Folkswood turns Appleby luck

Charlie Appleby, after experiencing a couple of luckless runs earlier during the evening of February 9 at Meydan, was on the mark with Folkswood in the concluding Jaguar F-Type Handicap.

The four-year-old travelled nicely as a close second of the 14 runners before Colm O’Donoghue sent him into a clear lead two furlongs from home.

The son of Exceed And Excel was never challenged and won the nine-furlong turf contest decisively by two lengths from Elleval in 1m 49.52s.

Charlie Appleby commented: “Folkswood came on for his first outing this year and soon put the race to bed.

“I didn’t think it was going to be my night after Emotionless and Flash Fire went so close, but the horses are continuing to run well.”

Colm O’Donoghue added: “Folkswood improved from his first start, when he was a good second to Artigiano.

“He felt really good tonight. He moved well, travelled smoothly and settled into a nice position. The team had him in great form and it was a good performance.

“Folkswood is a laid-back character, so hopefully there is plenty more in the tank. He gets into a good rhythm, settles and is adaptable.

“He is also very genuine, very tough and the trip wasn’t going to be a problem for him.”