07 May 2009 Preview: Bilsdale - Easingwold
by Will Milburn
The Bilsdale hunt have received 126 entries for its meeting this Saturday, this has resulted in a seven race card. The meeting is held at Easingwold and the course is reported to be in excellent condition.
The day begins with the Hunt Members race. Allborn Lad has been running well without looking dangerous, whilst stable mate Cnocan Aoibhinn won at the Hurworth meeting in devastating fashion. The race looks between Fairy Skin Maker, who looks short of stamina but should give a good show round here, and Lutin Du Moulin who won a very competitive Ladies Open recently
The second race is the young horse Open Maiden race which holds 17 entries. Belmont Bay's third recently suggests there could be more to come. Wolf Warning could be one to watch in the betting, whilst Oaklands Bobbie ran a likeable race last week on only his second start. The Real Rocker could be the danger to the main pair, when flying from the back here last time. Tabloid and Lewesdon Duchess (beaten by Cheltenham winner Craiglands last time), look the picks.
The Novice Riders race looks competitive. The unknown quantity is the Northern raider Boher Storm who has won both of his races well this season and will no doubt make it hard for Le Passing. The Easterby horse was travelling strongly until clipping heels here last time, and should be hard to beat this time around. Astral Prince is a course specialist and would be a reliable each way bet.
The Mixed Open has a well supported 22 entries, including the in-form Jo Foster's Allumee, who made a pleasing debut in Hunter Chase lately at Perth. L'Oudon looks a top class horse having beaten Sonevafushi last time, while Unjust Law looks very useful and if taking part will go off a short price. However, Browns Beck, who was a late starter this season and has run very well on both his starts, loves this track and should go close.
The Confined race is the fifth race of the day. The front two from the last meeting's Confined could rematch; Over To Joe, who was given a superb ride from Miles Seston, and Stroom Bank finished first and second respectively that day. Over To Joe will be 3lbs worse off so Stroom Bank may just be able to turn the tables.
The Restricted is the penultimate race and several horses come into this with a win under their belts, including Bossall Billy, Chummys Double and Intense Suspense, who won easily on this track. The main contenders look to be Phenix Jack, who won his maiden in devastating fashion, and Oaklands Bobby, who was unlucky not to win at Charm Park. This course will suit along with a sound surface.
An Open Maiden ends the day and looks a rather puzzling event. Several have chances on recent placed form, but the interesting one is Pointing newcomer Stormy Bay, who has an official rating of 100; wearing the famous Burridge colours he could well surprise a few.
