6 meetings today

6 meetings today, 3 this afternoon on the flat and 3 this evening over jumps, but once again all at a low level.
It could be significant that Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore go to Yarmouth today with just one starter, Claim in the 3yo handicap over a mile at 16.10 CET; he finished a close 4th over this CD on his final start last year, and can start off the new season successfully. The most competitive race here is the 7 furlongs handicap half an hour later, in which we expect Swiss Cross (Phil McEntee/ Kieren Fallon) and Galician (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa) to dominate; both ran very well last week and look ripe for a win.

Richard Hughes has made a tremendous start to the season and can continue with more winners at Lingfield today. He should certainly take the maiden race at 15.30 on Richard Hannon´ s World Record andf jhas several other promising rides, including David Evans´Verse of Love in the mile handicap at 16.00. Perversely we prefer Mia´s Boy (Chris Dwyer/ Robert Tart) here, although he was well behind Verse of Love last week. Mia´s Boy is a difficult ride who has to come with a late run and the race last week was not run to suit him.

At Bath, we hope to see Roanne (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby) take the 3yo mile handicap at 17.20. Although unplaced in her 3 starts last season, she looks capable of great improvement this year. There are 2 runners here who have each won 4 races on the all-weather this year - Mubtabi (Ismael Mohammed/ Thomas Brown) at 17.50 and Picansort (Peter Crate/ Shane Kelly) half an hour later; both still look well handicapped and can score again this afternoon.

Over jumps this evening, we expect useful hurdler Brampour (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Derham) to get off to a winning start over fences in the beginners chase at 19.15 at Worcester. Nicholls could also have a winner Exeter, where Mr. Hudson (Daryl Jacob) runs in ther handocap chase at 19.35; he was a vetry useful novice, but had been offthe gtrack for over a xyear. The one to beat however is top-weight Problema Tic (David Pipe/ Kieron Edgar), who fell early on in the Scottish Grand National, but has mainly been racing in much better company. Robert Tyner looks the trainer to follow at the Irish meeting at Ballinrobe.

Yarmouth - betting forecast:
1. Race: Sunningdale Rose - Lady Lydia - Lilo Lil
2. Race: Baron Run - Clock Opera - Sixty Minutes
3. Race: Claim - George Cinq - Luck
4. Race: Galician - King Of Jazz - Swiss Cross
5. Race: Tahlia Ree - Malekat Jamal - Olney Lass
6. Race: Silver Alliance - Redoute Star - Laughing Jack
7. Race: Landesherr - Corn Maiden - Medieval Bishop

5 poor meetings today

There is rarely high-class racing on a Monday and today is no exception. We have two N.H. meetings, at Towcester and Kelso, two all-weather meetings, and the usual Monday evening racing from Windsor, but all at a very low level. Kim Bailey saddled 3 winners yesterday at Wetherby, and it is by no means impossible that he can repeat the feat today at Towcester. Able Deputy (Nick Scholfield) makes his chasing debut at 15.30 CET; he never managed to win over hurdles, but ran in quite decent company and was the best of these in that sphere.Quiet Whisper (Edsward Cookson) runs in the handicap hurdle at 16.00; he has been below form recently, but has come down a lot in the weights, is a CD winner and the good stable form might inspire him today. The main danger is Jameel (John Ferguson/ Joseph Akehurst), who was a winner on the flat for Godolphin and has shown some ability over hurdles. Scholfield also rides Twelve Roses in the novice hurdle at 17.00 and this very lightly-raced 5yo can score here oin his second attempt over the sticks.

At Kelso, we like course specialist Or de Grugy (Nick and Lucy Alexander) in the handicap chase over 3 1/ 4 miles at 16.40; he has never won at this distance, but neither have the others, and he has good form at 3 miles, especially at this track, which should suffice. We also like Potomac (Rose Dobbin/ Keith Renwick) in the maiden hurdle at 15.10; he is a half-brother to the good flat horse Edinburgh Knight and shaped well over this CD 3 weeks ago. Shaun Dobbin partners the stable´s Purcells Bridge at 16.10 and the team, who won at Catterick 8 weeks ago, can follow up here.

Few fireworks can be expected at the all-weather meetings at Wolverhampton and Lingfield. Sir Michael Stoute´s yard is coming into form and his Call Ahead (Pat Dobbs) is likely to start a hot favourite for the maiden race at 17.20 at the former track; at the likely odds we just prefer Cavalieri (Willie Jarvis/ Graham Lee) each way. The best race at Lingfield is the 7 furlongs handicap at 20.25. Net Whizz (Jeremy Noseda/ Ryan Moore) is the obviuous favourite hetre, but he has been off since November. Our each-way alternative is Forceful Appeal (Simon Dow/ Jamie Spencer), who is down in the weights after some poor performances at other tracks, but runs his best races here.

Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are in great form and always do well at Windsor; they can take the first two races with Steventon Star at 18.40 and Caramack half an hour later. They also have good prospects with Duke of Clarence in the 10 furlongs handicap at 20.10, but this is a hot race with Hanseatic (John Gosden/ William Buick) the one to beat.

Windsor - betting forecast:
1. Race: Culdaff - Ding Ding - Mimi Luke
2. Race: Caramack - Evident - Pembroke
3. Race: Aficionado - Bedouin Invader - Sir Bedivere
4. Race: Hanseatic - Duke Of Clarence - Ishikawa
5. Race: Cousin Khee - Attwaal - Brown Pete
6. Race: Mallory Heights - Hello Sailor - Pivotal Silence

Gowran Park today

There is no flat racing in the U.K. today and the Irish meeting at Gowran Park is rather low key for a Sunday. Main event is the listed race for fillies over 9 1/2 furlongs at 17.40. Aloof (David ewachman/ Wayne Lirdan) won a Group Three over this CD last September, with Caponata (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) a disappointing favourite. Although that is tzhe bdest form in the race, it woiuld be no surprise to see Weld´s filly tuzrn the tables this time. A danger to all is the 3yo We´ll Go Walking (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who won her only start in surprisingly easy fashion 3 weeks ago. That was here over 1 1/2 miles and she is certainly bred like a stayer, but the stable is in great form and she must also be feared over this shorter trip. She gets lots of weight from the older fillies, biut we shall stick with Weld and Smullen, who can also win the two following races, both maidens over the same trip, with Sharp Crisp Air at 18.10 and Ghaamer half an hour later. The handicaps have large fields and look too tricky, although it is interesting to see Aidan O´Brien have a runner rated 50 - Flower Bouquet, owned by his wife and ridden by his daughter Anastasia, who runs at 16.30. She is possibly the slowest horse in the yard but must still have a chance in this lowly company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cocktail Hour - Silver Lightening - Tobann
2. Race: Ondeafears - Maude Adams - Bunairgead
3. Race: Confident Cub - Badger Daly - First Friday
4. Race: Dragon Khan - Killena Boy - Benalex Park
5. Race: Maudlin Magdalen - Miller Beach - Lucky Kitten
6. Race: Caponata - Aloof - We`ll Go Walking
7. Race: Sharp Crisp Air - An Saincheann - Lady Giselle
8. Race: Manalapan - League Of Nations - Sophisticated Heir

New N.H. season starts today

Yesterday was the final day of the 2012-13 N.H. season, with Nicky Henderson and Tony McCoy crowned champion trainer and jockey respectively, but there is no rest for the weary and the new season begins today with 3 jumps meetings. McCoy is on the injured list, but Henderson is in action at Huntingdon, where he has runners in two races. In the main event, a 3 mile handicap chase at 18.05 CET, he saddles Triolo d´ Alene (Barry Geraghty), who failed to make the cut for yesterday´s big chase at Sandown, and Giorgio Quercus (David Bass). They both ran in the Topham Chase on Grand National day at SAintree last time, with the former winning nicely withz the latter unseating his rider when still going well. Giorgio is of course now better off at the weights and if he stays on his feet may make a race of it with his stable companion.

Paul Nicholls, for many years champion trainer before Henderson this time, has the major danger in No Loose Change (Daryl Jacob), up 11 lbs for making all to win easily at Kempton 12 days ago; Junior (David Pipe/ Conor O´Farrell) has top weight here. he has been running in good races -most recently the Irish Grand National- but without much success, and we do not believe he can concede 17 lbs+ to his opponents here. We expect Henderson to win this on the way to another championship. The trainer can also take the novice hurdle at 16.25 with Shernando (Geraghty), a decent flat horse who has already shown good form over sticks, and once again the main danger comes from the Nicholls stable in the form of McIlhatton (Jacob).

Nicholls has better prospects at Ludlow, where he can score with Oscargo (Harry Skelton) in the novoce chase at 15.40 and possibly Spock (Harry Derham) in the handicap chase at 16.45; however the latter is coming off a long break and CD specialist Cootehill (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) seems the more reliable option. We shall also be interested in the running of ex-German Aviso (David Evans/ Sam T-D) in the handicap hurdle at 16.15, he has become rather unreliable, but ran better on the flat at Wolverhampton last week and is now on a very tempting mark.

The most interesting race at Wetherby is the novice hurdle that opens the card at 15.00. Alan King and Wayne Hutchinson are having a good run and have the likely favourite here in Fair Trade, an easy winner at Wincanton a week ago. However he is penalised for that success and it is not certain that he can concede 7 lbs to Life and Soul (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) and Sea Lord (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan), who were both very useful on the flat.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Pollystone - Gulfport - Toubeera
2. Race: Mr Robinson - Overdante - See You Jack
3. Race: Mcllhatton - Now Then Charlie - Cappielow Park
4. Race: Kalucci - Keltic Rhythm - Knock House
5. Race: Haar - The Mad Robertson - Rajamand
6. Race: Triolo D`Alene - No Loose Change - Galway Jack
7. Race: City Press - Whistling Senator - Upton Mead

Punchestown: final day

Today is the fifth and final day of the Punchestown Festival and once again the veryx heavy ground mrans that there are small fields in the top races. Willie Mullins saddles two of the 5 runners in the Grade One mares hurdle at 17.25 CET and can take the first two places with Tarla (Ruby Walsh) and Glens Melody (Paul Townend). Mullins should also win the Grade One 4yo hurdle at 18.00, where he has 4 of the 6 runners. Ruby rides Triumph Hurdle fourth Diakali and he looks the likeliest winner.

The other races look more competitive, especially the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.45. On His Own (Mullins/ Walsh) was our fancy for the Grand National, but ran no sort of race; he had top weight here and we are sceptical. Liberty Counsel (Dot Love/ PD Kennedy) won the Irish version, but we doubt that he can follow up here with an extra 11 lbs weight, and 7th-placed Magnanimity (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) may reverse the form this time. Wyck Hill (David Bridgwater/ Mark Walsh) will love the ground, but also has a huge weight. We shall go for one of the bottom weights - Miss Pepperpot (Francis Flood/ PT Enright), who was runner-up here last year; she has shown little since, but is now very well handicapped as a result.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shakervilz - Outlaw Pete - Uncle Junior
2. Race: Aupcharlie - Mikael D`Haguenet - Dylan Ross
3. Race: On His Own - Sword Fish - Liberty Counsel
4. Race: Glens Melody - Swincombe Flame - Oilily
5. Race: Diakali - Blood Cotil - Stocktons Wing
6. Race: Il Fenomeno - Fahamore - Byerley Babe
7. Race: Sukiyaki - High Handel - Martello Tower
8. Race: Rockyaboya - Director`s Forum - Newmill

Mixed card at Sandown

Mixed cards are unusual in British racing, but there is an excellent one today at Sandown today, traditionally the final day of the N.H. season. Half of the 8 races are on the flat and the others over jumps, including the big betting race of the day, the bet365 Gold Cup, a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 furlongs at 16.50 CET. With 20 runners this looks really tough, and we shall start by discarding the runners who were in the Grand National 3 weeks ago, as we feel that this is too quick. The same goes for those from the Irish Grand National five days earlier and those that ran in other races at the Aintree meeting. We may be totally wrong here, but this knocks out half the field and makes it a bit easier. Well Refreshed (Gary and Jamie Moore) qualifies, but he has been put up 34 lbs for winning his last 3 races, and we don´t believe he can score again in this much better company and on faster ground. Top weight Michel le Bon (Paul Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) is not the most reliabl e, but won well at Newbury last time; however he is on his highest ever rating. The two we like best are Hold On Julio (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) and Mr Moss (Evan Williams/Paul Moloney). The former has admittedly run recently, but he represents a team in top form, is 2/2 at Sandown - over shorter distances- and is wearing first time blinkers, while the latter has had a light season, although he has been put up for finishing placed, which we feel is a bit unfair.

Another horse who has been raised in the weights is German-bred Seventh Sky (Chatrlie Mann/ Jason Maguire), who has been runner-up the last twice. He is a half-brother to Samum, Schiaparelli and other top performers and we think there could still be improvement to come. He is ridden by a strong jockey in the handicap hurdle at 15.05 and although this is another very tricky race, we hope that he can get his head in front this time. Home Run (David Pipe/ Kieran Edgar) is another runner with a good German pedigree here, but he ran disapppointingly last time after winning 5 races in quick succession earlier in the season.

The top N.H. race today is the Grade Two Celebration Chase over 2 miles at 15.40, which has a very strong field, headed by last year´s winner Sanctuaire ( Nicholls/ Jacob) and Finians Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). Both of them have spent much of the last two seasons chasing Sprinter Sacre, biut when he is not around, they are just about the best British two-milers around. Finians Rainbow won the Champion Chase last year, and the soft ground has been against him ever since; he now has his ideal going and we make him the selection.

The best flat race is the Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes over 10 furlongs at 16.15, in which most of the runners are making their seasonal debut. Al Kazeem (Roger Charlton/ Jack Doyle) has not been seen since winning the Group Two Jockey Club Stakes a year ago; he is top-rated here, but we prefer the very lightly-raced Eagles Peak (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) and Thomas Chippendale (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), both of whom could make it at higher levels this season.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Calculated Risk - Counsel - Leo Luna
2. Race: Minella Forfitness - Mubrook - Seventh Sky
3. Race: Sanctuaire - Oiseau De Nuit - Wishfull Thinking
4. Race: Al Kazeem - Ektihaam - Thomas Chippendale
5. Race: Well Refreshed - Same Difference - Hold On Julio
6. Race: Nichols Canyon - Royal Skies - Carry On Sydney
7. Race: Fire Ship - Maverik - Jake`s Destiny
8. Race: Spring Tonic - Grand Liaison - Charitable Act

Group races at Sandown

There is plenty of racing in the U.K. today with a strong card at Sndown, featuring two group races. The bet365 Mile at 15.45 CET could well go to the Richard Hannon stable, which has two runners, the penalised Libranno (Kieren Fallon) and top-rated Trumpet Major (Richard Hughes) The latter is obviously the main hope, but we also like Hihland Knight (Andrew Balding/ David Probert), who won the Oettingen-Rennen at Baden -Baden last summer. He normally makes the running and should be ideally suited by this track. The Classic Trial over 10 furlongs half an hour later has 3 Irish runners in the field of 7 - Eye of the Storm (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore), Galileo Rock (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan) and Sugar Boy (Paddy Prendergast/ Chris Hayes). O´Brien is vcarrying all before him in the Irish 3yo races, but Eye of the Storm does not appear to be one of his leading Derby hopes and it is possible that Sugar Boy, runner-up to one of the O´Brien stars last time, will come out on top to day.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Riskit Fora Biskit - Barracuda Boy - Equitania
2. Race: Fehaydi - Red Avenger - Yarroom
3. Race: Farraaj - Trumpet Major - Stand My Ground
4. Race: Sugar Boy - Fantastic Moon - Al Waab
5. Race: Mujazif - Queensberry Rules - Jalaa
6. Race: Cushion - Regal Silk - Auld Alliance
7. Race: Blue Jack - Clear Praise - Alpha Delta Whisky

Hurricane Fly again at Punchestown?

Willie Mullins won 5 races here yesterday, with Ruby Walsh aboard 4 of them, and we expect this winning duo to have another profitable day on this fourth day of the Punchestown Festival. Mullins entered 6 in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle over 2 mlles at 18.30, the big feature today, and runs four of them with Ruby on Hurricane Fly, the current Champion Hurdler from Cheltenham. Hiurricane Fly has won 16 of his 18 starts for the stable, including this race 3 times and we cannot see him being beaten today, especially as the heavy ground will definitely be against his main rival and Cheltenham runner-up Rock on Ruby (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily). The Fly should however have no problems with the ground, as it was even worse when he won here last year, and on that form he clearly holds Thiusand Stars (Paul Townend). In fact So Young (David Casey) could well turn out to be the best of the 3 other Mullins runners, as 2 miles on heavy going is ideal for him, while Galway Hurdle winner Rebel Fitz (Mervyn Winters/ Barry Geraghty) is best of the others. Hurricane Fly is clearly the best hurdler around at the moment and irt will be quite a shock if he does not win this race for the fourth time today.

Mullins and Walsh should also take the other Grade One on the card, the novice hurdle at 19.05 with the German-bred Piont Alexandre. This one surprisingly failed to win the Neptune at Cheltenham, but it was still a decent performance and his earlier wins stamped him as a youngster with great potential. Ubak (Gary and Jamie Moore) finished well behind him atr Cheltenham but went on to a very easy Grade Two win at Aintree, but the going here will be very different, and we expect Mullins´ other runner Un Atout (Davy Russell)- also beaten at Cheltenham when 4th in the Supreme, but with good form beforehand- to take the runner-up spot.

Un de Sceaux, an ex-French horsew who was a very impressive winner on his Irish debut over this CD two months ago, can be another winner for Mullins and Walsh at 19.40, while the pair also have chances in the handicaps at 17.20 and 17.55 with Immediate Response and Vesper Bell; however these are very tricky races and we have slight preference for Spring Heeled (Jim Culloty/ David Splaine) and English raider and top-weight Silver by Nature (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) respectively. Mullins also saddles Bluemountainbeach, a half-sister to recent Japanese winner Blackstairmountain, in the fillies bumoer at 20.10; she makes her debut here and will be ridden by Ruby´s sister Katie, a very competent jockey, not quite as good as her brother perhaps but much better looking.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cool Warrior - Satorie - Enniskillen
2. Race: The Real Article - Immediate Response - Terminal
3. Race: Panther Claw - Novarov - Goonyella
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Rock On Ruby - Thousand Stars
5. Race: Un Atout - Ubak - Sizing Rio
6. Race: Un De Sceaux - Waaheb - Cops And Robbers
7. Race: Robina Mai - Bluemountainbeach - Storm Away
8. Race: Salsify - Oscar Delta - Western Charmer

Solwhit vs Quevega at Punchestown

The Punchestown Festival goes into its third day with the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle over 3 miles at 18.30 CET the big race of the day. This is notable for the clash between Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Davy Russell) and Quevega (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh); the former won the two equivalent races at Cheltenham and Aintree and is going for the hat-trick (also achieved over fences by Sprinter Sacre on Tuesday), while Quevega has won this race for the past 3 seasons. The pair met at the Festival over 2 miles in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle in 2009, which Solwhit won with Quevega a close third; amazingly Quevega has not lost since, having run only in the mares hurdle at Cheltenham and this event, i.e. just two races a year. Solwhit, who spent much of his career chasing home Hutrricane Fly, met with an injury and was off the track for almost 2 years but has made a triumphant comeback and won his last 3 races. It is hard to choose between the pair, but we were most impressed with t he way Quevega won at Cheltenham and give her a narrow vote. Holywell (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon) and Reve de Sivola (Nick Williams/ Daryl Jacob) are both smart performers but held by Solwhit on their latest running; they can keep the two principals honest, but it will be a big surprise of either of them can win today.

The otjher Grade One on today´s card is the 2 mile nlovoce chase at 19.40, which looks treally tricky. Mullins and Ruby are represented here by Arvika Legionnaire, who looked very smart earlier in the season, but has failed to complete the last twice, Baily Green (Mouse Morris/ david Casey) ran a great race at Chelenham, but was a mysterious flop at Aintree, pulling up in the race won by Special Tiara (Henry de Bromhead/ PT Enright). Oscars Well (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) has also failed to live up to expectations, but trainer and jockey are now in great form. Any of these could win given luck, but we shall stick to the reliable Benefficient (Tony Martin/ Bryan Cooper), who has taken advantage of the mishaps of others several times this season and seems a solid each-way bet.

There are some fiercely competitive handicaps on the card - our very tentative suggestions are Plan A (Gordon Elliott/ Niall Madden at 17.15 and Acapulco (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) at 19.05- but the big betting race is the La Touche Cup, a cross country over 4 miles 1 furlong at 17.50. There are plenty of familiar faces here: Uncle Junior (Willie and Paddy Mullins) won this last year from Lydon House and Saddlers Storm, after favourite Arabella Boy (Enda Bolger/ Derek O´Connor) and Outlaw Pete (John and Josh Halley) both dropped out when well in contention. Cheltenham`s cross-country last month was won by Big Shu (Peter Maher/ Barry Cash) with Outlaw Pete third and Bostons Angel (Jessica/ Robbie Power) fourth, both of whon are now better off at the weights. There are several possibilities here and luck in running will be decisive, but we shall take Outlaw Pete.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marito - Malt Master - Mackeys Forge
2. Race: Barneys Honour - Twinlight - A Fine Young Man
3. Race: Big Shu - Arabella Boy - Uncle Junior
4. Race: Quevega - Solwhit - Reve De Sivola
5. Race: Acapulco - A Decent Excuse - Call Rog
6. Race: Realt Mor - Special Tiara - Benefficient
7. Race: Upsie - Speckled Wood - Twigline
8. Race: Turnandgo - Apache Jack - Captain Cutter

Punchestown Gold Cup

The Punchestown Festival goes into its second day with 3 more Grade One races, with the Punchestown Gold Cup over 3 miles 1 furlong at 18.30 CET clearly the best race of the day. The field of 8 includes the runner-up Sir Des Champs (Willie Mullins/ Davy Russell), third-placed Long Run (Nicky Henderson/ Sam Waley-Cohen) and sixth-placed Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) from Cheltenham´s Gold Cup and all 3 should again be involved. Although well beaten at Cheltenham, we certainly expect Captain Chris, whose stable is now in much better form, to finish closer to the other pair, although he was also beaten by Long Run in the King George at Christmas. Henderson also saddles Riverside Theatre (Barry Geraghty), who was fourth in the Ryanair, behind First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper), who went on to win at Aintree, with Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Paul Townend), who weakened into fourth after leading early. We expect the latter to do much better now. Kauto Stone (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), the trainer´s only runner at the meeting, is no slouch either, though nowhere near as good as his famous half-brother Kauto Star, but looks slightly outclassed here, as is Chicago Grey (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon), pulled up last time in the Grand National. This is an extremely strong field and although logically the first two from Cheltenham should again play the leading roles - of whom we give slight preference to Long Run - we would not be at all surprised to see Quite de la Roque to run a big race at a big price.

Cheltenham form obviously sets the benchmark for the other top races, and 5 of the 12 runners in the Champion I.N.H. Flat Race at 19.05 last ran in the Champion Bumper there, including the easy winner Briar Hill (Willie and Paddy Mullins) and the third-placed The Liquidator (David Pipe/ Jane Mangan). That is clearly the best form and we could easily have the same result again.

Willie Mullins also has a strong hand in the 3 mile Novice Hurdle at 17.55, where his two runners Ballycasey (Ruby Walsh) and Inish Island (Paul Townend) are top-rated. The former is much improved and taking a huge leap in class, while the latter has already run some good races in defeat, notably when twice not far behind At Fishers Cross. On a line through the latter, he holds Road to Riches (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell), very disappointing behind that horse at Aintree after winning his 4 previous races. One of the Mullins runners will probably win, but we are not sure which.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Never Enough Time - Rawnaq - Treat Yourself
2. Race: Call Me Bubbles - Dalasiri - Viconte Du Noyer
3. Race: Ballycasey - Road To Riches - Seefood
4. Race: Sir Des Champs - Long Run - First Lieutenant
5. Race: Grecian Tiger - Outlander - The Liquidator
6. Race: Call The Police - Nadiya De La Vega - Canaly
7. Race: Sizing Chile - Beat That - Fairy Island

Sprinter Sacre at Punchestown

The Punchestown Festival, the most imprtant N.H. meeting in Ireland, begins today and offers a star card headed by the brilliant Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who runs in the Grade One Champion Chase at 18.30 CET. He is unbeaten in his 9 starts over fences, demolishing the opposition every time and is the highest-rated British-trained chaser ever. The very soft ground will not be in his favour, but even so he is impossible to oppose, although we cannot recommend betting on him at the likely odds. However every racing fan will be willing him to win again. On ratings he has 22 lbs in hand of the best Irish runner Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Andrew Lynch), who was 19 lengths behind him at Cheltenham in the Champion Chase, which he had won the previous year. Siizing Europe has won 7 times here, including this race last year, and looks booked for second place, although we also expect his stable companion Days Hotel (PT Enright) to run well. He loves thi s ground and should certainly reverse his latest form with Foildubh (John Ryan/ Paul Carberry) on these terms. German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Davy Russell) is also very useful, but has not won for ages and it will be a major shock if he wins this.

There are two more Grade Ones on the card, the Champion Novice Hurdle at 17.20 and the Champion Novice Chase over 3 miles one furlong at 19.40, both also featuring the Cheltenham winners of the equivalent races. The former sees Champagne Fever (Willie Mullins/ Runby Walsh) one again opposed by Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Barry Geraghty) two very smart novices who have boith won 6 of their 9 starts. Champagne Fever, who also won the big bumper at this meeting last year, made all the running under a brilliant Walsh ride at Cheltenham, where Jezki finished a close third, but we would not be suprised to see the latter gain his revenge now, as we think the track and going may suit him better. Ted Veale (Tony Martin/ Paul Carberry) also won at Cheltenham, but that was a handicap and this is far tougher, while Rule the World (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) was runner-up to supersmart The New One, but is down quite a bit in distance here.

Willie Mullins has two runners in the novice chase, Back in Focus (Ruby Walsh) and Boston Bob (Paul Townend), but while the former won at Cheltenham, thre latter fell at ther last when still in contention. Ruby rides the lkikelyx favkiuroite, but there should be little between them, while Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Jason Maguire) looks a very dangerous raider from the U.K. Dessie Hughes´ pair Lyreen Legend (Bryan Cooper) and Tofino Bay (Lynch) were both runners-up at Cheltenham and can also get involved in a tricky race.

The handicap hurdle at 17.55 is the big betting race and looks wide open with 20 runners. Almost anything can win, although we do not believe that last year´s winner, British traider Snap Tie, can win again under this weight. We shall take a chance on Hisaabaat (Dermot Weld/ Mark Walsh), whoi has twice let us down badly, but has been dropped in the weights and won the big 4yo hurdle at this meeting last year.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Keep On Track - Near Perfection - Zest For Life
2. Race: Jezki - Rule The World - Ted Veale
3. Race: Tennis Cap - Sitcom - Shrapnel
4. Race: Sizing Europe - Days Hotel - Foildubh
5. Race: Moyle Park - Harvey Logan - Carriganog
6. Race: Boston Bob - Lyreen Legend - Back In Focus
7. Race: Wicklow Brave - Western Boy - Draco

6 meetings today

evening racing is now getting serious and Windsor stages its first of many Monday evenings tonight. Most of the top jockeys will be riding there, many of them having come on from the afternoon racing on the all-weather at Kempton. It would be no huge surprise to see Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore win 3yo maidens at both tracks with Evangelist at 16.50 CET (Kempton) and Persepolis at 20.00 (Windsor). Another jockey we think could win at both meetings is William Buick, who partners John Gosden´s top-weight Bright Strike in the 3yo handicap over 7 furlongs at 17.20 (Kempton) and the lightly-raced Nocturn in the 6 furlongs handicap at 19.30 (Windsor).
The best race in the afternoon is also a 6 furlongs handicap- this time at 16.10 at Pontefract. This is a very tricky race with 14 runners, and our fancy York Glory (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) is drawn 14. He will probably have to come down the stands rail and we hope that this will work to his advantage.
Ryan is another trainer who could score at two tracks today, as we also like his hurdler Flaming Arrow (Brian Toomey) at 16.00 at Hexham. He is better known as a flat trainer, but has a good strike rate with his few runners over sticks. Our each-way bet at Hexham is Pena Dorada (Lucinda Russell/ Graham Watters) in the handicap hurdle at 17.00; he is down to a very favourable rating and has a good record at this track.
There is also jumps racing at Cork this evening, and Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh can warm up for what could be a very profitable Punchestown Festival (starts tomorrow) by taking the beginners chase at 18.10 with Turban and the maiden hurdle at 20.10 with Dougal Philps.

Betting forecast Cork:
1. Race: Turban - Darwins Fox - Ballyadam Approach
2. Race: William Wordsworth - Torremuelle - Wrong Turn
3. Race: Teochew - Get Off The Stage - Girl In Blue
4. Race: Whiskey And Rye - Lughnasa - Truckin All Night
5. Race: Dougal Philps - Rightville Boy - Spot The Pro
6. Race: Another Charm - Might Be Magic - Way Up In The Air
7. Race: Aerlite Supreme - Lettermacaward - The Pounds

3 jumps meetings today

As the Irish meeting at Navan has been abandoned because of waterlogging, we are left with just 3 low-level jumps meetings in the U.K. today. Paul Nicholls is usually the trainer to follow at Wincanton, his local track, and we expect his 3 runners, Sound Investment at 15.40, Elenika half an hour later, and Sidney Melbourne at 17.10, all partnered by Daryl Jacob, to run well. However our best bet here is Lower Hope Dandy (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), who won with the greatest of ease at Cheltenham on Wednesday and should be able to defy a 7 lbs penalty at 16.40.

Nicholls can also be on the scoresheet at Stratford, where Landscape (by Lando) (Harry Derham) can take the opening novice hurdle at 15.00; Darley Son (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) looks the only serious threat here. An ex-German runner who could run well at a big price is Electric Tiger (David Bridgewater/ Tom Phelan) in the novice handicap hurdle at 17.30; closely ralated to Elle Danzig and other good performers, he is nowhere near that class but does not need to be in this very modest event.

Another German-bred that might be worth a small investment is Full Speed (Philip Kirby/ Richie McGrath) at 17.20 at Newcastle. He is very lightly raced over hurdles, but has twice on the flat this year. They were poor races, but so is this. A horse from the same stable with a similar profile is Platinum (Harriet Bethell) half an hour earlier, who has not run over hurdles for 17 months, but was only beaten a short head in a flat handicap at Catterick 11 days ago.

Classic trials at Newbury

Newbutry stages a strong card today, with two classic trials taking centre stage. Unfortunately there are only 5 runners for the Greenham Stakes for colts over 7 furlongs at 16.30 CET and on ratings it looks a straight match between Moohaajim (Marco Botti/ Martin Harley) and Olympic Glory (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes). The latter was runner-up in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, but won all his other starts, including the Lagardere over this distance at Longchamp in October. He is obviously very smart, but we still have slight preference for the former, who won the Mill Reef here and was then beaten a neck in the Middle Park. Any oither winner woiuld be a major suprise.

The fillies race, the Fred Darling at 15.55, looks more open, although Rosdhu Queen (William Haggas/ Johnny Murtagh) will be a clear favourite and has been well backed for the1,000 Guineas. She was unbeaten in 4 starts last year, finisjhing the season by winning the Cheveley Park. Well behind her that day was Maureen (Hannon/ Hughes), but she seems to be more stoutly bred and could well reverse the form. However this is a race in which a surprise result appears quite possible.

The John Porter Stakes for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 14.50 is another Group Three race here, and Noble Mission (Sir Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally) is the obvious favourite here. Cecil has already started the season well and this one is an own brother to the mighty Frankel. He stays much better than his brother and has plenty of ability. Allied Powers (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer), who was runner-up here last year, could be placed.

The Spering Cupo, a valuable mile handocap at 15.20 is the big betttinhg race, but looks almost impossible. The field of 25 includes the first 4 from the Lincoln, who are now handicapped to dead heat. The Queen was here yesterday to see Hayley Turner ride a winner in her colours, and the same could happen with the lightly-raced Border Legend (Roger Charlton). However we have not seen H.M.´s diary for today, so we will not not bet on her, but rather give this race a swerve and back the German-bred Dandy (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 14.15.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Exceedexpectations - Cactus Valley - Take Two
2. Race: Noble Mission - Model Pupil - Guarantee
3. Race: Educate - Global Village - Gouray Girl
4. Race: Rosdhu Queen - Maureen - The Gold Cheongsam
5. Race: Olympic Glory - Moohaajim - Sir Patrick Moore
6. Race: Kyllachy Rise - Rock God - Prince`s Trust
7. Race: Excellent Result - Feel Like Dancing - Squire Osbaldeston

Scottish Grand National at Ayr

A very busy day with racing all over, but the two top meetings are clearly at Newbury on the flat and at Ayr over jumps, with the biggest Scottish N.H. card of the season. The Scottish Grand National over an extended 4 miles at 16.50 CET, with over 100,000 GBP to the winner, is the most valuable race of the day and has attracted a very competitive field of 25 runners. The obvious place to start is Auroras Encore (Sue Smith/ Ryan Mania), who won the "real thing" at odds of 66-1 just a fortnight ago. This a very tough task just 2 weeks after his Aintree victory; very few attempt the double and only Red Rum in 1974 has brought it off. He is no Red Rum and we cannot believe he can win this under top weoght; the ground is miuch softer than it was at Aintree- though not as soft as had been expected- and he has been put up 11 lbs for winning at Aintree, although he is only 5 lbs higher than when beaten a head in this race last year.

This is a minefield for punters, and we - with more hope than expectation- have taken 5 horses against the field: Lion Na Bearnai (Tom Gibney/ Robbie McNamara), winner of last year´s Irish Grand National but who has only run one since; Rival d´Estruval (Pauline Robeson/ Timmy Murphy) who fell when still going well at Cheltenham last time, but has been 1/2 in his 6 previous races; Problema Tic (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) who we think looks well handicapped; Bradley (Fergal O´Brien/ Conor Shoemark), a top hunter chaser lastr season, but also good enough at this level; and Neptune Equester (Brian Ellison/ Danny Cook), from a stable in excellent form. Of course the other 20 runners may also have a word or two to say about this, so our selections are very tentative.

Most of the races here are handicaps, including the Scottish Champion Hurdle at 16.15, which also looks very tough. Grumeti (Alan King /Wayne Hutchinson) has top weight here, but is coming off a long break. He was third in last year´s Triumph Hurdle, the same position held this year by Sametegal (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), but we do not normally like 4yo´s in these top handicaps. Shtovodka (Pipoe/ Scu) flopped last time at Auintree on fast ground, but had won his previous 3 races on very soft ground. We shall take a chance on German-bred Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ M;ichael Nolan), who was runner-up in this last year.

We think that the best chance for King and Hutchinson is Oh Crick in the listed handicap chase at 16.15; he has only won once in the last 3 years, but is now very well handicapped on his best form. The handicap hurdle at 17.25 is another very tough race; our choice here is bottom weight Arctic Court (Jim Goldie/ Timmy Murphy), another one who looks well handicapped after a string of below par performances. Best bet on the card could be Tap Night (Lucinda Russell/ Barry Geraghty) in the Grade Two Future Champions Novice Chase at 15.05. Tony McCoy would normally have ridden him, but he is out of action after breaking some ribs in a fall on Thursday; Barry Geraghty looks an ideal replacement.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rhymers Ha` - Shanroe Society - Reaping The Reward
2. Race: Tap Night - Changing Times - Rajdhani Express
3. Race: Grumeti - Sametegal - Court Minstrel
4. Race: Petit Robin - Pepite Rose - Conquisto
5. Race: Rival D`Estruval - Big Occasion - Godsmejudge
6. Race: Walkabout Creek - Hollo Ladies - Duaiseoir
7. Race: The Druids Nephew - Buddy Bolero - Johns Spirit
8. Race: Tradewinds - Reddy Tobouggie - Glingerburn

6 meetings today

There is plenty of racing today, including the first U.K., evening meeting of the season, at Bath. Main feature there is the listed race for fillies over 5 furlongs at 19.30 CET. 13 runners here, but very few of them are of genuine listed class and we shall take a chance on two fillies who will need too improve - My Propeller (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Andrea Atzeni), winner of a Yarmouth handicap when last seen in September, and Swan Song (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), coming off an even longer break. Balding already has his string in good form and usually does well at this track, and his runner is out of the champion Lochsong, trained by his father to win the Abbaye and other top sprints over this distance.

There is also U.K.flat racing kin turf at Newbury, where 4 of the 7 races are restricted to 3yo´s with very little form to go on. One who catches the eye on breeding is Bohemian Dance /SIr Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) at 17.45, out of GP von Baden and Breeders Cup Turf winner Islington; however Stoute is maing his usual slow start to the seaspn and we would rather wait a bit.The handicaps for older horses offer better betting opportunities in our view, and we like Pateese (Philip Hobbs/ Jamie Spencer) at 17.15 and El Viento (Richard Fahey/ Barry McHugh) at 18.15. Pateese in particular is interesting, as he has not run on the flat for ages, but is in very good form over hurdles.

Ayr has its big N.H. meeting start today, and the major races, including the Scottish Grand Natuonal, are all tomorrow. Today´s card is less exciting and with some small fields is not very punter-friendly. If all 8 run, we think that German-bred Bocciani (Brian Ellison/ Tom Scudamore) could be a solid each-way bet in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.40. Please note that Tony McCoy will not be riding, following his heavy fall at Cheltenham yesterday, but Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania will be back, while Ruby Walsh will be here for just one ride - Paul Nicholls´ Rebel Rebellion in the novices handicap chase at 16.15; he was pulled up last time at Aintree, but the much softer ground today should suit him.

Bath - betting forecast:
1. Race: Beau Nash - El Duque - Sartori
2. Race: Shore Step - Burnt Fingers - Zhiggy`s Stardust
3. Race: Space Artist - Oscars Journey - Shrimpton
4. Race: Jwala - Excelette - My Propeller
5. Race: Destiny Of Dreams - Moment In Time - Running Deer
6. Race: Galiotto - Our Folly - Rock Peak
7. Race: Spellmaker - Chosen One - Where`S Reiley

Rest of today´s racing

Today´s Irish meeting at Tipperary has been cancelled, but there is still some good racing, notably at Cheltenham, where 4 races are restricted to mares, including the listed novices handicap chase at 15.35 CET. Violin Davis (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily), who was previously a smart hurdler, has been in great form and won her last 4 races - although rather lucky last time-. and is still very fairly handicapped.

The improving Marie des Anges (Tony Honeyball/ Charlie Huxley) looks the main danger off her light weight, although the trainer also has Jackies Solitaire (Aidan Coleman) entered. Honeyball could be in for a good day, as we also expect Eleven Fifty Nine (Rachael Green) to run a big race in the listed handicap hurdle at 16.10 - where the 2012 winner and top-weight Kells Belle (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is an obvious danger, while Danimix (Fehily) at 16.45 and Velator (Fehily) at 19.00 also have good prospects. However in the former race we shall side with the two CD specialists Midnight Chase (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello) and Ashkazar (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy), and in the latter with German-bred El Dancer (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell), who has won his last two races but is still well weighted on his old hurdles form.

There are some very open handicaps at Ripon, where Klynch (Ruth Carr/ Peter McDonald) and Sandy Lane (David O´Meara/ Graham Gibbons) can possibly land the two divisions of the 6 furlongs race for older horses at 16.20 and 17.30. While top weight Right Touch, from the in-form Richard Fahey stable, can take the handicap over the same trip for 3yo´s at 18.05 with good claimer George Chaloner in the saddle.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ma Filleule - Queens Grove - Hidden Identity
2. Race: Violin Davis - Marie Des Anges - Great Oak
3. Race: Prima Porta - Big Time Billy - Eleven Fifty Nine
4. Race: Cedre Bleu - Mr Hudson - What A Warrior
5. Race: Sam Winner - Nagpur - Monetary Fund
6. Race: Mister Matt - Kie - Anquetta
7. Race: Fabrika - Fairytale Theatre - Definitely Glad
8. Race: Velator - Thanks For Coming - Arbeo

Craven Stakes at Newmarket

The Craven Stakes is the main event at Newmarket today and the mile race for 3yo´s, a major trial for the 2,000 Guineas, is due to be off at 17.05 CET. There are only 4 runners, but it is still a good race and all 4 hold legitimate claims. Richard Hannon trains two of them, Toronado (Richard Hughes) and Havana Gold (Jamie Spencer) and the former, unbeaten in 3 starts last season, is likely to start a clear favourite. However it may not be so clear cut, as Dundonnell (Roger Charlton/ Jack Doyle) was only half a length behind him in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster in September and is now 3 lbs better off. Godolphin´ns Tawhid (Saeed bin Suroor/ Silvestre de Sousa) is also a big danger after winning the Horris Hill in excellent fahion last September. We shall have a better idea of Havana Gold´s chances after Ghurair (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan), who beat him a head in the big sales race here in October, runs in today´s sales race for 3yo´s over 10 furlongs at 15.55. The form of that race has not worked out very well, and we are not at all certain that Ghurair will stay this distance, so we are not convinced that he is a good thing today; Greatwood (Liuca Cumani/ Kieren Fallon) and Havana Beat (Andrew Balding/ David Probert) look more certain stayers to us and could be the dangers to the favourite.

There are also two group races for molfder horses at Newmatrket today, the Abernant over 6 furlongs at 16.30 and the Earl of Sefton over 9 furlongs at 17.40. Balding has another good chance in the latter race with Bonfire (Jimmy Fortune), who has been gelded since disappointing a couple of times last season, and is expected to come back to his best form today. Sir Henry Cecil got off the mark yesterday and saddles the main danger, Stipulate (Toim Queally), although he is in theory held by top-weight Mull of Killough (Jane Chapple-Hyam/ George Baker), who finished last season by twice winning here. Old Premio Loco (Chris Wall/ Ted Durcan) has won 12 races - including twice in Germany- in his long and distinguished career, but we do not fancy him today. The field for the 6 furlongs race includes the 2012 winners of the two top handicaps over this distance, Captain Ramius (Kevin Ryan/ Ryan Moore) - Ayr Gold Cup- and Hawkeyerthenoo (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee)- Stewards Cup at Goodwo od- as well as Jimmy Styles (Clive Cox/ Adam Kirby), runner-up in this last year, the much-improved Move in Time (David O´Meara/ Danny Tudhope) and the consistent The Cheka (Eve Johnson Houghton/ Neil Callan); Cecil and Queally have the very lightly-raced filly Tickled Pink running here and she might well beat the lot of them. It is very windy at Newmarket and the ground is firming up, but heavy showers are forecast, so the ground remains an unknown factor.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dutch Courage - Fire Blaze - Our Queenie
2. Race: Gerrards Cross - Mutajally - She`s Late
3. Race: Ghurair - Windhoek - Greatwood
4. Race: Hawkeyethenoo - Tiddliwinks - Captain Ramius
5. Race: Toronado - Dundonnell - Tawhid
6. Race: Bonfire - Mull Of Killough - Premio Loco
7. Race: Invincible Cara - Call Ahead - Meeting In Paris
8. Race: Hillstar - Mystery Bet - Van Percy

Newmarket kicks off flat season

Purists regard Newmarket´s Craven meeting, which begins today, as the start of the proper flat season, as the all-weather racing we have had throughout the long winter, as well as the handful of turf meetings this month, have been generallky very low standard. Today by contrast there is a high level card consisting of 7 races restricted to 3yo´s and one to 2yo´s, and it is a near certainty that there will be several subsequent classic and group winners on view. From the betting point of view, it is not so exciting as almost all the runners are having their first run of the season and many of them will just be warming up for bigger races to come. However the card features the first runners of 2013 from the Sir Henry Cecil stable as well as the first U.K. runners from Godolphin´s two trainers, and is essential viewing.

Main event today is the Nell Gwyn Stakes at 17.05 CET for 3yo fillies. a major trial for the 1000 Guineas, which has attracted a large field of 14 runners. Sky Lantern (Richard Hnnon/ Richard Hughes) is the favourite here, having won the Moyglare last season, but she carries a penalty for that race which was run on very soft ground, and we are not so sure about today. Hot Snap (Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Lady Nouf (William Haggas/ William Buick) both won their only starts last year in promising style, and we have a slight preference for the latter.

The listed Feilden Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.40 often pinpoints a major Derby hope and the interesting one here is French raider Intello (André Fabre/ Olivier Peslier), who won both his starts last year in workmanlike fashion. Best of the Brits could be Race and Status (Andtrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), third in the big sales race here over 7 furlongs last autumn and bred to get today´ s distance and further.

The European Free Handivap over 7 furlongsd at 16.30 is another trace that has ferquently been won by a later star performer. Anna´s Pearl (Ralph Beckett/ Jamie Spencer), a half-brotjher to Ger,man classic winner Mi Emma, has top weoght after finishing second in a French Group One in November, but we prefer Garswood (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), beaten a head at Ascot in October by Bungleinthejungle (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley), who runs in the previous race, a valuable sales race over 6 furlongs. Richard Hannon has an excellent record in such events and saddles 3 here, including our selection Victrix Ludorum (the choice of stable jockey Richard Hughes).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Estifzaaz - Messila Star - Balad
2. Race: Orton Park - Split Rock - M`selle
3. Race: Bungle Inthejungle - Victrix Ludorum - Tamayuz Star
4. Race: Anna`s Pearl - Alhebayeb - Emell
5. Race: Sky Lantern - Nargys - Winning Express
6. Race: Intello - Race And Status - Luhaif
7. Race: Improvisation - Demonic - Space Ship
8. Race: Dutch Masterpiece - Professor - Line Of Reason

Cheltenham today

Today has some pretty good racing for a Wednesday, and quite apart from Newmarket, there is flat racing at Beverley and this evening on the all-weather at Kempton and Dundalk, where there are runners from all the top irish stables. Cheltenham has the most interesting sport, and although it is not quite up to Festival standard, there are several runners engaged who were last seen at the big March meeting.

The best race is the Silver Trophy Chase, a Grade Two limited handicap over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 16.55, in which Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), only beaten by 3/4 lengths at Aintree by First Lieutenent., has top weight. Hunt Ball (Kieren Burke/ Nick Scholfield) is probably not as good as his owner thinks, but is still pretty smart and looks a big danger, as are Champion Court (Martin Keighley/ Ian Popham) and German-bred Ghizao (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh).

Most of the 7 races are handicaps and they are look very tricky, but we will be interested in the performance of Fredo (by Lomitas out of an Acatanango mare) in the 3 1/2 mile handicap chase at 15.45; he is coming off a long break, but stays really well and is now quite nicely handicapped as he has not won for more than 2 years. Nicky Henderson is by far the most successful trainer here and he has 3 runners in the 2 172 mile handicap hurdle at 16.20; this looks extremely difficult but we hope that stable jockey Barry Geraghty has made the right choice and therefore go for Top of the Range.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Puffin Billy - Bob Ford - Annacotty
2. Race: Hunters Lodge - Qianshan Leader - Handy Andy
3. Race: Party Rock - Edgardo Sol - Clerk`S Choice
4. Race: Menorah - Hunt Ball - Champion Court
5. Race: Italian Master - Minella For Steak - Moorlands Mist
6. Race: Ackertac - Houblon Des Obeaux - Goulanes
7. Race: Mr Mole - Changing The Guard - Crafty Roberto

Newmarket kicks off flat season

Purists regard Newmarket´s Craven meeting, which begins today, as the start of the proper flat season, as the all-weather racing we have had throughout the long winter, as well as the handful of turf meetings this month, have been generallky very low standard. Today by contrast there is a high level card consisting of 7 races restricted to 3yo´s and one to 2yo´s, and it is a near certainty that there will be several subsequent classic and group winners on view. From the betting point of view, it is not so exciting as almost all the runners are having their first run of the season and many of them will just be warming up for bigger races to come. However the card features the first runners of 2013 from the Sir Henry Cecil stable as well as the first U.K. runners from Godolphin´s two trainers, and is essential viewing.

Main event today is the Nell Gwyn Stakes at 17.05 CET for 3yo fillies. a major trial for the 1000 Guineas, which has attracted a large field of 14 runners. Sky Lantern (Richard Hnnon/ Richard Hughes) is the favourite here, having won the Moyglare last season, but she carries a penalty for that race which was run on very soft ground, and we are not so sure about today. Hot Snap (Cecil/ Tom Queally) and Lady Nouf (William Haggas/ William Buick) both won their only starts last year in promising style, and we have a slight preference for the latter.

The listed Feilden Stakes over 9 furlongs at 17.40 often pinpoints a major Derby hope and the interesting one here is French raider Intello (André Fabre/ Olivier Peslier), who won both his starts last year in workmanlike fashion. Best of the Brits could be Race and Status (Andtrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), third in the big sales race here over 7 furlongs last autumn and bred to get today´ s distance and further.

The European Free Handivap over 7 furlongsd at 16.30 is another trace that has ferquently been won by a later star performer. Anna´s Pearl (Ralph Beckett/ Jamie Spencer), a half-brotjher to Ger,man classic winner Mi Emma, has top weoght after finishing second in a French Group One in November, but we prefer Garswood (Richard Fahey/ Tony Hamilton), beaten a head at Ascot in October by Bungleinthejungle (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley), who runs in the previous race, a valuable sales race over 6 furlongs. Richard Hannon has an excellent record in such events and saddles 3 here, including our selection Victrix Ludorum (the choice of stable jockey Richard Hughes).

Black Caviar retired, Dabirsim also

Two news items to start off with - two great champions of the turf have been retired. The connections of the greeat Australian mare Black Caviar announced today that she has run her last race; she was unbeaten 25 starts, incliuding 15 Group Ones, most recently last Saturfay, and was undoubtedly one of the best sprinters ever to grace the turf. And from France comes the news that the champion European 2yo of 2011, Dabirsim (owned of course by our boss) has been retired; he never recovered properly from the injury he picked up when defeated as odds-on favourite in last year´s French 2,000 Guineas, but his outstanding juvenile campaign guarantees him a place in racing history.

3 jumps meetings today

After yesterday´s all flat programme, we have jumps racing today at Kempton and Exeter in the U.K. as well as Fairyhouse in Ireland, while the only flat racing is a very poor meeting on the all-weather at Southwell. The best racing comes from Kempton, where the listed mares handicap hurdle at 17.00 CET is the main event. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, fresh from their great win in Japan at the weekend, run Unika la Reconce here and she obviously has a good chance; last time out she was second to the useful Rathlin at Clonmel and would have won but for making a mistake at the last. She shares top weight with the very consistent Call me a Star (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), an easy winner at Doncaster last time but facing better opposition here. Mickie (Henry Daly/ Jake Greenall) and Natural Spring (Suzy Smith/ Paddy Brennan) are two more reliable mares who won last time out, but at these weights we fancy Miss Ballantyne, one of three Nicky Henderson runners and the choice of s table jockey Barry Geraghty. She is also up in grade after winning at Huntingdon in February, but it could be that the handicapper has let her in lightly here. Also at Kempton we are interested in the chances of ztwo German-breds, who have below form on the very soft ground we have had for most of the season so far, but as they are both out of Surumu mares, should appreciate the better ground now: Double Handful (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass) at 17.35 and Eleazar (Lucy Wadham/ Leighton Aspell) at 18.10 are both likely to start at very long odds and could be worth a small each-way bet.

The best race at Exeter is the handicap chase over 3 3/4 miles at 16.00, with numerlous specialists in the line-up, inclkuding Sea Saffron (Siue Gardner/ Matt Griffiths), who won the race last year, and The Clyda Rover (Heloern Nelmes/ Paul Moloney), who beat him over this CD last month. However neither is well handiapped now, while bottom weight Dermatologiste (Caroline Bailey/ Tom Scudamore), who won in a lower grade last time at Wetherby, looks well treated and Mobaasher (Rik Shaw/ Lucy Gardner), although out of form this season, is very well handicapped on his old form.

There are huge fields at Fairyhouse, especially in the three hurdles races which opoen the card, which has a late start at 17.50. Ouir best bet here is Toner d´Oudaires (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Russell) in the beginners chase at 19.25. He was the best of these over hurdles, amd although he has failed to win in his 5 races over fences so far, he can put that right today.

4 flat meetings today

there are 4 flat meetings today, all on turf, but none at a very high level. Low grade handicaps dominate, and at Newcastle we hope to see David O´Meara and Danny Tudhope land a double with Morocco over a mile at 16.30 CET and Dick Bos over 7 furlongs an hour later. Both are very lightly-raced and probably well handicapped, and both were previously with other trainers; O´Meara has repeatedly shown that he can improve such horses quite significantly. German-bred A Southside Boy (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee) also has a chance here in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.00, as long as the ground does not dry out as the Samum gelding had shown his best form, both on the flat and over hurdles, on very soft going.
O`Meara also has a chance in the mile handicap at 16.40 at Redcar with top-weight Two for Tea (DH Bergin). However here we prefer Destiny Blue, from another in-form team- Brian Ellison and Dale Swift- and recent Yarmouth winner Azrael (Alan McCabe/ Paul Hanagan).
At Windsor we shall give another chance to Atlantis Crossing (Jim Boyle/ Matthew Davies) in the mile handicap at 16.50; we fancied him at Kempton on Saturday, only for him to give trouble at the start and be withdrawn. The very lightly-raced Mean It (David Simcock/ Jamie Spencer) and the consistent Authoritarian (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) are the obvious dangers in a very open race. The 3yo maiden here at 17.20 looks interesting, with some well-bred runners from top stables, including Strength and Honor (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore), a half-brother to several smart performers, notably Derby winner and sire High Chaparral. Definitely one to watch.
Windsor starts its regular Monday series next week, but we already have a late start today at Leopardstown in Ireland. The first race at 1715 is a maiden for 3yo colts over 10 furlongs, and Aidan O´Brien and his son Joseph, whi had 3 winners here yesterday, can take this with Indian Chief, who showed great promise on his only start last season. They also have a chance in the fillies´ equivalent half an hour later, but the clear choice here on 2yo form is Scintillula (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), runner-up in the Group One Moyglare Stakes.

Betting forecast Windsor:
1. Race: Anticipated - Rose Gloria - Queen Of The Tarts
2. Race: Cheworee - My Son Max - Taurus Twins
3. Race: Grand Denial - Benoni - Sand Boy
4. Race: Rocky Reef - Boots And Spurs - Mean It
5. Race: Punditry - He`s A Striker - Strength And Honor
6. Race: Garrisson - Gaelic Silver - Significant Move
7. Race: Attwaal - Bernisdale - Burnham

classic trials at Leopardstown

all three U.K. meetings today are N.H., while there is also Irish jumps racing at Tramore, but this is mainly at a very low level, and by far the most interesting racing of the day takes place at the sole flat meeting, at Leopardstown, which features 3 important classic trials.
The Group Three Ballysax Stakes over 10 furlongs at 17.15 CET has been dominated this century by Aidan O´Brien and Jim Bolger and they provide 4 of the 6 runners today. Frankly, Bolger´s pair Alpinist (Kevin Manning) - although he has a fitness advantage as the only one to have run this season - and Beyond Thankful (RP Cleary) do not look good enough. O´Brien though has strong prospects with his son Joseph on the likely favourite Battle of Marengo, while Seamus Heffernan rides Foundry, winner of his only start; both are by Galileo, who won this race for the stable before going on to take the Derby. and Battle of Marengo, who won his last 3 races, including a Group Two over a mile, is already a leading fancy for the Epsom race. However he has to concede 5 lbs all round here, no easy task, and Sugar Boy (Paddy Prendergast/ Chris Hayes) could be a tough nut to crack; he also won his last 3 races last year, including here over 9 furlongs in November, and is bred to stay well.
O´Brien also has strong candidates in the 2,000 Guineas Trial at 15.35 and the 1,000 Guineas Trial at 16.40. In the former event he has just the one runner, The United States (Joseph), who won his only start, at the Curragh in July; this was a very promising effort and he should again hold the Aga Khan´s Dibayani (Michael Halford/ Declan McDonough), but Move to Strike (Bolger/ Manning), despite his Royal Ascot defeat, could be dangerous. O´Brien has two runners in the fillies´event, Snow Queen, presumably the main hope with Joseph aboard, and Greek Goddess (Heffernan), but both look rather exposed. There are 3 fillies in the field who won their only start last year, and we shall take a chance on What Style (John Oxx/ McDonough), who beat Snow Queen when winning over this CD in August.
O´Brien has again two of the 6 runners in the listed mile race at 16.05, with Joseph partnering the smart Declaration of War, winner of 4 of his 5 career starts. However on a line though Famous Name, who won this race 3 times, he has nothing in hand of Sweet Lightning (Tommy Carmody/ Johnny Murtagh), runner-up last year and recently easy winner of the Irish Lincolnshire; he receives 5 lbs and can possibly beat the favourite.
On what is obviously an important day for the O´Brien stable, there will also be plenty of interest in Michaelmas (Joseph) in the opening 2yo race; he is rumoured to be the stable´s best early juvenile. However all of these races should be watched rather than bet heavily, as all the runners mentioned are being aimed are more important targets later in the season.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Michaelmas - Focus On Venice - Glory Boy
2. Race: The United States - Dibayani - Move To Strike
3. Race: Sweet Lightning - Windsor Palace - Paene Magnus
4. Race: What Style - Snow Queen - Hint Of A Tint
5. Race: Foundry - Sugar Boy - Alpinist
6. Race: Fastidious - Lily Of Kenmare - Bendzoldan
7. Race: Justification - Show Court - Raise The Beat

listed races at Doncaster and Kempton

this is probably the weakest Saturday of the year in terms of high class racing, and there are no group or graded races at any of today´s 5 tracks.
However there are quite well-contested listed races at both Doncaster and Kempton (on the all-weather). At Doncaster, the Doncaster Mile at 15.20 CET has only 6 runners, and they include Sovereign Debt (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer) who is apparently being aimed at the Lockinge Stakes. If he is to have any chance in that group one event, then he must win this but he has a dangerous opponent in Highland Knight (Andrew Balding/ Liam Keniry), winner of last year´s Oettingen-Rennen at Baden-Baden. There was only a neck between them when they finished 2/3 in a Group Three at Salisbury last year and it could be a close thing again.
Otherwise there are some very competitive handicaps on the Doncaster card. Almost half the large field in the 6 furlongs handicap at 16.30 ran over this CD a fortnight ago, either in the listed Cammidge Trophy, won by Jack Dexter (Jim Goldie/ Graham Lee), or the handicap won by Thunderball (Scott Dixon/ Tom Queally); obviousy the weights have been adjusted, so that the result could well be different this time, but we were quite taken with Jack Dexter´ s victory and think he can score again under top weight. We also like the top-weight in the following 10 furlongs handicap, Beaumont´s Party (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift) , who scored at Newcastle last week on his first start for this trainer and is still well handicapped on his old form. In the 1 1/2 mile race at 15.55, our choice is Ingleby Spirit (Richard Fahey/ George Chaloner), whose stable is in good form and who has been running quite well over hurdles. Best thing of the day at Doncaster is Lewisham (Ralph Beckett/ Ryan Moo re) in the maiden at 17.40; he was group-placed last year and stands out by miles here.
The listed race at Kempton is for fillies over a mile at 16.15. Irish raider Lily´s Angel (Ger Lyons/ Gary Carroll) has to concede 3 lbs to her 13 opponents here, but we think she is up to the task; she ran well enough in a group race at the Curragh last Sunday and had previously shown decent form in Dubai. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes have a strong team here and can take the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.05 with Shamal Nibras, 4th in better company over this CD last time. They have another chance with Glean in the conditions race for 3yo´s at 15.40, but we prefer Thistleandtwocroses (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, who was an easy winner of a maiden here and can tske this step up in class. The Queen´s Prize over 2 miles at 18.00 used to be one of the best staying handicaps of the season; this is no longer the case, and we shall take a chance here on bottom-weight Topolski (David Arbuthnot/ Hayley Turner), a smart hurdler who has been below form r ecently but is now on a very appealing rating.
Over jumps, we hope to see German-breds successful at Stratford and Uttoxeter. At the former course Seventh Sky (Chatrlie Mann/ Gavin Sheehan), a half-brother to Samum, and Iolith (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), by Monsun, clash in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 17.15 and could well take the first two places. At Uttoxeter, Air Force One (Lawnay Hill/ David Bass), by Lando, has his first race for this trainer and is certainly capable of winning the 3 mile handicap hurdle at 16.55 if anywhere near his best form.
In Ireland, there is a low-level jumps meeting at Tramore. Willie Mullins, who celebrated one of the biggest wins of his highly successful career when Blackstairmountain won in Japan this morning, has two runners and could take the mares bumper at 18.40 with Slate Lady, ridden by his son Paddy.

Betting forecast Doncaster:
1. Race: Donny Rover - Mr Dandy Man - Peterkin
2. Race: Highland Knight - Sovereign Debt - Gabrial
3. Race: Beyond Conceit - Man Of Plenty - The Lock Master
4. Race: Jack Dexter - Duke Of Firenze - Move In Time
5. Race: Beaumont`S Party - Patriotic - Muharrer
6. Race: Flirtinaskirt - Robot Boy - Deepest Blue
7. Race: School Fees - Spark Of Genius - Foreign Rhythm

5 meetings today

three meetings this afternoon - including Chepstow and Wetherby over jumps - and two more all-weather fixtures this evening, but it must be said that these are very poor cards for a Friday. On top of that, it has been raining again and the ground is getting soft at Chepstow, resulting in quite a few non-runners.
Alan King has suddenly hit top form - two more winners yesterday- and we expect him to be back in the winner´s circle at Chepstow today. Araldur has an obvious chance despite top weight in the handicap hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at18.00 CET; he is a smart performer, both over sticks and fences, and looks better class than this opposition. Champagne ´n´Caviar ran a shocking race last time, and Dundee was tailed off on his first hurdles start, but that was when the stable was out of form, and we would not be surprised to see them run much better in the two divisions of the novice hurdle at 15.10 and 15.40, while Fairyinthewind, ridden like all of these by Wayne Hutchinson, makes his N.H. debut at 16.50, but this dual flat winner would not need to be a brilliant performer over hurdles to win in this modest company
Smokey Oakey (Mark Tompkins/ Colin Bolger) won the Lincoln back in 2008 for owner, Oscar-winning Judy Dench, but seems to have lost form completely. However if he can show just a glimpse of his old ability, he must go close in the 2 mile handicap hurdle at 18.10 at Wetherby. Any rain there would help the chances of The Magic Bishop (Malcolm Jefferson/ Brian Hughes) in the stayers handicap chase at 17.35; he has top weight but has generally been running in better races.
The most interesting races on the all-weather are the two 3yo maidens this evening at Dundalk, which have some well-bred runners from big stables in the line-up. It would be no surprise to see Aidan and Joseph O´Brien win them both with North Dakota at 19.45 and League of Nations an hour later.

Betting forecast Dundalk:
1. Race: Akasaka - Muck `n` Brass - Dimitar
2. Race: Magnolia Ridge - North Dakota - Sinour
3. Race: General Bunching - House Limit - Pivotal Rock
4. Race: Mischief N Mayhem - League Of Nations - Caged Lightning
5. Race: Banna Boirche - Elusive Ridge - Croi An Or
6. Race: Esytopolishadimond - Atlas Peak - Indiana Charmer
7. Race: Pre Tax Profit - Phebes Wish - Beat The Bell

3 jumps meetings this afternoon

while it was all flat racing yesterday, all 3 meetings this afternoon are N.H. affairs, although there is flat racing later at Kempton (all-weather) and Limerick (Ireland).
Punters should be warned that there has been overnight rain and the going has eased everywhere- particularly at Fontwell where it will be very soft and there are lots of non-runners as a result. Rosoff (Laura Mongan/ Nathan Adams) goes on this ground and has an each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 16.50 CET. The best race here is the 2 3/4 mile handicap chase at 17.20, in which top-weight Fruity O´Rooney (Gary and Jamie Moore) is the likely favourite; he ran a good race at Ascot last time in much better company, but that was only 4 days ago and we prefer bottom-weight Venetian Lad (Lydia Richards/ Marc Goldstein), who is 3 lbs out of the handicap but all of whose 4 career wins have come at this track.
The going should be good at Ludlow, which will suit the ex-German Oldrik (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.40. After some poor performances on heavy ground, his handicap mark has slipped to a very favourable level. However this is a very tricky race, with course specialists Cootehill (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies) and Up to the Mark (Henry Daly/ Paddy Brennan) in opposition, as well as the classy top-weight Michael Flips (Andy Turnell/ James Banks).
After a relatively disappointing season, Alan King´s horses have suddenly hit top form, and we would not be surprised to see him win 3 races at Wincanton with Midnight Prayer at 15.30, Henry San half an hour later and Turn Over Sivola at 17.00, all partnered by Wayne Hutchinson. Our best bet here however is Addiction (Jeremy Scott/ Nick Scholfield) at 16.30, who ran out a very easy winner at Exeter last week and should be able to defy a 7 lbs penalty.
Another ex-German horse who could be of interest today is Ordensritter (Chris Down/ Jemma Marshall), who runs in the 2 mile handicap at Kempton at 21.00 this evening. He had no chance in the 2011 German Derby, but this is much more his level and after his narrow defeat over this CD last month, we think he can win this time.

Betting forecast Fontwell:
1. Race: Up To Something - Abruzzi - Uhlan Bute
2. Race: Fling Me - Seebright - Lascaux
3. Race: Howard`S Legacy - Camden - Buck`s Bond
4. Race: Goochypoochyprader - Rosoff - Candlefort Lady
5. Race: Fruity O`Rooney - As De Fer - Niceonefrankie
6. Race: Invicta Lake - Farbreaga - The Mumper
7. Race: Oranger - Upton Mead - Inner Steel
8. Race: Seven Nation Army - Jolly`s Cracked It - Master Vintage

5 flat meetings today

5 flat meetings today, 3 of them on the all-weather, with some surprisingly small fields. Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton and Dundalk (Ireland) this evening offer little of punting interest and we shall stick to the turf racing at Nottingham and Catterick, both of which stage their first flat racing of the year.
Nottingham is a very fair track much favoured by Newmarket trainers, and we expect some Newmarket-trained winners today. Luca Cumani usually starts the season very slowly, but the well-bred Elhaame (Kieren Fallon) should win the opening 3yo maiden at 15.10 CET; debutant Magic Lando (Ismail Mohammed/ Joe Fanning), by the top German stallion, could be the main danger. Fils Anges (Michael Bell/ Hayley Turner) can take the 3yo handicap over 5 furlongs half an hourt later. He won over thid CD last autumn and made a good seasonal debjut at Yarmouth. He has top weight, as does Ed Dunlop´s filly Singersongwriter (Ryan Moore) over a mile at 17.40; sher won her only start last season in promising style and is expected to go on to better things.
Spirit Quartz (Robert Cowell/ Harry Bentley) looks a good thing to take the 5 furlongs conditions race at 16.10; he is fit from Meydan and his second place in the Nunthorpe last year (Humidor fourth) is clearly the best form in the field. The main feature here is the listed race over 1 3/4 miles at 16.40 with runners from all over the country. Sir Graham Wade (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning), who won 5 races last year including a listed event on heavy ground in France, is the favourite here, but has nothing in hand of Cavaleiro (Marcus Tregoning/ Turner). Ed Dunlop saddles the mare Testosterone (Moore), who was a bit disappointing last season but has an obvious chance on 2011 form, when she won 2 group races in France. Two trainers better known for their N.H. exploits have runners - Alan King with Handazan (Tom Queally) and Nicky Henderson with Earth Amber (Andrea Atzeni), who was last seen last August at Deauville where he was runner-up to subsequent Group One winner Les Beaufs - also a listed winner in France yesterday. This is a very tricky race with most of the runners clearly having other and better targets in mind later on; if forced to have a bet we would take Handazan each way.
We like oldtimers and our other each way selection at Nottingham is 9yo Extraterrestrial (Richard Fahey/ Barry McHugh) at 17.10, while at Catterick we fancy the 10yo Patavium (Edwein Tuer/ James Sullivan), a course specialist who has won here on the flat and over hurdles, in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 17.50. He was 4th in this race last year, but meets the then runner-up Arizona John (Jim Mackie/ Graham Gibbons) on slightly better terms and is fit from hurdling. Other oldtimers worth a second look here are 11yo Beckermet (Ruth Carr/ Sullivan) in the claimer at 15.50 and 9yo Wicked Wilma (Alan Berry/ Jordan Hibbert) in the 5 furlongs apprentice handicap at 18.50.

Betting forecast Lingfield:
1. Race: Teth - Crucis Abbey - Archelao
2. Race: The Noble Ord - The Which Doctor - Qeethaara
3. Race: Dark Lane - Commanche - Fairy Wing
4. Race: Intrigo - King Bertie - Barbs Princess
5. Race: Melvin The Grate - Intimidate - A Ladies Man
6. Race: Another Cocktail - Divergence - Could Be
7. Race: Yojojo - Refreshestheparts - Dundrum Dancer
8. Race: If I Were A Boy - Push Me - Cape Joy

4 meetings today

Today´s 4 meetings cover N.H. racing from Carlisle and Gowran Park in Ireland, with flat racing at Pontefract and also on the all-weather at Southwell. Once again there is nothing very exciting on the menu, but Pontefract´s opening fixture of 2013 does offer a couple of decent handicaps. However with virtually no recent turf form to go on, these are not good betting heats. The 10 furlongs handicap at 17.15 CET could go to Spanish Duke (Brian Ellison/ Dale Swift), whose stable is in good form and is down to a fair weight, having not won for 2 years. The 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 16.10 features 3 horses that have won on the all-weather this year, of whom the best is probably Flashlight (Mark Johnston/ Silvestre de Sousa), but we shall take a chance on his stable companion Double Your Money (Franny Norton), a half-brother to the smart German miler Combat Zone. Johnston sends his main jockey Joe Fanning to Southwell, but the jockey to follow here could be Ryan Moore who ha s just two rides but could score of them both - James Tate´s Naru at 17.05 and his father Gary´s Stentorian half an hour later.

Over jumps, Tony McCoy makes the ,long journey north to ride at Carlisle, were he has fair prospects on all his 3 mounts, Dolatulo for Warren Greatrex at 15.20, Vamizi for Lucinda Russell at 17.25 and William Money for Chris Grant half an hour later. The bground ast Carlisle is good to vfirm, the fastest it hads been all year. Recent form on heavy ground should therefore be treated with caution, and we make our each-way bet of the day Weetfromthechaff (Maurice Barnes/ Michael McAllister), whose current form is awful but could run much better now that the going has changed in his favour.

Like Ryan Moore at Southwell, Ruby Walsh has just two rides at Gowran Park and we expect him to win on both, Urano in the maiden hurdle at 17.40 and Security Breach in a handicap hurdle at 18.45, both for Willie Mullins.

4 meetings today

4 meetings today, Kelso over jumps and 2 with flat racing on the all-weather and also Irish flat racing at Gowran Park, but nothing to quicken the blood. At Kelso, we expect Scarlet Fire (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) to win the first division of the novice hurdle at 15.00 CET, the trainer gives his horses plenty of time and this one looks a decent prospect. Veloce (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) is favourite for the second division at 17.00, but the stable has not been firing recently and we prefer Potomac (Rose Dobbin/ Henry Brooke), who did not jump that brilliantly on his hurdles debut but won 3 times on the flat and can now score his first win over hurdles if he jumps a bit better. Henry Brooke has several rides today and we think he has a good each-way chance on Jim Goldie´s Circus Clown at 15.30, who has dropped to a nice weight.
The 3yo maiden over 1 1/2 miles at 17.25 is the most interesting event at Gowran Park. Orgiglo Bay (JC McConnell/ Gary Carroll), has easily the best public form, having run in group and listed races last year, However it would be no surprise to see him beaten by well-bred representives from the O´Brien, Bolger and Weld camps. Aidan O´Brien had two 3yo winners at the Curragh yesterday, and Everglades Island is probably the better of his 2 runners, with son Joseph in the saddle. We also hope to see Qasser (Kevin Prendergast/ SH James) take the rated race at 16.55; he is lightly-raced and looks capable of further improvement.
There are two very well-bred runners at Kempton this afternoon. Aegaeus (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore) is by German champion Monsun (two group winners in France yesterday!) out of multiple Group One winner Ouija Board; he has not so far lived up to this illustrious pedigree, but is on a very low handicap rating as a result and can take the10 furlongs race at 15.50. Frasers Hill (Roger Varian/ Jimmy Fortune), who cost 300,000 guineas as a yearling, is also a 4yo who needs to catch up; he has only run once, 18 months ago, so has clearly had some problems, but he can take the maiden race at 16.20.
The Wolverhampton card is very low grade, but we think that Roger Charlton´s filly Top Trail (Jack Doyle) should follow up an easy CD win 12 days ago by winning the 6 furlongs handicap for 3yo´s at 17.40.

Betting forecast Kempton:
1. Race: Memory Styx - Hedge End - Princess Tamay
2. Race: Aegaeus - Tadabeer - Balady
3. Race: Dalgig - World Record - Frasers Hill
4. Race: Sam Spade - Green Special - Tiger`s Home
5. Race: Handiwork - Conversing - Poetic Verse
6. Race: West Leake - Teen Ager - Duke Of Destiny
7. Race: Carina Palace - Admiralofthesea - Forceful Flame

Group race at the Curragh today

The flat season is slowly getting into gear and today´s Curragh card features the Group Three Gladness Stakes over 7 furlongs at 16.20 CET. This is a very tricky race, with the sole British raider Arnold Lane (Mick Channon/ Martin Harley) and Lily´s Angel (Ger Lyons/ Gary Carroll) both coming back from good runs in Dubai. Aidan and Joseph O´Brien are represented by Nephrite, a smart 2yo who has not run for almost a year, while Yellow Rosebud (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) was beaten at odds-on here a fortnight ago. This is not really a good race to bet on, but our choice is Yellow Rosebud, who can be expected to be much fitter this time and will also be suited by the better going. The best horse running here however is Parish Hall (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning), who runs in the listed race over 10 furlongs at 17.20. He has not run since taking the Dewhurst Stakes 18 months ago; obviously there must be a reason for his long absense, but with the Bolger stable already in excellent for m, we expect him to score convincingly today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Coach House - Highland Falcon - Freedom Square
2. Race: Moth - Wannabe Better - Sea Shadow
3. Race: La Collina - Yellow Rosebud - Nephrite
4. Race: Teoranta - Maude Adams - Daring Man
5. Race: Steps To Freedom - Parish Hall - Ernest Hemingway
6. Race: Beach Of Falesa - Saint Gervais - Something Graceful
7. Race: Hudson`s Bay - Ruler Of The World - Timikar

Ascot´s final N.H. meeting of 2012-3

Ascot stages its final N.H.meeting of the season with a strong card today and in less than 4 weeks flat racing returns to the royal racecourse. Nicky Henderson still has not won the Grand National, but otherwise he must be very happy with the way things are going and he is now virtually certain to be champion trainer. He can follow up a successful Aintree with another good day here and we expect him to take the first two races with Courtesy Call at 15.15 CET and Molotof at 15.50, both partnered by Barry Geraghty. He also has chances in the handicaps with Little Dutch Girl at 16.25 and Tetlami at 17.00, also both with Geraghty, and Mister Dillon (Gary Derwin) in the handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys and amateurs at 18.10, although these are all tricky races and we would certainly not leave out the two German-breds Dawn Commander (Charlie Longsdon/ Donagh Meyler) and Promised Wings (Chris Gordon/ Ollier Garner) in ther last-named event.

There is also N.H. racing at a much lower level at Hexham, but there is some decent jumps racing in Ireland at Limeriuck, where the Grade Two novice chase at 17.35 is the main event; Tofino Bay (Dessie Hughes/ Davy Russell) is still a novice at the of 10 but looks the one to beat here. Our Irish collreague recommends Playing (Tom Foley/ SE Butler) in the opportunity handicap chase half an hour later.

Rest of today´s racing

Obviously the Grand National will grab all today´s headlines, but the rest of the Aintree card is also very strong. The opening Grade Two novice hurdle should lie between the two Cheltenham flops Dodging Bullets (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Utopie des Bordes (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). The Grade One novice chase at 15.15 CET depends on whether the smart and versatile Overturn (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) can come back to form; if not Bally Green (Mouse Morris/ David Casey), who finished well in front f him at Cheltenham, should win. The Grade One Liverpool Hurdle over 3 miles at 15.50 is almost a rerun of the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, won by Solwhit (Charlie Byrnes/ Paul Carberry) from Celestial Halo (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Smad Place (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson); we feel that the winner got the run of the race then and would not be surprised to see the placed horses reverse the form today.

The handicaps are as always very difficult with large fields. Our 3 against the field in the 3 mile+ handicap chase at 16.25 are Battle Group (Kevin Bishop/ Daryl Jacob), who won over hurdles here on Thursday and was runner-up in this race last year, and the progressive Opening Batsman (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) and Cantlow (Paul Webber/ Tony McCoy) and in the handicap hurdle for conditionals and amateurs at 18.10 the two German-breds Local Hero (Steve Gollings/ Henry Brooke) and Prince of Fire (Charlie Swan/ Alan Berry) and the lightly-weighted 4yo Cockney Sparrow (John Quinn/ Dean Pratt).

The jumps traces at the other tracks are clearly not so high class, but there is an interesting Grade Two Chase at Navan at 17.35, in which we expect Rathlin (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) to get the better of Call the Police (Willie and Danny Mullins).

On the flat there is a listed race for 3yo´s on the Lingfield polytrack at 16.00. Van Der Neer (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) is clearly the one to beat here; he was runner-up in the Racing Post Trophy and is well fancied for the 2,000 Guineas. An each-way alternative is the filly Massarah (Clive Brittain/ Ryan Moore); Brittsin has his string in good form and also has a chance at 15.25 with Quixote (Kieren Fallon).

Grand National today at 17.15 CET

The Grand National with almost a million pounds in prize-money is the most valuable jumps race of the year, also the best-known and most heavily-betted and also the most controversial. This last because of the perceived danger to horses and jockeys, and unfortunately the last two runnings both saw two horses killed, while two more have already died at this year´s meeting. This is terrible news and gives the race - and by extension all N.H. racing- a bad name, with many so-called animal rights organisations calling for the event to be scrapped. We love horses - indeed all animals and birds and trees as well- but certainly do not go along with the extremists. However we must all hope that today´s race goes off without any serious accidents, as another equine death would leave a horrible taste behind.

Family connections have always been prominent here, and especially in Ireland, who mount their usual strong challenge, the Mullins and the Carberrys have been well to the fore. The family best placed to profit today is that of Irish broadcaster, writer, ex-champion amateur jockey and trainer Ted Walsh, who saddles two well fancied runners, Seabass, ridden by his daughter Katie and Colbert Station (Tony McCoy), and in addition has his son Ruby riding another of the favourites in Willie Mullins´ On His Own. We think all three must go on the short list, and there is no doubt that victory for Seabass would be the most popular result; he finished third last year under Katie and a first ever win for a lady jockey would be extremely good news. However he is not so well handicapped this time and last year appeared not to stay the distance after having every chance at ther last fence. Of this trio we think that On His Own has the best chance, and he was been obviously specally trained for this race ever since he rather unluckily fell last year when still going very well.

The best guide to the race is undoubtedly last year´s running, and 14 of today´s runners ran here in 2012, including runner-up Sunnyhillboy (Jonjo O´Neill/ Richie McLernon), beaten a nose, Seabass in third, Cappa Bleu (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) in fourth, and Ballabriggs (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire)- the 2011 winner, in sixth. When the last-named won, he beat Oscar Time (Martin Lynch/ Sam Waley-Cohen) into second, with several more of these behind. The weights of course have shifted quite a bit, and we now consider Chicago Grey (Gordon Elliott/ Paul Carberry) - brought down last year - to be the best handicapped runner.

The main changes from last year are that the jumps have been slightly more forgiving (plastic instead of wood inside), while the start has been moved 90 yards forward and away from the stands, which may be a tiny help to doubtful stayers. But it is still a handicap chase over almost 4 1/2 miles with 40 runners, and luck in running will play the most important part. We hope that one of the above-mentioned runners wins - especially our main fancy On His Own, but there are 40 possible winners and punters must make their own choice.

rest of Aintree

Cheltenham form does not always work out at Aintree, as we saw yesterday, and we think that likely odds-on shot My Tent or Yours (Nicky Henderson/ Tony McCoy) is not certain to score in the opening novice hurdle at 15.00 CET despite his excellent performance at the Festival and his previous win at Newbury. Stable companion Forgotten Voice (Barry Geraghty) and German-bred Zuider Zee (John Ferguson/ Denis O´Regan) were both smart on the flat and have shown great promise over hurdles; they could well give the favourite something to think about.
The novice chase at 15.30 looks on the face of it between Dynaste (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) - who also had a hard race at Cjheltenham- and Rocky Creek (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), but there is a strong Irish fancy for Sea of Thunder (Charlie Byrnes/ Geraghty), who has been waiting for this better ground and he could be the one.
There is another hot favourite who could be vulnerable oin the novice hurdle over 3 miles at 17.15 - At Fishers Cross (Rebecca Curtis/ McCoy); he is unbeaten in 5 starts this season, but the drying ground could be a problem here. We shall take a chance each way on Uxizandre (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), whose stable had a winner here yesterday.
The handicapos aretough as ever, with with 29 runners in the ZToopham Trphy over 2 3<74 miles of the National course at 16.40 and 22 in the 2 1/2 mile hurdle at 17.50. Peter Bowen has won the Topham for the last 3 years with Always Waining, who runs this year in the National itself., but can take it again with Gullible Gordon /Jamie Moore); 2012 second and third, Chance du Roy (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Fistral Beach (Nicholls/ Daryl Jacob) are just two of many dangers. In the hurdle race, Cotton Mill (Ferguson/ O´Regan), Meister Eckhardt (King/ Aidan Coleman) and Minella Forfitness (Henderson/ David Bass) are our 3 against the field.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Forgotten Voice - Brick Red - Zuider Zee
2. Race: Dynaste - Rocky Creek - Super Duty
3. Race: Flemenstar - Cue Card - Finian`S Rainbow
4. Race: Chance Du Roy - Little Josh - Criqtonic
5. Race: At Fishers Cross - Road To Riches - Gevrey Chambertin
6. Race: Broadway Buffalo - Funny Star - Meister Eckhart
7. Race: Carole`s Spirit - Molly`s A Diva - Nouveau Moulin

Aintree: can Sprinter Sacre be beaten?

the main feature of the second day of Aintree´s Grand National meeting is the Melling Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 16.05 CET, and this promises to be the best race of the meeting, with superstar Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) meeting the strongest opposition he has yet faced. He has won 12 of his 14 starts and is unbeaten in 8 starts over fences, demolishing the opposition on each occasion. However all his form is at 2 miles and he is into unknown territory here. 3 of his 5 rivals here are serious performers at this distance - stable companion Finian´s Rainbow (Tony McCoy) won the race last year and will be well suited by the going, Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) made all to win the Ryanair at Cheltenham in excellent style, beating yesterday´s big race winner by 9 lengths, while Flemensstar (Peter Casey/ Andrew Lynch) comes with a huge reputation from Ireland. On a,line throiugh First Lieutenant, Cue Card possibly has the advantage over Flemensstar, but we pr efer the Irish horse. Obviously Sprinter Sacre, who is easily the highest-rated N.H., horse currently in training, can win, but he makes no appeal at the likely long odds-on. This is very definitely a race to watch rather than to bet on, but we cannot resist a small wager on Flemensstar.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Forgotten Voice - Brick Red - Zuider Zee
2. Race: Dynaste - Rocky Creek - Super Duty
3. Race: Flemenstar - Cue Card - Finian`S Rainbow
4. Race: Chance Du Roy - Little Josh - Criqtonic
5. Race: At Fishers Cross - Road To Riches - Gevrey Chambertin
6. Race: Broadway Buffalo - Funny Star - Meister Eckhart
7. Race: Carole`s Spirit - Molly`s A Diva - Nouveau Moulin

Aintree:last 4 races

even if thje first 3 races are the best on today´s card, the other Aintree races are also very competitive with good betting opportunities. The final Grade One race is the novice chase over 2 1/2 miles at 17.50 CET and we think there could be an upset here, as the the two favourites Captain Conan (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Fago (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), both look vulnerable, while the well-backed Carlito Brigante (Gordon Eliott/ Jason Maguire) is not really up to Grade One class. We shall take an each way chance on Drumshambo (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) who has been very consistent on this winter´s heavy ground but may be even better on the faster going which we will encounter today.
There are 25 runners in the Fox Hunters Chase at 16.40 and it is difficult to gert a handle on the fortm, but we have narrowed it down to 3 runners: Bold Addition (Mrs. Browne/ Steven Clements) and Gwanako (Nicholls/ Jody Sole), who have both won their last 2 races in good style, and expecially last year´s winner Cloudy Lane (Donald McCain/ Richard Harding). Course form counts double here, especially over the National fences and it looks as if Cloudy Lane (who in younger days was well fancied for the Grand National itself on 3 occasions)has been prepared for thid race ever since he won it a year ago.
The two handicaps are of course extremely difficult with 18 runners in the 2 mile chase at 17.15 and 22 in the 3 mile hurdle at 18.25. Moist of the runners in the former event have already met several times, for example at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago or in this same race last year; Tanks for That (Henderson/ Geraghty) was pulled up in both, but he is now very well handicapped on his best form, and despite his abysmal completion record, is our choice, while the same trainer has two more good chances in the final race with the Queen´s Open Hearted (Nico de Boinville) and Ericht (BGeragthy); both are up in trip, but we think that they can stay the extra distance and could both be involved in the finish.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rolling Star - Irish Saint - Flaxen Flare
2. Race: First Lieutenant - The Giant Bolster - Cape Tribulation
3. Race: The New One - Zarkandar - Grandouet
4. Race: Gwanako - Bold Addition - Warne
5. Race: Kid Cassidy - Rebel Rebellion - Pires
6. Race: Fago - Captain Conan - Changing Times
7. Race: Easter Day - Open Hearted - Jetson

Aintree: first 3 races

Aintree starts off today with three Grade One races, all extremely competitive. The 4yo hurdle at 15.00 CET has two Nicky Henderson runners from the Triumph Hurdle, Vasco du Ronceray (Tony McCoy) and beaten favourite Rolling Star (Barry Geraghty), who finished fifth and sixth; we expect the latter to do better this time, but Irish Saint (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) looks dangerous on his Adonis form. Flaxen Flare (Gordon Elliott/ Davy Condon) was most impressive when winning the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, and with his stable in red-hot form, definitely comes into the equation. Zamdy Man (Vnetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) was well behind him then, but we expect that he will run much better now, and as he is related to German champion Lando, he should be well suited by this faster going. He is the best longshot here.
The Betfred Bowl Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong at 15.30, sees 4 competitors from the Gold Cup line up again. German-bred The Giant Bolster (David Bridgwater/ Tom Scudamore) did best in fourth (for the second time), with Cape Tribulation (Malcolm Jefferson/ Denis O´Regan) fifth, but the one to beat could be Silviniaco Conti (Nicholls/ Walsh), who fell 3 out when still going well, and would probably have finished second. The main opposition cvomes from the two Gigginstown runners Firest Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Bryan Cooper) and Quito de la Roque (Colm Murphy/ Paul Townend); the former was runner-up in the Ryanair Chase, but we prefer the latter, who runs here instead of in the Grand National, in which he would have been our selection. We assume that connections know what they are doing in going for this much tougher event. He won the big novice chase here in 2011, and Silviniaco Contoi took the same race last year. Another Irish hope is Whodoyouthink (Oliver McKiernan/ M Darc y), whose trainer won this with a 50-1 shot last year and is hoping for a similar result,, but we think that Quito de la Roque is a decent each-way bet at the likely odds.
The next Grade One is the Aintree Hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.05. Oscar Whisky (Henderson/ McCoy) has won this the last twice, with Thousand Stars (Willie Mullins/ Townend) a neck behind on both occasions. Therer has been no dsatisfactory explanation for Odscar Whisky´s flop last time at Cheltenham, so we are not so keen on him, but certainly expect the Irish hope to run well. However there is very strong opposition here from Countrywide Flame (John Quinn/ Denis O´Regan) and Zarkandar (Nicholls/ Walsh), third and fourth in the Champion Hurdle, a race in which Grandouet (Henderson/ Geraghty) fell when still well in contention. Then there is the new kid on the block- The New One (Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies), winner of 7 of his 9 races and especially impresssive at Cheltenham. He is up against much better rivals this time, but could easily scorer again, although we do not think he is a a good bet at the likely price. This is the best race of the day and any of those mentione d could win, but we shall go for Thousand Stars each way.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rolling Star - Irish Saint - Flaxen Flare
2. Race: First Lieutenant - The Giant Bolster - Cape Tribulation
3. Race: The New One - Zarkandar - Grandouet
4. Race: Gwanako - Bold Addition - Warne
5. Race: Kid Cassidy - Rebel Rebellion - Pires
6. Race: Fago - Captain Conan - Changing Times
7. Race: Easter Day - Open Hearted - Jetson