24 February 2009 Preview: Southdown & Eridge - Godstone
With good entries, the course in excellent condition and good ground expected, all is set fair for Godstone races on Saturday (28th February).
Bee An Bee (pictured) has emerged from his victorious run at Charing last weekend extremely well according to his rider Stuart Robinson. The pairing are almost certain to contest the Mens Open, where they could meet last year's winner Noakarade De Verzee, Tweseldown winner Armoury House and the Irish chase winner Letterman, trained and ridden by Nick Pearce. There are 12 entered.
Both multiple scorer Carryonharry and promising newcomer Roaringwater are entered for the Ladies, and rider Cynthia Haydon may have trouble choosing between them. Carryonharry has won no less than 14 Ladies Opens, while her father's Roaringwater has just the one to his name - an impressive debut win at Detling in January.
Marcus Gorman runs Sironi in the Open, while Heather Kemp has Caged Tiger in the opening Maiden and will ride Ballybough Billy (who beat Merry Vic last year) in the Restricted. Philip Hall runs the exciting prospect Star Gift in the Maiden and first choice for Winters Beau is the Members race. Glenbower Woods, the Folkestone winner from the Grissell yard in Sussex, is aimed at one of the Opens, with a decision being made later in the week. Hampshire trainer Jenny Gordon is sending two for the Restricted - Parzando (Neil Henderson) and First Partner, who will be novice ridden, with Wain Mountain heading for one of the Opens.
There are seven races scheduled, starting at 12.30, and 112 horses entered, Pony racing starts at 11.00am and there is a wide range of trade stands, amusements, a licensed bar and champagne tent.. Admission is 25 per car, 5 per pedestrian. The postcode for satnavs is RH9 8DG.
