News

LORD ATTICA: defends Lord Ashton of Hyde's title
photo: Phil Britt

Sunday sees racing in the South Midland Area finally getting underway following the disappointment of losing Barbury Castle back in December due to the freezing weather.

This weekend's action comes from Dunthrop, which is situated one mile east of Chipping Norton off the A3400.

141 Entries have been recieved and the first race is at 12.00noon. Admission costs are £20 per car or £10 single occupancy.

The two feature races of the day are the Ladies and Mens opens with 18 entered in each.

The Ladies Open is the latest qualifier for the Aga Championship Hunter Chase at Cheltenham in May. So far three have taken place and have attracted good Entries and classy horses; Kicks For Free won the first at Cottenham, Billyvoddan at Chaddesley and Sericina at Wadebrige.

The extended trip of 3m5f on Sunday has attracted some real staying types; the winner of the last two runnings of this race is Blue Business and it looks likely he will be back to seek the hat trick.

The progressive Jeans Joy and Ha Ho Mcgregor are interesting Entries; the first is a mare who was impressive when winning an Intermediate at Buckfastleigh last season and will be partnered by top lady Polly Gundry and the latter is also a winner of an Intermediate but has previously been third in a Ladies Open. Mad Victor and the locally-trained Desert Tommy are also ones to note having all proved themselves in this company and in similar conditions.

The Mens equivalent will be run over four miles and last year's winner Lord Attica will be bidding for a repeat. He will have some decent opposition though, with Burntoakboy, previously a very useful Rules performer and winning Pointerm as well as locally-trained Sudden Arrival in opposition; the latter is always seen to be doing his best in the final mile and it would be great to see a local victory.

Horsham lad is an interesting Entry from the Fergal O'Brien yard; should he line up you would trust that connections feel he will stay the trip and it would be no suprise to see him continue to progress up the ladder. Naunton Brook will be partnered here by Will Twiston-Davies and if this ex-Rules performer puts his best foot forward we could see a first winner for Will.

It is likely that the Open Maiden could be split on the day with 41 entered. There are several in this race who have ran well in this grade and for whom a first win is likely soon.

The Charlie Sands-trained Getmeouthedoldrums was second in a Maiden at Bredwardine last May on his debut and seeing him go one better here would come as no suprise. Others to note are the consistent Mister Ceejay, who has been placed in several Maidens - most recently at Black Forest Lodge in December - and is partnered by Emily Harbour; also noted is Royal Crystalcadou, a thoroughly quirky individual but placed in a Hunter Chase so clearly blessed with ability and if he on a going day he ought take all the beating.

Following the excitement of Long Run's win of the King George on Saturday it looks likely the Waley-Cohens will be here, having two entered in the Restricted. Ashtown Boy lost nothing in defeat when finishing second at Chaddesley last time and Rumbavu is a promising five-year-old who won his Maiden convincingly the same day. It would be difficult to oppose either, however some other nice types hold Entries and my each-way money would be with Silver Moon Lite who won a Maiden at Lockinge last April. The Alan Hill-trained Viel Gluck is one sure to improve, although winning his Maiden only by the placings being reversed due to having had some interferance on the run-in at Cottenham recently. Ben Ryan is a model of consistency and is sure to be in the shake up.

There will be trade stands on the course, including country clothing, the AGA sponsorship stand, plus hot and cold food and drink. Also a public bar will be available.

To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.

_{*Service provided by Bluetogreen Ltd LS7 1PZ, company wholly independent of Weatherbys Ltd. Calls charged at 60p/min. Charges from non BT lines & mobiles may be higher. Terms & conditions at bluetogreen.co.uk. Customer Support Line 0844 993 0298.}

Back to Top