10 February 2009 Preview: Sinnington - Duncombe Park
AMICELLI: will be looking for a repeat success in the Mens Open on the way to defending his crown in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham
The Sinnington Hunt holds its Point-to-Point this Saturday upon the stately grounds of Duncombe Park. The meeting has received a huge 204 entries, 66 of these being in the maiden, which has been divided to create a seven race card.
The first race is the Confined race and has received a huge entry of 43. Buy Onling was last seen chasing home Pristine Condition at Sheriff Hutton and should be in the shake up again. Glenelly Gale was at the head of affairs when coming down two out last time out, whilst General Grey and Gunner Royal should both appreciate this test of stamina. Wilfie Wild, Alison's Treasure and Pikachu Blue (who was a model of consistency last year when finishing a gallant third in the Grimthorpe Gold Cup), can all have a say. However Royal Return, although being lightly raced, has been very impressive in his few runs and can score.
In The Restricted race there are several that catch the eye, the first of which is Elusive Swallow who broke his maiden here two years ago, and his latest third means he could go close again. Another course winner is The Viking, who also lost his maiden here. The Tinkerator ran a promising race last time and should have come on for that, whereas My Wee Woman and Southern Classic should both appreciate this test of stamina. However Eliza Doalott, who travelled strongly and chased home the impressive Quotica De Poyans at Sheriff Hutton, can take this.
The Men's Open sees the appearance of the Cheltenham Foxhunters winner Amicelli who also won this race last year, and who is no doubt on course to attempt to make it back-to-back Cheltenham Foxhunters and will need a very good horse to beat him. Europa chased home Amicelli here last year on his sole appearance and could be doing the same again. Yann's, Teeton Babysham and Queenies Girl all have place chances.
The Ladies Open holds 31 entries and at the top of the card April Spirit, who was very consistent in 2007 and loves a test of stamina, can go well if fit enough. Narciso will have benefited from its run at Sheriff Hutton and can go well along with the extremely reliable and consistent Flashy Boy who was second on his most recent start. Jimmy's Duky progressed well last season and can go further by running well here. Vingis Park was not out of the first two last season for Jill Dawson, however Tynedale will be hoping for soft ground and has already got off the mark this season when lowering the colours of the highly rated Rayshan at Friars Haugh.
Division One of the Maiden looks a tough race, the horses making their debut in points include Botaldor - who has been placed twice under rules, Chancery Lad and Its Teescomponents (placed in bumpers and hurdle races). Master Wolfe also has form under rules however Napalm, who has been knocking on the door with several placed efforts, looks the best of the newcomers. It looks like the pointers with form may have the upper hand. Scrappie and Wantage Road have both gone close lately, while Racing Ace was a gambled on third at Sheriff Hutton. However the strong travelling Forge Valley, who ran well for a long way until tiring at The Burton to finish a respectable second, will have come on for that and can score.
In Division two of the maiden, the Greenall and Easterby team have a strong hand with Aldea, Apollo Saturn Five, Impact Zone, Snake Rave, Winds and Dragons and Plume D'Oudairies. Oaklands Bobby was collared near the line at Cottenham, and Eurospoofer caught the eye when finishing fourth and will improve for that. However O'Gara, who stayed on well to finish third in a Restricted at Thorpe Lodge, can win now dropped back down in class.
The Hunt Members race ends the card and Network Oscar, who finished second at the Lincoln meeting, will go close along with Lord Gee who progressed from Maidens to win a Confined last season. Stroom Bank and Iron Express would go very close if returning to his old form, however Cop Howe will have benefited from his recent fourth in a Ladies Open and can win this for the second year in a row for David Shields and Jacqueline Coward.
