17 March 2009 Preview: Curre & Llangibby - Howick
BOWDENS LANE: has a big chance in the Mens Open
Recent course winners Sparklinspirit and Bowdens Lane are just two of the 24 entries that catch the eye in the Mens Open at the second of the two Curre & Llangibby fixtures at Howick, near Chepstow, on Sunday.
However, with the prolific Cannon Bridge, City Affair, Loch Ennel and Ballycassidy (a winner of more than £400,000 when racing under Rules) also entered a cracker of a race can be expected.
Keith Pritchard's Cannon Bridge, a winner of 16 Point-to-Points and two Hunter Chases, made all to beat Balearic Star, also entered, by four lengths at the Brecon & Talybont and his rider, the evergreen Dai Jones, is almost certain to employ the same pacemaking tactics this time.
The Ladies Open race, for which there are 19 entries, looks a lot easier to solve and Beth Roberts's Chesnut Annie, a winner of her last ten races between the flags, is sure to start a hot favourite. Grey Kid did well to get within an official four lengths of her when runner-up a fortnight ago but Touch Closer and Beadnell Bay may fight it out for the minor placings this time around.
There are 36 entries for the Club Members race and Upton Legend, a good winner over the course a fortnight ago, will be hard to beat, although Chesnut Annie's stablemate Twilight Dancer, who finished a good second at the Brecon & Talybont meeting, will not be far away at the finish.
The French-bred Tinalliat and the Irish-bred Neophyte are two to consider in the 36-strong Restricted, while Doctor Supremo, runner-up in his last three starts, might go one better this time in the first division of the Maiden. Saucy Jack and Shalati Princess are two to note in the second division for which there are 37 entries.
Racing gets under way at midday with the Members race and Countrycousin, who didn't get any further than the first fence here last time, should be given another chance. The meeting concludes with two pony races.
