Preview - Punchestown, 5:30 - Rabobank Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Another huge race in prospect which realistically concerns three horses. Current Champion Hurdle holder Punjabi looks to retain his crown which he won here last season, Quevega wishes to state her claim as a live contender for next year's big race and Solwhit hopes to improve on his highly-impressive win in the Aintree Hurdle last time out. A race which could turn into a real battle in this heavy ground, it looks likely to be another spectacular contest to add to the races that have been witnessed at this Festival already.

Last year's winner of this event and current Champion Hurdler, Punjabi has an outstanding chance to make it three from three at this track. His performance at Cheltenham in March was sublime considering he was the stable's supposed second-string and he held off two of best hurdlers around in the shape of Celestial Halo and Binocular. He showed a most willing attitude to hold on all out under pressure and looks set to run another huge race here. He put a solid performance here last season, where he defeated two good benchmarks in Sublimity and Brave Inca. He has a brilliant turn of foot but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to quicken up out of this heavy ground. Punjabi has had a good break since his heroics and should be fresh for this race, and with Barry Geraghty in the saddle yet again, he will go close to adding to his impressive total career prize money.

Quevega looks likely to go off favourite after her superb performance in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, where she romped to victory by a huge 14 lengths. She was well fancied that day her connections and she did not disappoint. Always up with the pace under Ruby Walsh, she loomed up going ominously well and bounded clear up the hill. After that performance, she put herself in the picture for next year's Champion Hurdle and this is another step up the ladder for this progressive mare. She does look better suited to 2m 4f but this drop in trip is unlikely to cause her too much trouble, having shown her ability to travel and quicken over this trip before. One huge plus for this five-year-old is that the ground is firmly in her favour and may not suit her rivals, something which may swing the outcome her way. Also, her trainer/jockey combination had another four winners yesterday to increase their tally to eight this week already. She looks a highly interesting runner and could win this in style before going on to bigger things next season.

Solwhit certainly has the potential to improve on his win last time out and could upset the first two mentioned. He won with authority that day, beating three-time Aintree Hurdle winner Al Eile and World Series Hurdle winner Fiveforthree in the process. He is still a young horse at the age of five and he could feature in next year's Champion Hurdle if he continues his rapid rate of progression. One thing which will not affect him too much is the ground, on which he has been a winner three times in his career. Again under the guidance of Davy Russell, he looks on course to run another massive race despite his inexperience.

Muirhead reappears after a superb run in the Champion Hurdle last time out, where finished five lengths behind Punjabi. He will have no problem with the ground and should be fresh having been lightly raced this season. If any of the top three in the market fail to give their running, he could well make the frame. Sizing Europe has been a bitter disappointment this season having shown so much promise last year. He will do well to win this but he is horse of huge talent and could run well under Denis O'Regan.

Selections: 1st - Punjabi, 2nd - Quevega, 3rd - Solwhit.

Result: 1st - Solwhit, 2/1 jf, 2nd - Punjabi, 7/2, 3rd - Quevega, 2/1 jf.

Solwhit just edged out a game Punjabi in an awesome finish to a falsely-run affair on desperate ground. All credit must go to Solwhit, who was well-backed throughout the day, for the improvement he has made to be able to sit at the top table of hurdling. He was always travelling kindly for Davy Russell, and content to sit just off the pace, he moved up two out. Punjabi took the opposite route and swept to the lead having gone round the outside of the field, and after hitting the last, he was all out to hold off the challenge of Solwhit but just failed in his bid to win three years in succession at Punchestown. Both look likely to stamp their authority on next year's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and with Hurricane Fly fit and well, it looks likely to be a superb contest. Quevega proved to be very disappointing for the in-form Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, especially she would have been most suited to the ground. She loomed up going smoothly two from home but could not keep pace with the first two and kept on up the straight to snatch third. The enigma that is Sizing Europe was always prominent and as always looked to be moving very well, however, he failed to find anything under pressure and could on plug on up the run-in.

Preview - Punchestown, 6:05 - Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 1f

A thrilling race in prospect with many top-class performers coming here in good form chasing the huge prize fund of €165,000. Heading the betting is Imperial Commander, who won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in great style, and Notre Pere, who routed the field on his way to Welsh National success. Further down sees previous Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition plus some horses who have disappointing this season, namely Albertas Run and Air Force One.

Imperial Commander has had a nice break since winning the Ryanair at Cheltenham and looks sure to go well for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Paddy Brennan. He looked a star in the making when winning the Paddy Power Gold at Cheltenham's November meeting but he improved on that performance when he won at the Festival, where he showed a determined attitude to hold off the renewed challenge of Voy Por Ustedes, who has since gone on to land the Melling Chase at Aintree. He has a couple of slight reservations hanging over him being that out of his six career wins, only one has come away from Cheltenham. He obviously loves the undulations of that course and may find it difficult to reproduce that form to this different track. Also, it must be said that all of his wins have come over distances of 2m 4f and it remains to be seen whether he will stay this extended trip. The ground will be in his favour and he looks sure to give his running. If he stays the trip and wins, he will become a live contender for next season's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Notre Pere is worthy of a place at the top of the betting after his gutsy win in the Welsh National and then running high-class Neptune Collonges close at Leopardstown. He missed this year's Gold Cup through injury and he does have fitness issues surrounding him but there is no doubt that he is a thorough stayer who will appreciate this very soft ground. His win in the Welsh National at Chepstow brought him to the limelight as an upcoming staying chaser and many believed he would overturn Neptune Collonges in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup in February but he struggled to keep pace with Paul Nicholls' classy grey. It was unfortunate for him to pick up an injury before Cheltenham but trainer Jim Dreaper did not want to rush him back. Today looks a good place to start off and he will stay all day under jockey Andrew Lynch. One slight niggle about Notre Pere is that he is not very quick and that may leave him vulnerable to something with a bit more speed if it becomes a tussle up the home straight. He looks sure to go close in this company and like Imperial Commander, could well state his claim for next year's showpiece event if he goes close here.

War Of Attrition is arguably the class horse in the line-up having won this race three years ago, just weeks after his success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having been off with injury for nearly two years, he made a pleasing reappearance at the start of this season when he beat Kicking King by 19 lengths at this venue and went on to continue his comeback by notching another win two weeks later. Trainer Mouse Morris decided to let him take his chance in the Punchestown Chase in December but he was simply outpaced by Noland and finished a seven-length third. Only his last start, he ran a disappointing race in the Lexus Chase behind Exotic Dancer when relatively well fancied. He has been given a good break since that and as a horse who often goes best fresh, he could be ready to run big race under Davy Russell. He is getting no younger at the age of 10 but he is a classy individual who could well trouble the first two in the betting.

Albertas Run has been bitterly disappointing this season having shown so much potential last season when winning the RSA at Cheltenham over this distance. After running no sort of race in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, he made his way to Kempton and found himself up against Kauto Star in the King George. He ran well above expectations that day and ran on into second, which prompted many to expect better later on in the season. However, he struggled to land a blow in the Gold Cup in March and went onto to struggle in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree. It is fair to say there is nothing of the class of Kauto Star in the line-up but he must put his best foot forward if he is to beat some in-form rivals. He is much better on good ground so this soft ground will be against him and he has had four very tough races this season and it will somewhat of a surprise if he is to win this under Champion jockey Tony McCoy.

Air Force One is another who has had a hard season but he could go well for Charlie Mann and Noel Fehily. He is a course and distance winner, winning the Champion Novice Chase in impressive fashion here last season. Fehily let his mount bowl along in front that day and the horse was able to get into a nice rhythm before clearing away to a wide-margin success. He has not adopted those tactics since and if he is allowed to go on, he may well be able to repeat those antics. He began the season with real promise at Ascot and found only Madison De Berlais too good in the Hennessy Gold Cup. He was well fancied by connections that day and cruised through the race only to be beaten three lengths by David Pipe's charge, who has since gone on to have a remarkable season in which he has beaten the mighty Denman twice. Air Force One then went on to run poorly in the King George, due to pulled back muscles, and then ran below-par in the Gold Cup. He was another who struggled to land a blow in the Totesport Bowl and must improve on those poor runs if he is to feature here. The soft ground should not inconvience him and if allowed to make the running like last year then he could make the frame.

Roll Along is a horse who is best when fresh, as seen when beating Air Force One at the beginning of November. He ran a cracker to finish sixth in the Gold Cup but there must be a doubt that all of his best form has come when he has a good break between his races. It has only been six weeks since his last run and that has to be a worry. However, he does go well on soft ground and is an assured jumper who should run his race under Graham Lee. Schindlers Hunt could go well at a price having run two blinders in succession. The first was behind Imperial Commander in the Ryanair and the next behind Voy Por Ustedes in the Melling Chase at Aintree, and with trainer/jockey combination of Dessie Hughes and Paddy Flood having a big-race winner here yesterday, he looks sure to run with credit. However, he has had two very hard races in recent weeks and he may feel the effects of those here. He is an admirable sort who will enjoy the soft ground and but is up in trip here, leaving him with a slight doubt.

Selections - 1st - Air Force One, 2nd - Notre Pere, 3rd - War Of Attrition.

Result - 1st - Notre Pere, 15/8 fav, 2nd - Schlinders Hunt, 16/1, 3rd - Scotirish, 12/1.

A superb performance by an outstanding staying chaser in the shape of Notre Pere, which saw him destory his rivals in what turned out to be a real slog. He looked unlucky to miss out on the Gold Cup through injury as he looked an interesting runner but he gained deserved compensation here and has since been given a general 12/1 quote for next year's big race. He was always in front rank under his accomplished jockey and he took up the running four fences from home. He jumped big and bold throughout and when he kicked on, no-one could get near him as he ground out a brilliant 10-length victory. Schindlers Hunt ran another gallant race in second as he stayed on from a long way back and if he is in the same form next season, he looks sure to win a big race. Scotsirish was another who ran on and gave Ruby Walsh a good ride. There were a few disappointments in the race, none more so than Imperial Commander. He simply didn't stay this longer trip and is a much better horse over middle-distances. He looks sure to fight to retain his Ryanair Crown next year. Air Force One attempted to make the running under Noel Fehily but he didn't jump well enough and was found out at the end. He was eventually pulled up, as was Albertas Run, who ran another poor race for connections, even though the ground was far too soft for him. War Of Attrition weakened very quickly and may have wanted better ground, however, this old star does deserve to retire now. Roll Along went well for a long way before weakening late on, suggesting he should only be backed when given a long break between his races.

Preview - Punchestown, 4:20 - Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

This race has been very informative over the years with Brave Inca and Moscow Flyer both winning this before going on to make their mark in Grade 1-rated events throughout their careers. Hurricane Fly could well follow in their footsteps as he makes his eagerly-anticipated reappearance after suffering a setback which ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival. However, he has no easy task on his first start for four months as he must beat Go Native, who was wildly impressive when landing the prestigious Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last time out.

Hurricane Fly had been a strong ante-post favourite for the Supreme Novices' at the Festival but to trainer Willie Mullins' disappointment, he had to miss the race through injury. Many believed he would have gone on to win that race after what he had shown at Leopardstown, where he was simply stunning in sauntering to victory in the style of a very smart horse. Before that performance, he won his first Grade 1 event in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, beating two smart novices in the shape of Donnas Palm and Cousin Vinny in the process. However, it was the performance that resulted in him winning his second Grade 1 which impressed so many race-watchers. After Go Native took up the running two from home, Hurricane Fly was still travelling with such ease that his jockey had no choice but to let him down and allow him to quicken up. He put in a flying leap over the last and quickly put 10 lengths between himself and Go Native, a huge margin in such a short space of time. He has an unbelievable turn of foot and has a nice mix of stamina, and if fit and well, it is hard to envisage him being beaten under Ruby Walsh. He should win his third Grade 1 in succession and if so, that will put him firmly in the picture for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next March.

Go Native has a lot to do to reverse Leopardstown form with Hurricane Fly but it is not entirely possible after he produced a superb display to land the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March. He went into the race a relative unknown quantity after some smart performances in Ireland, the last of which resulted him winning a Grade 2 in good style. He went off at 12/1 that day but won in the style of a very useful animal and after travelling supremely well up the inside, jockey Paul Carberry quickly asserted over the final two flights even though his mount was all out to hold off a resurgent challenge of Alan King's Medermit. He announced himself that day as a top prospect and if Hurricane Fly has any chinks in his armour then it will be Noel Meade's six-year-old who will be most likely to exploit them.

El Dancer is up against it but deserves to take his chance after an excellent win in the Grade 2 Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. He was seemingly unfancied that day but he stayed on strongly to deny Paul Nicholls' American Trilogy, who landed the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in impressive fashion. After pulling hard early on and making a couple of errors, it was to his credit that he still had enough left to challenge the leader in the final 100 yards and return victorious. That win was on good ground and it remains to be seen whether he will cope as well on today's forecast of soft ground. It will be a good day out for Lucy Wadham's five-year-old and he looks sure to give his running again, even though he has to improve massively to trouble the top two in the betting.

Kempes looks like Willie Mullins' second choice and has form to reverse with Go Native after he finished 27 lengths behind him at Cheltenham. It must be said that he does come here off the back of a good win in Grade 2 event last time out at Fairyhouse, where he travelled easily and stayed on well to win by two lengths. He is versatile on most ground and should run well again, even though he will struggle to usurp his stablemate. Riverside Theatre could well make the placings if he improves on his last run, where he finished three lengths behind El Dancer in April. He does have some moderate form but ran well last time out despite struggling to go with the leaders over the last obstacle. He is another who will struggle to beat the first two but it is likely that he will give his all for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty.

Selections: 1st - Hurricane Fly, 2nd - Go Native, 3rd - Kempes.

Result: 1st - Hurricane Fly, 4/6 fav, 2nd - Kempes, 12/1, 3rd - Riverside Theatre, 14/1.

Hurricane Fly put in an astonishing performance to land his third Grade 1 and put him at the head of next year's Champion Hurdle betting, where he is a general 4/1 shot. Always travelling kindly for Ruby Walsh along the inside rail, he jumped with aplomb throughout and quickened up without being seriously asked as he led over the final hurdle. There were some anxious moments for his supporters as he looked to blocked in behind two horses approaching the last obstacle but the gap appeared just in time and he shot through and cleared away up the run-in to win by an easy eight lengths. With doubts surrounding his fitness beforehand, he quickly silenced his doubters and once Ruby gave him a tap with the whip, the winner quickened up in the style of a top performer and looks the one to beat in Cheltenham's showpiece next season. Kempes gave trainer Willie Mullins a one-two and ran a superb race considering he made a bad blunder mid-race. He was always prominent for David Casey and looked likely to be swamped in the run-in but to his credit, he battled on gamely and should win another race soon. Riverside Theatre ran a blinder in third and stayed on very strongly in the final furlong to snatch third. He looks likely to get further but it could be that a strongly-run 2m is his optimum trip, he looks one to watch for next season. Go Native ran a disappointing race in fourth for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry. He sat behind Hurricane Fly throughout most of the race and looked to be going well travelling down to the last but failed to pick up when asked. He plugged on up the run-in and he may still be feeling the effects of a hard race in the Supreme at Cheltenham. El Dancer struggled throughout and it looks as if he also had a hard race last time out.

Preview - Wetherby, 4:00 - 21st May Is Ladies Day Handicap Chase (Class 3) 3m 1f

Not the greatest race with only four-runners lining up after the withdrawal of Cash Man, the form must be treated with some caution. It is a tight betting heat and the suggestion is not to get too heavily involved as each of the horses have more than one reason to highlight them as a possible winner.

Forecast favourite Manbow is a regular at Wetherby and made a pleasing reappearance in March having disappointed before that when running in November. At 11-years-old, he is getting no younger but there is reason to believe he is down to an attractive handicap mark having won off higher in the past. Also, he has a nice weight on his back of 10st 7lbs, which should not be too much of a burden. His trainer Micky Hammond has his string in fine form and has had a couple of winners in the past two weeks as well as many placed horses to add to those successes. He has Graham Lee in the saddle and he gets a good tune out of him, having partnered him to all five of his career wins. The ground should be perfect for him as he is usually preserved to run during the summer months and if he can build on his last run, he should be in the firing line late on.

Our Jasper has been on the go for a long time but is an admirable sort and should give his running again. He looks likely to trouble the favourite most but needs to put a poor run last time out behind him if he is to feature. That came at Bangor over this distance and he struggled to land a blow throughout having made a serious blunder mid-race which may have unsettled his rhythm. He is habitual front-runner and he will attempt to burn all his rivals off under Jason Maguire, however; it will be no easy task as he must shoulder top-weight over a distance which may not suit him as he usually races over shorter trips than this. Trainer Donald McCain had three winners on Friday and this grey looks sure to run his race on ground that suits.

Mandingo Chief steps up in trip for Brendan Powell in hope that he can re-discover some form. He has been out of sorts of late and has not won for three years, suggesting he must perk up his ideas soon. He is another who is down to a good handicap mark having been in the grip, but now he has relented at least Mandingo Chief has a chance. The return to good ground will help as will the services of Wilson Renwick, who will earn his fee riding this tricky customer. He has to improve if he is to win this.

Benny The Piler is the outsider of the group but he is a lightly-raced nine-year-old who will definitely get this long trip. It is the first time that Denis O'Regan will ride him and his handicap mark of 112 looks fair. Martin Todhunter is a good trainer of staying chasers and this one looks no expection, even though he must overcome a lay-off of four months if he is going trouble his more-fancied rivals. He is another who will appreciate this quick ground and looks the one open to most improvement.

Selections: 1st - Benny The Piler, 2nd - Manbow.

Result - 1st - Mandingo Chief, 3/1, 2nd - Our Jasper, 5/2.

As stated beforehand, this race didn't look great and this was proved right as the field finished well strung out towards the end. Mandingo Chief won with some authority under his composed jockey as he was eased down to a comfortable 25 length success. He was always in front rank and when Benny The Piler began to toil, he quickly asserted to continue his trainer's good run of form. As soon long as the handicapper does not take this win literally then he could well win again soon on ground similar to this. Benny The Piler looked the most likely winner turning for home as he was travelling kindly for Denis O'Regan and he had the remainder under pressure as his jumping took lengths out of them. However, when he was five lengths clear, when he should have kicked on and won the race, he seemed reluctant under pressure and that allowed Mandingo Chief to swoop past and clear away. Benny The Piler looked likely to grab second but it looked as if something went wrong before the last and he was pulled. If none the worse for his exertions, he could win a small race like this as he looked a good jumper, which counts for a lot in this grade. Our Jasper ran on to get second but ran a very laboured race for Jason Maguire and he was been pushed along with a circuit still to go. On occasions his jumping let him down and he deserves a rest now. Manbow ran a very disappointing race considering how well he ran last time out. He jumped the first two well but after that he seemed to lose interest and was given reminders before Graham Lee had to get to work for the most of the journey. He is a troublesome character and looks one to avoid in future.

Preview - Perth, 2:45 - Timothy Hardie Jewellers Novices' Chase (Class 2) 2m

With only six runners in the line-up, this race should be easy to unravel, however; it looks a very intriguing contest with £13,000 available to the winner. Doctor David is a worthy favourite after some admirable efforts during the winter against some of the best two mile chasers in the business but he has to fend off challenges from the talented Salford City and Premier Dane, who hails from the flying Nicky Richards stable.

Doctor David has sound credentials in this small field and likes to race prominently so he should hold every chance if good enough. He needs to put his last run behind him, where he disappointed in a five-runner race at Sandown in February. Saying that, he only finished 10 lengths behind the winner after making a terrible error three fences from home. The winner that day was Gauvain, who has since gone on to beat Paul Nicholls' Chapoturgeon, who won the Jewson Novices' Chase in impressive fashion at the Festival in March. He ran a superb race before that run at Doncaster, finishing second to I'msingingtheblues after travelling well. His best form has come on flat tracks, as shown when he won at Haydock three starts ago. Haydock is a very quick and tight course and Doctor David blitzed round in superb style and had subsequent Arkle second and Aintree Maghull Chase winner Kalahari King toiling in second 17 lengths behind. This fast, quick track at Perth should suit this progressive six-year-old and the good ground will be firmly in his favour. He looks a good thing and Andrew Thornton will produce him with a telling late bid, which should be good enough to see him land the prize.

Salford City is an interesting runner for Irish raider Gordon Elliott, who has had two winners at this course this week already. He made a satisfactory re-appearance last month after a lay-off of seven months, where he blew up turning for home and weakened up the run-in. He should be all the better for it and even though lacking in experience over fences, he has the class to make his presence felt. Last season, he was seen running in top novice company over hurdles and went on to make a successful transition to fences which saw him notch a quick double last summer in good style. It is obvious that his best trip is two miles and the better ground will suit him. He has the services of Barry Geraghty in the saddle and he will aim to be in the main pack throughout. If his jumping holds up and he is fit enough after his absence then there is no reason to believe this classy eight-year-old will not run to his merits.

Premier Dane is an interesting runner for Nicky Richards as he comes here fresh having been given a light campaign. He is very much a top-of-the-ground performer and will relish this test having been given a prep-run at Aintree in April, where he finished way down the field behind Kalahari King and Tatenen. He won over course and distance twice last summer and looks sure to give his running under Davy Condon having got identical conditions again. He does have a lot to find with Doctor David on official ratings but he should be ready to go and has the ability to go close for his in-form yard.

Astarador began the season with an impressive win in a novices' chase at Carlisle in October and looked destined to make waves up in grade but he has struggled since. His last run came in the Jewson at Cheltenham and ran okay but finished a long way behind the winner and this drop back to two miles looks wise. He should adopt his customary front-running role under Denis O'Regan and will attempt to burn all of his rivals off. He is another who will benefit from this better ground as most of his runs this season have come on a softer surface, which may not suit him entirely. He should get an easy lead up front but may become a sitting duck in the latter stages of the contest.

All For The Cause and Athollbrose need to make serious improvement to trouble the afforementioned horses.

Selections: 1st - Doctor David, 2nd - Premier Dane, 3rd - Salford City.

Result: - 1st, Salford City, 7/4 fav, 2nd - Doctor David, 5/2 j2f, 3rd - All For The Cause 16/1.

The well-backed Salford City continued Gordon Elliott's rich vein of form at Perth with a taking victory. Barry Geraghty sent his mount to the front on the final circuit after Astarador weakened and this high-class performer made little fuss in winning his third race out of four over fences. He made a mistake at the first fence and nearly unseated his rider but after that, he was nursed back into the race and jumped brilliantly before clearing away up the run-in to score by a widening 11 lengths. Doctor David drifted in the betting before the off but looked the only challenger to the winner, however; his jumping let him down on more than one occasion. He brushed through the last two fences up the run-in and lost momentum which allowed Salford City to go clear in the final furlong. All For The Cause ran a nice race in third but in truth it was only because the horses behind ran way below par. Astarador ran a moody race as he was challenged for the lead and jumped poorly on the final circuit. Premier Dane ran no sort of race, his juming was poor from the off and he was under pressure from a long way, something must have been amiss.

Preview - Uttoxeter, 7:00 - Jenkinsons Caterers Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 2m

Another competitive handicap in which seven of the eight runners hold sounds claims after recent efforts and two are chasing hat-tricks, along with top-weight Izita Star looking for an impressive four-timer.

Izita Star arrives here in the form of her life after hacking up in her first handicap at Haydock less than two weeks ago. She has gone up another 13lbs in the weights but it would be unwise to rule out further improvement as she goes for another win under Tom Scudamore. After two wins in minor company, the six-year-old was up in grade but she took it in her stride as she travelled easily through the race and took up the running over the final hurdle and bounded away to nine lengths success. The better ground has brought about this progression for Annabelle King's mare and with fast ground forecast, she looks likely to give a bold show. She may well move up the ladder yet again but she must shoulder 11st 12lbs against some useful opponents so it will be a most impressive performance if she is to win again.

Oceana Gold is an interesting runner for the Emma Lavelle stable. He is still relatively inexperienced over hurdles having been a useful Flat performer for Andrew Balding. After making an impressive hurdles debut, where he won by 13 lengths, he has struggled slightly, possibly down to the soft ground throughout the winter. Two starts back he was well fancied but was comprehensively beaten by an high-class horse, who has since gone on to run well in top novice company. Oceana Gold looks likely to appreciate the return to a faster surface and may find the improvement to regain the winning thread. Jack Doyle is a useful claiming jockey but will need to settle his mount and preserve his stamina for the business end of the race. This five-year-old has something to find with Izita Star but looks sure to make a race of it.

Little Lu represents Alan Swinbank and Brian Hughes and should have come on for her recent appearance at Aintree. She was most progressive over hurdles last year around this distance and is a major player if she can return to that form. She came to hand around this time last year and won four races during the summer, all under today's jockey and this fast ground will seriously improve her chances. She went up the weights considerably last season and may want the handicapper to relent slightly, though she could find the necessary progression to make the frame, at least.

Petrosian is on for the hat-trick having won comfortably in selling company last time out. He will need to improve on that form if he is to trouble the market leaders but like so many others, this ground may be the difference. He is running off a mark of 111 and has been forced up in grade and may struggle to match strides with horses further up the weights. Rockiteer is another looking to win his third race on the spin and could go well for the in-form Henry Daly team. He won last time out at Taunton over 2m 4f and relished the fast ground so today's conditions will suit this six-year-old, who may attempt to make all under Andrew Tinkler.

Selections: 1st - Izita Star, 2nd - Oceana Gold, 3rd - Little Lu.

Result - 1st - Ellerslie Tom, 9/2, 2nd - Oceana Gold, 3/1 jf, 3rd - Sonic Anthem, 33/1.

Ellerslie Tom had been in poor form coming into the race but found conditions ideal and he won readily for Alison Thorpe and Daryl Jacob. He was well supported in the market before the off and beat off Oceana Gold by two lengths. The winner made all the running and gradually wound up the pace before kicking on and securing the win. If in this form next time, he could well win again. Oceana Gold travelled beautifully throughout but just failed to peg back the leader but finished a long way clear of third. Sonic Anthem belied his large odds and kept on for third ahead of Izita Star. Izita Star struggled under her big weight and it looks as if the handicapper may have her measure as she had every chance two out before weakening towards the finish. Little Lu lacked fluency over her hurdles and Rockiteer put in a rather laboured effort throughout. Petrosian ran poorly and hit too many obstacles to play a part.

Preview - Towcester, 7:00 - Sponsor A Race @ Racesponsors.co.uk Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Class 4) 2m

According to the betting, only three horses count in this 16-runner field. Calusa Crystal arrives here fresh off the back of two wins in novice company, Midsummer Magic hopes that this drop back in trip will suit and Itea Du Fau is having her first run in Britain for Alan King. It promises to be an interesting race with the stiff final furlong at this course likely to determine the outcome.

Calusa Crystal has a big task ahead if she is to win this as she must concede more than a stone to all her rivals due to her double penalty picked up from her two wins. She was most impressive last time out despite making a slight error two from home. She beat a horse of Alan King's seven lengths into second and travelled strongly before being driven out to score under Richard Johnson. Before that win, she stayed on well to land another race by a length, proving her toughness when having to battle all the way to the line. Rhys Flint takes over today and he claims 3lbs, which is no bad thing as he looks a top jockey in the making. Philip Hobbs' team are still in fine form and with the good ground being in her favour, she looks certain to fight out the finish.

Midsummer Magic could trouble Calusa Crystal most as she is dropping back to 2m after being soundly beaten into second last time out. That was no bad performance though as the winner looks useful and Midsummer Magic was 19 lengths clear of third. She has won once in her six-race career and that came on New Years' Day at Fakenham in conditions identical to today's. This distance looks ideal and quicker ground will help the Queen-owned mare. After Nicky Henderson had three winners at Kempton yesterday, it is obvious that the stable are flying and it is a tip in itself that Tony McCoy takes the ride. When McCoy rides for the Lambourn handler, the horse in question is warranted serious consideration. If ridden like usual, the five-year-old will attempt to make all and repel any challengers late up the hill.

Possibly the most interesting horse in the line-up is Itea Du Fau, a French import who represents Alan King and Robert Thornton. The market should guide as to how fancied she is but if any support comes, take notice. Her form in France is difficult to grasp but on her last start she won a 2m 2f event by a distance after making all and quickening clear. Her three runs all came on heavy ground so it remains to be seen whether this quicker surface will suit. Still only a four-year-old, she should improve for the outing but may trouble the first two mentioned if being above-average.

The remaining runners need to improve to beat the main market principles. Bathwick Quest needs to put her last two runs behind her, where she has twice pulled up but has the ability to run well. Edgefour is still a maiden but usually gives her running. She has been placed here before and the distance and ground will be in her favour. It will surprising if anything else joins the picture.

Selections: 1st - Midsummer Magic, 2nd - Calusa Crystal, 3rd - Itea Du Fau.

Result - 1st - Calusa Crystal, 7/4 fav, 2nd - Midsummer Magic, 5/2, 3rd - Laureate Des Loges.

Calusa Crystal just got the better of Midsummer Magic as both mares gave their all up the hill and come out of the race with huge credit. After Alan King had withdrawn Itea Du Fau, it looked certain that the top two in the market would be in the frame come the race's end. Calusa Crystal racked up her hat-trick with an impressive win, beating her main rival by a short-head and battling on gamely after being headed two out. She looks one to keep an eye as she keeps progressing and once she goes handicapping, she could win a few more to boot. Runner-up Midsummer Magic ran a gallant race under Tony McCoy and only just failed in the shadow of the post. She made the running but was headed three out but quickly regained the advantage and looked to be gaining the upper hand only to be simply outbattled by an in-form rival. Laureate Des Loges ran well in third for Henry Daly and Richard Johnson, keeping on well for third. The rest were well beaten.

Preview - Kempton, 6:35 - Play Bingo @ Williamhill.com Handicap Chase (Class 3) 3m

Only a five-runner handicap over 3m but just 9lbs separates the field based on official ratings. Zanzibar Boy was withdrawn by Nicky Henderson which should make favourite Fire And Rain's task much easier. Lurking in the line-up is in-form Dusty Dane and Free Gift, who will both relish this good ground.

Fire And Rain finally fulfilled his potential two starts ago when he bounded to a massive 18 length success at this track in March, beating some exposed types but he looked impressive even though he jumped left over some fences. He was turned out again 10 days later at Ascot and again showed his improvement by winning by 12 lengths over 2m 6f, where he looked to be outpaced and beaten rounding the final bend but he produced a superb late run under Noel Fehily to win again for Emma Lavelle. He beat a previous winner that day so the form looks solid and he may improve again to defy his raise in the handicap. He has been raised 19lbs for those two wins and looks progressive with the extra two furlongs likely to suit this free-going sort.

Dusty Dane may have to settle for a place behind the well-handicapped market leader but if that one's jumping folds then he may well be able to capitalise. A certain stayer having ran well over further on his last two starts, his current handicap mark looks fair but in his current mood he could win again. His win-ratio is poor but he goes well on fast ground so it looks assured that he will give his true running. On his last start, he was beaten into second by a fast-improving rival who went on to complete his hat-trick, beating Dusty Dane into second by three lengths. Bill Turner has his string in good order and Peter Toole is a very good 7lb claimer.

Free Gift looks an interesting contender for the Alner's, who have been in good form of late. Even though he is an 11-year-old, Free Gift still retains his ability as he showed when he won a 2m 5f handicap at Wincanton where he beat a well-fancied rival into second and the two were a distance clear of the remainder. He ran at Fontwell two weeks ago and ran well in third, where he was beaten five lengths by Alan King's Porters War. He looked outpaced that day so the step up in trip could well suit him.

Oniz Tiptoes looks up against it carrying top weight. He is a course and distance winner and has the impressive Rhys Flint aboard but he has struggled of late. The ground will be of help but he has to improve to trouble the first three mentioned. Harris Bay will stay this distance but has been out of form for a long time and it will be some shock if he were to win this.

Selections - 1st - Fire And Rain, 2nd - Free Gift, 3rd - Dusty Dane.

Result - 1st - Fire And Rain, 10/11 fav, 2nd - Free Gift, 7/1, 3rd - Dusty Dane, 3/1.

Fire And Rain made a mockery of his current handicap mark as he trounced his four rivals by an easy 13 lengths. He jumped well in the main despite drfiting left over a few of his obstacles but he had the field in trouble rounding the bend. He set a reasonable pace and Noel Fehily gave his mount a breather before kicking on again in the final three furlongs and he looks one to keep an eye on as he goes for a four-timer. Now he has shown he stays 3m, more doors will open up for this exciting and improving six-year-old. Free Gift failed to convince in staying this trip but finished four lengths clear of the rest. He made a blunder two out but never looked likely to challenge the winner, but he remains in good form and may win again if dropped back in trip. Dusty Dane disappointed back in third as he looked laboured throughout and jumped sloppily. He was only just clear of Harris Bay, who looked likely to run into second but he made a shocking error three out and that put paid to his remote chances. Oniz Tiptoes finished tailed off and ran poorly.

Preview - Ayr, 2:50 - Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

A race containing a few runners fresh from appearances at the Cheltenham Festival in March and it looks very competitive. Medermit is a worthy favourite after a terrific performance in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle but there are some improving sorts lingering in the line-up as well as some older stars who need to find their past form if they are to feature.

Medermit looks a progessive type for Alan King and holds an excellent if he can repeat his form behind Go Native at Cheltenham. He is has a nice combination of speed and stamina and Robert Thornton is expected to put it to full use. His run in the Supreme was exceptional as he was held up and made headway approaching two out but was hampered at the last as horses in front of him began to weaken as they reached the rising ground. Medermit rallied and stuck on gamely under pressure and would have won over a few more strides but was beaten by a quarter of a length by the impressive winner. He is very lightly raced and his trainer is plotting him well. He sprung a shock at Ascot in December as he won a Grade 2 by a short head, that coming against the best crop of novice hurdlers in Britain at the time. It will be disappointing if he does not go close, even though the ground may be a tad quick for him.

Ski Sunday could be the one to trouble Medermit the most after some superb runs recently. After two wins in lesser company, Tim Vaughan had no qualms in chucking him in the Fred Winter against some progressive types. He ran a blinder that day behind Silk Affair after staying on up the hill but had no chance with the winner, herself looking a mare to go on to better things. He made a quick re-appearance at Aintree in the four-year-old Grade 1 Hurdle but was beaten 13 lengths by the immensely-talented Walkon, who may run in the Champion Hurdle next season. It is worth noting that Ski Sunday beat everything else by another 13 lengths, those behind including Starluck and Hebridean, themselves being impressive winners earlier on in the season. This young horse deserves to be in the winners' enclosure again but could well do so if he continues his rapid rate of improvement.

Snap Tie has a chance if he can produce his best form which saw him beat 2008 Champion Hurdle winner Katchit at the start of the season. Since then, Philip Hobbs' star has found life difficult in top company even though he ran a nice ran in the Champion Hurdle but was beaten 14 lengths by winner Punjabi. The good ground is firmly in his favour ad with his stable in form he is fancied to make the placings. It will be some performance if he can win carrying top weight of 11st 10lbs against some young pretenders.

Sentry Duty is an interesting runner for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty and he is another who needs to show his true form after a disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle. Before that, he won two big handicaps in impressive fashion and looked the type to win again but may find himself up against it here under a big weight. He has it to do to overcome his current handicap mark but he may bounce back on this better ground. He is a strong traveller and a slick jumper which are good qualities to have in this sphere and it would not be surprising to see him post an improved effort.

Noble Alan is an unexposed type who could go well if fit enough. He ran behind Sentry Duty in December but has not raced since but trainer Nicky Richards is in good form and ought to give his running. Blue Bajan won the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last year in impressive style and looked a hurdler in the making but struggled at Aintree last time out in the Aintree Hurdle, where he was well beaten. He is ground-dependent and this good ground will be right up his street but top weight may rule out his chances.

The remainder could make the placings but nothing stands out. Emmpat won this race two years ago and is race-fit after some runs on the all weather at Dundalk.

Selections: 1st - Medermit, 2nd - Ski Sunday, 3rd - Sentry Duty.

Result: 1st - Noble Alan, 17/2, 2nd - Secret Tune, 16/1, 3rd - Harper Valley, 16/1.

Noble Alan was an interesting contender from an in-form stable and he stayed on stoutly to win comfortably under Davy Condon. He was always travelling well and he loomed up going well with three furlongs to go and quickly put a few lengths between himself and the remainding runners. Secret Tune ran a nice race for Tom George and Paddy Brennan and announced himself as a progressive horse after two recent wins at Newbury. Harper Valley set a sedate pace throughout and stuck on well for third. Blue Bajan ran a cracker in fourth after being forced wide round the final bend and carrying top weight he showed a determined attitude. He should win soon.
Favourite Medermit was very disappointing in the circumstances and failed to show the form he produced at Cheltenham, finishing fifth in the end. He was in the rear for the first half of the race but his jockey quickly shuffled him up the field but his jumping was poor and he failed to quicken when asked. Ski Sunday ran below form and may be over the top following two hard races before this. Sentry Duty and Snap Tie both look laboured in their efforts and like Ski Sunday, look in need of a break as they have had a long season.

Preview - Fairyhouse, 2:55 - Kevin Brady Car Sales Citreon Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 4f

A good turnout for the big prize in another race where many have a sound chance if on a going day. This year's Fairyhouse meeting has sprung a few surprises with outsiders beating well-fancied rivals in hotly-contested graded contests. This race is no different and a potential improver could be about to add to the tally.

A horse of serious interest and excellent lines of form, Roberto Goldback is a worthy favourite and a strong fancy for Jessica Harrington and Barry Geraghty. He is seven-years-old and being a late starter has only had five career appearances but looks the type to go right to the top given that he has matured. After winning his bumper by five lengths to a subsequent winner, he went for a Listed bumper at Navan but was unfortunate to bump into mighty impressive Champion Bumper winner Dunguib. After this, he was sent over hurdles and was again unlucky to run into a smart horse, this time it being Kempes of Willie Mullins, who has since gone on to win twice, the latest being at this venue two days ago. After that smart performance, his trainer stepped him up to today's distance where he beat Albert Bartlett winner Weapons Amnesty by two lengths after staying on well up the run-in. However, it is his last piece of form which looks superb. He finished second to Go Native, who went on to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in good style, where he had to concede weight all round but only lost out by two lengths. If he makes the most of the step up in trip after his previous win, he looks set to run a massive race. The only issue against this horse would be that the ground could be against him as all his races have been on a soft surface.

Caim Hill is worthy of a mention and a high place in the betting. Before pulling up lame last time out, he won an impressive five races on the spin. He goes particularly well for his young jockey Brian O'Connell and he sees out the trip very well. Trainer Philip Fenton has won this race three times in the past five years so obviously knows what it takes to win this so Caim Hill is one to keep an eye on. The good ground looks to be in his favour and he looks a banker for the placings.

Head Of The Posse has the services of Tony McCoy to help his chances and he has won twice over this distance. He looks like another who has it to prove on this quicker surface but should run another solid race. Clan Tara looks to have a decent chance for Paul Nolan and Davy Russell after a good performance at Thurles last time out where he clung over this distance and showed that he was a tough and versatile individual with that win. He has to reverse form with Head Of The Posse, who he beat at level weights in December but concedes 5lbs to him here.

Oscar Looby steps up in trip for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry after an easy win over 2m last time out. He failed to see out the distance when ran over further than 2m before so this does look a wise move. The good is in his favour having won on it in the past. Quiscover Fontaine ran no race last time after being found to have been clinically abnormal but could bounce back if over this problem. Before that, he won three races on the spin, all in good style and looks interesting even though Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Oscar Dan Dan for Tom Mullins.

Selections: 1st - Roberto Goldback, 2nd - Clan Tara, 3rd - Caim Hill.

Result: 1st - Oscar Dan Dan, 11/1, 2nd - Caim Hill, 11/1, 3rd Lenabane, 9/1.

Another shock result as Ruby Walsh added another winner to his tally under a fine ride aboard Oscar Dan Dan. He was nowhere to be seen as the field approached the second from home and his chance looked very slim as he was under pressure and seemingly struggling. However, he was nursed back into the race under the champion and stayed on very strongly to take up the running heading over the last from the game Caim Hill who just failed to peg him back by a length. Lenabane ran on into third ahead of Head Of The Posse, who never mounted a serious challenge. The main disappointment of the race was the short-priced favourite Roberto Goldback who seemed to dislike the faster ground. Rounding the final bend, he took up the running going well under Barry Geraghty and looked the likely winner but once asked to kick on he had nothing to give and plugged on into six. He stays this trip but might need some ease in the ground, do not write him off just yet.

Preview - Fairyhouse, 3:10 - Ladbrokes.com Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 4f

Another competitive graded race that sees some top horses return to the track after some disappointing performances at Cheltenham in March. It is looks like a tight heat and the betting suggests this so it will be interesting to see who the punters will be backing and on the flip side avoiding.

Powerstation is the forecast favourite and looks to hold sound claims on the back of a massive run at Cheltenham in the World Hurdle over 3m. He was ultimately beaten by 19 lengths behind Big Bucks and Punchestowns who look like supreme staying hurdlers in the making. He never threatened to cause an upset that day but stayed on up the hill ahead of Kasbah Bliss in good style. This drop in trip shouldn't be of hinderence to him but he may find himself vulnerable to speedier types if it turns out to be a sprint finish. Another downside to Powerstation's profile is that his win ratio is alarmingly low, even though he has made the placings a collosal 16 times out of 26 hurdle appearances. The good ground is in his favour and he will see out the trip so he should run a big race.

Shakervilz represents Willie Mullins and the in-form Ruby Walsh, who bagged three winners at yesterday's meeting. This lightly-raced six-year-old was a long way behind Powerstation at Cheltenham but seemed to find the Cheltenham hill against him and will find this course much more to his liking. He will go well on this good ground even though his best form has come on a heavy surface. Two runs previous he won over this distance in a Grade 2 at Navan in December, beating rival Aitmatov by six lengths. He cruised up going well two flights from home and quickened up nicely to land an impressive win. He has more to contend with here but if he can bounce back to that form after his latest flop he will go close for his prolific connections.

Ninetieth Minute is an improving sort and still has progression in him as he goes for a four-timer after his impressive win in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. He was given a superb ride that day by Paddy Flood, who takes the ride again, and stayed on resolutely up the hill to win by a length. His form was franked again recently as two starts ago he beat Solwhit at Thurles in December. Solwhit went on to land the Aintree Hurdle in good fashion against some classy types and if he runs up to this form he could go in again.

Aitmatov is a consistent sort and will run his race for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry. He is another who has it to prove after an indifferent run last time where he was comprehensively beaten by Catch Me in a Navan Grade 2 in February. A strongly-run 2m 4f looks ideal for him and may prefer a softer surface but nevertheless will give his all again.

River Liane is on the comeback trail after some disappointing efforts. He ran no sort of race in the Champion Hurdle last time out and may find this step up in trip more to his liking. He is only five-years-old and it is too soon to write him off. He may well cause an upset with Barry Geraghty in the saddle. Essex is another who may feature if putting his best foot forward. He has ran two pleasing races since his year absence and proved he stays the trip after his third at Cork last time out. The drying ground is firmly in his favour and he could make the placings.

Selections: 1st - Shakervilz, 2nd - Powerstation, 3rd - Ninetieth Minute.

Result - 1st - Coolcashin, 25/1, 2nd - Essex, 10/1, 3rd - Powerstation, 5/2 fav.

A real surprise result with complete outsider Coolcashin hanging on gamely to deny Essex by a head with Powerstation staying on strongly late up the run-in. With Ninetieth Minute a non-runner, the race still looked a tough one to solve. Coolcashin travelled strongly into the race and took up the running two from home and jumped the last two flights much better than Essex and the cantering Nicanor and that momentum ultimately won him the race. Essex ran a blinder and cruised up going oh so well but a mistake at the last severly ruined his chances. Nicanor continued his comeback and ran a gallant race in defeat, only folding after the last. Powerstation looked outpaced coming round the final turn and as expected stayed on strongly but got going all too late in the day and 3m certainly looks his best trip. Shakervilz did the donkey work in front from the off under Ruby but looked to lack the class once the race began in earnest and plugged on to finish fifth. Aitmatov ran a shocker and finished tailed off.

Preview - Fairyhouse, 3:45 - Powers Gold Cup (Grade 1) 2m 4f

This promises to be a thrilling encounter and contains many interesting horses from big Irish stables. It is the only Grade 1 of Fairyhouse's three-day Festival and will be fiercely competitive with favourite Trafford Lad heading the betting.

Trafford Lad finished third in the Ballymore Properties Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2008 and quickly established himself as an exciting novice chaser early this season, notching three wins over fences before Christmas. He was stepped up in trip to 3m after those wins but failed to see out the distance convincingly and was collared close home. He seems much more effective at middle distances and proved this when third in the DR. PJ Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown in February. He was beaten into third by Cooldine and Forpadytheplasterer and this form looks exceptional. Cooldine went on to rout his opposition by a massive 16 lengths in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, whereas Forpadytheplasterer won the Arkle at the same venue, beating Kalahari King who won impressively at Aintree last weekend. Trafford Lad has been given a nice break and should be fresh enough to run with immense credit here and he will go close to winning his third career Group 1 race under Tom Doyle.

Joncol could be the one to trouble the favourite most. He has won impressively on his last two starts over fences and deserves his place in the line-up. He is unbeaten over fences and at this distance and with ground in his favour he should make a good first of it. Last time out at Naas, he duly bolted up under Ruby Walsh where he jumped and travelled beautifully before extended away without being asked a serious question. He looks a classy horse and has plenty more to offer being just a six-year-old. Paddy Flood is a very experienced big-race jockey in Ireland and if Joncol is fresh enough since his last run then he could retain his impressive records over fences.

Golden Silver looks the pick of Willie Mullins' four runners, with Ruby Walsh choosing to ride this one. He was somewhat disappointing in the Arkle in March, finishing well down the field. Before that, he won well at Leopardstown in a Grade 1 2m Chase despite being seemingly unfancied under Paul Townend. He jumped well that day and clung on bravely to deny Forpadytheplasterer, form which has been described above. If he is all fine and well after his poor run at Cheltenham then he has the form to go well under Ruby here.

Aran Concerto is arguably the most interesting horse in the race for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry. Despite being an eight-year-old, he is very lightly raced and clearly possesses a lot of ability but has also had his problems. He has only had one run over fences and won in the style of smart horse, jumping well in the main and clearing away to an easy victory. Before that run in November, he had been off for 20 months with tendon injury and it is obvious that after a couple of recent withdrawals that Noel Meade does not want to rush his star back too soon. However, It is a hint that Meade has chosen to place him here despite just one run over fences and not worrying about gaining experience elsewhere. If he is fit and ready to go, he may well prove to all that he is about to make up for lost time.

Of the remainder, Mullins' holds the key. Deutschland is the mount of Paul Townend and comes into the race off the back of two very easy novice chase wins. He is very versatile and is a dual-purpose horse but looks to have it all to do up in grade here. Jayo has a three-month layoff to overcome as well as putting a poor performance in the race in which Golden Silver won firmly behind him. Before this, he looked a useful prospect and Cheltenham was on the agenda but his disappointing run ruined the plans. He has won over the distance before but may find the ground a little too quick for him.

Selections: 1st - Trafford Lad, 2nd - Joncol, 3rd - Aran Concerto.

Result - 1st - Aran Concerto, 7/2, 2nd - Barker, 10/1, 3rd - Deutschland, 15/2.

This race did not disappoint and it proved to be a ding-dong battle all the way to the line with many challenges still alive heading over the last but it was Aran Concerto who came out on top. Joncol was withdrawn on account of the ground which paved the way for Trafford Lad to win but it was to be far from it as he could only finish a close-up fourth. Aran Concerto jumped well through and loomed up going ominously well under Paul Carberry and after two solid jumps up the straight he just held on. It is hoped that now he is over his problems he can fulfil all of his potential for Noel Meade, who admitted that he could be the best he has trained. Barker, the outsider of Willie Mullins' four-strong team, took up the running rounding the final bend and kept going all the way to the line but just failed in his bid. Deutschland gave Paul Townend a cracking ride and was another to give it his all and ran on into third. Trafford Lad made an error at the fence six from home, causing him to lose some momentum and disrupt his rhythm. To his credit he kept on for Tom Doyle but could not muster any more after the last and gave in to the three in front of him. Golden Silver ran a poor race as did Jayo, who could need softer ground.

Preview - Haydock, 3:30 - Sports360.co.uk Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 2m

A typically competitive handicap over 2m which will be frenetic from the off. Three of the top yards are represented with Nicky Henderson, Philip Hobbs and Alan King all having interesting runners and it promises to be a competitive heat.

Clova Island comes into the race on the back of a fall at Newbury in February and would have been second in that race behind Paul Nicholls' Indian Blood. The eventual winner looks a progressive type and would have followed up only for a unfortunate fall at the last obstacle when still cruising under Timmy Murphy. Clova Island's trainer Philip Hobbs knows how to maximise his horses chances and if this one's confidence has not been dented after that incident then he will go close to winning. He is very unexposed and inexperienced with this being only his sixth career start and it looks like this faster ground could be in his favour. Two starts ago in December, he won a novice hurdle by six lengths and showed a good turn of foot that day. His mark of 120 looks lenient and with his stable still in winning form, he may prove the handicapper wrong.

Stellino is an interesting runner for Nicky Henderson and it looks like the trainer is still learning about this French-bred import. His last run behind stablemate Dave's Dream was his first outing for 10 months and he will come on for that run. Before that race, Stellino was well supported in the market for the Totesport Hurdle at Newbury in March before the race was abandoned due to adverse weather conditions. It is interesting that he has been given a mark of 130 considering he has only had six starts for his current stable and the handicapper could be overrating his chances. He may well improve for the quicker ground and he has the services of Barry Geraghty to aid his cause. If he has come on for his reappearance and does not find his current handicap mark beyond him, he will run a big race.

Izita Star has been in good form over this distance of late, albeit down in grade, and is on for a hat-trick. She has gone up 9lbs in the weights since her last start, where she won convincingly by four lengths with a previous winner behind in second. Annabelle King's runner has obviously appreciated the quicker gound and this faster surface should improve her chances. However, she does look vulnerable up in grade and with the top stables having fancied runners, she may have to settle for a place.

Arctic Ben represents Henry Daly and Richard Johnson and has a good chance based on his last run. He ran second at Uttoxeter in March on softer ground and travelled well throughout but did not find a great deal when asked for maximum effort. That effort was far from a disgrace and a mark of 112 looks fair considering he has only had five runs.

Norman The Great is Alan King's only runner but he has to put a poor performance behind him. On his best form he has a chance to go close but he may find the ground a bit too quick for him. Acambo, David Pipe's runner, has been out of sorts for a while and has to put his poor run at Cheltenham firmly out of his mind if he is to run well here. He looks up against it.

Selections: 1st - Clova Island, 2nd - Izita Star, 3rd - Stellino.

Result: 1st - Izita Star, 11/2, 2nd - Well Disguised, 9/1, 3rd - Norman The Great, 7/1.

This looked a very tricky race to solve before the off but Izita Star ran out a very impressive winner and duly racked up three consecutive wins. Coming down to the second-last hurdle, there was many in with chances as most were travelling well within themselves. Izita Star was always prominent under Tom Scudamore and kicked on heading to the last where she pinged the flight and sprinted clear to a nine-length success. Well Disguised ran well in second ahead of Norman The Great, who had every chance but was found wanting when the winner went on. Favourite Clova Island ran on to finish fourth but was ultimately disappointing for Tom O'Brien as she was one of the first under pressure and jumped sloppily but could win a race over further on this ground. Stellino was on the bridle for a long way and looked the likely winner two out but found very little for pressure and has something to prove. Arctic Ben was very disappointing under Richard Johnson and probably wants softer ground.

Preview - Wincanton, 3:20 - Higos Insurance Somerset National Handicap Chase (Class 3) 3m 3f

This race is guaranteed to be a thorough slog and jumping will play a major part throughout. The betting market suggests this is a tight heat and there is plenty of form to support this claim. Just three of eight in the line-up have won over this distance before and only two at this course. However, there is often one horse who benefits from an extreme test of stamina and this race could bring about a significant improver now going up in trip.

Tom Sayers represents in-form Philip Hobbs and Tom O'Brien and has strong claims on making it five wins at this course. A winner of this race two years ago, he was off the track for a year before re-appearing at Newbury in February where he pulled up but put up a much better performance at the Berkshire track in March over three miles to finish fifth. Now 11-years-old, he is not improving but is more than capable on his day, particularly with the faster ground strongly in his favour. The only issue is that he carries near top-weight of 11st 11lbs and may find it beyond him after just two runs behind him after his setback.

Presenting Express has a good chance if fit enough after his recent second at Huntingdon in March, which was his just his second start a lenghty absence. He is a very strong stayer and has a good win ratio over fences, winning five of 16 races. He relishes fast ground and has often put up his best performances when he has this key element in his favour. He has a similar profile to Tom Sayers being that he is 10-years-old and is returning from a lay-off but has a nice racing weight of 11st when taking into account Jack Doyle's three pound claim. Emma Lavelle is a very good trainer and places her horses well so Presenting Express should go well if he is ready to go over this marathon distance.

Very Cool has been performing well over fences this seasons, which was underlined with a nice win at Newbury in February. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the step up in trip and this quicker surface will help his cause. One worry will be that he has quite a bit to find with the first two mentioned but being only eight-years-old, he could well find the improvement required now stepped up in distance by trainer David Pipe.

College Ace has a chance based on his recent win at Stratford over just short of three miles, where he routed the opposition to win by 15 lengths. His trainer Pauline Robeson has been in superb form of late and saddled Ogee to spring a shock in at Aintree in a valuable hurdles race. A reservation for College Ace would be that he failed to see out this trip when he attempted it in 2007, where he finished tailed off. Also, most of his winning form has come on a softer surface so this fast ground is likely to be against him.

Fine By Me is an interesting runner for Sue Smith and will stay this distance having won over further in the past. He has a few pounds to find with the market leaders but again, he is another who will appreciate this faster surface. I Hear Thunder is a course and distance winner but has found winning difficult as he has only won four of his 49 races. He is a thorough stayer and should go well for Harry Skelton. Hello Bud is worth a mention for Nigel Twiston-Davies as he has is sure to stay this long distance. He looks handicapped to his best at present though and will find the ground against him.

Selections: 1st - Presenting Express, 2nd - Tom Sayers, 3rd - Fine By Me.

Result: 1st - Hello Bud, 9/1, 2nd - College Ace, 6/1, 3rd - I Hear Thunder, 4/1.

As expected, this race was a dour test of stamina right from the off and interest dampened when Presenting Express was withdrawn by Emma Lavelle. Hello Bud produced a superb performance under David England as he made every yard of the running and jumped big and bold over every obstacle. He kicked for home rounding the final bend and had all of his rivals under pressure with two fences to jump. He winged the final two and began to tire going to the last but always had the race in the bag after an enterprising ride from his young jockey. College Ace ran well for Sam Jones in second, staying on well towards the end. I Hear Thunder travelled well for Harry Skelton and looked a danger to the eventual winner but his run petered out after he found little off the bridle. As stated in the preview, Very Cool failed to see out the trip and made too many errors to get close to the leader, even though he was well supported beforehand. Tom Sayers put in a very moody performance, throwing the towel in early and jumping sloppily. He held his head high throughout and looked reluctant once asked to stay on so he looks one to avoid from now on. Fine By Me had solid form coming into the race but was under pressure from an early stage and never threatened.

Preview - Pontefract, 4:10 - Paddock Package Handicap (Class 2) 1m 2f

An intriguing contest which focusses around the well-being of Mark Johnston's Hawaass. If fully tuned up from a break, he could well prove a class above these but any flaws will be fully exposed by the likes of Jaser, Albaqaa and Jabil Tariq who have the form to win a race of this nature.

Hawaass has only had three career starts, even though he is a four-year-old. Of those three starts, he has won two, the latter very impressively over this distance at Newmarket against a host of experienced handicappers. Fast ground poses no problems for this colt, with both successes coming on a quicker surface. The Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned runner looks a type very similar to the horses that Johnston excels with in handicaps and it says a great deal that he has placed him in a Class 2 for his seasonal reappearance. He has obviously had his problems but he looks a classy stayer in the making and if he improves on his previous runs he could win this on the way to bigger and better things.

As stated earlier, if Hawaass fails to perform on his first start for nine months, Jaser could exploit any failings to win the prize. He was very progressive last season and went up the handicap as a result, even though he performed admirably. Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam had a mediocre campaign compared to his high standards but Jaser was one of his horses to give a good account on each of his six starts throughout the year. All three of his wins have come over the distance of a mile, and twice on soft ground which is a worry with fast ground forecast. His one piece of form which looks excellent was on his last start at Nottingham over today's trip. He was six lengths back in third behind John Gosden's Expresso Star, who has since gone on to win the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster in emphatic style and could well be a Group horse come the end of the season. In second was Suits Me, who, since that result, has racked up five wins on the all-weather surface this winter, one of those coming in Listed company. Both horses now have handicap marks of 109 and 107 respectively, so if Jaser can improve on his current mark of 90, he could well make up into a fair middle-distance handicapper this season.

Albaqaa, trained by the in-form Richard Fahey, is an exposed four-year-old who will appreciate the faster ground. He is a consistent sort who will always run his race and could well run into a place if he has come on for his first run of the season at Kempton in March, where he ran on into fifth, just two lengths behind the winner. His current mark of 91 gives him little room for maneouvre but he looks sure to give a good account under Paul Hanagan.

Jabil Tariq is another four-year-old who stays well and could feature if ready to go after a winter off. His last three runs of last season all came at Ripon over 1m 4f, where he won one but finished well down the field after being seemingly well fancied on the other two runs. He has a mark of 85 but could struggle to match the scope and quality of the first two mentioned and will do well to win this contest.

Of the remaining four, neither make any great appeal.

Selections: 1st - Jaser, 2nd - Hawaass, 3rd - Albaqaa.

Result : 1st - Ladies Best, 16/1, 2nd - Hawaass, 6/4 fav, 3rd - Albaqaa, 9/2.

After Jaser was withdrawn on account on the ground (too quick), this looked a chance for Hawaass to resume his winning ways after a while off the track. However, seemingly unfancied at 6/4, he attempted to make all the running under Joe Fanning but tired in the closing stages and outsider Ladies Best stormed up the inside rail to win nicely by just under a length. Lance Betts gave the horse a superb ride for Brian Ellison and could win again. Hawaass ran a blinder in second after his problems and it shouldn't be long before he makes amends. Albaqaa ran well back in third but was never getting there in time, staying on too late in the day. Jabil Tariq ran poorly and finished well down the field.

Preview - Kelso, 3:30 - Keith McLean Carpets Handicap Chase (Class 3) 2m 1f

A competitive handicap over the minumum distance in which most of the runners have a chance. It makes most sense to start with forecast favourite Professor Higgins, who shed his maiden tag last time out with an easy win. His task at Sedgefield was made easier after favourite Beherayn ran out early on in the contest and left Professor Higgins 12 lengths clear. He was left unchallenged and sauntered home in good style. Previously, winning was difficult as he seemed to find one too good. Before the afforementioned win, the six-year-old had reached the placings a staggering seven times, so now being placed in his first handicap and with just four chase starts behind him, confidence must be high. Adding to the mixture is the form of trainer Howard Johnson and jockey Denis O'Regan, who racked up an impressive four-timer at Hexham yesterday. With the ground in his favour and the trip looking ideal, Professor Higgins has sound claims of making it back-to-back wins.

High Bird Humphrey has been in good form lately, beating Professor Higgins two starts back by a nose, but he is now 7lbs worse off with the winner. Early on in the season, he was highly tried over fences as he was beaten a long way at Cheltenham in November by subsequent Arkle favourite Tatenen. Since then the handicapper has given him a fair mark and he has a good chance of continuing his recent run. He is also another horse who much prefers quicker ground and this big horse may give the favourite most to think about.

Cantgeton, hailing from the Peter Monteith stable, has a reasonable chance based on his recent performances. He is exposed in terms of distance but he has plenty of experience and should play a hand in the finish if he jumps efficiently. His handicap mark has dropped considerably after some poor performances during the autumn, albeit on ground softer than ideal. On quicker ground and off a decent mark of 110, Timmy Murphy's mount will give it his best shot.

Below the main market principles, Seeyaaj, Miss Pross, Schinken Otto and Justwhateverulike have the ability to cause an upset. Schinken Otto is an interesting runner for Malcolm Jefferson and Phil Kinsella. He has been running on the all-weather during the winter and is a five-time winner over fences, all gained on fast ground. Seeyaaj is a course and distance winner who will appreciate the good ground but looks a tad too high in the weights, whereas Miss Pross has been out of sorts since winning in January last year and has a point to prove. Justwhateveryoulike has done all of his winning at Sedgefield and Hexham and looks up against it.

Selections: 1st - Professor Higgins, 2nd - High Bird Humphrey, 3rd - Schinken Otto.

Result: 1st - Professor Higgins, 11/10 fav, 2nd High Bird Humphrey, 4/1, 3rd Justwhateverulike, 8/1.

Professor Higgins produced a very taking performance, even though his chance was strengthened after the withdrawals of market rival Cantgeton and Seeyaaj. Always sat behind the pace, he jumped supremely well throughout the race and it was obvious from two out he was the one to be on. High Bird Humphrey stole three lengths rounding the final bend but Denis O'Regan was exuding confidence on the favourite and he breezed past the runner-up to win unextended by four lengths. Professor Higgins looks one to follow now he is in the winning groove and could run up a sequence in handicap company if placed adeptly by his trainer. The first two were 12 lengths clear of third Justwhateverulike who ran well back in third but never made a serious challenge. Miss Pross made steady headway from over halfway but failed to go with the leaders. Schinken Otto was fairly weak in the market and even though he raced prominantly for most of the contest, he failed to see out the trip and needs to improve.