27 April 2010 Preview: North Ledbury - Maisemore Park
by Pete Mansell
Maisemore Park always attracts plenty of runners at this venue on the banks of the River Severn so while other fixtures have struggled to attract Entries, a total of 167 have been received for the Mondays Bank Holiday fixture.
The entry for the Members is a blend of youth against experience with preference given to the latter in the shape of Andy Hobbs' runner Royal Hector.
The 11-year-old gelding has experience over the Aintree fences so these obstacles will seem like minor inconveniences to him. Having lost his form recently this gives the Hanley Swan-trained gelding a perfect opportunity to get himself back into the winners enclosure.
Charlotte Jones' Lorikarad proved his wellbeing by winning at Barbury recently while Jolly Rock comes from Zoe Hammond's in form stable. They do well bringing on young horses for Owner Don Constable so it would not be surprising if this one were to up his game.
Upton-on-Severn based Mark Wilesmith has several entries in this race the best of which could be Mountain Singer, while Corse Lawn Trainer John Taylor will be hoping that Alexander Musical can repeat last year's victory.
Those who believe in the horses for courses adage will look no further than Petit Lord in the Ladies Open. Angela Rucker's runner beat Perouse in last year's contest and has run consistently again this year.
Mrs Rucker has a second string to her bow in the shape of Tragic Realm, while Mr Cee ran Chestnut Annie close at the Monmouthshire and has to be respected on that effort.
Christy Beamish or Bravery Scotch from Sue Taylor's yard near Wolverhampton would start favourites if they lined up while Frosty Spring appeared to appreciate underfoot conditions at Andoversford, which has to bring him into calculations.
Condarian, from the Hannah Lewis/Adrian Wintle yard near Westbury-on-Severn and Fergal O'Brien's Dammam are two promising young horses that catch the eye in the Restricted. Both are capable of making their mark in this company on their way to better things in the future.
Mark Wall retains his iron grip on this year's Riders Championship and could add another to his tally with Sheknowsyouknow in the Conditions. This front-running mare loves this type of ground and should prove too strong for Keel Road and My Way de Solzen.
