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OAKLANDS ROBBIE: can make amends for losing weight cloth last time
photo: Grace Beresford

The Badsworth & Bramham are holding their Point-to-Point this Saturday at their new course at Ripon; this will be the first time the course has been used due to the abandonment of the West of Yore meeting. The new meeting looks to have attracted a huge amount of people with 175 Entries.

The first race is the Confined race and has received a huge 33 Entries. Cop Howe looks to still have some ability but would no doubt like some rain, Fox Point showed he is fairly useful when winning his Members race with some ease recently; General Grey has not been seen since 2008 but if he is at peak fitness could go well as he has plenty of stamina on his side. Gunner Jack won at Dalton Park, however would have to carry a penalty if he took part here; Harwood Dale bounced back to his best recently and wouldn't be out of it, whilst One Five Eight is creeping back to his best and could get Jacqueline Coward back into the winners circle. However, the improving The Snurglar was unbeaten last season and won comfortably on his seasonal debut, so should be hard to beat here.

Selection: The Snurglar

There are several recent winners in the Restricted, including Minstalad, who came on for his run at Sinnington to win at Corbridge; Liverpool looks to have come on for every run, having finally won at Dalton Park and looking able to improve further, whilst Oojar, who was a tad lucky at Brocklesby Park, still made a good impression. Rahood was an easy Maiden winner in Ireland, whilst Forge Valley chased home the useful looking Piece Of Magic at Dalton Park. Natureofthebeast was a very eye-catching winner at Charm Park on his debut, where he beat a decent field of Maidens.

Selection: Natureofthebeast

The Mens Opens are becoming increasingly sparse of Entries; only 14 are engaged here and it is hard to see past the Easterby runners My Old Piano, Pristine Condition and Mister Gloss. Whichever takes part should win. Loss Of Faith was useful in Ireland, however has failed to shine in Points over here but it would be good to see him bounce back to his best. Smart Thinker could have a squeak.

Selection: Mister Gloss

The Open Maiden race has been split three ways and the first division is at 2.45 with 20 Entries. Arlington house was placed several times in Ireland, including a third on his bumper debut. Buckshaw continues to go close and another good run would be of no surprise; Devils And Dust never seems to run two races the same, however on a going day he could be the one to beat. Lady Hills was third on her Point-to-Point debut and will surely improve for that, whilst Spirit Of Man looks to have ability but seems rather unwilling to use it. Pipsacre who came from a mile back at Brocklesby Park to finish second should take the beating here.

Selection: Pipsacre

The Ladies Open looks very competitive with several good entrants. Wilfie Wild looked to be at his best at Dalton Park and if repeating that will have a huge chance. Blandings Castle improved for the return of Pip Tutty recently, whilst Lutin Du Moulin struggled in testing conditions lately but could bounce back here. Moment Of Madness has strong each way claims on a going day, whilst Narcisco, who has several seconds to his name, could get off the mark for this season. Andre Chenier is going very well at the moment and can go well along with General Grey, however Tynedale loves a test of stamina and is in great form so should take all the beating.

Selection: Tynedale

Novice Riders races are becoming increasingly more popular and there are some very promising partnerships around this season, including Charlotte Cundall and Andre Chenier who won at the Hurworth meeting recently. Henry Brooke is a very promising young jockey and will no doubt ride Pen Gwen, who won nicely at Sinnington. Dannymolone could run well along with Keeverfield who has put up some solid efforts this season. Optimistic Harry has run very well at times, however has put some disappointing runs in too. Iron Express could have a squeak, however is not in the same form as he was when winning the Grimthorpe Gold Cup.

Selection: Pen Gwen

The penultimate race on the card is the second division of the Open Maiden and looks a fairly open event. Cedar Point was a respectable fourth at Dalton Park; Diamond Alice is slowly improving on the strength of her close second on her latest run. In A Good Way was running a big race when falling at Brocklesby Park, however has disappointed since. Minellity could improve, whilst Perambulation was an expensive purchase and, although having a decent flat pedigree, should be watched on debut. The well-bred Bright Cloud could run well for Gill Walford now with a run under his belt.

Selection: Cedar Point

The final race concludes the divisions of the Open Maiden; American Dream was third in a Charm Park Maiden back in 2008, Double Past made a much improved performance at the Derwent meeting and could go one better here, whilst Sutton was a good third recently. Meertrix was placed several times last season and could go well here, Walter has made some good efforts under rules, but is very lightly raced at the age of 11. Panama At Bay was not disgraced in a Kelso bumper, however has failed to shine in Points yet, whilst Oaklands Robbie lost his weight cloth at the Sinnington meeting when winning can make a mends here and score.

Selection: Oaklands Robbie

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