03 March 2009 Preview: Suffolk - Ampton
Caveman stands out among 90 entries for the Suffolk Point-To-Point at Ampton on Sunday March 8. A winner for the third time this season at Marks Tey last Saturday, he is set to take part in the Mens Open before graduating to the bigger fences in a Towcester Hunter Chase.
Already a dual winner at this hillside venue, the formbook suggests that Caveman has little to fear from his ten potential rivals. Trainer Lady Anne Connell proved that her string is back in rude health after a virus-ravaged 2008 by saddling a winner at Higham on Sunday and her representative, Maestro Please, first and second on his two previous visits to Ampton, can chase Caveman home.
The Ladies' Open looks more competitive with a quintet of horses that have already tasted victory this term - Bedtime Boys, Frosty Run, Mid Div And Creep, Petit Lord and Roaringwater - among the 18 engaged.
The mare Mid Div And Creep has an alternative target in the form of the Confined Race, although this could prove another well-contested affair with Go North, a winner at the last Ampton fixture, and recent Horseheath scorer Where's My Baby set to provide stiff opposition.
The six-race card gets under way at 1.30pm with a six-entry Hunt Race, where Sirius Storm, successful in similar company at Cottenham last month, could prevail if his stamina holds out, and runs through until 4.25pm, when a 23-entry Maiden comes under orders.
Ampton is four miles north of Bury St Edmunds using the A134 (signposted for Thetford). The course is very close to this trunk road, and is best approached by turning east (right if you are coming from Bury) at the pub in the village of Ingham.
Admission will be charged at £10 per head for adults. Under 17s will be admitted free provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
