6-4 Storm can blow rivals away.

Byline: Richard Birch's

EYE ONTHE STORM, winner of 11 of his last 13 races, can blow away Derby third Wise Thought and smart tracker Bandicoot Tipoki in his Betfred Eclipse semi-final at Nottingham tonight.

Capable of regular smash breaks, Eye Onthe Storm thunders into the first bend, hugs the inside rail, and stretches out in style down the far side. If he comes away from a plot trap one draw in his best fashion, he'll win.

The Wimbledon grader hasn't overreacted to Headstrong Boy's A5 win last week, and that's excellent news for punters. Norah McEllistrim's two-year-old has abundant improvement in him and, drawn between two slow starters, can make all in the A4.

I fancy Katchit strongly in the Coral Ascot Hurdle - and judged on his comments this week, so does trainer Alan King. The six-year-old was never right last season, but is reportedly a different horse this campaign.

I've read the word "reinvigorated" in various places, and the step up to 2m4f seems sure to suit. After winning the Triumph Hurdle in 2007 and the Champion Hurdle in 2008, Katchit was a victim of "third season syndrome" last year. He'll do well this term, though, starting today.

Doncaster over-achieved in the Championship last campaign. They now appear to be afflicted by football's dreaded "second season syndrome", and ought to find Queens Park Rangers far too classy today.

The Super Hoops added to their already impressive midfield by taking Steven Reid on loan from Blackburn in midweek. They make plenty of chances and score plenty of goals. What's more, their away record compares favourably with any team in their section.

Birchy's bets Today QPR to beat Doncaster 7-5 general Eye Onthe Storm (6-4 Hills) Nottingham 9.37 Katchit 2.35 Ascot Headstrong Boy 9.09 Wimbledon