29 January 2010 West of Yore at Whitcliffe Grange - Betting Preview
by Will Milburn
The Yorkshire Point-to-Point circuit finally gets under way this Sunday at Yorkshire's newest Point-to-Point course - Whitcliffe Grange near Ripon, host to the West of Yore. The meeting has attracted 118 entries spread across a seven race card.
The meeting kicks off with the Club Members race. First to catch the eye are the form horses from last year: Buy Onling and My Old Piano, who could do nothing but impress all season. Father Murtagh was placed twice in hunter chases last year, whilst Johnny Venture has gone close against some competitive rivals. Gunner Jack was highly rated under rules and when in his prime came within a head of the very talented Ballyfitz. However, Keen Whip continues to progress with age and should relish the ground and the track. He would no doubt be a popular winner for the Brader team.
Selection: Keen Whip
The Mens Open looks very competitive with several notable contenders. Natoumba impressed when staying on into third at Alnwick, whilst Pristine Condition is another progressive horse from the Easterby yard and should have a say. A repeat of Nirvana Du Bourg's old form would make him the class horse here; he was extremely talented in France but has disappointed massively since moving to the UK. Eliza Doalott is very classy and much loved after several wins last year, so will no doubt go very close. Laertes was last seen winning the Highland National by 12 lengths and will be tough to beat here.
Selection: Laertes
The Open Maiden race for Non-Rules runners has attracted a small but interesting field. The two yards that excel in this sphere are that of Gill Walford and Maxine Stirk. Both hold entries and should be watched in the betting market. Mr Wickham, however, sets the standard here, making his UK debut after several placed efforts in Ireland.
Selection: Mr Wickham
The next race is the Ladies Open which sees the return of several exciting horses from last season. This includes On Y Va who won with some style at Flagg Moor. Narcisco will no doubt go very close for Jaqueline Coward as he has almost a 60% strike rate in point-to-points. Robin De Sherwood is a recent Alnwick winner where he took the notable scalp of Robbers Glen. Eliza Doalott, whose gallops are situated on the course, is locally trained by Maxine Stirk. She gained many supporters when winning the Heart of All England by an impressive 21 lengths and is sure to take the beating.
Selection: Eliza Doalott
The Restricted race has received seventeen entries with the strong stayer Areyacoddinmee topping the list. Celestial Hall looks like he could go close, along with Riot Act and Saddlers Singer. The latter finished second in a very competitive Restricted at Alnwick recently so should run well. Oaklands Bobby looks full of potential, although seems to lack a bit of stamina when it's crucial. However, the two who look to be a step above the rest are Fli Mi Son and Premier Kadam. The latter destroyed his rivals by 40 lengths in a Larkhill Maiden and now makes a return to Pointing after a brief spell under rules.
Selection: Premier Kadam
The First Division of the Open Maiden race looks to have several newcomers to the Pointing ranks. These include: Boxbury, who ran a good fourth in a Catterick bumper, and Spirit Man, who could be the dark horse in the race as he was highly rated over fences when in the care of David Pipe. If Monkerty Tunkerty can settle he will take the beating, however Reef Dancer will have come on a bundle for his debut at Alnwick, where he finished an encouraging third. Sutton shaped well in bumpers and should go close for the Easterby team.
Selection: Sutton
The final race looks an open contest. It includes Bardolet - who was placed several times under rules - along with Brochure who was previously with Jonjo O'Neill. Oaklands Robbie could progress with time. Calapocus looks a difficult individual although he still appears to retain plenty of ability. Rosedale Abbey returns from a lay off. She was last seen finishing third in a Dalton Park maiden. However the long-standing maiden Easby Mandarin, who has been placed on thirteen separate occasions, could well finally get off the mark.
Selection: Easby Mandarin
