Folkestone goes ahead with Beverley and Newton Abbot

Folkestone has passed its inspection and racing goes ahead, woth plenty of non-runners. There is also flat racing at Beverley today and jumps racing at Newton Abbot, all at a pretty low level. At Beverley the main event is a conditions race over 5 furlongs at 16.40 CET. Only 6 runners, but 3 of them have been competing in top sprints: Free Zone (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves), Tax Free (David and Adrian Nicholls) and Es Que Love (Mark Johnston/ Kieren Fallon). Free Zone has arguably the best form but has to concede a lot of weight, while Tax Free is now 10 and not as fast as he used to be, so we will go for the Johnston 3yo, who was last in a Group One last time out but faces a much simpler task today.

There are also small fields in ther main events at Newton Abbot. Paul Nicholls is very selective with his runners at this time of year and we expect him and his stable jockey Daryl Jacob to win them both, with Merrion Square over 2 miles at 15.50 and MInella Stars over 3 1/4 miles at 16.50. The latter has been placed 9 times running after winning on his N.H. debut, so is obviously vulnerable to a finisher with speed, but we think he should be able to cope with these opponents, the best of whom is Come What Augustus (R Woollacott/ Paddy Brennan), winner over this CD 3 weeks ago. There is no racing in Ireland today, probably a good job in view of the weather there.

Folkestone - betting forecast:
1. Race: Whiskey Junction - Strategic Action - Green Mountain
2. Race: Colourist - Michael`s Song - Secretori
3. Race: Gull Rock - Enthrall - Black Douglas
4. Race: Centrifugal - Schoolmaster - Myboyalfie
5. Race: Dark And Dangerous - Authentication - Dazzling Begum
6. Race: Thecornishcowboy - High Five Prince - Flamborough Breeze
7. Race: Elsie Bay - Chatterati - Princess Willow
8. Race: Ruban - Beggar`s Banquet - Amen