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MOMENT PRESENT: Looks hard to beat after his win in the Mens Open at Corbridge
photo: Grace Beresford

The York and Ainsty hold their meeting this Easter Sunday at Easingwold- the only hunt in the country to stage their meeting on this date.

The first race is the Hunt Members race, and one who may attempt for back to back successes is Glad Star. Trained locally by Steven Clark, she could go well on level weights this year. The yard may also run New Wish, a former hurdler under rules. Recent winner Dark Knight will need to improve further even though this is another modest event; Moment Present was the ready winner of the Mens Open at Corbridge and rated 110 under rules will be very hard to beat. Dead Ringa could improve further and take a place.
Selection - Moment Present

The second race is the younger horse Open Maiden. Arlington House was going well until unseating recently and will appreciate this track, Bellapais Abbey was an eye catching newcomer at Charm Park and is worth noting, and though Pavanne has been placed in hurdles and once on the flat, it is yet to be seen whether his stamina will hold out here. Alfoisin can improve further after a respectable run last time, whilst Lord Luso was narrowly defeated after showing his first signs of form at Whitwell. Threadneedle Gun was just touched off at the Hurworth and should go very close again, Fire In Cairo ran his best race here back in 2009 when only two lengths third, and Winter Sunshine is out of Carlingford Lakes who won four times under rules, and should improve for his debut.
Selection - Bellapais Abbey

The third race is the Ladies Open and recent winner Blandings Castle could reappear after an emphatic success at the Bedale and will take all the beating on a track that should play further to his strengths. Canada Street stays very well and is knocking on the door, Forsomeonelikeyou was impressive at the Sinnington and is one to note. I See A Star was just ahead of likely contender Madison De Vonnas last time out, but a much improved effort can be expected from that runner. Quechua De Obeaux came back to form recently and can also have a say.
Selection - Blandings Castle

The Mens Open has attracted some useful performers, one of which is Oedipe who has recorded three victories this season, and another is Sea Senor, who will be hard to catch round this sharp track and looks my idea of the winner. Crozan and Harmony Brig both stay very well but would need to be at their best round here, whilst L'Oudon put up a devastating performance recently and Nigel Tutty has his horses in excellent form. Over To Joe always runs a good race here but a place could be his best chance.
Selection - Sea Senor

The Restricted race looks a good contest; winning Point-to-Point debutant On Holiday is a possible runner and if overcoming recent setbacks could go close. Oriel Bank confirmed his early promise at Sheriff Hutton by winning at Whitwell recently, and this sounder surface could find further improvement, whilst Devils And Dust was the ready winner of a weak hunt race recently, so it is hard to know what he achieved. Dark Knight and Arty Farmer will both need to improve on their recent wins to take a hand here, along with Next Girl who has not progressed from an impressive performance at the Sinnington and may be one who prefers a test of stamina. Taras Joy was narrowly defeated recently so should go close again, along with Silk And Roses who ended a frustrating string of place efforts lately to win with a bit in hand at Mordon; fast ground and an easy track should suit him.
Selection - Oriel Bank

The Confined race sees several horses trying this company for the first time. Brother Mark, Jabo, Bitter Blue and Forsomeonelikeyou all won their last races, the latter two looking the most progressive, with Bitter Blue possibly been the hardest to beat. Finney was a modest third lately, and I See A Star showed some useful form at the Bedale where he stayed on nicely so a repeat of that could give him a say. The Stickler would have a chance on firm going, whilst Thistle and Unjust Law could have a say at their best. Knoxhille Archie comes to form this time of year and could run well at a very big price.
Selection - Knoxhill Archie

The Open Maiden ends the day. Blaney Bouncer showed some ability last season but put up a modest effort recently, and though Buckshaw is extremely consistent, struggles to get his head in front and another place may be his best chance. Jumeira Jane has some useful form to her name when running in bumpers for Sue Smith, whilst My Clementine showed a decent display at the Holderness meeting with several useful types in behind and could be one to note. My Miss Lucy has possibly the best pedigree of all the newcomers and is one to take note of, especially from a yard who can ready one first time. Never Forget Poppy will appreciate some cut in the ground and an improved effort should be expected. Sprout ran a nice race on his return at the Hurworth and then further more improved nicely when staying on in third behind Oriel Bank; looks one who can do very well.
Selection - Sprout

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