15 April 2009 Preview: Seavington - Littlewindsor
Picturesque Littlewindsor stages the Seavington meeting this Sunday, 19th April. The seven race card begins at 2.00pm, preceded at 1.00pm by two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Pony Racing Series Final at the end of May.
The two Open races take the eye. Entries for the Ladies' Open include course winners Imperial Sun and Touch Closer, and Tyneham, the easy winner of the Portman Hunt race on Easter Saturday. Midnight Queen impressed at Badbury Rings in February, but the three to choose from are Tyneham, Spuddler's Dream - runner-up to Southwestern on his reappearance at Ottery St Mary in February - and Perouse, who stayed on well to chase up Double Honour at Charlton Horethorne.
The 12 entries for the Mens Open include Tyneham, along with Bush Park and Callitwatulike, who were first and second in last year's contest. Martin Pitchwood - also a winner on last year's card - Lord Anner, who ran a fine race at Badbury on Saturday, and Mioche D'Estruval have chances, but Long Night may be suited by the stiff Littlewindsor course and is the suggestion.
The meeting opens with a competitive looking 2m4f Open Maiden. Stable companions Elevenses and Oneoneeight have placed form, Oneoneeight having finished second in his last four outings, and may fight out the finish. Choice Connection and Sweet Nap keep knocking on the door and are two suggestions for the three mile Open Maiden contest.
Seven are entered for the Hunt Members race. Askers Jack and last year's winner Senor Cid have chances, along with Carroll's O'Tully, in the frame in her three Ladies Opens this season. Jane Western's dual Hunter Chase winner Back Nine is the obvious selection. In his absence, stable companion Pimbury may be a more than adequate deputy.
The Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders race has attracted an entry of 16, including Callitwatulike, Dandooley, who would prefer soft ground, and King Georges, winner of the Cattistock Novice Riders contest for Alice Pearn here in March. McSolo was unchallenged at Ottery St Mary and Cothelstone and can contest the finish with King's Wood, the winner of three of his last four races.
The meeting closes with the Restricted. Ninja beat Easter Saturday's winner Cupidus at Wadebridge and may follow up. Course winner Quite A Splash looks the strongest challenger.
The course is situated on the Dorset/Somerset border 3 miles south of Crewkerne off the A3066. First race: 1.00pm (ponies); 2.00pm (point-to-point). Admission: £20 per car; £10 per car with driver only; £5 pedestrians.
