30 March 2009 Preview: Middleton - Whitwell-on-the-Hill
ASK BOBBY: may try to go one better in the Grimthorpe
The Middleton Hunt stages their Point-to-Point this Sunday, which incorporates the highly prestigious Grimthorpe Gold Cup.
It is many Yorkshire Point-to-Point trainers' dream to win this - it is one of four high class point races in the country. There are many entries throughout the card, and it is expected that several races could be split.
The first race is the Hunt Members. David Easterby holds at least ten of the 16 entries so must count himself in with a decent chance. One Five Eight is slowly coming back to his best and will go close again. Holy Joe needs the mud to be at his best; Mister Bromley has shown sparkles of his former self, whilst My Old Piano - who is highly respected - could run well. However, the race looks to be between the progressive Impact Zone and Scrappie. Impact Zone has been impressive in his two wins but Scrappie and Cherry Coward are going much the better and have the characteristics to win.
The Club race is the second race on the card, with an entry of 33. At the top is the very useful Amicelli but it is debatable whether he will take part. Archie Babes looks short of stamina, although he is good enough. Ballybrakes looks useful but needs to overcome a break. Gunner Royal and Henry's Pride will both love this track; Ile De Paris looks to have class in abundance; Willywont He ran a very good 3rd recently in a hunter chase whilst Unjust Law looks very classy. The pick of the bunch, though, is Elizadoalott, who showed her form when winning a Men's Open lately and can continue her progressive curve after winning her maiden here 2 years ago.
The third race is the Restricted with 29 entries. Captain Bruce won his maiden recently; Champagne Only won an Irish maiden but has not gone on from that; Dix Huit Cyborg looks useful and could be a danger. Fli Mi Son is a recent Charm Park winner, but it is unsure whether stamina is his forte. Plume D'Oudairies and Rich Hill both look to have each way claims but the race looks torn between the recent winner Nectar De Guye - who was revitalised by a change of tactics - and Its TeesComponents, who won easily recently. Nectar De Guye just gets the vote.
The highlight of the day is the Grimthorpe Gold Cup with 33 entries. Ask Bobby went very close last year, but looks a shadow of his former self this year. Ca Na Trona can have a say at a big price if he runs to expectations; Forty Shakes seems to be running well lately and could have a squeak. Iron Express won this in devastating fashion 2 years ago. This would be his 3rd appearance in this race. The Tinkerator has gone close in several restricted races and looks as though he will stay; Southern Classic will stay all day and has a chance. It looks as though this prestigious race may well go to the Easterbys, as they have several horses that have been aiming for this race. These include Network Oscar, Opio and Henry's Pride. Ile De Paris could also have a say. The one who gets the call is Henry's Pride. He beat the useful Noble Persian at Dalton Park and looks to have plenty of stamina; he could well give Jake Greenall a debut season to remember.
The young Maiden race has 32 entries. In A Good Way ran with promise when finishing 3rd behind Willywont He. He could improve on that in what will be only his second start. The Thack also has a 3rd place in a Maiden from last season; it will be interesting to see how he does here. Bossall Billy improved to get a second place recently; overall he gets the vote, although it is a difficult one to judge.
The Intermediate race has some very useful horses entered. Keen Whip looks to have the ability if he can get his act together. Clever Nora has been running consistently, whilst Dannymolone was very impressive last time out. However, the race can go to The Accordion Man; he has been very progressive and could well win for Sheila Crow's yard.
The day comes to a close with the largest field. This is the Open Maiden, which has 44 entries. The few that can be picked from this enormous puzzle include Calopocus who has strong recent form (chased home Phenix Jack at Charm Park and can go close again). Desperate Bob was a good second recently, and also Forge Valley looks useful - if conditions are right he is ready to win. It looks as if the Easterbys might continue their good fortune with Wantage Road. He has been running well lately, and has been unlucky on several occasions. Master Bramley once looked useful, whilst Snake Rave has found one too good on two occasions this year at short odds. Miss Sunflower, who chased home Rich Hill at Dalton Park, is a good prospect and the pick for this race.
