Preview Exmoor at Bratton Down
Posted by Tracy Roberts (trpix) on May 27 2008 at 9:22 PM
South West Racing Bugle >> May 2008

Courtesy of Lucy Johnson

JUST three point-to-points remain before the season ends at Umberleigh on June 14  and Saturday’s meeting is the second to take place at Bratton Down.

Six of the eight fences have been moved onto fresh ground with the exception of the open ditch and the first fence; Orswell Catering provide the food and there will be various stalls.

A club members’ race begins the seven race card and Master Kevin will be a warm order following his win at the course two weeks ago.

The 35 restricted entries include plenty of this season maiden winners hoping to progress up the ladder. They include Dennis Turner’s Global Party who won well at the course last time out; Axe Vale winner Diflock; Stewart Reddaway’s Holnicote winner Incoady; and Major Matt who was beaten by River Heights at the course last time.

River Heights, trained by Colin and Karyn Heard, is entered in the intermediate, and given the ease of his win last time out, he’ll be a short price to follow up.

Also entered is Arctic Shot who may come back to form and should find this course to his liking and Barney’s Mate who won his restricted at Holnicote at the beginning of the month.

The ladies’ open has received a strong entry and Polly Gundry has a strong hand of rides with the choice of Dr Cerullo, Long Night and Ballinova. Katherine Hobbs could ride either Croix De Guerre or Saint Romble and a win would be fitting given their grandfather Bertie Hill owned the land on which the meeting is held.

The 27 men’s open entries include three-times winner Who Else Knew; Camden Carrig, who was a 33-1 shock winner at the course last time and Upcott men’s open winner Range Rover.

The open maiden has been split and among the entries are Karshaan, fourth on its debut at Chaddesley Corbett in April, Weycroft Lad and Dylans Pride who were both second at the course last time.

The course is easily accessed off the A399 and entrance is £10 per car and driver, £5 per additional person up to £20.