NEARLY 100 entries have been received for the Tedworth Hunt point-to-point fixture at Barbury racecourse on Sunday, where the going is currently good, good to soft in places.
The feature race is the Mixed Open for the Tedworth Gold Cup, run over three miles six furlongs and sponsored by J M Finn.
Charlotte Fuller’s Grand Gold is a progressive seven-year-old and would be unbeaten in three points were it not for a fall at Larkhill when holding subsequent Cheltenham Foxhunters fourth Current Event.
However, his trainer has advised that plans for Grand Gold, and her two other entries at the meeting, are ground dependent.
“We’ll walk the course on Saturday and make our decision then,” she said.
The extreme distance requires a specialist, so it is no surprise to see the last three winners – Cecile De Volanges, Schindler’s Prince and Nobby Kivambo – entered again.
On this season’s form, Nobby Kivambo looks best of those bidding for a repeat, but they all look to have something to find on form with Join Together, twice a winner this year, including a Wincanton Hunter Chase.
Carruthers, who won the Hennessy Gold Cup in 2011, looked back to form at Hackwood Park recently and would be a popular winner for Lily Bradstock, while Tim Underwood is keen on the chances of his High Kite.
The opening Restricted, sponsored by Simpsons Subaru, has just nine entries but Underwood may run recent purchase Deise Vu, although the eight-year-old is also entered at Mollington.
Chris Loggin admits that plans for Steel Away J are ground dependent, but is quietly confident if he takes his chance.
Course winner Island Cruise is clear top-rated and must be feared on a good second at Howick last time, while three of the entries – Looking Glass, Rakasba and Twister Mix – won last time out. The latter looks best of those for the in-form James Ridley.
The second race, the PPORA Club Members Race for Veteran & Novice Riders sponsored by the Pheasant Inn at Lambourn has the biggest entry of the day – 22.
The first race is at 1.15pm and entry is £10 per adult (children under 16 go free).
A space in the premium car park is £5 extra.
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