29 April 2010 Preview: Devon & Somerset Staghounds - Holnicote
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
CHESNUT ANNIE: may make a rare trip out of her own area
photo: Alun Sedgmore
Chesnut Annie, the winner of her last 18 Point-to-Points, stands out among the Ladies Open race entries at the Devon & Somerset Staghounds fixture at Holnicote near Minehead this Saturday, 1st May (first race 1.00 pm).
The Welsh flyer, who has won 21 of her 27 Point-to-Points, plus two Hunter Chases, is the obvious selection if facing the starter. Entries include Bell Rock, who would be suited by fast ground, dual winner Miss Midnight, and Zabenz, who pulled up behind Miss Midnight at Black Forest Lodge after jockey Diana Hobbs suffered a dislocated shoulder during the race. Chesnut Annie had to work hard to maintain her sequence when taken on by Mr Cee at Llanvapley, but cannot be opposed. Zabenz may prove the strongest challenger.
The opening Hunt race has its customary impressive entry, including the season's current Leading Horse Fully Loaded and stable companion El Hombre Del Rio. Fully Loaded is fancied for an eighth success of the campaign. Maxou Des Brosses, who beat Horse & Hound Cup winner Southwestern in the 2007 race, last year's winner Gin ‘N' Fonic - El Hombre Del Rio was second - and Minella Tipperary are the dangers.
The Intermediate race has attracted 16 entries including Beat The Bandits, who reserves his best for Holnicote. Eyecatchers are Cappoquin, Kings Bitter, a good winner at the Mendip Farmers, and comfortable Kingston scorer Lord Lescribaa. Southway Queen impressed at Littlewindsor a fortnight ago and may give punters a sporting run for their money.
Larkhill winner Mrs O'Connell is among 13 entries for the PPORA Club Members Conditions race. Beth Roberts could run Chesnut Annie's consistent stable companion Twilight Dancer, but course winner Presenting Jack is the suggestion.
Misttori Belle, a winner at last year's meeting, and Richenda Ford's Littlewindsor winner Tork To Me are two to consider for the Restricted. John Daniell impressed at Badbury Rings for Ollie and Amanda Bush and is fancied to follow up.
Barney Blue will be supported to win the Mens Open for the third consecutive season. Former Leading Horse Iris's Prince and Rodney Mann's prolific More Trouble are interesting entries and must be considered if connections make the journey to Holnicote. Course winner Commander Vic gave Lady Dudley Cup winner Chilling Place something to think about before eventually pulling up at Chaddesley Corbett and can resume winning ways.
Allerford Jack, placed in his four completed Point-to-Points, may get his head in front in the closing Maiden.
The course is off the A39, 3 miles W of Minehead and 2 miles E of Porlock. First race: 1.00pm. Admission is £20 per car; £10 single occupancy; £5 for pedestrians.
