06 May 2008 Minehead Harriers & West Somerset - Holnicote
Brown Cockle & Croix de Guerre: could renew rivalry here in the Ladies' Open
The Minehead Harriers & West Somerset Hunt Point-to-Point has received 132 entries for Saturday's meeting at Holnicote. Seven races are scheduled, beginning at 2.00pm, preceded by two pony races - qualifiers for the Wessex Area Series Final at Larkhill on 28 May - from 1.00pm.
Brown Cockle and Croix De Guerre fought out a tremendous duel here on Saturday, and could renew rivalry in the Ladies' Open. Kiama - another four-time winner this season - Saint Romble, Berkeley winner Mister Putt and Stafford Cross victor Castle Cazza also catch the eye. Simon's Seat and Dr Cerullo are two others to consider, but Brown Cockle and Croix de Guerre should again dominate.
Last weekend's Devon & Somerset Staghounds winner Barney Blue could reappear in the Men's Open, along with Callitwatulike, who was unlucky to lose the Confined on the same card. Zesta Fiesta and Maxou Des Brosses are other course specialists, while Silver Monarch has been well suited by a recent change in tactics. Golden Jack and Machrihanish could set a fast pace, but Callitwatulike may gain deserved compensation.
Fool On The Hill has disappointed on occasion this season, but may prove impossible to catch in the Hunt race (seven entries). Magical Flight and Quantocks Lastbrat should provide the strongest opposition.
The 38-entry Open Maiden looks challenging. Three to consider are Choice Connection, a good third on debut at Woodford, New Mill Moll - a promising third at Ston Easton - and Sir Oscar, runner-up in his first two outings but a non-finisher since. Uncle Matthew was third in a 14-runner contest at the Berkeley and may be the one.
The Intermediate race has attracted 15 entries. Fertile Valley has chances at his best, along with the consistent Coombe Hill and Coral Cay. Fruitfull Citizen was third to Machrihanish in a Taunton Hunter Chase in April (ahead of Howard Howard and Red Brook Lad) and will be the selection if connections opt to travel from South Pembrokeshire.
Thirty-three are entered for a competitive-looking Restricted race. Noeud Vert has failed to finish on several occasions, including when demolishing the open ditch here on Saturday, but has a big chance if putting in a clear round. 2m 4f winners Marias Rock and Primitive Quest have both impressed and could go close. The selection is the Richard Barber-trained Just Here, a debut winner at Upcott Cross before finishing a good runner-up at Woodford.
The meeting closes with the Confined race, which is always a competitive heat. Callitwatulike and last year's winner Maxou Des Brosses hold engagements and will be major players if taking this option. Come What Augustus, Axe Vale third Cookies Bank, Knightsbridge Hill, and Lord Fitzroy are other possibles. The suggestion is Touch Of Flame, who failed to finish in his one outing to date this season, but would be very well suited by a sound surface.
The course is just off the A39, 3 miles W of Minehead and 2 miles E of Porlock. First race: 1.00pm (ponies); 2.00pm (Point-to-Point). Admission: £20 per car; £10 single occupant.
