02 February 2010 Preview: West Street Tickham - Detling
by Mark Siggers
The Point-to-Point season in the south east starts this weekend with Detling Races on Sunday (February 7th).
On old form, the classiest horse on the card is Ungaro, a once highly rated performer whose last win was three years ago in the Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton. Now owned and ridden by Heather Kemp, Ungaro will run in the Ladies' Open and if all goes to plan a campaign of Hunter Chases awaits.
The Mens Open has 15 entries headed by Control Man, eight times a winner under Rules, who has had a two-season break following three Open wins in 2007. He could meet Honourable Spider, bidding for his eighth Point-to-Point win and returning after a disappointing 2009. The Spider will be ridden by reigning SE champion rider Peter Bull. Highland Chief and Philip Hall, successful at this meeting last year, bid for their first Open win after seconds at Catsfield and Charing. Theatre Knight (also entered for the Ladies) represents the Tindall/Pearce combination.
Jenny Gordon brings a team of horses across from Hampshire. Claire Allen rides Nice Pick in the Maiden and Top Ram in the Ladies, while Matt Smith partners Launde in the Men's Open. Kjetil, Wain Mountain and Presenting Express are all double-entered for the Conditions and the Novice Riders races.
Some yards, like that of Carolyn and Marcus Gorman, have been held up by the snow and their horses are not quite ready to run.
Star Gift and Supa Tramp could be the two for the Restricted. Star Gift won his Maiden last year at the third attempt, while Peter Bull's Supa Tramp returns to pointing from a spell of hurdling having won his Maiden at Charing in 2008. In the opening Maiden Karingabay King will strip fit for his fourth place at Larkhill last week, while Badgers Cove from Rose Grissell's yard is reported to have impressed at home.
The meeting has attracted a total of 118 entries. Racing starts at 12.00noon. Detling Racecourse (ME14 3JF for satnavs) is on the A249, three miles north east of the M20 (junction 7) north east of Maidstone. Admission is £25 per car with a concession for single occupancy.
