RUNNERS and riders are ready for the off tomorrow after last weekend’s windswept false start to the Jersey Race Club season at Les Landes in St Ouen.

Punters will be eager to place their bets amid the new buildings and facilities that have been finished over the winter.

Once again everyone is welcome to go along and support with racegoers now able to view from the new raised bank grandstand which gives spectacular views of the racing – as well as the other Channel Islands.

An anonymous benefactor has boosted prize money in all hurdle races this season, in an attempt to quell the threatened demise of this great spectacle, and the top money of the day of £3,300 is on offer in the first race of the day, the IRB Memorial Handicap Hurdle, sponsored by Peter and Judy Bailey, run over two miles.

Wet weather is forecast so the going will be soft but the big question is who will be fit so early in the season?

It’s tough to call too as Off Minor, a veteran now at 11, might lack some of his finishing speed on the flat as his trainer opts for hurdles.

Anemix is bred for jumping and in form in France and England and his Guernsey trainer usually has his horses fit.

Koka Fast, the CI Champion last year, has a 15 lb handicap to overcome while Groomsman, who had a string of victories in 2007, has never been beaten over hurdles!

The second race, the SG Hambros Handicap, about one mile and a quarter, features Danehill Dazzler, a star last year after moving for Ian Williams’ UK yard to Stephen Arthur in Jersey.

Khuzdar usually needs a race or two to get going while Sakira, an 800 guineas foal by Golden Snake, has twice placed at Chepstow. Nordic Affair is an interesting newcomer for Stephen Arthur.

Eight go to post in the third race, the seven furlongs On-Course Bookmakers’ Plate.

Catcando has recovered from injury but it would be a big ask for the ten-year-old to win first time out. Mobus Wan, who has been raised 8 lbs, either misbehaviour or won doing handstands last year!

The booking of Dean Gallagher for Joan Le Brocq’s Secret Assassin takes the eye but it will take all of the France-based pilot’s undoubted skills for this one to be in the frame.

Brighton

Buckie Massa has two sand wins and a Brighton win to his name so could be a big threat.

Race four, the mile and a half Channel Islands Hunt Club Handicap, has an open look to it.

Top weight Jilvaro was claimed cheaply by Alyson Malzard for 5,706 Euros after placing second recently at Mont de Marsan. He is a three-times winner in the French Provinces so must be fit.

Rosa Sainte would have carried these two years ago before injury, but fitness and wellbeing must be taken on trust for his sporting owner/trainer. Sans Sa Dame is another French purchase for the Malzard team and this one has clocked up five wins in moderate events in France. The stable jockey prefers Jilvaro.

Twelve-year-old Gabby Hayes last won eight years ago, while dual local winner Cronkyvoddy struggled last year. Silver Silence went off the boil too but veteran low level winning mare Snow Lark was a revelation and Vicki Lucas’ mare appeals from a handicap mark of 36.

The final race, the one mile and 100 yards Historic Handicap, is a low level affair and it looks interesting.

Retirement is an old man now and is likely to be fitter than his pilot jockey. Sea Lark is a real threat. Top Level was an expensive purchase but has repaid absolutely nothing.

Lord of the Wings was a 40,000 guineas foal. Has had seven starts but the Daggers Drawn gelding has only seen the rear end of most of his rivals so there must be better to come.

Noble Reef has a squeak while Treat Me Wild lost the plot last year but has ability.