The CAMBRIDGESHIRE WITH ENFIELD CHASE MEETING AT HORSEHEATH ON SUNDAY MARCH 3RD —–PREVIEW

By MIKE ASHBY

The Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chace host this SUNDAY’S fixture at Horseheath.

The first of six races, from the 71 entries, is at Ipm and will preceded by two pony flat races which commence at 12 noon.

Horseheath Clerk of the Course, John Sharp will call on all his experience as he prepares the picturesque course for action. These unprecedented February conditions have required the need for an element of watering to take place but we can guarantee that the end product of John and his team’s sterling efforts, will have produced the best possible going on the day.

With the last Horseheath meeting, the re-arranged Thurlow fixture, being held only two weeks ago there are several horses entered, on Sunday, who were either winners or placed and will no doubt returning, hoping to supplement or improve on their previous outings.

Local Show and Thetalkinghorse stand out as winners a fortnight ago of their Novice Riders and Mens Open races, respectively and they are entered up for a repeat performance in the equivalent events at this meeting. Local Show could renew rivalry with Vivaldi Collonges and Zeroeshadesofgrey when all three met at Cottenham at the end of December and where a proverbial horse blanket could have been thrown over all three in the tightest of finishes. The latter came out on top that day with only 1 ¾ lengths separating the trio.

The Mens Open should see Thetalkinghorse come on for his previous run where he just held on to win by a head from Ardkilly Witness, who could re-oppose. With the Bailey yard in fine form the outcome could still be in the favour of Thetalkinghorse, although Zeroeshadesofgrey, who ran creditably in a Hunter ‘Chase at Fakenham, could take his chance here and give Tom McClorey’s mount the most trouble.

Bardista was also a winner at the Thurlow meeting taking the older horse Maiden in fine style and has an opportunity to go in again in the Restricted but the same ownership could decide that Thomas Shelby is their representative, who was runner-up to Chapelier, two weeks ago.

The Ladies Open could see the hat-trick seeking Kalabaloo make further progress on her two wins from two starts already this season. A winner at Alnwick and Thorpe Lodge and with Gina Andrews back in the saddle and in receipt of a 7lb weight allowance, they could hold too much ammunition against the chosen representative from the owner Judy Wilson and trainer Stuart Morris partnership, in either Proximo or Neumond.

The opening Intermediate contest would attract considerable interest if Luke Harvey brings his Drumlynn to the races. A Restricted winner at Larkhill in early December, the gelding pulled up, at Chipley Park, when favourite on his next outing in late January. Tullys Touch hasn’t been seen since an impressive Restricted win at Ampton in January whilst Tricky Silence who beat, last weekend’s Higham winner, Captiva Island at Cottenham, could be the one to land the spoils.

The afternoon concludes with an Open Maiden and Un Huit Huit, for trainer Andrew Pennock, could step up on his second place to Smoke Man at the course, two weeks ago. Racing Eagle also came up against one better in the smart Bardista at the same meeting and would be strongly fancied to lose his maiden status here.

Horseheath has superb spectator viewing, trade stands and public bar. All the latest updates and course conditions on www. pointingea.com.