02 February 2010 Preview: Cambridge University Draghounds - Cottenham
by James Crispe
Big Moment and Petit Lord, first and second in the two Ladies Open races held at Cottenham so far this season, are set to cross swords anew at the Cambridge University Draghounds meeting at the Cambridgeshire venue on Saturday (February 6th).
Big Moment clearly has his quirks but is in stupendous form at present and made it three wins in a row when coming from a seemingly hopeless position three out to nab Pouilly and Beet da Bob on the line in a thrilling finish at Higham a fortnight ago.
Petit Lord apart, most eye-catching of Big Moment's 21 potential rivals is Pouilly's stablemate, Scotland Yard, who may try and take revenge for trainer Fleur Hawes. Scotland Yard won this very race last year alongside another Cottenham triumph and has established a great rapport with former national champion jockey, Claire Allen.
The Mens Open includes Coat Of Honour, who was once a top class horse under Rules for Howard Johnson (winning the Swinton Hurdle), among a large entry of 29. Coat Of Honour was lightly-raced in his first season between the flags in 2009 but was a narrow runner-up in this very race and went on to lift a Fakenham Hunter Chase.
Most interesting of his possible opponents is Mr Tee Pee, who has been out of form of late in National Hunt circles but won twice at this course in December 2008. Merry Vic, who has won his last four starts but had last year off, is another notable contender.
Overall 147 entries have been received for a meeting which gets under way at noon with a ten-entry Hunt race. Seven races are scheduled but the two-and-a-half mile youngsters Maiden, which is set to bring down the curtain at 3.30pm, may have to be split on the day as 31 are engaged and the maximum field size is 16.
Cottenham is four miles north of Cambridge near the B1049, post code CB24 8RG. It is best approached using junction 33 of the A14.
Take the A10 signed for Ely. Then take the third left (after the Park and Ride and the Recycling Centre) to Landbeach. Go straight through the village of Landbeach, past the playing field, and take the first left out the other side. The course is half a mile further down this road.
Admission will be charged at £10 per head with under 17s free and racecards priced at £2.50.
