17 March 2009 Preview: Mendip Farmers - Ston Easton
COOMBE HILL: may contest the Ladies Open
Two high-class Open races highlight of the Mendip Farmers six-race Point-to-Point card at Ston Easton this Sunday, 22nd March (first race 12:30pm).
The Ladies Open has attracted 15 entries, including Blue Business and Honest Endeavour, between them winners of five races this season for Cappa Bleu's owners, William and Angela Rucker. Takotna catches the eye, along with Blu Teen, who closed on Meanus Dandy in the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale (B&SV) Hunt race before finishing third. Stratford Hunter Chase winner Fleur De Nikos disappointed at Badbury Rings, but is capable of going a rare gallop at her best. The suggestions are Coombe Hill, who quickened clear off his field at Ottery St Mary, and Perouse, who chased Double Honour home at Charlton Horethorne.
Blu Teen and Coronation Cup winner Distant Thunder are interesting entries for the Men's Open. Bilton's Nap, runner-up to Kiama at Cothelstone on Sunday and Beau Michel, who pulled up behind Sykee Savage at Garnons are contenders. The suggestion is Niver Bai, who impressed twice on a sound surface last season before appearing to find the going too soft when third in an Upcott Cross Intermediate.
The Hunt race has attracted five entries, including Off Broadway and Midnight Queen, who impressed at Badbury Rings before finishing fourth behind Double Honour at the B&SV. Sericina sprinted clear of her field at Ottery St Mary and is a confident selection.
The 13 entries for the Restricted include Ottery St Mary winner Turnworth and Mymystery Man, a Barbury Castle winner in January but unplaced at Buckfastleigh since. New Series chased up Cannington Brook at Barbury Castle before taking an Eyton-on-Severn Maiden and may be another winner for the Alison Dare stable.
The two Maiden races look difficult. Dual runner-up Derry City, Didmarton second Rocklandslad and the unlucky Squadron Leader - yet to finish in four outings - are three suggestions for the 2½ mile event. Dream Leader was just touched off at Charlton Horethorne and may go one better in the 3 mile contest.
Between races there will be a hound parade, a host of tradestands to visit and free children's entertainment. Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final, conclude racing. The course lies off the A37, 5 miles north of Shepton Mallet and 13 miles south of Bath and Bristol. First race: 12:30 pm. Admission is £15 per car and driver, £5 each subsequent adult.
