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GUNPARK: A course winner last month
photo: Tim Holt

Racing starts at 12 noon at the South Devon Hunts Club Point-to-Point this Sunday (Jan 29) at Ideford Arch where 140 entries have been received.

Twelve are entered for the Confined which has been kindly sponsored by Marksway Horsehage. Alpha Native, ridden by Will Biddick and trained by Keith Cumings, came second in a Confined at Wadebridge earlier this month. The race was won by Lucette Annie and although the distance was 15 lengths between first and second, a mistake three out may have contributed to that margin.

Gun Park won the Intermediate here last meeting by ten lengths when sent off the 2-1 joint favourite. Benetwood could start off his campaign having a creditable six hurdles and one chase win under his belt, all when ridden by AP McCoy.

The Dodson and Horrell PPORA Club Members (Novice Riders) race has attracted 16 entries. Aces Or Better had some creditable form in Ireland winning two and being placed in nine of his 14 starts. King's Wood, trained by Ashley Farrant, will be looking to add to his ten Pointing wins. He should have come on for his second here at the last meeting. Pastek who won the race but was then disqualified for taking the wrong course may turn out to prove his worthiness for his jockey Martin Peaty. Tres Bien was awarded that race and is entered again.

Mioche d'Estruval won his race at Wadebridge by outstaying Lidjo De Rouge by three lengths and could give his jockey Kieran Edgar another thrilling win. Never So Blue won the Club Members here and should not be dismissed.

Tozers kindly sponsor the 2m4f Open Maiden and 20 are entered.

Those to note are Bach On Tow who was narrowly beaten here by a head in December. Ellviss ran a good third in the split second division.

Totnes and Bridgetown Race Co Ltd sponsor the Mixed Open. The 20 entries include Armenian Boy, owned and trained by Saltash-based Jackie du Plessis. His connections will be looking for him to follow up on his win here in December when his jockey Emma Pugsley encouraged him home in front.

Prince De Bersy won five times in Points and acts on soft ground though can be quirky. Scrappie is a thorough stayer and has a good record between the flags. He's previously completed a four-timer but he's another who has shown his tricky side.

Makena has some solid form with six hurdle, four chase and six Point-to-Point wins. Double Mead won two Hunter Chases in March when ridden by Mrs Alex Dunn. Preferring right handed tracks, he hit a flat spot when he was beaten favourite in the AGA Ladies Final at Cheltenham.

South West Racing Club sponsor the Restricted which has attracted 23 entries. The Mamur Zapt made his racecourse debut here and won the second division of the Maiden. This strapping gelding is homebred by owner Brian Kilpatrick and trained by Ollie Jackson. King's Bench showed good effort and was running on strongly when second here to Never So Blue.

Jockey Club PPORA Club Members Mares Maiden has nineteen entered. It will be interesting how the bookies rate these but two to note are the David Brace-trained Knight Blaze and the possible royal runner Fiddle Faddle.

The final race of the day is the Open Maiden sponsored by United Molasses. With 30 entries this race could well be split and if so a syndicate of Farriers will kindly sponsor the second division. The bookies again will be a good indicator of form and another possible royal runner Aubrey De Vere could well be fancied.

The course is situated off A380 on Chudleigh Intersection. Post Code TQ13 0AE Entry is £20 per car or £10 single occupancy.

For going updates and meeting information, call Talking Point on 09068 44 60 61. For a list of entries via fax, call 09068 44 99 88. All calls cost 61p/min plus network extras.

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