21 April 2009 Preview: West Norfolk Foxhounds - Fakenham
by James Crispe
TOOK MY EYE: has a strong chance in the Mens
photo: Phil Britt
A total of 94 entries have been received for the six steeplechases at the West Norfolk meeting at Fakenham on Sunday April 26th. There will also be two pony races around the course after the jumping has finished.
The chasing action gets under way at 2.00pm with a nine-entry Members race and runs through until 4.55pm when 23 are engaged for the Open Maiden.
The highlight may prove to be the Mens Open, where the 18 possible starters include the recent impressive Higham scorer, Took My Eye, and Go North, who had won three points prior to running inexplicably badly in a Hunter Chase at this venue.
Trainer Martin Ward has his string in good form at present and has sound prospects of a double with Katy's Classic and Ocean Fou.
Katy's Classic has 16 possible rivals in the Restricted Race including the Don Cantillon-trained Clash, who won at this fixture 12 months ago and is a half-brother to the high class Irish hurdler Clan Tara, and the easy Higham scorer, Si Anthony.
Ocean Fou's narrow Marks Tey defeat to Monashee Grey was franked by the winner at High Easter last Saturday. His biggest potential dangers in the Maiden are the fast-ground-loving Castleconner Lad and The Legal Limit, who was a fine second on last month's racecourse debut.
Races are run around the outside of the Fakenham National Hunt course, which is well signposted two miles south west of the town. The track will be watered from Tuesday onwards.
Admission will be charged at £10 per head with under 17s admitted free. Facilities are excellent, including a sizeable grandstand.
