Denman v Exotic Dancer at Aintree

This week´s Grand National meeting at Aintree gets off to a brilliant start today with an excellent card headed by the Totesport Bowl (Grade One) over 3 miles 1 furlong at 16.10 CET. Like several other races today, this one can be regarded as "Cheltenham revisited". Gold Cup winner Kauto Star is absent, but the form is strongly represented by runner-up Denman (Paul Nicholls/ Sam Thomas), third-placed Exotic Dancer (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy), fifth-placed Star de Mohaison (Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) as well as Madison de Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), Air Force One (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily), Snoopy Loopy and Alberta´s Run, who all were either well back or pulled up. Basically however it is a clash between Denman and Exotic Dancer, who has spent most of his career chasing Paul Nicholls´ two stars Kauto Star and Denman, but today has ideal conditions and can possibly repeat his 2007 victory here. Too much importance should not be read in the fact that Ruby Walsh, Nicholl´s n umber one jockey, partners Star de Mohaison, as Denman has always been Sam Thomas´ ride, but we would still not be surprised if Ruby´s mount finished in front of his stable-companion on 10 lbs better terms. German-bred Air Force One, who is not suited by Cheltenham, could run much better today and is the best long-shot, and Madison du Berlais is another one who should shape better at this track.

Flat racing at Catterick, Lingfield (a.w.) and Kempton (a.w.)

Three flat meetings today, with Catterick racing on turf and Lingfield this afternoon and Kempton this evening on the all-weather, but very little quality. Mighty Moon (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) has been running well over hurdles and can switch successfully to the flat by taking the 1 3/4 miles handicap at 16.20 at Catterick. Trainer Michael Dods and jockey Phillip Makin can take both divisions of the 6 furlongs maiden there with Tiger Reigns at 17.20 and Mister Tinktastic half an hour later.

The most interesting races at the two all-weather meetings are the 3yo events. Shabib (Barry and Michael Hills) should certainly win the maiden race at 15.30 at Lingfield and the 7 furolings handicap at 17.30 should lie between Mr. Willis (John Best/ Steve Drowne), going for a CD hat-trick, and Fantastic Dubai (Mick Channon/ Darryll Holland), while at Kempton the well-bred Respite (Willie Haggas/ Michael Hills) can take the fillies maiden at 20.20 despite being badly drawn. Otherwise Ryan Moore looks the jockey to follow; he has good rides at both meetings and can complete a good day for the Moore family.

Jumps racing at Exeter and Gowran Park (Ireland)

With the big Aintree meeting starting tomorrow, it is obvious that there will be no stars on view at today´s two jumps meetings. In addition, both Exeter and Gowran Park stage hurdle races only, as the ground is too firm for chasers. Qaddick Lane (David Pipe/ Tommy Murphy) was a very easy winner last week and is the likely favourite for the handicap hurdle at 15.40 CET at Exeter, but this distance is 5 furlongs shorter, and top-weight Mcmackmagoole (Evan Williams/ John Tudor) could be dangerous, while we expect Bolton Hall to run well off bottom weight. The latter´s trainer Keith Goldsworthy and jockey Jamie Moore also have a good chance in the following novice hurdle with Cresswell Willow.

Two German-breds both have an each-way chance in the handicap hurdle at 17.10, Olivino (Brian Llewellyn/ Bernie Wharfe) and Wiesenfürst (Gary and Jamie Moore), and the Moores can follow up in the novices handicap at 17.40 with Massini Moon. In Ireland, thr could also b some Grman-bred winners. Azana (Pat Fahy/ Barry Geraghty) won on Sunday against Nazdaq and may repeat this performance under a penalty at 17.35. Later on, the half-brothers Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Aidan Cawley)-by Montjeu - and Noble Prize (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) - by Acatenango- can go close in their respective races at 18.35 and 19.05. Gowran Park is taking a big chance here with the weather, with racing starting at 17.35 CT and the last race scheduled for 20.35.