PORTMAN
BADBURY RINGS
Saturday 12th April 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

Badbury Rings stages its third and final 2008 point-to-point on Saturday with the Portman meeting (first race 2.00 pm). The Mixed Open holds centre stage, but with 127 entries for the six races, the whole card will prove a challenge to punters.

The Mixed Open has attracted 25 entries, including last year’s winner Machrihanish, fellow course specialist Golden Jack (already a six-time winner at Badbury) and Trade Off, who would be suited by fast ground but may prefer a right-handed course. Other contenders include dual 2008 winner Vigzol and Touch Of Flame, yet to make his seasonal reappearance, but well suited by the Badbury course. The two suggestions are the Polly Gundry-trained Kiama, winner of her third race of the season for Len and Rose Vickery at Cherrybrook on Sunday, and Dennis The Legend, who was seeking a sixth consecutive win when brought down here at the Wilton. In a fascinating contest, “Dennis” is fancied to resume winning ways.

There are 19 entries for the opening Intermediate race, including recent winners Tory Blue, Silver Monarch, Coral Cay and Gossip, who provided Steve Bush’s first win of the season at Barbury Castle last weekend. Stable companions Braeroy and Pitch Fork were separated by a head when second and third at the Avon Vale, but the Ralph family’s Niver Bai has looked a top-class recruit this season and is a confident selection.

The Hunt race has attracted nine entries where Louise Alner has a strong hand with Northern Pitcher and Running Spring. The Alice Fox-Pitt trained Lord Code and the Snooks’ Tyneham may provide the strongest opposition.

The 22 entries for the Countryside Alliance Novice Riders race include Diamond Monroe, a winner here for rider Paul John in February, and Bucket Awl, unbeaten in three outings this season for Jenny Carr, current joint leader in the National Novice table. Grey Ciseaux is an interesting entry, while recent winners Beadnell Bay and Brown Cockle must be considered. Perouse has run two fine races in defeat this season and may outspeed his rivals.

The 19-entry Restricted race looks challenging. Range Rover got off the mark at Littlewindsor, and may be the one to challenge Victor Victorious and course winner Deer Valley.

Briteside, Dr Flight, Sahara Legend and Tres Bien are consistently in the frame and may be the four to choose from in the closing Open Maiden.

The course at Badbury Rings is 3 miles north west of Wimborne off the B3082 to Blandford. First race: 2.00pm. Admission: two car parks £20 and £10, £5 pedestrians.