Badsworth and Bramham Point to Point Preview
This Sunday 27th March it is the turn of the Badsworth and Bramham who stage their meeting at Askham Bryan College near York. There is a si race card starting at 2pm. The going is currently good, good to soft in places, there is an excellent covering of grass and with the track not been raced on for two years the ground is expected to be in fantastic condition. Entry is £12.50 per person with under 16’s free, the post code for Sat Nav users is YO23 3FR.
The opening race is a Conditions race and holds 13 entries, recent dual winner Ask To Dance is on the improve a looks like he will appreciate this better ground, Courting Flow won in impressive style at Alnwick and followed that up at Dalton Park recently, however he looks to stay well and this sharp track may not play to his advantage. Braavos showed a revival when making all last time only to weaken late on and could be harder to catch round here, whilst Rosderrin is in good form but may find one too good, along with The Mobile Man who put up a very good effort on his return from a long absence last time and can take a step forward. The one who will be very hard to beat is Sine Nomine, she has failed to come off the bridle in all three of her successes this year and will most likely add to her tally here.
Selection – Sine Nomine
The Restricted could see recent Charm Park winner Cullin Hills, however she is entered at Ascot Sales and it is unlikely she will make an appearance prior to that. Bravantina was a well beat fourth at Alnwick, however she is a flat winner over 2 miles at Newcastle so this sharper track should suit better. Design Plan is in good form but has not threatened of late, Teescomponents Boy has looked to travel well on his runs to date but was well held last time, whilst Toni’s Oscar made a pleasing return to action at Duncombe Park. Whitechurch won a maiden in Ireland but has been largely dissapointing under rules for Donald McCain, however it looks to be between Imperial Imp and Willewonga, the former looks to be improving and with the drying ground further progress can be expected. Willewonga’s Sheriff Hutton form has worked out well and his recent Bangor defeat was on heavy ground behind a useful performer.
Selection – Willewonga
The Men’s Open looks a straightforward match between River Frost and Steely Addition, the latter was an effortless winner and the Hurworth meeting and should easily take this again, River Frost was second to on his point debut to Steely Addition at Duncombe Park and will need to improve plenty to score. His Excellency and Hi Murphy both have ability but are returning from a long break, whilst Wonderoftheworld has not shown enough to figure.
Selection – Steely Addition
The Open Maiden has the largest field of the day with 17, Black Aphrodisiac could hold the strongest hand after her second at Alnwick, however that was her third run in three years. Is So Cute Dimaria was a well held fourth behind Holy Joe Smoke who has gone on to be sold at the Cheltenham Festival sale, Kimberley Boy has been dissapointing so far this year but the possibility of better ground could see a revival in his form, whilst Master Mattie is another who coud go well if showing his earlier form from Sheriff Hutton. Moor John showed up well for a long way at Charm Park in a restricted until tiring late on, Tom Creen finished last of three at Brocklesby Park, he has shown form under rules as well as in Irish Maidens. Scottish King put up a very good effort on debut behind Imperal Imp at Dalton Park and if taking a step forward should be the one to beat.
Selection – Scottish King
The Ladies Open looks another easy opportunity for Game As A Pheasant after an easy success at the Hurworth. Braavos showed plenty of pace at Dalton Park where he made most until late on, Ballydonagh Boy has progressed well this season, but his best efforts have been on stiff tracks and may find things happening a bit fast round here. Royal Chant loves fast ground, whilst Skipping On may be the one to give the favourite something to think about after a brace of seconds this season.
Selection – Game As A Pheasant
The final race on the card is a Novice Riders race, Azzuri was an easy winner of a Novice Riders race at Higham last time and must carry a 3lb penalty for that victory, Acdc makes his point to point debut and was previously trained by Chris Grant where he won five times over hurdles and fences Ballydonagh Boy will no doubt try to force the pace, whilst Benarty Hill may be short of pace for this track. Cogryhill showed good form in Ireland and returned from a four year break to finish tailed off fourth at Bangor On Dee, whilst Nortonthorpelegend has steadily improved with each run and could make the frame under his young rider Hester Hardy. Rossderrin and Merion Avenue both also have chances.
Selection – Azzuri