The welcome return of Noland is the highspot on today's Folkestone card. He has always looked the type to jump fences and is an understandably short price for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival -- but the news this morning is that owner John Hales does not want Noland to run at Cheltenham as a novice. Hales, of course, also owned Granit Jack, killed in a fall at the second-last on Cheltenham's Old Course in November, and Noland would have to jump that same fence if taking part in the Arkle. But whatever the future holds, he adds some glitter to this overcast Monday.
Nor is Noland the only fascinating contender on the Folkestone card. Dave's Dream, who beat the useful Carruthers in a Uttoxeter bumper on his only start, Aux Le Bahnn and former smart Flat winner Quizzene are all interesting prospects in the novice hurdle events.
The 11-year-old Red Ensign (4.10) has no Cheltenham aspirations, but he is worth a bet in the conditional jockeys' handicap chase. Red Ensign ran well for a long way when fourth behind Air Force One over 3m1f here last time. He had no chance with the well-regarded winner on level weights but this contest, run over a shorter trip, provides a suitable opening. Shardakhan, six lengths behind Red Ensign last time, has since come out and won a Kempton handicap chase.
Najca De Thaix (3.40) has run his best races since teamed up with Andrew Thornton and the combination can follow up their recent course and distance win. Emma Lavelle's mudlark forged clear from the last flight to score by five lengths. He's up another 5lb in the ratings but looks the one to beat with conditions in his favour.
Seb Sanders can keep his followers happy with success on Given A Choice (3.30) at Wolverhampton. The six-year-old reverts to claiming company after finishing a good third behind Alonso De Guzman in a handicap over this course and distance last week.
2.45pm Noland wins easily
. . . and is now 8-1 for the Arkle with Totesport. Connections are apparently pouring cold water on this morning's report that his owner doesn't want him to run at Cheltenham. The plan is apparently to go for the Kingmaker at Warwick on Feb 9 and the Arkle remains a live target after that.
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