Axe Vale
Stafford Cross
Sunday 27th April 2008
by Granville Taylor

POINT-TO-POINT enthusiasts can look forward to two good meetings this weekend in the Devon & Cornwall area. The Four Burrow takes place at Trebudannon on Saturday (April 26th) and the Axe Vale race at Stafford Cross on Sunday (April 27th).

This Sunday’s Axe Vale fixture at Stafford Cross is preceded by two pony races to be run at 12 o’clock and 12.30. The Hunt race starts the point-to-point card at 1.30 where eight races are needed to accommodate the 169 entries.

Polly Gundry is looking to maintain her lead over Rachael Green for the Ladies’ title and has good chances with Dr Cerullo in the Hunt race and Jean’s Joy in the Restricted, where Rachael Green will be in opposition on Royal Rapture.

Diana Hobbs is hoping to partner Croix de Guerre in the Mixed Open. He won his fourth race this season at the Cotswold, and heads the 22 entries for this event alongside Jalons Star, Goblet of Fire, Highway Oak and the vastly improved El Troubadour.

Spuddler’s Dream and Massimo are top rated amongst the 21 entries for the Confined, and Drybrook Bedouin stands out for the Intermediate.

Rye Brook is an interesting nomination from Richard Barber’s yard for the Novice Riders’ event where Sam Matthews will be hoping to follow up his Cothelstone win on Harbridge.

The Maiden has been divided and each section has a very open look.

The Stafford Cross track is 3 miles west of Seaton near the A3052 (Exit 30 M5).