04 May 2011 Preview: Kimblewick - Kingston Blount
by Claire Hart
The third of four meetings at this very popular track takes place on Saturday. Kingston Blount is situated just off Junction 6 M40 on the B4009 towards Chinor, postcode OX39 4SG. Six races are scheduled, the first at 2pm, with pony racing afterwards to round up the action.
The opener, the Restricted race, has attracted 20 entries and promises to be a competitive race, and it could be worth following ‘the girls'. Fred Hutsby's Golden Tangle won a Maiden last time at Hackwood Park and she could go well here under Hannah Watson. Another mare with claims is Lady Barack; she was an impressive winner at Guilsborough and is trained by Jimmy Tarry. Both of these will make use of the 7lb mares allowance. Doctor Kingsley, who disappointed at Ashorne Monday, could be a major player should he bounce back, along with the Plunkett's Himalayan Express who deserves to win following several consistent runs in this grade.
The Ladies Open is likely to be fast and furious should the high quality entries line up. Virginia Preuil, who is in the form of his life having won two Ladies Opens recently, will be partnered by Josephine Banks. High Five, who has some consistent form in Ladies this season, could go well here. Alan Hill has three entered; Mid Div And Creep lines up at Cheltenham Wednesday Evening so it would be unlikely to see her here Saturday but his other entries Mysaynoway and Balladeer could take all the beating. Emily Harbour, who partnered the latter to victory at Kimble recently, will be hoping for success to retain her lead at the top of the South Midland Area Ladies Championship; however Rachel King, her nearest pursuer, will partner The Hookie Bookie should he line up and it would be no surprise to see him to mount a bold bid. Track winner Lady Myfanwy is also entered but she heads to Cheltenham for the AGA Ladies Championship race.
Connections of Kingston specialist More Trouble will be hoping he can put his Siddington fall behind him and return to his favourite winner's enclosure in the Mens Open event. Others to note include Start Royal who also holds an entry in the Members race, and Eljay's Boy who was second at Lockinge last week and would be worth an each way bet here. Findlay's Find is a five year old with a big future, and having won his Restricted here in March has since won three races including two Mens Opens. Sadly we are unlikely to see him here as he lines up in Wednesday's Intermediate final at Cheltenham.
Phillip York, who is bidding to win the Mens Championship overall, has the chance of three mounts in the Intermediate, all with a winnable chance! Ringa Bay, who was second at Kimble, could go one better here, Caught In Time was an impressive winner at the same track and it will be interesting to see how he figures in the higher grade. Trained by York himself is Dawn Display who is a track winner and has won since; he appears to be in top form. Gina Andrews, clear in the Ladies Championship, is likely to partner the consistent Toe To Hand.
Gaby Hill will be bidding to complete a hat-trick aboard her Ocean Du Moulin; the pair, who won at the last meeting here and then at Kimble, will be lining up in the closing Members Race. However Alan Hill, Gaby's father, has five of the nine entries so it may not be an easy task. Viel Gluck was the easy winner of the Restricted at the last meeting and Start Royal has a very impressive record. Trying to steal the trophy away from the Hill camp will be Tim Underwood's Most Definitely and Dun Drinan who was second behind Balladeer at Kimble recently.
The two Maidens on the card will give an opportunity to see young horses for the future, the first is a 2m5f and the second a 3m event.
Admission charges are £25, £20 and £12 for car parks, £5 for pedestrians.
Alan Hill has been watering since the last meeting and will continue to do so to maintain good ground with good to firm places. Running rails have been moved to provide fresh ground.
Come and enjoy a day which promises to provide excellent racing, there will be hot/cold food and drink and lots of trade stands.
