This is a formal announcement to confirm that the British point-to-point season is closed for this season.
This was a very difficult decision to make recognising that many people’s livelihoods are involved. However, the Prime Minister’s words last night made clear that everyone should minimise social contact and non-essential travel. Furthermore, our sport creates some medical burden, both on the course and potentially at the hospitals, where it would be unwelcome under the current circumstances.
The PPA would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so hard to keep this season going so successfully until now, often under very trying circumstances. We will now be working on preparations to ensure that we start next autumn in the same successful manner as last, and will soon be in touch with many of you for your thoughts and ideas.
The bookies came out well on top at the final Cornish fixture of the season where the well watered ground produced competitive racing. Six out of seven favourites went down the pan
Will Biddick rode in every race in his quest to regain the National title. Vincs Vinnie (evens out to 2-1) was his only winner of the day in the opener. This was a masterful ride because The Galloping Bear (7-4 to 4-5 fav) had jumped superbly and looked sure to win round the final bend, but could not quite withstand Biddick’s well timed challenge.
The next favourite to get beaten was Awesome Tunes (7-4 touched 9-4) who tried to make all under the champion in the PPORA Conditions race. He had to give best to his old adversary Soul Kaliber (7-2 to 3’s), the first of four winners on the day for Darren Edwards.
I made Minella Beag (11-10/5-4) the best bet of the day in the Mares maiden. She had caught the eye on her debut in a similar race at Kilworthy which has thrown up four subsequent winners. This time she held every chance until weakening two out. The Dartmoor Rose (4’s to 9-2) looked an assured winner until Tara Snipe (100-8) came with a wet sail up the home straight to win going away. Her breeding merits future attention as she is by Kayf Tara out of the prolific winning mare Sea Snipe, who won 17 races.
Another long shot struck in a classy Mixed Open. Whenharrymetsally and Kernel Victor were inseparable at 6-4 joint favourites, but failed to sparkle behind course specialist Earthly Reason (14-1 after 20’s in a place). He won on merit from the consistent Beat The Tide (6’s to 3’s).
Despite a serious mistake at half way, According To Harry (6-4 jt fav) beat Athreeothree (6-4 jt fav) comfortably in the Conditions event.
From then on it was the Darren Edwards show as he went on to complete a 180-1 four-timer thanks to Banco De Logos (11-4 touched 3’s) and Thewinnertakeitall (7-2). These succeses also meant that Dean Summersby had saddled three out of three during the afternoon.
Banco De Logos had a real battle with Golander (20’s to 10’s) before thrusting his head in front near the post in the Restricted. I backed the rangy gelding Foxworthy who was forced into 4-6 fav from evens (not all my money).He ran quite well, but not well enough to finish third.
I got fed up collecting losing tickets so decided that an ice cream was better value than jumping in on Chemin De Fer (6-4 to evens) in the lucky last. This half brother to the useful Santini looks a good sort and was given a kind introduction by Biddick. Thewinnertakeitall came clear from two out to beat Welsh challenger Poniel (5-2/11-4) to round off an excellent afternoon for his connections.
Upcoming Fixtures
Sunday 19th May 2019 Dulverton West Bratton Down, Bratton Fleming, Exmoor EX31 4SG 1st Race 2.00pm
Sunday 26th May 2019 West Somerset Vale Cothelstone, Taunton, TA4 3DT 1st Race 2.00pm
Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2019 South Tetcott Upcott Cross, Halwill Junction EX21 5AE 1st Race 2.00pm
“At last came the golden month of the wild folk– honey-sweet May, when the birds come back, and the flowers come out, and the air is full of the sunrise scents and songs of the dawning year.”
Samuel Scoville Jr.,1872 – 1950 From the poem Wild Folk
Darren Edwards rode four winners at the Four Burrow meeting to extend his lead in the Devon & Cornwall championship over Will Biddick, with five meetings to come in the area.
Soul Kaliber & Darren Edwards (c) Megan Cobley Photography 2019
A trio of his winners were saddled by Dean Summersby, who won with all three of his runners at this popular Cornish track.
The consistent Soul Kaliber reversed previous course form with front running Awesome Tunes in the PPORA Club race in the colours of the Little Acres Racing Club. Soul kaliber has proved to be a shrewd £5,000 buy from the Gigginstown consignment at Doncaster sales last September, and was winning for the third time this season. Starting the season as a maiden, the Lifton trainer has transformed the Gordon Elliott discard. “He liked the slightly easier ground today and that was pleasing as he was up against Open class horses”, said the successful trainer.
Edwards went on to take the final three races on the card, starting with According to Harry, who made all to win the Conditions race. This was not without a scare however as Nicky Martin’s gelding clouted the 13th fence hard. “My fault, said the rider, I asked him for a big one.” His blemish drew a gasp from the crowd on the hill side, but did not seem to worry him as he had plenty in hand of Athreeothree at the business end of the race.
It was the Edwards / Summersby combination again as Banco De Logos and Thewinnertakeitall completed their successful afternoon’s work. Banco De Logos was all out to beat Golander (Jake Bament) in the Restricted. The winner and runner up jumped the last together and after a neck and neck battle only half a length separated them on reaching the judge.
Thewinnertakeitall sailed past Mountain Las at the cross fence to win the Open Maiden in the colours of Mike Bickell. The stoutly bred seven-year-old, “Tries so hard. He was too keen at Flete but settled better today,” reported the trainer.
Will Biddick’s main concern is his quest to regain the Fuller’s National jockeys title, which he held for six consecutive years until last season. His full book of seven rides at Trebudannon yielded one winner, three places, one unplaced and a fall. Chemin De Fer, his other ride. and a Yeats half brother to the useful Santini, was in the shake up on his debut until fading and being pulled up on the final bend.
Biddick’s winning ride, Vincs Vinnie, put him on the 36 winner mark for the season, five ahead of last year’s winner Alex Edwards as I write. One of seven runners on the day for trainer Ed Walker, the ex-Irish gelding Vincs Vinnie was given an exemplary ride, stalking bold jumping The Galloping Bear until pinching a vital two lengths lead which diminished rapidly near the line. “This horse had been sick due to the top up flu jab he had earlier in the year,” commented the Ottery St Mary trainer.
Course specialist Earthly Reason gave 27-year-old jockey David Prichard his sixth winner of the season in the Mixed Open. The seven-year-old, starting at 14-1, jumped to the front at the final ditch and galloped on strongly to hold Beat The Tide and Peterbrown for his fourth course victory. Joint favourites Whenharrymetsally and Kernel Victor failed to reach the placings.
Tara Snipe was another long priced winner, breaking her duck in the Mares and Fillies maiden at 12-1. The mare looked held until finding a good turn of foot in the home straight under Shane Quinlan, swooping on front running The Dartmoor Rose on the run in. Trained by Rob Hawker for owner Lucinda Tylor, the winner is out of the prolific winning mare Sea Snipe. “She has been very green and too weak so far. The drop back in trip helped,” remarked the young trainer.
The fact that 50% of the entries actually ran pays tribute to the copious watering of the team headed by course owner Rundle Weldhen. Watering took place until 10.30 on the morning of the meeting.
Upcoming Fixtures
Wednesday 15th May 2019 Weston and Banwell Harriers Cothelstone Taunton TA4 3DT 1st Race 4.30pm
Sunday 19th May 2019 Dulverton West Bratton Down, Bratton Fleming, Exmoor EX31 4SG 1st Race 2.00pm
Sunday 26th May 2019 West Somerset Vale Cothelstone, Taunton, TA4 3DT 1st Race 2.00pm
Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2019 South Tetcott Upcott Cross, Halwill Junction EX21 5AE 1st Race 2.00pm
OPEN MAIDEN 4 TO 6 YEAR OLDS COLTS & GELDINGS 2M 4F (Sponsor – Kivells)
1 Vincs Vinnie (Will Biddick) 2-1 handy, led two out, ran on well
2 The Galloping Bear (Darren Andrews) 4-5 Fav led 11thj til two out, rallied flat
3 Flutiste (Bryan Carver) 2-1 led, disp til 10th, wknd
3 ran; 1,2l; 20l; 5m 5s
PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS 9 YEAR OLDS PLUS
1 Soul Kaliber (Darren Edwards) 3-1 in touch, led after last, dvn out
2 Awesome Tunes (Will Biddick) 7-4 Fav led til headed after last, ran on
3 How About it (John Smith-Maxwell) 9-4 in touch til 15th
4 ran; Its All or Nothing finished 2nd but was disqualified not weigh in properly
Original dist neck; 1,2l; 5m 56s
OPEN MAIDEN 4 TO 6 YEAR OLDS FILLIES & MARES 2M 4F (THE JOCKEY CLUB)
1 Tara Snipe (Shane Quinlan) 12-1 hdwy three out, strong run to lead flat
2 The Dartmoor Rose (Darren Andrews) 9-2 led, mstk two out, kept on
3 Minella Beag (Will Biddick) 5-4 Fav prom, every chance til wknd two out
6 ran; 2l; 15l; 4m 59s
MIXED OPEN (DUNBIA MEATS)
1 Earthly Reason (David Prichard) 14-1 led 14th, stayed on strongly
2 Beat The Tide (Ben Robarts) 3-1 effort four out, ran on well
3 Peterbrown (Holly Anne Drowne) 20-1 good late hdwy, went 3rd flat
6 ran; 2l; 3l; 5m 55s
CONDITIONS RACE (CONWAY BAILEY TRANSPORT)
1 According To Harry (Darren Edwards) 6-4 Jt Fav led, bad mstk 13th, clear three out
2 Athreeothree (Darren Andrews) 6-4 Jt Fav chased wnr from three out, no impr
3 Jaboltiski (Ben Robarts) 12-1 prom til mstk 14th
5 ran; 10l; 12l; 6m 4s
RESTRICTED (TREMAINE PLANT HIRE)
1 Banco De Logos (Darren Edwards) 11-4 alwys prom, led last 75 yds
2 Golander (Jake Bament) 10-1 led 14th til headed nr finish
3 Foxworthy (Will Biddick) 4-6 Fav every chance til wknd two out
6 ran; 1/2l; 5l; 5m 58s
OPEN MAIDEN (MR C & MRS S PERKINS)
1 Thewinnertakeitall (Darren Edwards) 7-2 in touch, led two out, soon clear
2 Poniel (Shane Quinlan) 11-4 chased ldrs, effort two out, not pace of wnr
3 Tomb Storme (Josh Cameron) 8-1 prom til wknd three out
7 ran; 4l; 3l; 6m 3s
The Four Burrow host their second fixture of the season at Trebudannon near Newquay, this coming Sunday May 12th. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 2pm, 75 entries have been received.
Cornish born jockey Will Biddick has just broken the all time record for Point-to-Point rides and is sure to want to add to his tally of wins here to regain the Fullers National title this season.
In the opening Kivells-sponsored Open Maiden race for 4,5&6yr olds ,Vincs Vinne stands out for the Ed Walker team after finishing eight lengths second to Dino Boy at Woodford last month under Matt Hampton. Flutiste is another to note, runs here off a low weight and could folllow up on his one and-a-half length second to Auld Sport at Cotley in March for the Ella Pickard team.
Winner of nine Points to date Kernel Victor, another from the Ed Walker team, stands out in the Hine Downing Solicitors-sponsored Members Conditions race for horses aged nine and over. With the Ex David Pipe recruit Purple’N Gold, who has scored two recent wins for the Les Jefford team, under jockey Millie Wonnacott the latest at this course in the Ladies race in April could take on Kernel Victor. The Alexandra Dunn entry How About It could also be in the mix, previous winner of two chases under rules when with Rebecca Curtis, took the Mens Open at Andersford , but a poor run at Knightwick latest could see him find this race comes too soon.
In the Jockey Club-sponsored Mares Maiden race I Prefer Diamonds (Robert Chanin) has hinted at ability when third at Andoversford. Minella Beag( Ed Walker) eight lengths fifth at Kilworthy, could have Will Biddick in the saddle helping erge her home in front and get closer to the title.
The prolific winning mare Whenharrymetsally (Keith Cumings) could be the likely favourite in the Dunbia-sponsored Mixed Open race if turning up here, having won 15 points to date latest when 20 length winner at Cherrybrook, could see jockey Matt Hampton celebrating with connections again. Beat The Tide (Stuart Sampson) won the Confined race at Flete and could figure, with Imogens Thunder and Flywest both having had to settle for second places recently but could figure in the finish if ground conditions suit.
According To Harry and Athreeothree could battle out the finish in the Conway Bailey Transport-sponsored Conditions race. Both are equally rated on form, According to Harry for the Bradley Partnership has been lightly raced this season, but a previous winner under rules, he could improve on his recent two and a half lengths second to Mountain Cliche at Cotley under Darren Edwards. Athreeothree previously with Jack Barber, now with Stuart Sampson, also clocked up a second at Milborne St Andrew and could find his old form under jockey Bryan Carver.
Banco De Logos (Dean Summersby) looks to be a likely bookies favorite in the Tremaine Plant Hire-sponsored Restricted race, he has shown steady improvement having previously beaten Willaldoo who won at Vauterhill last Monday. Willies Dream (Robert Hawker) won impressively at Kingston St Mary having set the pace and made all that day, could score here if repeating that run and will be another to head the market.
Finally up is the Chris and Serita Perkins-sponsored Open Maiden race which has attracted 16 entries, this could go the way of Poniel, The Galloping Bear or Minella Beag, being just a few to note who have have had the benefit of a run this season.
The course offers great track-side and hill viewing, with on course facilities including bar, hot and cold refreshments and a number of trade stands offering a good family day out. Entrance to the course is £10 per person with children under 16 free. The track is located at Trebudannon, St Columb Major, signed off A30 and A39 Postcode TR9 4LP.
“The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray.”
Lord Byron 1788-1824
Fast ground reduced the field sizes for the traditional Cornish Easter Monday fixture at Trebudannon.
The afternoon belonged to jockey Darren Andrews who rode his first treble thanks to Ruggiero, Robin Why Not and Crosbie Garstin, the trio saddled by three different trainers, and all three given positive front running rides by the 26-year-old jockey.
Ruggiero, stabled with Stuart Sampson, was always bossing his sole rival Markmyword in the young horses Maiden. “We bought him for £4,000 at Ascot last July out of Emma Lavelle’s yard. He was a bit disappointing first time for us at Milborne where he fought his rider but settled better today,” said owner Russell Wescott.
Joe Tickle sent out his fifth winner of the season when the good looking Robin Why Not won the Restricted. Once again Darren Andrews was intent on making the running and he was able to shake off his nearest pursuer Rumour Has It in the home straight
Crosbie Garstin clocked up the Andrews treble in the Open Maiden, jumping with assurance out in front to beat Fireweld by five lengths. Now owned by Kerry Ede, the nine-year-old had not seen a racecourse since running at this corresponding meeting three years ago. “He was bred in Cornwall by Tim Le Grice and has had niggling little problems and has spent some time eventing over the years. He is much stronger now.” explained St Agnes based trainer Alexander Ede.
Despite starting odds-on favourite, Top Chief failed to secure a four-timer for Darren Andrews in the Men’s Open which was blessed with the grandiose title of the Cornish National. This time it was Darren Edwards who sailed away in front on Kapricorne, who had 15 lengths to spare over Top Chief on reaching the judge. Rebecca Branton trains the 12-year-old winner for her father Denis at Exford.
Darren Edwards was not winning out of turn as he had graced the runner up spot in the first three races. Soul Kaliber was just outpointed by Awesome Tunes in the opening Hunt race. This sturdy nine-year-old was taking that prize for the third successive year, putting his owner Ross Oliver’s name on the trophy for the 14th times since 2004.
After his second on Markmyword, further frustration lay in wait for the leading area rider when Clondaw Bunny could not cope with Earthly Reason in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate. A winner on this track twice last year, Earthly Reason had been below form on the soft ground so far this season, but as trainer Neil McLean explained, “He prefers this ground and has tons of speed.”
The seven-runner Ladies’ Open proved to be the race of the day. In a blanket finish Purple ‘N Gold got up by a head to beat front running Cinevator, with Its All or Nothing another head away in third, after this trio had battled it out together all the way from the final fence. The winner was sent out by Leslie Jefford for the Here Come The Girls Partnership. A hardened and successful campaigner under rules for David Pipe, the 10-year-old joined Leslie Jefford’s Payhembury yard earlier this season. “We were waiting for drier ground and need to keep him happy and keep concentrating. He probably needs a quick track.” related the trainer.
1 Awesome Tunes (Tom Chanin) led til hdd last, rallied to lead again flat
2 Soul Kaliber (Darren Edwards) held up,. led last, no extra flat
3 The Overflow (Jake Bament) 8-1 no hdwy from 15th
4 ran; ½ l; 20l; 5m 53s
OPEN MAIDEN 4 TO 6-YEAR-OLDS 2M 4F (TRURO TRACTORS)
1 Ruggiero (Darren Andrews) 11-8 made all, held on well
2 Markmyword (Darren Edwards) 1-3 fav chased wnr, no real impression from two out
2 ran; 2 1/2l 4m 45s
INTERMEDIATE (EXETER RACECOURSE)
1 Earthly Reason (David Prichard) 5-2 led 14th; clear two out
2 Clondaw Bunny (Darren Edwards) 4-7 fav chased ldr, every chance two out, not qckn
3 Kapoupakap (Jake Bament) 3-1 led til 14th, wknd three out
3 ran; 8l; 30l; 5m 48s
LADIES’ OPEN (RAY DAVIES FOODS)
1 Purple ‘N Gold (Millie Wonnacott) 7-4 fav in touch strong run two out, led nr finish
2 Cinevator (Ella Pickard) 6-1 led til headed after last, kept on well
3 Its All or Nothing (Harriet Tucker) 3-1 in touch, every chance in line of three at last, no ex nr post
7 ran; head; head; 5m 44s
MEN’S OPEN THE CORNISH NATIONAL 3M 4F (R & J TREVARTHEN)
1 Kapricorne (Darren Edwards) 5-1 made all, went clear four out, ran on strongly
2 Top Chief (Darren Andrews) 5-2 fav chased wnr, mstk 17th,, no impression from four out
3 Ballyvodock (Jake Bament) 3-1 in touch, hit 17th, wknd four out
4 ran; 15l; 8l; 6m 57s
RESTRICTED 2M 4F (MITCHELL & WEBBER)
1 Robin Why Not (Darren Andrews) 4-6 fav made all, drew clr last, comf
2 Rumour Has it (Victoria Sleep) 6-4 tracked ldr when mstk 17th, cl 2nd, every chance til two out
3 Brannoc (Sioned Whittle) 9-2 outpaced 15th, no hdwy after
3 ran; 8l;4l; 4m 43s
OPEN MAIDEN (JINKS SPAR FOOD STORES)
1 Crosbie Garstin (Darren Andrews) 7-4 made all , drew clr three out
2 Fireweld (James Jeavons) 2-1 left 2nd at 13th, every chance til wknd three out
3 ran; only two finished; 5l; 6m 4s
Video updated posted at 13:44 on Sunday 21st April 2019
Good and Soft Side of Good in Places following the rain on Monday.
(updated 17 Apr 2019, at 10:31)
Preview extract:
The traditional Four Burrow Easter Monday fixture has attracted a total of 84 entries for seven competitive looking races at the excellent Cornish viewing track of Trebudannon, near St ColumbMajor. The first race is the Hunt race, due off at 1pm.
The course at Trebudannon, close to St Columb Major, is signed off the A30 and A39 (TR9 4LP). Hot food and drinks are available and dogs on leads are welcome. Entrance costs £10 per person with under 16’s free. Ample hill side parking is available.
FORM GUIDE
Key:
f
=
fell
u
=
unseated rider
p
=
pulled up
k
=
knocked over
b
=
brought down
c
=
carried out
d
=
disqualified
?
=
unreliable form
s
=
slipped up
+
=
improving rating
r
=
refused
blkd
=
baulked
ro
=
ran out
t
=
took no part
(c)
=
course winner
Abbreviations:
NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2017/18 form from 2016/17 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2015/16 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.
SoulKaliber holds an alternative entry in the Care & CompanyHunt race, in which Awesome Tunes will be attempting to take home this trophy for the third successive year for owner Ross Oliver.
Ed Walker trains Awesome Tunes, and has a good chance in the two and a half miles Maiden under the sponsorship of Truro Tractors with MinellaBeag, whose dam won over hurdles. She ran much better than her finishing position suggests at Kilworthy. The Carmarthenshire flat race winner Dr Kananga is from a shrewd yard and had subsequent winners behind him when runner up in a hot Maiden at Great Trethew. The four-year-old allowance counts a lot in this type of race and that age group is well represented by Feu Des Malberaux and Getaround here.
The Dean Summersby yard holds the key to the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate with three of the 15 entries. Soul Kaliber, Clondaw Bunny and Cloudy Music would each hold prominent chances for the Lifton stable. Come on Joey beat Soul Kaliber in the Lamerton Restricted, but was well held in Intermediate company at the Cotley. The progressive Manofmanywords followed up his Maiden win when winning a decent Restricted at Cothelstone, and bids for a seasonal hat trick here. Earthly Reason gained two successes on this track last year and is much better than his recent form suggests. He is worth keeping in mind.
Purple ‘n Gold is fancied to follow up his Cotley Farm success in the Ray Davies Foods Ladies’ Open, perhaps at the expense of Its All Or Nothing, who was found wanting in hunter chase company last time. Belharbour Two has a chance, but his Buckfastleigh win came after Dicky Bob had unseated his rider at an early fence.
The Men’s Open bears the title of the Cornish Nationaland this feature race, sponsored by R &j Trevarthen, isrun over a distance of three and a half miles.
Course winner Top Chief continues on the upgrade and drying ground would be in his favour. Captain Von Trappe stayed on well to score at the Flint and Denbigh, but fell on his most recent appearance. Kernel Victor has alternative entriesduring the weekend,but would enter calculations on his Cherrybrook performance. Jade Barber’s Ballynock Cloud will find this easier after a spell under rules, and was unbeaten in points in 2017, including a win on this track. How About It’s Open win at Andoversford under John Smith-Maxwell reads well. The selection however must beNavanman, bidding for his sixth win of the season and well favoured by the conditions of this particular event.
The Mitchell & Webber sponsored Restricted has 11 entries and It may pay to overlook Skinflint’s last run on very soft ground at Buckfastleigh. The Scorpion gelding may be best judged by his opening day of the season effort when runner up to Tide Times. The main danger could be Neetside, who has plenty of experience under rules, and won well at Cherrybrook. She also holds an entry at Flete Park earlier in the weekend.
The 3 miles Open Maiden is sponsored by Jinks Spar Food Stores and has 17 entries. Dr Kananga, Feu Des Malberaux, and MinellaBeag are entered here as well as their other options. Thewinnertakesitall was odds on when falling at Cherrybrook, and will be on a retrieving mission with Darren Edwards in the saddle. Deise Gold has been knocking at the door and is capable of Maiden success before the end of the season.
The traditional Four Burrow Easter Monday fixture has attracted a total of 84 entries for seven competitive looking races at the excellent Cornish viewing track of Trebudannon, near St ColumbMajor. The first race is the Hunt race, due off at 1.0pm
The Men’s Open bears the title of the Cornish Nationaland this feature race, sponsored by R &j Trevarthen, isrun over a distance of three and a half miles.
Course winner Top Chief continues on the upgrade and drying ground would be in his favour. Captain Von Trappe stayed on well to score at the Flint and Denbigh, but fell on his most recent appearance. Kernel Victor has alternative entriesduring the weekend,but would enter calculations on his Cherrybrook performance. Jade Barber’s Ballynock Cloud will find this easier after a spell under rules, and was unbeaten in points in 2017, including a win on this track. How About It’s Open win at Andoversford under John Smith-Maxwell reads well. The selection however must beNavanman, bidding for his sixth win of the season and well favoured by the conditions of this particular event.
Purple ‘n Gold is fancied to follow up his Cotley Farm success in the Ray Davies Foods Ladies’ Open, perhaps at the expense of Its All Or Nothing, who was found wanting in hunter chase company last time. Belharbour Two has a chance, but his Buckfastleigh win came after Dicky Bob had unseated his rider at an early fence.
The Dean Summersby yard holds the key to the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate with three of the 15 entries. Soul Kaliber, Clondaw Bunny and Cloudy Music would each hold prominent chances for the Lifton stable. Come on Joey beat Soul Kaliber in the Lamerton Restricted, but was well held in Intermediate company at the Cotley. The progressive Manofmanywords followed up his Maiden win when winning a decent Restricted at Cothelstone, and bids for a seasonal hat trick here. Earthly Reason gained two successes on this track last year and is much better than his recent form suggests. He is worth keeping in mind.
TheMitchell & Webber sponsored Restricted has 11 entries and It may pay to overlook Skinflint’s last run on very soft ground at Buckfastleigh. The Scorpion gelding may be best judged by his opening day of the season effort when runner up to Tide Times. The main danger could be Neetside, who has plenty of experience under rules, and won well at Cherrybrook. She also holds an entry at Flete Park earlier in the weekend.
S oulKaliber holds an alternative entry in the Care & CompanyHunt race, in which Awesome Tunes will be attempting to take home this trophy for the third successive year for owner Ross Oliver.
Ed Walker trains Awesome Tunes, and has a good chance in the two and a half miles Maiden under the sponsorship of Truro Tractors with MinellaBeag, whose dam won over hurdles. She ran much better than her finishing position suggests at Kilworthy. The Carmarthenshire flat race winner Dr Kananga is from a shrewd yard and had subsequent winners behind him when runner up in a hot Maiden at Great Trethew. The four-year-old allowance counts a lot in this type of race and that age group is well represented by Feu Des Malberaux and Getaround here.
The 3 miles Open Maiden is sponsored by Jinks Spar Food Stores and has 17 entries. Dr Kananga, Feu Des Malberaux, and MinellaBeag are entered here as well as their other options. Thewinnertakesitall was odds on when falling at Cherrybrook, and will be on a retrieving mission with Darren Edwards in the saddle. Deise Gold has been knocking at the door and is capable of Maiden success before the end of the season.
The course at Trebudannon, close to St Columb Major, is signed off the A30 and A39 (TR9 4LP). Hot food and drinks are available and dogs on leads are welcome. Entrance costs £10 per person with under 16’s free. Ample hill side parking is available.
The biggest shock of the day came in the Mixed Open when the warm favourite The Two Amigos (4-5 fav but on the drift ), bidding for his sixth successive win of the season, said adios to his three rivals when cocking his jaw and ducking out at an early fence. I cannot remember him doing this before.
The eventual winner Golden Hoof had been nicely backed from 3’s in a place to as short as 5-4, and jumped immaculately to take the prize to Somerset under the champion jockey’s assured guidance. He had been off the course since sustaining a nasty cut which got infected at Charlton Horethorne 14 months ago, but looked ultra fit here for the Barber team.
Nicky Martin would have got back into her sick bed at home after hearing about her Two Amigos, but would have perked up when the news about the win of Mole Trap (evens to 6-4) reached her. It was my turn to be sick now because I spent all the previous night working out that Mole Trap would win, and then chickened out from backing her. I was afraid of the eventual jolly, Pancrace, who started evens fav after early odds-on offers. Needless to say Pancrace, who looked a picture in the paddock, bombed out after several early jumping errors. You know the feeling.
Trebudannon is a lovely course to lose money. The Cornish air is invigorating, you get a perfect view of the racing, and Sunday was all blue skies. However, two warm favourites provided some loose cash to buy the pasties. Master Baker (4-5 to 4-7) outpointed The Wealerdealer (4-5 to 11-10) in the Conditions, and Earthly Reason (4-6 to 4-5) followed up his recent course win after Raloo Rocket (5’s to 4’s) crashed out at the last.
Both the geldings and the mares Maidens took around five minutes for the two and a half miles, which might not be a sound guide to future races over the standard distance. Speronimo (2-5 to 1-2) blazed a trail under Kieren Buckley in the first of these to underline his Stafford Cross run, but in a livelier colts and geldings market, the favourite An Bhean Clic (3’s to 2’s) proved disappointing. The gamble of this race was the six-year-old mare Miss Butterfly, seen at 12’s early but forced into 3-1 at the off. Christopher Barber soon had this speedy mare out in front and repelled all challengers with a game effort. Sapphire Noire (6’s to 13-2), from the same yard as Speronimo, got the closest and was running on well at the finish.
Honest Deed (4-5 fav) kept up his winning streak with a workmanlike performance in the Confined under Darren Edwards, who has the area jockeys award in safe keeping. Locally owned Awesome Tunes (5-4 / 11-10) put up a brave performance to give his owner Ross Oliver a birthday winner, but had no answer as the winner came at him in the straight.
