26 May 2011 Preview: Berks & Bucks Draghounds - Kingston Blount
by Laura Ellis
BRIERY STAR: A first run in Open company could be on the cards for the Area's leading mare
photo: Jackie Oliver
The South Midlands Area 2011 season will culminate on Sunday at Kingston Blount. Racing will break halfway through the day for the Berks and Bucks Draghounds to head to post for their own hound race, which historically has always provided an exciting addition to the six scheduled races.
Racing will open at 2pm with the Hunt Members, which has attracted eight entries and must surely lie between Caught In Time, winning three already this season - including his Maiden and an Intermediate at Kingston Blount- and To The Top, who is a course and distance winner previously. Phil York should take the ride on Caught In Time and will be keen to add to his winning tally in a bid to claim the Mens' National Title this year. Just Standeese, also a winner this season, is worthy a mention and Sky Hole could run into a place.
The Mens Open has attracted 12 high quality entries, and several are worthy of a mention. Enter Paradise is yet to finish out of the frame this season, winning his last three; local raider Start Royal claimed the Mens Open at the last meeting at Kingston Blount earlier in the month, and similarly course/distance winner More Trouble, a beaten favourite at Kingston previously, would hope to go one better this time. Also worthy of a mention is The Camerengo, Ned The Post and Major Euro who Will Telfer has enjoyed a good season with so far and would hope to add to his South Midlands points in a bid to maintain his lead in the South Midlands Mens' Title.
The Ladies Open has attracted a large field of 16; Balladeer claimed the Ladies Open at Kingston earlier this month and should have every chance of going close again. The leading Mare for the area, Briery Star, has progressed through the ranks quickly this season and whilst facing another question in this step up in class should make the frame at least and add to her Area points. Delightful Cliche has won two Ladies Opens already this season under Gina Andrews and could well be the one to beat; similarly Ocean Du Moulin, a course and distance winner this season, could follow up on his Confined win earlier this season.
Eleven have entered the Restricted and Arniecoco would hope to follow up on his Maiden win at Higham last time for Gina Andrews. Bob's Temptation could follow up quickly on his win at Whitfield earlier in the month, as could Mister Cee Jay, who has always been consistent and finally broke his duck at the Kingston Blount meeting earlier in the month and whilst it would appear Emily Harbour has gained an unassailable lead in the South Midlands Area title, she would hope to add to her points.
Kingston Blount is situated just off Junction 6 M40 on the B4009 towards Chinor, postcode OX39 4SG. Six races are scheduled, the first at 2pm, with pony racing afterwards to round up the action.
Admission charges are £25, £20 and £12 for car parks, £5 for pedestrians.
