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The East Anglian "Pub Team" have returned with a comprehensive round-up of the best bets at Horseheath on Saturday. The best tip for the day is to be prepared for very cold weather. Horseheath is cold at the best of times and the forecast is for a very chilly day.

12noon Horseheath Hunt Club Members - 10 entries
This should be an interesting race, with both ground, which will definitely be on the soft to heavy side, and weight playing a major part. With ages ranging from 5 to 16, will it be youth triumphing over experience or vice versa?
Of the horses that have run this year Good Vintage, a 14 year old with a win at Ampton in the Club Members, has the advantage but was beaten by both the 12 year old Mr. Nabarro (20 lengths) and Bob Ar Aghaidh (32 lengths) in the Thurlow Club Members at this track in 2008 on good to firm ground. Bob Ar Aghaidh, a 13 year old, is a good ground specialist and will be carrying extra weight but won 2 Club Members races at this track in 2008 (7lb. and 10lb. extra). Montys Tag at 16 years is the elder statesman and superb schoolmaster with 29 runs (5 Hunter Chase and 4 Point to Point wins) under his belt - in 2008 a 3 length 3rd on good ground to Winapenny in a Northaw Confined, but also a 6 length 2nd to Bobosh in the soft at Hackwood Park. His last H/C win was at Fakenham on good to firm ground in 2006.
Youth is represented by the interesting French 5 year old Quick Boy Hugaux with no jump experience except a pulled up in a 2007 Lyon Hurdle. The 9 year old Mid Div and Creep will benefit from a 7 length 3rd in the recent Ampton Intermediate. 7 year old No more Tom, a promising winner in a weak Weston Park Maiden in 2007 sold for 20,000 guineas and raced under Rules in 2008 with the best a prominent ¾ length 2nd in a Worcester Class 5 Chase, sold for 6,000 guineas in Aug. ‘08 and is now making a return to Pointing. 7 year old Where's my Baby from the in form Kemp yard has had two close 2nds and a Maiden win at this track in 2008.
Selection: No more Tom (Where's my Baby)

12.30 Open Maiden 5, 6 & 7yo- 23 entries
Only a modest entry of 23 but with a safety factor of 18 there is just the slimmest chance of a division on the day. Not many of these have had a run this season, so again it would be worth checking the paddock before parting with your cash. Bridgham was 2nd to Grey Shark at Ampton beaten 2 lengths, but the race was run in a slow time; he is trained by Nibby Bloom whose yard at Wymondham seem to be going well. Quintero was made favourite at Dunthrop and was prominent until falling at the 8th fence; he is owned by the Ruckers whose horses deserve the utmost respect. He is likely be ridden by Richard Burton who has a great strike rate at this venue. Toe To Hand was in 3rd place when unseating at the last in Bridgham's race at Ampton and both The Royal Bag and Poacher's Blend pulled up in the same contest, with O'Tica unseating at the 1st obstacle. Toe To Hand could be given a chance on his running last season; he was 4th, beaten 6 lengths on his final run at Cold Harbour and 3rd at Bitterley when beaten 40 lengths. The Royal Bag has yet to complete from five runs but held a slight lead when falling at Ashorne on his final run last season. Red in Bed was 3rd at Black Forest Lodge in November beaten 21 lengths, he was brought down at Larkhill last week. Sharp Action was 3rd but beaten 45 lengths behind Delgany Run at Higham last weekend. Pillbox who is a half brother to Longshanks was 3rd beaten 5 ¼ lengths on his debut at Tabley last May in a 2 ½ mile Maiden, then finished 4th beaten 10 lengths and 6th beaten 72 lengths in two Worcester Bumpers when sent to Tom George. He comes from Diana Williams' yard, another who does well with her runners here. Sodantay was 3rd at Northaw last May beaten ¾ length and previously was 4th at Fakenham beaten 23 lengths. Pur Star was 4th beaten 35 lengths on his debut at Cottenham in February last year, but subsequently unseated his rider on his next two outings and fell whilst galloping loose. Gleeson was beaten 42 lengths in a Thorpe Maiden in March but could improve, and is likely to have Stuart Morris aboard which is an asset. Lucky Mojo would have been 2nd in a Great Trethew Maiden in February last year but for a serious blunder at the final fence and finished 5th beaten 19 lengths. Doodle Eile was 3rd in a point in Ireland at Ballysteen, beaten 6 lengths in April 2008 but fell on his next appearance. Mill Five Acre finished 4th three times in Irish points last year from four outings, beaten a minimum of 12 lengths so does appear consistent. Pacte Noir finished 7th in a Haydock Bumper beaten 18 lengths on his only start under Rules in November 2007. Quick Boy Hugaux was pulled up on his only start in a Hurdle at Lyon Parilly in March 2007, but is owned by Derek Harding-Jones so the betting market maybe the best guide to his chances. None of the unraced horses stand out, so again the betting market may be the best guide for their chances. Quintero could be anything and has the right connections and Bridgham could be improving. Pillbox is the other to consider but we'll just side with Bridgham for our next choice as he's had a run this season.
Selection: Quintero (Bridgham)

13.05 Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club Members (Novice Riders) - 22 entries
This race has attracted some quality horses and looks to be the best of the series so far in East Anglia.
Denvale ran successfully in Opens last season and could well be the mount for Johnny Bailey, son of trainer Gerald. The yard completed a double last weekend at Thorpe Lodge so this gives every indication that their horses are fit. If performing to the top of his ability this should be a walk in the park. Are there any others entered for the race to consider?
The FairHill Boy won three on the bounce last season when ridden by top jockey Ollie Greenall; now a likely ride for novice Sam Vaughan-Jones it is likely that the new partnership will take time to bed in although in the absence of Denvale it could be in the shake up. Jack's Present has already had an easy victory at Tickham a couple of weeks ago in this class of race; the competition was nothing like as strong as he will be facing on Saturday but jockey Josh Moore will be learning with each race - his ride on Independent Trader at Higham will have taught him a great deal. Frosty Run was touched off by Tribal Venture at Ampton earlier this month but it was a hard race and this was already Frosty's third race of the season; a likeable type who seems to stand his racing well but in this race he just might be out of his depth. Bob Ar Aghaidth was well placed last season but took a couple of runs to really blossom; possibly a tad early for the new member of the Harvey family to take the ride so it will be interesting to see who is in the saddle. This one could go well on this his favourite course - the jockey will be important here. The Turners have two entries, Parkinson who fell at Ampton with the experienced James Owen in the saddle would not seem to be an ideal ride for Edward Turner and Thoutmosis who has yet to run this season and will more than likely need a couple of races to get to peak fitness. The Accordian Man last ran in April 2007 when winning a Confined race under the capable guidance of Richard Burton; off the track for almost two years and now with a Novice Rider on board there are a lot of questions to be asked, but if it has thrived whilst off the course and is fit it could well feature in the finish. Decision time - Denvale should win if running, however, if absent it may pay to follow Bob Ar Aghaidth on his favourite course, but a real Novice might struggle to get the best out of this one.
Selection: Denvale (Bob Ar Aghaidh)

13.40 Mens Open - 21 entries
An intriguing race in prospect, with the return to action of some horses for which pointing fans have eagerly waited. Local horse Rydal Park graduated through the ranks quickly last season; he won his Maiden at Higham and a Confined at Marks Tey before being out pointed in a Hunter Chase behind Minouchka at Leicester. He returned to the pointing field by beating two fellow entries, The Hookie Bookie and My Best Buddy, in a Men's Open at Horseheath. It was his subsequent Hunter Chase win at Towcester that was his best performance, and was probably over the top when disappointing in the John Corbett at Stratford. The Hookie Bookie, 2 ½ lengths behind Rydal Park at Horseheath, was pulled up in the same Leicester Hunter Chase when 2nd favourite. Either side of this, he won 2 points, but his form tailed off at the end of the season. Honourable Spider's 2nd start last season comprised an Open win at Detling, beating Noakarad de Verzee by 8 lengths, and despite a further Mixed Open win at Parham, his placed efforts were particularly disappointing. His runs in 2007 promised a lot, although he was not seen out after the Cheltenham Foxhunters; could 2009 see a return to this form?
A similar comment could be made about Noakarad de Verzee; he followed his run at Detling by winning an Open at Godstone, but did not progress as might have been expected following a very promising season in 2007. Richard Ford brought Artic Jack to Horseheath in 2007 to win the corresponding race. This year he has entered Chabrimal Minster who won a Hunter Chase at Chepstow last year. Apart from this, he also ran under rules, winning a veterans Chase at Cartmel; as he likes extreme distances, a testing Horseheath would be well within his capabilities. James Pine ended last season winning a competitive Hunter Chase at Cheltenham's evening meeting; it has to be seen if this improved effort can be sustained - he had previously only had a win in a Northaw Maiden to his name and was beaten into 3rd place in the Restricted at this meeting last year. Northall Lad has been mentioned in previous previews, it has to be seen whether he can mix it in this company. Cappa Bleu won two point-to-points on soft ground in Ireland last year, whilst not beating anything recognisable, each run appears to have shown an improved performance.
Those with form under Rules yet to run this year include Nykel, who has been entered in several races out of the area that have been lost to the weather. He won two non-thoroughbred Chases in France as a 4 y.o. in 2005, prior to moving to Alan King. He also won three Handicap Chases in '06 and '07 but failed to finish in his final three outings. Another ex French horse, Assassino made his debut as a 2 y.o. in the same race as "Arc" winner Hurricane Run. He has won two Chases at Auteuil, the latest in May '08 and will relish soft conditions. Hibernian, often ran well without winning, but finally got his head in front on his last run in a Beginners Chase at Fakenham in March '07. La Dame Brune is a winning Hurdler and has twice been placed over fences.
Of those that have run this season, Sykee Savage has already won two races, but his form at Cottenham does not appear to be good enough. Parkinson was running well at Ampton prior to falling at the 3rd last and this course should suit. Another to fall on its debut is Virginia Preuil, who fell at Barbury Castle, but had previously won a 3 mile hurdle at Fakenham.
Selection: Chabrimal Minster (Rydal Park)

14.15 Ladies Open - 21 entries
This has the potential to be an exciting head-to-head contest between two recent recruits from NH: Chabrimal Minster and Petit Lord with a strong supporting cast led by Denvale and Madge Carroll. Nearly half the field, including the main protagonists, hold other entries and we hope the race does not cut up.
Chabrimal Minster (OR125) is a confirmed stayer who typically runs in 3½ mile plus events. Highlights of his career include: a 3rd in an Eider Chase and wins this year in Chases at Chepstow (two) and Cartmel. He fell in his last race in June bringing down Snoopy Loopy in the process, evidence of the class of horse he usually competes against; although this is his first run since then, Richard Ford will no doubt have him in tip-top form for this. Petit Lord won his first three Chases for Paul Nicholls but was then sold on after two disappointing runs; he showed at Ampton that he stays well and has a good turn of foot, finishing comfortably ahead of Madge Carroll. In terms of Official Ratings Petit Lord (OR134) has the edge but the outcome could be determined by the going with Chabrimal Minister's chances likely to improve as the going gets softer.
Denvale is a prolific winner though he will be without his regular pilot, owner Richard Hunnisett, who is out of action with a broken arm. He also holds an entry in the Novice Riders. Madge Carroll ran very well behind Petit Lord at Ampton and seems to enjoy Horseheath having finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in her last three runs here.
King Du Berlais is only 7 but has already racked up £86k of prize money in France running in Chases up to Grade 1 level. Now owned by Joe Turner, this is his first run in the UK and he is probably best watched here, as Horseheath is really nothing like Auteuil...! Frosty Run was a surprise winner at Horseheath last season beating Tooley Park, Madge Carroll and Scare Lotte in the process. He has a 1st and 2nd to his name in his two runs this season just losing out to Tribal Venture at Ampton two weeks ago. He stays well and if the race cuts up should be in with a chance. Scare Lotte has won three times in Novice Riders' and Members' races at Horseheath and obviously likes the track. Blue Business was rated as high as 132 under rules and won a 3m5f Ladies' Open at Dunthrop last season. Major Blue stays well and was only 3 lengths behind Unmistakably here last season but we doubt whether at 14 he has the speed to be truly competitive here. Mid Div And Creep won a Mares Maiden at Horseheath and a Restricted at Fakenham last season. He was also a close 3rd in the Intermediate at Ampton two weeks ago and should improve. Sweet Citizen progressed well last season winning a Restricted and an Intermediate in quick succession. Haggle Twins was a £9,200 purchase from Charlie Mann in May; he won a Confined in a slow time at Dunthrop in December but finished 3rd only 25 lengths behind the impressive Turthen at Barbury Castle two weeks ago.
Of the others, Brer Bear was once highly rated but hasn't run since 2007; Cedar Chief last won (a Members) in 2007; Claridge had a hard race at Dunthrop last weekend and we would be surprised if he appears again so soon; Hi Tech Man's recent wins have been in Members' or Confined races; Leatherback and Lord Euro haven't won in Open company since 2006; Political Cruise won 4 races under rules but hasn't come close to winning in ten races since he returned to pointing last season. Teeton Prince won a Men's Open at Horseheath in 2007 but hasn't scored again since; at 15 Wincy Spider is the veteran of the field and last won in 2007 though he did finish a good 2nd to Free at Brafield last season.
Selection: Chabrimal Minster (Petit Lord) dependant on going and jockeys

14.50 Restricted - 27 entries
With a total of 27, including several good quality horses, the restricted race has the most entries of the day, giving a high possibility of a good race with a slim possibility of a division. As the season progresses, distinctions can be made between horses that have won their Maiden this season, and those which won last season and are facing their first race of the season in the class above. Those that fall into the first group are: Manta Point, who won Division 1 of the Open Maiden at Dunthrop in December, the second division going to Glen Tulloch, who won the Maiden almost 15 seconds faster. Trainer-rider James Owen has entered Grey Shark after entertaining us three times already this season, last seen winning the Open Maiden at Ampton ahead of the favourite; could be one to watch out for. More Trouble won the Maiden at Cottenham in November as favourite with James Tudor on top. Sidney Charles and Tango Witha Mango both won their Maidens this season at Dealing and the Black Forest respectively.
Those who fall into the second camp of having won a Maiden last year, but yet to race or place this season include the Kemps' Comeonourfella who won his Maiden at Ampton back in 2006. However, he seems to prefer good to firm ground which we may not see this weekend. Wheres My Baby won the Maiden last year at Horseheath as the 4-7 favourite after a couple of attempts in the same class and is likely to do well this weekend. Silver Ace and Velvet Blu also fall into this category.
Another distinction can be seen with those horses who have experience at the Restricted level but have been in the top three at least once: Ilikehimmac held on to 3rd at Detling this month behind Master Alf and Cotton Bay but last year came 2nd in the Hunter Chase at Folkestone just one length behind Glenbower Woods. Marble Leader had a consistent season last year with second places in Restricted races at Horseheath, two lengths behind Jilted Lover and behind On Top at Kimble, despite being the favourite in each race (and four lengths ahead of 3rd place Sounds Good in the latter race). Master Brew had a good 2008 season winning a Maiden and gaining two Restricted places; also has Hunter Chase form with a 2nd behind Prey Bird at Folkestone and 3rd Fakenham ahead of Lady Ann Lewis (5th Place). Mysaynoway came 2nd in the Restricted at Cottenham, just three quarters of a length behind Stroom Bank and was also hurdling last year; could be another contender for a place. After running between the flags in Ireland, Northsider has been placed three times in Restricteds in 2008, including a 2nd sandwiched two lengths behind Sweet Citizen and a head in front of Artic Summer. Reymysterio has a long pointing history in Ireland and had a Restricted 2nd place in 2008 after winning Maiden that season. Sideline Critic was 2nd at Ampton this year two lengths behind favourite Sweden and ahead of Well Corned (who, incidentally, once fell with Ruby Walsh).
Of course, winning a Maiden isn't a prerequisite for the Restricted; furthermore the level of competition in the Maiden should be assessed before making any assumptions on form. As a result, the following have yet to win Maidens but should not be discounted: Dizzy Massini who came 2nd in the Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate last year after a couple of 3rd places in Restricted races at Detling.
Lady Ann Lewis has yet to win a Maiden but has won a Hunt Members race at Marks Tey in 2008, but may be out classed in this race.
Selection: Where's My Baby (Marble Leader)

15.25 p.m. Open Maiden 8yrs & over -16 entries
Caged Tiger was placed several times when running under rules for Charlie Mann. Now in a good ptp yard, on his first time out this season he finished 3rd at Detling in an Open Maiden. Inchadoney Boy was 4th at Ampton to Grey Shark, beaten by 10 lengths. He has been placed five times in points and was a creditable 2nd at Dingley at the end of last season; prior to that race he was 2nd in a Maiden at Northaw. Little Fountain had only one run last year finishing 3rd in a Maiden at Thorpe. However, he is in the Bailey yard and they rarely leave this meeting without a winner. Pongo's Nephew was 4th in a Handicap Chase at Southwell in Jan 2008, was pointing in 2007 and finished 3rd in a Maiden at Larkhill in March of that year (best pointing position). Red Sky at Night was 5th at Cottenham in a Maiden last month and was pulled up at Dunthrop last Sunday, doesn't appear to stay and this course and conditions are likely to prove too testing. The same could be said for The Logical Man, who has had two runs this season and pulled up on both occasions. Whosethatfor has also had two runs this season, last time finishing 4th to The Galleryman at Cottenham - one in front of Red Sky at Night - but pulled up on his previous run. This may not be the best field but it will be a testing race and with variable ground there could be surprises in store.
Selection:-Caged Tiger (Inchadoney Boy)

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