26 May 2010 Preview: Berks & Bucks Draghounds - Kingston Blount
by Claire Hart
The Berks and Bucks Draghounds host their Point-to Point this Sunday 30th May at Kingston Blount which can be found just off the M40 at Junction 6, postcode OX49 5FH. There will be 6 races with the first at 2.30pm.
With the competition really hotting up at the head of the Mens championship it will be an exciting day if Richard Woollacotts' entered mounts take their chances, Whizzaar and Sheriff Roscoe both have an entry in the Mens Open and it would be no surprise to see either helping him to keep his lead. However strong opposition is likely; Alan Hill has two entries, Bon Accord and More Trouble, and though it would be a surprise to see them both run, either is sure to have a winning chance.
Even as the season nears an end there is no lack of quality and the Ladies Open is an example of this, with 23 entered it will be a fast run competitive race. Last year's winner Mysaynoway clearly likes it here having won the Southern Grand National here in April, it will be interesting to see how she fairs under a feather weight back in this company. No task is an easy one, and others to note with a liking to this course are Avesomeofthat and Balladeer. The Ruckers' duo Petit Lord and Honest Endeavour are ultra-consistent performers and either of them could take honours here.
Dun Shah is another intended mount for Mens title leader Woollacott and he is entered in the Restricted, others hoping to follow up Maiden wins are Condarian, Madam Molly - a winner here 3 weeks ago - and Karingabay Queen, who has been placed second in an Intermediate since her Maiden win at Tweseldown in April.
The 2m5f Maiden has 16 entries and there are a handful of consistent sorts here. The could be the Pete Mann ridden Showman, who has been placed second and third this season behind useful types, last time here behind Turtlethomas. Opposing him could be Phil York's Lord Brownlow who has also been knocking on the door in this type of race, with placings at Upton and Peper Harow, or Grand Silence, who has similar credentials.
The Henry Kinchen ridden Jolt really deserves to win his Maiden, following consistent placings throughout the campaign the three mile contest looks to be within his grasp, however Karen Lawther's Caught In Time who was only beaten a whisker at Ashorne three weeks ago also ought to go close. Another Puzzle has been consistent too; any of these should go close in the final race of the day.
Before racing there will be two Pony races and during racing some Hound racing.
Admission costs are from £12 upwards with a varying choice of parking.
