Eggesford
Upcott Cross
Saturday 12th April 2008
by Lucy Johnson

THE Devon National Point-to-Point is the feature on the eight race card at Upcott Cross near Halwill Junction in Devon on Saturday where 220 entries have been received at the popular course.

Organisers have an action packed day in store at the venue where point-to-pointing is preceded by two pony races, and with a licensed bar, bookies and tradestands, everything is pointing towards a great day out.

Stamina will be required in abundance for the Devon National which is run over four miles. Among the 24 entries are plenty of horses with winning form including Bill Dupont’s Brown Cockle, who has been in the winners’ enclosure twice this season; Dare To Dream; Lisheen Storm and Winter Scene. But El Hombre Del Rio could be the pick following his hunter chase win at Towcester. His success there came of soft ground over three miles, which would have required plenty of guts and stamina, and he could well be on the mark again.

A competitive looking members’ race kicks off the card and it looks as if trainer Emely Thompson holds the trump card with Big Brendan. Thompson has also entered Cattle Class and King Georges while Ted One has to have a chance on the back of his recent run at Great Trethew.

Sorting out the winner of the intermediate looks a tough task with plenty of really nice horses entered but Mr Bennett’s touch of class could stand him in good stead helping him make it three for the season carrying the famous emerald colours of his owner Brian Kilpatrick.

So Long could continue her winning form in the confined if the ground is soft enough, if not, other options include Szeroki Bor and course winner First Thought.

The restricted has 46 entries. Tabaristan won his maiden nicely at Littlewindsor two weeks ago with the consistent Range Rover winning on the same day and Ansa The Question has chances on her Buckfastleigh form.

The open maiden has been split into three divisions and finding the winner is often a puzzle with the bookmakers giving the best indicators of who is fancied to win. Some worth mentioning are Will Scarlett who caught the eye at Great Trethew where he was going well until falling; Karley has finished in the frame twice this season; Jubilee Jack is open to plenty of improvement and Cool Friend who is another who could go well again.

Racing begins at 1pm. Entrance is £20 for car and passengers, £10 for car and single occupant, pedestrians £7 and race cards at £2.