21 April 2009 Preview: Berkeley - Woodford
by Pete Mansell
The Berkeley Point-to-Point committee are sparing no efforts in their attempts to provide good ground for the 186 horses entered for Saturday's meeting at Woodford, and with people of the calibre of Dick Baimbridge and Mike Harding helping in its preparation it would be surprising if they do not meet their objective.
For the first time in a great many years there will be no Baimbridge runner in the Members and that will be a relief to his opponents because the Berkeley trainer has won the race 17 times in all.
Rocklandslad won at Chaddesley last week so it's unlikely that Sherston trainer Alison Dare will run him again seven days later - but take the hint if she does!
Sophie George has entered Peter Slip and while the Slad trainer has had trouble hitting the bullseye this season, her horses have been running well and he has to be one for the short list.
Polly Gundry has a long association with the Berkeley and with her mother Helen one of the Masters of the promoting hunt, success for Tom Bach would be well received by the locals.
Tim Sage has done well with his horses this year and having been trained in the hills around Kingscote near Dursley, this course should hold no fears for William Somers in the Restricted or Mytabean in the Intermediate.
Jacko's Lad, Mr Nagle, Port Talbot and Run for Churchdown will be hard to beat in the Restricted, but keep a watchful eye on New Series who will appreciate these conditions.
The Intermediate has attracted 24 entries and on recent form Hemington will probably start favourite, but he has engagements elsewhere so it may pay to give another chance to Curradoon who fell at Llanvapley recently.
Fleur de Nikos and Coombe Hill come from two in-form stables so they must go well in the Ladies, but Mighty Strong is a confirmed front runner who may take some pegging back if he can get into a clear lead.
The Mens Open is not up to its usual quality although Whizzaar looks the pick on form. Virginia Preuil comes from Fergal O'Briens in form stable and his win at Paxford recently was stamped when the third horse Hambaphambili won at Andoversford.
Emandems looks sure to give a good account of himself in the Maiden while other horses to watch out for in this event include Northern Season and Leadbrook Lad.
Entry is £15 for a car plus driver, £5 for each additional passenger.
