Penshurst Preview April 4th, 2009

THEATRE KNIGHT CHOOSES AINTREE

A bumper entry for this weekend's Penshurst Point-to-Point will be missing one horse: Theatre Knight, Simon Tindall's Parham winner, is being taken to Aintree for the Foxhunters' on Thursday, when trainer-rider Nick Pearce will be hoping to improve on the 11-year-old's second place in the 2007 Topham Chase. In his absence the field is headed by Bee An Bee, sensationally beaten at Godstone last weekend when bidding for his ninth consecutive Open win and Honourable Spider, who in his only race this season was beaten by Cheltenham Foxhunters' champion Cappa Bleu. Peter Bull's Master T is entered for the open but may contest the earlier Conditions race, where Cape Stormer, Delgany Gale and Jack's Present are all likely runners.

The 17 horses entered for the Ladies' Open are headed by last week's popular Godstone winner Carryonharry, whose principal rivals may turn out to be Glenbower Woods and the Detling winner Fantastic Champion.

As well as Cape Stormer, Marcus Gorman should be aboard Sironi in the Conditions race, while former champion Philip Hall is lined up for Amaya Silver in the Maiden.

The main programme - first race 2.00pm - is preceeded by three pony races starting at 12.30pm. Admission is £25 per car and £5 per pedestrian. Penshurst racecourse is located about 4 miles to the north and 4 miles to the west of Tunbridge Wells in Kent. The course is being watered on Thursday and Friday and the forecast going is good.

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