11 February 2009 Preview: South Dorset - Milborne St Andrew
TURTHEN: is the likely favourite in the Ladies Open after two convincing wins this season
The Wessex Point-to-Point season moves to Dorset for the South Dorset meeting at Milborne St Andrew on Valentine's Day. The meeting has been rescheduled from 8 February, when the course succumbed to the wintry weather, as did every other fixture countrywide last weekend. Entries stand, with 145 horses entered for the eight race card, beginning at 12.00 noon.
There are 23 entries for the Men's Open, including Kingscliff, who won the corresponding race in 2003 before achieving Cheltenham glory in the Christie's Foxhunter a month later. Potential challengers include Drybrook Bedouin, who ran well in defeat at Larkhill, McSolo, who made Ask Again pull out all the stops at Chipley Park, and the-Paul Nicholls-trained Blu Teen. Kingscliff put up a tremendous front running performance at Dunthrop in December, but couldn't get away from his field when third at Larkhill, and still needs an Open race win (or a first or second in a Hunter Chase) to qualify for this year's Cheltenham renewal. The Milborne course puts more emphasis on stamina than Larkhill and Kingscliff is confidently selected to make all the running and book his Festival ticket.
The Ladies' Open has the makings of a top-class contest. Chloe Roddick has entered Paul Nicholls' Goblet Of Fire, an able horse in all spheres - he finished third in the 2002 Cambridgeshire Handicap - but one who often finds something to beat him. Kiama never really got on terms with Zabenz at Larkhill, but won six races, including an Exeter Hunter Chase, and finished third in Stratford's John Corbet Cup last season. Charlie Fox's Turthen impressed when winning at Dunthrop and Barbury and should make it three out of three.
The Hunt race has attracted a nine-strong entry including Bush Park, winner in 2006 and 2008 and runner-up in 2007. Newbay Bob ran well when third to Meanus Dandy and Drybrook Bedouin at Larkhill and may give Bush Park the most to do.
There are 19 entries for the Restricted race. Mymystery Man won at Barbury for owner Martin Dare and is fancied to follow up. Polly Gundry can choose from Labarynth and Il Marinaio, but Bratton Down winner Novikova Rose and Corkscrew King may be two for the minor placings.
King Georges, Mister Putt and Willie The Kid are three to consider for the Novice Riders' race but Jack Barber's Thisthatandtother is the automatic selection if facing the starter. Tribal Venture, winner of two 2008 Hunter Chases and a first-winner for Oliver Murphy, 17, at Ampton in January, is the danger.
The card features three Maiden contests. Benarchat, Derry City, Pingaro De La Vire and Street Run are four candidates for the 2m 4f race. The 3-mile event has been divided and could be difficult. Pezreuil, Derry City and Slipawayon are three suggestions for Division 1. Newcomer Shacklesborough may find Black Forest Lodge runner-up Perfect Gem hard to deal with in Division 2.
The course at Milborne St Andrew is just off the A354 midway between Blandford and Dorchester. First race: 12.00 noon. Admission is £20 or £15 per car, with a reduction for single occupants.
