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RAVETHEBRAVE: One of two possible mounts for Joe Hill in the Novice Riders Race
photo: Tim Holt

The East Anglian Pub Team cast their knowledgeable eye over the Cambridgeshire Harriers Hunt Club entries, highlighting ones to watch for the meeting.

11.00am Hunt Club Members (17 entries)

There are several horses in this race with similar ratings and form and it looks like this could be a decent race to get the meeting under way. High Five has been consistent in Ladies Opens and has won four races at that level. Last won in May 2010 and was soundly beaten into 4th in a Hunter Chase at Southwell in May, placed four times in Points last season. Kiss Me Twice won a match in a short Maiden at Barbury in April, returned again this month and won a 17 runner Restricted by 7 lengths.

Law Court is a course winner and finished 2nd at Barbury this month in a 15 runner Intermediate. Will certainly be fit and could give the Area its first winner of the season. Massimo, rated 10-9, looked a tremendous prospect but has had problems, and having run this week at Chaddesley Corbett wouldn't be expected here so soon. More Trouble, trained by Alan Hill, rarely comes here without taking home some of the spoils. Has won seven races including a Hunter Chase at Folkestone in 2010. Petit Lord, rated 10-5, was twice beaten here by Big Moment in 2010, and has mainly run in Ladies Opens; he has been consistent and rarely out of the frame, is from a top yard and finished 3rd at Barbury earlier this month, albeit in Club Members Condition race. Pocket Park won a short Maiden here in 2010 and followed this with a Restricted and Confined wins in the same year. Also won a Mens Open at Tweseldown in March and looks to have potential. The Rodeo Clown, rated 10.5, is from the highly successful John Ferguson yard and according to Mackenzie and Harris could be an exciting prospect at seven - an interesting read on this one in this year's Pointing bible.

Selection: The Rodeo Clown Alternative: More Trouble

11.30am Restricted (22 entries)

A substantial entry of 22 compared to 8 at the last Cottenham Meeting in November.
Argentato has firm ground form when two length 2nd to Finnish Melody in the March Cottenham Restricted in a fast sub 6min time - winning a Maiden at Marks Tey in early March on soft ground beating Katepost and Inspired Forever, both who went onto win Maidens in April at Marks Tey and Catsfield respectively, but pulling up at the 10th on his last run in the May Dingley Restricted. Gentle Jim pulled up on his first run this season but may come on from that, optimistically tried a Hunter Chase at Fakenham in May and was last of 6 beaten 100 lengths+ following a win in the April Parham meeting and was placed in three previous Maidens in the South. Mr Meister has begun his season positively with a 7 length 3rd to Kiss Me Twice in the Restricted at Barbury on Dec 3rd and with two Maiden runs in 2011, at odds on in a three length win at Cold Harbour in May after a 2nd at Bitterly in April on good watered ground - worth following. Now Then Charlie, from the currently very successful (under Rules) Ferguson stable ran a weakening p.u. in a 3m Beginners Chase at Chepstow in late October - could have an advantage having effectively already run this season, following a win in a short Maiden at Dingley in April beating the favourite Caught Looking by 10 lengths, but may have an issue with 3m.

Artic Fire has not run since a 10 length 2nd to New Series on good to soft, becoming heavy in the Barbury Restricted in February 2011 - little form and one to just watch. Another not seen since early last season is Lan Na Lamh with a 25 length 3rd in the Higham Restricted in January - again one to just watch. Money Tree from the Alan Hill stable (who has an excellent record at this track) could well trouble the judge - 7 length winner of the November Black Forest Lodge Open Maiden Division 2 in a respectable 6min 3sec on good to firm ground. Stress was an impressive 3 length winner of the Cottenham Maiden in December 2010 beating evens favourite Aim For The Stars but then fell in the Higham Restricted in January and has not been seen since. Shrewd Investment comes with the advantage of an easy 8 length win at Black Forest Lodge in the November short Maiden - but may find the longer distance and extra 5lb a challenge. The Recovery comes with a 3 length win in the November Cottenham Maiden over the full 3miles in a fast 6min 2sec at odds-on. Favouring horses with a run already this season on what will probably be relatively fast ground.

Selection: Money Tree Alternative: The Recovery 

12.00 Mens Open (21 entries)

With 21 entries we are likely to have a more competitive race than five weeks ago, when Border Fusion finished alone after both his opponents gave their riders horrendous falls. This was the second Mens open that Border Fusion has won around Cottenham, having previously beaten Caulkin in February. Bedrock Fred was also a winner at the last meeting, where he also beat two opponents in the Restricted. A much tougher assignment now awaits. Ravethebrave was the selection for the Mens open at that meeting, but he instead took up his engagement at Black Forest Lodge, easily winning the Novice Riders race, in the process giving Joe Hill a winner on his debut ride. Previously with Alan King, he won a novice chase on his reappearance last season and proved very consistent finishing second on three occasions. Cedrus Libani was a bit of a rascal on a couple of occasions last season, only consenting to start once the field had disappeared from sight. However he did turn his season around following these misdemeanours, winning on his last four starts, and has previously been a course and distance winner. It will be interesting to see how his new pilot gets on with him following the retirement of Richard Burton.

The meeting at Whitfield showed the importance of having a previous outing. Two such horses of interest are the ex-Irish trained Old Si, the winner of five of his races for Dessie Hughes, who eventually pulled up in the Mixed Open at Barbury Castle, and Pocket Park who unseated on his initial outing at Tweseldown in the Mens Open having won a similar contest on the course last season. Bay Cherry, formerly with Howard Johnson, won two Irish Point-to-Points and two novice chases all on heavy ground. The ex-Paul Nicholls horse Earth Dream was the winner of a hurdle race and two chases, whilst That's Rhythm fell at the first fence in this year's Grand National when trained by Martin Todhunter. Previously the winner of three hurdle races and three chases, his best recent run was just over 12 months ago when only 14½ lengths behind Nacarat in the Charlie Hall chase at Wetherby. One other horse to consider is The Luder who won a Club Members race at Garthorpe towards the end of last season and then went on to win a handicap chase at Southwell.

Selection: Ravethebrave Alternative: Border Fusion

12.30pm Club Members (Novice Riders) (29 entries)

The Rucker's and the Hill's both have a couple entered and young Joe Hill has already proved his mettle with a comfortable win on Rave the Brave on the opening day of the season in a Novice Riders race at the Black Forest meeting. The family's other runner is Sarah's Gift, which had good form under Rules, last winning at Fakenham in April. Fast going should suit. Bay Cherry will probably be seen as the Rucker's first choice. Rated 125 under Rules this nine-year-old has won no less than 11 races, although they were mainly on the smaller tracks in the North of England. Their other entry is Blue Business, who has already had one run when tailed off in a Novice Riders race at Barbary Castle. Haunted House has already run at Barbary Castle, pulling up in the Ladies Open. He has had a couple of wins under Rules in the capable hands of Richard Johnson but the last win was back in 2008. May be past his peak, but paddock viewing is recommended.

Mount Benger performed creditably last season culminating in a hard fought victory in a Hunter Chase at Huntingdon. Whilst the race was not of the highest quality the young rider, Sean Keating, caught the eye and this level of racing might be more suitable for his mount as age takes its toll. Highest rated under Rules is That's Rhythm who might well be on the decline but with a rating of over 140 at his peak, which was not that long ago, and with the ground likely to ride fast, could well feature at the sharp end of the race. The Shoe hails from the all conquering Nicky Henderson yard where he achieved moderate success. Definitely not out of the reckoning, a rating of 125 at best puts him in with a chance. Finally Tumbling Dice - having earned over £135k in an illustrious career - is no mug but needs mud to slow the others down and whilst he will get round it would be helpful if the other horses proved less reliable - possibly a bit of a tortoise amongst the hares, but we all know the fable!

Now to decision time - in Novice races riders are almost as important as their horses and with Joe Hill already making a name for himself both of the two Hill entries looks to have a lot going for them. We take Sarah's Gift (or Ravethebrave) to take the race but expect a good show from That's Rhythm.

Selection: Hill's runner (Sarah's Gift or Ravethebrave) Reserve: That's Rhythm

1.00pm Ladies Open (27 entries)

A good entry with several horses in with a chance. Kicks For Free won here twice last season and easily won the AGA Ladies at Barbury in early December - he's likely to be sent off favourite. The strongest threats are likely to come from: Double Mead, who won two Hunter Chases last season though she would probably prefer softer ground; Mount Benger who put in some good performances last season, often against stiff opposition, but was well-beaten by Start Royal here last season; Mount Sandel seemingly felt no ill effects from his fall at Barbury when following up a week later with a win in the Ladies at Tweseldown; Spellchecker, who was no match for Palypso De Creek at Whitfield but should find this easier trip more to his liking, and Nicky Henderson's The Shoe, who was a decent novice chaser last season and races off 125. He won over 2m7f at Uttoxeter and it will be interesting to see how he goes here. The highly regarded Picaroon and Sagalyrique both ran at Chaddesley during the week.

Of the others: Alphabetical hasn't been seen since winning a weak Ladies at Tweseldown last March; Decision was progressive under Rules winning two of his last three hurdles starts for Lawney Hill; he likes fast ground and should go well. Ex-Sue Smith Leac An Scail showed ability over fences and hurdles - he should adapt well to Pointing; ex-Dessie Hughes Old Si won his last start for the yard back in April. He pulled up at Wadebridge in December but probably needed the run and should go better this time. Prince Louis has won chases over 2m4f and 2m5f but seems to prefer softer ground. Zanzibar Boy won here in November seemingly revitalised after showing little interest last season, though that was a weak race and he's likely to find others too good. Old Si has entry in the Mens and Mount Benger and The Shoe in the Novice Riders.

Selection: Kicks For Free Alternative: Double Mead

1.30pm Open Maiden (30 entries)

A fair chance this will split on the day.

Macklin will be a popular choice, coming from a yard going great guns under Rules. He was narrowly beaten in a short Maiden on his debut on this side of the Irish Sea at Barbury earlier this month. Placed on his two starts in Ireland, stamina ought not to be an issue. Stablemate Elvis The King has the ability, but needs to brush up his jumping. Access All Areas was placed at Barbury in a 3m Maiden, this consistent sort will not be far away. Guilty As Charged came out four lengths better than Oscar The Myth, when they finished 5th and 6th at Whitfield earlier this month. However, the market suggested that Woodview Prince (sent off favourite), would have beaten them. He departed the contest too early to be sure where he would have finished, but this runner-up on his Irish debut has more scope for improvement. Sizing Ireland was placed in another contest at Whitfield, but the clock gives him plenty to find with Guilty As Charged and Oscar The Myth. Mr Maybe was a close 2nd here on his seasonal debut, but that form only looks modest now, as he pulled up next time at Tweseldown, when the lightly raced Quand Je Reve De Toi finished 3rd. This confirmed promise the latter had shown in Points a couple of years ago.

Done A Runner was placed in a slowly run Maiden last season, and can only improve. A similar comment applies to Mick The Miller (no dodgy comments please!), who survived plenty of mistakes before finishing runner-up on his debut, and fell early on his only other start. Salsero and Tough Cookie have many placings (the former in better grade) to their names, but this is likely to prove too tough against less exposed improvers. Baile Phadraig has been placed five times (all starts), including in two chases on this side of the Irish Sea, but was well beaten each time, and changed hands cheaply at the sales. It Was Me was runner-up on his last two starts in Irish Points, the second on good ground, so there's every chance he will handle the quicker ground on Saturday. Tiradia is from a yard who produced a decent novice a couple of years ago, though after a 2nd in a Huntingdon bumper, his form tailed away, and stable mate Baltic Blue is an unraced four-year-old, and was a cheap purchase at the sales. Both are worth watching in the betting market though.

The same comment applies to the very lightly raced Dancing Jack, who last ran in May 2009; he had unseated when in with every chance in an Irish Point the previous year. Related to a multiple winning hurdler and chaser in France - surely connections would not be persevering with him if he had not shown them the talent is retained. The trainer confirmed his ability to handle a fragile horse when winning with La Estrella at Wolverhampton on Wednesday (how many of you reading this were there?).

Selection: Macklin Alternative: Woodview Prince

2.00pm Open Maiden, 2m 4f (38 entries)

A bumper entry of 38 for this contest and a division on the day is a strong possibility, though several of these runners also hold an engagement in the preceding 3m Maiden. Access All Areas must enter calculations on his last run at Barbury Castle earlier this month when beaten eight lengths 2nd by Toby Lerone. Sizing Ireland was sent off favourite at Whitfield earlier this month but finished 3rd to Rich Live beaten four and a half lengths. Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, he had been placed five times from seven runs, his best performance being a 3rd at Hereford in a 2m4f hurdle in March, beaten two and three-quarter lengths by Royal Riviera. Expect him to come on for that run and he's now trained by the very capable Stuart Morris. Tomstar was 2nd over course and distance in November when beaten three-quarters of a length by Bobowen Full Ov Beans was placed once under Rules when 4th in a Stratford bumper beaten 23 lengths by Mercury Bay and was recently 3rd at Tweseldown, beaten the length of the run-in by Battle Bridge.

Woodview Prince was sent off favourite for a Maiden at Whitfield earlier this month and was still in touch when unseating at the 8th; previously he had been 2nd on his sole start in Irish Points, beaten three lengths by Bothar Clei at Knockanard. Done A Runner was 2nd on his final run last season at Clifton On Dunsmore when beaten three lengths by Half A Litre. Any Don Cantillon runner in these races warrants special attention and he has Hightown entered in this. On his last run he was 3rd at Uttoxeter in May beaten 12 lengths in a 2m hurdle by Cotillion. Baile Phadraig was placed on all four starts in Irish Points but finished well down the field in a Worcester Beginners chase in early June, beaten 104 lengths 5th to Chesapeake. Macdougal was placed three times under Rules, his best run being when 3rd to Champtho, now owned by Joe Turner at Bangor in April last year when beaten 13 lengths whilst trained by Donald McCain Jnr. The ex-George Baker-trained Midnight King has been placed three times in eight starts under Rules and was 2nd at Fontwell in May when beaten two and a quarter lengths by Cleaver in a 19 furlong hurdle. Shinnecock Bay has been placed five times under Rules, his best performance when 2nd at Fontwell in August last year beaten one and a half lengths by Courella when in the care of Oliver Sherwood. Surprise Us was placed once from four starts on the flat when 4th at Kempton in a mile Maiden race beaten four and three-quarter lengths by Majestic Bright in November 2010. Following Dreams has been placed four times from five starts in Irish Points and on his final run was 2nd beaten 10 lengths by Joseph Mercer at Kirkistown last month. Johnstown Castle has been placed twice from three runs in Irish Points, most recently when 2nd at Oldcastle in April beaten 15 lengths by Ballybough Gorta. Anobium was 3rd in April 2010 at Loughanmore beaten 23 lengths by Flemenstar. It Was Me has been placed on four occasions from six starts in Irish Points, most recently when 2nd at Largy in April behind Carsonstown Bridge beaten four lengths. Over To The Butler was placed twice in four starts in Ireland including a 3rd, beaten three quarters of a length at Largy by Ballycassel.

John Ferguson's yard are doing very well under Rules and he also has the unraced pair Colonel Iain and Dr Harry Who who is a half brother to winning Irish hurdler Mokora entered here. The betting market would be the best guide to their chances. The unraced Grimley Girl is by Sir Harry Lewis, out of the top Pointing mare Grimley Gale and is a half-sister to a three time winner in Ireland Warcraft. A very trappy contest to call with a few of these entered in an earlier race. We'll side with Sizing Ireland to come on from his Whitfield appearance as our main chance and our next best could be one of several but Woodview Prince just shades it.

Selection: Sizing Ireland Alternative: Woodview Prince

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