Spring arrives at Kempton Park

It's a funny old day in the racing calendar. With Cheltenham fresh in the memory and the Grand National still to be run, the flat season announces spring truly is here with three listed races and the Rosebery Handicap at Kempton Park. Call me old-fashioned but the flat season is supposed to begin with the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster. That is run next week. Someone at the British Horseracing Board needs a diary.

The Rosebery Handicap is the feature race at Kempton. Kew Green is worthy favourite after winning nicely on the all-weather at Lingfield in February. However at odds of around 20-1 a likely improver who ran well in big handicaps last term is Paul Cole's Secretary General.

The trainer has an impressive record in the race, sending out two winners from five runners in the past decade. Another Chance could be a big threat if there is more rain.

The world's best dirt horse will not win the world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup. Despite the money on offer this is a weak field, which only goes to show money can't buy you the best horses when a race is run out of season thousands of miles from US and UK training centres. Roses In May is the most likely winner, which would confirm the pre-eminence of his Breeders' Cup Classic nemesis Ghostzapper who didn't travel.

If you find betting on flat races in March absurd, Mayeul is a confident choice at Haydock's novice hurdle. Mayeul must be worth a second look. With Francois Doumen for a trainer and Tony McCoy as its jockey, it is twice blessed.

For those bold enough to dabble in ante-post betting, New Seeker is worth noting in the Lincoln.

Selections

2:30 Haydock: Mayeul (win)
3:25 Kempton: Secretary General (each-way)
5:20 Nad Al Sheba: Roses In May (win)