Spooners and West Dartmoor
Cherrybrook
Sunday 6th April 2008
by Lucy Johnson

RACEGOERS are in for a treat at Cherrybrook Point-to-Point on Sunday where the mixed open has one of the best entries seen this season in the Devon and Cornwall area.

Southwestern ran a blinder in the Christie’s Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival in March where he finished fifth and with the Scott’s team in the form of their life there will be plenty of money on the nine-year-old to add to his tally this season.

Croix De Guerre will be bidding to add to his three successes this season while Rockwithacaveman faces his first real test in open company this season having won a six-runner race at Kilworthy two weeks ago. He’s done nothing but improve and is the current leader in the national championship.

My Pal Val is an interesting horse with form under Rules, Who Else Knew has been consistent this season and Vigzol has won his two starts this season.

Another entry is Hautclan, who was favourite for last July’s Summer National at Uttoxeter where he finished third. Now with Richard Barber, his form is nothing to write home about this season and his latest run he finished down the field in an open at Ottery St Mary but there’s a chance this left handed course could suit him and there are plenty of racing enthusiasts who would be happy to see the one-time highly rated campaigner back in the frame.

The members’ race begins the card at 12.30pm and entries include last year’s easy winner Dante’s Back. Also entered is Brook Castle, a maiden winner at Kilworthy two weeks ago who also has entries in the restricted and intermediate, and Be Brief, second in a maiden and going the right way.

There are 32 entered in the restricted with plenty vying for their second success of the season. They include Come What Augustus, Arvakur, Duetto Peggys Boy,. Wee Fly and Yufo. Another to note is Plantaganet who won his maiden at the course last year.

The confined race for novice riders has 11 entries and Coffee Morning is sure to run his race.

The 21 entries in the intermediate include course winner Ted One who ran well on his seasonal debut at Great Trethew on Sunday and Whizaar who was second at Kilworthy to the impressive Massimo.

The confined maiden has been split into two divisions and Heathfield Flyer looks the pick in the first division with Karley and Tres Bien likely to be popular in the second.

The course is situated near Tavistock and entrance is £10 per car and driver and £5 for each additional person. First race is off at 12.30pm.