22 April 2010 Preview: Pentytch - Bonvilston
by Brian Lee
There are 31 entries for the Welsh Point-To-Point 'Grand National' Mixed Open race, part of the Racing Post Weekender/Brightwells Insurance Order of Excellence series, at the Pentyrch at Bonvilston on Saturday.
These include last year's winner, the French-bred Misamon, out-and-out stayer Minsgill Mans (who has also been entered for the Dunraven Bowl Hunter Chase at Chepstow on Friday evening), the highly rated Sericina and Keith Pritchard's pair Cannon Bridge and Chandlers Cross.
An interesting entry is the maiden Cool Cliché - also entered at Chepstow - who has ran well under rules. Owner Ian Brice, who lives not far from the course, won it with High Guardian some years ago. Others of note are Grey Kid,Warsaw Pact and Roznic.
Racing gets under way with the Members race at 2pm. There are eleven entries and Mrs Rae Jones will be hoping that her Up There, third in last week's Lady Dudley Cup, will prove too speedy for recent winners Sams Lad and Diamondaire.
There are 36 down to run in the Confined and Chandlers Cross, Olival and Get Off The Table, who all won on their previous outings, look the pick.
Iris's Prince looks sure to start favourite if lining up for the Novice Riders' race. Of the other 23 entries, Farnogue, Grey Kid and Victor Merlin, who all have alternative engagements, look best.
Frenchfurze Lad (also entered at Chepstow), Mac Two and On Oath are just three of the 38 entries for the Restricted. The running of the last named was too bad to be true last time and a better run can be expected on this occasion.
In the young horse maiden (31 entries) Aironageestring has Cranemore and Hocinall to beat.
There are 33 entries for the older horse maiden and Sirrel Griffiths' Jimmy Bedney, who is also entered at Brampton Bryan, will have most to fear from Supreme Trucker and Gem Mill.
The course has been watered on a daily basis and there will be two pony races after racing.
