21 April 2011 Preview: Dartmoor - Flete Park
by Lucy Johnson
DELOUGHTANE: looking to build on this month's Mixed Open win
photo: Tim Holt
Flete Park, in the heart of the South Hams, South Devon, is the location for Saturday's Point -to-Point, the first of two within a fortnight to be held at the venue, and with the prevailing dry weather, the course will be watered as necessary.
Two pony races precede the card before the Members race comes under starters' orders at 2pm. The 13 entries include Turning Tide, who is trained by Sam Holdsworth for Charlie Stanley, and following two wins this season is likely to be a warm order to make it a hat-trick. Josiah Bay has had a couple of decent places this season while Prudent George could add to his Buckfastleigh win. Also entered is Waziri, again trained by Holdsworth, who caused a shock at the course last year when beating the long odds-on favourite Glacial Call.
Prudent George is also entered in the Restricted alongside the Ed Walker-trained Valoroso, who also won a maiden race at Buckfastleigh earlier in the season. Walker and his partner Polly Gundry have an impressive record at the track and anything they saddle is worth close inspection, including another of their entries in the race, recent Great Trethew winner Best Bette, who is sure to come into the reckoning if lining up.
Plenty of stamina is required to win the 4m Mens Open, and though each of the six runners have claims, Dare Too Dream looks like an out and out stayer on the back of his successes at Buckfastleigh and Great Trethew; both tracks require plenty of resolution to get to the winning post in front.
Deloughtane won a Mixed Open at Cherrybrook earlier in the month and holds an entry in the Ladies race, but Miss Midnight looks the one to beat having scored a hat-trick this season.
Theicecreamfellow could go well in the confined for Lee Rowe who won with Tatsu at the course last year, while in the Intermediate Roll On Rosie could continue her progress.
The concluding race on the card is the Open Maiden, and there's sure to be plenty of money on Tamatown who has finished second three times this season.
Given the meeting coincides with Easter weekend, and the venue is renowned for its stunning parkland setting, the track is expected to attract a large number of spectators. Other attractions to add to the day are trade stands, catering, a licensed bar and on-course betting. Entrance is just £20 per car or £10 per car and single occupant.
