Folkestone and Ludlow

The ground will be heavy at Folkestone, which could cause problems for some runners, such as Barney Curley´s Zabeel Palace (Tom Queally), who runs in the 1 1/2 miles handicap at 17.10 CET. He has not run on the flat for 2 1/2 years, but has been on good form over hurdles and would have an excellent chance at these weights; however in view of the going we prefer mudlark Hawkridge Star (Wilf Kittow/ Alan Munro).

One stallion whose progeny usually go well on heavy ground is Captain Rio, so it would be no sirprise to see ex-Irish Signore Momento (Amy Weaver/ Hayley Turner) to take the 6 furlongs handicap at 16 .40, where Harlech Castle, who has won his last 3 races - all at Southwell- is the obvious danger, and Rio Mist (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) take the race for 3yo maiden fillies at 16.10. Clive Brittain has his string in good form; he has indicated that Shafgaan (Neil Callan) is one of his best 2yo´s so he should certainly be kept in mind when he makes his debut here at 15.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Shafgaan - Calormen - Tigelise
2. Race: Straboe - Pocket`s Pick - Lucky Leigh
3. Race: Caramelita - Rio Mist - Masteeat
4. Race: Harlech Castle - Daddy`S Gift - Signore Momento
5. Race: Eseej - I`M In The Pink - Zabeel Palace
6. Race: Barodine - Alfredtheordinary - Rosy Dawn




At Ludlow, Kennel Hill (Keith Goldsworthy/ Tony McCoy) looks a near certainty to win the 3 mile novice hurdle at 16.30. He is not the most reliable of characters, but his form when running 3rd of 19 at the recent Cheltenham Festival would make him very difficult to beat in this company. Venetia Williams usually dos well here,. and her Latanier (idan Colman) can defy top weght in th novice chse at 16.00. The handicap chase at 17.00 features The Snail (Evan Williams/ John Tudor), who has won 6 of his last 7 races, 3 of them over this CD; he still looks ahead of the handicapper and can score again.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Perfect Reward - Cantabilly - Jordan`S Light
2. Race: Latanier - Matuhi - Kack Handed
3. Race: Kennel Hill - Acrai Rua - Penylan Star
4. Race: The Snail - Herons Well - Soixante
5. Race: Huguenot - Just Rob - Mon Michel
6. Race: Rothres - Prescelli - Bescot Springs
7. Race: Cedrus Libani - Ofarel D`Airy - Whataboutya