Crowds soaring

Mar 29 2008 by Peter Burgon, The Journal

Point to Point

HUNT racing’s popularity in the North has prospered this season with crowds and numbers of runners on the up. A total of 599 horses have faced the starter at the first eight meetings, a 15% increase on last year’s figures, and another good turnout is expected in today’s Berwickshire fixture at Kelso with 149 entries on an eight-race card starting at 1.30pm.

Robert Goldie’s five-year-old newcomer, Alexander Oats was travelling like a winner on his debut at Dalston when falling in the lead two out and the youngster is fancied to gain swift compensation in the first division of the Open Maiden.

Former Irish pointer, Silk Parasol created a favourable impression when third to Pristine Condition at Dalston. That was the mare’s first start for in-form Bonchester Bridge handler, Philippa Shirley-Beavan (four winners in March) and, with further improvement on the cards, she is preferred in the second division of the Open Maiden.

Course specialist, Mitchel Henry beat stable companion, Indien Du Boulay by a short head in an exciting finish to last year’s Members race but the duo have been below par this term. My idea of the winner is Doreen Calder’s progressive mare, What Now who likes plenty of cut and spread-eagled her field when getting off the mark over course and distance a fortnight ago.

William Hamilton’s home-bred mare, lady Brig stayed on well to head Overnight close home to her reappearance in the Jedforest Members and last time, lost nothing in defeat when eight lengths third to Dr Hellier at Kelso in a fast time. The nine-year-old makes most appeal.

Dual course winner, Farlington is in the form of his life and, having already posted impressive victories at Crossford and Kelso this term, a hat-trick beckons in the Men’s Open. The main threat to my selection may come from Albatros and Gangsters R Us.

Netherby Park scorer, Lord Jack would have finished much closer than eight lengths third to The Names Bond at Dalston had he not been badly hampered by the last-fence fall of Seafire Lad. Joey Richards’ mount is confidently expected to get back on the winning trail in the Ladies Open at the main expense of Wise Man.