PREVIEW: BICESTER WITH WHADDON CHASE AT WHITFIELD

SUNDAY MARCH 18TH 2012

By Claire Hart

164 entries have been received for Sundays point to point meeting at Whitfield which is situated on the A43 between Silverstone and Brackley. Postcode NN13 5TQ.

There are now eight races on the card as the Open Maiden has already been split having received 47 entries.

The first race is the Hunt Members and takes place at 12.30pm.

Doctor Kingsley has won at this track three times and it will be no surprise to see him take the honours in this race for Doug and Pauline Harkin.

Some classy individuals have been entered in the Intermediate. Rumbavu who won at Didmarton two weeks ago is sure to play a huge part here; two on the up are Sheila Crow’s Woodview Prince who won a Restricted in fine style at garnons recently and Harbour Court from the Alan Hill yard. Others to note are the Tom Lacey trained Chiquilline and Commander Kev who is a model of consistency.

Newnham Rambo who won his Maiden here at the first meeting in 2009 could return here in the Restricted. Having missed last season it will be interesting to see how he runs but if retaining his ability he is one for the shortlist. Mention Me, Allforclover and Action Steel all have each way claims but if Elvis the King from the Ferguson yard takes his place here he could prove hard to beat.

The popular veteran Coolefind could line up here in the Mens Open and would prove a very popular winner but if Earth Dream, already a three time winner this season, were to run it will be an exciting race. Caught in Time from the Karen Lawther yard shouldn’t be ignored if conditions are on the quick side. Mendo and Sarah’s gift are two with form to suggest a race of this nature is well within reach. Recif de Thaix, who was sent off hot favourite for a Warwick Hunter Chase last Sunday where he failed to produce the goods, is an interesting entry and cannot be ignored here.

Course winner The Hookie Bookie looks the pick in the Ladies Open. Another popular veteran who would be a welcome winner; trained by Jimmy Tarry this gelding ran a blinder when finishing second to Lady Myfanwy last Saturday at Kingston Blount. Bold Punt, Pass the Parsel and Hope Sound have placed form in Ladies Opens this season and would certainly have each way claims. The mare Briery Star won well at Garthorpe recently when stepping up to open grade and will take full advantage of her 7lb mares allowance on a track that she loves.

There will be lots of trade stands for anyone looking to buy last minute Mothers day presents! A climbing wall will keep the children occupied throughout the afternoon.

Admission will be charged at £10 for car and driver, £5 per person thereafter and reserved car parking is £30.

An action packed day with high quality racing is promised.