17 March 2009 Preview: Hurworth - Hutton Rudby
The Hurworth Hunt holds its Point-to-Point this Saturday and has attracted 124 entries. 36 of these are in the Maiden race which has resulted in the race being divided. Racing commences at 1pm.
The Hunt Members race starts the day and the Tutty team, who usually have a strong hand, have 4 entries. Blandings Castle, who won well at Charm Park to beat Encore Cadoudal, looks the one to beat. Baron Romeo has an outsider's chance, however Fox Point, who has run some good races for Pat Haslam under Rules, could be the danger to the Tutty team.
The Restricted has 17 potential runners. Chancery Lad won well at Witton Castle, while Amalfi Storm looked as though he could pick up a race of this sort when finishing runner up to the useful looking Eliza Doalott, and Rich Hill is a recent Dalton Park winner. Phenix Jack was hugely impressive at Charm Park, however it is unsure whether this track will play to his trail blazing tactics. The hugely consistent Elusive Swallow, who ran the highly touted My Old Piano all the way to the line at Charm Park can win.
The Ladies Open is next up. Cadoulitique ran a good 3rd on his debut for Tina Jackson in a Hunter Chase lately, Cop Howe disappointed at Charm Park but clearly has the ability, and may be hoping for softer conditions. Gabor could have a say if willing, whilst Jimmy's Duky continued to improve when winning a Duncombe Park Ladies race where she had Fairy Skin Maker in second. Maddison De Vonnas would have a say on his best form, whilst One Five Eight, Plutocrat, and Wilfie Wild look as though they may be returning to something of their old form. However the hugely progressive Sea Scout, who won this race last year where he beat Fiori, will take all the beating.
The Mens Open looks to be dominated by the Easterby and Greenall team, with it hard to look past Unjust Law, Holy Joe, Le Passing and Network Oscar who were all very good horses under rules. It's hard to know which horses will take part, however Network Oscar looks the best of these four classy horses.
The Confined has 22 entries. Le Passing could be the best horse but suspicions suggest he does not truly get three miles, whilst Lou Du Moulin Mas was revitalised by blinkers last time and could be the danger if he wants to be. Shanteen Lass, Queenies Girl and Wilfie Wild could all have each way claims on their best form, but Keen Whip, who won his Restricted well and has been very unfortunate since, can be given another chance at a big price as he continues to improve.
Division One of the Maiden looks an open event with several of these coming from under Rules. Diamond Alice was well backed on her debut and should be watched, Apollo Saturn Five is one to watch in the market for the Easterby team, Watermill has moderate form but could be an each way shot, but the race looks as though it can go to Another Jameson, who has been placed on five occasions under Rules and has been unlucky not to win.
Division Two looks much the more competitive race, with the Easterby team having entered Special Portrait, who has little experience of racing, plus Wantage Road and Snake Rave. Overjoyed looks the each-way option and could run well, Calapocus is an improver and has a chance, however Snake Rave, who chased home the useful looking Fli Mi Son, at Charm Park looks the one to beat.
