CATTISTOCK
LITTLEWINDSOR
Sunday 30TH MARCH 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

THE Cattistock Hunt stage their point-to-point at picturesque Littlewindsor this Sunday, 30 th March. Ninety-nine horses are entered for the seven race card, which begins at 1.30pm. The Cattistock Hounds will parade between the Ladies’ and Men’s Open races and racing is followed by two pony races, qualifiers for the Wessex Series Final at the end of May.

There is a quality entry of seven for the opening Hunt race. Grand campaigner Highway Oak would relish a fast surface, but may find it hard to keep Brown Cockle and Hautclan at bay.

The 2½ mile Open Maiden has received an entry of 25. Lords Bridge was challenging Rockwithacaveman when falling at Black Forest Lodge in January and gets the vote.

The 14-entry Restricted looks a competitive contest. Tory Blue was runner-up to Kiama at Kingston St Mary, and may hold off Craigmor and Fully Loaded.

There are 10 entries for the Ladies’ Open, including Dr Cerullo, a winner at Black Forest Lodge and Wadebridge this season already, and Senor Cid, a winner at Chipley Park for trainer Jane Reed. Angela Rucker’s Blue Business has outside chances if travelling from Worcestershire, but Richard Barber holds the aces with Brown Cockle, Oracle Des Mottes, Reviewer and Rimpton Boy, who benefited from blinkers when sprinting home at Ston Easton on Saturday.

Hautclan is among the 12 entries for the Men’s Open and must be considered if taking this option. Strong opposition will come from Barney Blue, who already looked the winner when highly rated Pitch Fork fell at Charlton Horethorne, and Dusty Bandit, an impressive Kilworthy winner for trainer Ben White on Easter Saturday. Iris’s Prince has won four times already this season for leading novice Rhys Flint, but may have to give best to Dare Too Dream.

There are 14 entries for Novice Riders’ race, including former Mandarin Chase winner Desailly, who has run creditably all season. Winsley has won five races for Nolan Byrne, but may find this course too testing. Rhys Flint can partner Iris’s Prince or Bobosh and is fancied to consolidate his position in the Novices’ table.

The meeting closes with the 3 mile Open Maiden race. Tres Bien, Lord Shark and Range Rover have a wealth of placed finishes between them, and may fight out the finish.

The course at Littlewindsor lies off the A3066 between Beaminster and Crewkerne.

First race: 1.30 pm. Admission charges are £20 per car and all occupants; £15 car and driver only.