07 April 2009 Preview: Taunton Vale Harriers - Kingston St Mary
COOMBE HILL: has a great chance in the Ladies Open
Coombe Hill is selected to take the Ladies Open, one of the feature races at the Taunton Vale Harriers meeting at Fennington Farm, Kingston St Mary, on Easter Monday.
The winner of four of his last five races, Coombe Hill quickened clear of Brown Cockle at Ottery St Mary before running on again when challenged by Doof at Ston Easton. The 20 entries also include last year's winner Rye Brook, Sarah West's strong stayer Ask Again, Badbury winner Midnight Queen, the up-and-coming Misstree Dancer and Imperial Sun, who has had a busy campaign. The three to challenge Coombe Hill are prolific pair Croix De Guerre and Lady Myfanwy, who have already met three times this season, and Innocent Rebel, winner of three races last season but only fourth on reappearance at Wadebridge in March.
Barney Blue, whose winning run came to an end at Cothelstone in March, can resume winning ways in the Mens Open. Course specialist Touch Of Flame, possible Welsh raider Wishwillow Magic, and Tonic Du Charmil, who made a winning debut for the Ashley Farrant stable at Great Trethew in February, look the biggest dangers.
Tonic Du Charmil, Touch Of Flame and Misstree Dancer are among the 31 Confined race entries. Thoor Ballylee, who landed a gamble when defeating the smart Sericina at Buckfastleigh, Saint Romble and Martin Pitchwood, a winner here in March, also catch the eye. Labarynth, winner of two of her three races for the Polly Gundry/Ed Walker stable, and Cothelstone winner King's Wood are the suggestions, but Fool On The Hill annihilated the opposition in this race last season, and may give his supporters a sporting run for their money.
The Restricted has attracted 24 entries and could take some solving. The two suggestions are Amber Love, who impressed here in March and She's Beautiful, a recent winner at Siddington for the Sarah West stable.
The hunt race entry includes Larkhill winner Ballistigo, Big Daves Legend - a winner for national champion Oliver Greenall at Bratton Down last season - and Oh Vlo. Ballistigo gets the vote.
The card also features two Maiden races. Choice Connection and Oneoneeight may be two to consider in the young horse contest. Fox ‘N' Goose and Freddie Ed are two suggestions for the older horse event. Three pony races complete the day.
The course is 3 miles N of Taunton off the A358. First race: 1.30 pm. Admission is £20 per car including all occupants, £10 car and driver only, £5 pedestrians.
