News

WANTAGE ROAD: could contest the Intermediate after Bedale win last time
photo: Jon Hodd

The Middleton Point-to-Point hold their meeting this Sunday at Whitwell-on-the-Hill, with the feature race on the card been the highly prestigious Grimthorpe Gold Cup, one of the four National Classic races.

The first race is the Hunt Members race and is always very competitive. Of the Easterby contingent, Joseph appears to lack stamina, whilst Phenix Jack, although talented, has a huge hindrance in a breathing problem; Sea Senor has won both his races easily this season, however can be a bit sketchy with his jumping. The Snurglar also looks progressive and should be hard to beat.

Keen Whip is a bit of a character but always runs a good race, whilst Nawaadi, who was second in this race last year, looks to be improving and could cause a surprise. The one to watch is Quechua Des Obeaux although he only won a two runner Open, he won it very easily and is highly regarded by connections, so should not be underestimated.

Selection: The Snurglar

The Club race has received 34 entries and will no doubt be highly competitive. Former Foxhunter winner Amicelli could take part, however he does not seem the force of old. Blandings Castle was a good second at Hurworth and will improve for that, General Grey stays extra well, will enjoy the track and is in much better form than he was a the end of last season. Lem Putt looks progressive and you can expect more from him, whilst Mister Gloss looks to have plenty of ability but does not look the easiest of horses. Moment Of Madness won very well at Charm Park, Narcisco will enjoy this long track but has come up short a few times this season; Mooramana will go well if the ground is on the quick side and the veteran Wilfie Wild, who continues to run well, should not be ruled out. Poppy Day looks to have plenty of stamina and will love this track, along with Quechua Des Obeaux.

Selection: General Grey

The Restricted race has attracted some of this seasons top novices; Adieu Mari was an easy winner at Welbeck and was only just beaten by a decent rival at Hornby Castle. Forge Valley looked to be a stronger horse this season when a respectable second at Dalton Park, whilst Noble Ben looked a decent recruit when winning at Brocklesby Park but has disappointed since when well fancied. Brave Admiral looks to be improving and shouldnt be ignored, along with Fli My Son, who was only just beaten last time out and is dropped in grade here. Little Nipper was the winner of a poor Maiden race, Rich Hill travelled powerfully for a long way last time out and should improve for that, whilst Saddlers Singer and Liverpool both have chances with the latter been the most likely to improve further. Mr Gossip was a very easy winner of Maiden and should be hard to beat.

Selection: Mr Gossip

The big race of the day is the highly prestigious Grimthorpe Gold Cup, which has received 35 entries. The race has attracted several horses from outside the Area, including Tynedale, who is an excellent stayer and could be a danger to all if rain comes.

Exceptionnel is an improving horse and could have a say for the Connell team. Areyacoddinmee has improved this season and runs like the trip will suit. Ask Bobby was second two years ago and recently looked like he could possibly be returning to his best, whilst General Grey, who was fourth behind Ask Bobby that year, is a very good stayer and can go well if back to his best.

Keen Whip is consistent and should stay; the yard also won this in 2008. Smart Thinker is a good stayer but needs a career best; Snizort is a regular in this race now but only has place chances at best, however a dark horse could be Oaklands Luis, who has been seen at his best when stamina is required and this race should suit him perfectly if he is good enough. Narcisco is consistent but has not yet hit top form this season. Poppy Day is looking very progressive, looks to have stamina abundant and will be trying to make it five from five this season so will have a big chance.

Laertes has been trained for this race and will be hard to beat as he was a high class stayer under Rules, but looks vulnerable as he can be quirky.

Selection: Poppy Day / Oaklands Luis

The non-Rules Maiden looks difficult, as there are many with little form. The ones to note are those trained by Bob Woodhouse, Maxine Stirk and Gill Walford, who all do extremely well with their young horses. Alforone was going well when falling three out on his debut, whilst Pipsacre has been placed twice this season when finishing very strongly. Perambulation was an expensive purchase as a three-year-old.

Selection: Alforone

The Intermediate race does not look that strongly supported, however there are several to note. Dannymalone has run well here in the past and a recent third means he has a strong chance. Keen Whip is very consistent and is well known in Yorkshire for his cheeky antics, Monkerty Tunkerty has been running very well this season, however has only won a Maiden so more would be needed, whilst recent winner Wantage Road would not be out of it. Sea Senor looks the class horse here as he has won both his races with ease this season and can continue to improve.

Selection: Sea Senor

In the Open Maiden, Bucklemyshoe has been second on three occasions in Ireland; Devils And Dust never seems to run two races the same, Double Past could run a big race, whilst Rosedale Abbey was a good third at Charm Park after a long lay-off. Hunt Ball has been disappointing along with In A Good Way, who looks to have the ability to win. However Spinney Well set a furious pace and was still well clear when falling at Charm Park; if making a quick reappearance he could win.

Selection: Spinney Well

In the second division of the Maiden things look equally difficult. Arlington House has been disappointing since arriving from Ireland where he had some good form; Cedar Point was a good fourth on only his third run, whilst What A Cliche could run a good race and should be noted in the betting. Flag Hill can run well but was disappointing recently, Bellview looks like one who could improve on recent efforts, however Toplander has run several good efforts this season and looked like the winner last time until weakening late on, but may find this race much easier.

Selection: Toplander

Back to Top