02 February 2010 Preview: Old Raby - Witton Castle
by Will Milburn
MY OLD PIANO: a strong contender in the Intermediate
photo: Sweet Photography
The Old Raby Point-to-Point at Witton Castle has attracted 143 entries this weekend, drawing in entrants from all across the country and with several highly rated horses, it should be an excellent day's racing.
The seven race card begins with the Club Members Maiden race, which sees several newcomers to the Pointing ranks. Action Strasse and Bobtante have been placed several times under Rules when with Howard Johnson, while Oaklands Robbie can improve with time. Meertrix ran some respectable races last season, but may find a few too strong here. Easby Mandarin is a long-standing maiden under Rules and will no doubt run his race, along with Reef Dancer who will have improved hugely for his encouraging debut at Alnwick. However, the highly rated Action Strasse looks the one to beat.
The Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate race looks a competitive event with 22 entries. High Moor ran some good races last season, whilst Johnny Venture was runner-up to several decent horses last year. Miss Sunflower looks the improving horse as she won both her Maiden and Restricted last season with some ease. Poppy Day and Wantage Road are both very consistent and will no doubt go very close for the Mason team. However, the class horse from last year is My Old Piano who should be capable of getting his season off to a winning one.
The Ladies Open looks the hottest race of the day with several very decent entries. Robbers Glen came a highly respectable fifth in the Cheltenham Foxhunters last year but has failed to shine so far this season, while Narcisco and On Y Va are both dual Open winners with plenty of ability. The stalemates Vingis Park and Pass It On could go close at their best, with the latter having been a class horse under rules, however he has failed to show this form in Points. Robin De Sherwood looks the new kid on the block and has made his mark this season, so should be capable of taking this race.
The Mens Open looks equally as competitive. Belem Ranger is a dual Hunter Chase winner, Gunner Jack was beaten a head by the talented Ballyfitz when in his prime, whilst Nippy De Mottes is another highly rated horse over fences, but has failed to show that in his two Hunter Chase appearances. L'Oudon defeated the all-conquering Sonevafushi here last season, so a bold show will be expected, while the latter may find one or two too strong here at the age of 12. The race looks between the Cheltenham Cross Country winner Dix Villez, who really had to work hard at Alnwick to win, and Pangbourne who was a dual bumper winner - including a defeat of Tidal Bay by a head in a Grade 2 at Aintree.
The Restricted race could be a tricky event. Celestial Hall has been consistent so should run well again, along with Chancery Lad, who won on his only appearance last season. Riot Act has run some big races and a race of this sort is not out of his reach. Recent Higham winner Principal Lad is in form and fit so should give another good account. Oaklands Bobby continues to run some big races, but lacks a finishing burst, whereas Saddlers Singer stayed on strongly at Alnwick to finish second in a hot Restricted.
The Open Maiden race has been split resulting in two divisions. Division 1 sees several newcomers to the Pointing ranks, including Dark Moon, One More Gypsy and Mr Gossip, who have had several respectable runs under Rules and can go well. Victor has run creditably in Ireland without troubling so could be one to watch. Dreamaker was consistent last season and could go close again in what looks a modest event.
Divison 2 has several horses with strong Point-to-Point form; these include Reef Dancer and Monkerty Tunkerty, with the latter looking the one to beat. Boxbury and Hunt Ball could be the dangers as they both have decent bumper form to their names.
