03 March 2008 Cottesmore - Garthorpe
Sir Storm: likely Ladies' Open winner
The Leicestershire Point-to-Point season gets under way with the Cottesmore Hunt holding the opening County meeting this coming Sunday at Garthorpe, near Melton Mowbray.
Garthorpe is one of the best viewing courses in the country and has attracted some top pointers in an entry of 116 for the seven race card. The first race is scheduled for 12.00 noon. Admission prices for this and all other Garthorpe meetings during the season are as last year - £20 per car of 4, £10 single car occupant, children under 16 free.
The opening Members Race has attracted an entry of nine and has been kindly sponsored by Mallard Jewellers and Moores Country and Equestrian Homes. The probable mount of Richard Armson, Sovereign Quest, looks the pick. This horse won the Melton Novices here at Garthorpe last season.
Twelve horses are entered for the Confined Race, which has been sponsored by Dickinson & Morris. Round The Isles ran a decent second under Dickie Barrett at Marks Tey recently, however True Friday looks the Garthorpe specialist, as his three wins on this course suggest, and is preferred.
Marshall Land Rover have sponsored the Mens Open Race and eleven entries have been received. Court Adjourn won his first three races last season and was placed in a Hunter Chase at Cheltenham. Denvale, now owned by Richard Hunnisett, but still in the Bailey stable ran well at Brocklesby Park recently. Another of note is Steppes Of Gold who has improved with the aid of top rider Alex Merriam and could go close.
The Ladies Open Race is due off at 1.45pm. Ten horses are entered here and the race is sponsored by Sturgess Jaguar. Fitzwilliam horse, Fullards, won first time out at Cottenham this season and has the services of Louise Allen. Sarah Phizacklea could ride Tooley Park who won a Hunter Chase at Leicester. However, the Mike Dawson trained Sir Storm, the probable mount of his wife Jill, has recently won at Brocklesby Park and may follow up here.
The next race is the TBA/MFHA PPORA Maiden Race for Mares only and 16 have been entered. This looks quite tricky to forecast but Morton Way, the possible mount of Hannah Watson, looks best on her third in a maiden at Whitwick Manor in February. The danger could come from Stuart Morris's mount Paulinski, who was fourth at Thorpe Lodge this year.
Jeremy Young has kindly sponsored the Restricted Race and this has attracted 25 entries. Dream Garden was an impressive maiden winner at Thorpe. Mid Div And Creep won at Horseheath last month when a hot favourite. However, top jockey Stuart Morris has the choice of the Bill Warner pair Rathmoley and Walters Laddie, the latter a winner at Brocklesby Park recently.
The final race of the day is the Maiden Race for 5,6,7 and 8 year olds and has an entry of 33. This race is sponsored by Stone Lodge Industries. Ski Dazzle was second in a maiden at Brocklesby Park. Yeabut is another to have shown promise with two seconds this year and could go one better here. Another to watch is Sydneytwothousand who looked a good prospect two seasons back and is lightly raced.
Garthorpe Racecourse is situated 6miles east of Melton Mowbray on the B676.
