N.H.racing at Fakenham and Folkestone

Folkestone stages one its best jumps meetings of the year today, with the class 3 handicap chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.40 CET worth over 15000 GBP to the winner. This looks very competitive with Paul Nicholls´ Alfred´s Tower (Sam Thomas) the likely favourite, but he faces strong opposition from top-weight Nation State (Gary and Jamie Moore), consistent Storm of Applause (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) - in his last 6 races one win and five times runner-up) and Porters War (Alan King/ Robert Thornton). However the last-named fares, King and his stable jockey "Choc" should have a good afternoon, as consistent Rustarix in the novice chase at 14.40 (has the mare Aimigayle to beat) and Spring Dream in the mares´ handicap hurdle half an hour later both have obvious chances, although German-bred Figurita (Charlie Mann/ David Crosse) could be a danger to the latter.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Woolfall Treasure - Karky Schultz - Pic White
2.Race: Medermit - Quazy De Joie - Massini Moon
3.Race: Mount Oscar - Rustarix - Aimigayle
4.Race: Spring Dream - Carly Bay - Topflight Wildbird
5.Race: Storm Of Applause - Alfred`S Tower - The Big Canadian
6.Race: Bynack Mhor - Kingston-Banker - Himba
7.Race: Aberdale - Genies Lamp - Maderson Blue



German-breds could also play a leading role at Fakenham. The well-bred debutant Laterly (Tom Tate/ Keith Mercer) takes on Starluck (A. Fleming/ Timmy Murphy) and Maxwil (Gary Moore/ Philip Hide), who have both shown abilkity over hurdles, in the 3yo hurdle at 15.00, while Backbord (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) makes his chasing debut at 15.30; he was the best of these over sticks, but Nicky Henderson´s Scots Dragoon (Felix de Giles) has already shown fair form over fences and is a big danger. Leopold (DW Thompson/ Ryan Mania) was a CD winner last time out, and has most to fear from Russian Flag, who fell when going well last week, in the handicap chase half an hour later, while Weststern (Milton Harris/ Timmy Murphy), who won 4 times on the flat in Germany, seems to be on a very favourable weight in the novice handicap hurdle at 16.30.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Little Shilling - Great Compton - Catiline
2.Race: Silvergino - No Greater Love - Beau Torero
3.Race: Starluck - Maxwil - Laterly
4.Race: Scots Dragoon - Backbord - Berings Express
5.Race: Leopold - Russian Flag - Don`T Ask Me
6.Race: Crystal Prince - Topjeu - Trevian