Ballydub could be launched over fences today Ballydub, winner of an incident-packed Loughanmore point-to-point in May 2007, when trained by Colin McKeever for Wilson Dennison, could make his chase debut at Exeter today should there be sufficient 'give' in the ground. Philip Hobbs' charge chased home Punchestowns at the Paddy Power meeting at Cheltenham in November 2008 but he disappointed in the Pertemps Final back there last March. Unfortunately his jumping was an issue over flights but he has reportedly pleased in his schooling over fences. From the family of Comeragh King, Catch The Perk and Seskin Bridge, Ballydub had a run in a bumper for Henrietta Knight before being bought for £65,000 at the Cheltenham January sale in 2008. Richard Johnson's mount is due to face just three rivals in the 4.10 and he would be expected to account for Hunters Ploy (won a point-to-point at Summerhill in April 2007 for Mark O'Hare), but now with Ian Williams from Nigel Twiston Davies, Kilvergan Boy (a point-to-point winner for Jerry Cosgrave) and Plane Painter. Meanwhile the bumper, a 'junior' event over a mile and five, is a fascinating race where Philip Hobbs fields the well-touted Karasenir, also due to be ridden by Richard Johnson. Irish-interest here is served by James Leavy's two runners, Daydah (Tom Scudamore) and Massyoun (Paul Moloney). In an event that should be well-worth watching with the future in mind, Hughie Morrison's Skeemah is expected to play a prominent role whilst Nicky Henderson has mentioned Tony McCoy's mount, Tetlami, goes very well at home.
