Druid Spitfire has chance to impress
DEVON and Cornwall’s run of point-to-point meetings continues at Dunsmore this weekened, where the Silverton Foxhounds will be on hosting duties.
Organisers will be hoping for some rain this week to ensure perfect going on Sunday, but they do have the ability to water if necessary.
A total of 80 entries have been received for the six-race card, due to get underway at 2pm.
Committee members will also be saying a fond farewell and thank you on the day to Linda Courtney, a once keen point-to-point rider who is retiring from her current role as entries secretary.
Heading up the action is the Lorraine Kelly-sponsored Hunt Members, which will be run in memory of the late Brian Kelly. Game veteran Druid Spitfire (Robert Chanin) could improve on his third at Buckfastleigh for owner and breeder, Elizabeth Kessler. However, the 13-year-old faces competition from youngsters including the six-year-old Clayway (Leslie Jefford), who will be trying to go better than his fourth at Great Trethew in February; with Conor Houlihan in the saddle. Nikki Steel (Robert Chanin) is another who will be looking to improve on place form, having finished six lengths second at Wadebridge in December under Anna Hylands.
Following this will be a Conditions race for novice riders, sponsored by Gingerland Livery. The Big Sting (Chris Barber), who also holds an entry in the Intermediate, looks to set the standard in this 15-strong contest, having won three already this season. Bistori D’Honore (Michael Felton) ran five lengths second at Milbourne St Andrew, while Field Exhibition (Ed Walker) was second to Broadclyst at Wadebridge. Jockey Charlie Sprake looks to have the option of two rides, the consistently placed Hotel Du Nord (Will Biddick) or Imogens Thunder (Mary Tory), another to have been placed this season.
The Exeter Racecourse Intermediate will be the last chance to qualify ahead of the series final, taking place at Exeter on April 14. This could go the way of entry Dr Rhythm (Keith Cumings) who will want to reverse the placings with The Big Sting (Chris Barber) from their meeting at Milborne St Andrew last month, which saw the latter winning by one and three-quarter lengths under Will Biddick. Another to consider is Jeremy Central (Tom Malone), who has been given plenty of time to recover from his close second at Buckfastleigh in March.
The Mixed Open, sponsored by A & S Paving and Building Supplies, has attracted 17 entries including Sixteen Letters (Neil McLean), a twotime winner at Larkhill earlier in the season and at Cotley last month. Envoye Special (Chris Barber) scored comfortably at Trebudannon last month, while Molineaux (Colin Tizzard) was a winner at Cherrybrook last weekend for 16-year-old Freddie Gingell - his seventh of the season. Sykes (Nicky Martin) is another with three wins under his belt, all ridden by Darren Edwards; and Moratorium (Myles Osbourne) is on four wins for the 2021-22 campaign and must be among the favourites if travelling to this meeting, having been seen most recently scoring by five lengths at Ston Eston under Nathan Green.
In the Restricted, sponsored by Jewsons at Tiverton, Ninth Wave for trainer Will Biddick is the highest rated and could add another win to the jockey’s seasonal tally. Clever Des Assence (Laura Jones) is another to mention and could improve on a recent second at Ston Eston. Quintin’s Man (John Heard) and Westhill (Sam Loxton) both shed their maiden tags last month so should be progressive if the ground is to their liking.
Devon Fuels sponsor the card closer, a 24-strong Maiden, with those catching the eye including Balinesker Beach, Hold Me Tight, Misstree Song, Rock D’ete and Rufio, based on previous place form.
Dunsmore (EX5 4DU) is located near Silverton, Exeter. Entrance to the course is £15 per person, with under sixteens entering free. On course facilities include hot and cold refreshments, a bar, bookmakers and tradestands. This meeting will not be live-streamed. For further details, please visit the website www.pointingdc.co.uk