10 February 2010 Preview: Southdown & Eridge - Godstone
by Mark Siggers
After a cold, damp start at Detling last week, Point-to-Point fans are praying the weather will hold off for this Sunday's meeting at Godstone (February 14th). The course is in exceptional condition following a slight realignment of the bottom bend and run-in.
This fixture could provide jockey/trainer Nick Pearce with a handful of winners for his patron Simon Tindall. The team plan to run at least five, headed by last season's champion horse Letterman in the Mens Open. Letterman has won five Point-to-Points and should have conditions in his favour here. If there's a dark one it could be Irish import Sigma Digital who beat Paddy Power winner Tranquil Sea just over two years ago and is making his Point-to-Point debut.
Pearce also has Super Kay and Kommetjie in both the Hunt and Club races and will decide targets on the day, while Peadar is the likely winner of the Maiden and Florence Mary, second in a Maiden last spring, is his chosen runner in the Mares Maiden.
Peter Bull brings just one from his own yard, Laguna Beach in the Restricted, but will ride Durante for Andrew Coveney in the Maiden - an ex-Jim Old hurdler who was rated 118 under Rules - and Captain's Legacy for Emma Leppard in the Club race. Philip Hall has Winters Beau for the Hunt race, while Heather Kemp has Caged Tiger for the Maiden and Ungaro for the Ladies Open. Stuart Robinson rides his old horse Magnus Veritas for Nick and Sally Bowman in the Hunt race.
Marcus Gorman rides Cotton Bay in the Restricted, while his son George takes part in the pony races (first race 11.00am) and will partner Cape Stormer in the Hunt Scurry after racing.
Godstone Racecourse is two miles south east of the M25 at junction 6, on the A25 Godstone to Oxted road. The code for sat-navs is RH9 8DB. Admission is £25 per car (£15 for single occupancy) and £5 for pedestrians.
