Very small fields today

With the ground firming up everywhere, and no sign of any rain in the foreseeable future, there are some vry small fields at today´s 3 British meetings and also the likelihood of non-runners. Virtually no race in the U.K. today offers normal each-way betting. John Best and Luke Morris can land a double at Folkestone this afternoon. Stone of Folca looks almost unbeatable in the 3yo maiden at 15.00 CET, while top-weight Mister Bit, in first time blinkers has a chance in the 9 furlongs handicap at 17.00. The 5 furlongs hamdicap at 16.30 sees Black Baccara (Phil McEntee/ Kieren Fallon) and Magical Speedfit (George Magarson/ Simon Pearce) in opposition again. They met over this CD 9 days ago with the former coming out on top by 1/2 length, but the latter could well reverse the placings this time on 6 lbs better terms.

The other two British meetings are over jumps. At Wincanton, Tony McCoy could land a double with Moghaayer for Nicky Henderson at 15.40 and German-bred Mauritino for Jonjo O´Neill at 16.40; the latter has already won twice in the past 11 days and loves this fast ground. A 7lbs penalty should not stop him completing a quick hat-trick. Upham Atom (new trainer Kate Buckett/ Liam Treadwell) won here nicely 3 weeks ago and can follow up in the staying handicap chase at 16.10, while Skippers Lad (Colin and Joe Tizzard), runner-up to him then, can go one better at 17.10. At Ludlow, Courella (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who was a 15 lengths winner at Hereford yesterday, has been declared for the novice chase at 15.50. If he turns out again, he can make a quick return to the winner´s circle, even though on ratings he is inferior to today´s opponents. Course specialist Tyup Pompey (Ann Price/ Lee Stephens) was an easy CD winner here last time, and with bottom weight can follow up in the handicap chase at 16.50; obvious danger is top-weight Japanese -bred Sunday City, who has not run for 5 months but is the class act in this field.

There is mixed card this evening at Clonmel in Ireland: 3 flat races, 3 over hurdles and a bumper. With maximum fields in most events, there are more horses entered here than in the 3 U.K. meetings put together! Domination (Charlie Byrnes/Davy Russell) has an obvious chance in the maiden hurdle at 19.35; he was an easy winner over this CD in February, but was disquaified after failing a dope test. Clouded Thoughts (Jessica and Katie Harrington) has finished 4th in all 3 bumper races, but now the ground is better, can get his head in front at 21.05.