TEDWORTH
BARBURY RACECOURSE
Saturday 5th April 2008

PREVIEW
by Brian and Gill Armstrong

The Tedworth Hunt point-to-point takes place at Barbury Racecourse near Marlborough this Saturday, 5 th April. Two hundred and twenty seven horses have been entered for the seven race card, which commences at 12.00 noon (preceded by a Charity flat race at 11.30am).

The 3m6f Tedworth Gold Cup Mixed Open provides the day’s highlight. Long Night put up a fine performance when winning here in February and has chances, along with front-runner Gentle Rivage, a winner at Paxford on Easter Tuesday, and the Julie Houldey-trained pair, Why Connie and Cottage River. Long distance specialists Family Business and Paddy For Paddy, Worship The Stars – already the winner of four races this season – and Angela Rucker’s Blue Business are other contenders. The suggestion is Lady Myfanwy, winner of four points and a Bangor hunter chase already this season for Leading National Novice rider, Rhys Flint.

There are 15 entries for the opening Confined race, including East Lawyer, Lord Attica, Manor Down and Theatre Call, who have all won this season. The Baillie catches the eye, but Emmet Hotel has won twice this season for Alison Dare’s Malmesbury yard and is fancied to complete his hat trick.

The Restricted race looks a competitive affair, with 43 entries. Three to consider are Eyton-on-Severn winner Rip Tullougher, Come Out Firing, who finished strongly when taking the Mendip Farmers 2m4f Maiden at Ston Easton, and I’m An Optimist, who was second at Sandon for Guy Landau’s Frome stable. Supreme Royal stayed on strongly to win at Charlton Horethorne and is selected to follow up.

The 2m4f Open Maiden race looks challenging, with 59 entries. Iphar was well clear when falling here in February and could give punters a good run for their money.

Twenty-nine have been entered for the Countryside Alliance Club Members Confined Conditions race, including last year’s winner Touch Of Flame and stable companion Swift Wood. Former handicapper Desailly has been ultra consistent this season, while Titus Bramble was in contention when unseating at Paxford. Drybrook Bedouin has enjoyed little fortune this season, but remains a top-class prospect and is the selection.

Punters may also have difficulty with the Open Maiden, which has attracted 48 entries. Max’s Choice – runner-up to Come Out Firing at Ston Easton – will be better suited by three miles and may provide Spaxton trainer Marie McGuinness with yet another winner.

Spellar Park may outpoint Even Homer Nods and Earth Moving in the closing Hunt Members’ race.

The course is 3 miles NW of Marlborough, off the A346 or A4361. First race: 12.00 noon. Admission: £25 per car, with a discount for single occupants.