16 April 2008 Cleveland - Mordon
Andre Chenier: set to take on Sonevafushi in the Men's Open
The Cleveland Point-to-Point at Howe Hills, Mordon, on Sunday has received 169 entries, but with 41 entered in the 2½ mile young horse Maiden this has been divided resulting in an eight race card.
Starting at 1.30pm with the Members race only two of the six entries have any form to talk of. Alisons Treasure ran a sound race when second at Witton Castle at the beginning of the season but has not confirmed the form since. The Lynne Ward trained Castle Gunner, whose mother Castle Tyrant was a four-time winner, can get off the mark.
The first division of the 2½ mile young horse Maiden has 21 entries. On Yer Bike showed his first bit of form when staying on to be fourth at Charm Park, but Jabo, who finished second at the same meeting, can win to enhance Mary Sowersby's record at the track.
The Thack, who finished strongly to take third place at Whitwell, is entered in the second division, will have come on for the race and can go close. However, Hello Noddy was running well when unseating his rider Richard Smith three fences from home, on his penultimate start, and would definitely have been in the shake-up. He can gain compensation here if his jumping holds up.
The Ladies' Open looks a decent race with northern challengers Themanfromcarlisle and Minouchka, who has been impressive this season, entered. In addition to this pair recent Bangor-on-Dee winner Welcome To Unos, the unlucky Misty Gem, Hunter Chase winner Oaklands Luis, and recent course winner Narciso will ensure a hot race.
Andre Chenier was an easy winner of the Men's Open at the last Mordon meeting and, once again, can play a major part here. Benwell showed much improved form when winning a Sedgefield Hunter Chase, but Sonevafushi, who was unbeaten this year until running a gallant race in the Aintree Foxhunters', can win for Cherry Coward and Oliver Greenall.
Greenall looks to have the choice of three in the Restricted of which Bow School could be his best chance. The Nick Kent trained Farmer Frank though, who the trainer confessed to be the best he has trained, can add to his two wins this term and justify his trainer's high opinion.
The Confined, with 31 entries, has the highest entry and looks the most competitive. Amongst the 31 are recent winners Anaczar, Buy Onling and Madison de Vonnas, but Network Oscar, who has won all three of his races this season with the minimum of fuss, can further enhance his reputation.
The concluding Open Maiden has 28 entries. Amongst them is Sams Party who, despite being placed on her last two starts and being sent off favourite at Mordon, may have to play the bridesmaid again to Jimmys Duky who boasts the best form having finished fourth in the Ladies' Open at Hutton Rudby last time. He can win if he puts his best foot forward.
Selections: Members - Castle Gunner; Maiden Div 1 - Jabo; Maiden Div 2 - Hello Noddy; Ladies' Open - Minouchka; Men's Open - Sonevafushi ; Restricted - Farmer Frank; Confined - Network Oscar; Open Maiden - Jimmys Duky
