31 March 2008 Cotswold - Andoversford
Bowdens Lane: holds entries in the Confined and Men's Open
The close links between Point-to-Pointing and National Hunt Racing will be evident at this weekend's Cotswold fixture at Andoversford. Despite this being one of the busiest periods in the racing calendar with the 3-day meeting at Aintree culminating in the Grand National on Saturday afternoon, trainer Kim Bailey has also been actively involved in the preparation of the course at Andoversford, which is about a mile down the road from his Thorndale Farm stables.
Reports earlier in the week indicated the course was "in fantastic condition" and this has resulted in a very competitive entry of 131 for the 6 scheduled races.
Naunton trainer Fergal O'Brien is responsible for almost half of the entries in the Members. These include Fergals Find, Gentle Rivage, Gregory Peckory, Gulabill, Hambaphambili and Paymaster and this will probably provide a winning opportunity for one of the lesser lights from his yard.
Others to note in this race include Gaining Ground who won a maiden at Lockinge over the Easter and Wings of Hope who has been campaigned at a high level than this over the past 12 months.
Fairford Schoolboy Richard Mason could team up with Alpheus who won the Member at Siddington a few weeks ago and they will set a searching gallop for their rivals in the Confined.
Bowdens Lane also won at the V.W.H. meeting and added to his winning tally with another victory at Upton recently. Joyful Jack, Titus Bramble and Un Jour a Vassy will have their supporters but Marblehead looks the one to beat if she lines up.
The Ladies race last year was a walk over so the organisers must be pleased with the 28 entries received for this year's event, and this has the potential to provide one of the best races of the day.
Harry Wheeler used to have a great record over this course and his Stanton trained gelding Ballyalbert will be better for his recent run at Thorpe. Blue Business, Croix de Guerre and Home by Midnight all have recent winning form, while any runners from Diana Williams Enville yard have to be respected so Sapega and Step and Run cannot be left out of calculations.
On initial examination the 13 strong Men's Open looks disappointing but closer inspection reveals there will not be much between Caught at Dawn, Fergals Find, Itsalf, Noakarad de Verzee and Why Connie, with the latter just getting the vote.
There are 36 entries for the Concluding Maiden, but this can be narrowed down to Inch Royal, Iphar and Twiga Woods. They all have similar profiles and all three horses jump well which will be a major factor in their favour over this tricky course.
There is a long uphill slog from the bottom of the hill at Andoversford and Twiga Woods has already showed improvement between her runs at Siddington and Upton. If she has maintained that progress she could provide Naunton trainer Marcella Bayliss with her first winner of the season.
