06 May 2010 Preview: Minehead Harriers & West Somerset - Holnicote
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
SHALIMAR FROMENTRO: impressed in winning debut and may run again at Holnicote
photo: Tim Holt
Iris's Prince, who provided Thomas Flint's first-ever winner at Holnicote last weekend, can follow up at the Minehead Harriers & West Somerset Hunt meeting over the same course on Saturday.
Iris's Prince, the 2008 National Leading Horse with 10 wins, is among the 19 Entries for the Mixed Open, where he could face Come What Augustus, unbeaten in six outings this season and a major player for this year's winning-most horse award. Contenders include the consistent Mustangsallyrally, who gave Thisthatandtother plenty to think about at Badbury Rings, along with Rockwithacaveman, third at Stafford Cross and one who would appreciate a stamina test.
Richard Woollacott is bang in contention for the National Men's Jockeys' title and would welcome another win from Come What Augustus, but Iris's Prince is the selection.
Iris's Prince holds an Entry for the Novice Riders race, where he could face Fully Loaded, this season's pacesetter with seven wins. Balinova, the enigmatic Beat The Bandits and Paddy The Piper, who was a good runner-up to Fully Loaded at Stafford Cross, have chances, but Fully Loaded is the one.
The Confined has its usual quality look with 14 Entries. Bannow Strand disappointed at Kilworthy in March, but was in rare form at this stage of last season so should not be discounted. Others to consider include Axe Vale winner Beau Supreme, three-time 2010 winner Henri Prends Garde and Minella Tipperary, who failed to finish here on Saturday but who is capable of more. The fascinating Entry is Jane Williams' four-year-old Kingston St Mary winner Shalimar Fromentro; this exciting prospect is fancied to master his more experienced rivals.
Roger Maggs' Woodford winner Ned The Post and Stan and Sally Rawlins' impressive Axe Vale hero Righteous Glory are the two for the Intermediate. Elsafeer ran well in Yufo's race at Stafford Cross and looks the danger.
Vintage Class - in the frame in all five outings this season - and General Bob, who has been absent since finishing second at the season's opening meeting at Black Forest Lodge in November, have chances in the Restricted, but Monday's Stafford Cross runner-up Bold Chief is the suggestion.
Isitanywonder was unlucky at Stafford Cross and can gain compensation in the Maiden contest and Saint Romble should have a straightforward task to retain the Hunt Members trophy.
A Charity Race in aid of the Devon and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances precedes racing at 1.00pm.
The course is just off the A39, 3 miles W of Minehead and 2 miles E of Porlock. First race: 1.00pm (charity race); 2.00pm (Point-to-Point). Admission: £20 per car; £10 car with driver only; £40 per minibus; £5 pedestrians.