Talking horses

There's very little to get too excited about on the domestic programme today, but what is otherwise likely to be a forgettable afternoon of action at Hereford and Southwell will be redeemed if Takajan can finally secure the win he's been promising for a while. I wouldn't criticise anyone for giving up on him, but having backed him on his last two starts, I'm still convinced that he's got a win in him this season, and the handicapper has even dropped him another couple of pounds since a promising run over track and trip last month. At anything like his best he would run away with today's race off a mark of 55, and at around 8-1 he is well worth a bet. Caulfields Venture (Hereford 2.30) showed up well for a long way at Ascot last time and should go close in a lower grade today, while at Naas, Dedigout (1.40) will be hard to beat in the feature event, the Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle.