ONE OF the four classic races on the Point-to-Point calendar is coming to Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday and has attracted a number of high-quality entries.
The Lady Dudley Cup will be the feature race at the Worcestershire Point-to-Point meeting this weekend with the first race starting at 2pm.
The prestigious trophy is always fiercely contested.
Chapoturgeon will be strongly fancied if making the journey up from Jack Barbers stable in Dorset, although he would not be one to back at short odds with a win sandwiched between two falls.
Big Georgie was surprisingly beaten in the North Ledbury Members and that defeat would put many people off backing him, but the unsettled nature of this week’s weather is likely to turn conditions in his favour and the horses Upper Sapey based connections must be rubbing their hands with glee.
Desertmore View has useful form and would be a worthy representative for the Welsh stable of Rachel Hooton, while Bridgnorth trainer Phil Rowley has to decide whether to run Now Ben or One More Tune.
Clive Bennett’s Stone finished runner up in this contest 12 months ago, but the Dymock owner now relies on that horses stablemate Iberico, who is an out and out stayer and will be doing all his best work at the finish.
I’m All Set has won twice this year but may be found wanting in this company, whereas Mr Madeit keeps improving and could cause a surprise.
Real Milan has proved a useful conveyance for Jack Jones. They have been placed in good company and that will stand him in good stead when the chips are down.
Cradley trainer John Bryan won this race three times in the late 1970’s when he was riding for his father Bill.
Now an established trainer Templebraden has been his stables flagbearer this year and was particularly impressive when winning at Maisemore Park recently.
He seems to act on any going, which cannot be said of some of his rivals and success would get his trainer back in “the big time”.
Bryan has the option of saddling Green Winter in the Confined earlier in the day.
The horse has plenty of ability but has the frustrating habit of getting out of touch before finishing strongly in the closing stages.
He will provide a stern test for Martin Weston’s promising novice Blackmill who won over the course earlier in the season for Hanley Swan based Joan Hitchings.
Real Milan could bypass his engagement in the big race for an easier task in this race, while Connies Cross can be fancied on past form but her recent runs have been un-inspiring.
You can almost guarantee the winner of the Members will carry royal blue and cerise hoop colours.
Five of the seven entries belong to various branches of the Tollitt family, with John Smith Maxwell likely teaming up with Buck Magic or The Mobile Man, his cousin Abi Banks could partner Hall Kelly, while their aunt Angela Rucker has Minella Friend.
Their grandmother/mother Pat Tollitt was one of the best riders of her generation.
Flora Furlong ran well on his debut but will have to improve to beat the horses of other family members.
The Mobile Man has an alternative engagement in the 5 year old and upwards Maiden and stands as good a chance as any in that contest.
Twilight Fox does not appear that often but his stable has a good record but but that is the only point in his favour.
Herefordshire was putting in his best work at the finish at the North Ledbury meeting recently.
This race is run over three miles and two furlongs – that will play to his strengths and he gets the vote.
Claire Hart holds the key to the Ladies Open with potential mounts including All Great N Theory, Palypso de Creek or Vincitore and whichever one she chooses is likely to be sent off favourite.
Khyber Kim finished second last year, while Aikideau and Get It On should be able to make their presence felt.
The Restricted features horses that have already proved successful in lesser company, so the secret is how to identify those who are ready to take the next step up the ladder.
Athreeothree represents the all-conquering Barber/Biddick partnership but he faces stiff opposition from the Phil Rowley trained Celtic Park who stormed up the hill to win his Maiden at Garnons.
Detank has failed to live up to early season expectations, while Flea the Bar recorded an all the way success at Upton-upon-Severn but will not be allowed such a clear run in this contest.
The Open Maiden is due off at 5-30 p.m. Most of them look of average ability but Poetic Rhythm looked something special judged on his performance at Siddington.
He unfortunately unseated his rider at the last on that occasion with the opposition well beaten.
Several of those opponents have gone on to win and that is an indication of his chances in this event.
