Go for a Palace pay-off

IT could pay to follow Zabeel Palace in the Smith and Williamson Novices’ Hurdle at Folkestone today.

Rated 83 when completing a handicap double on the Flat by winning over 10 furlongs at Pontefract in July 2005, the then David Loder-trained son of Grand Lodge was transferred to Sheikh Mohammed’s powerful Godolphin team – but failed to reach the expected standard.

His most recent effort at Windsor in October showed he retained some ability, however, and there must be an excellent chance of him making a winning debut over timber for shrewd trainer Barney Curley.