24 March 2009 Preview: Badsworth & Bramham Moor - Mordon
The Badsworth and Bramham hold their Point-to-Point this Saturday at Howe Hills, Mordon, by kind permission of John Wade.
An excellent track which has improved every year has received a huge number of entries including 49 in the Open Maiden. This race has been divided, resulting in a 7 race card. Overall there are 153 entries for what looks like a very competitive day's racing.
The first race is the Confined, with 34 entries. Abandon Ship chased home Alisons Treasure at the Hurworth point and looks like both are returning to their best. Archie Babes ran very creditably to finish second behind Menchikov at North Carlton and is one to watch. Cnocan Aoibhinn won in devastating fashion recently, Keen Whip has the ability but needs to get his act together, whilst Major Shark could take Chris Cundall one step closer to his 100 winners. However, a horse that looks good for the future is Distant Memory, who won a members race and then went on to run a very respectable third to Le Passing and can improve again here.
The Restricted race looks an open event, at the top is the recent Brocklesby winner Accordion Roilelet and a big run will be expected. Chummys Double has course winning form, but disappointed lately. Crake Way would need to find his best form whilst Father Owen, who looks a progressive horse, could go close. Outsiders could include Jabo, Loaded Dice and Rich Hill, however the pick of this race is Plume D'Oudairies who did enough to win at Brocklesby Park and could go in again.
The Greenall team have some of their best in the Mens Open. Lou Du Moulin Mas doesn't seem to be putting all in, Holy Joe requires a bog to be at his best, and Le Passing disappointed lately. Beauchamp Oracle continues to run well for Holderness Joint Master Charles Clarke. Gunner Royal is an out and out stayer and will probably hit the frame, while Forty Shakes looked as though he was returning to his best when third in a Mens Open lately. However, Over To Joe, who chased the useful True Friday all the way to the line at Brocklesby Park can win for Chris Pimlott whose horses are flying at the moment.
The Maiden Division 1 has an entry of 25. At the top of these is And Me, who ran respectably on his debut but has not been seen for a long time. Brother Mark went well lately but was a shade lucky, Cherryland could build on his latest third behind Fli Mi Son at Charm Park and Overjoyed ran a very well at Hutton Rudby and could go close if taking part again. Stormy Bay could be an outsider - with a big rating under rules he could go close at a price. However, In A Good Way catches the eye and can win this for the Sowersby team.
The fifth race is the Ladies Open. Bobby Buttons likes it round here and could go well for in form Pip Tutty; Heritage impressed at the ripe old age of 15 when blazing a trail and jumping for fun at Dalton Park, he could have a squeak. Dubai Bound was a useful horse in Ireland and could be the each way danger, whilst Lutin Du Moulin again finished as the runner up recently - another good run is expected. Teeton Babysham would be the danger if he is at his best, however Well Presented who won well at the first Brocklesby meeting can go in again.
The next race is the PPORA Club Race which is for Novice Riders. Beauchamp Oracle has been going very close this season and could go close again; Del Trotter can throw the odd good run in, however looks like he needs an easy trip nowadays. Holy Joe, Le Passing, and Lou Du Moulin Mas all have obvious chances. Major Shark, who will be ridden by Charlotte Cundall, could be the danger but his form can be inconsistent. The winner looks as though it could come from the young and talented Charlie Johnson and Monte Cristo - the pair were very consistent last season and has already won round here.
The last race of the day is the Open Maiden Division 2 where we have 24 entries. Buckshaw ran a good second at Witton Castle and will go close again; Tabloid is one to watch in the market for the all conquering Easterby team; Forge Valley looks as though he can run well here with several consistent placings to his name and Knoxhill Archie could have a say on his best form. However, Its Tesscomponents looks the one to beat after chasing the useful Scrappie home at Duncombe Park.
