01 December 2009 Preview: Cambridge University United Hunts Club - Cottenham
by James Crispe
FROSTY RUN: aiming to win at Cottenham again
photo: Steve Hunt
Cottenham on Sunday December 6th is the venue for the first of 20 annual Point-to-Points to take place in East Anglia over the coming five months. The meeting in question is the Cambridge University United Hunts Club and the first race gets under way at noon.
A total of 133 entries have been received and although six races are scheduled, there is a high probability that the closing two and a half mile maiden, which is due off at 2.55pm and has attracted 33 entries, will need to be divided on the day. Should the number of declared runners exceed the safety limit of 16, the race will be run in two divisions with the second of the two starting at 3.30pm.
A big field is also likely for the curtain-raising Club Members Race, where the 27 entries include Presenting Express, a six-time winner under rules who has recently joined the Hampshire yard of Jenny Gordon.
Oxfordshire trainer Alan Hill has a fine record with his Cottenham raiders and this could be enhanced by Ballybough Jack, provided his stamina lasts out the sharp three miles of the 18-entry Mens Open race. Frosty Run, a winner at this fixture 12 months ago, could provide the main opposition alongside Keepthedreamalive.
Last year's Ladies Open scorer, Big Moment, could be back to defend his crown and has 18 potential rivals. Jockey Angela Rucker has the choice of two good mounts here in Cedrus Libani and Petit Lord while East Anglia's top female rider, Gina Andrews, should go well on Inaro.
Cottenham is four miles north of Cambridge near the B1049, post code CB24 8RG. It is best approached using junction 33 of the A14.
Take the A10 signed for Ely. Then take the third left (after the Park and Ride and the Recycling Centre) to Landbeach. Go straight through the village of Landbeach, past the playing field, and take the first left out the other side. The course is half a mile further down this road.
Admission will be charged at £10 per head with racecards priced at £2.50. Cottenham is one of the fastest-draining courses in the country and, despite all the recent rain, the going is expected to be close to ‘good'.
