Racecards
13:00 Folkestone
European Breeders Fund 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) (Class E)
- 10 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft, Soft in places
- Form 3P0-11
- Age 5
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer M Pitman
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
made all, mistake 2nd, not fluent 3rd, in command after 2 out, stayed on well flat
Apollo Theatre
260- Form 533-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer R Rowe
- Jockey M Bradburne
tracked leaders, chased winner 4th, mistake next, mistake and lost 2nd, 2 out, soon weakened
Balkirk
11- Form 3PP-PP3
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Mrs H Bridges
- Jockey Dave Crosse
chased winner until mistake 4th, weakened 6th, tailed off
- Form 000-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer J R Jenkins
- Jockey T Bailey
always in rear, turned off 3 out
- Form 00-5
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Miss A M Newton-Smith
- Jockey C Bolger
tracked leaders until weakened approaching 2 out
- Age 4
- Weight 11-0
unseated rider and bolted before start, behind, mistake 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before last
Master Jed (IRE)
256- Form 06-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer J Old
- Jockey L P Aspell
mistakes, in touch, mistake 3rd and 4th, mistake and lost touch 5th, tailed off and pulled up before last
- Form 45-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
in touch, effort to chase winner soon after 2 out, soon ridden and no impression before last
Percipient
13- Form 5-0
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer D R Gandolfo
- Jockey T Doyle
held up and always in rear, tailed off 3 out
- Form 0P-P
- Age 6
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer Miss Z Davison
- Jockey R Lucey-Butler
held up and always in rear, struggling and tailed off 3 out
In depth
Verdict
The Mark Pitman-trained Dempsey is developing into a useful performer and he should take a race like this in his stride. However, his profile is sure to be reflected in his price and it will take a huge stake to break the bank with him today. Apollo Theatre and Party Games are others to watch out for with regard to the future and are bred to make an impact when they have a little more experience. So too is Master Jed, who makes his debut over hurdles this afternoon. But it will take a good one to get the better of Dempsey and he should add to his earlier course and distance success with the minimum of fuss today.