11 May 2011 Preview: Betting Pointers for South Durham - Mordon
by Will Milburn
With Yorkshire's final meeting this Saturday, there will be many jockeys out to solidify their position as Champion, most notably Guy Brewer, who is well clear in the Mens title, whilst Jacqueline Coward and Sam Drake could take it right down to the wire for the Ladies.
The first race is the Hunt Members race and as per usual, John Wade has a very strong hand here. Tara's Joy and Yes I Can both have strong course form and can go well. Lutin Du Moulin was the devastating winner of a Wetherby Hunter Chase lately, Think Lucky ran his best race when third to Over To Joe at Easingwold, whilst Silk And Roses broke her maiden here and fast ground would see her go close.
Selection - Yes I Can
The second race is a 3m5f Confined Hunts race. Brize Norton was a comfortable winner over this trip and course recently and will go very close again if in the same form. Baron Romeo stays well and has been in the frame here previously, but another place may be his best chance. Forsomeonelikeyou was the narrow winner of his Members race recently but would need to step up a bit more on recent displays, whilst Go Moss Go and Harwood Dale enjoy a sound surface and should be suited by the distance. Mr Gossip looks to have plenty of ability but is struggling to get his head in front; however, with the weights in his favour over a narrow defeat from Brize Norton, he should be hard to beat. Oakland's Luis stays extra well but has been out of sorts this season.
Selection - Mr Gossip
The 2m4f Maiden race looks to have plenty of potential amongst the entries. Bellapais Abbey travelled well for a long way at Easingwold but looked one paced at the end, and this shorter trip should suit; however, Dingo Bay was staying on strongly at this meeting last time and looks as though a step up to three miles would be more beneficial. Alfoisin has been running well along with Arlington House, both who seem short of some stamina. Lost Reference has been placed but never troubled the judge.
Selection - Bellepais Abbey
The Mens Open holds some moderate entries, but Andre Chenier could be the best of these with some placed efforts to his name this season and could give Chris Cundall a dream winner. Beau Dandy is on the upgrade after a respectable run in the Heart Of All England Hunter Chase, Knoxhill Archie takes time to come to hand and should surely be on song here, and though Once Before has been inconsistent and probably won't be good enough here, he may squeak a place in this weak race. The Viking was narrowly defeated recently whilst Yes I Can has a good course record and can continue to improve.
Selection - Andre Chenier
The Ladies Open looks much more competitive than the Mens, with several recent winners amongst the entries. Cottam Phantom bounced back to his best at Witton Castle where he defeated the useful Keeverfield, but needs firm ground to be at his best. Lutin Du Moulin demolished the opposition in a Wetherby Hunter Chase recently, whilst both Blandings Castle and Brize Norton are in good form and could have their say. Narciso has a string of placed efforts to his name, but may find things to sharp for him here. Nile Moon was an impressive winner at Easingwold and could have another big say here for the Sutcliffe team. Oaklands Bobby was very disappointing at Easingwold, but if bouncing back to his best will be very hard to beat.
Selection - Nile Moon
The Restricted is at five o'clock and Arctic Rock, who was going well until departing two out at Witton Castle, could give a bold bid here. Devils And Dust won a modest Members Race and will need more here, whilst Max And Mix was an impressive winner at Witton Castle and it would be no surprise if he went well here. Next Girl looks to prefer a stiffer test and may not be suited here, and both Saddlers Mot and Silk And Roses have been very consistent all season, so another big show can be expected. Taras Joy was going well until slipping on the bend at Witton Castle; he finished strongly that day to suggest he would have gone close if not for that mistake and can take this race.
Selection - Taras Joy
The final race is the Open Maiden race. Best Of Friends was well fancied recently but made a bad mistake and each way support would be warranted here. Botany Cove has some good form and can go well, Lost Reference has several placed efforts to his name this season, whilst My Miss Lucy made a good introduction at Charm Park and her pedigree suggests there is more to come. Sprout is the best of these on paper and should be capable of worrying the judge, whilst Oaklands Somthin has been very disappointing this season after showing plenty of potential last year.
Selection - My Miss Lucy
