Cleveland
Howe Hills, Mordon
Sunday 20th April 2008
by John Milburn

The Cleveland Point to Point at Howe Hills farm near Morden on Saturday has received 169 entries but with 41 entered in the 2 ½ mile young horse maiden this has been divided resulting in an 8 race card. The open maiden has an entry of 28 and with a safety factor of 18 further divisions may be necessary.

Starting at 1-30 with the members maiden, of the six entries there are only two with any form, Allisons treasure ran a sound race when second at Witton Castle at the beginning of the season but has not confirmed the form since. The Lynne Ward trained Castle Gunner, whose mother Castle Tyrant was a 4 times winner, and her produce has been placed twice in maiden races and can get off the mark in a weak race.

The first maiden division has 21 entries, On Yer Bike showed his first bit of form when staying on to be fourth at Charm Park, but Jabo who finished second at the same meeting can win to enhance Mary Sowersbys record at the track.

The 2nd division has The Thack entered who finished strongly to take third place at Whitwell, he will have come on for the race and can go close, but Hello Noddy was running well when unseating his rider Richard Smith 3 from home and would definitely have been in the first 3 and possibly even won and he can gain compensation if his jumping holds up.

The Ladies Open sees northern challengers Themanfromcarlise and Minouchka who has been impressive this season, these along with recent Bangor winner Welcome To Unos, the unlucky Misty Gem, hunter chase winner Oaklands Luis and recent course winner Narciso will ensure a hot race.

Andre Chenier was an easy winner in the Mens Open at the last Mordon meeting and once again he can be in the shake up, Benwell showed much improved form when winning a Sedgfield hunter chase but Sonevafushi who was unbeaten this year until running a gallant race in the foxhunters at Aintree can win for Oliver Greenall.

Greenall will have a choice of 3 in the restricted, of which Bow School could be his best chance but the Nick Kent trained Farmer Frank whom the trainer confessed to be the best he has trained can add to his 2 wins already this year and justify his trainers high opinion.

The confined with 31 entered has the highest entry and looks the most competitive. Among the 31 are recent winners Anaczar, Buy Onling and Maison De Vonnas but Network Oscar who has won all 3 of his races this season with minimum of fuss can further enhance his reputation.

The open maiden has among the 28 entered Sam’s Party who has been placed on her last 2 starts and was made favourite last time at Mordon but may have to settle for 2nd best again to Jimmy’s Duky who is by far the best aafter finshing 4th in the ladies race at Hutton Rudby, and can win if he consents to put his best foot forward.

Selections
Members – Castle Gunner
Maiden Div 1 – Jabo
Maiden Div 2 – Hello Noddy
Ladies Open – Minouchka
Mens Open – Sonevafushi
Restricted – Farmer Frank
Confined – Network Oscar
Open Maiden – Jimmys Duky