13 May 2009 Preview: South Durham - Mordon
by Will Milburn
ALWAYS RIGHT: entered in three races for course owner John Wade
photo: Jon Hodd
The South Durham Point-to-Point has received 108 entries for the finale of the Yorkshire season. Much will be at stake as many people fight for their respective titles, including Jo Foster, Chris Dawson, Guy Brewer, and also Becky Mason, who will be attempting to claim the Novice title that her sister Jo won last year.
The first race is the Hunt Members race and typically course owner John Wade holds a very strong hand, with Saddlers Singer, Always Right, Forty Shakes, Persian Prince and Racing Ace. The latter won on his last appearance at this course and could go close, whilst Persian Prince looks progressive, however the course specialist Forty Shakes should take the beating. Abandon Ship is very consistent so should also go very close.
The next race is the Confined race over 3m5f. The recent course and distance winner is Oaklands Luis who beat some fair rivals. Always Right is the class horse but may opt for the Mens Open. Johnny Venture has looked a good horse in the early parts of the season, but has disappointed recently. My Wee Woman loves a test of stamina and continues to improve, whilst Quinta De Lobo could go well. Scrappie looks a real stayer and has improved rapidly this season, so should take the beating.
In the 2m4f Open Maiden, All Lit Up has some good form under rules and can go close, while Ping Pong lacks the stamina but should give a good account. Cheapside could run a good race from the all conquering Easterby yard, but Red Etosha, who was disputing the lead until coming to grief at the last recently, could well make amends here.
The Mens Open is an exciting looking race and several should give good accounts, including Browns Beck who is extremely consistent, along with Abandon Ship who could continue to improve. Lou Du Moulin Mas came back to form recently with new front running tactics, whilst The Viking takes a step up into Open class for the first time. Always Right is the class horse and was last seen running an honourable eleventh in the Cheltenham Foxhunters, so should be hard to beat.
The Ladies Open looks a hot event, with the game and consistent Astral Prince topping the list. One Five Eight always goes close and may be bidding to give Becky Mason her first Championship title, while On Y Va looks useful after winning impressively at Flagg Moor. Blandings Castle looks a classy horse and could bounce back if the ground is suitable, however Old Rolla beat the useful Rayshan recently and if in the same form should be hard to beat.
The Restricted race has and entry of 20. Wantage Road is capable but is clearly not straight forward, but Chris Dawson can make it a double with the highly respected Racing Ace, who won here last time.
The Open Maiden looks an open event. Plenty have chances, including Gunner Snow, Snowy Descent, Desperate Bob, Nina Chester and Meertrix. However, the selection is Calopocus who has run consistently well all season and can finally gain a deserved win.
