03 March 2010 Preview: Mid Surrey Farmers Draghounds - Godstone
by Mark Siggers
With two meetings lost already this season, Point-to-Point fans in the South East will be grateful for the improved weather and hoping it lasts for the Godstone fixture on Sunday (March 7th).
Race of the day could be the Mens Open where Bee An Bee and Honourable Spider are expected to meet. Rider Stuart Robinson reports that his father's Bee An Bee, not seen since being beaten at odds of 1-7 in this race last year, is thriving. The gelding has won nine times, including three at Godstone, while Honourable Spider, to be ridden by Peter Bull, has eight Point-to-Point wins and two Hunter Chases on his record, but hasn't been seen at his best since 2008 and was third in the first Open of this season at Detling. Nick Pearce has entered Letterman but may duck the confrontation and run Theatre Knight, saving Simon Tindall's six-time winner for the Ladies race.
The Ladies has attracted a good entry, headed by Godstone hero Carryonharry, winner of 18 Point-to-Points including this race last year. If he's in the right mood again he could serve it up to Letterman, Ungaro, Badger and Blue Business, amongst others, but it should be noted that his rider Cynthia Haydon has also entered Roaringwater and may be faced with a difficult choice.
Nick Pearce is taking Our Poppy Day for a crack at the Members race and the promising mare Florence Mary will be strongly fancied for the Restricted, where she will meet Philip Hall's Star Gift. Lord Snow is a possible for the Club Conditions race. Stuart Robinson rides his own Turnstile in the Members, while Hall's other mounts are Casey Tiles in the Club race and Tobougg Welcome in the Maiden, deputising for Hannah Grissell and Matt Braxton.
Peter Bull expects to be on Supa Tramp in the Restricted and has entered both Durante and Hitzfromtheblitz in the Maiden.
The main card (first race 1.00pm) is preceded by pony racing at 12.00pm. Admission is £25 per car (£15 for single occupancy) and £5 for pedestrians. Godstone Racecourse (satnav code RH9 8DB) is two miles south-east of the M25 at junction 6 on the A25 Godstone to Oxted road. Roadworks have closed the A25 at Sundridge and racegoers are advised to approach the course from the M25 or the A21.
