24 April 2009 Preview: Axe Vale Harriers - Stafford Cross
by Granville Taylor
LABARYNTH: has a great chance in the Hunt Members
photo: Tim Holt
The Axe Vale looks set to provide some exciting racing at Stafford Cross on Sunday (26 April). The afternoon starts with two pony races with the first due to go off at 12 noon. The Point-to-Point card features a total of 157 entries for eight races and gets under way at 1.30, when Polly Gundry's mount Labarynth may prove too good for Man of Leisure and Monique Pike's selection of Simon's Seat and Sulawacee in the Hunt race.
Touch of Flame should go well in the Confined, but Meanus Dandy and Tres Bien each have solid winning form this season.
This trio are also entered for the Mixed Open, and this looks a strong contest with hunter chase winners Whizzaar and Who Else Knew in the line up.
The Intermediate looks particularly competitive with most of the 17 entries holding recent winning form. Jack's Taxi is on the upgrade, but will have such as Pimbury, Presenting Jack, Grande Bretagne, Captain Machell and Niver Bai to cope with.
Thisthatandtother will be looking to give Jack Barber his fifth win in the Novice Riders' event, and the Barber stable are strongly represented amongst the 33 nominations for the Restricted with Vico, who looked a smart prospect when scoring on his debut at Larkhill.
The Seaborough yard could also hold the key to the divided Open Maidens which have 22 entries in each section. Choice Connection was a close third at Upcott Cross, whilst Bless My Soul was runner up to the smart Shacklesborough on his racecourse debut at Charlton Horethorne.
The Stafford Cross track is 3 miles west of Seaton, near the A3052. Exit 30 is the nearest M5 link. Admission costs £20 per car with £15 for single occupants.
