NOTE: DUE TO WATERLOGGING THE WESTERN POINT-TO-POINT AT WADEBRIDGE, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2014 HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
With six races on the card, the Confined race sponsored by The Green Waste Company, heads up the days event with a start time of 12 noon. Great Gusto joined Nikki Frost’s yard this summer and has previously won a hurdle race under rules, he should go well for Bryony Frost who rides him out daily. Transact is another with form under rules and Clew Bay Cove has previous wins on soft/heavy ground and could put in a solid performance.
Exeter Racecourse sponsor the Intermediate, Sobre Tresor won the Novice Riders race here in January under jockey Taylor Pook, and followed that up with a fourth at Chipley Park then ridden by Josh Newman, having led until approaching three out. Ailanthus from the Kayley Woollacott team started her career with a few quirky errors ,but made amends at Little Windsor when taking the Restricted, staying on well under Robbie Henderson. Another to consider is the David Brace-trained Direct Line, having been in the frame on all six point starts in UK, but has been off the course for 18 months.
The Open Maiden is sponsored by Savills (Cornwall), in which the Charlotte Davis-trained Corton Ridge ran third at Chipley Park under Will Biddick and would look to improve for that run.
Mr & Mrs Peter George sponsor the Mens Open race in which trainer Ed Walker has two entered. Blazing Whale won first time out at Chipley Park, in a 16-runner Intermediate in the hands of Robbie Henderson. Hameldown Tor from the same yard also ridden by Henderson, was third at the same meeting behind winner Certain Flight, it will be interesting to see which horse Henderson gets the leg-up on. Googoobarabajagal fought gallantly to win the Mens Open for jockey Michael Heard and will looking to repeat that performance. Will Biddick could get the ride on Champagne Rosie if not having prior engagements at Larkhill.
The Restricted race closes the days events and is sponsored by Stimson & Tieken, in which Whenharrymetsally from the Keith Cuming’s yard ran second under Will Biddick at Chipley Park, the combination was unlucky to be caught in the final 50 yards finishing three quarters of a length behind Illicit Illusion. Brackenwood could follow up on his second here behind Lightening Jack in January for jockey Bryony Frost.
This is an ideal venue for winter racing, with convenient viewing locations. There are tarmac access roads to car parks. Bar, bookmakers, trade stands and hot refreshments are all under cover in the exhibition hall.
Entry is £10 car and driver, £5 per passenger and children under 16 free.
Course is located off A39 west of Wadebridge. Post code PL27 7JE.