Bath and Folkestone today

With Newcastle abandoned today (and more abandonments possible this week after the very heavy rain of the last few days) the only racing left is of moderate quality at Bath and Folkestone. At the latter track the going is very testing, but Peter Chapple-Hyam, who has had a very poor season by his usual standards, can win the two divisions of the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs that kick off the card at 15.20 and 15.50 CET with Brazilian Art and Mishrif respectively, both partnered by Alan Munro.

Veteran trainer Milton Bradley has also had a poor season so far, but is well represented in the class 4 handicap over 5 furlongs at 17.,20 with 11yo The Tatling (Paul Fitzsimmons) and 8yo Cape Royal (Steve Drowne). Last-time-out winners Equuleus Pictor (Jon Spearing/ Jack Dean) and Woodcote (Paul Chamings/ George Baker) are the obvious dangers. Brian Meehan´s improving Mr. Hichens (Tadge O´Shea) can complete a hat-trick in the 10 furlongs handicap at 18.20, where top-weight Baylini (Jacqui and James Doyle), who ran well this CD last time, looks the one to beat. At Bath, the 6 furlongs handicap at 17.40 looks very open, and all 8 runners hold a chance. Digital (Mick Channon/ Chris Catlin) is now 11 years old, but keeps his form well and is a course specialist, winning this event last year. He should give his running, but is certain to be able to concede weight to Andrew Balding´s Night Rocket, who will be better suited by the soft ground here than by the firm surface on which he flopped last time at Sandown. Rae Guest´s Syvilla (Chris Catlin) should win the 1 1/2 mile fillies maiden at 17.10; despite being hampered, she ran on well to finish runner-up at Windsor last time to Inquisitive Look, who ran quite well yesterday in a listed race at Baden-Baden.