09 May 2009 Preview: Weston & Banwell Harriers - Cothelstone
by Brian & Gill Armstrong
CROIX DE GUERRE: fancied to land the Ladies Open
photo: Tim Holt
The Weston & Banwell Harriers have an excellent 167-horse entry for their evening meeting at Cothelstone on Wednesday (13th May). Two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Area Final at Larkhill on 31st May, are scheduled for 3.45pm, followed at 5.00pm by the first of seven Point-to-Point races.
Dave Mansell, who has led the National Mens table throughout the season, could be in action on Itsalf or Maranach, both trained by Julie Houldey, in the Mens Open. Possible opponents include 2008 winner Askers Jack, course winner General Blackthorn, who made the early running in Wincanton's Wessex Area Champion Hunter Chase on Thursday, Welsh raider Overlut - already a three-time winner this season - and Tyneham, who will be chasing a third consecutive success. The fascinating entry is former Cheltenham Festival winner Burntoakboy, a leading fancy for the Christies' Foxhunter after two early season wins, but absent since pulling up behind subsequent Cheltenham hero Cappa Bleu at Chaddesley Corbett in February. Burntoakboy is the obvious selection, but in his absence, the one of the Houldey runners may provide Dave Mansell with another valuable success.
The Ladies Open has a similar classy look. Candidates include Beadnell Bay, the winner of two Hackwood Park races on Bank Holiday Monday, Carroll's O'Tully, who gained a deserved success at Littlewindsor, Coombe Hill, the winner of five of his last eight races, Cotley winner Emile Zola, and Croix De Guerre, who failed to challenge at Cheltenham on Wednesday, but is always a major threat at Cothelstone. Dante's Back would be a popular winner for Mandy Hand, but Croix De Guerre gets the vote. Lady Myfanwy, winner of 18 races in the last three seasons, was runner-up to Croix De Guerre here in March and may again provide the strongest challenge.
The Countryside Alliance Novice Riders race (24 entries) looks a cracking contest. Matt Griffiths, who is right in contention for the National Novices' title, could be aboard Wadebridge winner Thunder Child, while Olly Murphy, who is chasing the Harley Novices' title, could partner Tribal Venture - already a four-time winner this season - or Bobosh. Other candidates include Newton Abbot Hunter Chase winner Alroyal, fellow Welsh raider Up The Boreen, Mister Putt, and recent Tweseldown winner Snowtre. Gunship has won his last two races and is fancied to deny the Murphy runner.
2008 winner Fully Loaded can follow up in the Confined. Stable companions Saint Romble and Mounsey Castle look the biggest dangers.
Thirty-one are entered for the Restricted, including course winner Ewar Finch. Holnicote winner Misttori Belle and the Targetts' Quite A Splash may contest the finish.
The Open Maiden, which has attracted 47 entries, looks a challenge. Inching West has been second in five of her last seven races and could finally gain a deserved success here.
Dual 2009 winner Martin Pitchwood is a confident selection for the opening Hunt race.
The course lies north of Taunton off the A358, 3 miles NE of Bishops Lydeard. First race: 3.45pm (ponies); 5.00pm (Point-to-Point). Admission is £20 per car; £10 per car with a single occupant.
