08 April 2009 Preview: Essex farmers & Union - Marks Tey
GO NORTH: could contest the Mens Open
Marks Tey hosts its traditional Essex Farmers & Union meeting on Easter Monday and a big crowd is expected for this 111-entry fixture.
The first of six steeplechases gets under way at 2.00pm but the action starts an hour before that with two pony races.
Trainer Nibby Bloom holds the key to the Mens Open while the same can be said of his fellow handler, Joe Turner, in the Ladies equivalent.
Bloom is responsible for Caveman and Go North, the two best horses among the 18 engaged in the Men's race. Between them the pair have won seven of their nine Pointing starts this term and whichever horse takes up their engagement has a good chance to improve their record.
Turner's powerful yard has really hit form in recent weeks after its customary slow start. Four of the 20 Ladies entries - Assassino, Full Irish, King du Berlais and Leatherback - carry the famous dark blue and white Turner silks and each member of that quartet has the ability to go close.
The biggest field of the afternoon is likely to come in the opening Maiden where 25 are engaged. The Legal Limit, second at High Easter on his debut, looks the pick of them.
The course has recently had its paddock and changing tent re-sited to great effect and is five miles west of Colchester near the junction of the A12 and the A120. It is to the west of Marks Tey village and needs to be approached from the A12 westbound, taking the left turn signposted Easthorpe. Admission will be charged at £10 per head with under 17s free.
