14 April 2010 Preview: Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berks - Kingston Blount
by Claire Hart
EURO BLEU: major contender for the Southern Grand National
photo: Neale Blackburn
The Vale of Aylesbury with Garth and South Berks host their second meeting of the season at Kingston Blount this Saturday.
Kingston Blount can be found off junction 6 of the M40, Postcode OX49 5FH. Admission costs are £15, £20 and £25 per car depending on car park choice.
Feature race of the day is the 4m2f Southern Grand National kindly sponsored by The Royal Oak pub in Paley Street, Maidenhead, which is owned by Nick Parkinson, son of Michael.
17 entries have been made, Blue Business, who came right back to his best to win the 3m5f Ladies Open at Dunthrop three weeks ago, will be Angela Rucker's mount and is one who will relish this trip.
Phillip York, possibly the most successful jockey at this course in recent years will be hoping his useful performer Euro Bleu stays this trip; he is twice a course winner and it would be no surprise to see him in the winners circle.
Alan Hill has two interesting entries, the relative novice Bynach Mor; and course winner Mysaynoway. If lining up both could hold an each-way chance. Another interesting entry is Lynne Deakin's Blue Sovereign, following two good runs over Easter in good company his style of running will be suited by this test of stamina.
On paper the Confined looks as if it will be a competitive event. The Humbel Monk, a likely runner, is bidding to creep up the ladder following his Restricted win back in February. Another with similar credentials is Ghonny Withthebowe who won a Restricted at Larkhill. James Tudor, also a very successful jockey at Kingston Blount, will partner the Alan Hill trained Mad Jack Duncan should he run.
A combined age of fifty for horse and rider is the condition for the TVC race. Entries include Long Courrier who was second in last year's equivalent; he will again be partnered by his Owner/Rider Tim Underwood. Useful performer Strong Weld, a winner at Lockinge on Easter Monday, is likely to be sent off at a short price but will be opposed by the Phillip York partnered Ambrossini. Phil won this race last year and it will be no surprise to see him take this year's renewal.
With two Maidens on the card there is plenty of opportunity to pick future stars, there is a 2m5f and a 3 mile version.
Of those with recent placed form, Doubletoilntrouble was a good second at Hackwood recently; Aldridge Hill and Lord Brownlow are two others with good form.
Others to note are Mister Cee Jay, Caught In Time and Boddington Lad, all of whom are thoroughly consistent and are knocking on the door to win their Maiden.
With seven races and a parade of hounds there is plenty to entertain the whole family. There will be trade stands and hot/cold food and drink available.
