14 April 2011 Preview: Portman - Badbury Rings
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
JAYNE'S CRUSADER: smart performer can land the Mixed Open
photo: Tim Holt
Jayne's Crusader, the popular winner of Wincanton's Dick and Sue Woodhouse Memorial Hunter Chase in March, can follow up in the Portman Mixed Open at Badbury Rings on Saturday.
Already a course winner this season, Jayne's Crusader could face 2010 hero Thisthatandtother, who has yet to show his best this season, course specialist Silver Monarch, who would be suited by fast ground, and Touch Of Flame, who came off best in an epic battle with Wessex Area stalwart Trade Off at the Wilton here in March. Gallant Approach won at Didmarton and may be the one to chase up confident selection Jayne's Crusader,
Trade Off, who won last season's Hunt race, is among the six entries for this year's renewal. Alfatrix has been placed twice for Jackie Abbott and Peter Gray, but Richenda Ford has a strong hand with Seavington winner Ball Hopper and Tork To Me - a winner here at the Wilton - and her chosen runner may be the one.
Tork To Me is among the five entries for the Intermediate, along with My Minds Maid, the winner of the Restricted on last year's corresponding card. Pastek ended a losing sequence here in March and can double up for Martyn and Kathryn Peaty.
Barneys Mate, already the winner of four races this season, should fight out the finish of the Novice Riders' race with Monkerty Tunkerty, who lost his seasonal unbeaten record when failing to finish behind Hoo La Baloo at Littlewindsor on Sunday. Barneys Mate seems suited to all surface conditions and gets the vote.
Course winners Classical Rocker and The Jolly Hare are among the nine entries for the Restricted contest, but Tregaro stayed on well to beat subsequent Cherrybrook winner Irish Airman at Kingston St Mary and looks the one.
Two Maiden races complete the seven race card. Erehwon was runner-up to stable companion Hilda Wild at Great Trethew and can go one better in the 2m4f contest. Alfatrix (if taking this option) and Faneuil Hall are two for the 3m event.
The course at Badbury Rings is off the B3082 between Wimborne and Blandford. First race: 2.00pm. Admission: two car parks - £25 or £15 per car; pedestrians £5.
