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LEMONFIELD: could be seen next in the Restricted
photo: Phil Britt

The Atherstone Point-to-Point takes place this Sunday at Clifton-on-Dunsmore, with 200 Entries received for a seven-race card.

The Mens Open has 26 of those Entries, amongst them the useful Open winner and recent Pytchley Hunt Members second Galaxia, the progressive eight-year-old Gold Heart fresh from his easy Charing win last time, as well as Alan Hill's multiple winner More Trouble, who was second on his last start to easy winner and subsequent Lady Dudley Cup scorer Chilling Place, form that gives him obvious chances of going one better here.

The Ladies Open has attracted 30; William and Angela Rucker's multiple winner Blue Business and this year's thrice-winning Big Moment set a high standard, whilst Inaro has found his level in Ladies Opens recently; Xila Fontenailles has put in some decent placed efforts recently, whilst Zilcash has had an in-and-out season thus far, slipping up on his debut before winning a Confined only to subsequently unseat. Tragic Realm, like Blue Business representing the Ruckers, has hit form in recent starts and could bid to follow up his Worcestershire Hunt Members win should his stablemate run elsewhere.

The opening race is the Hunt Members, for which there is a possible field of nine. Abouttimeto won a division of the Pytchley Maiden and suggested she has more to offer despite her odds that day of 20/1. Highland Vasco landed his final start of last season and has since registered an Intermediate third, whilst My Best Buddy, now 14, has been in admirable form this term with a win and a second and would be a popular winner.

The Confined has 38 entered, amongst them the progressive Charm of Gold, now a winner of three since her seasonal debut in early March; Duke of Kentford took the Restricted at the South Notts, whilst Gerald Bailey's useful Pennytino mastered Galaxia and possible opponent True Legend at the Pytchley last time. Zilcash has an option here, as does this season's dual scorer Nautical Lad, yet they may all have to give best to the former Rules star My Way De Solzen, who looked to have potential to come on for the run in winning his Pointing debut at the Croome & West Warwickshire.

The PPORA Club Members Mares Maiden has 34 potential runners, so with the Horses & Geldings Maiden also having 32 there is a chance of divisions on the day of racing; the Restricted has 31 entered, including My Way De Solzen's stablemate, North Cotswold Maiden scorer Lemonfield. Other possible contenders include Harlaxton, who may appreciate better going than those he found at the South Notts when second on his last start to Confined entrant Duke of Kentford. Hivikos found one too good when second at this level last time out, but with a record of one win and one place from two Pointing starts he can't be discounted. Laverty has managed two places since winning his Maiden earlier this season, yet Nick Pearce's Peadar may be amongst the best of those entered on the strength of his impressive Ashford Valley Maiden win at Charing.

Racing starts at 1.00pm on Sunday, with the course boasting new fences for the 2010 season. The course is on the A5, one mile north of Junction 18 off the M1; admission is £8 per person.

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