28 April 2009 Preview: Devon & Somerset Staghounds - Holnicote
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
CROIX DE GUERRE: fancied to land the Ladies Open
photo: Tim Holt
THE Wessex Point-to-Point calendar moves to Holnicote near Minehead this Saturday, 2nd May, for the Devon & Somerset Staghounds fixture. The meeting has attracted a superb entry of 137 horses for the eight-race card starting at 1.00pm, preceded by a charity flat race in aid of the Dorset & Somerset and the Devon Air Ambulances at noon.
The opening Hunt race has its customary impressive entry, including Szeroki Bor, winner of a Great Trethew Confined in 2008, but absent since. Knightsbridge Hill - a Great Trethew winner in February - has chances, along with El Hombre Del Rio, placed in his five outings this season including when third to subsequent Aintree Foxhunter winner Trust Fund in a 20-runner Chepstow Hunter Chase. Touch Of Flame was a good runner-up at Stafford Cross, but The Disengager has won two of his three races and could be the one.
The Intermediate race has attracted 20 entries. The Disengager must be respected if taking this option, while Krac D'Argos and Presenting Jack were second and third at the Axe Vale meeting on Sunday. Other candidates include Larkhill winner Mr Slipper, Pimbury from the in-form Jane Western yard, and Watching Football, who disappointed earlier in the season but could make amends. Krac D'Argos was only caught after the last on Sunday and can gain compensation.
The Ladies Open is one of the day's feature events; Littlewindsor winner Imperial Sun, course specialist Beadnell Bay and Saint Romble are major contenders, but Rye Brook and Croix De Guerre are the two to choose from. Rye Brook outsprinted Croix De Guerre at Kingston St Mary on Easter Monday, but Croix De Guerre is fancied to turn the tables.
There are 16 entries for the PPORA Club Members Conditions race, including course winners Mounsey Castle and Fool On The Hill. The two suggestions are Major Matt, who annihilated his Restricted field at Stafford Cross, and Cookie's Bank, who kept tabs on Thisthatandtother on Sunday until making a dreadful blunder at the penultimate that Giles Hawkins worked wonders to survive.
Badbury Rings winner Aill Na Serracht and Somerby, who recorded a faster time than The Disengager at Trebudannon for the in-form Richenda Snook stable, are two to consider for the Restricted. Midnight Marine impressed at Cothelstone and can follow up for owner-trainer Rachel Jones.
Entries for the Mens Open include Knightsbridge Hill, Touch Of Flame and Zirkel, who was a close runner-up to Hunters' Chase winner Milesian King at Lockinge on Easter Monday. Long Night and last year's winner Barney Blue can act on any surface, but Celtic Society has won three of his four races this season and may continue his rise through the ranks.
The meeting ends with two Divisions of the Open Maiden. Derry City, placed in his four outings to date, may get his head in front in Division I. Great Appeal was just touched off on Sunday and can go one better in Division II.
The course is off the A39, 3 miles W of Minehead and 2 miles E of Porlock. First race: 12.00 noon. Admission is £20 per car; £10 with a single occupant; £5 for pedestrians.
