29 March 2009 Report: Badsworth & Bramham Moor - Mordon
SADDLERS SINGER: comes to join Desperate Bob on the way to winning the 1st Division of the Maiden
The Badsworth and Bramham Moor held their annual Point-to-Point on Saturday with some very strong looking entries, however with gale force winds, rain and cold temperatures, this resulted in a disappointing attendance.
However, this was supplemented by some very good finishes and with the Easterby and Greenall contingent away at Cheshire and Garthorpe, this left the day's racing open to anyone.
The rider in form was Chris Dawson who rode a double on the day, both of which were trained by local and on course trainer Maria Myco. The first leg of Dawson's double came in the Confined race, which saw Sir Alf recording an incredible eighth course win at Mordon. Settled towards the rear, he made stealthy headway to take up the running two out and won cosily by five lengths. Jo Foster and Knightsbridge King made him work for his victory but could only manage second, with Major Shark, who stayed on the one pace, back in third.
Dawson's double was accomplished courtesy of Saddlers' Singer who had ran several respectable efforts over hurdles for Bob Johnson until he was privately bought by current connections. Saddlers' Singer tackled long time leader Desperate Bob at the last and stayed on well to win by two lengths, with Overjoyed in third.
The Restricted race gave the most excitement of the day when a length covered the first three home. The favourite Persian Prince and John Dawson travelled strongly into the race and looked the winner two out, with long time leader Fifth Column still in contention, but High Moor, under a power packed drive from Ian Smith, stayed on the best in between horses to get up right on the line. Fifth Column was second with Persian Prince third.
The Mens Open saw 6 runners take part and the well-backed favourite was Archie Babes, but the winner was L'Oudon, for the in form Tutty yard. Forty Shakes and L'Oudon couldn't be separated until Guy Brewer forced his mount out to deny Chris Dawson a treble near the line and win by 2 lengths. Archie Babe travelled strongly into the straight but could only find the one pace and finished third.
The Ladies Open saw a long awaited win for Lutin Du Moulon who had finished placed on 11 occasions in Points. He justified his short price with a hard fought victory from the eventual second Del Trotter, who made good headway from the rear and looked the only danger to Lucy Horner's mount in the closing stage. Long time leader Dubai Bound showed some promise after making a lot of the running to finish third.
The Novice Riders race was the penultimate race on the card and was won by Monte Cristo and Charlie Johnston who achieved his third career win, all of which have come on this horse. Johnson made good headway but looked held in second until the leader unseated its rider two out, and then idled on the run in allowing Sergio Coimbra to a mount strong challenge. With connections away in Dubai, Johnston was left to receive his prize alone.
The final race was Division Two of the Maiden and the useful looking Itsteescomponents landed the spoils. Always travelling well, Colm McCormack produced his mount at the last and was pushed clear to win cosily by four lengths to produce the easiest winner of the day. Pop Play Again stayed on well from the rear for second, however the favourite had too much in hand with Buckshaw, who made a lot of the running, back in third.
