A PREVIEW OF THE HURWORTH POINT TO POINT ON SATURDAY 18TH MARCH

Hurworth Point to Point Preview

This weekend the Hurworth hold their meeting at Hutton Rudby on Saturday 18th March. The six race card gets under way at 1-30pm with the Hunt Members race and 65 entries have been received across the day, the post code for Sat Nav is  TS15 0JL.

The opening Hunt Members race has received 9 entries and the two that stand out are Mount Mews and Vent D’automne. The latter loves to blaze a trail from the front and was a good third last time behind Monsun Storm at Duncombe Park, whilst Mount Mews has won both his starts this season in good style and looks the class act, however both have to shoulder a 10lb penalty for their efforts. Whostosay was a dual winner last season and could make the frame, whilst point to point debutant Ask The Doc has been in the first four on all his starts to date under rules and boasts an official mark of 111. Fairy Mix and Tom Flynn could both play a part in the minor honours, whilst William Of Orange could be a danger on his old form.

Selection – Vent D’Automne

The Restricted is another race which looks to have to stand out performers, Endless Adventure was a good second to the improving Cullin Hills last time at Alnwick and he drops back in grade here, whilst Hollington was extremely impressive in has Askham Bryan win where he made all, however this track and conditions will be much different to that day. First One D’ana was a very close second last time in his maiden, however was well behind Endless Adventure on his previous start and may have to settle for a place. Classical Sound was third to Watch Law, form which has worked out well, however pulled up since then so now has questions to answer. Amma Lord is a maiden under all codes and makes his debut between the flags, his best effort was 12 lengths third in a Market Rasen hurdle in December 2021.

Selection – Endless Adventure

The Ladies Conditions race has 12 entries, Ballydonagh Boy is a strong stayer and likes to set a strong pace, the same can be said for Vent D’automne and Cellar Vie. Cullin Hills has won twice this season at Alnwick, she is very much on the upgrade and is one of only three horses in the field to have won this season. Ryans Fancy has been placed twice this season but well held and may prefer better ground, where as Tom Cody is a prolific winner in points, however was a disappointing sixth last time at the Brocklesby. Vivas could be a dangerous contender, he was a useful performer for Charlie Longsdon and contested at Cheltenham on multiple occasions, he boasted a mark in the mid 130’s in his prime and could take well dropped to pointing at the age of 12.

Selection – Ballydonagh Boy

The Mens Open comes next and Herman Clermont looks as if he could be a class above some of these on his point debut for Will Ramsey, however he also holds an entry at Carlisle on Sunday. Tom Cody can possibly be forgiven a disappointing effort last time, whilst the John Dawson trained and ridden Monsun Storm has found a new lease of life this season winning his last two races. Ask To Dance was a staying on third behind two useful Open horses at Charm Park recently, but may be seen to better effect on a sounder surface. Cullin Hills has improved nicely this season winning two of her four starts and can improve further, whilst Chase The Wind was a winner under rules for Jo Foster and could be worth noting here.

Selection – Herman Clermont

The largest field of the day is the Veteran’s horse race with 16 entries, Mount Mews looks the stand out performer here and unlike the first race, has only a 6lb penalty to burden and could find this a much easier option. His main rival looks to be Viras who was a useful performer for Charlie Longsdon where he reached marks in the mid 130’s, Pillowman made a pleasing return for the season at Charm Park but may find the ground too testing here, whilst Monsun Storm has to burden a 10lb penalty here but has found massive improvement on his last two starts. Killer Crow doesn’t look the force of old, Gatacre Streets form is patchy but stays extra well and with a clear round could make the frame. Coole Hall was disappointing on his last start, but was winner prior to that and is another who could go well for Will Ramsey.

Selection – Mount Mews

The final race is the Open Maiden and an interesting runner is the Paul Frank trained Ask The Doc, placed on all his starts in the first four for Oliver Greenall under rules with a mark of 111, he looks to have the best form but will after overcome a year off the track. Duke Account will improve for his debut effort at Charm Park, Letthedustsettle is brother to the highly thought after Curtain Tim and could be of interest for a yard that can ready one first time. Trap For Fools has run well on his last three starts, looks to stay well and could be suited here with experience under his belt. Ruerofthewaves is a son of Ruler Of The World out of dual bumper winner Charyan, his trainer Jack Teal will no doubt have this 4yo ready to do herself justice.

Selection – Trap For Fools