09 February 2010 Preview: Mid Devon - Black Forest Lodge
by Lucy Johnson
There'll be no shortage of runners at the rescheduled Mid Devon at Black Forest Lodge on Saturday where a total of 115 entries have been received for the seven races which begin at noon. The course looks certain to continue the trend of exciting action seen in the Devon & Cornwall area so far this season with several multiple winners entered as well as some promising newcomers.
Ladies entries include the prolific mare Chesnut Annie who was last season's winning-most performer having won ten consecutive Ladies opens. If she's on song, there won't be a lot who can get close to her, and she'll be a long odds-on favourite. The others all have a chance of running into a place, and the ex David Pipe-trained Muree Queen is an interesting newcomer with bits of form on the flat and over hurdles.
The Mens Open could see an appearance from Southwestern who finished last season with a win at Stratford where he took the Foxhunters Champion Hunter Chase. Cowboyboots, an impressive winner of the Mens Open at the course in November, is another entry.
Big Bird won a Mares' Maiden at at Barbury Castle on her only start last year and wasn't seen again that season. She's entered in the Restricted and it will be interesting to see how good she is. General Bob ran well in defeat at the course in November, finishing second to Moncanda Way and could improve for the run.
Exeter Racecourse Intermediate entries include Jafaro Des Bois who is getting closer with every run, Absolutely Barking, who finished ahead of him in a Novice Riders race at the course in November, and the consistent No Virtue.
Two half brothers, Touch of Flame and Son of Flame, are entered in the Confined race. Both are out of the prolific mare Flame O' Frensi, with the latter, a five year by Presenting, likely to improve with age. Plenty of newcomers line up in the two Maiden races and the betting is the best clue to chances.
Pony racing also begins the season at Black Forest Lodge with the first race for 138cm ponies at 11am and the second race for 148cms ponies, where there's a full house of ten entries off at 11.20am.
The course is situated at Black Forest Lodge near Kenton, Exeter off the A380 EX6 8NW. Entrance is £20 per car and £10 per car with a single occupant.
