06 May 2008 Wheatland - Chaddesley Corbett
Cottage River: Lady Dudley Cup victor holds an entry in the Mixed Open
Chaddesley Corbett stages its third meeting of the season on Sunday afternoon and with 163 entries there should be some competitive racing for crowds, which flock to this popular course.
The Confined race provides winning opportunities for two stables that are in close proximity to this venue. Theresa McCurrich trains Sharlom at Rushock just a stones throw from Chaddesley, while Snowtre comes from Helen Needhams successful yard at Kidderminster.
Sharlom is now 11-years-old and while he has lost some of his ability he wins at least one race a season and will not find an easier opportunity than this.
Snowtre is an in and out performer but on his day he takes some beating but his efforts have to be timed to perfection, but the nature of this course helps with those efforts and he should run into a place at the very least.
Hi Tech Man got the better of Coole Venture when the pair last met at the Worcestershire meeting 3 weeks ago. Alex Smith Maxwell is improving as a rider and their chances cannot be ignored.
Caroline Beasley won the Mixed Open last year with Rebel Army but the Shropshire trainer will find it more difficult to win this time around. He holds Von Origny on their performances in 2007, but this year's race is much more competitive.
Dudley Cup winning trainer Julie Houldey has three horses entered including the big race winner Cottage River, as well as Bowdens Lane and Deep Hall.
Gunther McBride was a useful chaser under Rules for Phillip Hobbs and has also run well in Points and as staying is his forte he has to be given a chance. Others to take into consideration are Itsalf and Worship the Stars.
Mrs Beasley won the Members Race last year with Jemaro who is still racing at an age when most horses are retired. The old boy still retains sufficient ability to see of the challenge of last year's runner up Belligerent.
Sapega would be a popular winner of the Conditions race for Enville trainer Diana Williams and while there is a question mark over several of his rivals, Sapega should give his supporters a good run for their money.
The 40 strong Restricted provides a winner opportunity for the Helen Needham trained and Jim Callow owned Murphys Fusilier. He was the impressive winner of his maiden earlier in the season and ran well at the Worcestershire meeting - a repeat performance would be good enough to land this contest.
