The Meynell and South Staffordshire meeting is the traditional conclusion of the Midlands Area point-to-point season and takes place this Saturday, 1st June, at Garthorpe racecourse, just east of Melton Mowbray.
The afternoon starts with pony racing, the first horse race starting at 2.30pm. There are 89 horses entered for this meeting.
The Mixed Open, at 4.15pm, is the feature race of the afternoon and has attracted some excellent entries. Spencer Moon, Green Winter, Steele’s Terrace, Rye Cross, Ramble On, Badbad Leroy Brown and Dido are all very capable pointers on their day. Gina Andrews has possible rides on Big Man Doe, a winner last weekend, Generous Ransom and Quick Oats. Brother Jack has Lords Park Star, Midnight King or Proximo.
The opening race of the afternoon is the PPORA Club Members race with 13 entries. Mister Dick is top-rated here and will be in contention. Kayjaydee (7lb allowance), Knockoutloaded, Lake Balaton, Lords Park Star and Merrydown Black are all capable pointers with winners this season. Beggar’s Velvet won at Dingley last weekend and ran well here last time. Bi Quini Tiep won at Thorpe on Easter Monday. Castle Cheetah was a winner last time, albeit over 2m4f.
Kayjaydee is also in the Intermediate which follows so might run here instead. Hott Lips has won her last two outings under Lucy Turner, as has You Know The Story for Tom Ellis and Gina Andrews, looking to further improve their outstanding season. Holy Water is another to watch in what looks an open race, depending on declarations.
After this we have a race for Novice Riders. Alan Hill-trained The Gunner Brady is the in-form horse with wins at Peper Harow and Higham on his last two outings. Accord won his last outing at Kingston Blount over a shorter distance. Beggar’s Velvet and Lord Park Star are entered in this one as well, both very capable. Roevin Star will stay the distance and should be in the mix. Local interest will be behind Merrydown Black and Master Ally, who ran well at Dingley last weekend and will represent the executors of the late Henry Hill, a great loss to Midlands pointing.
The Open Maiden race has 11 entries, a number of whom finished second on their last outing. There are also four-year-olds with their weight allowance.
Jack Andrews has options in the Restricted race which follows, with possible rides on Pelegrine Falcon, Signed and Sealed and Sting River, the latter both winning last time our over 2m 4f. Concealed Ambition will be one to beat, winning last weekend at Kingston Blount. Dressed For Success, Charles Brown, First Class Ticket and Love Around are all in with a shout.
The last race of the day is a conditions race for horses which have not won a race other than a members or maiden race in the last two seasons. A number of horses entered in other races could run here, the best-rated of which being Mister Dick. Others to look out for could include Singininthevalleys, Charles Brown, Breezy Kin and Exclusive Rights (mare’s allowance). John B’s ran well last weekend, and Un Huit Huit is surely also a contender.
Every effort is being made to prepare perfect ground for the weekend so there should be plenty of runners. There will be lots to do beside the racing, with trade stands, a bar, catering and children’s entertainment. Tickets are £13 if bought online (midlandspointing.com/shop) in advance or £15 on the gate. Children under-16 are admitted free.