07 April 2009 Preview: North Cotswold - Paxford
The North Cotswold's well-publicised watering policy at Paxford seems to have reaped its rewards with 154 entries for Monday's meeting at this popular venue, near Chipping Campden.
Geoff Adams showed great vision when this course opened in 1997 and it has subsequently gone from strength to strength to provide one of the best viewing courses in the area. Entry is £20 per car, with a reduction for single occupants
Vast crowds have always been attracted to this meeting and that allegiance has continued since the move from Springhill, so it is best to arrive early to avoid any potential traffic problems around this venue.
Proceedings get underway with the Members race at 2 p.m. and this could provide a winning opportunity for Paul and Lucy King's Weston sub Edge trained Mr Nagle who has twice finished in the runners up berth this season. This course should play to his strengths as he is normally an excellent jumper and he is one of the more interesting runners in this contest.
Chipping Campden based Jo Paddock has entered three horses including recent winner Definite Approach as well as Sail on Silver who may be aimed at the Maiden later in the afternoon and The Lady Would.
The Broadway yard of Kim Smyly is enjoying a good spell so there are place possibilities for Iphar or Pingaro de la Vire, while Fergal O'Brien's Hambaphambili will find the opposition and fences in this contest much easier than those he encountered at Aintree last week.
If conditions are in his favour the Restricted should go to Stow on the Wold trainer Seanin McPherson with Rien a Pedre who has proved a class above his rivals in his last two races, and there is no reason to believe that this race is beyond his capabilities. Maire de Beaulieu has been disappointing recently but this course should tick all the boxes as far as he is concerned and he could take advantage if the favourite has an off day.
High Rank (Mens Open) and Alf Lauren (Ladies) both won at last years corresponding meeting. They are likely to oppose one another in the Ladies Open but both will struggle against the likes of Shareef, Touch Closer and Petit Lord while it will be interesting to see how Marblehead copes with a lighter weight on his back.
Curradoon provided Oddington based Andrew Campbell with his first success at Maisemore recently but he faces a much stiffer task in the Restricted.
The Rainbow Hunter made mincemeat of his rivals over 2-1/2 miles at Eyton but his stamina is unproven over the longer distance of this contest. Dominating this field will be much harder but he should prevail against Tommy Thunder who also caught the eye at the same meeting.
Babysitter has to be serious contender for the 5-6-7 year old Maiden if he puts in a clear round while Bracken Isle and Buffalo Creek both come from successful stables but their ability has to be taken on trust.
The 8-year-old and upward version of the Maiden can be narrowed down to Chicago Alley, Iron Bay and Slinky Malinky.
The former has run creditably on two occasions this year but appears to have stamina limitations, while Iron Bay threw away a winning opportunity with a slow start at Andoversford last weekend. Slinky Malinky was well fancied at the same meeting and is given one final chance to open her winning account.
