25 March 2009 Preview: Mid Surrey Farmers Draghounds - Godstone
BEE AN BEE: unbeaten in the South East in 2009
Godstone Races on Sunday (March 29th) sees the return of the all-conquering Bee An Bee, who reappears after pulverising the opposition in the four-mile Kent Grand National two weeks ago.
He is bidding for his ninth Open victory in succession in the hands of reigning area champion rider Stuart Robinson. From the entries it seems there is little to stop another win - he faces an old adversary in Noakarad De Verzee, who he has beaten twice at Godstone and others including Basic Fact, Conna Court, Dad Says Heazle and Parkinson.
Peter and Alison Hickman have entered their home-bred Man From Moscow in the Members and the Restricted. Wherever he goes, Philip Hall is looking forward to renewing the partnership following their 20-1 win at Detling earlier this month. "If he continues to improve he could be a real fun horse," said Philip, who thinks it was harsh of some observers to say that Man From Moscow would have lost to Lovely Day (subsequent Parham winner) had the latter not unshipped his jockey at Detling. "I believe we had plenty left in the locker", said Hall, who also has his promising Star Gift entered for the Maiden.
Nick Pearce will run Letterman in the Club Members race, seeking his third win in a row this season, while Say Grace, winner at the course in February, heads for the Restricted.
The Ladies Open should feature, amongst others, Carryonharry, Leatherback, Soldershire (looking to make amends for unseating Hannah Grissell at Parham last week) and Blue Business, who beat Carryonharry at Godstone last month.
Godstone Racecourse is two miles south-east of the M25, junction 6, on the A25 Godstone to Oxted road. The code for satnavs is RH9 8DB. Admission is £25 per car and £5 per pedestrian. The first pony race is at 12.30pm and the main programme begins at 2.00pm.
