Doncaster, Folkestone and Marklet Rasen (N.H.)

Once again, modest sport this afternoon, but the top jockeys are at Doncaster. Ryan Moore can win the 3yo handicap at 16.25 CET on Sir Michael Stoute´s Timeless Stride, a disappointment last time, but best judged on his earlier form; he has Hot Spark (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) to beat. Moore can also win the novice race for 2yo´s at 17.00 on Dean Ivory´s Whoateallthepius, who won in canter at Windsor last time. Another jockey with good rides is Kieren Fallon, and we like his chances on Andy Haynes´ Poppet´s Lovin (a half-sister to Overdose) in the 7 furlongs handicap at 17.35. It is extremely unusual to find valuable races run at Folkestone, but today they do stage a 20,000 pounds race, the "Folkestone Hammer", a class 4 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.40. Obviously with this prize-money it has attracted a large field and looks very open as a result. The 3yo´s Duster (Hughie Morrison/ Steve Drowne) - a recent CD winner- and Glen Shiel (Mark Johnston/ Eddie Ahern), are on our short list, together with Cornus (Alan McCabe/ Declan Cannon), who holds top-weight Hamoody (Dandy Nicholls/ Billy Cray) on their Thirsk running, and Lujeanie (Dean Ivory/ Fergus Sweeney), runner-up in a similar race at Windsor last time.

There is also jumping this afternoon at Market Rasen, where the best event is the 2 3/4 miles handicap chase at 17.25 . Tempsford had good form in these races last summer, including a CD win, but has been off since October, so we prefer the current form of Nothingbutthetruth (Tim Pitt/ Dougie Costello) and even more Chorizo (Richard Guest/ Paddy Aspell), a recent CD winner now moving up in grade. The most interesting runner at Market Rasen could be Barney Curley´s Savaronola (Paul Moloney), who runs in the novices handicap hurdle at 16.15 off a very low rating. This is justified by his poor performances over hurdles, but he was a winner on the flat in May (landing a huge gamble) and is undoubtedly capable of much more than he has so far shown over sticks.