12 February 2010 Chase Stars Update: Quotica De Poyans Returns
by Weatherbys Chase Staff
LABARYNTH: Coming back to form and could step up in class
photo: Tim Holt
The Mackenzie & Harris Hunter Chasers & Point-to-Pointers Annual Chase Stars list has produced another progressive winner this weekend, with the return of Philippa Shirley-Beavan's French-bred Quotica de Poyans at the Jedforest.
The Subotica six-year-old won a 2m4f Maiden at the first time of asking at Cottenham last season, before showing that he has stamina as well as speed amongst his attributes when making all in a Sheriff Hutton Restricted over the standard trip, with the good mare Eliza Doalott in second.
Given time to mature after those two efforts, Quotica de Poyans returned to contest the Jedforest Hunt Members race, in which he was heavily favoured to beat his two opponents; he justified that favouritism in some style, jumping well in the main and winning unchallenged to put himself in consideration for a possible tilt at a Hunter Chase or a National Hunt Flat Race.
After pulling up on his seasonal debut, last year's progressive mare Labarynth turned out again for the Intermediate at the South Pool Harriers over the weekend, running on from the back of the field under Polly Gundry to stay on well for fourth. Clearly coming back to form, the grey holds an entry for the Mixed Open at the Vine & Craven meeting on Sunday.
Carrie On is another Polly Gundry inmate who could step up to Open level this weekend, having won a Confined Maiden, a Restricted and an Intermediate in quick succession towards the end of last season; the daughter of Shambo could contest the same race as Labarynth and also has the option of the Ladies Open at the South Dorset.
Chester Ridge, an Alnwick Maiden winner over 2m4f last season, was not disgraced on his first run this term when tackling Restricteds for the first time, having every chance at the 15th fence before weakening quickly and looking like he would come on for the run. Given his previous Maiden second at Corbridge, another attempt at the full trip should not be too much of an inconvenience and he could return to Alnwick this weekend to contest the College Valley & North Northumberland Restricted.
Babysitter, an impressive Maiden winner at Chaddesley before following up in a thrilling finish to an Ashorne Restricted last term, has joined Nigel Twiston-Davies since his inclusion in the Chase Stars list and put the experience gleaned from three encouraging runs over hurdles to good use at the weekend, justifying 3/1 favouritism to win a Class 4 Novices' Hurdle at Wetherby.
To read more about the Chase Stars, order your copy of the 2010 Mackenzie & Harris Hunter Chasers & Point-to-Pointers now; call the Orders line direct on 01933 304792 or click here.
