03 March 2009 Preview: Duke of Beaufort's - Didmarton
You always know when the West Midlands Point-to-Point season is getting into full swing when the Duke of Beaufort's Hunt stage their Point to Point at Didmarton near Tetbury.
This venue hosted its first meeting in 1947 and it is still going strong over 60 years later. That speaks volumes for its popularity so a large crowd is expected and they should enjoy both quality and quantity on the racing front.
Despite 218 entries the organising committee have decided not to divide any of the races, but will do so if necessary on the day. This looks likely with 34 in the new West Midland Area Club Members Conditions race, while the 5-6-7 year old Maiden has 52 horses entered, the Restricted, 44 and the 8-year-old and upward Maiden, 41.
The safety factor at Didmarton is greater than it is at many other courses and this will definitely help matters. Although some divisions may be necessary, at least each race should have an equal number of runners.
This venue would be one of the nearest courses to Julie Houldey's yard at North Nibley near Dursley. This stable has turned out a stream of winners since the season started and that form could continue on Saturday afternoon.
Just Talking has looked one of the best young horses seen out so far this year and has the potential to see off his rivals in the West Midland Club Race. He will be fully tested by the likes of Anshanjack, Freedomofthecity, Gossip, Mr Cee, Olivier and Yeabut.
Houldey has a good chance of taking the Restricted with The Humbel Monk who opened his account at Whitwick recently. That was a decent effort and the progressive seven-year-old looks ready to make the next step up the ladder.
Of his opposition, Definite Approach, Drom, History Master, Pingaro de la Vire and William Somers have all won this season, but The Humbel Monk quickened up in good style at the North Herefordshire meeting and that ability will stand him in good stead in this contest.
Cannon Bridge would be the obvious choice for the Mixed Open if he travelled across the Severn Bridge but he has an easier engagement at the Brecon meeting and that provides an open contest for the likes of Gentle Rivage, Kaki Crazy, Premium First, Sharp Jack and Spike Jones.
With 52 entries for the younger Maiden, picking a winner is obviously a challenge. A number of the entries have already had chances on both sides of the Irish Sea so it may be worth taking a chance with Smokes and Daggers who will be making his debut for the Houldey yard.
He did not set the world alight as a 4-year-old in Ireland last season but he comes from a reliable source and Miss Houldey would only need to gain a small improvement for him to record his first victory.
