The Wales area moves, for the first time, to the scenic Golden Valley course this weekend. Previously the Bredwardine track had fallen under the remit of the Borders area but for this season jockeys and horses will be able to add to their tally of points for the Welsh area awards. The track has always been a popular one and this time, despite the official Area move, is no different as a healthy number of entrants have declared an intention to run on the day. Racing official starts at two p.m. but is preceded by three pony races so racegoers are advised to arrive early; particularly if they want to secure one of the prime picnic spots on the banking overlooking the course.
The first race on the card is the Restricted and pick of the pack, on paper at least, has to be the Phil Rowley trained Outlaw Dream (IRE) who has earned a rating of 89. After winning at Charing at the end of last year the Shirocco (GER) five year old has secured two seconds the latest coming at Garthorpe in April. Competition could come in the large and impressive form of Port Jack (IRE) for Oliver Brissenden and Carys Morris. The Milan (GB) gelding relished the flat galloping track at Llwyn Ddu in early May and will find himself travelling a track that also offers galloping conditions this weekend. Jockey bookings will be of interest in this division as three of the remaining entries have all been ridden by champion elect James King in the recent races.
The Conditions (Level 2) race that takes place next should see Stacks Mountain (GB) emerge the victor for Fergal Obrien if he runs to his mark of 117; Ellipsism (IRE) who has won twice this season will carry three pounds more than Stacks Mountain as a result of his extra victory during the conditions timeframe . Of those without penalties but holding recent form Eeze A Saint (FR) and Coquin Mans (FR) have all put in performances that would warrant them a chance of troubling the judge; as have both Lessankhan (GER) and Hitroadjack (IRE), both normally ridden by Bradley Gibbs. The victor will, as will all winners on the day, have to be able to jump at speed and jumping is going to be a factor in all races on the card.
The Mens Open should see a clash between the gallant old Valtor (FR) and Green Winter (IRE who have both earned themselves ratings of 115. Valtor, who made his first run a winning one between the flags at Bonvilston last time. Racecard readers should not be fooled by the lack of point-to-point form indicated on the card. This is a horse that has won over four hundred thousand in prize money under rules proper and has completed the Grand National. Green Winter is another year older at the age of fourteen and has won thirteen of his thirty-eight starts between the flags and been in the paddock a further eighteen times which is a consistent and impressive record by any standards. Another with a point-to-point form line that belies his experience is Looksnowtlikebrian (IRE) who will also carry three pounds extra for his wins this season. The dark horse in the pack has to be Slievegar (GB) this giant of a horse relished the flat track at Llwyn Ddu and could score once more for Joanne McCain.
The Ladies Open will be primarily decided by the side of bed on which the talented and enigmatic Hawkhurst (IRE) decides to get out of. The multiple point to point winner is quirky and needs all the cajoling skills of Izzy Marshall to get his head in front; something that will be of even more importance this time around as rivalry will be coming in the shape of Monsieur Gibraltar (FR) for the Will Biddick yard; but jumping will definitely play its part and there are a few blots on the Spirit One (FR) geldings copybook. The Bradstock family stake a claim with the talented Myth Buster (IRE) who is half brother to Kicking King (IRE) and completed the Aintree Hunter Chase last time out. He has won a Hunter Chase this season and will carry three pounds extra for his efforts.
The last three races on the card are all Maidens of various forms. The first primarily for Mares and Fillies has eight entries and as with all maidens is something of a lottery on paper. Highest rated of the entries is Luke Prices Polly Sans (IRE) but she has yet to get her head in front this season after several attempts and the jumping mechanism has gone awry in her last few attempts and Amidnightstar (GB) has recent placed from to her name and will benefit from the experience. Some extremely well-bred youngsters have stated an intention to make a start in an early career and any one of these could be the hidden jewel in the pack. The Open Maiden is made up of eighteen entries who, on paper all have the same showing of ability with Blackfyre (IRE) just claiming the highest rating of 89. Second to Theshoddytradesman last time out he is improving with every run and holds every chance. Boss Baby (IRE) has been consistent in her last few runs and deserves to get her head in front while Mithmaar (IRE) has been in the first three in his last four starts and is another deserving of gaining a victory.
Racing closes with a Point-to-Point Flat Race and several of the entries are making their racecourse debuts. In these contests it often pays to look to the trainer when trying to make a selection; Phil Rowley has It Had To Be Shaw (IRE) in the contes; with the weights also set to have an impact he will be giving weight to Gladys Eva Jane (GB) for John Bryan who will carry eleven pounds less than her rivals in general.
The course can be found nine miles east of Hay on Wye just off the A438 Hr3 6DD.
