02 February 2010 Preview: South Pool Harriers - Buckfastleigh
by Granville Taylor
WHIZZAAR: Just one of several high-class entries in the Mixed Open
photo: Tracy Roberts
Point-to-Point racing is set to resume at Buckfastleigh on Sunday (7th February) where the South Pool Harriers meeting has attracted a total of 179 entries. The first Point-to-Point race is at 12 noon, with the first of two pony races getting under way an hour earlier.
Competitive racing is in prospect at this popular track, with the 38 nominations for the Mixed Open setting a high standard. Top Hunter Chaser Southwestern was forced to miss his planned prep race for the Christie's Cheltenham Foxhunters when Black Forest Lodge was frozen off, and will be fully tested here. Course winners Whizzaar and Rockwithacaveman can make their seasonal debuts, and Sericina, Sporting Rebel and Cowboyboots are already good winners this term. Theatre Diva beat Turthen impressively at Larkhill recently and this useful hurdler looks one to follow in Points. Another to enter calculations is former Cheltenham Hunter Chase winner Massimo, who missed last season.
The Exeter Racecourse Intermediate has attracted 29 entries. Bishy Barnaby showed much promise winning twice last season, and Fully Loaded already has three wins on the board this term. Pezreuil can build on his recent Chipley win where Walter De Wodeland looked unlucky.
Six-year-old Civil Disobedience created a highly favourable impression when scoring by 15 lengths on his debut at Woodford last year. This strong half-brother to Drybrook Bedouin heads the 36 entries for the Restricted.
There are 28 entries for the Confined Maiden. St Georgina was narrowly beaten by a useful type at Larkhill last month and can go one better here. Henri Prends Garde ran well at Wadebridge and Monique Pike's newcomer Spot the Tiger is worth keeping an eye on.
The Open Maiden has been split with 24 in each division. Allerford Jack held every chance when falling at Larkhill and could be the answer to the first section. Alpha Native was doing his best work at the finish at Wadebridge and could be a sporting bet in the other division. Diego Velasquez has been placed over fences, and Richard Barber's Silver Goal and My Minds Maid can make matters interesting.
There are six ponies entered in the 138cm race and a full up field of 10 in the 148cm event. Riders in the first include Conner Flint - younger brother of jockey Rhys - and reigning area champion Hannah Welch.
Food, bars, bookies and trade stands all add to Buckfastleigh's unique atmosphere at this excellent viewing track.
The course is located 1 mile west of the town of Buckfastleigh, alongside the A38. TQ11 0LT. Entrance costs £20 per car with £10 for a single driver.
