21 December 2011 Preview: Harkaway Club - Chaddesley Corbett
by Pete Mansell
Chaddesley Corbett can rightly claim to be one of the best Point-to-Points courses in the country and that is a sentiment shared by many owners judging by the massive entry for the Harkaway Club fixture on the 27th.
This totals 208 and some will be surprised that none of the races have yet been divided. This is a "proverbial hot chestnut", with opinion equally divided about the best way forward. Some like the certainty of knowing potential rivals prior to the day, while others argue division on the day achieves a better balance.The digital number board will be put to good use during the afternoon as it enables the organisers to provide coverage of the Welsh Grand National on the big screen.
The AGA sponsored Ladies Open sets the standard for the meeting and could see a battle between two horses carrying some very similar colours.
Katherine Smith Maxwell and Angela Rucker are daughters of the redoubtable Pat Tollit and both use the families' familiar blue and cerise hoop colours.
Abbi Vaughan trained Picaroon when unbeaten in two outings last year, but the horse is now based at the Smith Maxwells' home in Worcestershire, while Mrs Rucker has several strings to her bow in Kicks for Free, Petit Lord and Sagalyrique.
Enville based jockey Jane Williams took this contest 12 months ago with Billyvoddan so he adds another interesting twist to this contest, while Marblehead faces a difficult task after a long absence.
The chances of Nevada Royale have to be respected if he makes the journey up from the West Country, while Rocklandslad, Skyhawk and Upton Springs have proven form in this type of event and cannot be left out of calculations.
Whatever fate awaits the Rucker runner in the Ladies Open the stable has a good chance of landing the Mens equivalent with Cedrus Libani. The yard was under a cloud at the start of last year but Cedrus Libani made amends with four victories towards the end of the season.
Different Trades and Naunton Brook have winning form over the course, while Arnold Layne has run consistently under National Hunt Rules so may find this opposition easier to cope with.
Over the Phone has two Hunter Chase successes to his credit so is likely to figure as one of the favourites, whereas Bradley has been sidelined since winning at Cheltenham back in May 2010.
Up There seems to finish well off a strong pace, so this race could be tailor made for him but don't expect him to catch the eye until the closing stages.
Galway Jack has gained a fearsome reputation over the past year so it will be interesting to see if his performances match the estimations made of him in the Conditions.
Mister Kay Bee (1st last year), Glidewell, Kilbeggan Blade, Posh Dude and Offshore Account set the standard in this contest so whichever horse wins they will come out of the race with their form enhanced.
Coddington Lass, Rumbavu and Twiga Woods all have a chance of taking the Restricted on their best form whereas Kalulushi could have his first run for the O'Brien yard.
Mervyn Jones's Pickersleigh progressed in the right direction last year but a word of caution she might just need the run in the Intermediate, and that could present a winning opportunity for Ice Cool Benny.
There are 29 entries in the Non-Rules Maiden, where Lady Bussell and Roiofthetigers have the advantage of coming from good stables. Two other things in their favour, they will be partnered by good riders and have shown a semblance of form in these types of events.
37 horses have been entered for the Members Maiden, where it is suggested the following horses might be worth following.
Icansingarainbow started favourite on a number of occasions last year but failed to live up to expectations. He is given one final chance and should be able to make the frame.
Jimmy the Hat was just beaten at Tweseldown recently but that experience should stand him in good stead and he is another for the short list.
Due to the likelihood of multiple divisions on the day, the first race is now at 10.30am, not 11am as previously advertised. Admission is £10 per person (under 16s free), with racecards priced at £3, or two for £5.