PPORA Race Previews: 18/04/26

Three PPORA-supported races take place this weekend, all on Saturday 18^th April.

Josh Newman and Dollanstown strike a pose on the way to winning at Cherrybrook (Tim Holt)

Two of them are at Chaddesley Corbett, starting with a PPORA Restricted Race, for which 18 have been entered. The same owner – Jeremy Hill – has the top two in the ratings, so only one of them is likely to run. Jack Black, trained by Chris Barber, was impressive on his pointing debut at Maisemore Park, as was Will Biddick’s Dollanstown at Cherrybrook recently, although he has to carry a 5lb penalty. Also penalised is Alan Hill’s Monrocco Moonlight, whose form is in and out and who disappointed last time. Briskalo, trained by Bradley Gibbs, has been beaten on both starts since winning well here in December, while Tim Vaughan’s Mini Yeats is on the upgrade, having broken his duck at Trebudannon over Easter. Two horses coming from the professional game are also of interest – Peaceinthevalley, now trained by Fred Timmis, was second in a Naas hurdle for Henry de Bromhead in January, while Matchadam, so impressive on his Larkhill debut in 2022, is back with former handler Eamonn O’Donnabhain and should improve for his reappearance.

Action from Chaddesley Corbett, who host a Mares & Fillies Maiden this weekend (Marilyn Sweet)

The second PPORA race at Chaddesley Corbett is a PPORA Maiden for Mares & Fillies, which has attracted nine entries. Form in this type of contest can often be thin on the ground, but six of the entries were placed last time out. Chris Barber’s Taktics and Victoria Collins’ Penelope Ann were second and third at Howick and the consistent Dreamaboutit – trained by Edward Rees – was runner-up at Dingley. The other three in question were all making their British pointing debut last time – Phil Rowley’s Poliath was second at Garthorpe, Tim Vaughan’s Ginderella finished third at Trebudannon, and Luke Price’s Lady Bee Great also filled that position at Penshurst. Two of the three without form figures – newcomer Empress Eugenie for Francesca Poste and Sainte Crystal, who looked the winner when falling two out at Siddington – represent powerful yards, the latter also being in the care of Chris Barber, so only Laura Gretton’s Lunar Lily looks outclassed.

Celebrations after Jeu Gagnant wins at Badbury Rings (Tim Holt)

The third PPORA-supported this weekend is at Flete Park. Seven entries have been received for the PPORA Conditions Race (Level 3), headed by Edward Rees’ Camino Rocio, who deserves a change of luck, having been placed on all seven starts this season, including a Hunter Chase. Jeu Gagnant, trained by Les Jefford, is on the upgrade, and was a good second on his last run having won three on the bounce before that. Louis Burke’s Northern Reel runs best at this time of year, and was second in an Open last time, while the other four look to have something to find on form. Juliet Thornhill’s veteran Diplomate Sivola was a long way behind Jeu Gagnant recently, Ballydesmond and Cluain Aodhahave shown nothing this season for Deborah Treneer and Ellie Hatcher respectively, and Doctor Pearson – now trained by Harry Billing – has no form of any sort and has been off for two years.