19 April 2011 Preview: Taunton Vale Harriers - Kingston St Mary
by Brian Armstrong
The Taunton Vale Harriers hold their Point-to-Point meeting at Kingston St Mary on Easter Monday. With the good weather set to hold, a perfect Easter Monday could be on the cards for racegoers.
Ballydub can provide another winner for in-form rider Micheal Nolan in the Taunton Vale Harriers Mens Open on Easter Monday. A course winner here in March, Ballydub had every chance when subsequently falling at the last at Kilworthy. Larkhill winner Cappoquin and Taunton Hunter Chase third Captain Marlon look the dangers, but the Polly Curling-trained Ballydub is the selection.
The Gould family's Own Line, who set a very fast time at Larkhill, can follow up in the Ladies Open. Opposition includes Carroll's O'Tully, who can be excused her Seavington defeat, Coombe Hill, who is yet to recapture his 2010 Coronation Gold Cup-winning brilliance, Cherrybrook first and second Deloughtane and Master John, Jean's Joy and course winner Nobody Tells Me. Deloughtane may be the one to challenge Own Line.
Ballydub and Cappoquin are among the 17 entries for the Confined and must be respected if connections take this option. Certain Flight and Fredwal, first and second here in March, could renew their rivalry. El Hombre Del Rio, a good runner-up at Cothelstone, and course winner Pimbury also catch the eye. Certain Flight disappointed at Kilworthy but can again fight out the finish with Fredwal.
The Restricted has attracted 13 entries and looks difficult to solve. Russian Rain ran well at Cotley after a 12-month absence and can challenge recent winners Flanshan and Stay Connected.
The Hunt race entry includes recent winner Glacial Call and former high class Rules performer Over The Creek. Ray Alford has a strong hand with Maidstone Mercury, 2009 winner Oh Vlo, Quillygham and Thirtytwo Red; his chosen runner will be the selection.
The card also features two Maiden races. Cut The Lugsreilly, Persian Shadow and Strong Saddler can fight out the young horse contest. Denise's Dip and Shuffles are two candidates for the older horse event.
Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Finals in May, complete the day.
The course is three miles north of Taunton off the A38 or A358. First race: 1.30pm. Admission is £20 per car including all occupants, £10 car and driver only, £5 pedestrians.
