PREVIEW: CATTISTOCK (SATURDAY 11TH APRIL)

The Wessex season moves on to the excellent viewing course of Chilfrome just north of the village of Maiden Newton near Dorchester when the Cattistock hold their meeting on Saturday 11th April. This is Grand National day so a decision has been made to move the first race to 1.00pm with half an hour intervals so that the last race scheduled for 3.30pm will be concluded in time for racegoers to watch the Aintree spectacular on a big screen. The current going was given as the faster side of good on Sunday with watering which has been successful in past years scheduled to start on Tuesday.

There will be pony racing prior to the 6 point-to-point races starting at 12 noon and during the day there will be food outlets to sample as well as a bar, trade stands and the bookmakers to have a bet or two with. Entry costs are £15 each if bought before 12 noon on 10th April and thereafter £20 on the day from gbpointing.co.uk with under 16s admitted free of charge with an adult.

The feature race, the Mixed Open race sponsored by Anthony Honeyball Racing , has attracted a high quality entry headed by the very promising Al Gasparo already the winner of three Open races this season the latest being at Charlton Horethorne. Formerly with Gavin Cromwell in Ireland who won three hurdle races with him he is now one of the leading lights of Josh Newman’s yard and it will take a good horse to beat him. Inchidaily Robin was the horse who won most races last season for trainer Luke Price but this season he was beaten in his Hunt race at Howick and then narrowly at Paxford on Easter Monday. If he turns out again, he may be the main danger to Al Gasparo. Duc De Bourbon upset the odds on Bass Rock at Ston Easton and should be considered. Mount Sinai has already won three races this season and this mare has been a revelation since switching to pointing. Mention should also be made of the veteran Pink Eyed Pedro who has won 12 point to points and 6 races under rules for owner/trainer David Brace.

The meeting begins with the Sicor International sponsored Conditions Race and this may see the return of the progressive Jewel In The Park who won on debut this season at Dunsmore in November but has not been seen since. The winner of three races last season he may be too good for his rivals. Boys Will Be Boys would be a popular winner for his owners who own the point to point course and was second at Milborne St Andrew on his most recent outing. Paint The Dream gave owner Lucy Pickford her first career win at Ston Easton and is the model of consistency. Len Brennan only had one run last season and this veteran campaigner may need this race. Jewel In the Park is the choice.

The Restricted race sponsored by Church House Investments features several horses who won on their last outing. Uncle Boss was very impressive in his Maiden victory at Milborne St Andrew and on that form he will take all the beating. Don’t Ask Aiden just won a Maiden at Cotley and is improving. It is difficult to assess Farm Assured as she won a two runner race at Kilworthy on her debut so a watching brief is advised. Shareyourbiscuits has won his last two races since moving to Luke Price’s stable from Dan Skelton and certainly comes into the mix as does Up Killoughey who should have come on from his seasonal debut in a competitive race at Milborne St Andrew. Uncle Boss is the selection.

The Maiden Conditions race sponsored by Howden could be won by Stick Season trained by Chris Barber who was third to a smart newcomer at Badbury Rings and then did not enjoy the very soft going at Cothelstone last month. Of his potential rivals the mare What a Pleasure was placed in a Mares Maiden at Larkhill on her seasonal debut and ought to find a race this year. No Hard Feelings will be making his English debut for new trainer Evie Toozer for owner Luke Price and this ex-Shark Hanlon trained gelding is one to consider as an alternative to the likely favourite Stick Season.

The Conditions race for Novice Riders sponsored by Green Circle Feeds may see the seasonal debut of Franigane owned and ridden by George Edgedale and trained this season by Sam Loxton. Last seen being the runner up to Barton Snow in the 2 mile Hunter Chase at Cheltenham in May 2025 the form has been boosted by the form of his victor who has already won the Cheltenham feature Hunter Chase and may have completed the double at Aintree on Thursday. If defying the long absence he could be too good for his rivals. Getaway Drumlee won for Hannah Morgan at Didmarton and if repeating that form could be the main danger. Punches Cross is consistent and has been runner up twice this season. Fighter Allen is proving a good schoolmaster for James Pyman and likely to be placed, Franigane is the choice.

The meeting concludes with the Maiden race sponsored by Walter Wall Carpets and this has attracted 12 entries. Winding Lake trained by Will Biddick has place form this season and this well bred mare should be in the mix. Wick Hill was a distant second to Uncle Boss at Milborne St Andrew and this race over 2m 5f is within his stamina limits. Will Biddick also has an entry for the unraced Son of Saratoga a son of Crystal Ocean and if this is his choice the hint should be taken. There are other newcomers including Dart of Ginger trained by Josh Newman for Jeremy Barber and Wintry Night trained by Byron Moorcroft who should be considered. Luke Price does well with his purchases from Ireland so Lady Bee Great placed second in a Hurdle at Tipperary is of interest. Will’s selection is the choice.