Old Raby
Witton Castle
Sunday 5th February 2012
Preview and Form Guide
by Charlotte Brader & Will Milburn
The Old Raby Hunt Club hold their meeting at Witton Castle on Sunday 5th February where 102 entries have been received for the six race card. The first race is at 12 noon and is the Old Raby Hunt Club Members Conditions Race. 12 entries have been received for this race and The Fabricator made a good point-to-point debut at the Sinnington meeting last February, having been trained under rules and if fit could take all the beating, however Chris Dawson thinks very highly of Will's Lady Lewis and she could be the one to beat.
Connolly's Red Mills are once again supporting the Intermediate Point-to-Point series and again 12 entries have been received for this race. Chip N Pin was running creditably at the Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point until making a mistake on the third circuit and unseating his jockey. He could run closer in this race, although the in form Forge Valley who won at North Carlton is likely to start favourite.
In the Ladies Open, Keeverfield could go well, although will have to improve on the jumping performance from Sheriff Hutton where he tended to jump very right handed. This shouldn't hinder him as much round Witton, however Madison De Vonnas could go well if the ground is good enough.
The Mens Open race has achieved a very good entry of 22 and there is quality among the quantity. Sheriff Hutton ran a good race to finish a close second at Alnwick two weeks ago, Fox Point tends to go well round sharp tracks but this is likely to go the way of Oedipe who is primed for this year's foxhunters.
In the restricted race Winter Sunshine is likely to improve from his Sheriff Hutton run, where it was reported that he would improve on better going and if the forecast is correct he is likely to get his ground at Witton.
Witton Castle is located off the A68 and the postcode for satellite navigation is DL14 0DE. Viewing is excellent as the racecourse is located at the bottom of the hill which is used as a "grandstand" by spectators. Admission is £10 for one person, £20 for two people and £5 thereafter. The going as of Tuesday 31/01/2012 is good to soft.
Form Guide
The Old Raby hunt has there meeting this Sunday at Witton Castle where they will be staging a six race card, with the first race been at 12noon.
The first race is the Club Maiden race and recent Alnwick runner up Into the Light catches the eye and with what looks a predominantly flat pedigree, should be more suited to this easier track. Oaklands Somthin looked promising at the beginning of his career however has disappointed, whilst Red Express could be one to do better now with some experience under his belt. Shankyle Park has earned him self two respectable efforts whilst in Ireland, The Fabricator looked capable of taking a maiden however looks to be taking his time in that department, whilst Sundae Best who is rated 97 under rules and although has stamina to prove has some respectable efforts to his name so should be watched. Rosie Du Berlais was a fair second last season and although the form looks poor, her breeding suggests more could be to come.
Selection – Into The Light
The Intermediate could see recent winner Forge Valley line up after his relatively easy success at North Carlton. Chip N Pin was very consistent last season and providing his recent departure at Sheriff Hutton hasn't fazed him, he should go well. Supreme Plan was a winner at Alnwick, he has some useful form under rules which makes him a worthy contender here. Sutton could have a squeak, however Rustlin Rhino is progressing rapidly after beating two useful fields this season and another victory could be on the cards in what looks a modest contest. Wave Power returned to something like his bumper form at Alnwick recently so could be worth a second chance.
Selection – Rustlin Rhino
The Ladies Open looks a rather moderate event, with the exception of the Sam Drake mount Keeverfield, who was last seen chasing home Dark Moon last week at Sheriff Hutton, he will be much more suited to this right handed track. Canada Street often stays on well and can make a place, along with Blandings Castle, however has seemed moody in past seasons and if getting his own way may be hard to pass. Maddison De Vonnas will be hoping for dry conditions and if getting them could be a worthy contender, so his recent blip at Sheriff Hutton can easily be ignored. Kalmo Bay has had some useful Open form in the past and if recapturing that will have a strong chance. Former Howard Johnson inmate Whispering Death has stamina to prove but not class, as he contested the Northumberland Plate, the Cesarawitch as well as several other major handicaps.
Selection – Maddison De Vonnas
The Mens Open has some interesting contenders, most notably them from Oliver Greenalls yard. Captive Audience is rated 136 over hurdles and looked fairly useful as a novice, whilst Sheriff Hutton will be hoping to earn himself a place at Cheltenham and with a narrow defeat under his belt from two weeks ago, he should go very close. Kealshore Boy is another former Howard Johnson in mate and in his day finished a respectable 58 lengths behind Calgary Bay, so could be one to note for new connections. Make Haste is a dual flat winner, however has yet to score over timber, Oedipe is another who will be hoping to make it to Cheltenham and can make a place. Symphonick although earning him a chance on paper is relatively inexperienced compared to some of these and is worth watching for now. Theatre Dance ran a great race last time at Alnwick but is held on form with Sheriff Hutton.
Selection – Sheriff Hutton
The Restricted has attracted 13 entries and looks a fairly weak race. Arch was a good winner of a hot maiden last season and could be interesting, whilst Cherryland was aiming high when last seen and althought this is a drop in class may be best watched. Know The Rules was an impressive winner on his point to point debut and although looking fairly exposed under rules, is worth a second look. So It Will Be is an Irish maiden winner, so it is hard to know what to expect, whilst the Easterby pair Sportingfriendship and Winter Sunshine both have chances, with the latter getting the vote.
Selection – Know The Rules
The Open Maiden has received 28 entries and there could still be a chance of division on the day. Floraclock was well fancied at Sheriff Hutton last Sunday until coming to grief at the first in the home straight, has some useful national hunt form and looks a worthy contender. Ganbei looks to have a predominately flat pedigree, but a watching brief is advised. Mantel Hill produced several respectable efforts last season and if coming on from that should have a small chance. Sierra Peak is knocking on the door not only in points but under rules and will surely enter the winners enclosure before long. The Easterby contingent bring the class to the race, with Royal Deal, Rear Admiral and Quilver Tatou, with the latter been placed on numerous occasions under rules and earning him a mark of 93 over fences, so should be the one to beat.
Selection – Quilver Tatou
