25 March 2009 Preview: Belvoir - Garthorpe
The Belvoir Hunt are due to hold their annual Point-to-Point meeting this coming weekend at Garthorpe, near Melton Mowbray. This meeting will be the second of five meetings to be held on this popular racecourse this season.
A total of 115 entries have been received for the six races. With 36 horses being entered for the 2m4f Maiden race, there is a possibility that this race could be divided, therefore making a seven race card. Garthorpe is a superb viewing course and with ground conditions predicted as ideal, watering is being considered if required, a large crowd is expected.
Admission prices are as last season, £10 per car with driver, £5 for each additional occupant, £5 each pedestrian, children under 16 free. Spectators can view an increased number of trade stands and there is children's entertainment throughout the afternoon.
First race of the afternoon, The Hunt Members, Subscibers & Farmers Race is scheduled for a 1.30pm start. W. Spence & Son, local Farriers of Hose, have kindly sponsored this race. Six horses are entered here. The form horses look to be Just Jove, the winner of the Confined at North Carlton, Henry Beauclerc, third in a maiden at the same venue and Picabo Kid, a decent third last weekend at Welbeck.
There are a total of 17 entries for the second race, The Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate Race. First four past the post are eligible to run in the £7,500 Intermediate Point-to-Point Hunter Chase Final at Cheltenham on 6th May. This race could rest between the Gerald Bailey trained Pleasure Shared, winner of the Confined Race on this course earlier this month, and Mid Div and Creep, a winner twice this season at Horseheath.
B & M Installations of Hucknall, Notts are sponsoring the Mixed Open Race, due off at 2.40pm. The race has attracted an entry of 20. This looks an open affair as half a dozen horses have impressive form. The Hookie Bookie is consistent and was a close second on his latest run. Holy Joe is highly rated and was a decent third in Open company recently. True Friday won a good race at Brocklesby Park. However the vote just goes to Cheyne, who has been a close second on his two latest runs.
Race Four, the Restricted Race, has an entry of 24 and is kindly sponsored by The Martin Arms of Colston Bassett. This race again looks hard to forecast. French Bey won the opening race at the last Garthorpe meeting. Pass The Parsel was a head second in a Restricted on his latest run. Nevertheless, the six year old Pingaro De La Vire, was a popular winner at Charing in February and just gets the vote.
Mercedes Benz Motors of Kettering are sponsoring race five, the 2m4f Maiden Race, for 4,5,6 and 7 year olds and this has an entry of 36. Henry Beauclerc, who is also entered in the first race, is engaged here and could go well. Torksey Lock is another who has to be considered. However the winner should come from Kandelin, second in a three mile Maiden and the four year old Moderano, a half length second on his only run this year.
Final race on the card, The Dick Marsh Memorial Open Maiden Race, for 8 year olds and above, has an entry of twelve. Posh Dude, ran well till weakening on his latest run and is likely to be ridden by Joe Docker. Croftburn was a good third in a similar race and could go close. Free From Magee was a promising second at Horseheath before disappointing on his last outing.
The Garthorpe Racecourse is situated 6 miles east of Melton Mowbray on the B676, 7 miles west of the A1.
