Doncaster, Folkestone and Kempton this evening

The difficulty racecouses have in filling conditions races at this time of year, especially on firm ground, is well illustrated by the class 3 mile race at 20.55 at Doncaster this evening. Only 5 have been declared, and of these 2 are doubtful runners, including Godolphin´s Army of Angels (Kerrin McEvoy), who only runs in the unlikely event of rain. In his absence Mark Johnston´s Dubai´s Touch should score a hollow victory. At Kempton´s all-weather meeting, the best race is probably the class 5 handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 21.20 with 13 runners. Plenty of chances here, and punters looking for a long shot should consider Birkspiel (Simon Dow/ Seb Sanders). A German group race winner 27 months ago, he is on a long losing run and has dropped to a very lenient rating as a result (69 compared to his best mark of 107). He has been well beaten on all recent starts, so should start at a good price, but he has never faced such weak opposition as he does this evening. The star at Folkestone is Sir Mark Prescott´s Aleatricis, who has already won 4 times this month, including at Yarmouth on Tuesday, and should make it 5 out of 5 under promising young apprentice Rosie Jessop in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 19.30. He has to carry a 12lbs penalty but still looks a step ahead of the handicapper.