geraghty) in the Champion Bumper at 18.15. With 15 last-time-out winners, 6 of them still unbeaten, this is one of the toughest race of the meeting, but New Year´s Eve has won both his starts in excellent style.

The main supporting feature is the RSA Chase for novices over 3 miles at 15.40. Grand Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is a confident choice her. A top staying hurdler - and twice runner-up to Big Bucks - he is unbeaten in 3 starts since being switched to fences and was for a long time considered a serious contender for the Gold Cup.
Irish hope First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) looks the main threat.

Cheltenham: Champion Chase

The Cheltenham Festival now goes into the second day, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase over 2 miles at 16.20 CET the main feature. There was an Irish result here a year ago, with Sizing Europe (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) beating Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Robbie Power) and these two could well fight out the finish since more. However Sizing Europe has beaten his old rival again since and he looks a good thing to score again today. Finian´s Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), although put into his place by Somersby last time, could now be his main British-trained rival, although we would not be surprised to see German-bred Gauvain (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily), who runs his best races over this CD, run into a place at a big price.

Rest of Cheltenham

the card starts with the Supreme Novice Hurdle at 14.30 CET, which looks wide open with at least a dozen serious contenders. Galileo´s Choice (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara) and Steps to Freedom (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) look the best of the powerful Irish contingent, while Alan King seems very confident about the chances of his Montbazon (Robert Thornton). The Arkle, a novice chase over 2 miles at 15.05, has only 6 runners, but this is still a very select field. Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is the clear favourite ater winning all 3 starts this season in impressive style, but it should not be forgotten that he was beaten here by Al Ferof (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), while Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) and Blackstairmountain (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend are also not out of it.

The cross-country at 17.00 could go to last year´ s winner Sizing Australia (Harry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), but CD specialist Garde Champetre (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry), although getting long in the tooth, also has a good chance. The other handicaps look very difficult, but our 3 against the field at 15.40 are The Package, Quantitateveeasing and Billie Magern, and at 18.15 Mics Delight, Bless the Wings and Carrickboy.

Cheltenham opens today with Champion Hurdle

The most eagerly awaited race meeting of the entire year starts today - the Cheltenham Festival, 4 days of top class jumps racing and the biggest betting meeting of the year as well. The top English trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson both field very strong teams, with fancied runners in almost every race, and they are backed up by Alan King, David Pipe, Donald McCain and co as they try to repel a huge raiding party from across the Irish Sea, headed by Willie Mullins, who is hot favourite to be leading trainer again this year. Mullins appears to hold the whip hand today with two of the day´s bankers- Hurricane Fly in the featured event, the Champion Hurdle at 16.20 CET, and Quevega in the mares hurdle at 17.40. Both will be partnered by Ruby Walsh - almost certain to be the leading jockey at the meeting, and both won the same races last year- indeed one of the most attractive features of the meeting is the large number of previous winners who turn out again.

We epect Hurrocame Föly to dmd hi Vhmüion Hudöl crown. He has won 12 of his last 13 races, including 10 Grade Ones, and has not been beaten since November 2009. He looked back to his best when winning at Leopardstown last time (Oscars Well a distant runner-up) and will not be beaten if he is in same form. Mullins also saddles Zaidpour (Paul Townend), who is unbeaten in 4 starts this season, but is running for place money at best.

Paul Nicholls saddles 4 of the 10 runners and Zarkandar (Daryl Jacob) looks the best of them. He is unbeaten and won a valuable handicap last time; 5yo´s have a poor record in this and his relative inexperience could be a problem, but in his favour is the fact that he won the Triumph Hurdle over this CD at last year´s Festival. In our opinion the only possible threat to the champion comes from the 2010 winner Binocular (Henderson(/Tony McCoy). He looked very smart that day, and although his form since has been a bit patchy, he looked as if he is coming right back to his best last time at Wincanton.

Quevega looks the certainty of the week in the mares hurdle. She has won the race 3 times already, and although she now faces 18 opponents, none of them can have serious claims. The fact that she has not run since the Punchestown Festival last May is no problem, as she followed exactly the same progrmme last year.

The Lull before the storm

The Cheltenham Festival starts tomorrow, so today´s 3 N.H. meetings are all very low key. The race that interests us most at Stratford is the handicap hurdle at 17.10 CET, with two German-breds running, both of whom will like the drying ground. In fact it probably needs to get even firmer to suit Mauritino (Jonjo O´Neill/ Maurice Lineham), who won 5 races last year - all on firm ground.

Conditions should be perfect for Aviso (David Evans/ Lee Stephens); this one- time German classic winner lost his form completely but trainer Evans has finally found the key to him and he has won 4 races already this year, two of them over hurdles. He looks a natural over hurdles, and although h is up in the ratings and meeting much better opposition this time, we think he can score again. Drumshambo (Venetia Williams /Sam Thomas) is probably the main danger.

We also like a German-bred at Taunton: Speedy Directa (Brendan Powell sen and jun), who runs in the handicap hurdle at 17.20. His recent bad form on soft or heavy ground can be ignored, as he is much better on the good going he will find today. He has dropped to a very nice weight, as has the other German-bred runner in this event, Brilliant (Di Hamer/ Aidan Conlon)

Wer are less confident about Marleno (Brendan Powell/ Charlie Poste) at 17.00 at Plumpton. This German-bred seems a bit too high in the weights at present, but could still be involved as the field looks very weak. Two old-timers who show their best form at this track look interesting each-way prospects here - Just Beware at 16.30 and Gentleman Jimmy an hour later.

3 N.H. meetings today

with Cheltenham just round the corner, there is no reason to expect good jumps racing today, but in fact the Irish meeting at Naas features some smart performers. The Grade Three novice chase at 15.45 CET has only 3 runners, but 2 of them are of genuine Cheltenham class. Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Davy Russell) in particular looks a real star in the making; he has won all 5 of his completed races and has been a very impressive winner on several occasion. He has however fallen twice and cannot afford any errors today, as Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch) has won his last 3 races and is actually rated even higher.
The Leinster National, a 3 mile handicap chase at 17.20, is the main supporting feature and top-weight Roberto Goldback (Dessie Hughes/ Barry Geraghty) is our choice here. He is much better than a handicapper and although he is conceding a lot of weight all round, we think he is up to the task. Spanish Auriga (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) has been placed numerous times and can finally get his head in front in the beginners chase at 16.45, while the opening novice hurdle at 15.15 is an open race in which all 9 runners are winners; Lord Windermere (Jim Culloty/ Tom Doyle) has a double penalty but also has a bit of class and may be good enough.
The cards at the two British meetings are tame by comparison. The most interesting runner at Warwick is Shakalakaboomboom (Nicky Henderson/ Andrew Tinkler), who runs in the novice hurdle over an extended 3 miles at 16.05. A top staying chaser, he is being aimed at the Grand National, but has never won over hurdles and is therefore eligible for this modest event. Tony McCoy is travelling to Market Rasen for just two rides, Babysitter at 16.20 and The Mad Robertson at 17.55, both trained by Jonjo O´Neill, and we think that they can both score.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Lord Windermere - Ballysteen - Ballynacree
2. Race: Bog Warrior - Flemenstar - Frisco Depot
3. Race: Maggie Connolly - Lastoftheleaders - Cootamundra
4. Race: Spanish Auriga - Baily Green - Grey Soldier
5. Race: Tullintain - Roi du Mee - Roberto Goldback
6. Race: A Fine Young Man - Present Potential - Big Generator
7. Race: Operating - Catamongdepidgeons - Knocklong

Super Saturday at Meydan

an excellent card at Meydan today features major trials for the Dubai World Cup Day in 3 weeks time. Two of today´s races have been upgraded to Group One status and are major events themselves. The Al Maktoum Challenge (Round 3) over 10 furlongs on tapeta at 17.40 CET is a trial for the World Cup and there is a very strong Godolphin challenge here with 5 runeers, of which Prince Bishop (Frankie Dettori) and Mendip (Kieren Fallon) would appear to have the best chances. However Bold Silvano (Mike de Kock/ Christophe Soumillon), if back to his best, can beat the lot of them.
The Jebel Hatta is run on turf at 17.40 and is a trial for the Duty Free, won by Presvis (Luca Cumani/ Ryan Moore) last year. However he is a tricky customer, who needs to come late off a very strong pace, and we think 2011 winner Wigmore Hall (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) or City Style (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikal Barzalona) could prove better today.
German-owned War Artist, trained in Germany last year, is now with Mike de Kock and runs in the 5 furlongs sprint of turf at 15.15 with Kevin Shea on board. This is a very strong field, but at his best he could win here. Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Jim Crowley) is the obvious danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Seraphin du Paon - Sahib Du Clos - Nieshan
2. Race: Kinglet - Counterglow - Mickdaam
3. Race: Hitchens - Krypton Factor - Iver Bridge Lad
4. Race: Nocturnal Affair - Monsieur Joe - Inxile
5. Race: Musir - Gitano Hernando - African Story
6. Race: Viscount Nelson - Zanzamar - Indian Days
7. Race: Mendip - Haatheq - Monterosso
8. Race: Rio De La Plata - Presvis - Mutahadee

rest of U.K. and Irish racing

Wolverhampton stages its biggest card of the year with the listed race over 7 furlongs opening proceedings at 15.20 CET. Trainer Scott Dixon holds a strong hand here with Docofthebay (Ian Mongan) and Capone (Shane Kelly), who had the better placing last time at Lingfield. However Docothebay, runner-up here last year, is better drawn now and is preferred. Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ William Carson) looks a big danger, and so is Libys Dream (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingcote), who is moving up in grade. The Lincoln Trial, a mile handicap at 16.30, is the other big race here and Richard Fahey is the trainer who is double-handed this time, with Prime Exhibit (Lee Topliss) and Tarooq, the choice of stable jockey Paul Hanagan. However the one we like best is top-weight Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ George Baker), who finished behind Tarooq last time but was badly hampered, and usually runs well at this track.
There is also N.H. racing Chepstow and Ayr, but at a much lower level than at Sandown. Jason Maguire looks the jockey to follow at the Welsh track; he has winning chances on Tiger Maguire at 15.30, My Boy Paddy at 16.05 and Buffalo Bob at 17.50. At the Scottish track, we like course specialist Prosecco (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) at 17.00, while another CD specialist Sammy Spiderman (Alastair and Ernie Whillans) may have to give best at 16.25 to Tipsy Dara (Neil and Lucy Alexander)
The best race at the Irish meeting at Gowran Park is the handicap chase at 16.55. Jigalo (Joanna Morgan/ Ben Cooper) has been racing in better company and seems nicely handicapped here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Capone - Docofthebay - Belgian Bill
2. Race: Switzerland - Performing Pocket - Gabrial`s Bounty
3. Race: Prime Exhibit - Amitola - Tarooq
4. Race: Attain - Devote Myself - Legendary
5. Race: Steelcut - Angelo Poliziano - Captain Scooby
6. Race: Whaileyy - Alben Star - Fratellino
7. Race: Chabada - Where`S Susie - The Lock Master

Imperial Cup at Sandown

Sandown traditionally hosts a strong card on the Saturday before Cheltenham and today is no exception. The listed Imperial Cup, a 2 mile handicap hurdle at 16.15 CET, is the main feature and today´s field with 24 runners looks really tough. The big bonus for the winner who goes on to ccore at Cheltenham next week always attracts plenty of bounty hunters and the Pipe stable has targeted this with great success over the years. This time they have Master of Arts (Tom Scudamore) entered, and although he has not run over hurdles for almost 3 years, he looks the one to beat. However on flat form he is not as strong as Ted Spread (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who was most impressive when winning a small race at Taunton last time. Ile re Re (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton) is another relatively unexposed hurdler who has plenty to offer, while Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore) is for us hard to fancy under top weight. Thoselooking for a long shot could consider German-bred El Dancer (L ucy Wadham/ David Elsworth), whose trainer and jockey won this race last year.
Main supporting feature is the novices handicap hurdle final at 15.05, which looks almost as difficult. Our 3 against the field here are Off the Ground (Emma Lavelle/ Noel Fehily), Speed Master (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and bottom weight Presenting Ace (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore). We also like Martys Mission (Nicholls/ Walsh) at 15.40, while the same team´s Sanctuaire looks a certainty at 17,25, but will not be at a working man´s price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Speed Master - Carrigmorna King - Dualla Lord
2. Race: Martys Mission - Song Sung Blue - Qhilimar
3. Race: Ted Spread - Master Of Arts - Sire De Grugy
4. Race: Call Me A Star - Taradrewe - Eleven Fifty Nine
5. Race: Sanctuaire - Gracchus - Prince Buster
6. Race: Aldertune - Cool Friend - You Know Yourself

5 more poor meetings today

Once again, plenty of racing but all at a low level. Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at his local track Wincanton, but he has only one runner today - the lightly-raced Grandioso (Daryl Jacob) in the handicap hurdle at 16.00 CET. This is quite an open race, and Grandioso has not run up to expectations so far, but he could certainly win here. Nicky Henderson also has just one runner here - Black Pond (Andrew Tinkler) in the maiden hurdle at 18.10, and he should go close after twice running well, but Old Tricks (Colin and Joe Tizzard) looks a big danger. In fact the Tizzards look the team to follow, as they look certain to win the novice chase at 16.35 with Golden Chieftain and can also take the novice handicap chase at 17.05 with Ceepeegee.

Venetia Williams has runners here, but she sends her stable jockey Aidan Coleman north to Carlisle, and he can win here on Ballyoliver at 16.15 and Sustainability at 16.45. Sustainability is lightly-raced and looks to have further improvement in him and rates as our best bet today. It could be a good day for lady trainers at Carlisle, as we also fancy course specialist Teenando (Sue Smith/ Jonathan England), who will love the testing ground, in the stayers chase at 17.20 and another who always runs well here, Banoge (Rose Dobbin/ Keith Renwick), who can defy top weight in the handicap chase over 2 miles half an hour later.

There is also Irish jumps racing at Clonmel, where we would fancy German-bred Narima (Mervyn Torrens/ Mark Enright) in the mares handicap hurdle at 16.05 as long as the ground is not too heavy. Willie Mullins can take the first two races here, both maiden hurdles, with Quaquo de Flotte (Ruby Walsh) at 15.05 and Primroseandblue (Paddy Mullins) half an hour later.

The two all-weather meetings, at Southwell this afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening, offer very little in the way of betting opportunities with cards of low-grade races contested mainly by horses that have been running against each other with varying results all winter. At Southwell we recommend a small each-way bet on Sir Geoffrey (Scott Dixon/ Freddie Tylicki) in the 5 furlongs sprint at 18.00; anything could win this, but he is drawn 11 of 11, and the outside draw is often a big advantage here. At Wolverhampton Rosby Waves can continue the winning run of trainer Mark Johnston and jockey Joe Fanning in the 3yo handicap over an extended mile at 20.40. She won her only start over a shorter distance here 3 weeks ago; that form does not amount to much, but the stable´s runners often show marked improvement on their second outing.

5 more poor meetings today

Racing continues at a very low level today. Shangani (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) looks the best bet at Fontwell; he runs in the maiden hurdle at 15.00 CET and the form of his second place to Asaid at Taunton 10 days ago on his British debut should be good enough to win this. Venetia puts her good claimer RT Dunne up on Rigadin de Beauchene in the handicap chase at 16.30; he is unproven at this distance of 3 1/4 miles but his run last time here gives hope that he can manage. Another good claimer in action here is Brendan Powell jun, who can win the handicap hurdle at 17.00 on his father´s Terra Bleu. The handicap chase at 17.30 is a dreadful event, but Delgany Gunner (Neil King/ Alex Merriam) won it last year off the same rating, and although his recent form is poor, he can possibly bring off the double.

The mares novice hurdle at 16.20 is the most interesting race on a dismal Catterick card. Countess Comet (Colin Bealby/ Tom Messenger) is penalised for winning over this CD in January and has since run well on the all-weather. However w are not sure that she can give so mucb weight to the 4yo´ s Kishanda (Gay Kelleway/James Reveley), also an all-weather winner, or to hurdling debutante Ms Cordelia (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), while Hidden Identity (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne), easy winner of an Irish bumper before being transferred to this stable, could be the one to beat. There are 4 recent winners in the line-up for the handicap hurdle an hour later, but we expect Flora´s Pride (Keith Reveley/ Edmond Lineham), a very easy winner here over slightly shorter 8 days ago to follow up under a 7 lbs penalty.

There is also N.H. racing in Ireland at Downpatrick, but again the quality is poor and the fields are quite small by Irish standards. Charlies Vic (NC Kelly/ DR Fox) at 15.45 and Spring Lane (Gordon Elliott/ Nina Carberry) in the bumper at 17.45 are two short-priced favourites who should oblige.

The sll-weather cards, at Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening, are also pretty poor. The best race is the 10 furlongs handicap at 19.00 at Kempton; Licence to Till (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) could not handle the ice at St. Moritz, but back on this more orthodox surface can defy top weight and continue the stable´s good run.

Two poor meetings today

As is usually the case on a Monday, only very poor sport at two meetings on offer today. They go over jumps at Hereford and it often pays to follow Venetia Williams at her local meeting, but she has few runners today and her best chance would appear to be Carrickboy (Aidan Coleman) in the handicap chase at 17.45 CET. German-bred Alpha Way (Tom Symonds/ Felix de Giles) won 3 races before Christmas, two of them here, but faces much better opposition now, and we consider that Phidippides (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Made in Time (Rebecca Curtis/ Tony McCoy) are the main dangers. One cannot normally expect 12yo´s to improve, but Midnight Spirit (Martin Bosley/ Hadden Frost won so easily at Towcester 8 days ago that we think he can defy a 7 lbs penalty in the handicap hurdle at 17.15. We also expect Doeslessthanme (Paul Nicholls/ Nick Scholfield) to take the novice chase at 16.15, while the Shirocco filly Schism (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) half an hour later is another penali sed runner who can follow up.

The card at Lingfield is pretty dreadful and the main point of interest is the prolonged battle for the all-weather jockeys championship between Luke Morris and Jpoe Fanning. Morris has more rides today, but we feel that Fanning has the better winning opportunities, and we would not be surprised to see him land a treble on Quiet Appeal at 17.00, Haymarket an hour later, both for Mark Johnston, and Munsarim for Keith Dalgleish in between.

3 N.H. meetings today

Jumps racing today at Huntingdon and Sedgfield, and in Ireland at Leopardstown, but obviously no stars on view with Cheltenham just round the corner. The best card is at Leopardstown with a valuable handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 17.00 CET. Top-weight Roberto Goldback (Dessie Hughes/ Barry Geraghty) is the class act here and ran a great race last time when chasing home Quel Esprit (Willie Mullins´ Gold Cup hope) over 3 miles. This trip is possibly even more suitable and we think that he can give the weight away. Organisedconfusion (Arthur Moore/ Nina Carberry), who won last year´s Irish Grand National and is being aimed now at the Aintree version, and further but is still the main threat. The hurdle race at 15.30 is another good race, with most of the runners just below top class. Osana (Edward O´Grady/ Mark Walsh) was runner-up in the 2008 Champion Hurdle, but has been mainly chasing since. We prefer Won in the Dark (Sabrina Harty/ Andrew Lynch) today, who won thi s event in 2010 and recently ran a good second to the smart Cousin Vinny. This race was won last year by Stonemaster (Dessie Hughes/ Mark Enright) who now reappears under top weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.00. He is another one to have been chasing since, without a great deal of success, but back to the smaller obstacles must have a good chance in this company.

At Sedgefield there are several course specialists running and they should probably all be followed. Oniz Tiptoes (John Wainwright/ Peter Buchanan), bottom weight in the handicap hurdle at 16.20, 13yo Toulouse Express (Bob and Kenny Johnson) in the handicap chase at 16.50 and Authentic Act (Mike Todhunter/ James Reveley) , all of whose career wins have come here, all come into this category.

Punters should be cautious at Huntingdon; although the ground is officially good to firm, heavy rain is expected. Our main fancies here are Dot or Feather (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton), who won easily on his first attempt over fences and can follow up in a better grade at 16.40, consistent German-bred Malanos (Tony Carroll/ Lee Edwards) at 17.10 and Persian Snow (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who should certainly win the maiden hurdle half an hour later if he can reproduce his latest Sandown form here.

Chantilly and Meydan

France´s newest all-weather track opens today - at Chantilly, which is in any case the leading training centre and home of the two most important classics. This will be an undoubted advantage to the French racing scene and the track has two new 50,000 euro races on the card to attract possible runners at the Dubai World Cup meeting. The Prix Meydan Hotel over 1900 metres at 13.45 CET has certainly succeeded in this aim, as the small field includes two genuine Group One winners and Dubai candidates in Cirrus des Aigles (Corinne Barande-Barbe) and Zazou (Waldemar Hickst/ Olivier Peslier). They met in the Hong Kong Cup, where the German horse did better, but neither has run since and both are expected to need the race. However the other runners, led by Cagnes winners War is War and Tryst may have a fitness advantage but are nowhere near their class so the two favourites should dominate the finish. It is not really a race to bet on, but Zazou could be worth a tiny bet at the like ly long odds. The other big race, over a mile at 15.25, also has a small field but no real stars. Moonwalk in Paris (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Soumillon) and Don Bosco (David Smaga/ Gregory Benoist) should be the two to concentrate on here.

There is also racing in Dubai today, but the Meydan card is of a much lower standard than is usually the case here. With the Godolphin stable in such good form, we expect Saeed bin Suroor and Frankie Dettori to land a double here with Tahaamah in the 11 furlongs handicap on tapeta at 15.45 and top-weight Grand Vent in the 10 furlongs turf handicap at 16.55.

Grand National trials today

With Cheltenham due to start in 10 days tíme, none of the of the N.H. stars are likely to be seen out in the near future, and thoughts are already turning to the Grand National which is still a month a half away. Three races today can be regarded as trials for Aintree and trainer Donald McCain entered his 2011 winner BallaBriggs in all three of them. In the event he has plumped for the Premier Chase at 17.10 CET at Kelso, in which BallaBriggs finished runner-up a year ago- his only defeat in his last 7 races. He faces only 4 opponents today, of whom two probably have no chance whatever, but Master of the Hall (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) and According to Pete (Malcolm Jefferson/ Harry Haynes) could both prove bothersome. Obviously it would be nice to see BallaBriggs return to action with another win, and he is easily top-rated here, but under the circumstances we feel that According to Pete may be the better bet. However his trainer and his jockey Jason Maguire should not le ave the track empty-handed, as Absinthe can win the opening novice hurdle at 14.55, while ex-French Ubaltique. making his British debut, also appeals at 16.35.

The Grimthorpe Chase, a handicap over 3 1/4 miles at 16.25 at Doncaster, is another race where National clues can be found. Junior (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) is the stable´s top Aintree hope and should win this, although it looks a very open race, even though West End Rocker, the ante-post favourite, is not a certain runner. German-bred Quicuyo (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes) has been a big friend this season, winning 3 of his last 4 races - all of them here- and despite meeting better opposition this time can score again in the 2 miles handicap chase at 17.35. Top-weight Takeroc (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham), who has been running in better grade events, looks the main danger.
The veterans race for 10yo´s and up, at 15.40 at Newbury is the other place to look with Aintree in mind. German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Tom O´Brien) ran a great race over this CD to finish third in the Hennessy in November, but on this occasion we prefer Niche Market (Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), 5th in last year´s National. Nicholls and Walsh can also take the richest race on the Newbury card, a 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.10, with the relatively unexposed Aerial.

Newbury and Doncaster

One of the most interesting German-breds now running in British N.H. races is Lyvius (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) who runs in the opening 4yo hurdle at 14.50 at Newbury today. Bred by Ittlingen, he is by Paolini out of a Monsun mare and won at Hamburg and Baden-Baden last year when trained by Peter Schiergen. He won his first race for Henderson at Kelso in good style and is regarded as the stable´s main hope for the Triumph Hurdle a fortnight today. He faces no easy task however, as there are two other winners in the field, and they all have to give 7 lbs to some useful types, notably Gottany O´s (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire), who is almost certainly much better than his form suggests. Another German-bred who can score here is Double Handful (Lawney Hill/ Geraghty), who has finally found his form and can complete a hat-trick in the handicap hurdle at 17.00. We also like No Loose Change (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) here at 16.30, although this handicap chase looks wide open.

Doncaster´s card also opens with a novice hurdle with a hot favourite from the Henderson stable - Fourth Estate (David Bass), who is still unbeaten. He may possibly remain so, but we are hoping for a better effort this time from one-time smart flat handicapper Smokey Oakey (Mark Tompkins/ Peter Carberry). Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson can land a double here with LIdar at 16.05 and Tante Sissi 16.40, both likely to start at short odds, while the final handicap chase at 17.50 should lie between Time Out (James Ewart/ Brian Hughes), going for a four-timer, and Wessex King (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall).

Smart novice hurdlers in Ireland

Easily the best race at today´s 5 meetings is the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.55 CET at Thurles. There are only 6 runners, but they are all very promising, and the likely favourite Folsom Blue (Conor O´Dwyer/ Davy Russell), winner of his last 3 races, is regarded as a Cheltenham candidate. However he has to give weight to some dangerous opponents, so the result is no foregone conclusion. Certainly Willie Mullins´ two runners Toostrong (Paul Townend) and Hats and Heels (Ruby Walsh), both very lightly raced, look capable of dramatic improvement. Also at Thurles, we expect Saludos (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power), who ran a good race at Naas on Sunday, to defeat the Mullins entries in the chase at 15.25, but Mullins and Walsh should be back on the winning trail with Dare to Doubt in the mares beginners chase at 15.55.

In England, the best race is the Forbra Gold Cup at 17.00 at Ludlow, but despite its long tradition, this is nowadays just an ordinary 3 miles handicap chase. Rackham Lerouge (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) could be the answer to this tricky event; his latest starts have been very poor, but this faster ground could well be to his advantage.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saludos - Tango Banbou - Shakervilz
2. Race: Dare To Doubt - Mayo Mystique - Present Promise
3. Race: Pocketfullapennies - Big Game Hunter - Next Week
4. Race: Folsom Blue - Lyreen Legend - Hats And Heels
5. Race: King Of The Refs - Bold Banks - Fourth Class
6. Race: Oscar Hill - Beckwith Star - Owennacurra Milan
7. Race: Casablanca Lily - Dantes Firth - Theboathome