07 April 2011 Preview: Spooners & West Dartmoor - Cherrybrook
by Lucy Johnson
A competitive Members' race at 1pm kicks off an eight race card at Cherrybrook near Tavistock in West Devon on Sunday where the Spooners & West Dartmoor holds its annual Point-to-Point.
Entries include recent Kilworthy winner Deimne who was saddled by Pauline Geering to land the odds in the Confined race under Richard Woollacott. In second place in the same race that day was Come On Buckers, who was beaten three lengths; he is also entered.
The 20 in the Restricted include Alysia's Flame who uncharacteristically fell at Buckfastleigh when going well. If she's none the worse for the ordeal she should go well. Lucinda Tylor saddled Saffron Star to win a maiden at Wadebridge and he subsequently finished down the field at Cothelstone but he may bounce back to form again. Another who appears to be progressing nicely is Valoroso who won a Maiden at Buckfastleigh last month.
Entries in the Mixed Open include the Ross Oliver trained Oscatello who will find jumping Point-to-Point fences a much easier task than those he faced at Cheltenham in the Christie Foxhunter, where he pulled up after making a few mistakes.
The Confined looks a competitive race with several in the reckoning including Kilworthy Hunt Members' winner The Boss Roche, Deb's Dasher who won at the same meeting and My Nicole who won an Intermediate at Wadebridge last month.
The Intermediate is a qualifier for the final at Exeter Racecourse on May 3 and the 11 entries include Roll On Rose, another winner from the recent meeting at Kilworthy.
The Maiden race has been split into three divisions with 16 in each and the betting will provide the best clue to those who are fancied to go well. In the first division, Paul Tylor's Mr Demister finished second on his only start at Wadebridge this season, in the second Persian Shadow is gaining experience with every run and in the third Zephyrous was just beaten into third last time out and could make amends.
The course is on the A386 Tavistock to Okehampton road and will be clearly signposted. As well as the racing there will be other attractions including trade stands, children's entertainment, catering, a licensed bar and on-course bookies. Gate charges are £10 for a car and driver, £5 each additional adult passenger - children free.
