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FRESH FRUIT: could return in the Conditions race
photo: Neale Blackburn

West Midlands Area PRO Pete Mansell previews the Harkaway Club Point-to-Point, scheduled for 28th December.

While most of us over indulge at Christmas some people's routines do not change and this is especially true in the racing fraternity. 

This year's Harkaway Club fixture at Chaddesley Corbett is scheduled for Tuesday 28th December (first race 11.00am), which means that people in the Point-to-Point community will be busy preparing their horses over the Festive period and their task has been made more difficult by the recent snow.

With several abandonments already this season expect a large proportion of the 190 Entries to meet their engagements.

The Mens Open up to Hunter Chase standard and includes Roulez Cool, who won this race last year before going onto bigger and better things later in the season. Connections of Noakarad de Verzee believe he has Cheltenham potential so expect a prominent display from the Kim Smyly-trained runner in this race, while Border Fusion and Jaunty Times will not be going there to make up the numbers.

Himbleton-based William and Angela Rucker have a strong hand although Cedrus Libani is on a retrieval mission after misbehaving himself at Cottenham. The Ruckers have a very useful second string in the shape of Horsham Lad, who made significant progress last year.

Simon won numerous races under Rules for Mercy Rimell, while William Somers always makes life difficult for his opponents with his catch-me-if-you-can tactics.

Idle Talk (Donald McCain) and Turko (Paul Nicholls) were top class performers under Rules and that would normally ensure they figure at the head of the market in this type of race.

24 Entries have been received for the Aga-sponsored Ladies Open. The inclusion of William Somers is interesting, but it is suggested the finish could be fought out by Kicks for Free and Minouchka. The latter has to make the long journey down from the Borders so the weather is likely to be a major factor in her participation.

Silver Jaro has two things in his favour. He had the speed to win under Rules and has now joined Fergal O'Brien's stable at Naunton - if there is to be an upset he could provide it.

The Conditions race opens the meeting and combines quality as well as quantity. Fresh Fruit, Buckingham Bill, Jaunty Times, We're Confused and Honest Endeavour are all likely to figure in the shake up, but Dave Mansell holds the key to this contest with Just Talking and Mister Pous.

Abberley Trainer Zoe Hammond has entered Blinding Lights for the Restricted; expect a prominent display if conditions are soft. Pillbox will not have far to travel from his Enville base, while Pingaro de la Vire has a better chance in this company than he did when racing under Rules in 2010.

Present D'Aze won at last year's corresponding meeting so is bound to go close in the Connolly's Red Mills-sponsored Intermediate. This should be a very competitive contest with the likes of Comrade Bob, Cuigny, Melteme and Saddlers Mount all likely to figure in the shake up.

Dave Mansell could partner Princess Fyona for the Julie Houldey yard or Timeshift for the Hammond's Abberley stable. His choice could decide the destiny of the race.

Fitness is always a crucial factor at this stage of the season and that is one thing that Private Brooks and Don't Look Bach have in their favour in the Non-Rules Runners Maiden. Both ran at Black Forest Lodge three weeks ago, with the former finishing second while Private Brooks would have been closer but for being hampered on the final bend.

Aim For The Stars from Maz Scudamore's Ross-on-Wye yard will be on a retrieval mission in the concluding Maiden. He was backed as if defeat was out of the question when runner-up at Cottenham recently so confidence will be high after that performance.

Icansingarainbow and Royal Crystalcadou are both in good stables while Gemini Ahhs has been performing well under Rules and that puts him top of the short list.

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