12 May 2009 Preview: Dulverton West Foxhounds - Bratton Down
by Lucy Johnson
CELTIC SOCIETY: may bid for a fifth win of the season in the Open
photo: Nick Jay
THE first of three meetings takes place at Bratton Down near Bratton Fleming on Saturday when the Dulverton West Foxhounds stage their meeting.
Pony racing at 11.45am precedes the eight race card which is off at 1pm and nearly 200 entries have been received, ensuring a terrific day of racing.
A superb race is in prospect for the Mixed Open with 35 entered including some of the best horses in the area. Whizzaar has been a credit to his connections this season winning two good Open races as well as a hunter chase at Kempton and he will be a firm favourite with plenty of racegoers. Croix De Guerre and Double Honour both can't be ruled out despite disappointing at the Cheltenham hunter chase meeting. A return to Point-to-Pointing could see them back to their best. Also to be considered are Lisheen Storm who won well at the Axe Vale meeting last month and Celtic Society who has won four this season.
The Open Maiden has been split into two divisions. In the first the Richard Barber-trained Bless My Soul has finished second twice this season. Last time out at Woodford he was a long odds-on favourite but was beaten seven lengths by a better horse on the day, but there's much more to come from this horse who is sure to improve with experience.
Second division entries include Artic Omen, second at Trebudannon last month, and the promising Tom Bach who has had two eyecatching runs this season.
Intermediate entries include Axe Vale winner Major Matt, Flying Shuttle, who won at Holnicote earlier this month, and Spicketss Girl who won at Hackwood Park in March.
Thisthatandtother will be short odds to land his sixth success of the season in the novice riders' race with Stone Valley also likely to run a good race on the back of his two recent successes.
Swiftwood won nicely at Trebudannon in April and ought to run well again in the Confined race with Saint Romble also likely to run his race.
The 30 in the Restricted include Miss Colmesnil who has the stamina required to win at the course following her Kilworthy victory and the Harry Findlay-owned Shaver Baines who was an easy winner at Woodford in April.
As well as great racing, food and drink will be provided by Orswell Catering and there will be several trade stands.
The course is situated alongside the B3226 11 miles north of South Molton and it costs £20 per car of £10 per car and driver.
