Midweek Talking Turf - July 21st 2011 - Epsom Downs and Folkestone

After a scintillating week of racing, climaxing in a dramatic last gasp victory for Blue Blunting in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh, come down to earth on Thursday, with evening meetings at Folkestone and Epsom. Another tough set of cards but nothing of a better standard than class four.

Our first selection is on the Downs at Epsom, where former champion jockey Ryan Moore goes for his boss, Sir Michael Stoute, with an interesting book of rides. His best chance looks to be on a promising daughter of Pivotal named REGAL HEIRESS, who runs in the 7.45 race.

She has shown good promise in two starts, running over 7 and 8 furlongs. On Thursday she runs over 10, which should, on pedigree, be a big benefit. In her most recent outing, the filly finished five lengths third behind the Roger Varian trained Nahrain, who in her next two starts has won a handicap and a listed race, both with relative ease. Given that Stoute’s horses usually come on for the run, she should be too good for this relatively modest field.

Our remaining selections are from Folkestone both in competitive handicaps. The first horse is the nap for the week, PEARL BLUE in the 7.35. The Charlie Wall trained filly has been very well treated and appears extremely progressive. She finished third on her seasonal reappearance, before going on to win on her debut in handicap company by a very easy five lengths. The form looks absolutely rock solid, with the second and fourth horses that day both coming out and winning a handicap on their next start. There looks to be a lot more to come, and she will be very difficult to beat.

Our final selection runs in the opener, where AVON SUPREME makes her debut in handicap company. She looks to have been dropped in off a very handy mark. Another filly who looks to have been well laid out by trainer Gay Kelleway, last season running in two maidens, finishing fifth and third, with clear improvement from races after looking very green on her debut. In her first run this season, she finished third of 6, 11 lengths away, but was very patiently ridden. Stepping up to 7 furlongs from 5 and 6 in maidens should benefit and the trainer has a good record at the course. She can hopefully add to it here.

Folkestone 7:35 – Pearl Blue (Nap)

Folkestone 6:00 – Avon Supreme

Epsom 7:45 – Regal Heiress

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner