29 April 2009 Preview: Pendle Forest & Craven - Heslaker
by John Milburn
SCRAPPIE (right): a leading contender for the Yorkshire Area Restricted Championship
photo: Jon Hodd
The Pendle Forest and Craven hold their Point-to-Point this Sunday near Skipton. 108 entries have been received, with their feature race being the Sovereign Health Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Members Restricted Championship race.
The six-entry Hunt Members race starts the day and On Y Va, who beat a useful field last time in impressive fashion, should take this with ease for Jo Foster.
The Novice Riders race looks to have some decent horses entered. If the ground turns soft, Holy Joe and Ca Na Trona would be big dangers, whilst Southern Classic will enjoy this staying course. Texas Ranger may find this track a bit on the stiff side, whilst One Five Eight won this race two years ago. However it looks between the up-and-coming Pristine Condition and Sonevafushi, with the latter getting the vote.
The Ladies Open looks a very competitive event. Unmistakably would pick these up and carry them if he is at his best, however looks as though he has problems at the moment. Flashy Boy, Wilfie Wild, Knightsbridge King and Tinarana Lord will all go close, however Henrys Pride has plenty of stamina and could well be partnered by one of the Mason sisters.
The feature is the Sovereign Health Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Members Restricted Championship race. The main contenders include Father Owen who looks to be a true stayer, Its Teescomponents, Miss Sunflower, and the progressive My Old Piano. However, it looks between Scrappie and the gallant Poppy Day, with the Cherry Coward horse Scrappie looking the pick.
Easterby horses dominate the Mens Open as they hold four of the 12 entries. Steppes Of Gold and Tinarana Lord will go close, but Opio, who has been very classy so far and loves a test of stamina, can make his winning debut in Yorkshire.
The Confined holds the largest number of entries of 19. Keen Whip continues to improve, loves cut in the ground and can emulate his brother Skew Whip, who won here 4 years ago. Wherethat and Star Angler look the main dangers.
The Maiden race looks an interesting event. Calopocus surely has a win in him and can go very close here, while In To Win was second at Whittington recently and the stable will now know what they have after that run. Master Bramley has yet to recapture his early form, as well as O'Gara who has disappointed since his third in a Restricted at Thorpe. Special Portrait flew home at Mordon and should go close, whilst Gnillish has some respectable novice hurdle form. However the dark horse in the race looks to be Present D'Aze who was placed second and third in two Irish novice hurdles, and rated 100 on official ratings can make a winning point debut.
