08 April 2009 Preview: Staintondale - Charm Park
The Staintondale host their Point-to-Point this Bank holiday Monday at Charm Park near Wykeham. The meeting has received 158 entries and with watering taking place, good ground is expected. The six-race card begins at 2.00pm with the PPORA Club race for Novice and Veteran riders.
At the top of the list of 19 entries is the Karen Tutty-trained Astral Prince, who got up right on the line at the Hurworth meeting and proved that he still retains enough ability to go close here. Baron Romeo and Beauchamp Oracle continue to run good races for their Novice riders, and whilst Caraman was a useful horse under Rules, his stamina could let him down. Del Trotter could have a say, however his form is hard to predict, Jabo has recently learnt where the line is and could have an each way say. Holy Joe may find this ground too lively and Nawaadi was a close second to My Old Piano at Whitwell, however it is yet to be seen what he achieved that day. Place Above looks a very useful Open horse but has a long lay-off to overcome. Maxine Stirk could have the winner with Clever Nora, who seems to be improving with each run.
The Restricted race looks to have some useful recruits entered, including Its Teescomponents, who won easily at Mordon and who should appreciate the track. Chibuku won well at the Hurworth meeting but it is hard to know what he beat, and the ex-sprinter Endless Night won at Welbeck but it is yet to be seen if stamina is his forte.
Hubble Bubble was once a Derby entry when with Mark Johnston and won on only his second start at Alnwick last year and could be the dark horse. Fli Mi Son looks to have a race of this type in him, along with Oaklands Bobby who could go very close, as he seems to appreciate this quicker surface. Phenix Jack however should take all the beating as he won here in devastating fashion in March, although he was pulled up last time out.
The Mixed Open looks an interesting event. Hardybuck has been placed twice, Johnny Venture and Over To Joe are in terrific form and will go very close, whilst Le Passing could also have a say if the tempo isn't too quick. L'Oudon looks to have been revitalised by Gemma Tutty who has hunted him intensively, which seemed to pay off with a win at Mordon under Guy Brewer. Unjust Law has been very classy this season and looks the main danger to the selection, Elizadoalott. This mare has only found the hugely classy Qotica De Poyans to good in Point-to-Points, is improving at a rate of knots and can give Maxine Stirk a double on the day.
In the Confined race there is 28 entries and Abandon Ship continues to go close but may have to settle for a place again. Father Murtagh is an intriguing recruit from Ireland, however he does have to overcome a long lay-off to win here and may come on for a run. High Moor was a good winner at Mordon and could have a squeak, whilst Keen Whip finally got his act together and ran respectably at Whitwell. One Five Eight could be the danger as he looks to be coming back to his best, and Royal Return looks a very useful individual. Johnny Venture was not suited by a slowly run race when second last time at the Derwent meeting and chould go one better here.
The Open Maiden looks competitive, with the main contenders including Apollo Saturn Five, who was a good second to Chibuku last time. Bossall Billy can continue to improve, Cherryland was an encouraging third round this course last time, and Dreamaker should appreciate a sounder surface. Summer Equinox has the best form from last year although does not seem to be backing that up. Miss Sunflower was second to Rich Hill and may be the main danger. In A Good Way caught the eye when third to Willywonthe and should win.
The Open Maiden Conditions race looks difficult as most of these have little or no form; Ping Pong could go close but lacks stamina, Star Edtion is working well and may be one to watch, Miss Rosella is slowly improving, whilst the Walford horse Alligin Rose is one to keep an eye on. However Watermill and To The Wind have just been missing out with the latter been upsides when falling at the last at Sheriff Hutton and can win in this lesser company.
