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Perth – Thursday May 13th

BARRY THE CRACKER – Had looked a keen running non-stayer in the past (including in a 2m4f Sedgefield Hunter Chase) so most surprising that he was able to last home in a four-runner 3m Maiden taking nearly 7 minutes at Aspatria on Sunday; a change of bit reportedly allowed him to settle much better that day but it wasn’t much of a race and he still has it to prove on form against a couple of these.

BEAU TRAVELLER – Finally off the mark at Easingwold last Saturday in by far the slowest race of the day (even slower than the two-runner Hunt Members); conditions will suit but this represents a massive step up in class and he is making his debut over regulation fences.

CHAPMANS PEAK – Another who has been struggling to stay the trip in Points but managed to stumble across a bad Maiden on fast ground at Witton on Bank Holiday Monday (over 13 seconds slower than the other division); needs a big step up in form to be competitive at this level.

OOJAR – Given a fairly easy time in his first few outings but managed a win when landing a Brocklesby Maiden in fortunate circumstances back in March; no show in a Restricted next time but shaped with much more promise when second at Whittington last time out; this is his debut over regulation fences and there may be more to come.

QUINDER SPRING – 12f winner in France but bitterly disappointing over hurdles for the present yard; however, has taken off in Points and after falling on his debut has rattled off an impressive six-timer, most recently when beating subsequent easy Hunter Chase winner Benbeoch at Balcormo in late April. Not completely bomb-proof, given his poor previous Rules form, but has clearly improved in leaps and bounds this season and on current form is impossible to oppose against these rivals.

SCOTCH WARRIOR – No show in a bumper and a novice hurdle last year, having failed to finish in three Points, but on an upward curve this season and his last two completions have resulted in a ready win in a 2m4f Overton Maiden and a close second in a Mosshouses Restricted; prone to the odd error but conditions fine otherwise and looks the most likely to benefit if anything happens to the favourite.

Conclusion – Quinder Spring would be about 3s on if this was a Point and there is no reason to oppose him here, even taking into account his moderate hurdles form last year.

Folkestone Race 1

ACHIEVED – Terrible over hurdles (beaten minimum 53L in four attempts) but managed to win his Members (beat Balableu) on his Pointing debut despite jumping right throughout; fencing frailties exposed in his last two starts and hard to fancy on debut over regulation fences.

AMBROSINNI – By far the highest rated of these under Rules, having won twice over hurdles in 07/08, but achieved very little over fences; has been kept to soft Club races in Points this season, winning at Penshurst (soft) and only failing by a short-head at Kingston Blount last time (good/firm). Solid chance on that form, but concedes weight all round and may find one or two too good.

BALABLEU – Shock 20/1 winner of a Catsfield Restricted on a road two starts ago but very poor otherwise (well held third when favourite for the Members won by Achieved) and was never travelling well from an early stage at Hackwood last time; pulled up at this meeting two years ago.

BEN ALDER – Looked useful when winning three from four in Irish Points 07/08 but disappeared for 18 months after pulling up in that season’s Champion Hunter and showed little when returning; hard to know what he achieved when second of two to Honourable Spider on his GB debut last month but he travelled well enough in a race run at a fair pace, so risky to dismiss completely just yet; best on good or softer.

COTTON BAY – Irish Maiden winner in 08 (soft) but has generally been well beaten in Restricteds over here; form of his Members second (beaten 15L) last time is meaningless and he can’t be fancied on this chasing debut.

DELIGHTFUL CLICHÉ – Fairly consistent chaser in 07/08 despite never being able to win; has carved out a fairly successful career in Ladies Opens since and has been unlucky to run into the useful Assassino the last twice. That form gives him decent claims in a weakish race and he has the services of a top pilot on board.

HE’S ON HIS WAY – Very capable sort in Ireland despite never winning over fences and has been in a rich vein of form this season, finishing second over 2m5f here (soft) prior to rattling off a swift Pointing hat-trick in game fashion, most recently in a Northaw Open (beat a useful sort). Regular partner makes way for the equally promising Josh Moore tonight and with conditions to suit looks the one to beat.

MASTER BREW – Finished second in this race two years ago but missed 09 and has looked a shadow of his former self this season; return here may spark him back into life but that is really clutching at straws.

ROARINGWATER – Much better over hurdles than he was over fences but looked decent when winning his sole Point in 2009; disappeared for over a year and has looked rather moody this season. Won a Club race at Detling three starts ago but has been disappointing the last twice and held by Delightful Cliché on recent Fakenham form; has the ability to go close but risky.

SUPA TRAMP – Modest placed form over hurdles last year (untried over fences) and has produced some generally consistent efforts in Points of late, although what he achieved when winning a two runner Restricted on heavy last time is questionable; has a bit to find on form. Has a bit to find on form but one of the more reliable ones in the field and wouldn’t rule out.

Conclusion – Delightful Cliché and He’s On His Way look the ones to concentrate on in the night’s opener and marginal preference is for the former who was a once-decent chaser in Ireland. Supa Tramp could be the best of the outsiders.

Folkestone Race 2

BEHIND THE SCENES – Beaten minimum 62L over fences in Ireland when completing and hard to know what he achieved when winning a Godstone Maiden (good) on his Pointing debut over here (main rival fell two out); seems to be in good form but still has it to prove over regulation fences.

BYNACK MHOR – Poor chaser in 2008; consistent Pointer but requires plenty of driving; outbattled (not for the first time) in a Kingston Blount Restricted last weekend and although he has the talent to get involved is probably opposable for win purposes.

DALMATIAN – Showed promise in bumpers but a moderate Pointer for this trainer (who is no asset in the saddle); Horseheath second came in a poor race and although the drop in trip may suit is very hard to fancy in this company.

DIVINE INTAVENTION – Runner-up in a Towcester bumper last year (good) and took well to Maidens this season, winning in pleasing fashion over 2m4f at Larkhill. Has found life tougher in better company since but didn’t do too badly last time in a big field at Maisemore and wouldn’t be without a chance in this field, especially if he is able to settle.

FORT VIEW – Has had plenty of starts and has looked tricky on more than one occasion but finally finding his feet and his easy Restricted win at Chaddesley was achieved in a decent time; lacks experience over regulation fences but has travelled a long way to contest this and looks a leading contender in a weak race.

GENERAL WILLIE – Achieved nothing when the only finisher in a desperate three-runner heavy ground contest at Aldington but ran well for a long way when fourth in an Intermediate next time; difficult to fancy but the trip should suit and a possible longshot.

GOOD RETURN – 2L runner-up in a 17-runner Irish Maiden last year and after a couple of sighters managed to land the spoils in impressive fashion over 2m4f at Hackwood; the owner was outridden when a close third in a speedily run Restricted last time but his overall form gives him a solid chance in this company.

GREEK STAR – Placed in minor company over hurdles back in the day (unraced over fences) and only patchy form this term since returning from a year on the sidelines; a High Easter Maiden fell into his lap last month but was tailed off in a Restricted next time out and opposable in this grade.

JONLAHY – Very lightly raced in Ireland but place twice (easy ground) and has yet to finish out of the frame when completing in GB Points (close third to Greek Star in the latest); can probably be relied upon to run his race but extremely onepaced and has to prove his wellbeing after a heavy fall last time.

NATIVE BOB – Progressive form this year when winning a Maiden and a Restricted; form of his tailed off second of two at Horseheath can be forgotten, but was a mile clear when falling at the last at Huntingdon last time out and as long as that experience hasn’t scarred him should be able to make a bold bid to gain compensation.

SPARTAN PLACE – Fair hurdler but very disappointing chaser in 09; has put that all behind him with an unbeaten sequence in Points this year, although the form of his three wins is rather questionable; leading form chance on ratings but his miserable efforts over fences last season do set alarm bells ringing.

Conclusion – Native Bob would have won by a street at Huntingdon last time but for knuckling over at the final fence and has been found a decent race in which to find compensation. Good Return is respected, as is Fort View and Divine Intavention.

Folkestone Race 3

CAPTAINS LEGACY – Stays well and won two minor events last year despite some less than fluent jumping, but did not enjoy himself at all at this meeting, albeit in a better race than this. Only minor placed form this season (held by The Tailor Carey on Godstone form) , looking onepaced in the process, and not sure to be suited by the drop in trip.

CASTLECONNOR LAD – Found a desperate and slowly run 8yo+ Maiden at Cottenham back in March; placed on fast ground since but the form is very weak and he generally gets little positive assistance from the saddle. Debut over regulation fences.

HIGH TOBY – Of little account under Rules but won two of his first three Points including a Godstone Club race, which was run in a good time; would have been placed behind Penny Doc over this course/distance next time (soft) but for falling at the last, but not as good since and was always well behind at Towcester last time. Has a squeak on his best form, but a little to prove now.

JOE SOAP – Irish Maiden winner on good and 18L third in a 2m1f chase next time, but little in the way of encouraging form since; lost touch after 2m in a Restricted on his GB debut but at least was running a little better at Towcester next time before unseating two out; clearly has ability but too risky to recommend at present.

LORD SNOW – Won his only start in 2008 and after a year off returned in the same vein at Penshurst (soft), staying on strongly but unsurprisingly finishing tired; clearly very fragile but a talented sort and has an excellent chance in this weak company. May not want the ground to firm up any more.

MAN FROM MOSCOW – Improved to win a couple of ordinary events last year but after finishing 6L fifth on his comeback has been beaten a minimum of 29L in three further outings. Trip may suit but hard to fancy otherwise.

MORE TROUBLE – Looked moody and moderate after winning his Maiden last year but suddenly took off from April onwards and landed a five-timer, mostly in headgear. Made it six on his home course on his return and no disgrace behind Chilling Place last time, but showed his darker side at Fakenham on his most recent outing, where he was jinking left throughout before the inevitable happened. Clearly not straightforward but by far the best of these on overall form; has placed form to his name under Rules and this looks an ideal opportunity.

NEW STREET EXPRESS – Looked every inch the winner of this last year before Mysaynoway came with a wet sail; made a slow start to this campaign but much better on his favoured fast ground at Catsfield and primed to run a big race in this once again. Would not want any rain.

SADDLERS BLAZE – Dismal performer under Rules (rated just 57) and despite running out of a pro yard has been fairly moderate this season, his only placing coming in a weak affair on good/soft at High Easter. Well beaten in a couple of Rules forays and although this is much easier he can’t realistically be fancied.

THE TAILOR CAREY – Appreciated the shorter trip when runner-up over course/distance in February 2008 and has shown flashes of his best form this season; his second to Strong Weld at Hackwood last time (good/firm) is one of the best single pieces of form on offer here and looks a leading player in a race that won’t take much winning.

TOBOUGG WELCOME – Missed 2009 after showing moderate hurdles form the previous year; achieved nothing when winning a heavy ground three-runner Maiden at Aldington and never going the gallop on firm next time out; local stable generally does well here but difficult to fancy otherwise.

NESSA – Error-prone sort who would have finished second in the Cherry Brandy Final here last year but for being interfered with on the home bend and then unseating two out; well behind New Street Express on her belated comeback but improved on that when a close third at Northaw; should be in peak condition now but possibly a place is the best she can hope for.

Conclusion – A weak race which revolves around what mood More Trouble is in, as he has the ability to win this by a street if in the right frame of mind. New Street Express and The Tailor Carey look the most likely to benefit if the favourite has an off-day.

Folkestone Race 4

FLOWERSOFTHERAREST – Moderate and exposed in Ireland but impressed at Northaw on his GB debut, winning going away by 15L; shapes as if a marathon trip may suit and clearly in good heart, but this is much stronger and his overall profile is unconvincing.

INISHTURK – Looked a spent force when pulling up on his sole 2009 start but back to form for today’s very promising young pilot on his first two start this season; however, ran in snatches and ultimately well beaten in a Northaw Confined last time (race run six seconds slower than Flowersoftherarest’s Restricted) and a little to prove now; stayed on strongly to win over 3m1f when a hurdles winner in 2006.

JILTED LOVER – Runner-up at a respectable distance to the useful Rydal Park in Huntington Hunter Chase in 2008 and has always stayed fairly well, but not as good since missing 2009 and has failed to finish in his last two outings; in the process of running a good race behind Teeton Bollinger over 4m last time before unseating two out but may find a couple of these too strong.

LORD FITZROY – Consistent sort last term in Points but a real plodder and has been out of form this season; tailed off last in this race last year and difficult to expect any better this time around.

TEETON BOLLINGER – Not the easiest of rides but comes into his own over marathon trips and defied mistakes to finish 12L second to a useful winner in this last year, shortly after winning the Fernie Four-Miler. Passed the post in front again at Dingley a couple of weeks ago but harshly (in this writer’s opinion) had it taken away from him in the stewards’ room. Not really one to be lumping on at a short price but this is a bad renewal and he is clearly the one to beat.

THE CAMERENGO – Unreliable sort who needs to dominate to be seen at his best; benefitted from fine rides from this pilot to win twice earlier this season and has since been placed over an alleged 4m2f; going well in the lead when carried out at Dingley last time but Teeton Bollinger was travelling well behind him and he would have done very well to ultimately finish in front of him. Has never raced under Rules but has place claims at least in an ordinary contest.

WEE FLY – Generally consistent performer in Ladies Opens for the last two seasons and relished every yard of the 4m trip at Flete Park when an all-the-way winner last time out. The form is only moderate but conditions are ideal and she is obvious short-list material.

Conclusion – Both The Camerengo and Wee Fly might want to lead here; this should set it all up for Teeton Bollinger who finished second in a stronger renewal last year. He can throw in the odd mistake but is the one they all have to beat if running anywhere near his best.

Folkestone Race 5

BADGER – Ultra consistent Pointer who has not finished out of the first two in his last five starts, winning twice, and kept up the good work when running the smart Lady Myfanwy to half a length (pair clear) at Kingston Blount last weekend; penalised for winning a chase at Fakenham last year and faces no easy task under top-weight, but hasn’t got a huge amount to find and looks sure to give it his best shot.

BLAZE AHEAD – Moderate and exposed chaser but made a decent start to his Hunter Chasing career, finishing five lengths behind Gentle George at Huntingdon before narrowly scoring over 2m6f at Towcester (good); well beaten twice subsequently including at Aintree but the return to a faster surface will suit and he looks a leading contender in this company.

KADOUNT – Mostly consistent in Hunter Chases and continued his good run of form at Fakenham when an easy winner of a four-runner affair last week (favourite ran a stinker); won the defunct 2m contest on this card two years ago so track no problem; the faster the ground the better and has strong claims, but has little in hand on a couple of these and the current price looks rather skinny.

AH COME ON TOM – Firm ground chase winner in Ireland a couple of years ago but Pointing form this season has been moderate and surprise if he were good enough to make an impact in this company.

BELUGA – Hauled over the line by McCoy to win a Leicester chase in 2008 but his only win since came in a desperate two-finisher Point restricted to has-beens at Tweseldown last month; beaten 100L in his sole previous Hunter Chase and impossible to fancy under the veteran owner in this company.

CELESTIAL DRAGON – Generally well held in Hunter Chases in the past, although he did finish a fair second to Itzacliche at Market Rasen last year; seemingly much improved having teamed up with this rider the last twice, winning a Tweseldown Intermediate and a Holnicote Club race. Has a bit to find on the best of his form but clearly in good heart, will handle conditions and no surprise if he runs well.

GUNNER BE QUICK – Landed a hat-trick last season but beaten at odds-on in an Open, flopped when fancied for a Hunter Chase and then ditched by the Crow yard; fairly consistent in Points this season including when second to Cape Stormer last time but the form is nothing special and still has a fair amount to prove over regulation fences.

HONOURABLE SPIDER – Beat no less a luminary as Sonevafushi over course/distance three years ago but was in the doldrums last season and pulled up in the 3m7f event on this card; has perked up significantly this season with three wins, but those successes have only come in fairly lowly company. Still has a bit to prove back in this grade and would not want the ground to get any quicker.

SORRY AL – Fairly decent chaser in Ireland up to 2009, albeit on a long losing run; onepaced and generally very easy to beat in Points this year; has a squeak on the best of his rules form but difficult to fancy at present.

Conclusion – Kadount is currently favourite but has nothing in hand on a couple of others in this race so his price looks rather skinny. Badger has done nothing wrong of late and looks an excellent each-way alternative.

Folkestone Race 6

PREDATEUR – Weak finisher over trips in excess of an extended 2m so doubts as to his effectiveness under these conditions; certainly has the class to take a hand but others likely to be finishing stronger at the business end.

OSCATELLO – Only had to show up to win at 1/9 at Leicester last year; was struggling with the handicapper otherwise and left the Hobbs yard at the end of last season. Dual winner at Trebudannon this season, albeit in weak races (Members and a 10yos and upwards contest) and faces a much stiffer task here. Conditions look fine.

CELTIC STAR – Has looked a waste of time in Points of late and finished 18L fourth of five finishers when achieving a first completion for two years last time; can’t be fancied.

GOLD HEART – Unable to win under Rules in this country and generally struggled with the handicapper, but has certainly found his level in South Eastern Points and his only defeat in five came when trying to give 7lbs to the useful Ambrosinni. Has been given a break since his latest facile success and will arrive here fresher than most; conditions suit and looks the one to beat.

KEEPTHEDREAMALIVE – Rated 128 at his peak but extremely uncompetitive under the veteran owner this season and finished last on his sole completion; clearly a non-stayer in Points but hard to know what ability, if any, he retains.

LATALANTA – Successful 2m3f hurdler on heavy and unsurprisingly struggles to stay in Points; flashes of his old ability this season and the drop back to this sort of trip will suit; debut over regulation fences but a big run at a huge price wouldn’t totally be out of the question.

MASTER T – No great shakes under Rules and his 14L fourth in this race last season about as good as he is; fairly consistent this term in Points but generally very easy to beat and prone to jumping slowly. Others make more appeal in this company.

MR TEE PEE – Won over course and distance for Alan Hill in February 2008 but became disappointing in professional races and was sold for a pittance at the end of last year; has won both his completed starts this season, notably when a 20L winner on good/firm at Penshurst last time out; conditions suit and respected for connections that like to do well here.

PORTLAND BILL – 139-rated chaser after his novice season but it all went pear shaped in 08/09 and ended up a non-finisher in four of his last five outings; fair placed efforts in Opens when completing this season but looks rather onepaced and likely to find things happening a bit too quickly over this trip.

REFLEX BLUE – Selling class performer under Rules and exposed as a moody and moderate Pointer whose only two successes have come in his Members; finished last in the two miler on this card last year.

Conclusion – A tricky finale but Gold Heart is on a roll and looks the one to beat on recent evidence; he comes here fresher than most and makes more appeal than the likes of Predateur and Oscatello. Mr Tee Pee seems revitalised of late and is an each-way option.