27 April 2011 Preview: Cattistock - Littlewindsor
by Brian and Gill Armstrong
Southwestern, who was surprisingly beaten by Johnny's Way at Trebudannon, can resume winning ways in the Cattistock Mens Open on Monday. The former Horse & Hound Cup winner, who had looked right back to his best when completing a four-timer here in April, is the obvious favourite if connections opt for a quick retrieval mission.
Possible challengers include Different Trades and Gungadu, who have both been runner-up to Southwestern this season, and Gunner Be Quick, who won at Kingston St Mary on Monday. Southwestern is the selection, but in his absence stable companion Special Account, an easy winner at Great Trethew, will get the vote to make a successful first appearance in Open class.
The consistent Absolut Power can gain a deserved first Point-to-Point win in the Ladies contest. The Pearn 10-year-old had subsequent Monday winners Rockwithacaveman and Three Half Crowns in arrears when beaten half a length at Upcott Cross in April and looks the one if reproducing that form. Coombe Hill blotted his copybook at Kingston St Mary on Monday, so Carroll's O'Tully, who had excuses when runner-up here in April, may be the strongest challenger.
Harry Derham looks to have a stranglehold on the Novice Riders contest with Barneys Mate and Hoo La Baloo, who have both won for the 16-year-old rider this season. 2011 winners Ball Hopper, Duxy Hill Lady and Nobody Tells Me can fight out the minor placings.
Richard Barber has a strong hand with five entries for the Hunt Members race, but Pimbury and Russian Rain, who made a promising return when third at the Cotley, can deny the Barber "selected".
The Axe Valley Racing Club is enjoying a tremendous season and has chances in the Restricted with Eggesford winner Apple A Night and unbeaten course winner Gypsy Jack. Comanche Chief, a good runner-up at the Seavington, and Black Forest Lodge winner Cedar Point are interesting alternatives.
Two Maiden races complete the card. Modern Day Icon may be one to consider for the 2m4f contest., whilst Shuffles can get off the mark in the 3 mile event.
Racing is preceded at 1.00pm by two Pony Races, the 2011 Wessex Area Open Finals.
The course lies off the A3066 between Beaminster and Crewkerne (DT8 3QU). First race: 2.00pm (1.00pm Pony Racing). Admission is £20 per car for 4 adults (extra adults £5 each), under 16s free.
