11 January 2012 Preview: Silverton - Black Forest Lodge
by Donna Harris
DELOUGHTANE: John Pearn's prolific performer looking for a first 2011/12 win
photo: Tim Holt
Point-to-Point action in the Devon and Cornwall area takes place at Black Forest Lodge at Kenton near Exeter on Sunday, January 15. With over 100 entries it promises to be an action-packed card, which kicks off at 12pm.
The first race to come under starters' orders is the Fred Tucker Memorial Hunt Members race and seven horses are entered. They include Benefit Time who ran at the course in December and is sure to have come on for his creditable fifth in the Restricted, a race that was won by On My Living Life. Also entered is Kirkleigh who ran a good eight lengths third at Cherrybrook last season but was disappointing next time out. The race has been kindly sponsored by hunt members.
Next up is the Restricted race for Novice Riders, kindly sponsored by Simpkins Edwards Chartered Accountants. There are 19 entered including Delta Borget who is trained by Leslie Jefford. He was consistently placed last season and has been in frame in all bar two of his Pointing completions. The Laura Thomas-trained Shrewd Investment was a course winner in November when he justified 2/1 favouritism and came home the eight length winner.
Another to note is the Richard Woollacott-trained Mister Trigger who gave his jockey George Humphrey a pleasing second at the November meeting here.
The Ladies Open has attracted 17 entries and is kindly sponsored by Charles Stanley Stock Brokers. Sagalyrique was second in an AGA Ladies race at Chaddesley Corbett in December in a race that was won by Billyvoddan. The front running Deloughtane could add to his eight Point-to-Point wins and goes well for his jockey Alice Pearn, but Karshaan could be the one to beat, winning four out of his last seven starts, and posting the fastest time of the day at Barbury. He is trained at Cattistock by Peter Shaw.
Knight Frank sponsor the Mens Open. This race has attracted 20 entries and is headed by the class horse Cedrus Libani. Trained by Angela Rucker in Worcester he is unbeaten in last four starts and gave rider Richard Burton his 400th winner. Special Account, trained by Camilla Scott, also has four wins between the flags from his nine starts. He was bought at Cheltenham in 2010 after winning an Irish Point-to-Point. Two others to note are Foynes Island and Empty Sky.
A bumper entry of 65 prompted a three-way split of the Open Maiden. These have been sponsored by Phillip Saunders Building Contractors Ltd, Tinknells Fuels and Crediton Milling. The betting will offer the best clues to plenty of newcomers to Point-to-Pointing.
The race course offers excellent viewing and there is also a hog roast, licensed bar, bookies and trade stands. Entrance is £20 per car. £10 for a single driver. Postcode is EX6 8NW.
