16 March 2010 Preview: V.W.H. - Siddington
by Claire Hart
The first of two South Midland Area meetings this weekend comes from Siddington, Glos. Siddingon is located 2 miles south of Cirencester near the A419.
Entrance charges are £5 per person, £15 per car with 2 or more occupants and under 16's free. Meeting secretary, Scarlett Crew, said on Monday that they have worked extensively on ensuring good level racing ground and with the forecast as it is the ground should be good.
The first race, the Hunt Members, comes under starters orders at 1pm. Local trainer/rider Peter Mason will be hoping that Port Talbot can get his day off to a good start, possible opposition him will be last years third Red Guard, or the Audrey Manners trained Running Times. Pick of the entries however is Killnascully King, who ran a good second in the Intermediate at Kingston Blount last Saturday.
My Way De Solzen is entered in the Confined Conditions race and what a treat it would be to witness a horse of his calibre running. If he takes his chance he will surely take all the beating, he will also have a capable partner in Ryan Mahon.
Interestingly, Tim Sage has two entries in this contest, Mytabean and William Somers, who, following a superb Hunter Chase second behind a good horse of the Easterbys, would surely have to be next best.
More Trouble had no trouble at all in stamping his authority in the Confined at Kingston Blount on Saturday but if he were to come here he may find a tougher challenge if facing Novi Sad, who won a competitive Mixed Open at Didmarton and a Taunton Hunter Chase, or Overlut, who has some solid Open race form.
Nell Buckler's Hivikos is likely to be sent off favourite for the Restricted race, following some moderate hurdling and chase form whilst with Paul Nicholls he won a Maiden at Didmarton in spectacular style. Best of the rest would be the Alison Dare trained duo, who both won Maidens last season under Richard Burton.
Lucy Barry will be hoping that she can repeat last year's success at this, her local meeting. She will hopefully partner Hi Johnny in the Maiden. There is a chance this race could be split with so many entered; other interesting entries look to be Buckingham Boys, who has been placed, and the Jack Sherwood ridden Another Penny, a recent runner up.
Always a popular meeting with a superb atmosphere, Siddington offers something for all the family. Hot and cold refreshments are available and there are many trade stands to spend your winnings at.
