PREVIEW: ZETLAND (MONDAY 4TH MAY)

ZETLAND POINT TO POINT PREVIEW

The fantastic natural grandstand at Witton Castle provides a fitting setting for the finale of the Yorkshire season next Monday 4th May when the Zetland’s once a year course around the castle lakes is sure to provide some exciting racing as always.

Racing starts at 2pm with the Todds Highway Maintenance Ltd Yorkshire Area Only Conditions (level 2) which looks a real enigma where several have shown flashes of good form this season interspersed with some disappointments. Benefact would be the one to beat on his earlier form which saw him win over this course and distance last season. His run at Dalton Park last March when narrowly beaten into second was a cracker too however he showed nothing at all when pulling up on his last two outings. In similar fashion, Boolamore Glory put up a super effort chasing home the high class pair of Summerville Boy and Camdonian in a Hutton Rudby open which he also hasn’t backed up in two subsequent runs. The best efforts of Felix Foster’s pair of Titanium Bullet and Nephin Beg would also be more than enough for them to get involved here too however their form has been very much in and out also.

On the other hand, Moonlight Flit has been a model of consistency and his three consecutive seconds read well enough however he seems averse to getting his head in front. Finally Maximus Angelicus posted an improved effort when fourth at Charm Park last time out and if he can progress again he could run into the places.

Race two is the Low Grange Quarry Ltd Conditions (level 2) for eight year olds and over which could see Surprise Attack finally get his head in front for the first time this season. He was an easy winner over course and distance last season and the drier conditions will suit him fine. He does have to shoulder the ten pound penalty but his last outing, when second to Largy Shark at Hornby Castle was a good effort. The main dangers are Baby Chou whose two length second to the classy Line Em Up at Charm Park was a super effort, High On The Hill who has had a great season pointing winning twice from five outings before being a shade disappointing in a hunter chase last time out and the ever consistent Ballydonagh Boy. Courting Flow is another who could go well as he runs plenty of decent races although he isn’t the most trustworthy nowadays whilst Benefact, Nephin Beg and Maximus Angelicus also hold an entry in this though the opener looks like the easier option for them.

Race three is the Latimer Hinks Solicitors Restricted which could provide a good opportunity for Getupearly to post what would be a very well deserved first success of the season. Twice he has been caught late on having made a bold bid to make all and this drop into restricted company may see him finally get the win. The chief danger looks to be Follow The Leader who followed up a close second at Tranwell with winning the maiden at Hornby Castle. Jack Teal’s My Caraline also has to enter calculations having beaten Follow The Leader at Tranwell however her subsequent run when a distant second at Charm Park was a little disappointing. The same stable could also saddle Job Well Done and Guess What who have both won maidens this season with the latter looking the pick of the two on his good second last time out.

Others to note include Loch Frisa who lost his maiden tag at Pusk last weekend after a string of consistent efforts, Royal Cave who appreciated the quicker ground when winning at Hutton Rudby and Charlie Baloo who wasn’t beaten far when fourth behind Follow The Leader at Hornby Castle.

Race four is the Sherwoods Motor Group Mens Open which looks to be at the mercy of the Clark family who have the pick of the high class pair of Tag Man and Sam Magee. Both have been making hay this season and whichever is selected will take all the beating. Chief danger could prove to be Whats The Solution if he gets his favoured quicker ground and he will find this easier than his recent spin over the Aintree fences in which he was far from disgraced. Surprise Attack would also enter calculations should he take this option and he too will relish faster ground. Gustavo Goodway and Isocrate have also been in winning form this season and whilst neither have done anything wrong they would have to post season’s best efforts to trouble the best of these. Finally Nobody’s Perfect has been going the right way as the season has progressed. His third last time out was a solid effort and he could go well at likely longer odds.

Race five is the SG Petch Ladies Open and again the Clark family could hold the aces. Tag Man holds this as an alternative and on paper he would take all the beating however Charles Clark made no secret of the fact that he is a handful and that could make him more vulnerable here. The stable’s alternative is the evergreen and ultra game Summerville Boy and he may be the more likely to line up. He’ll be a popular choice if he does.

The three main dangers, in no particular order, are Tigerbythetail who has been a prolific winner in points and is better than his third place at Charm Park last time out when he could never quite get competitive, Deerstalker who is in top form at the moment having won his last two outings in the Northern area and finally Ballydonagh Boy whose record speaks for itself. He rarely runs a bad race however he is vulnerable to a horse with the ability of Tag Man nowadays.

The day concludes with the Ripon Farm Services Ltd Maiden and the standout here looks to be Blackhill King who has posted a string of solid efforts and it is only a matter of time before he wins. His last run at Hornby Castle when a close runner up yet again was another solid effort. Charlie Baloo came home a close fourth in that same race he ranks as one of the main dangers on the back of it. Midnight Dragon is the other who is likely to vie for favouritism as he also has two excellent seconds from two outings this season. He too is a winner in waiting.

Of the remainder the pick would be Willielle who stepped forward at Charm park last time out when a close second although he faltered late on after looking to have the race under control. Others with bits and pieces of form include Maximus Angelicus, Eleventh Day and All Ways And Ever whilst there are a few youngsters with the potential to do better with the benefit of their previous experience such as the Cherry Coward pair of First Orchid and Wizard Wonder.

Admission is £15 on the gate with advance tickets available at the discount price of £12.50 . Under 16s are free. There will be a variety of delicious food options available together with refreshing drinks and various local trade stands. Well behaved dogs are welcome on leads and the postcode for travellers is DL14 0DE