News

BLAZING WHALE: will be a popular winner if landing the Restricted
photo: Tim Holt

There may have been a shortage of runners at some fixtures in recent weeks, but the always well-prepared course at Woodford is hoping for a good turnout at the Berkeley Point-to-Point meeting on Saturday afternoon.

For the first time in a number of years, local trainer Dick Baimbridge will not have a runner in the Members, but there could still be an appropriate winner because Rocklandslad is owned by David and Lynne Cullimore who farm over part of the course. His jumping can be unpredictable at times, but his form is head and shoulders above the likes of Blues Baby Daisey who was a fortunate winner at Chaddesley earlier in the season.

Nancy Roby had one outing in 2010 when he was pulled up after two miles. He has no chance if that form is taken at face value but the stable has a good record with young horses so it would not be a major surprise if this one got his head in front.

Firth Of Forth used to be trained by Jonjo O'Neill for whom he won a couple of chases in 2008 and 2009. On that form he has to be given a chance against this type of rival but did not make the frame for Ken Phelps' stable earlier in the year.

The ground obviously holds the key to which horses turn up for the Mixed Open. Bon Accord and Cedrus Libani catch the eye and it would really be an intriguing race if Double Mead met his engagement. He has an exemplary record in Hunter Chases, while Overlut and Serinica will not be going there just to make up the numbers.

Local hopes rest with Just Talking from Julie Houldey's stable at North Nibley, but all eyes will be on Dualla Lord from Richard Barber's Dorset yard. This youngster has built up an impressive record in 2011, but we will have a far better idea of his future potential if he beats some of these horses.

Fergal O'Brien won the Intermediate last year and will be hoping that Gemini Ahhs can repeat that success 12 months later. Others to note include Fredwal, New Series and Ruud Revenge.

Polly Gundry recently retired from riding after a long and very successful career between the flags. She was raised in the Berkeley country so there will be plenty of local support for Blazing Whale, who is trained by her partner Ed Walker, in the Restricted.

Back to Top