PREVIEW
North Herefordshire
Whitwick Manor
Saturday 16th February 2008
by Pete Mansell

MARATHON CARD EXPECTED AT WHITWICK MANOR

Why Connie and Cottage River were both beaten at Thorpe Lodge recently but the Julie Houldey trained pair should be able to put matters right during Saturdays North Herefordshire meeting at Whitwick Manor.

Why Connie holds an interesting entry in the 26 strong Mens Open but as all his recent form has been in Ladies races that seems to be where he has the best chance of success.

Paul and Liza Halls gelding won his Restricted over this course last year and he should be able to get his head in front where it matters. Ballinova is sure to acquit himself well in this company, while nothing will be finishing stronger than Fantastic Champion.

Iznogood has to be a serious contender if putting in a clear round, while Step and Run is another for the shortlist. Unmistakably bounced back to form by winning at Horseheath and this course should also play to his strengths.

Family Business was narrowly beaten at this meeting in 2007 and he will be difficult to peg back if he jumps his way into the lead in the Mens Open. Gentle Rivage can hold his own in this company but he is not getting any younger and others are preferred.

Lough Ennel or Lord of Illusion are the pick on form and it would be no surprise to see these two horses fighting out the finish.

Family Business and Unmistakably both have alternative engagements in the Confined and for a race of this type it has attracted some useful competitors including Carthago, Major Benefit and That’s the Story.

Saint Reverien has exasperated connections over the last two seasons because he has stacks of ability but seems unwilling to see his effort through. He is generally held up to deliver a challenge at the finish, so if that hasn’t worked maybe its time to see if he is willing to make his own running.

The meeting has attracted 232 entries and there are already 9 races following the division of the Mares and Confined Maiden and with 40 entries for the Restricted you would expect this race to suffer the same fate.

Cottage River should be able to hold his own in the Restricted but he is up against it with Bill Jones, Celestial Dragon, Emmet Hotel, Jaunty Journey, Make It Plain and Parsifal from Dick Baimbridges yard is also entered.

Fergal O’Brien has started the season well. Jamadast Roma would not be one of his stable stars but she ran well enough on her last run to suggest that she has a squeak of a chance in Division I of the Mares Maiden, while Emmarander and Me Julie are tentative selections for Division II.

Yeabut has been beaten in Open Maiden company but could finally get his chance in Division I of the Confined Maiden, and should have the fitness edge over Inch Royal who ran consistently in this type of company last year.