Zetland
Witton Castle
Monday 3rd May 2010
by Will Milburn
The Zetland will be holding their point to point this Bank Holiday Monday at Witton Castle. The day has been well supported with 144 entries with the first race been the Hunt Members race, which starts at 2pm.
The Hunt Members race is poorly supported here, however always makes interesting watching. Saddlers Singer is by far the best horse here, Blaney Bouncer could be a decent horse in time, Whataclue will be partnered by Simon Robinson, whilst Ajay looks some what of a difficult ride but capable at his best.
Selection – Saddlers Singer
The Intermediate is the second race on the card and the 12yo Browns Beck was second to the useful L’oudon recently at Easingwold, so wouldn’t be without a chance. Cottam Phantom will no doubt set the pace, whilst Distant Memory who looked very promising last season should be respected here. Monkerty Tonkerty was very consistent until stepped up into this company at Whitwell, so would need to improve a bit more. Racing Ace is never far away and looks like a horse who can progress further, so another big run would be of no surprise, whilst Rich Hill is also another one on the upgrade as he won with any amount in hand at Easingwold and a repeat of that would make him hard to beat. Wantage Road has been running well this season and if conditions dry up, could be the one to catch.
Selection – Wantage Road
The Restricted looks a very competitive race, Action Strasse was useful under rules but has yet to show it, Calapocus is useful but looks to have problems, Darren caused a huge upset when winning recently, however he did it in impressive style and can improve, whilst My Mate Vic travelled strongly and won well on his British debut at Mordon so should progress from that. Oakland’s Robbie finally won his maiden at charm park, but it is unsure what he beat, however Skarmanche won his maiden after a long lay off to beat the useful Toplander in impressive style, he should of improved for that and a big run will be expected.
Selection – Skarmanche
The Mens Open always produces a decent horse at this meeting and this time may be no different. Abandon Ship has form on this track, whilst Amicelli is a former foxhunters winner, he doesn’t seem to be the force of old. Bow School has been running well in hunter chases and can go well again here, Commercial Express was useful under rules and is running consistently at the moment in points, L’oudon was an impressive winner at Easingwold and also won on this track last season where he beat this season Aintree Foxhunters 5th Sonevafushi, who may well take part. Quechua Des Obeaux travelled well for along way at Whitwell, where he finished runner up to Narcisco and he will no doubt go very close here. That’s Racing has been improving steadily in points but would only play a minor role here at best.
Selection – Sonevafushi
The Ladies Open has 20 entries and the one that is in form is that of Andre Chenier who finished just behind the revitalised Wilfie Wild recently at Mordon, with the third from that race possibly taking part too in the form of Lutin Du Moulin, who is a model of consistency and has never been out of the first four in his entire point to point career. Holy Joe looks revitalised at the age of 13, along with recent winner Wilfie Wild who could run another big race. Keeverfield could be hard to catch if he gets an easy lead, Nawaadi has improved this season and his recent second to Poppy Day is now looking useful form, whilst Sea Scout has been running consistently against tough opposition so another place effort may be his best chance. Whinny Bank is now thought to be in foal to Bollin Eric and along with the 11 stone of this race, she could just make the frame.
Selection – Andre Chenier
The Open Maiden race has been divided after receiving a total of 55 entries. In Division 1 Chapel House was well in command when falling in this race last season and could go very well again, Kings Warning has useful form when in Ireland and in bumpers however disappointed recently, Ramborob was well fancied but disappointed at Mordon, whilst Sharmon will easily win a race if he learns to settle more. Amulree has some respectable form under rules and could be in the shake up.
Selection – Chapel House
In Division 2 Alforone looked the winner up until the last at Easingwold and will no doubt win a race soon, Buckshaw is a consistent horse, In A Good way has the ability to win, but doesn’t always seem to use it, where as Octavio could run into a place as he has ran respectably on both occasions this season for Joanna Brown. Lucius Rufo was not disgraced in a Sedgefield Hunter Chase and should go close here.
Selection - Lucius Rufo
