06 May 2008 Bilsdale - Easingwold
Culbann: the selection in the opening Members race
The Bilsdale Point-to-Point at Easingwold on Saturday has received a very respectable 144 entries for the 7 race card starting at 2.00pm.
The first race is the Members race, and of the 7 entered is last year's winner, Rushing Again, who has been running consistently this year; River Trapper stayed on well to be 5th in a competitive Confined at the last Easingwold meeting, but Culbann, who got of the mark with an easy Maiden win at the same meeting, can follow up.
The young horse Maiden has the largest entry of 34. Poppy Day will be all the better for his run at Heslaker when finishing a close 3rd; the front running Hello Noddy will set a strong pace and will be there at the finish; Jabo has been in the frame 3 times already this year; but Crow Spinney, who looked a certain future winner when finishing 2nd on his debut at Mordon, can win for Oliver Greenall.
A new race on the Bilsdale card is the PPORA Novice Riders race which has attracted 16 entries. Toby Greenall will have the ride on recent Pendle winner The Fairhill Boy; Monte Cristo will not be far away for Charlie Johnston; but Be The Tops, who was narrowly touched of when a fast finishing 2nd in the York & Ainsty Ladies' Open, can give Emma Dwyer her 1st winner.
The Open race is of the mixed variety, and sees Glenelly Gale, who never runs a bad race, amongst the entries, Over To Joe ran his best race ever when chasing home Network Oscar last time, but Sedgefield hunter chase winner Benwell, who was unlucky last time when falling at the 3rd last when sure to have been in the first two home, can win for John Dawson.
Bow School can carry on owner Eric Brook's great season with victory in the Confined. The Restricted looks very competitive with several recent winners amongst the 24 entered. Out To Lunch was just touched off at the last Easingwold meeting when finishing 2nd; Jimmys Duky is a class above these and has been 3rd twice in Ladies' Opens; but Malton, who chased home his stable companion last time, looked to be returning to form and can win.
Amongst those entered in the Open Maiden are Lewesdon Duchess, who fell at the 3rd last when disputing the lead on her last run, who will not be far away; Nina Chester, who stayed on well to take 2nd last time; and Pinnacle Ridge, who made all in the York & Ainsty Members and was only just touched of by Gabor, who can win for Rachel Clark.
Selections: Members - Culbann; Young Horse Maiden - Crow Spinney; PPORA Novice Riders - Be The Tops; Mixed Open - Benwell; Confined - Bow School; Restricted - Malton; Open Maiden - Pinnacle Ridge
