Folkestone and Wolverhampton

Folkestone has survived as the only N.H. meeting today and has runners from some of the top stables - Nicholls, Henderson, O´Neill, Hobbs etc. Paul Nicholls continues in unstoppable form and his two runners both have good chances - American Trilogy (Tony McCoy), who makes his debut over fences in the beginners chase at 13.55 CET, and Water Garden (Timmy Murphy) in the novice hurdle at 14.25; he was heavily backed on his bumper debut, but ran well enough in second place, and now goes over the sticks for the first time. Invictus (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson), winner of an Irish point-to-point, looks the main danger. while American Trilogy faces strong opposition from Pascha Bere (Nick Gifford/ Liam Treadwell) and the 4yo Rougham (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson). The 3 miles 1 furlong handicap chase at 16.10 is also an interesting race despite the small field. Whataboutya (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy) has top weight but may still be strong enough to hold off Pacco (Olover Sherwood/ Le ighton Aspell).

One cannot imagine that there will be many racegoers at Wolverhampton this afternoon-miserable weather and a miserable card. The "best" race is the class 5 handicap over 2 miles at 18.20. Dart (Jim Mackie/ George Baker) and Master at Arms (Daniel Loughnane/ Jamie Spencer) were first and second over this CD last time and may fight out the finish again. There is also an in-form trainer named George Baker and he saddles Humor me Rene (Matthew Davies), the only 3yo in the line-up; he won here over 1 1/2 miles and if he gets this longer trip could also be dangerous. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20 is the most open betting race, with all 13 runners holding a chance. We shall be especially interested to see how our favourite veterans run, The Tatling (13 years old, 145 starts) and Cape Royal (10 years old, 152 starts, including 3 already this month), both trained by Milton Bradley.