27 January 2009 Preview: North Cornwall - Wadebridge
The Royal Cornwall Showground at Wadebridge is the venue for the North Cornwall Point-to-Point races this Saturday, when action gets under way at 12noon with the Hunt race. Ballybrown already has three victories to his credit in the past on this track, and can add to that total in the opener.
Another course winner, Holly Walk, probably needed the race when fifth to Burntoakboy in December, and Jimmy Cole's mare has a chance of opening her account for the season in the Mens Open. She will have to overcome NH winners Tonic du Charmil, Running Hot and All in the Stars, as well as Pointing winners Doof, Lisheen Storm and Mioche d'Estruval.
Dr Cerullo will take some beating in the Ladies Open after two impressive efforts this term. Dante's Back and Winning Connection will strip fitter after their earlier runs, and Doof could also prove dangerous if taking up this engagement.
Andy Jackson's yard has already struck form and could be represented by Major Matt in the Restricted. Hardknott could be one to follow this year, but this is no easy contest with the Karyn Heard trained Ellies Horse seeking to follow up his earlier Wadebridge win. Axe Vale winner Tres Bien is another likely Restricted winner this season.
The Heard yard always does well at Wadebridge and they have the ex-David Pipe trained Guerabad among the 20 entries for the Open Maiden. He will have to be at his best however to cope with Kavegirl, a well bred mare who looked the winner when falling at the Silverton recently. Meanwhile, Unusual Suspect, representing Brian and Tina Stevens, looks the pick of the Confined entries.
The Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate is another competitive looking race. Ha Ho Magregor, who travels down from Suzy Berry's Taunton yard, is yet another course winner and has a bright chance of following up last month's success. Emergence would be a tough opponent, having scored twice at Buckfastleigh last year, and Wee Fly and Dan Ryan also enter calculations.
The course at Wadebridge is located 1 mile west of the town on the A39. Entrance costs £20 per car and all occupants with a concession of £10 for a single occupant.
