18 March 2008 Staintondale - Charm Park
Cottam Phantom: an impressive winner at the Derwent meeting
The second of the Bank Holiday meetings in the Yorkshire Area, sees the Staintondale meeting at Charm Park, Wykeham, on Easter Monday, where 135 entries have been received for the 6 races.
Starting at 2.00pm with the Members race, trainer Chris Pimlott holds the two aces in Euro Lord and Over To Joe who has been running consistently in Open races and if started will be at short odds.
The Restricted has an entry of 16, including Malton and Cottam Phantom, who both won their Maiden races on this course at the Derwent meeting. The latter was particularly impressive and can win again for first time owner Suzie Gordon and jockey Jacqueline Coward.
The Mixed Open has 19 entries and there will be no more popular winner than Browns Beck who ran a race full of promise in the Derwent Mens Open, won by Sonevafushi, when finishing 3rd for 90 year old owner/trainer David Brydon. Others to note are Gollinger and Glenelly Gale, who has finished 2nd twice in hot Mens Open races.
The Confined has an entry of 31 and looks very competitive. Be The Tops, ridden by Emma Dwyer, came fast and late to finish 3rd in the Derwent Ladies Open and if reproducing that form will be in the shake up. Pikachu Blue has been placed in both runs after returning from a 3 year lay off and surely his turn is not far away. Others to mention include, dual winner this season, Harwood Dale, and Chorizo.
Twenty-one are entered for the Open Maiden. Banners Flying could figure if the ground rides fast, whilst Jabo stayed on well to finish 2nd at Market Rasen. Knoxhill Archie ran a big race on this course when 2nd last year, and the Cherry Coward trained Southern Classic was noted making good late headway to finish 4th at the Holderness.
The Conditions Maiden race, for horse not to have been placed under National Hunt rules, has the largest entry of 33, and looks wide open, so Rosedale Abbey is the tentative selection.
Selections: Members - Over To Joe; Restricted - Cottam Phantom; Mixed Open - Browns Beck; Confined - Pikachu Blue; Open Maiden - Jabo; Conditions Maiden - Rosedale Abbey
