Zetland preview 2023

The opening race is an adjacent hunt race and has attracted five entries, Torygraph looks to be the likely winner and could earn a deserved win after a consistent season, which included a respectable third last time in the Grimthorpe Gold Cup. Pillowman looked to show a bit more of his old sparkle last time and will be the one to give the favorite a run for his money and the rest will be playing for minor honours.

Selection – Torygraph

The second race is a Veteran race and recent Garthorpe runner up Wishfull Dreaming could make a quick return to action after finishing a neck second the previous weekend, this was Isla Johns second career ride and with that experience under her belt should go close again. Rocket Lad has been running well at a low level this season and will appreciate any good ground, whilst Fair Mix is fairly consistent but fails to threaten the judge, the same can be said for Nortonthorpelegend who showed slightly more enthusiasm last time for cheek pieces and could play a hand if putting his best foot forward.

Selection – Rocket Lad

The Restricted race looks one of the more competitive restricted’s this season, the lightly raced Black Aphrodisiac won at Askham Bryan last season but will need to take on race fit rivals, Diaboleo will need to sharpen up in the jumping department to play a hand, whilst Endless Adventure has been disappointing since his second at Alnwick to Cullin Hills. Moonlight Flit put in an impressive display at the Bedale meeting, if she can return in the same form she could be hard to peg back, whilst Thomas Labeille broke his maiden at Corbridge, however his efforts before that were not inspiring and it’s hard to know what to expect.

Selection – Moonlight Flit

The Men’s Open looks the hottest race of the day, with recent Cheltenham Foxhunters runner Go Go Geronimo potentially taking part, he has looked impressive in his two efforts this term but will have to hope Cheltenham hasn’t left its mark. Badbad Leroy Brown is one that appreciates better ground and can force the pace, Cullin Hills has been very impressive in her three recent victories and continues to go from strength to strength, whilst unbeaten pointer Mount Mews will be looking to make it five for the season but only just did enough last time and will need more if he is to beat some talented rivals.Steely Addition hasn’t looked the same force this season, but his recent form from Corbridge has worked out well, the same can be said for Tom Cody who pulled up last time at the Bedale and has questions to now answer.

Selection – Mount Mews

The Ladies Open looks another good opportunity for Vent d’Automne and Scarlett Frank, they beat Vivas in good style at the Bedale meeting and this competition looks weaker and will be hard to peg back. Cellar Vie could play a strong hand if reproducing his form from Askham Bryan after making up a lot of ground after a poor start, whilst Royal Chant usually comes to form this time of year but his favoured quick ground looks in doubt and was well below par last time. Fightfortheroses has been running consistently well and is another who could play a part in the minor honours.

Selection – Vent d’Automne

The Open Maiden is the final race on the card and Buy Some Time was a good third on debut at Alnwick and with that experience could go better here, Fly Awhile Johnny has been on an upward curve but was well behind last time, whilst stablemate Jumble Jury made a likeable start to his career at Corbridge when finishing third and more could be expected from him. Paris Cercy showed plenty of potential last season but has been lightly raced and under performed in his most recent efforts, whilst Red Delta made a likeable start at Charm Park but will need to take a big step forward here. You’re My Getaway finished second at Corbridge and could continue to improve, along with Oldnewborrowedblue who was booked for third when unseating at Askham Bryan.

Selection – Buy Some Time