17 February 2010 Preview: Granta Harriers - Higham
by James Crispe
SCOTLAND YARD: unlucky last time and may gain compensation
photo: Jackie Oliver
Fleur Hawes, whose Bressingham yard almost landed a famous Open Race double at the latest Higham meeting, could be the trainer to follow at the Granta Harriers meeting at the same venue on Sunday February 21st.
A total of 82 entries have been received for this six-race fixture, which begins at 12.30pm with an 11-entry Hunts Club Members and runs through until 3.35pm, although the closing Open Maiden may have to be divided as it has 26 entries and a maximum field size of 15.
Hawes, who saddled Star Double to win and Pouilly to finish a neck second at this course four weeks ago, has had little luck since, although her horses, such as last week's Hunter Chase runner-up, Va Vavoom, continue to run well.
Pouilly is among the 15 entries for the Mens Open while stablemate Scotland Yard, who was travelling sweetly when brought down at Cottenham last time out, is one of nine possibles for the Ladies Open. Both have an alternative engagement in the Hunts Club Members.
Only seven are entered in the Restricted Race, although the septet include recent scorers Castledockerell and Foulstons Ruler, not to mention Captain Marshall, from the in-form David Kemp yard, who chased home a useful sort in Goscar Rock at Cottenham a fortnight ago.
Another Kemp inmate worth keeping a close eye on is Where's My Baby, who has never finished out of the first two in Points and may run in either the Mens Open or the 14-entry Countryside Alliance Club Members.
Higham is just to the west of the A12 between Colchester and Ipswich, post code CO7 6LE. Admission will be charged at £10 per head with under 17s free.
