14 April 2009 Preview: Dartmoor Foxhounds - Flete Park
KINGSMILL LAKE: a real course specialist
Flete Park, a few miles east of Plymouth in the South Hams, is the glorious setting for Saturday's Point-to-Point, the first of two meetings staged at the location.
Six races are set to be staged at the track which is always popular with visitors who use the raceday as a rare opportunity to enjoy a day out in the stunning parkland.
With two pony races kicking off the card at 1pm, the Members' race begins the main card at 2pm and with several winners entered it could be competitive. Among those who could line up are Bishy Barnaby who has won two starts this season in impressive style; Kitley Hassle who was a good winner at Upcott Cross recently and last year's winner Bucket Awl.
The Restricted race could go the way of Eternal Midnight who ran a cracking race at Cherrybrook two weeks ago when a blunder at the final fence probably cost him the race as he was beaten by just a neck. Top of the ground is the key to this horse.
Ashwood could also make his seasonal reappearance for the Jordan family who are well known in the showing world for their success showing Dartmoor ponies. This horse was a wide margin winner of a maiden race at Bratton Down at the end of last season and if he's fit for his reappearance he could go well.
The Mens Open takes place over the marathon trip of four miles and the seven entries include Upcott Cross second Master Overseer and the consistent Moorlands Return who was also second at the same course.
The Ladies Open looks a cracking race on paper with Ask Again, Croix De Guerre, Kingsmill Lake, Long Night, Nobody Tells Me and Paddy The Piper among the entries. All these horses are capable of winning again and the betting will offer the best clue, although Kingsmill Lake loves the course and won there twice there last season.
Entries in the Confined include Karinga Coin who has finished second twice this season, and course winner Walter De Wodeland.
The Intermediate could prove the perfect opportunity for Lords Bridge to get his nose in front while Celtic Society should also run well, while and the Maiden race could see Harpurs Girl win after some good efforts this season.
The course is situated about two miles west of Modbury. Entrance is £20 per car or £10 per car with one occupant.
