25 November 2008 Preview: Black Forest Club - Black Forest Lodge
LITTLE ED: takes on a quality field including some exciting newcomers in the Mixed Open
An exciting start to a new season of Point-to-Point racing is in store when the excellent viewing course at Black Forest Lodge, near Exeter, hosts the Black Forest Club fixture this Sunday (30th November).
Don't worry about Sunday lunch as a hog roast is on offer, with trade stands making Christmas shopping easy for the family.
Racing gets under way at 11.30am with the first of seven competitive races on a card that has attracted a total entry of 126 horses from far and wide.
Welsh trained Pointers never seem to leave this meeting empty handed, and they will be straight into action in the first of the two-and-a-half mile Maidens. Despite his Irish sounding name, Its Danny Boy represents the powerful South Wales yard of David Brace, and this 5-year-old showed promise in his two runs under rules last month. He will have the capable assistance of Nick Williams. Lelie Jefford's 4-year-old Golden Benefit may prove best of the home contingent, with Earvee and Inching West also coming into the reckoning.
Warwickshire based Fred Hutsby plans one of his regular raids on this track and his ex-Irish gelding Mister Tibbs will be fancied for the second maiden. Welsh hopes for this event rest on Pathian Prince who ran well in a Ludlow bumper last month. Lucy Gardner partners Mr Dass, runner up to the useful Tot of the Knar over hurdles in the summer.
Farnogue can complete a double for David Brace in the third section. This 5-year-old was placed in an Irish maiden last season and can hold Hogan Knows Best who was a decent third at Bratton in May under Ben Robarts.
The 31 entries for the Mixed Open include several with form under rules. Burntoakboy won the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in 2007 and finished 3rd in the Kim Muir this March. Albuhera, All in the Stars, and Mister Flint are others stepping into Pointing, as is bumper winner King of the Jungle, who has joined Camilla Scott. Fool on the Hill is the intended mount of Di Hobbs, but the best Pointing form is held by Little Ed who won 8 races last year for trainer Robert Scrine and jockey Rhys Hughes.
Fred Hutsby won the Restricted at this meeting last year and is represented by the mare Campden Society this time. The lightly raced Lord Goshen, Howdy Cloud and Ryeman look the main dangers. Watching Football is an interesting nomination from Ashley Farrant's yard in the Novice Riders' event, in which Paul John rides course winner The Quarry Man for Richard Woollacott.
The concluding maiden has 20 entries including Polly Gundry's previously unraced Labarynth. Royal Gemstone, Premier Flight and Up in the Sky look best of the others.
A trophy will be presented to the leading trainer on the day in memory of long standing Point-to-Point supporter Gerry Probert, who passed away earlier this year.
Admission costs £20 per car with single occupants reduced to £10. The course is located only 6 miles off the end of the M5, between the A380 and Starcross, and the web site www.bflracing.com has full travel details.
