23 March 2010 Preview: Heythrop - Dunthrop
by Claire Hart
The second of the two South Midland Area meetings this weekend takes place at Dunthrop, which is one mile east of Chipping Norton off the A4300, just south of the junction onto the A361.
With seven races on the card action gets underway at 1.30pm with the Open Maiden race; Trainer Derek Frankland has two entered, Uncle Albert and Free From Magree, of which both stand a chance of improving their recent placed form. Another to note is Arctic Fire, who was placed here last season, it would be no suprise to see any of these in winning form.
Moscow Court will be bidding to regain his Members Race crown and if the ground is dry it will help him see out the full trip; last year's winner Taxi Fare and Jockey, local farrier Andy Martin, will however be doing all they can to make it a test of stamina and repeat last years victory.
The feature races of the day are the Opens, firstly the Ladies which is over the extended trip of 3m5f. Previous winners Derawar and Blue Business are both entered and what a spectacle it would be to see the two of them battling it out to the line. This is, however, an open looking race; others to note are the Fred Hutsby-trained Mister Bertolli who was third in a fast-run Ladies race at Kingston blount recently, Double Honour, who is a high-class performer and will relish this trip and Upton Legend, a recent Ladies Open winner who will have the advantage of a 7lb mare's allowance where stamina is a must.
The phrase "quality not quantity" says it all in the renewal of The Lord Ashton of Hyde's Cup, where only 12 are entered. Julie Houldey and Dave Mansell will be hoping one of their horses can win it for a second year running; Maranach, who won his Maiden here last season, will be stepping up to Open company and it will be interesting to see if the four mile trip is to his liking. We're Confused, who has been Hunter Chasing latterly, cannot be ruled out either as on his day he is a classy performer. It would be no suprise to see James Pine or Sudden Arrival, both locally trained, putting up a good show.
Entrance costs are £20 per car with passengers, £10 single occupancy and £5 pedestrians. There will be numerous stalls and shops and hot/cold food and drink stands.
