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HARDWICK WOOD: could contest the Restricted
photo: Jackie Oliver

The Pytchley host their annual Point-to-Point this Sunday at Guilsborough, with 142 horses entered.

Guilsborough, a flat Northamptonshire track popular with both racegoers and connections of runners, is located near the A5199 between Creaton and Thornby; racing commences on Sunday at 1.30pm and admission prices are £20 per car with a £10 charge for single occupancy.

The closing Maiden has already been divided, meaning that the opening Hunt Members kicks off a seven-race card. Teeton Dazzler was beaten when falling in this contest last year but is amongst the possible field again this term; Teeton Bollinger would have far stronger claims.

John Russell rode Persian Hero into third in the same race but would have a far stronger chance of winning should recent Oakley Mens Open scorer Galaxia line up; he represents a strong hand for Trainer Gerald Bailey, who also has Pennytino, runner-up at the Oakley to likable winner Point Proven, as well as Pleasure Shared who has finished second on all three starts this term. True Legend completes the Bailey team for the race, which could also be contested by Scotts Mill, a close relative of useful Rules horse and subsequent Point winner from last season, Bosham Mill; he has yet to register a Pointing win but was less than a length behind Massini Man last time in a Novice Riders contest.

The Confined has attracted 27, with Bicester with Whaddon Chase Intermediate first and second, Exceptionnel and Gentleman Anshan, facing another possible clash; whilst likable, the 11-year-old Exceptionnel may find his rival to have improved, with Rosemary Gasson's six-year-old Gentleman Anshan having been off the track for some time since impressing both his Maiden and Restricted wins last season.

Gasson also has Kilcascan entered, whilst the Hutchinsons' Mendo is a talented individual and Alan Hill's Mad Jack Duncan capably won his Restricted at the Fitzwilliam (Milton) last time and can improve further.

The Ladies Open could see the useful Honest Endeavour, who beat Balladeer at the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berks over Easter weekend, clash with impressive recent Easton Harriers scorer Inaro along with Limerick Leader, who registered an easy win for the Hutchinson family in the South Notts Ladies Open. The Ruckers also have Petit Lord, who finally claimed his first win of the season after a succession of seconds when beating Bobbies Ryde at the Oakley, whilst further strength in depth could come from last year's multiple scorer Mysaynoway.

More Trouble had to give best to Chilling Place at Kimble over the weekend, but could turn out again for the Mens where he may meet Denvale, who arguably has improved this season to land a series of Opens for Owner/Rider Richard Hunnisett and Trainer Gerald Bailey; amongst a field that could include proven performers such as Coolefind, Teeton Bollinger and Caveman could be a young progressive horse in the shape of John Ferguson's Cottenham Intermediate scorer Lotta Presents, whose primary victim that day, Goscar Rock, has since run second in a Hunter Chase. Of the remainder, The King Of Angels was unfortunate to be beaten on his last start and could look to gain compensation.

Hardwick Wood, another Gerald Bailey representative, still looked slightly novicey when winning his Maiden on his debut at the South Midlands Area Club and subsequently ran third to an intriguingly progressive type in Enigma Variations in the Belvoir Restricted; he could bid to win his own race at that level here. Elite Beneficial may have been fortunate to win his Maiden at the Midlands Area Club but the winner of the second division of that race, Unoitmakessense, was impressive that day, has subsequently won a Members race and could also line up for this event.

Just Judy has been placed in all three Maidens she has contested this season and was only caught near the finish when favourite in the last of them. Joan Johnston's Rainbow High mare looks a likely future winner and could find principal opposition from Robert Waley-Cohen's Tay Jay Vay, who must be afforded another chance having pulled up on his racing debut.

Of those entered for the closing division, Teeton Coral chased home Oojar at the South Wold and looks likely to win in due course, whilst Red In Bed has numerous placings to her name and has the class to win; having been brought down last time, she could look for compensation here.

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