Long journey for Westow's Paul Midgley (From York Press)

Long journey for Westow's Paul Midgley

11:36am Saturday 1st September 2012 in Sport

Miles don’t matter when there’s the prospect of a winning opportunity, a fact highlighted by Paul Midgley, who is set to make a rare challenge at Folkestone from his Westow base tomorrow.

It’s a 540-mile round trip, so it’s to be hoped Celtic Sultan can justify his long journey by winning the Dover Selling Stakes.

Although the eight-year-old has struggled to get his head in front this season, he has run decent races in defeat, not least when second to Karaka Jack in a competitive handicap at Doncaster in April. Sixth at Redcar on his latest start, Celtic Sultan takes a drop in class here and is fancied to oblige with Micky Fenton, a regular rider for the stable, aboard.

Paul Hanagan is also likely to figure. The former Malton jockey, now based in Newmarket, has good prospects aboard Shebibi and Khazeena.

Trained by John Dunlop in Sussex, Shebibi has had just two outings to date. Very green on debut at Newmarket when he lost all chance at the start, he shaped lots better at Leicester when third in maiden company. There should be more to come and the Dave Kenneth Gisby Memorial Maiden Stakes looks a good opportunity for him to get off the mark.

Khazeena runs in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing Fillies’ Handicap.

Trained by William Haggas, who enjoyed such a good Ebor Festival , the three-year-old was a decisive winner at Lingfield last time, a success not gained out of turn after a series of respectable displays and Khazeena is napped to follow-up.

RACING selections

Folkestone (tomorrow)
2.00 King’s Future, 2.30 Shebebi, 3.00 Celtic Sultan, 3.30 Rambo Will, 4.00 Cut No Ice, 4.30 Hesperides, 5.00 Khazeena (NAP).

Tomorrow’s other meeting: Newton Abbot.

Today’s meetings: Bath, Beverley, Chester, Market Rasen, Newton Abbot and Sandown.