Newbury today

Newbury stages the second day of the Hennessy meeting with another good card. With the weather improving, the track is now good to soft and is expected to dry out further. Main feature is the Grade Two novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.05 CET, in which Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) looks a worthy favourite. He was a smart staying hurdler - chasing home Big Bucks on one occasion- and won his first chase in promising style. Theatre Guide (Colin and Joe Tizzard) was not much worse over hurdles and also started off over fences with an impressive win; he is up in trip but looks the main danger. Court in Motion (Emma Lavelle/ Barry Geraghty) is an interesting runner; he had some smart form 2 years ago and made a satisfactory comeback recently, but the stable has been a bit quiet recently. Benefficient (Tony Martin/ Tony McCoy) was runner-up in a similar race over 3 miles here yesterday and would be a danger if he turns out again.

The card opens with a 3yo hurdle in which ex-French Saphir du Rheu (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) makes his U.K. debut; he is highly regarded and can defeat some useful ex-flat horses from big stables. This could be the start of another good day for the Nicholls/ Walsh team, who can also score with Curtain Razer at 15.40 (although this looks a very open race, in which we also like German-bred Fair Along) and The Knoxs at 16.15, who receives 17 lbs from stable companion Tataniano (Daryl Jacob); the latter is pretty useful, but we do not imagine that he can win under this weight. Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty are represented by Giorgio Quercus in the latter event, whose recent form is not so great but he has been dropped to a lenient rating and could be a big threat. Henderson and Geraghty can also take the mares novice hurdle at 14.00 with Glorious Twelfth and have another winning chance with Kaki de la Pree in the concluding maiden hurdle at 16.45, where smart bumper horse Puffin Billy (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell) looks the one to beat.

There is an inspection still to come at Musselburgh today, where there has been overnight frost, but there are no problems with Doncaster, where we expect in-form trainer Tom George and his stable jockey Paddy Brennan to enjoy another profitable afternoon.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Saphir Du Rheu - Vasco D`ycy - Pistol
2. Race: Glorious Twelfth - Carole`S Destiny - Dancingtilmidnight
3. Race: Drumshambo - Roll The Dice - Ballywatt
4. Race: Dynaste - Theatre Guide - Court In Motion
5. Race: Curtain Razer - Ballybough Pat - Duke Of Monmouth
6. Race: Prince Of Pirates - The Knoxs - Bless The Wings
7. Race: Puffin Billy - Kaki De La Pree - Sound Investment

good racing at Newbury

some good news for a change - there is a good card at Newbury today, the first day of the 3-day Hennessy Gold Cup meeting, and with the weather showing slight improvement, the ground may not be quite as bad as feared earlier. It will however still be very soft and there seem certain to be further abandonments tomorrow and Saturday. Today´s main event is the Grade Two novice chase over 3 miles at 15.05 CET, in which all 6 runners are last-time-out winners, most of them after winning their first race over fences, including Irish hope Benefficient (Tony Martoin/ Tony McCoy). However our main fancies are Houblon des Obeaux (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), a smart hurdler who has won both his chases in fine style, and the promising Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Timmy Murphy). The limited handicap chase over 2 miles 1 furlong at 13.55 is another good race, with 5 of the 6 runners winning last time. Celtus (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is the exception, as he was pulled up behind Howard´s Legacy (Williams/ Coleman), whom he now meets on 7 lbs better terms.This is another open affair in which we side with German-bred Kruzlinin (Donald McCain/ McCoy), who has won his last 3 races, two of them over hurdles at Perth. Despite being by Sholokhov ourt of a DSurumu mare, he appears to handle very soft ground well enough. Ex-French Elenika (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) could be the main danger.

Nicholls also has good chances in the handicap chase at 15.40 and the listed handicap hurdle at 16.15 with the top-weights Cedre Bleu (Jacob) and Edgardo Sol (Harry Derham)- second last time over fences to the very smart Cue Card, but also very useful over hurdles. However we are not certain that he can concede 10 lbs to Lyvius (Henderson/ Geraghty), who has a good German pedigree and appears to have crept in here off a very lenient weight. Henderson and Geraghty can also take the handicap hurdle at 14.30 with Otto the Great, who can overturn the Ascot form with Ivor´s King (Colin and Joe Tizzard) on 11 lbs better terms. Nicholls introduces a very interesting flat winner in the opening novice hurdle at 13.25 - Aaim to Prosper (Jacob), winner of the Cesarewitch last month( for the second time) under top weight. Possibly he might find today´s distance on the short side., and we would rather go with the Tizzards´ Kings Lad, despite his penalty and the fact that he is held by Meg anisi (Rebecca Curtis/ McCoy) on earier running.

Newbury - betting forecast:
1. Race: Aaim To Prosper - Meganisi - Kings Lad
2. Race: Kruzhlinin - Elenika - Parsnip Pete
3. Race: Ivor`S King - Otto The Great - African Gold
4. Race: Houblon Des Obeaux - Hadrian`s Approach - Highland Lodge
5. Race: Sizing Santiago - Alvarado - Cedre Bleu
6. Race: Vendor - Edgardo Sol - Call Back
7. Race: O`faolains Boy - Oscar Rock - Larks Wing

3 all-weather meetings today

With all U.K. turf racing abandoned today, we now have 3 all-weather meetings - Wolverhampton and Lingfield in the afternoon and Kempton this evening, where the main event is the listed race over 1 1/2 miles at 19.00 CET. Top-weight here, and also top-rated, is Harris Tweed (William Haggas/ Graham Lee), who ran badly last time on very heavy ground, but is otherwise consistent enough in this grade.

Media Hype (Elaine Burke/ Martin Harley) is much improved this season and was 4th over this CD 3 weeks ago, form which gives him a chance here. Art Scholar (Mike Appleby/ George Baker) won the November Handicap from Communicator (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) last time, and with the latter a pound better off, there should be very little between them. This is quite an open race and we give slight preference to Art Scholar, who also has decent form at this track. The 6 furlongs handicap at 20.00 is also a nice race here, in which we select top-weight Ivor Bridge Lad (John Ryan/ Adam Kirby), who has been running in better company.

The most interesting races at Lingfield are the two divisions of the 2yo maiden which open the card; we like Wallenberg (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin), from the top German Waldrun family, in the first division at 13.00, and half an hour later the well-bred debutant Demonic (Sir Henry Cecil/ Eddie Ahern). The jockey booking is interesting here, as Ahern is apparently in trouble with the authorities, but nobody is saying why. However Terddy Grimthorpe. representing the owner Khalid Abdullah, has commented: "if he´s good enough for Henry, he´s good enough for us," which seems fair enough. Gosden and Havlin can complete a double later with the lightly-raced Starfield in the 10 furlongs handicap at 14.35, where the one to beat could be CD specialist Tinshu (Derek Haydn Jones/ William Carson).

The card is lower level at Wolverhampton, which has taken over Southwell´sabandoned meeting. York Glory (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin) should defy top-weight in the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 after his easy win at Lingfield last week; that was over 6, but he is equally effective at this distance. He is unlikely to be at a decent price however and a better bet might be Prime Exhibit (Daniel Loughnane/ Richard Kingscote) in the extended mile handicap an hour later. He also has top weight, but his chance is less obvious and he shouldf pay much more.

There is jumping in Ireland at Limerick, an extra fixture to make up for the many days lost to the weather. Willie Mullins can land a hat-trick here with Sarabad (Ruby Walsh) and Tempo du Camp (Davy Russell) in the maiden hurdles at 13.50 amd 14.20 -both ex-French horses looking for their first win in Ireland - and the debutant Suntiep in the bumper at 16.25, ridden by his son Paddy. They are all likely to start as hot favourites, and a better value bet could be The Sneezer (TJ Nagle/ Tom Doyle) in the handicap hurdle at 14.50. He is much better over fences, but is extremely well handicapped over the sticks.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Layla`s Oasis - Tartan Blue - Many Elements
2. Race: Fairyinthewind - Bert The Alert - Royal Etiquette
3. Race: Neige D`antan - Officer In Command - Hawaana
4. Race: Rivellino - Serenity Spa - Millers Wharf
5. Race: Communicator - Art Scholar - Harris Tweed
6. Race: Rockalong - Kalokagathia - Blank Czech
7. Race: Swiss Cross - Ajjaadd - Ubetterbegood
8. Race: Pull The Pin - Northern Spy - Takitwo

Lingfield today

Lingfield is the only meeting left today and will be staging jumps racing for a change. The ground will be very heavy and although all races look quite straightforward, we can still expect some surprise results and stakes should be kept to a minimum. The opening mares novice hurdle at 13.30 CET looks a match between Hidden Identity (Tim Vaughan/ Richard Johnson), carrying a double penalty, and Shesha Bear (Johnny Portman/ Hadden Frost); they met over this CD last time when the former won by 3 lengths, but the latter has a chance of reversing the form on 7 lbs better terms. We still prefer the former, who had winning form on heavy ground when trained in Ireland. There is a similar situation in the novice hurdle at 14.30 with the penalised Hollow Penny (Alan King/ Choc Thornton) again meeting Until Winning (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) after beating him last month by 7 lengths at Bangor; this time we will side with the horse with the lighter weight, though again there should be litlte in it. In the following novice chase at 15.00 it is Sire de Grugy (Gary and Jamie Moore) who has to give weight away; he is potentially a smart performer and we think he can still get the better of Cantlow (Paul Webber/ Tony McCoy), who made an excellent chasing debut at the beginning of the month. This is the best race of the day, even though the other 3 runners appear to have no chance.

Gary Moore can double up woth bottom-weight Well Refreshed, this time with his younger son Joshua in the saddle, in the handicap chase at 16.00. Obviously Pete the Feat (Charlie Longsdon/ Gavin Sheehan) is a danger after winning his last 3 races, but he has never run on ground as heavy as this and has so far not shone at this track. Theoretically Pete the Feat is still well in, as he is due to go up in the weights again next week, but we are not sure that he can concede so much weight to Well Refreshed, or to Pensnett Bay (Jo Hughes/ Micky Grant), who ran well at Sandown, for that matter.

Laura Mongan usually does well here and we expect Rosoff (Richard Johnson) to take the handicap chase at 14.00. The handicap hurdle at 15.30 is the only zrickier race of the day. although Dormouse (Marie King/ Tony McCoy) is bound to be favourite after winning the last twice; he has also won on heavy ground, but does seem so well handicapped now. Mongan has possibilities here too with Synthe David (Tom Cannon), while Lindsay´s Dream (Zoe Davison/ Gemma Gracey-Davison) could also go well. Basically these races all look too easy to be true, so be prepared for surprises!

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hidden Identity - Shesha Bear - Social Realism
2. Race: Topaze Collonges - Rosoff - Sawago
3. Race: Hollow Penny - Until Winning - De La Bech
4. Race: Sire De Grugy - Cantlow - Aikideau
5. Race: Dormouse - Synthe Davis - Volcan Surprise
6. Race: Pete The Feat - Well Refreshed - Pensnett Bay
7. Race: Chris Pea Green - Salford Lady - Resourceful Miss

Kempton and Ludlow

There should be no problems with today´s two meetings, but clearly the ground will be very soft at both. For a Monday, Kempton stage a pretty decent card with the listed mares hurdle over 3 miles at 15.05 CET the main event. Charlie Byrnes sends over Knockfierna (Daby Russell) from Ireland and she clearly has the ability to won this, but seems a bit tricky and has run out twice recently. She can certainly win, but we would rather not risk it. More reliable are Kells Belle (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Kaffie (Kim Bailey/ JasonMaguire) who finished first and second over 2 1/2 miles at Sandown in January. Kaffie is now 8 lbs better off and it should be a close thing. Henderson has several other good chances on a track where he always does well. Snake Eyes (Tony McCoy) is apparently one of the stable´s big hopes for this season and he should therefore win the novice hurdle at 14.00, a race the trainer has won 4 times in the past 5 years. With Geraghty in the saddle, the stable can also take the opening handicap hurdle at 13.30 with Semi Colon and the beginners chase at 14.30 with Spirit River, but we are less convinced by Joker Choker at 15.35, as he probably needs better ground. Current Event (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) could score for his big rival here. The danger could be Bally Legend (Caroline Keevil/ Tom O´Brien) and the same trainer can also take the following handicap hurdle with Moorland Sunset (James Best). although we also like Old Way (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) here, who has a great flat pedigree.

Venetia Williams can also be among the winners at Ludlow, where the quality is much lower; so can her namesake Evan Williams, and he should certainly win the opening maiden hurdle with the ex-Aga Khan runner Zarzal (Paul Moloney). Evan could also take the 2 miles handicap chase at 15.15 with top-weight Sublime Talent (Adam Wedge), who has been running in better company, while Venetia can win the beginners chase at 15.10 with Dare Me (Aidan /Coleman). Irish trainer Noel Glynn has two runners here, Inamalabalusaloon at 15.50 and Kaki Island an hour later, and both must be respected with top amateur Derek O´Connor in the saddle.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: South Stack - Hired Hand - Semi Colon
2. Race: Snake Eyes - Shady Lane - Piano Concerto
3. Race: Spirit River - The Druids Nephew - So Fine
4. Race: Kells Belle - Knockfierna - Miss Milborne
5. Race: Niceonefrankie - Turbo Du Ranch - Joker Choker
6. Race: Arkose - Iron Chancellor - Simply Ben
7. Race: Petit Ecuyer - Benny The Swinger - Knockdolian

Southwell - Monday and Tuesday abandoned

Even the all-weather tracks are suffering in the wet weather which has out large areas of the U.K. and Ireland under water. The course at Southwell is flooded and racing today and tomorrow has already been called off; they also have racing scheduled for Wednesday, but it is not clear of the waters will have receded by then. It seems almost certain that more fixtures will be cancelled this week, but at least it appears likely that racing will go ahead today at Kempton and Ludlow. Sedgefield (Tuesday) has also already been called off.

Navan today

The card at Navan today is not easy for punters, with large fields and very heavy ground, but the best solution could be to follow horses running in the colours of Gigginstown Stud, which belongs to the brothers Eddie and Michael O´Leary of Ryanair fame (or infamy). They have runners of 5 of the 7 races and could well win all of them - the problem is that in some races they have more than one runner.

In the most valuable event, the Troytown Chase, a 3 mile handicap, they have 4 runners, with Tofino Bay (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) and Crash (Michael Hourigan/ Barry Geraghty) possibly the best of them. Gordon Elliott, who trains one of the others, also has Romanesco entered and with Ruby Walsh in the saddle this could be the main danger. The classiest event is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 13.55, in which Gigginstown run three; Davy Russell, who presumably had the choice, rides Goirdon Elliott´s Bonisland, but Rule the World (Mouse Morris/ Andrew Lynch) also has a big chance, while the penalised Miley Shah (JP Kenny/ Geraghty) brings the most solid form to the race but faces a stiff task. The two Gigginstown runners in the opening maiden hurdle at 13.25, Carry Each Other (Morris/ Lynch) and Torn Asunder (Elliott/ Russell), could well take the first twomplaces and the same is true in another maiden hurdle at 14.25 with Don Cossack (Elliott/ Russell), a s mart bumper horse making his debut over sticks, and Ally Cascade (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry). Gigginstown´s Sword of Destiny (Meade/ Russell), very unlucky last time, can take the beginners chase at 15.55, although this is quite a hot race, with Alderwood (Tom Mullins/ Mark Walsh) and Rupert Lamb (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) both highly rated.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Torn Asunder - Francis Street - Carry Each Other
2. Race: Bonisland - Rule The World - Wingtips
3. Race: Don Cossack - Ally Cascade - Sizing Gold
4. Race: Odonimee - Mollys Captain - Lead Kindly Light
5. Race: Romanesco - Tofino Bay - Orpheus Valley
6. Race: Sword Of Destiny - Alderwood - Darwins Fox
7. Race: Caoimhe`s Delight - Honey Bach - Kymin`s Way

Exeter abandoned - no U.K. racing today- Navan on

With further rain falling, and most of SW England under water, it comes as no suprise that Exeter´s meeting today has been abandoned. Following the earlier abandonment of Towcester, this means that there is now no racing in the U.K. today and we are hoping that Navan in Ireland goes ahead. There is an inspection there later. Good news - Navan goes ahead, but the ground will be very testing.

Ascot today

Ascot also has a high class card today, although the ground here is also very soft and there are some small fields. Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty, who combined to win 3 races here yesterday, have good prospects to taking both the main events, the Grade Two chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs at 15.10 CET with Finian´s Rainbow and the Grade Two hurdle over the same trip at 15.45 with Oscar Whisky.

Both are very smart and top-rated, but they are also unproven on ground as soft as this. However this applies equally to most of their opponents. For example, we do not think that For Non Stop (Nick Williams/ Noel Fehily), so impressive on fast ground last time at Aintree, will act so well now and consider German-bred Ghizao (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jaconb) to be the most serious opponent for Finian´s Rainbow. Henderson and Geraghty also have a chance of winning the opening novice hurdle at 13.35 with Shernando, a useful handicapper on the flat for Mark Johnston. However he was not as good as Chiberta King (Andrew Balding/ Robert Thornton); these ex-flat horses do not always run up to the same form over hurdles and both this pair were well beaten over sticks last time, but we expect much better things today. Venetia Williams had some interesting runners today and we would not be surprised to see her land an Ascot handicap double with Kahsabelle at 14.40 and Pepite Rose at 16.20, both with stable jockey Aidan Coleman aboard.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Easter Day - Dursey Sound - Shernando
2. Race: Tigre D`Aron - Balbriggan - Full Of Joy
3. Race: Florafern - Grassfinch - Bunglasha Lady
4. Race: Finian`S Rainbow - For Non Stop - Captain Chris
5. Race: Oscar Whisky - Get Me Out Of Here - Raya Star
6. Race: Champion Court - Pepite Rose - Tanks For That
7. Race: The Nephew - Fiddlers Bid - Call A Truce

Betfair Chase at Haydock

The Grade One Betfair Chase over 3 miles at 16.05 CET at Haydock is the big race of the day. The recently-retired Kauto Star won this 4 times, and another Gold Cup winner, Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), attempts to follow in his hoofprints today. He is the highest rated chaser in training and in theory should win this easily. But doubts remain. His performances last season were not totally convincing and the very soft ground is an unknown factor. There are also doubts about his main challenger Silviniano Conti, representing the Kauto Star team of Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh; he has won his last 2 races in impressive fashion but is moving up in grade here and is also not certain to act on the going. The otjer 3 runners are rated well below this pair but an upset seems quite poossible.

The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore), who has a German pedigree, was runner-up in the Gold Cup at 50-1, with Long Run a tired third; neither had run since but the son of Black Sam Bellamy seems more likely to go on the ground. Weird Al ((Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is also coming off a long break, but is possibly best fresh. Finally Cannington Brook (Colin and Joe Tizzard), who has no chance on ratings but has won both his starts here and loves heavy ground, could well be the value here at a big price.

The opening hurdle race for 4yo´s at 13.20 looks a match between Hollow Tree (McCain/ Maguire) and Balder Succes (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson). Both ran in the Triumph Hurdle, in which the former finished 7th of 20, while the latter fell. Hollow Tree must give hisopponent 4 lbs here, which could be decisive, but we think he may act better on the heavy ground. The bumper at 14.25 also looks a match between Baltimoar (McCain/ Maguire) and Mister Pagan (Jim Goldie/ Lucy Alexander), both of whom have already shown above average ability.

McCain and Maguire also have a good chance in the handicap hurdle at 13.55, although this looks wide open. The other handovcaps are just as difficult; our two against the field at 15.00 are top-weight Quartz de Thaix (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell), back to form last time after a poor previous season, and Lie Forrit (Will Amos/ Anton Voy), at 15.30 our old friend Los Nadis (Goldie/ Henry Brooke) and ex-French Katkeau (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell), and at 16.40 top weight Master Overseer (Pipe/ Scu) and bottom-weight Monsieur Cadou (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Balder Succes - Hollow Tree - Face Value
2. Race: Ile de Re - Double Ross - Lamb Or Cod
3. Race: Baltimoar - Mister Pagan - Ballyben
4. Race: Quartz De Thaix - Universal Soldier - Dashing George
5. Race: Katkeau - Sivola De Sivola - Saphir River
6. Race: Long Run - Silviniaco Conti - Weird Al
7. Race: Ballybough Gorta - Master Overseer - Trigger The Light

Ascot and Haydock

At least the two best meetings today are safe, but they look very tricky for punters in view of the ground and some small fields, especially at Haydock. Ruby Walsh is here with 5 promising rides for Paul Nicholls and looks certain to go home with at least a winner or two. We expect their Domtaline to beat Kumbeshwar (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson)- a dodgy jumper- in the graduation chase at 14.20 CET, where Devotion to Duty (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) could also be a factor in receipt of 7 lbs from them both. They can follow up with Poungach in the novice chase at 14.55, where Gullinbursti (Emma Lavelle/ Dougie Costello) looks the main danger, but we are a bit dubious about Landscape in the novice hurdle at 15.30; as a son of Lando, he may not go on the ground and in any case Clondaw Kaempfer (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) looks hard to beat here. Wilton Milan has a good chance in the novice hurdle at 16.05, but he ran very green last time and Gevrey Chambertin ( David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) looks a serious opponent here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ubaltique - Hollo Ladies - Conquisto
2. Race: Kumbeshwar - Domtaline - Devotion To Duty
3. Race: Poungach - Knock A Hand - Super Duty
4. Race: Clondaw Kaempfer - Lienosus - Landscape
5. Race: Gevrey Chambertin - Wilton Milan - Fourjacks
6. Race: Vinstar - Varom - Runswick Royal



The team to follow at Ascot could be Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty, who can take the first two races with Minella Forfitness in the maiden hurdle at 13.55 and MInella Class in the beginners chase at 14.30 - although Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Henry Oliver) could be a big danger here on his chasing debut. Henderson also runs the Queen´s Close Touch in the introductory hurdle at 15.05 and this one also looks a good prospect. The 3 handicaps here look very open, and our two against the field are Vino Griego (Gary and Jamie Moore) and All for Free (having his first start for David Bridgwater with Richard Johnson booked to ride) at 15.40, Carrickboy (Venetia Williams Aidan Coleman) and The Sawyer (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury) at 16.15 and Petit Robin (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Bourne (Donald McCain/ Henry Brooke) in the last race at 16.50; in each case we have tried to find specialists for very soft going.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Barney Cool - Minella Forfitness - Many Clouds
2. Race: Restless Harry - Minella Class - Arthurian Legend
3. Race: Close Touch - Lordofthehouse - Fair Trade
4. Race: Royale`S Charter - Marshal Zhukov - Kapga De Cerisy
5. Race: Loch Ba - Prophete De Guye - Nez Rouge
6. Race: Petit Robin - Starluck - Dan Breen

Market Rasen and Kempton

Only two meetings left today and neither of them very exciting. There are some small fields this afternoon at Market Rasen, 4 races with only 5 runners, and the card is not at all punter-friendly. 10 line up in the novice hurdle at 14.10 CET with Alan King, 2 runners, and Jonjo O´Neill,3, responsible for half of them. King´s stable jockey Choc Thornton rides Uxizandre, not seen out since finishing second in Compiegne in May and he is the likely favourite. Two of Jonjo´s runners are owned by JP McManus, with Tony McCoy on Josie´s Orders, but possibly the Coolmore-owned Minella for Steak (Richie McLernon) could be the best of them; he is also reappearing after a long break- last seen winning an Irish point-to-point 21 months ago -and with so many imponderables here punters should be very cautious. Horses with good recent form are few and far between here. One exception is Billy Cuckoo (Tony Coyle/ Brian Toomey), who won at Wetherby 5 days ago and can follow up under a penalty i n the handicap chase at 16.10. Another is Lean Burn (Barry Leavy/ Alice Mills), who has won twice in the past 8 days and can complete a quick hat-trick in the lady amateur riders handicap hurdle at 16.40; he won this race in 2010, while Endeavor (Dianne and Emma Sayer) took it last year and could again be a danger. If all 8 run, then we think that CD winner Around a Pound (Nick Kent/ Charles Greene) could be a solid each-way bet in the handicap hurdle at 15.40.

Ralph Beckett and Jim Crowley took the main event at Kempton last night and they can repeat the trick this evening with Hurry Up George in the 7 furlongs handicap at 20.10. He won here last December and has mainly run in better class events since; all his previous starts have been at 6 furlongs, but we do not expect the extra furlong to be a problem. All-weather specialist Triple Charm (Jeremy Noseda/ Graham Lee) looks the main danger. Hamdan al Maktoum´s lightly-raced filly Estedaama (Marcus Tregoning( Paul Hanagan) is the obvious favourite in the 1 1/2 mile handicap half an hour earlier; she has won her last 3 races, but is running here for the first time. Into Wain (Steve Gollings/ Joe Fanning) likes it here and is a possible alternative. The two divisions of the mile handicap earlier look tricky, but we think that the two top-weights Rakaan (Jamie Osborne/ George Baker) at 18.40 and Prime Exhibit (David Loughnane/ Shane Kelly) have as good a chance as any.

Market Rasen - betting forecast:
1. Race: Red Jade - Westlin` Winds - Crystal Rock
2. Race: Uxizandre - The Mumper - Minella For Steak
3. Race: Changing Times - Monturgeon - Blackwell Synergy
4. Race: Midnight Sail - Mister Hyde - Dawn Commander
5. Race: Likearollingstone - Markadam - Jasper Massini
6. Race: Billy Cuckoo - Silver Steel - Flichity
7. Race: Lean Burn - Dark Energy - Stormy Morning

Thurles also abandoned

Today´s irish N.H. meeting at Thurles has also been abandoned, following Wincanton and Hereford. The good news is that Market Rasen goes ahead; it is now the only U.K. or Irish meeting this afternoon, although there is evening flat racing on the all-weather at Kempton.

Wincanton and Hereford abandoned

The rain continues to fall, particularly in the West of England, and Thursday´s meetings at Wincanton and Hereford have been abandoned. More fixtures at the weekend could be in danger unless the weather improves.

Listed race this evening at Kempton

The best race at the 4 remaining meetings today in the U.K. and Ireland is the listed race over a mile at 19.30 CET at this evening´s all-weather meeting at Kempton. This looks tricky, especially as several of the runners are best at shorter distances - this applies particularly to Ayr Gold Cup winner Captain Ramius (Kevin Ryan/ Phillip Makin), who is also badly drawn, and Sirius Prospect )Dean Ivory/ Graham Lee). Producer (Richard Hannon/ George Baker) is top-rated here, but as a 3yo giving weight to older horses faces a tough task and is also best at 7 furlongs. The two we like best are Belgian Bill (George Baker/ Ted Durcan) and the lightly-raced Pearl Mix (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), who both stay a mile well and have good course form as well.

There is also all-weather flat racing this afternoon at Lingfield where the best race is the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.30. Haamaat (William Haggas/ Paul Hanagan) is the favourite here after an easy win over 7 furlongs at this track last time. We shall take a chance on old favourite Docofthebay, one of 3 runners trained by Scott Dixon for his father and the mount of Martin Harley. He is a bit inconsistent but is on a nice weight and likes Lingfield.

There is jumps racing today at Hexham and Fairyhouse, with very soft/heavy ground at both. At the Irish track, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh look set for a good day; they have 4 runners, all forecast to start favourite. Turban in the hurdle race at 14.15 is in our view the likeliest winner; German-bred Auenschütze rarely wins but is very consistent and should follow him home. Blood Cotil at 13.45, Champagne Agent at 14.45 and Twigline at 15.45 all have obvious chances as well, but are not bombproof and we would not want to take too short a price about them. German-bred High Desert (Arthur Moore/ G Malone) looks an interesting each-way alternative in the maiden hurdle at 14.45.

The Hexham card is poor. The 4 mile handicap chase at 15.10 will take some getting on this ground and we will take a chance on Leac An Scail (Joanne Foster/ Samatha Drake), who goes on the ground but is trying this trip for the first time - as are most of the others. The same team can follow up with Vardas Supreme an hour later.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Place That Face - Summer Sun - Ishi
2. Race: Hurricane Hymnbook - Sakhee`S Pearl - Fairyinthewind
3. Race: Rangi - Bold And Free - Brownsea Brink
4. Race: Plenum - Watcheroftheskies - Sam Spade
5. Race: Derwentwater - She`s Some Girl - Katy Spirit
6. Race: Sirius Prospect - Captain Ramius - Belgian Bill
7. Race: Moderator - No Such Number - Six Silver Lane
8. Race: Mutual Regard - Lady Bellatrix - Miss Blakeney

Warwick abandoned

More bad weather news - today´s meeting at Warwick has been abandoned. Following more heavy rain overnight, the track is waterlogged.

3 poor meetings left

We are left with 3 poor meetings in the U.K. - two modest N.H. meetings at Folkestone and Fakenham (with some very small fields at the latter track) and even worse racing from the all-weather at Southwell, where all 8 races are class 5 or 6. The "best" race at Southwell is the mile handicap at 16.20 CET, and the much-improved No Dominion (James Given/ Graham Lee) can complete a quick CD hat-trick here.

Fishforcompliments (Richard Fahey/ Freddie Tylicki), who rarely wins but is fairly consistent, looks the main danger. Tony McCoy continues to boot home the winners at an amazing rate and can win the first 3 races at Folkestone, with Old Dream for Nick Giford at 13.40, Sir Fredlot (out of an Acatenango mare) at 14.10 and half an hour later Jonjo O´Neill´s Shutthefrontdoor, an unbeaten bumper horse running for the first time over hurdles. He also has chances at 15.10 on Future Profit and at 15.40 on Mission Complete, both for O´Neill and JP McManus, but these races look trickier. In the latter event Pete the Feat (Charlie Longsdon/ Noel Fehily) is going for a hat-trick, having won both his races since moving to this stable, while German-bred Promised Wings (Charlie Gordon/ Jack Doyle), a son of Monsun, also has prospects. Another German-bred with a winning chance is Sulpius (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury), who has gone up 10 lbs for an easy win at Fontwell 10 days ago, but me ets only modest opposition in the handicap chase at 16.10.

At Fakenham, the novice chase over 3 miles at 15.00 is quite interesting., despite having only 5 runners. Brady (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and First Fandango (Tim Vaughan/ Michael Byrne) were both useful handicap hurdlers who started over fences by finishing second, while Sainglend (Sean Curran/ Jack Quinlan) and Mavalenta (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) are also winning hurdlers who make their fencing debut today. We give slight preference to First Fandango, whose overall form is arguably the best and who will be ridden by a good claimer. We also like Roc de Guye (James Evans/ Adam Wedge) who has won the conditional jockeys handicap chase for the past two years and can do it again at 14.30.

Folkestone - betting forecast:
1. Race: Old Dreams - Umadachar - Floral Spinner
2. Race: Sir Fredlot - Spider Zagato - Shamrocked
3. Race: Shutthefrontdoor - Explained - Phone Home
4. Race: Future Profit - Todareistodo - Wily Fox
5. Race: Pete The Feat - Local Present - Just Josie
6. Race: Sulpius - Reste Jeune - Forever My Friend
7. Race: Just Walking Jack - Brantingham Breeze - On The Move

Wexford abandoned today

Ireland has had terrible weather this year and today´s meeting at Wexford is the latest casualty, as the track is waterlogged.

3 poor meetings today

Low level racing at today´s 3 U.K.meetings. The most interesting race is the novice chase over 2 miles at 15.10 CET at Leicester with 7 runners, two of them already winners over fences -Court in Session (Martin Keighley/ Tony McCoy) and Tindaro (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan); they are therefore penalised and have to give 7 lbs to the rest, which may not be easy. Ciceron (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) and Act of Kalinisi (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tom O´Brien), both useful handicap hurdlers are expected to make the grade now they are chasing. Balinroab (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie Mclernon) is also expected to make the grade in time, but this may be too early. Although Act of Kalinisi ran better on his chasing debut than Ciceron, who was pulled up, we still just prefer the latter. The handicap hurdle half an hour later sees the return of Open Day (O´Neill/ McCoy), who looked promising when winning 2 races in February; he then lost his form completely and has come down a lot in the weigh ts. Obviously he has a chance in this weak affair, but we prefer the two bottom-weights, Minsky Mine (Milke Appleby/ McLernon) and Aegean Destiny (Jim Mackie/ Sam Twiston-Davies).

Things did not go to plan for Nicky Henderson at the big Cheltenham meeting, but he has good prospects of landing a double at a much lower level in Plumpton today with Broadbackbob in the novice chase at 14.20 and Looking Hopeful in the novice hurdle half an hour later, both partnered by Barry Geraghty. The obvious dangers are Tempo de Cotte (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) and Turn over Sivola (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) respectively.

There is flat racing at Wolverhampton this afternoon, and the only races of much interest are the two divisions of the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.00 and 17.30. In the first divison we fancy Fathsta (Ian Williams/ Steve Donohoe), although he is wearing his owner´s second colours; Restaurateur (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), who won over this CD in early October, looks the one to beat but is badly drawn. However we think that Balding and Probert can take the second division with Katakoti. He used to be much better than this grade, but has put up a string of poor performances and has dropped to a very favourable rating. He cannot be recommended on form, but we are hoping that his first visit to this track may revitalise him.

Leicester - betting forecast:
1. Race: Cufflink - Madeira Girl - Allusive Power
2. Race: Hever Road - Nom De Guerre - Pairc Na Gcapall
3. Race: Rano Pano - Ghaabesh - Rowlestone Lad
4. Race: Act Of Kalanisi - Ciceron - Balinroab
5. Race: Luggers Hall - Aegean Destiny - Minsky Mine
6. Race: Croco Mister - Ouest Eclair - Thorncliffer
7. Race: Harris Garden - Benefit Cut - Kaylif Aramis

Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham

The second day of Cheltenham´s Open meeting has an excellent card with six extremely strong races. Main event is the valuable Paddy Power Gold Cup, a handicap chase over just over 2 1/2 miles at 15.35 CET with 19 runners. It is a very classy field and we shall be seeing some of the runners in the top events later in the season. There is a clear favourite here Grands Crus (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), and although the race is very competitive, he really does look a good thing, although we would not consider him good value at odds of around 9-4; if he goes out to 3-1 he would be worth a decent bet. He was a top novice last season, and a top staying hurdler the year before, and although he ran below form when only 4th when hot favourite for RSA Chase at the Festival here in March, he was apparently not right that day. If one takes that form literally then Walkon (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) is handicapped to beat him now, but we do n not really believe that.

More dangerous could be Nicky Henderson´s 3 runners, and although stable jockey Barry Geraghty rides Triolo d´Aleno, we think that Nadiya de la Vega (Tony McCoy) and Quantativeeasing (Andrew Tinkler) could be the main stable hopes. The much-improved Hunt Ball (Kieran Burke/ Nick Scholfield) won 7 races last year and has shot up the weights, but his owner has reportedly backed him to win a fortune today (and to go on to win the Gold Cup!), so must be taken seriously. Paul Nicholls´ 3 runners Poquelin (Harry Derham), Al Ferof (Ruby Walsh) and Aerial (Daryl Jacob) are also to be considered, but none appear to be very well handicapped. Grands Crus is strongly fancied by the Pipe stable - who have a good record in this race - and he is clearly the one to beat.

The opening Grade Two hurdle for 3yo´s is by far the best juvenile hurdle of the season so far, with several top prospects from the leading stables, Mcvicar (Alan King/ Thornton), Far West (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Vasco du Ronceray (Henderson/ Geraghty) for example. This race is better watched, but we shall go along with Far West, who is by the top French stallion Poliglote.

Nicholls and Walsh also have a good chance of taking the novice chase at 14.20 with Sire Collonges, who faces a strong challenge from the three Irish runners Sea of Thunder (Charlie Byrnes/ McCoy), Sraid Padraig (Tony Martin/ Aidan Coleman) and White Star Line (Dessie Hughes/ Geraghty). Sire Collonges won a similar race over this CD at the October meeting from Sea of Thunder, with White Star Line pulled up after mistakes, but there may not be much in it this time.

The handicap chase over almost 3 1/2 miles azt 14.55 is another very open race. We shall go for two outsíders here, Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Liam Treadwell) and Fredo (Ian Williams/ Harry Skelton). The latter won the Grand National in 2009 and was third in the Gold Cup a year later. he can no longer be measured by that form, but has come down a lot in the weights and his stable is in great form. Fredo has a German pedigree and is by Lomitas; he is one of our favourite horses and is always capable of popping up at a good price in thes staying handicaps.

Cheltenham: day one

Cheltenham´s November meeting starts today with a really high class card and six very competitive races. Main event is the Grade Two novice hurdle over 2 miles at 15.25 CET,which sees leading candidates from some top stables in opposition. Jonjo O´neill saddles Tominator (Tony McCoy), a top staying handicapper (third in the Cesarewitch) who made a good start to his hurdling career when winning by 12 lengths at Bangor.

However he did not bdeat miuch and his jumpoing was not perfect: he will need to be sharper today. Court Minstrel (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Dodging Bullets (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) both won over this CD at the October meeting and are also moving up in grade; of these we easily prefer Dodging Bullets, who was fourth in the Triumph Hurdle here and is high up the pecking order in his top stable, but Court Minstrel,.whose stable is in good form, should not be underestimated. However the really interesting one here is River Maigue (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), a smart bumper horse who is making his hurdling debut and is highly rated by his shrewd trainer.

The novice chase over 2 1/2 miles which opens the card at 14.15 is another hot race, even with only 5 runners. Fingal Bay (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) has won 6 of his 7 starts, and was 2nd of 19 in a Grade One race at the Grand National meeting on his other start. He is expected to go right to the top, but faces a stiff task today in giving weight to Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), a very smart staying hurdler from the team that won this last year with Grands Crus, and the 4yo Unioniste (Nicholls/ Walsh), an ex-French horse who has won his only U.K. start on good style. At these weights we just prefer Dynaste.

The cross-country at 16.00 is another good race. Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) won this last year, but finished well behind Orphee des Blins (Greg Wroblenski/ Jan Faltjesek) in the Grand Pardubitzer last month; it is the first time the Pardubitz winner has run here, and we hope he goes well. Balthazar King (Hobbs/ Johnson) is a real Cheltenham specialist and won the cross-country at the Festival here in March, when Wedger Pardy (Kim Bailey/ Jacqui Coward) finished third, Sizing Australia (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch) fourth, Midnight Haze (Kim Bailey/ Nick Scholfield) sixth and Hello Bud (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davoies) seventh. Balthazar King should go well again, but Sizing Australia is also a CD winner and meets him on better terms here; he is therefore our selection.

The three handicaps are all extremely tricky, but if we stick to horses trained by David Pipe, Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson we cannot go far wrong. Our fancies in the 2 mile chase at 14.50 are Kid Cassidy (Henderson/ McCoy) and Shooters Wood (Nicholls/ Walsh). In the 2 mile 5 furlongs handicap hurdle at 16.35, which is restricted to conditionals, our 3 against the field are Titan de Sarti (Henderson/ Jerry McGrath), Top Wood (David Pipe/ Tom Bellamy) and Saint Roque( Nicholls/ Harry Derham), but we also like German-bred Adelar (Venetia Williams/ Harry Challoner), whose stable is in a great form and who is an own brother to last week´s French group winner Aquatinta. The last race at 17.05 is restricted to amateurs and here we choose top-weight There´s No Panic (Nicholls/ Steven Clements), Swing Bill (Pipe/ M. Ennis), who won the race last year, and Jamsie Hall (Gordon Elliott/ Jamie Codd).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dynaste - Fingal Bay - Unioniste
2. Race: Silver Roque - Shooters Wood - Kid Cassidy
3. Race: Dodging Bullets - Tominator - River Maigue
4. Race: Balthazar King - Orphee Des Blins - Sizing Australia
5. Race: Top Wood - Saint Roque - Titan De Sarti
6. Race: There`S No Panic - Hunters Lodge - Jamsie Hall

Sizing Europe in Clonmel Oil Chase

The four U.K. meetings today are all very poor, but there is some good N.H. racing in Ireland, where the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 has attracted one of the big stars of the jumps scene - Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch). The 2011 Champion Chase winner - and runner-up this year- is arguably better over the minimum trip, but is also effective over this distance and has over a stone in hand of his four opponents today. He has won 16 of his 32 races and never runs a bad race, in fact it is over 3 years since he last ran unplaced. Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) is ideally suited by this CD and has won this race for the past two years; it will be a huge surprise if he can beat Sizing Europe at level weights, but he looks booked for second place. Let Yourself Go (Martin and Shane Hassett) was runner-up here in 2010, but will do well to be placed today, as the Gigginstown pair Magnaminity (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) and Rath lin (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper) are both smart and should fight it our for third place.

The other graded race is the mares chase over the same trip half an hour later. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have won this for the past 2 years and can take it again with the very promising Tarla.She has never yet run over fences, but is highly rated by her connectilons, who certainly know the time of day with top mares. Top-weights Knockfierna (Charlie Byrnes/ Russell) and Our Victoria (Colin Bowe/ Martin O´Neill) can fight it out for the places; Knockfierna has a lot of ability, but is not one in whom to place total trust in view of her unfortunate tendency to run out at a vital stage of a race.This has happened twice in her last 5 starts - she won the other 3, all Grade Three events, but if Tarla is as good as her trainer expects, she should win. The other interesting race at Clonmel is the opening maiden hurdle at 13.55, in which the two smart bumper winners Lord of Lords (O´Grady/ Geraghty) and The Paparrazi Kid (Mullins/ Walsh) both make their debut over sticks.

The U.K. cards are of little interest by comparison. We hope that German-bred Lava Lamp (Evan Williams/ Adam Wedge) runs a bit better in the handicap hurdle over an extended 2 miles at 16.10 at Taunton. This half-brother to Lady Marian has been very inconsistent, but is down in grade here and has also been dropped in the weights. Tisfreetodream (Paul Pritchard/ Nico de Boinville) is a similar case in the amateur riders handicap hurdle at 14.30 at Ludlow.

Clonmel - betting forecast:
1. Race: The Paparrazi Kid - Clara Bel La - Dushybeag
2. Race: Chu Chu Thomas - Hugbensin - Short Grass
3. Race: Roadtoabbeyfeale - Quietly Fancied - Ballyburke
4. Race: Sizing Europe - Tranquil Sea - Magnanimity
5. Race: Knockfierna - Tarla - Our Victoria
6. Race: Fourth Class - Days Ahead - Yeoman
7. Race: Turnandgo - Giantofaman - The Pounds

5 meetings today

5 meetings today, and while the two all-weather cards (Southwell this afternoon and Kempton this evening) are of little interest, there is some decent jumps racing, especially at Exeter. Ruby Walsh is here for two rides and we expect him to win on both for Paul Nicholls. Provo won a maiden hurdle impressively last time out and should have little trouble in following up at 14.40 CET, while Keppols Hill, winner of several point-to-points last year, was unlucky when beaten a short head on his debut in a proper steeplechase after making a bad mistake at the last, and can recover losses at 15.40. This however is quite a good race, and Philip Hobbs´ pair, Allthekingshorses (Tom O´Brien) and Talkonthestreet (Richard Johnson), must be respected.Hobbs can in any case take the beginners chase half an hour later with Bold Henry (Tony McCoy), while Nicholls also saddles Five Dream (Ryan Mahon) in the 3 mile handovcapo hurdle at 15.10. He was runner-up in this last year, but spent most of the rest of the season chasing Big Buck´s; he never got near that champion,but his rating had shot up as a result and we cannot imagine his beating Captain Sunshine (Emma Lavelle/ Dominic Elsworth) at these weights.

Donald McCain is usually the trainer to follow at Bangor and he can land a double here with Seedless (Jason Maguire) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 14.30 and with either Glyn Ceiriog (Henry Brooke) or Benjamin Bittern in(Maguire) in the novice hurdle at 16.30. He also has good prospects in the 3 mile handicap chase at 15.00 with Lively Baron (Maguire), but this is a hot race in which all 10 runners have a chance. Monkerty Tunkerty (Jessica Westwood/ Wayne Kennedy) is an interesting runner here, and this point-to-point and hunter chase winner looks dangerously well handicapped.

At Downpatrick, Sarabad (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) makes his comeback after two disappointing efflorts when heavily backed last winter; he can atone in the maiden hurdle at 13.35. Gordon Elliott, whose string is in good form, looks set for another profitable day and we expect him to win the other maiden hurdle at 14.05 with Torn Asunder (Davy Russell) and the beginners chase at 15.05 with Vapiano (Davy Condon).

Southwell - betting forecast:
1. Race: Irish Jugger - War - Supersticion
2. Race: Small Fury - Pearl Noir - Robyn
3. Race: Sehnsucht - Snooky - Frederickthegreat
4. Race: Betzyoucan - Eastern Dragon - Carina Palace
5. Race: Divine Angel - Rakticate - Portside Blue
6. Race: Beautiful Day - Desert Creek - Jack Of Diamonds
7. Race: Beat The Bell - Waking Warrior - Ertikaan
8. Race: Italian Riviera - Darsan - Sea Cliff

3 N.H. meetings today

Tuesday is usually the weakest day of the week and today is no exception, with 3 low-grade N.H. meetings on the menu. It is however significant that Ruby Walsh is in England for just one ride, the ex-French Elenika for Paul Nicholls in the beginners chase at 15.40 CET at Huntingdon. The obvious danger is another ex-French runner Rajhdhani Express (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen), but with the Nicholls stable in such good form, we definitely prefer Elenika. Royale Knight (Dr. Richard Newland/ Tom O´Brien) at 14.10 and Valdez (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) at 15.10 are two more short-priced favourites who should win here.

Those who follow jockeys will also have cottoned on to the fact that Tony McCoy is riding at Lingfield. He has a couple of other mounts, but his main reason for being there is undoubtedly Jonjo O´Neill´s Lookout Mountain in the novice hurdle at 15.00. The 4yo runs in the colours of Derrick Smith, more familiar on the flat through the exploits of Camelot & co., and was odds-on for his bumper debut in May in Ffos Las, winning easily on heavy ground, which he will encounter again today. There are some promising types in this field, but we expect Lookout Mountain to win and go on to better things. There is also a novelty race here - the handicap hurdle at 15.30 for professional flat jockeys. Jamie Goldstein, who rides Lindsay´ s Dream for Zoe Davison, has a dual license and has ridden plenty of winner over the sticks, but none of the other jockeys has ever done so. Miss Exhibitionist (SAlan King/ Fergusd Sweeney) is certain to start favourite here, but aöthough sjhe has a string ofg places to her credit, she jhads never actually won a trace and is nnot cetrtain to lkike the ground. Our preference is for top-weight Light the World (Richard Phillips/ Rab Havlin) and Rosoff (Laura and Ian Mongan), both of whom have won on heavy going.

The card at Sedgefield is very uninspiring. Two course specialists Schinken Otto (Malcolm Jefferson/ Harry Haynes) and Gavroche Gauguin ( Ferdy Murphy/ Tony Kelly) meet in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 14.50, but both are better over shorter. Best bet here is the one-time smart flat performer Petara Bay (Sophie Leech/ Noel Fehily) in the novice hurdle at 14.20.

Huntingdon - betting forecast:
1. Race: Royale Knight - Whitcombe Spirit - Sweet Prince
2. Race: Preuty Boy - Kauto The Roc - Honest John
3. Race: Valdez - Softsong - St Ignatius
4. Race: Elenika - Rajdhani Express - Boruler
5. Race: Synthe Davis - Countess Comet - Ruby Crown
6. Race: Keppel Isle - Nurse Ratched - Munro Bagger

Limerick abandoned

Today´s meeting at Limerick has been abandoned as the track is waterlogged after further rain. This leaves just two poor N.H. cards from the U.K., are Carlisle and Southwell, with some small fields. At Carisle the most interesting race is the 3 mile chase at 15.25 CET. Sarando (Paul Webber/ Liam Treadwell) won this last year, but he is so unreliable it is hard to know what to expect. Out-and-out stayer Cappa Blue (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) is top-rated here, having fonkished third in the Welsh Grand Natoijnal and then fourth at Aintree, but he has not run since and YAcross ther Bay (Donald McCain/ Jadsomn Maguire) can be preferred. A useful hurdler, he won easily at Kelso 3 weeks ago on his attempt at fences and can score again today. McCain and Maguire are also represented by German-bred Kruzhulin in the beginners chase over 2 miles at 16.30, but he is by Sholokhov our of a Surumu mare and we suspect he may not enjoy the heavy ground, so fellow debutant Jet Master (Neil and Lucy Alexander), a strong front-runner, may prove his master today.

At Southwell Keith and James Reveley might land a double in the novice hurdles with Robbie at 14.45 and Harvey´s Hope at 15.50. Both are course specialists, but are penalised for winning here in the summer. The ground here is apparently good, which will suit The Fonz (Paula Robeson/ Jimmy McCarthy) who runs in the 2 1/2 mile handicap hurdle at 15.15. Prevuously a useful flat handicapper for Sir Michael Stoute, he won over this CD in June and as long as the ground is not soft, should go well today. Danger is Bandanaman (Alan Swinbank/ Rachael Green) off a very low weight.

Carlisle - betting forecast:
1. Race: Tipsy Dara - Cilliseal - Fog Patches
2. Race: Powerful Ambition - Smart Act - Rhymers Ha`
3. Race: The Magic Bishop - Rossini`S Dancer - Papa Caruso
4. Race: Across The Bay - Cappa Bleu - Sarando
5. Race: Definite Dream - Imjoeking - Julia Too
6. Race: Kruzhlinin - Jet Master - Triptico
7. Race: Cloud Creeper - No Deal - Phoenix Returns

Top N.H. performers at Navan

4 jumps meetings today, but easily the best card is at Navan, where several of Ireland´s top prospects are on view. The Grade Two Fortria Chase over 2 miles at 15.50 CET has only 5 runners, but they include three stars: Big Zeb (Colm Murphy/ Robbie Power), Realt Dubh (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) and Flemenstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch). Realt Dubh was fourth last week behind Kauto Stone and will be better suited by this distance; he has a fitness advantage over the other two, but we still expect him to come off second (or third) best. He also finished well in front of Big Zeb when the latter was last seen at the Punchestown Festival, but Big Zeb is still our selection. He has won this race for the last 3 years, has won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, and although he is now getting on a bit, he always runs best fresh and we hope to see him in best form today. Up-and-coming star Flemenstar finished last season with 5 successive wins and looks as if he will go right to the to p, but he might need the race today. Big Zeb could complete a big race double for his trainer, as we also expect his Voler la Vedette (Lynch) to take the Grade Two Lismullen Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 14.45.

One of the best mares in training, she won this last year (and is in fact 2/2 at this track) and was an excellent runner-up to Big Bucks at Cheltenham last time out. A repetition of this form would surely see her defeat So Young (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh), well behind her at Cheltenham, and the main dangers could be the lightly-weighted Maller Tree (Jessica Harrington/ Power) and Mae´s Choice (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon). The third graded race is the novice hurdle at 14.15, which should go to Sizing Rio (Henry de Bromhead/ Lynch), another exciting prospect. He won at Fairyhouse last time by 18 lengths from Cops and Robbers (Meade/ Davy Russell), who reopposes on the same terms, having won himself in the meantime. These are the only 4yo´s in the field, and Captain Arceus (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran), an easy CD winner last time, looks easily the best of the older horses.

There is also Irish N.H. racing at Limerick, where German-bred Sammy Black (Tony Mullins/ Brian Hayes) should have a good each-way chance in the opening maiden hurdle at 14.05. The son of Black Sam Bellamy made a decent debut at Galway last month. The other maiden hurdle, over 2 mlles 5 furlongs at 15.120, can go to The Crafty Butcher (Michael Hourigan/Adrian Heskin), who deserves to win after several fair efforts.

The better of the two U.K. cards is at Ffos Las, where Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy look the team to follow. They can land a hat-trick with At Fishers Cross and Boyfromnowhere in the first two races., and Castle Beach in the concluding bumper. Fishoutofwater, top-weight in the handicap chase at 16.40, would also have a chance at his best, but seems to have lost the plot. McCoy can also take the 3 miles handicap chase at 16.05 on Jim Best´s super-consistent Wayward Glance.

The card at Market Rasen is very poor and there are some small fields as well. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire can score here with their only two runners, Valleyofmilan at 14.40 and Amron Lad at 15.15.

Good jumps racing today

The flat season ends today as the jumping season gets under way, with some good races at all 4 meetings today.
At Sandown, all eyes will be on top flat handicapper and hurdler Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) as he makes his long-awaited chasing debut at 14.20 CET. As long as he jumps o.k., this should be a stroll in the park. The ex-Aga Khan runner Rayadour (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) is expected to make a winning hurdles debut in the 3yo hurdle at 14.50, while General Ting (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) looks a good thing to take the handicap hurdle at 16.00 under bottom weight, following his easy Kempton win on Monday.

The best card is at Wincanton; this is Paul Nicholls´ local track, and he won all 3 feature races last year and could well repeat that feat today. His runner in the Grade Two novice chase at 15.15, Poungach (Ruby Walsh) fell last time, but can be forgiven that lapse; King of the Night (Noel Fehily), who has a nice German pedigree and is trained by Nicholls´ ex-assistent Harry Fry, could be the danger. Nicholls saddles 3 runners in the Grade Two Elite Hurdle at 15.50; Zarkandar (Daryl Jacob) is possibly the best of them, but he has a huge weight and Ruby understandably prefers Prospect Wells. German-bred Local hero (Steve Gollings/ P.Bohan) is in great form and an obvious threat, and Topolski (David Arbuthnot/ Tom Cannon), off since March, would be a big danger if back to his old form. Michel le Bon (Nicholls/ Walsh) has not been seen since winning over hurdles in April, but has a good chance in the listed handicap chase at 16.25, where Golden Chieftain, from the in-form Tizz ard stable, looks a big danger despite a hefty hike in the weights.

At Kelso, two 2011 winners can repeat their victories in the top handicaps on the card - German-bred Soprano (Jim Goldie/ Henry Brooke) in the handicap hurdle over nearly 3 1/2 miles at 14.30, and top-weight Stagecoach Pearl (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) in the 2 mile handicap chase at 15.40.

In Ireland, we expect the classy Hisaabaat (Dermot Weld/ Andrew Lynch) to concede weight to some useful opponents and win the Grade Three hurdle at 14.05 at Naas.

Doncaster: final day of flat season

Today´s Doncaster meeting marks the end of the flat racing season in Britain and Ireland, though there will of course continue to be all-weather racing, mainly at a very low level. With huge fields, 147 declared in 8 races (though a couple of non-runners reported), this card looks really tricky for punters, although the ground should be good enough, as Doncaster has missed most of the rain.

The November Handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 15.35 CET is the big betting race of the day, and Sir Henry Cecil´s First Mohican (Tom Queally) os clear favourite here, having won all his 3 starts so far. However he represents no value at all in our eyes, as he has been given quite a high rating for what he has achieved, and his inexperience and high draw are other negative factors. Godolphin have a strong hand with 4 runners; Darley Sun (William Buick) has not won since the 2009 Cesarewitch, and we cannot fancy him over this much shorter trip. However we do like the two top-weights Retrieve (Mikael Barzalona) and Songcraft (Ted Durcan); they will need to be pattern race class to win this, but they are, and Retrieve was runner-up to the top German 3yo Novellist last time in Italy, while at these weights there is nothing between him and Songcraft based on their earlier Newmarket form. Kirthill (Luca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Communicator (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) are both ve ry consistent in this grade, but on their highest ever ratings.

Nicholascopernicus (Ed Walker/ Luke Morris) and Party Line (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) are both last-time-out winners and improving, while Clayton (Kevin Ryan/ Jimmy Quinn) looks dangerous off a low weight. War Poet (David O´Meara/ John Fahy) appeals as the best outsider; he was well behind Kirthill last time, but usually runs well here. This is a very open race, and of course First Mohican may well run out an easy winner, but at the likely prices we prefer the Godolphin top-weights.

There are also two listed races on the card, and Godolphin again have good prospects in the fillies race over 10 furlongs at 15.00 with 3 runners. Sajjhaa (Barzalona) could be the best of tjhem; she was 4th last time to Sortilege in an Italian Group One, and on her previous start in Maywas runner-up to Izzi Top at York. If she can run to that form again, she should win here, although stable-companion Surprise Moment (Jimmy Fortune), down in trip, could be a big danger.

The 6 furlongs race at 176.10 is much more tricky, but we hope that Sirius Prospect (Dean Ivory/ Shane Kelly) can repeat his 2011 victory from Mayson, with Doc Hay (O`Meara/ Joe Fannning) third and Eton Rifles (Steve Williams/ William Carson) fourth. That form would be good enough, but his 2012 efforts have been less exciting. Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) has won his last 3 races in good style,but is meeting better opposition here, and The Cheka (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Fortune) and the lightly-weighted 3yo filly Ultrasonic (Sir Michael Stoute/ Richard Hughes) look the main dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Desert Creek - Sabratha - Fama Mac
2. Race: Les Verguettes - Saskia`S Dream - Fame Again
3. Race: Mar Mar - Flashlight - Future Reference
4. Race: Muharrib - Blazing Knight - Run Fat Lass Run
5. Race: Sajjhaa - Emirates Queen - Surprise Moment
6. Race: First Mohican - Nicholascopernicus - Clayton
7. Race: Jack Dexter - Ultrasonic - Sirius Prospect
8. Race: Well Painted - Louis The Pious - Shamaal Nibras

Listed race this evening at Dundalk

The turf season has finished for flat racing in Ireland, but there are still plenty of horses ready to run and there are maximum fields for all 8 races at Dundalk this evening. Highlight is the listed mile race for filles and mares at 22.00 CET, in which Lily´s Angel (Ger Lyons/ Gary Carroll) will start a hot favourite to complete a hat-trick. Previously with Richard Fahey, she had solid form in the U.K. before moving to her present trainer, for whom she is so far unbeaten, ncluding over this CD a fortnight ago. Main danger should come from Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ Pat Smullen), one of 3 British raiders, who was beaten a short head here last year; she is an all-weather specialist, although a bit disappointing last week at Lingfield, when she finished behind Libys Dream (Tom Dascombe / Johnny Murtagh). She can put that right this evening, but Lily´s Angel is the clear form choice here.

The 3 U.K. meetings this afternoon, and also Wolverhampton this evening, are all pretty dreadul with some seriously bad races. In addition, the fields at Fontwell and Hexham are mainly very small and not at all punter-friendly. Schlenderhan-bred Sulpius (Bob Buckler/ Andrew Glassonbury) is next to useless, but still has a chance in a very weak race at 16.40 at Fontwell.

There are also 2 ex-German horses running in the conditional jockeys´ handicap hurdle at 13.50 at Musselburgh. Schelm (Ronnie O´Leary/ Peter Carberry) and Amore Mio (Lucinda Russell/ Sean Fox) have both failed to live up to earlier expectations, but have now been dropped to a very favourable rating and could both get involved in this company. At Hexham, we like CD specialist Panther´s Run (JC Haynes/ John Kington), who can repeat last year´s win in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.30 in receipt of 20 lbs from the classier Brousse en Feux (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies).

Dundalk - betting forecast:
1. Race: Bainne - Mordanmijobsworth - In Salutem
2. Race: Charismas Birthday - Till Dawn - Dimitar
3. Race: Little Village - My Good Brother - Fleet Captain
4. Race: Dark Pulse - Rose Garden - Love And Cherish
5. Race: Knights Templar - Diamond Daze - Red Laser
6. Race: Wild China - Eljowzah - Ferryview Place
7. Race: Lily`S Angel - Night Lily - Devotion
8. Race: Atmospheric High - The Fox Tully - Heavy Weight

5 poor meetings today

there are some big fields at the Irish N.H. meeting at Thurles today, but only 5 runners in the main event, a listed chase over 2 3/4 miles at 14.25 CET. Only two of them have a serious chance, the top-weights Bostons Angel (Jessica Harrington/ Robbie Power) and Roi du Mee (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell). Roi du Mee made all to win at Punchestown recently, and with his stable in top form, he gets the vote, although obviously Bostons Angel would be a big danger if back to the form which saw him win the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March of last year; however he has been rather disappointing since.
In the U.K. there is jumps racing at Towcester and Musselburgh, and flat racing on the all-weather at Lingfield this afternoon and Wolverhampton this evening, but all at a low level. At Towcester the mares maiden hurdle at 14.20 is possibly the most interesting race, with useful bumper performers Springinherstep (Nicky Hemderson/ Tony McCoy) and Umadachar (Warren Greatrex/ Noel Fehily) in opposition. Both are expected to make the grade over sticks and one of them will no doubt win today.
Best race at Musselburgh is the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.00. Bottom-weight Purcell´s Bridge (Rose Dobbin/ Keith Renwick) was a very easy winner at Wetherby last week, and as he has no penalty, should go in again, although the opposition is stronger this time; Monetary Fund (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) has been runner-up the last twice and may have to settle for that role again.
Kevin Ryan sends 3 horses on the long journey from North Yorkshire to Lingfield, all partnered by daughter Amy, and they should all run well. We are especially interested in the prospects of 9yo Advanced in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.40; he has been running in much better races and has come down a lot in the weights; his recent form is not inspiring, but perhaps a visit to leafy Lingfield and his first experience of the polytrack here may revitalise him. Hopes N Dreams, who ran well at Wolverhampton last time, can possibly complete a family double half an hour later.
At Wolverhampton this evening, we like Noverre to Go (Ron Harris/ Luke Morris) in the 6 furlongs claimer at 18.20.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Fly Fisher - Monsieur Royale - It`s Only Business
2. Race: Archie Stevens - Marmot Bay - Not Now Blondie
3. Race: Last Sovereign - Noverre To Go - Valery Borzov
4. Race: Squad - Toughness Danon - Laser Blazer
5. Race: Nenge Mboko - Midnight Dream - Forceful Flame
6. Race: Kenny Powers - Premier Choice - Green Mitas
7. Race: Layali Dubai - Badea - Rythmic
8. Race: Four Leaves - Amelia May - Srinagar Girl

Listed race this evening at Kempton

5 meetings today, but none of great importance. The best flat race is the listed event over 1 1/2 miles at 19.55 CET this evening at Kempton. The race is named after new champion jockey Richard Hughes, so it would be appropriate if he were to win it on the Queen´s filly Sequence (Sir Michael Stoute), who is however running for the first time on the all-weather. We prefer the improving handicapper Viking Storm (Harry Dunlop/ Paul Hanagan), who has won 4 of his 5 races this season, including twice on polytrack, and has good prospects on his first venture into listed company. The two Godolphin runners, Modun (Silvestre de Sousa) and Spring of Fame (Mikael Barzalona) are in fact top-rated, but we are not convinced. Main supporting feature is the mile handicap half a hour later, unfortunately with several non-runners. Net Whizz (Jeremy Noseda/ William Buick) is the likely hot favourite here; an expensive yearling, he has only ever run twice, winning a maiden over this CD in Septem ber and will probably outlcass this opposition, although top-weight True to Form (M Meade/ David Probert), a CD specialist, can also be expected to run well.

Nottingham stages the penultimate turf flat fixture of 2012, but large fields of moderate performers on very soft ground make it very difficult for punters. Uncle Dermot (Brendan Powell/ Chris Catlin) has been running consistently well in recent weeks and looks a good each-way bet in the mile handicap at 16.15. The two British N.H. meetings look very poor - although we think that Kellystown Lad (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) could run well on his first race for this trainer at 15.00 at Chepstow - but there are a couple of decent races in Ireland at Fairyhouse. Dancing Torado (Michael Hourigan/ JS McGarvey) has not won for 2 1/2 years, but has run several good races in smart company; he has a chance in the hurdle race at 14.15, but the much younger Cause of Causes (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) looks the one to beat here. The novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 15.15 is another strong race, although it also has only 6 runners. 5 of them have good recent form, the other being the lik ely favourite Sizing Gold (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), who has not been seen out since winning a bumper in February. He will need to be smart to beat these opponents on his first outing over sticks.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Villoresi - Blank Czech - La Belle Doyenne
2. Race: Inthar - Islesman - Sakhee`S Pearl
3. Race: Tarbawi - Atlantis City - Rottingdean
4. Race: Twary - Lilac Tree - Swift Bounty
5. Race: Tower - Kampai - Astroscarlet
6. Race: Viking Storm - Spring Of Fame - Modun
7. Race: Net Whizz - Chapter And Verse - Validus
8. Race: Taro Tywod - Merchants Return - Poetry Writer

Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

Easily the best race at today´s 5 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland is the Haldon Gold Cup at 15.50 CET at Exeter. This limited handicap chase over 2 miles 1 1/2 furlongs is always won by a smart performer, and even though there are only 5 runners, this will be the case again today. We make Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) a confident selection. He won the Champion Bumper in 2010 and was runner-up in the Arkle last year and is expected to go right to the top. He has not run since Cheltenham, but that should be no problem with his stable in good form, and he has in fact won first time for the past 3 seasons. In the Arkle he finished 20 lengths ahead of Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who now has to give him weight, having won two Grade Ones since. Edgardo Sol (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) is also pretty good but we cannot imagine he can beat Cue Card at level weights, possibly Renard (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) might be more dangerous in receipt of 16 lbs. Nicholl s and Walsh should not go home empty-handed, as smart hurdler Hinterland is expected to make a winning debut over fences at 16.20. The 3 mile handicap chase at 16.50 looks a hot race, with the Tizzards holding another good chance with last year´s runner-up Inside Dealer, but we prefer Richard´s Sundance (Vic Dartnall/ Andrew Glassonbury), who has been off since March but is well handicapped and usually runs well at this track. An intetresting ex-German runner herer is Ordensritter (Chris Down James davies) in the novice hurdle at 15.20. The Samum gelding was thought good enough to run in the German Derby last year. and although he was beaten out of sight, he could well run a good race here on his hurdling debut and with opposition from some of the top stables - Nicholls, Henderson, Hobbs etc, he will be at a big price.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Atlantic Roller - Gas Line Boy - Alberobello
2. Race: Landscape - Billy Twyford - Regal One
3. Race: Cue Card - Menorah - Edgardo Sol
4. Race: Hinterland - Peckhamecho - Theatre Guide
5. Race: That`Lldoboy - Ballyhilty Bridge - Richard`S Sundance
6. Race: Swift Chap - Pyleigh Lass - Shaking Hands

N.H. racing at Kempton

The most interesting of today´s 3 British meetings is at Kempton, where they go over jumps today.Some potentially useful N.H. recruits make their hurdling debuts at 14.-00 CET, notably Ransom Note (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), winner of two group races on the flat for Charlie Hills. The nlovoce hurdle haöf an hpour later isd also interestring, with Hindon Road (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Western King (Charlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), both already winners over sticks, conceding 7 lbs to some useful newcomers, including dual bumper winner Vinnie My Boy (Peter Bowen/ Jamie Moore). These are not really races to bet on, but the handicap hurdle at 15.40 is a very competitive event, in which we fancy bottom-weight Beyond (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who was third in this race last year and has now been dropped in the weights; he has only run twice since, both times on the flat, but looks well handicapped here. Black Thunder (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) is an obvious danger, as we ll as Bold Chief (Noel Fehily) and Our Bomber Harris (Harry Skelton), both previously with Nicholls but nowwith his ex-assistant Harry Fry. Add Medinas (King/ Thornton) and Mush Mir (Nicky Henderson/ Jerry McGrath) to the mix, and it is a very hot race. Walsh should in any case score half an hour later on the German-bred Ghizao, who should outclass his two opponents.

The card at Plumnpton is of only minor interest, although it is worth noting that Noel Fehily partners hot favourite Pendra for Charlie Longsdon in the first race at 13.50 before rushing off to Kempton. The racing at Wolverhampton is very low grade. Maiden races in November are obviously weak affairs, but the 1 1/2 mile race at 17.25 has some well-bred (if disappointing) entries, including two Galileo´s and two Montjeu´s. The Montjeu filly Maun Vrat ( Ed Dunlop/ Graham Lee) is possibly the slowest horse in her powerful yard, but has shown enough to take this.

Kempton - betting forecast:
1. Race: Ransom Note - Golden Hoof - Nice To Have
2. Race: Western King - Hindon Road - Vinnie My Boy
3. Race: Muldoon`S Picnic - Porters War - Royal Wedding
4. Race: Black Thunder - Beyond - Medinas
5. Race: Ghizao - Kumbeshwar - Hell`S Bay
6. Race: Firm Order - Font - Fishoutofwater
7. Race: Landolino - General Ting - Tuscan Gold

back to normal

after yesterday´s highlights from Santa Anita and elsewhere, it´s back to normal today. The only flat racing in the U.K. and Ireland is at Leopardstown, just about the last flat meeting on turf in Ireland in 2012. There are two listed races on the card, and Jim Bolger with jockey RP Whelan might take them both: the 7 furlongs race at 15.35 CET with Lady Wingshot, who has a big weight for a 3yo filly, but is the best horse in the line-up, and a 2yo race over 9 furlongs half an hour later with Beyond Thankful, runner-up to the smart Big Break last time. The latter´s trainer Dermot Weld now saddles Imperial Concorde (Wayne Lordan), winner of his only start but in much weaker company. The big betting race here is the November Handicap over 2 miles at 17.05; Weld saddles another lightly-raced runner here Show Court( Liam Roche), but we prefer the improving Call Me Bubbles (Willie Mullins/ Gary Carroll), runner-up here over 1 3/4 miles last time after winning his two previous race s.
Irish jumps racing comes from Cork wkith two graded races. The very promising Rule the World (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) should win the novice hurdle at 14.40; he looks a major prospect. Mouse can also take the novice chase at 16.20 with Baily Green (David Casey) who has won his last 6 races; however this is no formality, as he has to give 8 lbs to three useful opponents. The Cork Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 15.15 is anotnher very opern race. The Bishop Looney (Tom Nagle/ Graham McDermott) won this last year and could go close again off 6 lbs more, but is held on latest running by Raz de Maree (Dessie Hughes/ Bryan Cooper), whose stable is in great form. We shall take a chance on top-weight Tharawaat (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell), who has not run since finishing 8th of 40 in the Grand National itself. He is presumably being aimed at Aintree again, but can take this en route.
The two British N.H. meetings at Carlisle and Huntingdon are not very punter-friendly, with very soft ground and plenty of non-runners. At the former track, Jonjo O´Neill has 2 runners in the Cumberland Chase, a handicap over 3 1/4 miles at 16.10; Tony McCoy rides the likely favourite Valley View, who has been off since February, but the other runner Arbor Supreme (Maurice Lineham), who has shown nothing for a long time, is very well handicapped on his old form and might run well at a big price.
Two ex-German runners catch the eye at Huntingdon. Aviso (David Evans/ Aidan Coleman), who won the German 2,000 Guineas 5 years ago, is a bit inconsistent these days, but certainly capable of winning the claiming hurdle at 14.45 if in the right mood and as long as it does not rain too much. Electric Tiger (David Bridgewater/ Tom Phelan) makes his debut over hurdles at 15.55; this looks a weak race and if he jumps well, he could well be involved.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: A Star Is Born - Bunairgead - Fitrah
2. Race: Foundry - Mourani - Ike`s Pond
3. Race: Ballyorban - Harley`s Harley - Barbados Bob
4. Race: Lady Wingshot - Coolnagree - Devotion
5. Race: Beyond Thankful - Orgilgo Bay - Twilight Zone
6. Race: Unaccompanied - Balrath Hope - Cheval Rouge
7. Race: Show Court - The Four Elms - Shu Lewis

Breeders Cup: second day

the Americans like to call today´s card the World Racing Championships, which is not quite true, but it is still excellent. As the races are run in Santa Anita, on the west coast, they are all very late for us, with the two best races, the Mile at o.40 a.m. CET tomorrow morning and the Classic at 1.35.
In our opinion the Mile is the best race of the day and all eyes will be on Excelebration (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien), who has spent much of the past two years chasing Frankel home, but is undoubtedly one of the best European milers of recent years. He is clear favourite this evening, but we think he can be breaten - the firm ground, the tight track, the quick switch from heavy ground at Ascot a fortnight ago to the sun of California - all these factors are against him. The French have an excellent record here, and if there is to be an European winner, we think it is more likely to be Morning Cloud (Freddy Head/ Thierry Jarnet), whose trainer won this several times with Miesque (as jockey) and Goldikova (as trainer). But the Americans look very strong here, especially Wise Dan (Charles Lopresti/ Jorge Velasquez), who is the top-rated American horse both on dirt and on turf and has won 8 of his last 10 starts. Animal Kingdom (Graham Motion/ Rafael Bejarano), oiurt of a German m are, won the Kentucky Derby in 2011; we have not seen much of him since, but he is reported back in form and his trainer thinks that he is better on turf. Obviously (Mike Mitchell/ Jorge Talamo) is a strong front-runner, who may not be quite good enough to win, but will certainly sdet a strong pace. This is a very strong field, and we fancy Wise Dan to beat Moonlight Cloud.
However the O´Brien´s fare with Excelebration,we expect them to win the Turf at 23.18 with last winner´s St.-Nicholas Abbey. Shareta (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Christophe Lemaire) is the danger. Both these were bogged down in the heavy going in the Arc but will enjoy today´s conditions. Point of Entry (Claude McGaughey/ Jorge Velasquez), winner of his last five, looks easily the best of the Americans.
The Classic has 12 runners, but looks a bit substandard. Game On Dude (Bob Baffert/ Bejaranao) was runner-up last year and may go one better, but he is not certain to last out the trip. Richards Kid and Ron the Greerk are alternatives.
There could be a British winner in the Juvenile Turf at 109.50, with Artigiano (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori), Fantastic Moon (Jeremy Noseda/ Kieren Fallon) and Dundonnell (Roger Charlton/ James Doyle) all fancied, while Groupie Doll, in the Filly & Mare Sprint at 20.35 will be the hottest favourite on the card, and Amazombie (W Spawr/ Mike Smith) expected to repeat last year´s victory in the Sprint at 23.58.

Betting forecast:
4. Race: Joha - Balance The Books - Noble Tune
5. Race: Groupie Doll - Dust And Diamonds - Musical Romance
6. Race: Shackleford - Emcee - Jersey Town
7. Race: Bridgetown - Great Mills - Great Attack
8. Race: Shanghai Bobby - Fortify - Power Broker
9. Race: St Nicholas Abbey - Point Of Entry - Trailblazer
10. Race: The Lumber Guy - Coil - Capital Account
11. Race: Wise Dan - Excelebration - Obviously
12. Race: Game On Dude - Fort Larned - Flat Out

jumping at 4 courses today

the N.H. season really gets under way today with jumping from 4 tracks, including some high class racing at Wetherby, Ascot and Down Royal. The Grade One JNWine Champion Chase at 15.25 CET at the last named track is the best race of the day, but the late withdrawal of the likely favourite Sizing Europe has weakened the race, which we now think will lie between last year´s winner Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Davy Russell) and English raider Kauto Stone (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob). Kauto Stone has a long way to go before he can match the achievements of his brother Kauto Star, who won here in 2010 and whose retirement was announced this week, but we hope that he can score here.
At Wetherby, the Charlie Hall Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 16.25 is the top event and even with only 6 runners is a fascinating affair. Time for Rupert (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) started favourite last year but could only finish second. Paul Nicholls has runners all over so it is certainly significant that Ruby Walsh is here to partner last year´s top novice stayer Silviniaco Conti, who will probably start hot favourite. Midnight Chase (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello) is known as a Cheltenham specialist. but has also run well here and could be better value at the likely price. German-bred Fair Along (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) won the West Yorkshire Hurdle in 2009 and 2010 and finished runner-up last year to Restless Harry (Robin Dickin/ Henry Oliver); they meet again at 15.50, when Smad Place (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) and Tidal Bay (Nicholls/ Walsh) add spice to another hot little race.
At Ascot, Chiberta KIng (Andrew Balding/ Sam Twiston-Davies) is a very interesting hurdling newcomer at 15.00; he was group class on the flat and faces strong opposition on his debut from ex-French Taquin du Seuil (Jonjo O´Neill/ Barry Geraghty) and Wetak, as well as My Tent or Yours (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy). Best race here is the valuable 3 mile handicap chase at 16.10; Paul Nicholls saddles the two top-weights here, but we think the winner will come from lower down the weights and fancy Ace High (Vic Dartnall/ Andrew Glassonbury), whose trainer and jockey won this last year. The handicap hurdle at 15.35 looks really tough; Cape Express (Henderson/ Geraghty) is tremendously improved and has won his last 4 races, but Nampour (Colin Tizzard/ Tom O´Brien), fourth to him last week at Aintree, now meets him on much better terms and can possibly reverse the form.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ulysse Collonges - Heez A Cracker - Exotic Man
2. Race: Dawn Twister - Falcarragh - Lordofthehouse
3. Race: Brady - Fill The Power - Our Island
4. Race: Une Artiste - Baby Shine - Alasi
5. Race: Smad Place - Tidal Bay - Cape Tribulation
6. Race: Silviniaco Conti - Time For Rupert - Planet Of Sound
7. Race: Simonside - Willow`S Saviour - River Dragon

Newmarket: final meeting of 2012

the only racing on the flat in the U.K. today is at Newmarket and is the final fixture of 2012 at racing´s HQ. No group races but a strong card with 3 listed races and some tough handicaps. Two who will be hoping for a win are trainer John Dunlop and jockey Michael Hills, both heading for retirement.
Dunlop has runners in both divisions of the 2yo maiden that open the card, Endura (Ted Durcan) at 13.15 CET and Omoor (Paul Hanagan) half an hour later. Impossible to say what their chances are in races with several well-bred debutants, but he is probably not running them for sentimental reasons only.
Michael Hills has several rides for his brother Charlie, including those two maidens, but his best chance is probably Desert Image in the listed race for 3yo fillies at 14.55. This one was a very easy winner here over 7 furlongs10 days ago and the extra furlong now should be no problem; however this is a much tougher event.
The Hills brothers also have a chance in the mile listed race at 6.40 with Red Clubs, who has some smart performances to his credit. However this trip is possibly a furlong too far, and his penalty makes life difficult. The three Godolphin runners all look dangerous, but we shall take a chance on Swedish-trained Entangle (Rune Haugen/ Eddie Ahern), one of the best racehorses in Scandinavia.
The third listed race is over 10 furlongs here at 16.05. Mull of Killough (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ George Baker) has to give weight away all round, but runs his best races here, and was a group winner here last month following an excellent second place in the Cambridgeshire under a big weight.
The mile handicap at 15.30 is wide open, but we like the look of Credit Swap (Michael Wigham/ Jim Crowley), who won the Cambridgeshire here in 2010. He failed to make much impression over hurdles for Venetia Williams, but is now back with his old trainer, is now well handicapped and loves this ground.
Finally, for the masochists amongst us, we have a 19-runner handicap over 7 furlongs to end the season at 17.10. Almost anything is possible here, but our selection is Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Andrea Atzeni), who has been dropped to his lowest rating for years and is ridden by a jockey who has impressed us greatly in recent weeks.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sillabub - Oilinda - Buona Fortuna
2. Race: Za`hara - Beautiful View - Society Pearl
3. Race: Cap O`rushes - Restraint Of Trade - Linguine
4. Race: Power Of Light - Pure Excellence - Becky Lou
5. Race: Classic Colori - Boots And Spurs - Jake`s Destiny
6. Race: Mull Of Killough - Primevere - Hajras
7. Race: Red Jazz - Trade Commissioner - Dance And Dance
8. Race: Bond Fastrac - Rustic Deacon - Comrade Bond

6 meetings today

Lots of racing today with four tracks in the U.K. and two in Ireland, but obviously the opening day of the Breeders Cup meeting in Santa Anita is the main event of the day. We shall deal with that later. Newmarket´s main event is the listed race for 2yo fillies over 6 furlongs at 14.40 CET. A huge field of 17 runners here in search of black type, with City Image, one of 4 Richard Hannon entries and the mount of Tom Queally, and Jillnextdoor (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) the top-rated. Both are useful enough, but we are not really convinced and prefer the lightly-raced Hoodna (Saeed bin Suroor/ Mikael Barzalona).

There is jumps racing this afternoon at Uttoexeter and Wetherby and Down Royal in N. Ireland. which features the Grade Two WKD hurdle at 15.05. Despite the small field, this looks a good race, but the 5yo Monksland (Noel Meade/ Paul Carberry) is easily the most likely winner. After winning his bumper here, he won two races over hurdles in good style and was fancied for ther Cheltenham Festival, where he was badly hampered by a riderless horse but still finished third to Simonsig. That was excellent form, and although he has to concede weight to some useful performers here - and has not run since Cheltenham in March, we expect him to score. The Grade Three mares novice hurdle half an hour earlier should go to Missunited (M. Winters/ Bryan Cooper) who has won 7 of her 12 starts and was recently runner-up in the Irish Cesarewitch on the flat.

The Uttoxeter card is mainly low-grade, but Wetherby stages two listed races: a handicap chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.00 and a 3yo hurdle at 15.35. Gansey (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania) is our choice for the former race, which looks very open, but the latter event could lie between between Hilal (G Brown/ Tony McCoy) and Indepub (Donald McCain/ Harry Brooke); Richard Fahey is best known as a flat trainer, and his Flashman (Brian Hughes) faces a very tough task on his hurdles debut, but Sametegal (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) is a definite threat. He won at Enghien in the spring for Guillaume Macaire and now makes his Brtish debut.

The evening racing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and Dundalk pales into insignificance cpmpared to the Breeders Cup card at Santa Anita, and our preview of this meeting will appear here this afternoon.

Newmarket - betting forecast:
1. Race: Shore Step - Forbidden Fruit - Smokethatthunders
2. Race: Amralah - Hasaad - Cousin Melchior
3. Race: City Image - Pearl Sea - Hoodna
4. Race: Require - Bridle Belle - Abundantly
5. Race: Boonga Roogeta - Mr Spiggott - Swing Alone
6. Race: Ninjago - Miliika - Love Island
7. Race: Ardlui - Lieutenant Miller - Kleitomachos

2 listed races at Lingfield

The new Polytrack at Lingfield seems to have settled in well, although jockeys report that it is still on the slow side. Today on thursday Lingfield stages the first of its big all-weather meetings of the winter, with two listed races for fillies and mares as the main features. There are always plenty of runners looking for black type at the end of the season, and both races look very competitive.

They go over a mile at 15.50 CET, where Moone´s My name (Ralph Beckett/ Paul Hanagan) and the 3yo Sentari (William Haggas/ Graham Lee) are top-rated, but both are running for the first time on the all-weather. Sentari was runner-up in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, which is good form, but we prefer the CD specialist Night Lily (Paul d´Arcy/ Silvestre de Sousa); although her recent form is not so exciting, her second place to Chachamaideee in a similar race here in May reads extremely well in the context of this race. The other listed race is over 1 mile 5 furlongs half an hour later and stamina will be required here. Both top-weight Polygon (John Gosden/ Rab Havlin) and the Queen´s Momenntary (Michael Bll/ Hayley Turner) are moving up in distance, while Godolphin´s unbeaten Surprise Moment (Saeed bin Suroor/ Mikael Barzalona) is moving up in grade. We prefer stable companion, German-bred Rumh (de Sousa), a daughter of Monsun, who has won over 2 miles and also goes well on the all-weather. Albamara (Sir Mark Prescott/ Luke Morris) has a great pedigree, by Galileo out of multiple Group One winner Albanova, and is an obvious danger. Godolphin could start off a good afternoon by winning the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.20 with top-weight Gold City (bin Suroor/ Barzalona), also making his all-weather debut, but also have some fancied runners in the 2yo maidens earlier.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mrs Bannock - First Secretary - Hekaayaat
2. Race: Thakana - Hidden Belief - Tomintoul Magic
3. Race: Emperical - Future Reference - Price Is Truth
4. Race: Roninski - Elusive Flame - Johnny Castle
5. Race: Moone`S My Name - Sentaril - Baheeja
6. Race: Surprise Moment - Albamara - Momentary
7. Race: Layali Dubai - Semeen - Significant Move
8. Race: Jackie Love - Mary`S Pet - Darnathean