10 February 2011 Preview: South Dorset - Milborne St Andrew
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
THISTHATANDTOTHER
photo: Tim Holt
Thisthatandtother, who was runner-up at Chipley Park in January, can resume winning ways in the South Dorset Mens Open at Milborne St Andrew on Sunday.
The winner of 10 Point-to-Points for owner Jack Barber, including last year's contest, Thisthatandtother will face a strong challenge from Bill Dupont's Vintage Class, who readily outpointed former Horse & Hound Cup winner Southwestern at Larkhill. Takeroc, who refused to settle at Wadebridge in December, Wessex stalwart Trade Off, and Johnny's Way, the winner of his final three races last season, are others for the short list. Different Trades, who is regularly ridden by Jack Barber for owner-trainer Bob Buckler, and easy Wadebridge Intermediate winner Eight Palms look the dangers to the principals, but Thisthatandtother is fancied to outpoint Vintage Class.
Ask Again, who failed in his bid to win for the fifth year running at the Tiverton fixture in January, can make amends in the Ladies' Open, which has attracted 12 entries. Well suited by the stiff Milborne course - he won an epic battle with prolific pair Redbrook Lad and Rimpton Boy for the 2008 contest - Ask Again faces opposition from Elusive Dream, who will make his point-to-point debut for the Chloe Roddick stable after winning 12 races under Rules, and dual 2010 winner Miss Midnight.
Takeroc, Shannon Springs, Trade Off and Whereareyounow are among the 12 entries for the Novice Riders contest. Gaelic Flight could represent Camilla Scott's in-form yard, while Perouse gave George Shaw a winning first ride at Wadebridge, but Barneys Mate beat Thisthatandtother fair and square at Chipley Park and is a confident selection to follow up.
A total of 127 horses are entered for the eight-race card, beginning with the 2m4f Maiden (23 entries) at 12.15pm. Richard Barber is in good form, so his Tregaro and Trueflyingcolours may be the two to choose from.
The Hunt race has attracted a 10-strong entry including Gunner Be Quick, the winner of last year's contest for Rupert Tory. Gielgud, Shannon Springs and Whereareyounow are interesting, while Miss Midnight must be considered if taking this option, but Gunner Be Quick is fancied to follow up.
Bold Chief, who was runner-up to impressive stable companion Dualla Lord at Larkhill, stands out among the 22 entries for the Restricted. Wadebridge winner Knight Of The City and Benarchat, winner of the 2009 2m 4f maiden here for Richard Barber, but now with Bruton owner-trainers Rose and Sam Loxton, look the two for the places.
The meeting closes with the 3 mile Maiden. I'm An Article, Oscarslad and Alfatrix, who was a good second for owners Peter Gray and Jackie Abbott at Black Forest Lodge on Sunday, are three suggestions.
The course at Milborne St Andrew is just off the A354 midway between Blandford and Dorchester. First race: 12.15. Admission is £15 or £20 per car, with a reduction for single occupants.
