11 March 2009 Preview: Quantock Staghounds - Cothelstone
The Quantock Staghounds meeting on Sunday (first race 12.30pm) is the first of scheduled three visits to picturesque Cothelstone this season. The Ladies and Mens Opens highlight the nine-race card, which has attracted a bumper 207-strong entry.
The 20 entries for the Ladies Open include Honest Endeavour, an impressive winner of last year's contest for Worcestershire trainer-rider Angela Rucker. Proven front-runners include Innocent Rebel, Parsifal - trainer Dick Baimbridge's 500th winner at Bratton Down last season - and Carroll's O'Tully, who gave a good account of herself at Kingston St Mary. The prolific trio Lady Myfanwy, Croix De Guerre and Saint Romble have chances, but Coombe Hill, who quickened well at Ottery St Mary, should be ideally suited by Cothelstone and is the selection.
Southwestern, likely to contest the Christie's Foxhunter this week, and Kiama are fascinating entries for the Mens contest. Imperial Sun, who was second twice in 72 hours recently, and Nino Conti, who appeared not to stay at Ottery St Mary, are possibles, but Barney Blue goes from strength to strength and may extend his winning sequence to five.
Saint Romble is entered for the Confined, along with Hi Fi, who put up a fine performance when second to Meanus Dandy at Charlton Horethorne on Sunday, and easy East Devon hunt race winner McSolo. Martin Pitchwood impressed when accounting for his 13 Kingston St Mary rivals, including Fool On The Hill and the disappointing King Of The Jungle, and is selected to follow up.
The opening Hunt Members race for the Sir Gerald Boles Memorial Trophy has attracted its usual solid entry. Course winners Just Gladys and Nobile have chances, but Croix De Guerre, who has yet to get off the mark this season, will be the automatic selection if facing the starter.
The 2½ mile Maiden will be run in two divisions. Ottery St Mary third Wynbrook, the consistent Max's Choice and Welsh raider Loucatmi are three to consider in Division 1. Allerford Jack, Shrewd Dude and Red Mimi were all in the frame at Great Trethew and may fight out Division 2.
The Restricted has received 31 entries, including Great Trethew winner The Disengager and Presenting Jack, a course winner here in 2007. Massini Man was a good second to Labarynth at Ottery St Mary and may go one better.
The closing Open Maiden race will also be run in two Divisions. Ataraxia got to within ¾ length of Kenickie at Ottery St Mary and is the selection for Division 1. Little Kimmie has been placed in three of his four outings and may get his head in front in Division 2.
The picturesque Cothelstone course lies north of Taunton off the A358 (junction 25 off the M5), 3 miles NE of Bishops Lydeard. First race: 12.30pm. Admission £20 per car and all occupants; £10 per car with driver only; £5 pedestrians.
