18 May 2009 Preview: Albrighton Woodland - Chaddesley Corbett
by Pete Mansell
SNOWTRE: has a leading chance in the Hunt Members
photo: Steve Hunt
Helen Needham's Kidderminster stable has hit form in recent weeks and she will be hoping her winning run continues in the Members during Monday's Point-to-Point at Chaddesley Corbett.
Her father Jim Callow has two runners in this contest and it is difficult to see the stable selection getting beaten. Connections seem to have all options covered because Snowtre has good form on firm ground while Murphy's Fusilier relishes an easier surface.
Local trainer Wendy Bayliss has won this race in the past and Ballykilglen had useful form in Ireland so this type of race looks within his capabilities, while Skyhawk has also performed creditably over the Irish Sea.
Abberley trainer Zoe Hammond won a Cold Harbour maiden with Bathwick Lucy recently and that gives her a good chance in the Intermediate where Ordis Rise could figure prominently if recapturing earlier form. Sheknowsyouknow is also more than capable of holding her own in this company.
Angela Rucker looks sure to win the Area Ladies Title this year but she will be keen to end the season on a high note and will do that if Petit Lord or Pirate Flagship win the Ladies Open.
The Himbleton based rider has most to fear from Fergals Find, Fleur de Nikos and The General Lee, who ran his rivals ragged at the Radnor meeting recently, but this race will demand further improvement from Judith Healey's gelding.
Considering the season is drawing to a close the meeting has done well to attract 163 entries although 48 of these are for the concluding Maiden which looks sure to be divided on the day. Exuberance, Jolly Rock, Present D'Aze, Run Out The Guns, and Smokes And Daggers look the form horses in this contest and it will be surprising if the winner does not come from this quintet.
Admission is £10 per person.
