PREVIEW: BICESTER WITH WHADDON CHASE (SUNDAY 12TH APRIL)

Trainer Maxine Filby is hoping to get a better idea of Cartesien’s true ability when the
exciting French import runs at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase Hunt Point-to-Point at
Edgcote Racecourse, near Banbury, on Sunday (2pm).
The six-year-old made a taking UK debut for owners former Spice Girl Geri Horner and her
motor racing husband, Christian, when beating Bothwell Bridge under Gina Andrews at
Guilsborough last month.
Having swerved Kimble last weekend, the grey son of Doctor Dino is now set to line up in
the Edgcote Gold Cup Mixed Open, sponsored by Spratt Endicott.
Filby, who trains the gelding from the Horners’ stables at Marston St Lawrence, said: “We
decided to run him at Edgcote as it is so local. They did a really good job with the ground last
year.
“We still don’t know what we have got. He could have been flattered at Guilsborough. I
would be thrilled if he runs a good race and comes back in one piece.”
Andrews reported that of her two entries, No Risk Des Flos is set to go to High Easter on
Saturday, while she added of 13-time winner Fumet d’Oudaries: “It depends on the ground
and it is probably unlikely he will run. He has been a phenomenal horse and has been very
consistent.”
Molly Armytage has the option of riding Illico De Cotte for Will Biddick or Siddington winner
Slipway from James Luck’s Hinton Waldrist stables, near Faringdon. Fred Hutsby’s
Fakenham hunter chase winner, Go On Chez, and Padjoes Legacy, who has won his last
three starts for Nigel Padfield, also hold claims.
With Clerk of the Course Graham Tawell reporting on Tuesday that watering would take
place as necessary to achieve Good ground on the day, 62 entries have been received for
the six-race card.
Much interest will centre on the Tattersalls Cheltenham, GB Pointing Bonus, Young Horse
Maiden Series Four & Five Year Old Race over 2m 5f, which has attracted a field of
potentially useful recruits.
Go Down Rockin has joined Biddick’s Somerset stables after making the frame in three Irish
point-to-points, while Spartan Brave was also placed in the Emerald Isle before moving to
Dale Peters, who has the option of running newcomer Natureofthegame.
Francesca Poste is set to give a debut to Rum N Reggae with her husband, Charlie,
reporting: “His schooling and work has been good. He is by an exciting young sire in Crystal
Ocean, so it’s fingers crossed. He needs to find a rhythm and put it all together.”
Andrews is also set to run a newcomer in Master Chuggy, and she said: “He is a nice young
horse. He has just taken a bit of time. That is why we have not run him until now but he is
ready to go.”
Chris Barber can also ready them first time out, making Rockatansky of interest.
Emotional scenes followed Glancing Hill’s maiden win last year after the death six days
earlier of owner Bridget Gatehouse.
And if the Poste-trained six-year-old triumphs in the Bicester with Whaddon Chase Hunt
Members, Subscribers & Farmers Race, sponsored by David Beecroft Ltd, then she will no
doubt be in connections’ thoughts again.
Charlie said: “Glancing Hill won very easily at Bitterley at the weekend. It was only a tworunner race and he cantered round and would do more at home.
“We lost Bridget, the vet who owned him, a year ago today (Tuesday). She hunted him all
year with the Bicester, so it would be quite poignant if he runs there and wins that race.”
Innisfree Lad, who was second last year, is set to bid to go one better for owner-trainer
David Dennis with his daughter, Tilly, on board, rather than tackle the mixed open.
The 14-year-old veteran has been in fine form, with Tilly reporting: “He is happiest when he
is in training and likes his routines. He likes going from the front and to have no distractions.
He is worth his weight in gold.”
Shanty Alley, a close third 12 months ago, is on course to represent owner-trainer Ben Case
with his son, George, in the saddle, while top-rated is Cap Du Mathan, winner of a Newton
Abbot hunter chase on his last start for Paul Nicholls in May 2025 and now with Jack
Sherborn Hoare.
The Postes will be looking to Farfromaway to regain the winning thread in the Restricted
Race, sponsored by 45 The Green Dental Practice.
Having opened his account at Kingston Blount in February, the five-year-old chased home
Bluescape at Siddington last month.
Charlie said: “He was probably unlucky not to win as he missed the last two fences, and the
winner won again with a penalty at the weekend. I think the track will suit him and he is a
nice young progressive horse.”
Luke Price and James King have the choice of hat-trick seekers Galudon and
Shareyourbiscuits, while Barber is another with a strong hand courtesy of maiden winners
Farm Assured, Jack Black and Skeeter Rock.
The consistent Seek Him There is set to fly the flag for Case and his son, Charlie, while
Laura Horsfall’s Garthorpe scorer, Maxfly d’Agrostis, also comes into the reckoning.
Line Em Up may bid to bounce back to winning ways for trainer-rider Dale Peters in the
PPORA Club Members Conditions Race (Level 2), sponsored by Towcester Vets.
The seven-year-old’s quest for a four-timer was foiled when he unseated three out when
leading at Dalton Park last month.
Alan Hill could run either Soldier Unknown, who was second to Master Templar at Kingston
Blount in February, or the hat-trick seeking Reel Much Fun.
Andrews, meanwhile, reported that Entity Of Substanz was bound for High Easter, while
Fumet d’Oudairies wouldn’t be asked to carry a double penalty and Young Rich misses the
race, having cut himself.
Illico De Cotte also has an extra 10lb burden here, while Slipway has a 7lb penalty.
The Postes expect chasing debutant Miss Bossy Boots may find the opposition too strong in
the Six Years Old and Over Maiden, sponsored by Local National Hunt & Flat Trainers.
Charlie commented: “She ran well in a bumper at Sandon but was disappointing at Larkhill.
She has schooled alright but I would be surprised if there are not a couple in there that are
better.”
Heading that list is Colonel Whizz, who was third at Maisemore Park for William Thirlby two
weeks ago, while Jemima Taylor’s Knocknagappagh has also made the frame.
Peters could run either Two Four Fifty, who has shown promise in Irish points, or Keystone,
while Lady Bee Great, who had form under Rules in Ireland, catches the eye for the PriceKing combination.
Gates open at 11am and admission is £15 per person in advance from the Edgcote Races
website or £20 on the gate, to include a racecard (under 15s go free). Premium parking in
the front two rows (not including admission) is also available from the website at £50.
There will be a hound parade before the first race and a dog show starting at 11.30am with
entries on the day. The entertainment also includes falconry and children’s activities with a
bouncy castle, and live music after racing from country singer Paul Adams.
Edgcote is about six miles north east of Banbury, near the A361. The postcode is OX17
1AG, but this covers the whole estate. The best way to arrive is to come off the M40 at
junction 11, follow the A361 to Wardington then turn right at the Hare & Hounds pub. Pass
the pond, then turn right for Lodge Farm and Trafford Bridge stables. It is also possible to
arrive from Culworth or Eydon.