SOUTH DORSET
MILBORNE ST ANDREW
Sunday 17th February 2008
PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong
The Wessex point-to-point season moves into Dorset on Sunday for the South Dorset meeting at Milborne St Andrew. There are 128 horses entered for the seven race card, beginning at 11.45am.
The Ladies’ Open has the makings of a top-class contest. Chloe Roddick has entered Paul Nicholls’ former high-class hurdler Perouse and Goblet Of Fire, who was caught close home at Larkhill by Raregem. Prolific winners Rimpton Boy, Red Brook Lad and Saint Romble hold engagements, along with Millenium Way, now 14-years-old but the winner of 14 races for Caroline Taylor, and a contender if travelling from the South East. The Roddick runner and Rimpton Boy may be the two, but the Milborne course puts some emphasis on stamina, and Sarah West’s Ask Again – unbeaten in his five completed point-to-points – and Dr Ceruillo, who stayed on strongly to win at Black Forest Lodge, are two that will relish the final climb.
The nine entries for the Volkswagen Touareg Men’s Open include 2006 winner Handyman, Royal Artillery runner-up Willy The Slip, and Slaezy, whose owner, Arnie Sendell, won this race in 2003 with Kingscliff. Highway Oak has chances if conditions ride fast, but the suggestion is McSolo, who impressed at Chipley Park when returning from a long absence.
The Hunt race has attracted a 13-strong entry including last year’s winner Kingston-Banker and Bush Park, winner in 2006 and runner-up last year. Mary Tory has a strong hand with Tory Blue, Irish winner Bondi Breeze and Tribal King, a 5-race winner under Rules, and her chosen runner may fight out the finish with Kingston-Banker.
There are 23 entries for the Restricted race. Now Listen To Me won at Larkhill for Denman’s owners, Paul Barber and Harry Findlay, and will be the automatic selection if facing the starter. In his absence, stable companion Barney’s Mate, who was not disgraced when runner-up to Lisadell King on Saturday, and the Marie McGuinness-trained Shady Hollow will be the two suggestions.
The Novice Riders’ race has its usual competitive look. Spuddler’s Dream and Tony’s Time are consistent winners and may contest the finish with two-time 2007 winner Whites Touch and Top Strategy, who gave the prolific Lady Myfanwy a scare at Chipley Park.
The card features two Maiden contests. Kyrano and the Richard Barber-trained Master Mark are candidates for the 2m 4f race, but Dr Flight was a good third at Tweseldown on Sunday and gets the vote for the Victoria Collins stable. The 3-mile event has attracted 34 entries and looks difficult to solve. Mymystery Man, who stayed on to finish fourth at Tweseldown, and the consistent Deer Valley, Embercombe and Noquieto may be four to consider.
The course at Milborne St Andrew is just off the A354 midway between Blandford and Dorchester. First race: 11.45 am. Admission is per car to a £15 or a £20 car park.
