29 February 2008 Pub Team Preview, Granta Harriers - Higham
Their pub may have been burnt down recently, but they're back with a comprehensive analysis of the Granta Harriers meeting this Sunday at Higham.
1.30 p.m. Higham Hunts Club Members - 11 entries
Several of the horses entered in this race competed against each other in Confined Hunts race at Marks Tey two weeks ago. Rydal Park won that race and has since gone on to finish 3rd in a Hunter Chase at Leicester this week. Alittlemorereaction was 3rd at Marks Tey, has not jumped well in recent times although was unbeaten in 2006. Itsallupintheair won three races in 2007 but was pulled up at the Marks Tey meeting. The same can be said of Tuesdays Child but he is a winning Chaser and did finish 2nd to Caveman in the Mens Open at Ampton in January; he is a bit one paced. Nokimover was 2nd to Dunmanus Bay in the Novice Riders race on the same card. Also on the same card was Who Cares Wins in the Ladies Open. Others to also consider are Saafend Rocket and Brown Teddy. Selection: Who Cares Wins (Nokimover)
2.00 p.m. Mens Open - 14 entries
Another Dude tends to make jumping errors but has run well on his last 2 starts and his turn looks close. Brown Teddy has an easier option in the first race but would have a chance here on his form under rules and will have come on for his seasonal debut. Caveman has an easier chance in a later race here. Hatsnall ran as well as could be expected in a Fakenham Hunter Chase and will have his supporters. Kadount ran well on his pointing debut at Detling and this winning Hurdler and Chaser has the ability to win (also entered at Godstone). Rooster looked in need of his Cottenham run when 3rd to Caveman and is another to consider in an Open race. Star Double has looked short of stamina in his runs this year. Mr Tee Pee won at Folkestone on Wednesday. Selection: Another Dude (Rooster)
2.50 p.m. Restricted - 17 entries
Forget The Ref looks the form pick here; his chance would be stronger if ironing out the jumping mistakes that have cost him dear in the past. Knockarron and The Nuns Legacy are winning Irish pointers and need serious consideration. Prey Bird beat a large field at Cottenham (4th well beaten last Sunday) and has scope for improvement. Nomadic Blaze finally broke his duck at Marks Tey but was behind Prey Bird at Cottenham. Very Presentable won a poor contest here very easily but exited at the first next time at Cottenham. Ardaghman was well beaten at Market Rasen last week. Selection: Forget The Ref (Prey Bird)
3.25 p.m. Ladies Open - 15 entries
Beet De Bob won over the course in January and the same connections took the Ladies race with another horse at the last meeting here. There has been plenty of discussion over Scare Lotte's close 3rd in a Hunter at Huntingdon; undoubtedly she should have won (you can't blame the rider for getting hampered) but Clare is inexperienced and in the cold light of day that probably cost her victory. Without doubt the mare has improved for her riding and most people are talking through their pockets. Bell Rock beat Scare Lotte at Cottenham last year and loves quick ground (unseated around halfway last week). Jilted Lover will find this much harder than when swooping late to win at Horseheath. Resplendent Star is usually there or thereabouts. Snob Wells ran 2nd in a Mens Open at Marks Tey but may need a stiffer test than this course. Selection: Beet De Bob (Bell Rock)
4.00 p.m. CA Club Members - 19 entries
Caveman could take this option and avoid penalties later in the season. Close inspection shows his two wins can have holes picked in them; the favourites seemed to perform below par at Ampton and the runner broke down at Cottenham; having said that we must say George Greenock is definitely showing improvement as a rider. Alpha Gioconda was beating a long way at Cottenham and despite it being his first start in years he needs a huge improvement. Another Dude has been dealt with in race 2 but hold a similar chance here. High Rank just beat El Viejo here last time but this looks harder. Lord Atterbury has been very useful in his time and a repeat of his close 2nd here would give him a chance (run poorly since); the yard had a double last weekend. Scare Lotte has been dealt with in the Ladies but this could be a better opportunity. Selection: Scare Lotte (Caveman)
4.35 p.m. Open Maiden 5yo+ - 18 entries
Siam De Baune has looked short of stamina in two short Maidens at Cottenham. Mirage Prince was a modest selling Hurdler but showed some promise on his seasonal debut here when 5th. Cadtauri is clumsy and his placed form last year was in poor company. Lady Ann Lewis was runner up in a slowly run race last year but surely can improve. Loose Morals was brought down when going well 4 out on her seasonal debut at Cottenham but has run 2 stinkers since (certainly has the ability). Pur Star ran respectably when 4th at Cottenham and will have come on for the run. Crosby was well beaten at Kingston Blount but can only improve. Selection: Pur Star (Loose Morals)
