Folkswood & Tamleek go for G3 success at Chester

Consistent four-year-old Folkswood and impressive maiden winner Tamleek both head to Chester, UK, on Thursday, May 11, in search of a first G3 victory. 

Folkswood (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) runs in the extended 10-furlong Huxley Stakes (14.35hrs local time) following a string of fine efforts so far this year, most recently when going down by a half a length in the G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes over nine furlongs at Newmarket on April 19. 

The son of Exceed and Excel, who has only finished out of the frame once in 10 starts, was beaten a neck in the nine-furlong G1 Jebel Hatta Sponsored By Emirates Airlines at Meydan, UAE, on March 4 and readily won a handicap over the same course and distance on February 9.  

His five rivals in the Huxley Stakes include US G1 scorer Deauville, G3 winner Royal Artillery and progressive handicap victor Poet's World. 

Charlie Appleby commented: “I was pleased with Folkswood’s run in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes, when he translated his good form in Dubai back to the UK. 

“He came out of that race well and I expect the track and conditions at Chester to suit.”

Three-year-old Tamleek (Saeed bin Suroor/Jim Crowley) races over an extended 12 furlongs for the first time in the Chester Vase (15.35hrs), a recognised trial for the G1 Derby at Epsom Downs on June 3 in which he holds an entry.

The Hard Spun colt was third on debut over a mile at Yarmouth in October and made an exciting return to action when quickening clear to score by four lengths in a 10-furlong maiden at Newmarket on April 20. 

The field of eight for the Chester Vase also features G2 Royal Lodge Stakes runner-up The Anvil and recent G3 winner Cunco. 

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Tamleek won well at Newmarket and has been working nicely. 

"This is another step forward and will tell us which direction to take in the future with him.”