Turf luck

THE absence of Limestone Lad from today's Boyne Hurdle at Navan is a blow to the racecourse as well as the Bowe family who own and train the horse but the coughing which has kept him at home today shouldn't ruin his Stayers' Hurdle chances. He's run plenty of times this season and you can bet that 3/1 on the day will be one of the most popular bets of the Festival.

Supreme Developer (1.30), Over The Bar (2.00) and McGruders Cross (5.00) can all be backed with confidence at the Irish venue this afternoon, the last named already being touted as a possible Champion Bumper contender for Tony Mullins. Over The Bar hasn't enjoyed novices' chasing and reverts to hurdles, while Supreme Developer looks the bet of the day.

Saturday's highlight should be the (pounds) 100,000 Racing Post Chase at Kempton where the early betting exchanges on Wednesday will probably be dominated by Martin Pipe's Chicuelo and Jonjo O'Neill's Joss Naylor. The one I like here though, is recent comeback winner Coole Spirit which looks as if he might have sneaked in off a long handicap weight of 9-2 which will leave him nicely in at around 10-0 with the expected weights rise.

Also at Kempton on Saturday, Supreme Prince and East Tycoon can continue their progress on the way to big spring targets, while at Huntingdon on Thursday, the former Mark Johnston- trained stayer Double Honour can show his class in the Sydney Banks Memorial Hurdle.

Provided that Carlisle passes today's 12.30 inspection, Curly Spencer can be backed in his choice of engagements, either the 1.35, the 2.40 or the 4.25, while Another General can take the 2.05 race. Santa Lucia is interesting in the 3.50, while at Fontwell, Stromness, (2.30), Cresswell Quay (3.05) and Derivative (3.40) can brighten up tomorrow afternoon.

Baby Gee looks worth supporting under a penalty at Sedgefield (2.00) on Tuesday with Loblite Leader the one for the 4.30.

At Doncaster on Wednesday, I like the look of Bobayaro in the 3.25 with Torn Silk fancied for the hunters' chase at 3.55.

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