PREVIEW
Beaufort
Didmarton
Saturday 1st March2008
by Pete Mansell

BEAUFORT ATTRACT 158 ENTRIES FOR SATURDAYS MEETING DESPITE COMPETITION FOR OTHER FIXTURES OVER THE WEEKEND

The Beaufort Point-to-Point has been held at Didmarton for the past 60 years. The longevity has been due to a number of factors but one is that it is one of the best viewing courses in the country.

 158 entries have been received for Saturday’s meeting. The Intermediate and Mixed Opens have modest entries but both divisions of the Maiden (40 in each and a safety factor of 18) and the Restricted (37 entries and 20 safety factor) may require division on the day.

 Emmet Hotel has to be one of the leading players in the Members race but the horse’s Grittleton based owner Bruce Akerman should have the prize sitting on his mantelpiece at the end of the day.

 Emmet Hotel joined Alison Dares Sherston yard at the start of the season and showed his well being by hacking up at Whitwick recently. He looks sure to acquit himself well and it is not easy to find a chink in his armour.

 Mister Putt finished second in last year’s race and his chances should not be underestimated because this track obviously brings out the best in him.

 It is always dangerous to ignore any runners carrying the Bush colours at this meeting but Gossip’s recent form means that place money may be her best hope and she will find it difficult to maintain the family’s stranglehold on this race.

Chris Bevan’s small stable does not have many runners but it does have a good strike rate but Nun on the Run will need to step up on her recent Maiden win to take a hand in the finish.

 The Mixed Open would be a formality for Twenty Degrees. The horse has been qualified with the promoting hunt and his Chippenham based owners Mike Hawker and Steve O’Connor will be keen to win at their home meeting.

 Having beaten Cheltenham Foxhunters favourite Thisthatandtother in a Hunter Chase at Fakenham recently, Alison Dare may have higher priority targets for Twenty Degrees and this could leave Irilut to land the spoils.

 Chipping Sodbury trainer Bradley Clarke has a chance of taking the 12 strong Intermediate with Blackcomb Mountain although Eaton Hall and Fergals Find will be big dangers.

 The Maiden races at this meeting are generally won by horses with some future potential and those with form include Clintos and Iphar in the 5, 6 and 7 year old version, while Sullivans Cascade finished second at Whitwick recently so might be able to make the grade in the 8-year-old and upwards Maiden.