10 February 2009 Preview: South Pool Harriers - Buckfastleigh
LORD OF ILLUSION: one of several notible entries in the high-class Mens Open
The South Pool Harriers meeting at Buckfastleigh has attracted a total of 126 entries for their meeting this Sunday (February 15th). The first of the seven races on the card at this popular track is the Confined Maiden which opens proceedings at 12 noon. The locally trained Bishy Barnaby and Mulligan's Pet can fight out the finish
There is strength in depth amongst the 28 entries for a high class Mens Open. Southwestern could warm up for his Christie's Foxhunter challenge at Cheltenham, alongside Hunter Chase winners De Luain Gorm and Whizzar. Lord of Illusion and Ask Again have winning points form this year, and Long Night, Lord of the Road and McSolo will have their supporters. They will all be tested by the fast improving We're Confused from the in-form combination of jockey David Mansell and trainer Julie Houldey. The Ledbury eight-year-old stays well and has impressed in his two wins this season.
The Intermediate has 25 entries and is a qualifier for the Exeter Racecourse Series Final. The connections of We're Confused have another bright prospect here in Top Benefit. This Beneficial seven-year-old has not been extended in his wins this season and will take all the beating. His main rival could be the useful mare Sericina, a course winner who acts well on heavy ground. There are plenty of others here with winning form this season. The progressive Jack's Taxi was part of a Neil Harris treble at the Mid Devon, and Come What Augustus, Duxy Hill Lady and Jafaro des Bois all scored last time out.
It will be interesting to see whether Rockwithacaveman can regain winning form with Polly Gundry on board in the Ladies Open. Dante's Back loves this course and ran well at Wadebridge, and others to note in a tricky looking event are Brown Cockle, Perouse and the useful Welsh mare Chesnut Annie.
Cannington Brook stands out in the first section of the divided Restricted. This five-year-old was most impressive when scoring on his debut at Barbury Castle. Labarynth also proved her ability to stay in the sticky ground at Barbury, and Richard Barber's lightly raced mare Just Here relished a stamina test in soft ground at Upcott Cross last season.
The Barber yard can be represented in the second division by Mymystery Man who was all out to win his Maiden at Barbury Castle. Bathwick Shannon stayed on gamely to win at Black Forest and will be suited by a stamina test, as will Ansa The Question who will have benefited from his outing at Chipley Park.
There are 17 entries for the Confined Mares Maiden. Monique Pike can choose between Front Page and Perfect Gem, and Polly Gundry will be looking to Ivorsagoodun to improve on her Silverton placing. Madam Noso made a pleasing debut at Chipley Park, but the value could lie in Super Lady who was nicely backed when runner up for the Mid Devon Maiden and has some experience under rules.
Buckfastleigh is an excellent viewing course located one mile west of the town alongside the A38. Admission costs £20 for a car and all occupants, with a concession of £10 for a car with single occupant. There will be plenty of home cooked food on the menu and a bar will be in operation during the afternoon. Come along and enjoy a great afternoon at the races.
