21 April 2009 Preview: York And Ainsty - Easingwold
by John Milburn
The York & Ainsty Point to Point is this Sunday at Easingwold. There has been 164 entries received and the course is been well watered in an attempt to obtain the best possible ground.
The Members race has 10 entries and the main two contenders look to be Gabor and Archie Babe. Gabor was recently fourth in a very competitive Ladies Open as well as winning both his points round this course, whilst Archie Babe looks a useful horse, but lacks stamina therefore this course should play to his strengths. Rare Presence would have a say if overcoming his lay off, whilst Imps Pride was a respectable third at Flagg Moor.
The Open Maiden is next and with 30 entries looks a competitive event. Bella Pais Boy was a distant third at Brocklesby, Bossall Billy has shown good form but failed to back it up, Brother Mark was a promoted third however would need to improve here, whilst Diamond Alice has shown ability and can continue to improve. Nothing Left once looked useful but has regressed since. The race looks between Intense Suspense, Lewesdon Duchess and Calopocus, with the latter just missing out last time at Charm Park.
The Ladies Open looks a strong event with 28 entries. Maddison De Vonnas could run a big race along with Well Presented and One Five Eight. However the race looks between the Jo Foster trained Allumee who recently bolted up in a Garthorpe charity race, as well as having been useful under rules, and Blandings Castle who will adore this course.
The Mens Open yet again looks dominated by the Easterbys, however those who could oppose them include Benwell whose third at Whitwell would give him a shout, along with Queenies Girl who bounced back to form last time and also has course form. However, it looks between Le Passing and Sonevafushi, with the latter, who has won 8 of his 9 points, getting the vote.
In the Restricted race, there are several who catch the eye, one of these is recent winner Totally Beat who won very cosily at Whitwell. Captain Bruce has been running well in weaker company, however the danger could come from Riot Act who is continuing to improve. Miss Sunflower could win if running the same race as she did at Hornby Castle.
The Confined race looks a very difficult event. Archie Babe will be suited by this course, as will Astral Prince, and whilst Fairy Skin Maker lacks stamina he could scrape a place. Impact Zone looks very classy, whilst Keen Whip looks the main danger as he is improving all the time. Knightsbridge King recently beat the useful Adams Wine, and Master Wolfe should be suited by this easier track. However, the winner can come from Lord Gee or Browns Beck, the latter will have come on for his run lately, however Lord Gee can take it.
In the Open Maiden race, And Me has run some creditable races from only three starts and could improve. Intense Suspense should go close after a close third lately, whilst Nina Chester has been running well in higher company. The one to watch out for is Napalm who lacks stamina but has plenty of ability. Tabloid was a good second recently and is worth noting if his conqueror runs in the Restricted. However the Dawsons could dominate, as Pop Play Again and Lewesdon Duchess both look the best horses, with last week's runner up Pop Play Again getting the vote.
