18 March 2008 Mendip Farmers - Ston Easton
Sericina: among the 12 entries for the Restricted
Two high-class Open races are the highlight of the Mendip Farmers six-race Point-to-Point card at Ston Easton this Easter Saturday, 22nd March (first race 12:30pm). This year sees a new layout of the viewing areas, including the moving of car parking onto higher ground, so viewing should be excellent.
The Ladies Open has attracted 15 entries, including Candarli, winner of three races for this season's leading lady novice, Chloe Boxall. Titus Bramble, formerly with Dick Baimbridge, but now trained at Malmesbury by Alison Dare, also catches the eye, while Richard Barber has a strong hand with Reviewer and recent winners Rimpton Boy and Spuddler's Dream. Dizzy Future - who finished second to Rimpton Boy at Charlton Horethorne - Fleur De Nikos and Gemster have chances, but Chloe Roddick has entered Case Equal, Perouse and Goblet Of Fire and her chosen runner may fight out the finish with the Barber representative.
Murphy's Cardinal, winner of his first six races for the Noel Chance stable under Rules, but absent since February 2005, is a fascinating entry for the Men's Open. Off Broadway and Slaezy - first and second at Ottery St Mary - could renew rivalry, while Case Equal and course winner Spanish Oath have chances. The selection is Dare Too Dream, winner of his last two races, including Buckfastleigh's West Country Champion Chase Mixed Open, worth £700 to the winner, for the Camilla Scott stable.
The Hunt race has attracted seven entries, including Gay Kindersley, who took last year's contest for Sarah Voller. Pat Bryant has a strong hand, including evergreen 16-year-old Springford, who would be a tremendously popular winner, and Dizzy Future. However, Sericina had some high-class prospects well in arrears when runner-up at Charlton Horethorne and she gets the vote.
Sericina is among the 12 entries for the Restricted and is the selection if connections take this option. Lord Of The Road, placed four times under Rules for Paul Nicholls and wide margin Great Trethew winner Arthur Parker may provide her strongest challenge.
The two Maiden races may be difficult to solve. Briteside, Come Out Firing, Max's Choice and New Mill Moll may be four to consider in the 2m 4f event. Martin Pitchwood and Mountain Trooper may be the two for the 3 mile contest.
Between races there will be a hound parade, a host of trade stands to visit and free children's entertainment, including traditional Punch & Judy shows. Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final, conclude racing. The course lies off the A37, 5 miles north of Shepton Mallet and 13 miles south of Bath and Bristol. First race: 12:30 pm. Admission is £15 per car and driver, £5 each subsequent adult.
