A Day to Remember Down in Kent
Well now, what a card they served up at Folkestone today! Seven races of proper quality flat action that had everything from Listed company to competitive handicaps that would test the sharpest of punting minds. The good ground played fair all afternoon, and by God, we saw some performances that'll have the notebook working overtime.
The feature Listed races were the real jewels in the crown today, but don't be fooled into thinking the supporting cast were just making up the numbers. This was a Folkestone racecard with genuine depth, the sort that separates the wheat from the chaff and gives us plenty to chew over for the weeks ahead.
Saxon Street Shows His Class in the Cocked Hat
The British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes was the afternoon's standout affair, and Saxon Street looked every inch the 105-rated performer he is on paper. Benoit de la Sayette gave him a peach of a ride over the extended mile and three, and the way this fellow picked up in the final furlong suggests there's more to come.
But here's the thing that caught my eye - Golden Story ran a blinder in behind under Pierre-Louis Jamin. That horse is crying out for a step up in trip, and at a rating of 97, he's going to be competitive wherever he rocks up next. Mark my words, when connections find the right race over a mile and a half, he'll be hard to beat.
Command The Stars didn't disgrace himself either, and Hector Crouch had him traveling sweetly for a long way. The 92 rating might be doing him a disservice - this one's progressive and could easily find himself in Group company before the season's out.
Handicap Highlights and Future Stars
The opening Fitzdares Harroways Handicap was a proper cavalry charge over seven furlongs, and what a field they assembled! Pathein carrying top weight at 103 was always going to be in the thick of it with Pat Dobbs aboard, but the value was lurking further down the weights.
Richie's Rocket caught my attention something fierce. Rated 96 and with Hector Crouch in the saddle, this fellow has been knocking on the door in similar company. The way he traveled through the race suggests he's ready to take that next step up the ladder. Keep him on your radar for the summer festivals.
Down at the other end of the card, that 5f handicap might have been Class 4, but it was competitive as anything. Riley Rocks and One And Gone both rated 78 were the market leaders, but I had my eye on Wedonttelllies with Saffie Osborne up. That combination has been clicking lately, and this mare has been running consistently above her 77 rating.
Fillies' Action Provides Future Pointers
The maiden fillies' stakes over six furlongs was one of those races that'll make more sense in six months' time when we see where these lasses end up. Wondervision with Tom Marquand caught the eye in the market, and anything this yard sends out unraced deserves respect.
But it was the Height of Fashion Stakes that really got the juices flowing. Inis Mor at a rating of 101 was the class act in the field, but Just Call Me Angel looked ready to announce herself as a proper player in this division. David Probert knows this filly inside out, and the 98 rating might be conservative if she's improved over the winter.
The restricted novice stakes for fillies was another race dripping with potential. Cixi has already shown enough to earn a 74 rating, but the unraced runners could easily upset the apple cart. Evening Fades with Tom Marquand is one to keep a close eye on - that's a jockey-trainer combination that doesn't often get it wrong with the newcomers.
The Marathon Test Sorts Them Out
The mile and six furlong handicap was the day's stamina test, and what a proper contest it shaped up to be. Hipop de Loire at the top of the weights with a 105 rating had Pat Cosgrave for company, and that's a combination that's been in flying form lately.
But the value play here was Align The Stars with Saffie Osborne. Rated 98 and clearly well thought of by connections, this horse has the profile of one that could easily outrun his mark. The step up to this extended trip looked like it would suit, and these staying handicaps often throw up surprises.
Moon Over Miami was another that caught my fancy. Hector Crouch in the saddle and a rating of 92 that could prove lenient if the horse has trained on from last season. These are the sorts of horses that can make your summer if you catch them at the right time.
Looking Ahead - Where Next for the Stars?
This was the sort of card that throws up plenty of future winners, and the smart money will be following several of these performers through the coming weeks. Saxon Street looks destined for bigger things, possibly a tilt at some of the better middle-distance prizes at the summer meetings.
The handicappers from today's card will be scattered to the four winds - Royal Ascot, Goodwood, York - and several of them look well treated enough to make their mark at the highest level. Richie's Rocket in particular has the profile of a horse that could surprise a few people if he rocks up at one of the big festivals.
All in all, Folkestone served up a proper feast today. The sort of card that reminds you why flat racing at this level is such compelling viewing. Class, competitiveness, and enough future stars to keep us busy for the rest of the season. Days like this are why we love the game, and why a Saturday afternoon at the races beats anything else you could be doing with your time.
