14 April 2011 Preview: West Somerset Vale - Cothelstone
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
GAELIC FLIGHT: aims to make it two from two at Cothelstone
photo: Tim Holt
Gaelic Flight can follow up his recent Cothelstone win by taking the West Somerset Vale Mixed Open at the Somerset venue on Sunday. The 13-year-old, who had run through the wing at Treborough Hill the previous weekend, can confirm placings with Johnny's Way, who could never get in a blow and finished 11 lengths away in third.
Other contenders include course winner Overlut, who must be considered if connections make the journey from Wales, the prolific Saint Romble, Prince De Bersy and Quaddick Lake, who opened his pointing account at Ottery St Mary. The fascinating contender is Elusive Dream, who has fallen in both his points to date when travelling kindly. Gaelic Flight gets the vote, with Elusive Dream the danger if putting in a clear round.Dollydo, who overcame a serious blunder to win at the Quantock Staghounds, can make it three wins this season in the Novice Riders' race. Duxy Hill Lady and Humbel Origins fought out the Mendip Farmers Men's Open, but both have been beaten since, so Welsh raider Pelennor and Treborough winner Kilrogan may be the two for the minor placings.
Quantock Staghounds winners Nobile, Soggy Dollar, Not A Doctor and Barton Stacey are among the 22 entries for the Restricted race, along with Midnight Marine and Roisini Bay, who were second and third behind Dollydo on the same card, and Diamondaire, the winner of a Maiden at last season's corresponding meeting. Doran's Lodge won easily at Godstone and is fancied to follow up. Cilwendig runner-up On Oath, Midnight Marine and Roisini Bay are the main dangers.
Dual chase winner Rio Laine, who was a good sixth behind Surenaga at the season's Black Forest Lodge opener in November, can make a winning reappearance in the Hunt race. Chepstow hurdle winner Ffos Las Diamond, who raced prominently before weakening at the Quantock Staghounds, and Strong Saddler, a good third at Fennington Farm, may be the strongest challengers.
The 2m4f and 3m Maiden races look challenging, with 34 and 21 entries respectively. Grove Melody showed plenty of speed at the Quantock Staghounds and can contest the shorter contest with Murtaad, who had every chance when departing at the last at Ston Easton. Persian Shadow has been placed in both outings to date and may be the one for the longer event.
The course lies north of Taunton off the A358, 3 miles NE of Bishops Lydeard. First race: 2.00pm (pony racing from 1.00pm). Admission is £20 per car including all occupants, £10 single occupancy, £5 pedestrians.
