07 April 2009 Preview: Croome & West Warwickshire - Upton-upon-Severn
CHICUELO: will be ridden by one of the Mahon twins in the Members
With so many meetings over the Easter Period it is inevitable that fixtures are vying with one another to attract runners.
The Croome and West Warwickshire course at Upton-upon-Severn has always been popular with owners and trainers so no doubt the organisers will be pulling out all the stops to pursuade a majority of the connections of the 257 horses entered for this meeting to take up their engagements. Entry is £10 per person.
Parents always worry when their children start race riding so the Mahon family from Bishopton, near Stratford upon Avon were more apprehensive than most when their twin daughters Lara and Eleanor started competing in Point-to-Points a few months ago.
Eleanor got her name on the scoresheet after a fortuitous win on Chicuelo at Siddington a few weeks ago so it is possible the reins could be handed over to Lara in the Members race on Tuesday afternoon.
The Mahons have a useful second string in Yeabut so we might even see the sisters competing against one another. Recent form indicates there would not be much between them at the finish and that the opposition would be struggling to keep up.
Taken by Storm has looked a useful recruit to the sport this season and the Hollybush (Malvern) trained gelding puts his reputation on the line in the Restricted.
There are some seasoned campaigners amongst the opposition in this contest including Analan, Hemington, New Series, Rocklandslad and William Somers and the winner should come from this quintet.
Kingscliff ran in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and would be all the rage if coming up from the West Country and only in his absence would the favourites baton be passed onto We're Confused.
Malvern trainer Andy Hobbs has a good record at this meeting which could be enhanced by victories for Lindbergh Law or Olivier in the Conditions although they may have to overcome opposition from Julie Houldeys stable at North Nibley.
Although a number of recent winners are entered for the Intermediate Ice Cool Benny looks as though he will progress further up the ladder and the Andy Hobbs trained runner could use this race as a stepping stone to do so.
There are 36 entries for both divisions of the 2-1/2 mile Maiden with Babysitter expected to improve on recent performances in the first half, while Fiery Dragon comes from a good yard and although he has plenty to prove in this company he looks sure to acquit himself well.
