News

Pete Mansell previews this weekend's Albrighton meeting at Chaddesley Corbett.

Chaddesley Corbett has now established itself as one of the premier Point-to-Point courses in the country.

The Albrighton moved to the Worcestershire venue last year and they have reaped the benefit of that decision with 202 Entries received for this Sunday's meeting.

It is nearly seven weeks since the last fixture and extensive efforts have been made in course restoration.

Robert Chugg's Little Lodge Farm at Broughton Green near Droitwich has a record second to none when it comes to the rearing and production of top class National Hunt horses.

His homebred six-year-old mare Gioiello almost made a successful racecourse debut at Dunthrop a month ago and only inexperience on the run in proved her downfall. Hindlip Rider Tom Weston is in top form at the moment and that is another plus in the mare's favour. With that previous experience behind her she looks worthy of support in the 48-strong Open Maiden, which opens proceedings at 12.00noon. With that number of Entries this race looks sure to be divided on the day.

Cavite Eta comes from a successful stable so it would be unwise to ignore his chances, while others to note in this contest include Gallant Lad, Posh Trip and Marshal Zhukov.

Up There finished second in the Mens Open in 2010 but has the chance to go one better on Sunday, although Simon Sherwood's Bromyard stable seems to hold the key to his contest with Posh Dude or Darkness.

The former has already been successful between the flags this year, whereas Darkness has spent time on the sidelines. Prior to that he was a top class performer under Rules and must go close if anywhere near his best.

The stable selection will not have things all their own way with horses of the calibre of Jaunty Times, My Way de Solzen, Overlut and Ruairi amongst the opposition.

William Twiston-Davies has been making a name for himself under Rules but could land another success with Naunton Brook who has yet to be fully extended in two victories this year.

Himbleton Owner Katherine Smith Maxwell will be hoping that either Double Mead or Picaroon proves good enough to take the Ladies Open.

The former had a successful career under Rules for Kim Bailey, as did the latter with Tim Vaughan before being transferred to Abbi Vaughan. His success at Wadebridge earlier in the season marks him down as a horse to follow.

Potential opponents include last year's winner Mad Victor, who beat three rivals in 2010, Killard Point, course winner Mr Cee and Sykee Savage.

The Restricted could go the way of Theresa Morris's Rushock-trained Cones and if he finishes in front of Gemini Ahhs and Lemonfield he is sure to go close.

There is a good crop of Novice jockeys around this year and this could see a clash between the aforementioned William Twiston-Davies on Naunton Brook and James Ridley and Mister Kay Bee in the Novice Riders. The former finished in front of Wickford when they last met but Chaddesley is a different course and could be in the latter's favour. Christy Beamish is getting a bit long in the tooth now and has always made one or two mistakes during a race and that will test the ability of his Rider.

Victor Bravo ran well for a long way at Whitwick last weekend and he could reappear in the Open Maiden. Kidderminster trainer Helen Needham likes to have a winner on her home course but her charge will do well to beat Catch the Wing, Prof de L'Isle and Performance Review.

Glidewell won the Members last year and will be fancied to do so again on Sunday but Entries Secretary Caroline Robinson may have something to say about that if she saddles Shales Army.

To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.

_{*Service provided by Bluetogreen Ltd LS7 1PZ, company wholly independent of Weatherbys Ltd. Calls charged at 60p/min. Charges from non BT lines & mobiles may be higher. Terms & conditions at bluetogreen.co.uk. Customer Support Line 0844 993 0298.}

Back to Top