02 March 2010 Preview: East Devon - Bishops Court
by Granville Taylor
SOUTHWESTERN: the star turn in the Mixed Open
photo: Nick Jay
Having been postponed from last weekend due to bad weather, the East Devon meeting will now take place this Saturday (March 6). An exciting day's racing is in prospect on the excellent viewing course at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary. There are 149 entries for the eight races. McSolo can get punters off to a successful start when racing gets under way with the Hunt race at 11.30am.
Course winner Southwestern is likely to make up for his first fence fall at Great Trethew in the 14 strong Mixed Open. Apollo Blaze and Holly Walk look the main dangers. There are 22 entries for the Intermediate where the impressive Larkhill winner Civil Disobedience could extend his unbeaten record.
El Hombre Del Rio ran well on his seasonal debut when runner up to Spuddler's Dream at Chipley Park, and Gerald Greenway's charge can go one better in the Novice Riders' contest. Come What Augustus and Mulligan's Pet also figure amongst the 16 entries.
The Restricted has a wide open look with 30 entries. Richard Barber is likely to run Buckfastleigh winner Irish Vixen, but the opposition includes good recent winners such as Bowntobebad, Tom Bach and She's Alright.
The Maiden for four to seven-year-olds has been split into two with 19 in each division. Flying Award and Delta Borget have shown sufficient promise to be involved in the first section, and the bumper form of Aironageestring looks good enough for the other division. The meeting closes with the Maiden for eight-year-olds and over where Polly Gundry's Blejan Eyhre and Stealing Moments could be the pick.
Entrance costs £20 per car with a concession of £10 for single occupants. The course is located just half a mile SW of Ottery St Mary off the B3174, S of the A30. The nearest M5 exit is junction 29. Trade stands will be there to satisfy shoppers and food and drink will be available in what is always a good family day out.
