18 March 2008 Wilton - Badbury Rings
Ha Ho Magregor: recent Ideford Arch winner set to take his chance in the Restricted
The Wilton Hunt Point-to-Point takes place at historic Badbury Rings near Wimborne this Easter Saturday, 22nd March. There are 108 horses are entered for the six race card starting at 12.30pm.
The meeting opens with the Hunt Members race. Kalexandro won last year's renewal, but course specialist Golden Jack won here in February and is fancied to follow up.
There are 19 entries for the Restricted race, including Good Lord, who gave a fine front-running display at Larkhill under Amanda Bush in January, and Ha Ho Magregor, an Ideford Arch winner for Suzy Berry last month. The consistent Silver Monarch and Fully Loaded - placed four times this season and maybe one to note if conditions are testing - have chances. Deer Valley was a facile winner here in February for Louise Alner's in-form stable and is a confident selection.
The Men's Open has attracted a strong entry of 19, including Golden Jack and Milborne winners Bush Park, Maxou Des Brosses and Vigzol. Slaezy and Who Else Knew, who put up fine performances in defeat at Ottery St Mary, and South East stable companions Heaven Is Above and Splash And Dash have chances. Dennis The Legend is the selection to complete a six-timer, but the prolific Lough Ennel may run him close if travelling down from the Welsh Borders.
Course winners Diamond Monroe and Red Native are among the 19 entries for the Countryside Alliance Club Members Novices Riders' race. The two suggestions are Trade Off, who ran on resolutely at Larkhill on Sunday, and Whites Touch, a winner at the South Dorset in February and one who may be suited by the Badbury Rings course.
Golden Jack and Heaven Is Above are included in the 13 entries for the Ladies' Open. Course specialist Machrihanish ran well at Larkhill on Sunday and is a contender, along with Dr Cerullo (a Wadebridge winner on Saturday) and Fleur De Nikos, another who may find the course to her liking. The intriguing entry is Fauntleroy, and he could be the one if trainer Alan Hill decides to make the journey down from Oxfordshire.
The meeting closes with the Open Maiden race. Max's Choice, Noquieto, Reets Buoy and Turnworth may be four to consider.
The Badbury Rings course lies 3 miles NW of Wimborne on the B3082. First race: 12.30pm. Admission is to two car parks: first car park with course view £20 per car and occupants (£10 per car with driver only); second car park £10.
