05 May 2011 Preview: Tredegar Farmers - Lower Machen
by Brian Lee
STONERIGGS MERC: Looking for victory in the Mens Open to secure a hat-trick
photo: Alun Sedgmore
A total of 133 entries have been received for the annual Tredegar Farmers Hunt Point-to-Point meeting at Lower Machen, near Newport, on Sunday where the course is being watered on a daily basis.
The seven race card gets under way at 2pm with the Members race, and Edna Hussey's Bob Bites Back will have most to fear from Princesse de Rome.
Recent winners Diamondaire and Two Shook Men are worth noting in the Restricted race and of the 20 down to run in the Confined, Chandlers Cross and Obelix de Longechaux look best.
The galloping grey Stoneriggs Merc will be going for a three-timer in the Mens Open, but Floridahall and Exceptional should give him a run for his money. Baren De Doc, a winner of his last two races, could face stiff opposition from Sweet Citizen and Virginia Preuil in the Ladies Open race.
Bang On Trend will probably start favourite for the first of the two Maiden races but Prime Edition and Rainbow Haze are worth a closer look in the young horse event. The two to watch out for in the Open Maiden are Clongeen Allstar and John Clayton who both finished second last time they ran.
There will be two pony races after the last Point-to-Point race is run.
